Cody Yellowstone, WY

ADVENTURE HQ

CODY, WY

Cody is synonymous with whatever adventure synonyms you can come up with. Basecamp, adventure HQ, retreat, quintessential Western town, any and all of these are accurate descriptions of Cody, Wyoming. It’s a laid-back jumping off point for yearround adventures into Yellowstone and the magnifi cent surrounding areas. Whether you’re into deep river canyons, tundra, wildlife viewing or zip lining over a river that runs through a volcanically active area of fumaroles; your only limits here are the amount of time you’ve got and your tolerance for breathtaking natural beauty.

Unlike many of the other gateway towns to Yellowstone that were to some extent pitstops for weary travelers, Cody was the vision of none other than William Buffalo Bill Cody, a scout, solider, buffalo hunter, war hero and global entertainment icon. Buffalo Bill was by all accounts a rock star in his day, touring the world with his Wild West Show, entertaining heads of state and even a Pope along the way. Generations later, his namesake town has become a romanticized, delightfully quaint municipality fi lled with Western folklore, history and nostalgia.

Credit: @TRIGS_TRAVELS

At the eastern doorstep to Yellowstone, Cody is not only convenient, but it’s connected to some of the most spectacular ribbons of asphalt in the lower 48. One of those highways was described as “50 miles of the most scenic land in America” by the Rough Rider himself, Teddy Roosevelt; a man well acquainted with the epic outdoors.

The Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway follows the North Fork of the Shoshone River and winds through the Wapiti Valley where you’re likely to break the internet with your unending stream of wildlife photos featuring bears, bison, moose, elk and deer. The Lamar Valley, accessible via the Northeast Entrance, is another must-see in the area that has been nick named the American Serengeti, for reasons that will become all-too obvious to everyone pressing their faces up to the windows in your vehicle.

THE SERENGETI OF THE AMERICAN WEST

Clearly, wildlife viewing is one of the more popular activities here, but let’s not forget that recreational opportunities like climbing, biking, hiking, paddling, fl y fi shing, mountain biking and horseback riding are never more than a few minutes in any direction from Cody. Within the city limits, there’s much to see and do – like Cody’s rodeo legacy. Not only is it the nation’s longest running, continuous outdoor nitely rodeo, it’s also one that runs throughout the entire summer - June through August. Cody is also home to what some refer to as the Smithsonian of the West or the Buffalo Bill Center of the West; a place made up of fi ve distinct museums featuring exhibits that celebrate Western Art, Plains Indian cultures, fi rearm history, Buffalo Bill and so much more.

The bottom line is this; if you’re looking for a truly authentic, wide-open, American experience, Cody should definitely be at the top of your road trip bucket list.

arizonaFlagstaff

Great Food, THE Grand Canyon and Much More

Perhaps now more than ever, a vacation that boasts a multitude of outdoor activities is the prime reason why people choose one destination over another. With that in mind, more and more discerning travelers are now making their way to Flagstaff, Arizona, where endless outdoor activities await.

While many people envision cactus in Arizona’s landscape, Flagstaff is unique among Arizona’s cities and at an elevation of 7,000’ it is well positioned in the world’s largest Ponderosa pine forest. Just imagine forest bathing within lush greenery or stargazing at a resplendent Arizona sky on a clear summer night. Other options include zip lining, meandering or seriously focusing on infinite less traveled trails. As a testament to the region’s pristine environment, the American Lung Association named Flagstaff a cleanest U.S. city for year-round particle pollution. This makes Flagstaff an ideal location to enjoy spectacular mountain views with clear blue sapphire skies as far as the eye can see. Enjoy wildlife watching alongside fields of wildflowers in mountain meadows with clean fresh breezes and pine-scented alpine forests.

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Discover Flagstaff’s City of Seven Wonders. From Phoenix, Flagstaff is just a short drive north for awe-inspiring discoveries of heritage and history at every turn and is only 80 miles from Grand Canyon National Park. Plan to make Flagstaff your adventure basecamp with the “City of Seven Wonders” tour: Grand Canyon National Park, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Oak Creek Canyon, the San Francisco Peaks and Coconino National Forest. Each of these outdoor activities provide the ideal setting for social distancing.

LOWELL FOUNDER PERCIVAL

TOM ALEXANDER

But wait, there’s more. Much more.

Charming, eclectic and forest-to-table experiences favorably describe Flagstaff’s restaurants. Resourceful chefs and talented culinary minds are in full force creating menu items for shared plates or simple goodness experiences meant to be devoured. There’s dedication to sourcing local ingredients, some of which may have been foraged from the forest just miles from the restaurant. Dining at one of more than 200 Flagstaff restaurants will undoubtedly bring a smile to your face.

Flagstaff is home to Northern Arizona University, and like most vibrant college towns, dining options are diverse and the craft beer scene is certainly flourishing. While visiting, make your way along the Flagstaff Brewery Trail to taste for yourself why the governor designated this mountain town as Arizona’s Leading Craft Brew City. Pick up brewery trail maps and passports at the Flagstaff Visitor Center or download at Flagstaff Brewery Trail (craftbeerflg.com).

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Experience fine dining at Josephine’s Modern American Bistro with Chef Tony Cosentino, a Chef of the Year recipient. Located in a building that has been placed on the National Historic Register as an example of Craftsman Bungalow architecture, Josephine’s offers menu items showcasing the best produce and seafood of the season in a romantic atmosphere or on a beautifully landscaped patio. Pair your meal with a bottle of wine from an extensive wine list that has been featured on the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for the past several years. And, wine stop there…in the heart of downtown on San Francisco Street, and upstairs, discover a hip wine bar and local foodie hotspot - Flg Terroir. This wine bar sets high standards of quality and service receiving Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence. Another must-stop is a visit to the Sweet Shoppe Candy store in downtown Flagstaff for chocolates, gelato and candy apples.

Take advantage of free self-guided walking tours such as Route 66 Walk This Talk partially narrated by Ted Danson, Flagstaff Public Art, Lunar Landmarks Trail, Haunted Flagstaff,

Flagstaff is a destination for all seasons

Historic Downtown and The Green Book History, while guided tours include Az Segway and Pedal Tours or Alpine Pedaler.

Flagstaff’s high-country hospitality offers plenty of accommodations from mountain glamorous to cozy bed and breakfasts inns to campsites. Book hotels that are new or perhaps something more historic in downtown along the city’s famed Mother Road, Route 66.

Flagstaff is surely a destination for all seasons. Winter adventures await in Arizona’s officially designated Winter Wonderland with an average 108” of snow fall in downtown, while Spring offers breathtaking beauty of blooms. Summer temperatures are perfect with averages in the low 80s, and the bounty continues into Fall with a panoramic canvas of quaking aspen and foliage offering hues of reds and purples.

While in Flagstaff, please follow CDC and local health guidelines. Wash your hands frequently, wear a mask and social distance. For more information go to discoverflagstaff.com or stop by the Flagstaff Visitor Center in historic downtown on Route 66.

Natchez, Mississippi: A Destination of Historic Proportions

esponsible. Perhaps no other

Rword best summarizes Natchez over the past year or so as the health and safety of residents, visitors and guests has always been of utmost priority. Although social distancing and wearing masks have become commonplace, Natchez’s shops, attractions, restaurants and lodging properties are back open and ready to host you.

Natchez, the birthplace of Mississippi, is known internationally as a quaint, Southern town with a rich culture and heritage shaped by people of African, French, British and Spanish descent. Its first inhabitants, however, were the Natchez Indians, a proud heritage that is honored by its namesake. As one of the oldest settlements on the Mississippi River with the largest collection of historic homes on the National Registry, Natchez boasts over 300 years of history.

Outdoor recreation – now more important than ever before – abounds throughout this charming town. The greatest natural attraction that Natchez has to offer is the Mississippi River, and the best vantage point from which to take in her beauty and splendor is Bluff Park. You will find nature at its finest throughout the Homochitto National Forest. Spend hours hiking along the many creeks and trails that thread this enchanting woodland. The Natchez State Park consists of a manmade lake, campground, picnic grounds, swim area and two hiking trails. In addition, a number of open air tours are available.

Slowly but surely, festival and events are coming back to Natchez. Natchez experienced one of the most successful Spring Pilgrimages this year and is looking forward to Grand Fall Pilgrimage in the Fall. May will have several events such as The Natchez Bicycle Classic (May 22), and the start of Festival of Music (May – June 28). During Juneteenth weekend, the Soul Food Fusion Festival (June18-20) will return. July will kick off with Hank Williams JR performing July 4th live on the bluff overlooking the mighty Mississippi River followed by a spectacular fireworks show. July also marks the Crepe Myrtle Festival (full month of July) which will celebrate the blooms of the over 10,000 crepe Myrtle trees in Natchez.

Art and culture aficionados can soak in the many exhibits on display at the Conde Contemporary Art Gallery which specializes in narrative realism, photorealistic portraiture, and surrealism. ArtsNatchez showcases the talent of regional artists. The Forks of the Road site was one of the largest slave market in the United States. Today, visitors will find information panels discussing the slave trade in Natchez and around the South. A must-see attraction is African the American Museum of History and Culture, which chronicles the history and culture of African Americans in the South. The Little Easy Cafe, the newest brunch spot in Natchez, was opened by Tate Taylor and offers a Boozy Brunch, while Smoot’s Grocery is a great place to enjoy the many talented musicians throughout the area. Mag-

nolia Grill features a casual dining room with an enclosed glassed deck and river views serving Gulf seafood, steaks and burgers. The newly opened Castle Restaurant at Dunleith Restaurant is set in the original carriage house and stables.

Overnight visitors will discover a wide variety of accommodations including the Dunleith Historic Inn, recently renovated by the J. Collection of New Orleans. The upscale Grand Hotel overlooks the Mississippi River and is close to Magnolia Bluffs Casino. The Burn B&B is set at an 1834 estate featuring rooms with elegant period decor, an outdoor pool and three-acre garden.

With its southern charm and downhome hospitality, Natchez welcomes visitors with open arms. Perhaps your next road trip should be to one of the most historic towns in the South.

Affordable Luxury The New Travel Norm

As the travel industry slowly but surely bounces back from months upon months of restrictions and shutdowns, upscale hotels and resorts have created never-before-offered discounted packages designed to attract guests. These include such deals as “stay longer, save more” rates along with all inclusive specials. Iconic hotels such as The Hermitage Hotel are offering affordable rates that won’t max out your credit card. With prices starting at $260 per night, this cherished Nashville landmark, provides the ultimate in southern hospitality. Discerning travelers who are looking for an affordable luxury experience can take advantage of the following deals.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa

A lauded luxury resort, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa is a striking boutique property in Paradise Valley, Arizona, just minutes from downtown Scottsdale. Indulge in a candlelit dinner for two at elements, the resort’s signature restaurant helmed by Executive Chef Beau MacMillan. This past November, the hotel welcomed the appointment of two industry powerhouses to the F&B team, Chef de Cuisine Samantha Sanz and Bar Chef Christiaan Röllich, who are steering the evolution of the resort’s signature Elements Restaurant and Jade Bar. Low season rates starting at $329 per night.

Affordable Luxury

McCall, Idaho

Shore Lodge

Located in one of the country’s best ski towns, Shore Lodge is perfect for an affordable vacation laced with off-the-beaten-path luxury. A four-season destination offering outdoor enthusiasts and families an incredible backdrop for both adrenaline-inducing activity and leisure pursuits, the resort is a lakefront escape just 2.5 hours outside of Boise. A McCall landmark since 1948, Shore Lodge is situated on the edge of the largest area of protected wilderness in the continental United States. The historic 77-room lakefront resort is set in the heart of the Salmon River Mountains on the southern waters of Payette Lake, a 5,330-acre expanse of clean, glacial waters. Rates starting from $189.

Affordable Luxury

Utah

Waldorf Astoria Park City

Tucked away in Canyons Village in Park City with endless mountaintop views, Waldorf Astoria Park City is an exhilarating vacation or tranquil mountain retreat. The perfect home base for alpine adventurers, the resort property offers slope-side access to Park City Mountain, the largest ski and snowboarding resort in the country. Guests booking a suite have access to kitchenettes stocked with ingredients for dishes like shrimp and vegetable quesadillas or filet mignon along with a detailed recipe card written by the hotel’s executive chef. The property offers 160 accommodations and hot tubs are available in many of the guest rooms plus two larger hot tubs for all guests on the pool deck. Rates starting from $306.

Lake Forest, Illinois

Deer Path Inn

Located just outside of Chicago, the 57-room Deer Path Inn is renowned for its truly luxurious amenities and offerings, such as traditional Afternoon Tea service (developed in partnership with a Master of Tea from England) and exceptional dining and cocktail offerings across three restaurants. Spacious accommodations create an unparalleled guest experience. The inn offers its beloved Afternoon Tea program in-suite along with private wine and bourbon tasting in the inn’s “hidden” wine cellar. Also, one-on-one cocktail classes are offered with chief spirits officer, Jorge Centeno, where guests can learn how to make a series of delectable drinks. Rates starting from $329.

Affordable Luxury

Charleston, South Carolina

HarbourView Inn

Boasting some of the best views in town, Charleston’s 52-room waterfront hotel in the Historic District offers guests the intimate approach of a bed and breakfast with the features of a luxurious boutique hotel. Guests can also enjoy an impressive list of free amenities including artisanal breakfast in bed, afternoon wine and cheese, warm milk and cookies before bed and nightly turndown. The property also features a private rooftop flanked by 360-degree views of the historic harbor, famed Pineapple Fountain and church steeples. Rates starting from $329.