RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER
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Culture and Culinary Gems Await at This Iconic Getaway It’s no secret that Niagara Falls, Canada, is internationally renowned for its awe-inspiring natural wonders and world-class entertainment. What many have yet to truly experience is the locally inspired cuisine and hundreds of years of history and culture. The parks and historic buildings in Niagara Falls all have a story to tell with new experiences created to immerse guests into the city. The Niagara Parks Power Station, built in 1905 to produce hydroelectricity by leveraging the power of the Niagara River, has been completely restored. This marvel of engineering and architecture opened to the public in July 2021 with interactive exhibits and restored artifacts. At night, the building comes to life with a breathtaking sound and light show. In July 2022, phase two of the attraction will give guests access to the tailrace tunnel leading to the thundering base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. A visit to the Niagara Falls History Museum highlights the
impact the Indigenous and Black communities made to the Niagara Region through the War of 1812 and the Underground Railroad. To discover the rich Indigenous history of Niagara Falls, guests can join an authentic guided tour with the Indigenous Niagara: Living Museum Tours. After exploring the nature and historic attractions, guests will be delighted to savor some of the best dining experiences in the country. The culinary scene in Niagara Falls offers critically acclaimed local cuisine and award-winning wines, craft brews, and spirits. At AG Inspired Cuisine, TripAdvisor’s 10 Best Restaurants in Canada, the Chef grows and harvests ingredients daily from the local farm, creating dishes authentic to the Niagara Falls terroir. A great place to “Blunch” is the Flour Mill Scratch Kitchen Restaurant, the most historic restaurant in Niagara Falls dating back to 1904 at the Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel. Pair farm-fresh cuisine with breathtaking views of the brink
January • 2022
of the Falls day or night at Niagara Parks’ Table Rock House Restaurant. At the Skylon Tower, guests are treated to continental cuisine in a revolving dining room 775 ft above the Falls for spectacular views all around. The Watermark, perched 33 stories above the Falls with floor to ceiling windows, is considered one of the city’s most romantic restaurants. Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine by Massimo Capra, one of Canada’s most celebrated chefs. As the Entertainment Capital of Canada, Niagara Falls boasts spectacular attractions, live music and theater venues, and the largest casino in Canada. The Fallsview Casino Resort is home to two state-of-the-art entertainment venues and 20 restaurants. For theater buffs, the famous Shaw Festival, one of North America’s finest cultural attractions, is only a short drive away in Niagara-on-the-Lake, also home to Niagara’s wine country.
Fogo Island Inn, Where Luxury and Sustainability Meet The Inn is a community asset—all operating surpluses are reinvested to help secure a For Zita Cobb, Founder and sustainable and resilient future CEO of the Shorefast Foundation for Fogo Island and contribute and Innkeeper of Fogo Island Inn, to the local and global economy. genuine hospitality supports the Even during construction, the flow of its community. As she puts Inn worked from within the hyit, “Good businesses take care of people too.” per-local Fogo Island community, Zita’s work displays her comcreating jobs at every step of the mitment to the people of Fogo way, from handmade furniture Island—one of Canada’s oldest to hospitality staffing to locally ZITA COBB © DAVID HOWELLS 2018 FOGO ISLAND INN © ALEX FRADKIN ROOFTOP HOT TUBS © ALEX FRADKIN settlements and the place she grown ingredients, all while called home until age 16. striving to minimize the impact brings multi-year sparkling ice In 2021, the Newfoundland more necessary than ever. on the surrounding environment. floes to the shores, a pernative became the first social For Zita, whose passion SEVEN SEASONS The Inn also operates a zeOF LUXURY fect opportunity for nature ro-waste kitchen, using bottling, entrepreneur to be inducted into is to ensure place-based the Canadian Business Hall of communities can belong in our photography, and a hopeful pickling and fermentation to “Hospitality is a very simple thing: spring follows to thaw the ice preserve food surpluses, and uses Fame for her incredible work global economy, revitalizing a in developing the Shorefast community like Fogo Island was it’s the love of a stranger,” says Zita. before June’s Trap Berth Season, solar thermal panels on the roof Fogo Island Inn is a one-of-anamed for the traditional to supply hot water for heating, Foundation and its luxury not a small fix, but it was an easy property, the Fogo Island Inn. answer—working from within to kind award-winning luxury prop- staking out of fishing grounds, laundry, and kitchen equipment. often in between bobbing Visitors can even take their enable agency for Fogo Islanders erty with 29 unique rooms and icebergs. From spring through impact a step further by opting and a cycle of reinvestment. suites, each with floor-to-ceiling “One-third of the households SUPPORTING THE windows that open onto the ocean. summer, visitors can do marine to make their stay carbon on this island work directly with excursions and experience guided neutral by supporting a carbon FLOW OF LIFE Fogo Island is not limited to us, either at the inn or at the four seasons; instead, the islanders tours of Little Fogo Islands with offsetting project in Stephenville foundation,” Zita shares. and Appleton-Glenwood, Shorefast is a registered charity have seven seasons that reflect the a local captain and learn about All the surpluses from the Inn changes in their weather and life- this traditional inshore fishing Newfoundland, through the dedicated to securing cultural and economic resiliency for Fogo are returned to and reinvested in styles throughout the year. Each destination. Late Fall is the perfect Newfoundland Climate and the community through the proj- of the Island’s seven seasons is rife time to reflect, relax, and prepare Ecosystems Conservancy Project. Island, Change Islands, and to with opportunities for adventure, for the winter to come, all while In partnership with Carinspiring similar rural communi- ects and programs of Shorefast. watching dramatic waves crash up bonzero, this sustainability ties worldwide. It’s a mission that is part of what and most seasons invite the exZita calls “supporting the flow of ploration of Fogo Island on foot. against the Island’s 420-millionThe charitable entity and its initiative works to balance social businesses, the most inter- life”—it’s also a great source of greenhouse gas emissions with With over a dozen easily accessible year-old rocks. pride for the organization. nationally renowned of which is trails on the Island and guided avoidances or removals in equal The Economic Nutrition amounts, directly benefitting Fogo Island Inn, works with and hikes led by naturalists, geolowithin the community to revital- Certification Mark, developed gists-in-residence, and community ECO-TOURISM AT THE and protecting Fogo Island’s by Shorefast, shows visitors CORNER OF THE EARTH sacred natural land. ize the local economy, preserve hosts, natural beauty awaits no matter when one visits. Experiences like Fogo Island and evolve long-standing cultural exactly where their money goes and how the cost of each nightly Built on the principles of knowledge as well as strive to Snowy winters are filled with Inn are proof that it’s possible socializing in warm cabins, hearty sustainability and a true love to enjoy a beautiful and unique have a positive relationship with stay breaks down. “How do we all fit together? It’s meals prepared on woodstoves and and respect for nature and nature and its resources. getaway that not only supports clioutdoor bonfires, and exuberant culture, Fogo Island Inn offers In the midst of a climate crisis a source of wonder, but it’s also a mate-friendly initiatives but that and at the tapering end of a realization that we can do things days spent snowmobiling, skating, a holistic immersion into immediately and directly contribcommunity development and global pandemic, enterprises like to fit together better—and that is snowshoeing, and tobogganing. utes to the cultural and economic cultural preservation. Pack Ice season (March) Shorefast and Fogo Island Inn are what hospitality does,” Zita shares. future of a local community. RAYE MOCIOIU
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Explore Georgia’s Natural Outdoor Playground Rolling mountains riddled with trails. Small towns with Southern charm. Lakeside views off the beaten path. An outdoor adventure is waiting for you in Harris County, Georgia. From mountain top views to forest trails and an abundance of opportunities to observe wildlife on untouched land, Harris County is next door to nature. As you unplug, experience centuries of conservation and stewardship carved in American history. For a unique trek like no other, explore the undiscovered Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park—Georgia’s largest state park, home to over 9,000 acres of preserved woodlands, wildlife, the infamous Pine Mountain Trail, and numerous waterfalls and overlooks. A hiker’s and backpacker’s haven, this park boasts more than 40 miles of trails that wind through hardwood and pines, over creeks, and past small waterfalls. Head out for
a short hike, a day-long excursion, or gear up to take on the Pine Mountain Trail. Make your way up to Dowdell’s Knob, just above King’s Gap, where President Franklin D. Roosevelt sometimes picnicked and pondered world affairs. A favorite spot for picnicking and sight-seeing, visitors are welcomed by a life-size sculpture of the president. Locals share that the view from the overlook is one of the most incredible and peaceful sights throughout the entire state. Surprised to see mountains here? You’re not the only one, and you’ll soon find that Harris County is host to many charming surprises. Food is tradition in Harris County, and they’re always happy to share it. Refuel after your adventure with a visit to one of many delicious restaurants, cafés, and bakeries! Whether you’re looking for a homestyle Southern dish or a fine dining experience, you’ll find it in Harris County.
© PHOTO COURTESY OF ATOMIC BRAND ENERGY
Next, unwind on the Chattahoochee River, with 48 miles of river trail available yearround for raft, canoe, kayak, and motorboat use. Challenge yourself to the Chattahoochee River Paddle Trail, a canoe and kayak trail running 36.2 miles, or conquer the Man O’ War Trail, a popular spot for hiking,
running, and cycling. Animal enthusiasts in the family? Take a Wild Animal Safari and get a close-up look at 70+ species of exotic animals, giraffes included! When the sun sets, wind down under the stars with a backcountry tent site, lakeside in a cozy and quaint lodge, or in the comfort of your personal
RV. Harris County offers numerous options that are close to restaurants, attractions, and above all else, nature. There are so many ways to explore Harris County. Make outdoor adventures your new family tradition. exploreharriscountyga.com