35 minute read
Food + Drink
Lobster meal, Freeport, Maine
Savor Delicious Destinations Across the US
REGIONAL FARE
Fischer & Wieser peach truck, Fredericksburg, Texas
Pack an itinerary with unique, local flavors By Elizabeth Granger
Food tourism is an ultra-popular way to experience a region. No matter where you’re traveling throughout the country, you’re bound to find delicious, yet decidedly different, regional flavors.
WEST
Peaches in Texas Peaches? Texas? De nitely.
Welcome to Gillespie County and its decadeslong love a air with the golden summertime fruit.
Tourgoers will nd peaches at orchards and farmers markets, as well as in pies, cobblers and other delectable dishes at local restaurants. ere’s even an annual Peach JAMboree and Rodeo in Stonewall each June. ere’s peach ice cream at Engel Orchards or Gold Orchards, peach cobbler at Vogel Orchard or Clear River Ice Cream and Bakery. Das Peach Haus has not only jams and jellies but also a cooking school with all things peach. ese delectable stops lead peach a cionados down back roads near Fredericksburg and Stonewall.
Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau 830-997-6523 visitfredericksburgtx.com
NORTHEAST
Lobster in Maine In Maine, Sue Granholm clearly remembers riding down to the town dock on her pink bike with the banana seat. “I’m not 12 anymore,” said the information center manager for Visit Freeport, “but I’ll still get a clam cake or lobster roll.”
Granholm shares her town of about 1,500 residents with more than 3.5 million annual visitors. ere’s L.L. Bean’s agship store as well as a host of other shops both local and national. And, there is seafood, and lots of it, with lobster being the most familiar menu item.
Freeport, with so much to see and do, begs multiple-day visits and multiple lobster stops.
Granholm’s favorite, Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster, is still there.
Downtown, nd Linda Bean’s (she’s the granddaughter of L.L. Bean), the Lobster Cooker, Wolfe’s Neck Farm Café and — new this year — Freeport Oyster Bar. It’s grab-and-go at Linda Bean’s Maine Lobster Roll. And for something fancier yet family-friendly, try the Broad Arrow Tavern at the upscale Harraseeket Inn.
Visit Freeport Maine 207-865-1212 | visitfreeport.com
Lobster roll lunch, Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster, Freeport, Maine
SOUTH
Seafood along Alabama/Florida Coast Seafood of a di erent nature satis es the palates along the Gulf Coast of Alabama/Florida. Outdoors, there’s e Gulf in Orange Beach, Alabama. is is a casual stand-in-line-to-order place made from shipping containers that o ers seaside options in both eating (fried grouper sandwich, snapper salad, grilled cobia tacos) and dining (waterfront tables as well as couch seating). e Original Oyster House in Gulf Shores, Alabama, (likely the best family-friendly waterfront seafood restaurant there) seems to o er just about anything from the water — alligator and crab to shrimp and oysters. ere’s the upscale Fisher’s (seared jumbo scallops, fresh sh of the day) or Cobalt, e Restaurant (fresh oysters) or Flora-Bama Yacht Club (chargrilled oysters, blackened trigger sh).
In Pensacola, Florida, the draw is Joe Patti’s sh market. “Anyone who goes into the Panhandle goes to Joe Patti’s,” said Karen Coron, who lives in Michigan but winters in Orange Beach. “‘Old Joe’ sits in a lifeguard’s chair. He’s old, and he’s crabby. He calls you up by your number, and if you don’t raise your hand immediately, he’ll say, ‘Come now or don’t come at all.’ He is hilarious.”
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism 800-745-7263 | gulfshores.com
MIDWEST
Pasties in Michigan In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, groups will see many signs advertising the pasty (pronounced pass´-tee). e meat pie-type delicacy is found from the western end of the U.P. in Ironwood (Joe’s) to the eastern edge in Sault Ste. Marie (Penny’s Kitchen) and to the south in St. Ignace (Lehto’s).
Pasties arrived with Cornish miners hired to teach locals how to work the underground iron ore mines. Long favored in miners’ lunch buckets, the pastry-wrapped meal of meat, potatoes, onions and sometimes carrots or rutabagas was a hearty, yet easy-to-eat lunch.
The underground mines are gone, and the open pit mines are dwindling in number. But pasties, perhaps the immigrants’ No. 1 gastronomic gift to the U.P., can be found in bakeries and restaurants as well as in pasty shops. Consider Randall Bakery in Wakefield, Jean Kay’s or Lawry’s in Marquette and Ishpeming, Toni’s Country Kitchen in Calumet, Roy’s in Houghton, Gram’s in Escanaba, or Muldoon’s in Munising. Often, nonprofits and churches have pasty sales.
The Gulf, Orange Beach, Alabama
Pasty, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Upper Peninsula Travel & Recreation Association 906-774-5480 | uptravel.com
Sip and Recharge
Travel the two-lane roads into the southwest corner of St. Charles County, Missouri, and you’ll arrive at a place where history, nature, art and award-winning wine meet to create a destination known as Historic Missouri Wine Country. e region’s wine, food, and bed-and-breakfast accommodations make it the perfect place for your groups to relax. Share a bottle of award-winning wine as you enjoy the picturesque surroundings from a hilltop terrace. When the weather is less than ideal, cozy up indoors. Wineries in St. Charles are open daily and most feature live music on the weekends from April through October. e region features more than a dozen wineries that o er tastings, vineyard tours, special events, delicious food, live music and the opportunity to unwind. ere’s more to Historic Missouri Wine Country than just wine, however. You’ll also nd quaint towns to linger in and explore. Augusta, named the country’s rst American Viticultural Area in 1980; De ance; and New Melle each have their own unique stories as well as things to see and do. Galleries run by local artisans, boutiques, antique shops and nurseries await your group. Dine in one-ofa-kind restaurants serving everything from burgers to gourmet dishes. Or immerse yourself in wine country hospitality by staying at one of the region’s unique inns.
If you’re looking to take in some history, head to one of the region’s most popular historical attractions, e Historic Daniel Boone Home at Lindenwood Park. is living history village not only features the nearly 200-yearold Boone Home but also over a dozen other 19th-century structures, including a chapel and schoolhouse.
For the outdoor enthusiast, Historic Missouri Wine Country o ers several outstanding county parks: Klondike, Broemmelsiek and Matson Hill. Natural and paved trails wind through tree-lined hillsides to give cyclists a challenging ride and hikers tremendous views of wildlife, native plants and rolling countryside. In addition, a portion of the popular Katy Trail State Park, a 237-mile hiking and biking trail, runs along the region’s southern edge.
History, nature, art and award-winning wine are all found in Historic Missouri Wine Country. No matter how you choose to spend your time there, it’s sure to be a memorable group experience.
Greater St. Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau 636-946-7776 | discoverstcharles.com
See How It’s Made
Jelly Belly Visitor Center sweetens itineraries in Fairfi eld, California
Located in the heart of wine country in Northern California is a sweet spot your groups will not want to miss. Jelly Belly Candy Company’s Visitor Center in Fair eld, California, welcomes everyone to take a self-guided tour of the factory and observe how the iconic Jelly Belly jelly beans are made. Jelly Belly is known for its avors like Very Cherry, Buttered Popcorn and Licorice.
Jelly Belly Candy Company is family-owned and -operated by the fourth, h and sixth generations of the original candymaking family. With candymaking roots dating to 1869, Jelly Belly has honed and perfected the cra of making jelly beans. Making these iconic beans is a long and involved process, too. In fact, it takes between seven and 14 days to make a Jelly Belly jelly bean! e complex process behind making a Jelly Belly bean is just one of the reasons why touring the factory is such an unforgettable experience for groups. e self-guided tour allows visitors to go at their own pace and takes them along an elevated, ¼-mile tour lane to observe the factory and its workers below. At each station along the tour lane, visitors are guided by high-de nition videos to give them an up-close-and-personal look at the candymaking process. e tour lane is also equipped with interactive exhibits and games for additional entertainment. e tour ends with Jelly Belly’s own Jelly Bean Art Gallery. Jelly Belly jelly beans are known for having a variety of colors and avors, and talented artists have used these beans to cra truly awe-inspiring mosaics.
A er the tour, guests are invited to ride aboard the Jelly Belly Express passenger train from the Visitor Center to the entrance of the brand-new Jelly Belly Museum. e museum presents the evolution of candymaking equipment and the growth of the Jelly Belly Candy Company through a whimsical and interactive experience.
In addition to the factory tour and museum, the Visitor Center has many other attractions, too. Dine at the Jelly Belly Café and enjoy jelly bean-shaped burgers and pizzas. Browse the Jelly Belly store and grab some truly sweet souvenirs. And stop by the Chocolate Shoppe, which o ers some of the nest handmade caramel apples, marshmallow treats and, of course, chocolate in Solano County.
For adults seeking a more re ned experience, walk up the colorful stairs by the jelly bean wall to take part in the Chocolate and Wine Experience. e confectionery experts at Jelly Belly have teamed up with local Suisun Valley wineries to provide an unrivaled chocolate and wine tasting experience.
With so many things to do, the average group can expect to spend at least a couple hours at the Jelly Belly Visitor Center. Calling in advance for large groups is appreciated but not required as tickets for the tour and museum are only available for purchase on-site. Motorcoach parking is available during business hours.
Jelly Belly Visitor Center 800-953-5592 jellybelly.com/california-factory-tours
Please Your Palate
Midwest fl avors satisfy in Red Wing, Minnesota
Venture down the Great River for one unique experience in Red Wing, Minnesota. With so many things to see and do, groups are encouraged to spend at least a weekend in the area. Hike a blu , walk the riverfront and visit one or more of Red Wing’s family-owned and -operated restaurants. History, retail and social opportunities await your groups.
Start your journey with a delicious Midwest burger. e “Beast” burger at Bayside Tap and Steakhouse o ers a wild-game experience. e patty is a blend of elk, wild bear, bison and wagyu beef. Surprisingly, it tastes like a traditional burger with a hint of seared, robust avors. But if that’s a bit too bizarre, take the group for burgers and bowling. e half-pound “Whimpy” burger at the Bierstube Bowl & Grill is a far cry from a small meal. Reserve a lane or two to work o those ingested calories a er adding Bierstube’s famous cheese curds to your order. When you are looking for something di erent, head over to e Smokin’ Oak Rotisserie & Grill for the “State Fair” burger. e Smokin’ Oak is a local favorite o ering rotisserie chicken and mouthwatering barbecue plates. e Downtown District o ers quaint boutiques and various eats. Traditional hometown hangouts include Liberty’s Restaurant & Lounge (classic burgers and a Friday night sh fry), Fable’s Kitchen & Bar (classic burgers and upscale dining) and Andy’s Sports Bar & Grill (burgers and tasty wings). Scarlet Kitchen & Bar, located within the historic St. James Hotel, o ers eloquent service and comfortable prices. Enjoy a romantic setting overlooking the Mississippi River, or grab a few friends and belly up to the bar for a classy happy hour. Try “Jimmy’s” burger, which features jalapeno bacon and cheese.
Finally, if your group is searching for cheese and spice and everything nice, head over to Kelly’s Tap House Bar & Grill. e “Jalapeno Popper Dip” burger and the “Ghost Pepper” burger spark the senses and drive patrons to add a tasty beverage to the meal. e local hot spot provides visitors with indoor and outdoor dining options with various views of the river and upper harbor.
Gather your friends, family or your favorite traveling companions to set out on your Red Wing culinary journey today. And don’t forget to pack your appetite.
Visit Red Wing 651-385-5934 | redwing.org
Flavorful Fun
Build a food-themed itinerary in Quincy, Illinois
Are you a curious foodie? Summer Flavor Tours in Quincy, Illinois, o er the perfect marriage of food and history.
Five dedicated chefs and mixologists create signature brunch/lunch menus each Saturday, all summer long. Your food adventure takes place in the heart of Quincy’s historic downtown and is guided by an entertaining ambassador, infusing nuggets of the city’s colorful past. O en, the tour meanders through the local farmers market and may pause at a locally owned boutique. You’ll see incredible architecture and artistic murals while your taste buds are delighted with local fare, house-roasted co ee and fresh cocktails.
Quincy’s downtown is just the tip of the architectural iceberg. e city is crowned with four National Register Historic Districts, one of which is highlighted on Private Home Tours of Quincy in the East End Historic District. Groups gain entrance into a curated selection of privately owned homes in this awe-inspiring neighborhood. ere are 17 residences representing diverse architectural styles, from stately Italianates to sprawling Prairie-Cra smen. e tours have garnered such great accolades that many groups return for a second visit.
Two architectural driving tours are also wildly popular. Mid Mod Quincy comprises 30 stops, featuring swanky residential neighborhoods and iconic commercial and religious structures. e Abundant Architecture Guide serves as the city’s keystone driving tour, exploring 48 points of interest. Break for a sweet treat and kitchen tour at Underbrink’s Bakery. Established in 1929, Underbrink’s is an authentic German bakery and utilizes some of the old “formulas” still today. Its signature Angel Food Cupcakes with buttercream icing will send you straight to heaven.
Step-on guides stand ready to accompany your group, sharing inside knowledge of the city’s famous, and infamous, former residents on Quincy: O the Record. is tour is shrouded in intrigue and mystery. irteen places associated with the likes of Al Capone and Mary Astor are among the lot. Underground tunnel tours of Dick Brothers Brewery tell the story of the brewery once larger than Anheuser-Busch, along with tales of Sudsy the Ghost. O the Record even includes a Woodland Cemetery stroll, where the head of the city founder’s father is said to be buried.
In salute of Quincy’s river roots, e Tri-County Cat sh Trail is new this year. Follow the sounds of sizzling lets prepared in a variety of heartland styles. e trail incorporates three counties in Western Illinois and features over 40 stops. Two menu teasers for your palate: crispy cat sh with Cajun seasoning, malt vinegar and caper sauce; and Southern-style cat sh, lightly breaded in cornmeal, served with remoulade sauce, corn on the cob and cornbread.
With its premier location on the Great River Road and surrounding fertile land, Quincy is the central point of the Mississippi Valley Wine Trail. Seven family-owned wineries are represented from Nauvoo to Rockport, Illinois. e wineries and vineyards each hold unique stories and timelines. e oldest winery in Illinois, Baxter’s Vineyards, was founded in 1857 and graces the trail today. It rubs shoulders with 57&Vine, a new tasting room established in 2021 that o ers exquisite sunsets. To top o the fun of the trail, visitors can win free wine trail swag by visiting all seven locations. Behind-the-scenes vineyard tours are available.
Crafted for Flavor
Grand Rapids, Michigan, boasts robust food and drink off erings
Grand Rapids is celebrating 10 years as “Beer City USA” in 2022 — and the local beer scene has gotten even bigger and better since earning that distinction in a nationwide poll. More than 40 cra breweries within a 20-minute radius of downtown serve an extensive variety of beers for every taste.
Beer is just one of the beverages Grand Rapids does exceedingly well. Dozens of local cideries, distilleries, juiceries, meaderies and wineries source fresh ingredients from family farms in the area — one of the nation’s nest agricultural regions — to cra a delectable lineup of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. You can enjoy their “grandcra ed” creations on-site, where they’re made, as well as in restaurants across West Michigan. at includes the city’s many group-friendly restaurants, whose menu o erings help justify Grand Rapids’ 2021 ranking as a “Top 20 Foodie City” — and the most a ordable of the top-tier cities. e Grand Rapids Downtown Market is a collection of 20-plus restaurants and artisan food vendors under one roof. Locally cra ed beers and sodas and locally roasted co ees are among the beverage options there. Bistro Bella Vita is a downtown restaurant serving modern French and Italian cuisines, featuring an extensive wine list plus local beers and spirits. Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery is a century-old family farm that transforms its own fruit harvest into wines and hard ciders. It also serves freshly baked sweets and freshly made lunches. Noto’s Old World Italian Dining has been helping local residents celebrate their most momentous occasions since 1997, and it can accommodate groups of any size. San Chez Bistro brings an authentic blend of European, Mediterranean and Latin American cuisine to downtown Grand Rapids, complete with local beers and spirits.
Whether you want to make food and drink the focus of your group tour or just want to ensure that there’s always something delicious to fuel your travels, Grand Rapids is cra ed for savory satisfaction. You can even make behindthe-scenes brewery tours part of the experience!
Experience Grand Rapids 877-847-4847, ext. 3574 | experiencegr.com
DREAM GRAND GO
Top 20 U.S. Foodie City
WalletHub, 2021
More Than a Meal
Pennsylvania’s Mount Hope Estate & Winery serves food and drink with a side of entertainment
Mount Hope Estate & Winery’s historic property in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has much more to o er your groups than you might expect! From on-site alcohol production and a creative and experienced catering team to talented entertainers skilled in the art of interaction and improvisation, there are countless opportunities to enjoy. Be sure not to miss this meal stop on your next itinerary!
Mount Hope’s newest group-exclusive is the Farm-to- Table Experience, which celebrates Lancaster County’s rich agricultural history. Guests dine in a beautifully restored barn and enjoy a meal featuring the bounty of nearby farms. A fun-loving actor discusses local agriculture history and the sources of the featured menu items.
Perhaps your travelers would prefer some history with a group favorite, Mount Hope’s Victorian Tea. Guests will be welcomed by the former mansion owner, Miss Daisy Grubb, and treated to tea, sweets and savory nger sandwiches. Miss Daisy will impart a light-hearted etiquette lesson, share the history of teatime and conclude with a guided mansion tour lled with stories about her home.
For groups looking to indulge in beverages, Mount Hope Estate is proud to be Pennsylvania’s original, onelocation winery, brewery and distillery. Groups can best enjoy the estate-cra ed beverages with a private actorguided tasting tour. From fruit wines and small-batch beers to hard ciders and handcra ed cocktails, a pre- or post-meal tasting tour is a treat for your group’s taste buds.
“We have unique spaces, talented entertainers, delicious food and amazing cra beverages,” said Nicole Boyer, group sales manager at Mount Hope Estate & Winery. “We love to combine these assets in creative ways to ll your itineraries with experiences sure to leave your groups smiling! We look forward to entertaining you soon.”
Mount Hope Estate & Winery 717-537-8377 | parenfaire.com/groups
Pair a Meal With the Outdoors
Ridgeland, Mississippi, satisfi es group cravings with varied dining options and activities
Ridgeland, Mississippi, is a treasure for groups of all sizes and occasions. Located just north of the state’s capital city, this thriving destination with small-town charm o ers a variety of activities, tastes and landscapes.
Several dining, entertainment and shopping districts are located throughout the city. Northpark is a newly renovated, indoor shopping mall with its very own food court and B&B eatres. Stroll along the downtown streets of the Railroad District or indulge in delicious French delicacies at Anjou Restaurant at the Township at Colony Park, which o ers some of the nest restaurants in the Jackson Metro Area. Don’t forget to explore the Renaissance at Colony Park, an outdoor shopping plaza home to Malco Renaissance Cinema Grill, an interactive lighting and music fountain, and restaurants by award-winning chef Derek Emerson. is area also hosts Art, Wine and Wheels, a weekend-long festival encompassing three of Ridgeland’s signature spring events: Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival, Santé South Wine Festival and Natchez Trace Century Ride. Ridgeland is also known as the “Steakhouse Capital of Mississippi” — as it’s home to the most steakhouses in the state and arguably some of the best.
Before or a er a meal, browse the galleries at the Bill Waller Cra Center, home to handcra ed masterpieces by over 400 artisans. Get up close and personal with available group classes taught by master cra smen. e center serves dual purpose as an event venue and sits in convenient proximity between the 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir and historic Natchez Trace Parkway. Nearby, cycling enthusiasts can access the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail for a self-guided bike tour.
With 17 hotels, meeting and event spaces, patio dining experiences and a world of activities, there is nothing quite like gathering in Ridgeland.
Visit Ridgeland 800-468-6078 | visitridgeland.com
With delectable dishes, prime event spaces and a world of activities, it’s no secret why Ridgeland is a treasure for groups of all sizes and occasions. This thriving destination with small-town charm offers tastes and landscapes everyone can delight in. For a guide to gathering in Ridgeland, go to www.visitridgeland.com.
Deep-Fried Goodness
St. Landry Parish brings new life to classic comfort food in Louisiana
St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, is known internationally for being a hub of culinary culture and heritage. e city of Opelousas is the cradle of seasoning icon Tony Chachere and celebrity chef Paul Prudhomme.
With multiple Creole restaurants, Cajun eateries in almost every town and a host of festivals centered around food, the culinary heritage is clear. Yet, one of the o enoverlooked culinary specialties of this area is fried chicken. While nearly every restaurant will have the comfort food in one form or another, there are a few places that truly out-do themselves. And these eateries are all located within minutes of each other in Opelousas.
Lines are long — around the clock — at two locations of Mama’s Fried Chicken, which has been serving a two-piece dark for $2.99 for more than 45 years. e owners are part of a larger family of food entrepreneurs responsible for Targil’s Butcher Supplies and Seasonings and a spice plant, as well as Zydeco Chop Chop seasoning. With food credibility like that, it’s obvious why people keep coming back.
DezMeaux’s stu s fried chicken wings with boudin, a family recipe nicknamed “razzle dazzle” by Gerald Gruenig, a local TV food in uencer and zydeco musician. e chicken is perfectly crunchy and bursting with a distinct avor. At this carry-out-only boudin stop, you’ll want to order ahead because it sells out quickly.
Soileau’s Dinner Club has dished out fried chicken and a stu ed potato, along with its signature Cat sh Opelousas, for more than 85 years. Soileau’s fried chicken has near legendary status in the community and still inspires leagues of loyal customers with its Cajun traditions.
In St. Landry Parish, there are plenty of opportunities to eat amazing food. ese are just a few of St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission’s deep-fried favorites. You can learn more about these restaurants and explore plenty of food destinations at cajuntravel.com.
St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission 337-948-8004 | cajuntravel.com
Tasty Tale
Learn about the special wheat of Hopkinsville, Kentucky
Life is sweet in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, known as the Batter Capital of the World.
Tourgoers notice the gorgeous, expansive farmland as motorcoaches travel through Christian County and roll into Hopkinsville. But farmland is found across the Midwest. What makes Hopkinsville special? In Hopkinsville, farmers grow so red winter wheat, which is ideal for specialty products such as sponge cakes, cookies, crackers and other confectionary products, as it adds value to the miller and baker as a blending wheat.
Once harvested, the local wheat heads to two local our mills. Hopkinsville Milling Company is the oldest industry in Hopkinsville, and Siemer Milling Company mills 2 million pounds of our every day.
Hopkinsville Milling Company puts our (and cornmeal) into nostalgic packaging and sends it to grocery store shelves, and the company has been doing it since 1906.
Siemer Milling Company our heads to destinations in bulk quantities. As a provider to many hotel and restaurant chains, the smallest quantity of our available for purchase from Siemer Milling is 50-pound bags. However, if you happen to be located directly next door and connected to this grain grinding industry by a pipe that delivers daily our drops, the quantities increase dramatically. In fact, hundreds of thousands of pounds of our are delivered daily from Siemer Milling Company to Continental Mills for use in food mix manufacturing.
A er arriving at Continental Mills through food-grade pipes, the our is used to create over 451 products found on grocery stores shelves.
Products like Ghirardelli Brownie Mix, Krusteaz mixes (including pancake, wa e and mu n mix), Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, Cracker Barrel biscuit mix, Trader Joe’s brand mixes, Target Market Pantry mixes, Kroger brand mixes and Great Value brand mixes are all created in the Batter Capital of the World.
Visit Hopkinsville | 270-887-2300 | visithopkinsville.com
Foodie Favorites
Take a culinary adventure in Kenosha, Wisconsin
Culinary discovery awaits in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Just an hour north of Chicago, you’ll nd a friendly and a ordable community bursting with options for foodies. From pizzerias and traditional Italian fare to sushi, brewpubs and retro drive-in diners, there is something delicious waiting to wow you!
A supper club with a view of Lake Michigan makes for a traditional Wisconsin experience. HOBNOB has been serving guests for more than 50 years. With circular leather booths, handcra ed drinks, and a steak and seafood menu to crave, you’ll nd plenty of reasons to stay for one more course.
Choose from two drive-in burger joints. e Spot Drive-In is open year-round for delicious burgers, milkshakes and homemade root beer. Big Star Drive-In o ers seasonal service, including a Friday sh fry and fabulous fried cheese curds.
Speaking of cheese curds, a trip to Wisconsin wouldn’t be complete without some cheese! You can enjoy cheese curds fresh or fried — and there are plenty of venues to nd them in Kenosha. e Brat Stop and Mars Cheese Castle o er huge selections of avored curds, among other delicious cheese o erings.
Come hungry and leave happy! Your visit to Kenosha will be sure to satisfy.
Visit Kenosha 262-857-7164 | visitkenosha.com
Fresh Found Here
Build fl avorful itineraries in Modesto, California
Did you know that central California provides over 30% of the nation’s fruits, vegetables and grains? And Modesto is right in the center of it all — literally, Modesto is the true “Heart of California!” Groups staying in Modesto are conveniently close to all the places travelers want to see like Yosemite National Park, California Big Trees, San Francisco, Sacramento and Lake Tahoe.
When in town, visit Lo-Fidelity Laboratories (“lo- ” to locals) to grab cra cocktails before or a er a show at the nationally renowned Gallo Center for the Arts. Groups can experience a mural tour, ra the Stanislaus River, take in a play at the Prospect eater Project or visit the historic State eatre for classic lms, art-house cinema and live music.
When it comes to fresh food, there’s an abundance to appreciate. roughout the month of February, white and pink blossoms eck the valley’s world-famous Almond Blossom Cruise, where groups can grab almond butter milkshakes and stroll the orchards among the blooms. Any time of year, groups can visit the nation’s No. 1 Gouda cheesemaker (Oakdale Cheese & Specialties), schedule a tasting with the country’s oldest olive oil producer (Sciabica Family California Olive Oil) or walk across the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi River in nearby Knights Ferry.
Modesto o ers a central location in California with a ordable accommodations, food you’ll never forget and experiences you’ll always remember!
Visit Modesto 209-526-5588 | visitmodesto.com
CALIFORNIA
MAKEMODESTOYOUR GROUPBASECAMP
VISITMODESTO.COM TODD@VISITMODESTO.COM 209.526.5588
Hungry Travelers, Rejoice
Rochester, New York, showcases elevated food and drink scene
e food and drink scene in Rochester, New York, is on the verge of a major upswing. A community of dining, drink and hospitality professionals is working hard to make it the next great food and drink city in America.
From American fare to modern fusions, a meal in Rochester will never disappoint. Restaurant Good Luck, located in the Neighborhood of the Arts, features seasonal, local cuisine and a highly regarded cocktail menu. Lento, known as Rochester’s rst farm-to-table restaurant, is owned by James Beard-nominated chef Art Rogers. Redd Rochester, in the nearby East End neighborhood, was opened by Michelin-starred chef Richard Reddington in 2019.
Another must-visit location is the Rochester Public Market, one of America’s oldest and largest public markets. On Tuesdays, ursdays and Saturdays, the market comes to life with customers seeking seasonal produce, meat, sh and other specialties from its 230-plus vendors. e explosion of the cra brewing industry in New York state has resulted in the Rochester area being home to more than two dozen cra breweries and several distilleries. Rochester is also the home to Genesee Brewery, the oldest brewery in the state.
As the “front door” to the award-winning Finger Lakes wine region, Rochester is within an hour’s drive of 100-plus wineries. However, you do not have to travel far to enjoy great wine in Rochester. Living Roots Wine & Co., the rst urban winery in the Finger Lakes region; located within city limits. Just 15 minutes from downtown is Casa Larga, one of the oldest wineries in the Finger Lakes region known for its rieslings, ice wines and Italian varietals.
Plan your next food-forward getaway with a trip to Rochester, New York — and don’t forget your appetite!
Visit Rochester | 585-279-8300 | visitrochester.com
ROC your world. From our little corner of it. ROC your world. From our little corner of it.
Recognized as one of the top cities for food in the country, Rochester is filled with creative culinary hotspots—many of which draw inspiration from the city’s historic roots and regional abundance from local farmers. The hidden treasure of Western New York, your visit is bound to be the perfect balance of refined and relaxed, historical and happening, amazing and a ordable. Nestled in the beautiful Genesee River Valley, along the historic Erie Canal, let your clients be wowed with a vibrant arts scene, top-rated golf, diverse cuisine, craft beverage trail, natural wonders and unique worldclass attractions for all ages. It really is limitless. Recognized as one of the top cities for food in the country, Rochester is filled with creative culinary hotspots—many of which draw inspiration from the city’s historic roots and regional abundance from local farmers. The hidden treasure of Western New York, your visit is bound to be the perfect balance of refined and relaxed, historical and happening, amazing and a ordable. Nestled in the beautiful Genesee River Valley, along the historic Erie Canal, let your clients be wowed with a vibrant arts scene, top-rated golf, diverse cuisine, craft beverage trail, natural wonders and unique worldclass attractions for all ages. It really is limitless.
For more information, go to visitrochester.com. For more information, go to visitrochester.com.
®NYSDED Photo Credit: Jerome Davis/Wickham Farms, Memorial Art Gallery, Rohrbach Brewing Company, @headleyj17, and Dexter Craig
Agricultural Abundance
Farm-fresh is a way of life in Sacramento, California
When you want the best food, you go to the source, and Sacramento is America’s “Farm-to-Fork Capital.” In Sacramento, restaurant menus change with the seasons — or daily — and farm-fresh isn’t a sales gimmick. It’s just the way it has always been done.
Whether you enjoy dining at the Michelin-starred e Kitchen, hitting up a mom-and-pop brunch spot or getting authentic Pho in Little Saigon, the food you eat in Sacramento is going to come from the surrounding agricultural lands.
California grows more than 80% of the nation’s almonds, and the largest handling facility is Blue Diamond, right in downtown Sacramento. Sacramento itself produces four- hs of the nation’s caviar. And the citrus fruits, asparagus and tomatoes are second to none.
But it doesn’t stop at food — as the head of Ruhstaller Brewing likes to say, “We grow beer.” More than 75 breweries dot the region, and wine grapes are equally abundant, with Bogle in Clarksburg, just 15 minutes from downtown Sacramento, being a local favorite.
Every September, Sacramento throws a party to celebrate its agricultural bounty. e Farm-to-Fork Festival is a free, two-day food and music extravaganza that draws more than 150,000 visitors to sample food, see chef demonstrations, talk to the farmers growing their favorite foods and enjoy performances from nationally known bands. is year, Japanese Breakfast and Gregory Porter headline the event, held Sept. 23–24. And earlier in the month, the Legends of Wine event at the state Capitol brings more than 30 wineries from the surrounding area along with farm-fresh food for attendees to enjoy.
Regardless of what time of year you’re in Sacramento, you’ll enjoy excellent food from a wide range of diverse cultures, and there’s a good chance it’s fresh from the market.
Visit Sacramento | 916-755-0033 | visitsacramento.com
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Alpine Helen-White County CVB .................................................................................63 whitecountychamber.org American Bus Association............................................................................................53 buses.org American Village .............................................................................................................. 75 americanvillage.org Amish Country of Northern Indiana/Elkhart County CVB ..................................23 visitelkhartcounty.com/groups Barnes Foundation .......................................................................................................... 47 barnesfoundation.org Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre .....................................................................................13 beefandboards.com
Bellingrath Gardens & Home .......................................................................................63 bellingrath.org Billy Graham Library ........................................................................................................81 billygrahamlibrary.org Brookgreen Gardens ...................................................................................................... 67 brookgreen.org Center of Science and Industry/COSI .......................................................................39 cosi.org Chanhassen Dinner Theatres ........................................................................................11 chanhassendt.com
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History ....................................31 thewright.org Circle Wisconsin Inc. ......................................................................................................35 circlewisconsin.com
Cody/Yellowstone ............................................................................................................93 codyyellowstone.org Colorado Springs CVB ....................................................................................................89 visitcos.com
Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA ............................................................................................31 turkeyville.com Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad ............................................................................86 cumbrestoltec.com
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden ......................................................................91 dallasarboretum.org Dayton House .................................................................................................................... 67 daytonhouse.com Destination Lake Winnebago Region/Fond Du Lac CVB ....................................35 fdl.com/experience/lake-winnebago-region Detroit Metro CVB/Visit Detroit ....................................................................................31 visitdetroit.com
Durango Area Tourism O ice .......................................................................................85 durango.org Eagan CVB .......................................................................................................................... 27 eaganmn.com Experience Grand Rapids ............................................................................................110 experiencegr.com Experience Prince George’s County ..........................................................................45 experienceprincegeorges.com Explore Fairbanks .............................................................................................................91 explorefairbanks.com Explore Minnesota Tourism ............................................................................................7 exploreminnesota.com Fairfield CVB .....................................................................................................................98 visitfairfield.com
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Denver Airport .................................................84 marriott.com
Faith and Liberty Discovery Center .......................................................................... 47 faithandliberty.org Franklin Park Conservatory .........................................................................................39 fpconservatory.org Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park .............................................................39 meijergardens.org Gage Marine/Lake Geneva Cruise Line ....................................................................35 cruiselakegeneva.com Giant Crab Seafood Restaurant ..................................................................................69 giantcrab.com Grand Junction VCB .........................................................................................................87 visitgrandjunction.com GrandStay Hospitality LLC ..............................................................................................11 grandstayhospitality.com Greater Birmingham CVB ..............................................................................................65 inbirmingham.com Greater Merrimack Valley CVB ....................................................................................49 merrimackvalley.org Greater St. Charles CVB/Missouri ..................................................................102—103 discoverstcharles.com
Grissom Air Museum ........................................................................................................11 grissomairmuseum.com Grohmann Museum/Milwaukee School of Engineering ....................................35 grohmannmuseum.org Happy Valley Adventure Bureau .................................................................................43 happyvalley.com Harley-Davidson Museum .............................................................................................33 h-dmuseum.com
Holland Area CVB ................................................................................................................1 holland.org Hopsewee Plantation .....................................................................................................69 hopsewee.com Huntington Area CVB .......................................................................................................71 visithuntingtonwv.org International UFO Museum ...........................................................................................91 roswellufomuseum.com
Israel Ministry of Tourism ...............................................................................................2 goisrael.com Janesville Area CVB .........................................................................................................33 janesvillecvb.com Jelly Belly Candy Company...............................................................................104—105 jellybelly.com John Deere Historic Site ................................................................................................25 johndeere.com Lake George Area in NY’s Adirondacks .................................................................... 57 visitlakegeorge.com
Lecompton Historical Society .....................................................................................93 lecomptonkansas.com Lehman’s.............................................................................................................................39 lehmans.com
Leisure Time Unlimited .................................................................................................. 67 leisuretimeunlimited.com
Louisville Slugger Museum .......................................................................................... 73 sluggermuseum.com Madison Square Garden Entertainment .................................................................. 57 msgentertainment.com Massanutten Resort .......................................................................................................80 massresort.com
Meet AC ................................................................................................................................51 touratlanticcity.com Miami County VCB ...........................................................................................................39 visitmiamicounty.org Mount Hope Estate & Winery ...................................................................................... 111 mounthope.estate Museum of Illusions Philadelphia .............................................................................. 47 moiphilly.com Myrtle Beach Area CVB .................................................................................................. 67 visitmyrtlebeach.com National Constitution Center ....................................................................................... 47 constitutioncenter.org National Law Enforcement O icers Memorial & Museum ................................53 nleomf.org National Tour Association ..............................................................................................21 ntaonline.com
North Dakota Tourism Division ...................................................................................95 ndtourism.com
North Shore Music Theatre/Back Stage Bistro ..................................................... 57 nsmt.org Ohio Travel Association-OTA/Heartland Travel Showcase-HTS ) .................... 37 heartlandtravelshowcase.com
Ottawa Tourism ................................................................................................................122 ottawatourism.ca/en
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Shaw Festival Theatre .................................................................................................... 27 shawfest.com
Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum ............................................................ 47 simeonemuseum.org So IN Tourism ....................................................................................................................23 gosoin.com Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort ...................................................................................29 soaringeaglecasino.com St. Landry Parish TC ....................................................................................................... 113 cajuntravel.com St. Joseph CVB .................................................................................................................. 73 stjomo.com Tamarack ............................................................................................................................ 73 tamarackwv.com
The Cincy Region ...............................................................................................................5 visitcincy.com The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood ............................................................ 67 originalbenjamins.com Tour Colorado ....................................................................................................................83 tourcolorado.org Tuscarawas County CVB ................................................................................................39 traveltusc.com
USS Silversides/Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum .............................31 silversidesmuseum.org Visit Concord Massachusetts ......................................................................................49 visitconcord.org Visit Frederick ...................................................................................................................55 visitfrederick.org Visit Hagerstown/Washington County CVB ...........................................................55 visithagerstown.com Visit Hopkinsville ............................................................................................................114 visithopkinsville.com Visit Kenosha .............................................................................................................33, 115 visitkenosha.com
Visit Modesto ....................................................................................................................116 visitmodesto.com
Visit Montgomery/CVB of Montgomery County, MD Inc. ................................... 57 visitmontgomery.com Visit Rochester .................................................................................................................117 visitrochester.com
Visit Sacramento .......................................................................................................93, 118 visitsacramento.com/travel-trade
Visit Springfield ................................................................................................................ 27 visitspringfieldillinois.com Visit Winston-Salem ....................................................................................................... 79 visitwinstonsalem.com
Wildhorse Saloon ............................................................................................................ 77 wildhorsesaloon.com
