Food Traveler Winter 2017

THE SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF CANADIAN BEAUTY

COASTAL CUISINE WINTER SEAFOOD FAVORITES

VACATION HOLIDAY CELEBRATION DESTINATIONS

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both world-class culture and small-town rural charm. Our unique restaurants are waiting to satisfy your craving for food, fun and entertainment.

Winter

A Libation Vacation 10

The Season’s Prime Craft Beer, Wine, & Distillery Locations

Discover a whole new meaning to getting into the holiday spirit(s)! This winter is the perfect time to plan your next libation vacation

Good Eats 34

Cajun Creations, Farm-to-Table, Restaurant Weeks, and More!

From classic Gulf seafood in Louisiana, to the mouthwatering brisket recipes of Texas, and everything in between – we bring you nothing but good eats!

68 Escaping Winter’s Chill

No matter if you have peace and quiet in mind, or a raging good time with the entire family, these beaches are top-rated for a reason!

75 Coastal Cuisine

Searching for something delicious in the seafood realm this winter season? Look no further

78 Food Traveler’s Chef Spotlight

Culinary geniuses transform simple dinners into the ultimate dining experience by paying attention to everything from the design of your napkin, to the sauce that tops your entrée

86 The Trendy Traveler

If you’re looking for fun, new ways to get out in the world, then these chic tips will definitely keep you in the loop

The Sesquicentennial 89

Celebrating 150 Years of Canadian Beauty

Celebrate the Confederation by immersing yourself into the gorgeous territories that make up our northern neighbor

94

Safe Travels

A Guide to Packing, Transportation, & Illness Prevention

Make sure you’re packing the essentials, and that your health is in tip-top shape before heading out on your next adventure!

98 Holiday Celebration Destinations

Put the happy in happy holidays, with the help of these amazingly decorated towns!

102 Mountain Escapes

The Perfect Winter Getaway

Relax in a hot tub on the hand-built deck of a Virginia mountain home, or ski along the snow-white mountainsides in Colorado until you drop!

110 Destination America

Explore the best vacation picks in the country, from quaint and quiet towns, to sleepless big cities, and everything in between

Fall and winter are great times to enjoy comfort food in our Sullivan Catskills.

Lose the crowds and come dine on fresh food the farmer raised at our intimate restaurants. Our passionate chefs cook up imaginative meals and favorites like Tandoor and carmelized onion deviled eggs, and mocha seared rainbow trout. Or try a Gardner’s Gimlet, a Freak Tractor hand-crafted brew, or Peace Vodka. And be sure to explore everything else that’s special about our country life all over our main streets.

Pismo Beach my Pismo Beach

…is walking along the beach in the morning with our best friend and visiting wineries in Edna Valley, just minutes away

WHATEVER YOU LIKE TO DO, YOU'LL FIND YOUR PISMO BEACH

There's miles of white sandy beaches, surfing, shopping, dining, whale watching & many wonderful places to stay from oceanfront hotels, affordable motels, family friendly vacation rentals and RV resorts. Your Wine & Waves Destination | ClassicCalifornia.com

Welcome,

David-Jacobs Publishing Group and the Food Traveler team are excited to bring you this engaging winter issue of FoodTraveler Magazine In this edition, you’ll find content ranging from where to find the best winter seafood dishes, to planning the perfect mountain getaway, visiting spectacular holiday towns, and so much more

Stay up to date on the latest innovations of the travel industry, gather information on how to maintain your health and safety while traveling, and make sure you’re always planning and reserving ahead of time This issue is packed with all of these tips and more, so that you can enjoy your winter travels without worry.

We hope that you’ll take this magazine and run wild, whether you’re in search of the best whiskey tour of your life, or insider information on a back-road green chil e cheeseburger food trail FoodTraveler strives to provide the most unique and favored destinations in America, along with a touch of abroad exploration – all yours for the taking! These places are waiting for your arrival, in hopes that you’ll find the undeniable inspiration needed to get out there and invest in your trip in the most personal way

Try new things, meet new people, but most of all, make every minute of each vacation count! This winter season, we’re celebrating togetherness, adventure, and good people to share it all with There is nothing better than finding that perfect vacation destination, where you’ll make memories to last a lifetime

Wishing you warmth, wonder, and the happiest of travels,

Your Food Traveler Team

for winter warmth

A LIBA

ATI N Vacation

Prime Craft Beer, Wine, & Distiller y Locations

So many times, we search for something new and exciting, and end up at the same old pub, swapping the same old stories, and never taking time out to really enjoy the authenticity and rich history behind what’s in our glass Take an after-dark holiday light tour of the famous Maker’s Mark distillery Enjoy a glass for a good cause at a few formal winter wine occasions Jam out with your favorite bands and brewers at a Colorado Bluegrass festival We’re positive that you’ll find a fresh, exhilarating event worth your while here So, what are you drinking?

This marked the new beginning of what would become Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky

A Whisky Wonderland

There is no doubt that we ’ ve all heard of Maker’s Mark With the days that go by, as we sample the greatest collection of whiskeys (or whiskies) from around the world, we can confidently bring our glasses full circle, back to Loretto, Kentucky – back to a simple formula with a genuine history that brought forth one of the most wellknown distilleries in the country

As T W Samuels juggled two jobs, that of a High Sherriff in Nelson County and of a third-generation family distiller at home, he may (or may not) have had an inkling that his family name would go down as legendary in the world of whisky

Bill Samuels Sr , T W ’ s son, grew into the family business and became a distiller himself After purchasing the Burks Spring Distillery in Happy Hollow, he burned the one and only copy of the “170-year-old family whisky formula.”

We know that while all bourbons are whiskies, not all whiskies are bourbons Bill Sr had a knack for honing in on the true craftsmanship of making such a drink, and cared more about the final quality of the product over the money it would make him Because of this, he focused on a gentler process that, in a way, coaxed the best of the bourbon batches into becoming truly remarkable He used a winter wheat over the traditional rye, and through plenty of trial and error, he finally found the secret to Maker’s Mark He even baked different types of bread to get the taste of the wheat just right, so that he knew when to harvest and what to specialize in

Today, the distillery thrives, with many seasonal events, daily tours, and treats that mesmerize and inspire each and every visitor The majority of the tour is outdoors, so wear a good pair of walking shoes You can even join a sampling group and dip your very own bottle in the signature red wax

The gift shop brings year-round fun, but is especially handy during the holidays if you ’ re looking for the perfect gift to give to your favorite whisky lover From s pecialty glasses, to candies, kits, and clothing, the gift shop is a must-visit spot while you ’ re checking out the distillery

A whisky wonderland wouldn’t be complete without a holiday event for the season, so be sure to plan your trip to Maker’s Mark around the Candlelight Tours These are selfguided tours, where you can experience the magic of the property like never before Each building is brightly and colorfully lit with Christmas lights, holiday décor, and more Enjoy a seasonal cocktail or grab a bite to eat at the property’s new restaurant, Star Hill Provisions Sweet treats line the walkways, and pair nicely with a glass of the famous bourbon The tours are after dark, making the ambience all the more enjoyable As you stroll and sip your way through the property, it will be hard not to smell the nostalgia in the air

“A whisky wonderland wouldn’t be complete without a holiday event for the season, so be sure to plan your trip to Maker’s Mark around the Candlelight Tours.

Winter Wine Festivities

Have you heard about the Naples Winter Wine Festival? Drink wine and celebrate to your heart’s desire from January 26-28th for a very good cause indeed: “It’s all for the kids!”

The 2018 theme for this very well-known event is “All we Need is Love ” As the festival takes place, in part with the Naples Children & Education Foundation, the proceeds go to children in need year-round Since 2001, the festival has raised more than 161 million dollars for children in need

With so much to do, it isn’t a surprise that this much money has gone to such a great cause The festival sets up auction lots, private tastings, celebrity chef dinners and workshops, a slew of sponsor/partner booths, and of course, a wide variety of vintners that come together to bring their best bottles forth Past vineyard participation includes 4 Winds Winery in California, Allegrini Estates in Italy, Shea Wine Cellars in Oregon, Penfolds Wines in Australia, and even Vega Sicilia in Spain

Information on tickets and reservations is available on the Naples Winter Wine Festival website Many people fly from all over the world to attend the event The Double Magnum package is a popular choice among couples, at $10,000, and will get you a private car and driver, two reserved seats at a vintner dinner, two invitations to the Meet the Kids Day Tour & Luncheon, two invitations to the Wine Down event, and of course, two additional invitations for both the Celebration Lunch and the Check Presentation Ceremony

It is the best of the best in winter wine festivities, but the Naples Winter Wine Festival does come at a high price. If you ’ re looking for something on a smaller scale in terms of budget, check out the Winter Wine Fest in Bloomington, Minnesota

Perhaps much more fitting as a winter celebration, the Winter Wine Fest is organized by the Minnesota Grape Growers Association, which is a not-for-profit group that focuses on improving grape-growing in colder climates A true winter’s bottle knows the hard work and dedication that goes in to making sure those grapes turn into the shining stars of vino

Proceeds for the Winter Wine Fest also go to education and industry advancement, so there is a good cause behind this event as well. Happening on Saturday, February 18th, the Winter Wine Fest will kick things off at 7pm Festival goers will enjoy discounted rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton, and there will be more than 30 different local wineries from the area that will participate These wineries are eager to pour you a glass of their finest creations, and artisanal foods and a background of live jazz music tie everything together into the perfect holiday gift.

Queen Anne’s County Waterfront & Countryside

Bring on the Beer

What says, “it’s winter,” more than snowcapped mountains and powder-dusted evergreens? We’ve been sticking to a theme, in case you couldn’t tell, so it should come to no surprise that the location of choice for a good winter beer and a heck of a great time is Avon, Colorado

Plan your trip here around February 23-25, when WinterWonderGrass will be in full swing WinterWonderGrass is a lively combination of craft beer, winter celebrations, and of course, bluegrass music (among others) The beer tents are heated, the bands are insane, and the crowd is lovably bundled in their appropriate winter gear, enjoying all that the festival has to offer

Listen to hip bands like Railroad Earth, Steep Canyon Rangers, WWG Allstars, Missed the Boat, Elephant Revival, Leftover Salmon, and more The Beer Hall, or beer tents, include 20 of the absolute best local craft breweries, and naturally, a few cider partners as well

Brewers include the much-admired Great Divide Brewing Co , Oskar Blues Brewery, Mockery Brewing Co , Left Hand Brewing Company, Boulder Beer, Aspen Brewing Company, Bonfire Brewing, Breckenridge Brewery, Storm Peak, and so many others

Hold onto your tasting cups, and bring on the beer, because these brewers are looking forward to pouring tasting after tasting from 2-5pm daily Festival

packages can be purchased for about $100, depending on what you ’ re looking for WinterWonderGrass is undoubtedly a favorite among locals and tourists alike, and the atmosphere is a perfect winter location for those who enjoy cold weather and cold beer

The winter months have their perks, from hot cocoa, to holiday dinners, and gatherings of family However, for those who remain in touch with their inner “spirits”, winter is perfect for relaxing next to a brightly burning fireplace with your favorite libation Whether you ’ re a fan of straight whisky, a perfectly aged wine, or a frosted mug full of the finest craft brew around, these cold-month merriments will have you wishing the holiday season lasted all year long

Waco has three area vineyards, as well as the top craft whisky distillery in Texas A libation vacation here means staying at a hotel in Waco as the hub of your trip, and taking short jaunts (all less than 20 miles) to enjoy authentic Texas wines and spirits

Want to leave the driving to someone else?

Waco Wine Tours (www wacotours wine) offers tours of local wineries, as well as craft breweries or distilleries upon request

Valley Mills Vineyards is a full-production winery that produces fine wines from 100% Texasgrown grapes This family owned company uses intensive farming and old-world winemaking techniques The family farms over 20 acres of vines in McLennan and Bosque Counties, and their wine program features bold, fullbodied red wines, along with a wide range of varietals and styles The t asting room hosts many special events, pairings, dinners, and parties

Waco Winery is a locally-owned vineyard and tasting room It’s a relaxed space to unwind and enjoy fine Texas wines Their vineyards and tasting room are located just a few miles outside of Waco The winery offers weekly live music, private parties, wine tastings and gourmet farm-to-table dinner events Waco Winery is also planning to open Waco's first rooftop winery and tasting room, in the heart of historic downtown Waco, just a few blocks from Magnolia Market

Kissing Tree Vineyard has a sweet backstory: its owners shared their first kiss as high school freshmen in a hackberry tree located in what was to become their winery Their tasting room offers live music and gourmet Italian dinners every weekend, and brunch on Sundays

In just a few short years, Balcones Distilling crafted spirits that were recognized by the world’s top critics and judges, including The Spirits Business’ World Whisky Masters Balcones Distilling makes the top corn whisky in Texas, according to Esquire Take a tour at its gleaming factory, featuring world class copper pot stills built by top artisans in Scotland, and taste test for yourself

After a long day of shopping in the heart of Texas, explore Waco’s awardwinning wineries and craft whisky distillery Stay in Waco, and have fun at the 3 area tasting rooms Looking for a wine bar? Try out the Klassy Glass or The Grape Or, check out some specialty wines at The Wine Shoppe

wacoheartoftexas.com

Balcones Distillery

Valley Mills Vine yards

Kissing Tree Vineyar ds

Hays, KS

People travel the country for history, scenery, and adventure, but when they cross the heartland to Hays, Kansas, they also do it for the beer For over 40 years, Hays has been a destination for those seeking an Oktoberfest experience that celebrates the area ’ s German heritage with a modern twist, thanks to renowned local brewers

The beer culture in Hays took a giant leap forward in 2005 when Gella’s Diner & Lb Brewing Co opened 7,500 square feet of revitalized space in Downtown Hays The multiple Great American Beer Festival Award banners lining the walls let you know you ’ re about to have one of the best beers of your life (We’re looking at you, Oatmeal Stout )

After taking over a former shipping plant, Defiance Brewery made a name for itself in the regional craft beer scene in a few short years It was no surprise to locals when Defiance expanded their taproom after being open mere months, while growing their distribution all the way to the East Coast The selection on draught at the taproom constantly changes as the ownerbrewers try out new small batch brews on lucky craft beer enthusiasts

For those with wine in mind, the Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Market, and Bistro recently opened on Main Street Patrons enjoy flights of wine, including selections from nearby Resurrection Vineyard, a 100-year-old family farm that has found new life as a winery

In 2016, more than 20 brewers set up in Downtown Hays for the first Brews on the Bricks beer festival After a positive reception from locals and visitors alike, the event was expanded the following year, bringing in brewers from across Kansas and Colorado In anticipation, 1,000 festival tickets sold out in 7 minutes

If you ’ re ready to try a taste of Hays, get in line

WINTER IS BET TER WITH A SOUTHERN ACCENT!

Ranked among the Top Ten “Best Value Destinations in the US” for the last three years by Trivago com, Little Rock continues to garner national and international acclaim for its quality of life, tourism amenities and ongoing revitalization As a southern city, Little Rock’s fall and winter seasons are a wonderful time to explore the city as performing art groups kick off their new seasons, museums bring in new exhibits, and the city hosts a number of holiday events you won’t want to miss

One of the city’s newest additions is the beautifully redesigned, state-of-the-art, Robinson Center, the official performance home to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Arkansas and Celebrity Attractions’ Broadway Theater Series One

of a small group of National Register structures to be LEED certified, it is a great place to enjoy a show This winter, it will host everything from Alton Brown to Les Miserables, and holiday favorites like Mannheim Steamroller and The Nutcracker Other guilty holiday pleasures include Little Rock’s annual Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade and official lighting of the State Capitol; Historic Arkansas Museum’s annual “Nog-off ” eggnog competition; and, the Capital Hotel’s fabulous Christmas Tree and holiday events

Little Rock is also home to dozens of museums and cultural attractions, including the William J Clinton Presidential Center and Park, Central High School National Historic Site, the state’s only zoo, and the Arkansas Arts Center Its

LIT TLE ROCK, AR

downtown River Market entertainment district is always a visitor favorite

Winter is also a great time to enjoy the city’s craft beverage scene and visit its award-winning breweries, wineries and distillery Just named one of “15 Southern Cities All Food Lovers Should Visit Now” by Food & Wine and Southern Living, Little Rock has more than 600 restaurants and numerous artisanal food purveyors, so visitors have plenty of dining options and palate-pleasing discoveries to make while they are here

For additional information, visit www littlerock com, and see why we say “Life is Better With a Southern Accent SM”

LoSt FoRtY BrEwErY

Photo courtesy of the C inton Foundat on ArKaNsAs StAtE CaPiTaL In FaLl

WeLcOmE

TO DULUTH BEER CITY!

DULUTH, MN

We’re a rugged northwoods community known for worldclass outdoor recreation and an award-winning craft beer scene In fact, Bent Paddle Brewing Company just took home a gold medal from the Great American Beer Festival for their 14° ESB Their unique “bending traditions” approach to craft beer has helped catapult Duluth to the forefront of the regional beer industry

Fueled by the crisp, clean waters of Lake Superior, this q u a i n t p o

eries whose craft creations reflect a wide variety of styles Visit Hoops Brewing in Duluth’s Canal Park and savor the c o c o a a n d m a r s h m a l l o w n o t e s o

t h e i r N o 1 3 N

o U K Pale Ale while local food vendors dish up amazing grub during their restaurant pop-up nights in the historic beer hall

T h e n h o p o v e r t o C a

n

medalist at the World Beer Cup

But wait! There’s more! Downtown Duluth is also home to the Belgian-inspired Blacklist Artisan Ales where head brewer Brian Schanzenbach showcases big, bold flavors in his Spruce-Tipped Imperial IPA

Venture to Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood and pay a visit to Duluth’s oldest operating brewery - Lake Superior Brewing Company Their thirst-quenching Kayak Kölsch is true to style with its clean pale malt flavor and floral hop finish

If you want to explore Duluth’s craft beer scene in style, hop aboard The Duluth Experience Brewery Tour and experience their behind-the-scenes approach to craft beer sampling, brewery exploration, and sightseeing in Duluth Beer City

If you ’ re more of a craft cocktail aficionado, Duluth also has an award winning micro-distillery at the foot of the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge Vikre Distillery crafts their own gin, aquavit, vodka, and whiskey using locally-sourced botanicals and Lake Superior water

It’s the water Cheers!

wwwvisitduluthcom/things-to-do/breweries

Bent Paddle Brewing Company

Vikre Distillery

Canal Park Brewing Company

SAVOR

the Spirits at Clarksville’s Breweries, Distillery and Winery

Clarksvillians know that locally-produced adult beverages are right at your fingertips, and visiting their birthplaces is entertainment itself

“Sipping local” is a new phenomenon for many, but Beachaven Vineyards and Winery is a Clarksville vintage The trailblazer in Tennessee winemaking recently celebrated 30 years of filling goblets and spreading cheer Come in for a tour, schedule a private tasting or enjoy one of the many unique events – like Jazz on the Lawn -- that make Beachaven an entertainment destination

Old Glory Distilling Company is a small batch distillery offering Old Glory Tennessee Vodka, Smooth Shine (Tennessee Moonshine), and Jumper's Stash White Rum Coming a little later is their Premium Tennessee Whiskey While waiting out the process, customers can enjoy a select amount of the whiskey aged in half-size barrels

Of course, no beer-lover’s travel is complete without a taste of local brews Blackhorse Pub and Brewery is a mainstay in downtown Clarksville Known for

fresh brewed, handcrafted beer paired with gourmet pizza, steaks, pastas and more, the Blackhorse is a family friendly go-to Newly introduced beers include Barrel Aged Peach Saison, Barrel Aged Dry Cider, Barrel Aged Tennessee Sour Ale and Barrel Aged Southern Imperial Stout

Two new craft breweries joined the local scene in 2017 Stars and Bars Brewing Company is a Veteranowned brewery specializing in small batch, high gravity beers and root beer With nine beers and a homemade root beer always on tap, you’ll find a diverse selection of beers

Tennessee Valley Brewing offers a cozy atmosphere with hand-crafte d tables and bar-tops Favorites include their American Wheat IPA, Night Stalker Stout, and the Grapefruit Raddler

Don't end your visit to Clarksville without indulging your taste buds Ethnic restaurants galore satisfy any international craving, but you’ll also find topnotch authentic southern fare like barbecue and catfish

Vacations

3 reasons to make York County, PA, your next libation vacation

Whether it’s a refreshing IPA, smooth red or a stunning vodka you crave, you’ll find them all in York County, Pennsylvania – the home of the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail, Susquehanna Ale Trail and the new Keystone Craft Spirits Trail

Here are three reasons why York County makes for a great libation vacation all year long:

1. An unexpected wine scene

The countryside along the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail has soil perfect for vineyards and yields grapes that make fine Chambourcins and Traminettes

Even finicky varietals like Cabernet Franc grow into delightful wines Plus, bountiful orchards produce apples, cherries and peaches that give rise to wines that taste just like fresh fruit Two signature events – Wine Just Off The Vine in November and Tour de Tanks in March – offer prime opportunities to explore the trail’s 16 wineries

2. Creative brewers

Susquehanna Ale Trail brewers stand apart With 13 stops, you’ll find amazing beers that range from a strong ale made with cherries, candy sugar and Trappist-style yeasts, all the way to wild brews like a pickle gose You’ll discover crisp hard cider made with the highest-quality apples and inviting neighborhood brewpubs with beers sure to make you a regular

3 Meticulously made spirits

Fine bourbons, whiskeys and gins are in demand, and the Keystone Craft Spirits Trail connects 12 local distilleries that make handcrafted libations worthy of a trip Sip Apple Pie Moonshine in the trendy City of York before exploring the rest of the trail, which stretches from Baltimore to the Philadelphia suburbs

LEARN MORE

Visit wwwyorkpa org to learn more about the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail, Susquehanna Ale Trail and Keystone Craft Spirits Trail With lodging packages, restaurant listings and information about everything else to do in the area, it’s the perfect place to start planning your getaway!

YoRk CoUnTy, Pa

It s Wine O Clock! ’

Tour de Tanks Wine Tasting Event

A spectacular wine event happening this spring, March 3-25, on Saturdays & Sundays from Noon to 5 p m Tickets include tastings at 16 wineries, light food, tours, and a 10% discount on wine bottle purchases. Attendees will receive a souvenir Mason-Dixon Wine Trail wine glass Cheers!

www.MasonDixonWineTrail.com

Hear t of New York Craf t Beverage Trail

HIGHLIGHTS

Oneida Count y Brew Scene

Central New York is America's Craft Brew Destination and Oneida County is at the heart of it

That's why the Getaway Region created the Heart of New York Craft Beverage Trail, which unites nine breweries, distilleries and wineries in the Utica area and throughout the county All are part of the larger Brew Central initiative that includes nearly 100 craft producers and pubs

The Heart of New York Craft Beverage Trail covers everyone from Utica's legendary F X Matt Brewing Co to award-winning Adirondack Distilling Co and startups like Prospect Falls Winery

An obsession with local ingredients makes this trail worth the trip Adirondack Distilling goes so far as to use Herkimer diamonds – a unique quartz found only in the nearby foothills of the Adirondack Mountains – in its spirit filtering process

“There’s a renaissance of the upstate culture and the demand for local products,” Master Distiller Jordan Karp says “That’s a big part of this The fact that it’s made with care by the people that live here says something ”

Woodland Hop Farm and Fermentation Co-Founder AJ Spado shares that philosophy with his Heart of New York Craft Beverage Trail-mates, including Nail Creek Pub & Brewery and Villa Verona Vineyard as well as the recent additions of Copper City Brewing Co , Bagg's Square Brewery and 16 Stone Brew Pub

"We wanted to be involved in the brewing process as much as possible," Spado explains "Just like a winery grows its own grapes, we think it's important to produce our own ingredients "

If Oneida County Brew Central members aren't making craft beverages, they're serving them A half-dozen craft pubs make for a crawl that ensures visitors they get a true taste of Central New York

Whether pulling up a stool or talking brew with the people who make it, you can craft your own beverage adventure in Oneida County and Central New York

Tap into the craft, talent and pride of America’s Craft Brew Destination in the heart of Central New York. Sample beers from legendary craft brewer Saranac right at the source, catch a jam session at Nail Creek Pub & Brewery or get the ultimate taste of New York from Adirondack Distilling Co. Oneida County producers put out premier beverages, put on must-attend events and call Central New York’s best brew communities, like Utica, New York, home. Get a taste and plan your getaway at brewcentralny.com

SierraVista,

ArIzOnA

crowded) Vintners unter and share tales son The acidic soil in f handily to big reds, nt some whites with

Winter in Sierra Vista shifts the year-round Farmer’s Market fare from melons and ears of corn to beautiful greenhouse produce, alongside local honey, nuts, dry beans, organic meats, salsa, tamales plenty of choices to fill your basket

While many parts of the country are under snow (or bracing for it), Sierra Vista remains clear of the

Sierra Vista has ea food offerings, than nic restaurants tuc the once-modern vard Offerings include flavors from around the world, attributed to nearby Fort Huachuca, whose soldiers returned from overseas with a hunger for world flavors Drop into any of the eateries in jeans and flip-flops for a flavorpacked meal Don’t let the unassuming (and sometimes kitschy) décor fool you into low expectations The chefs, immigrants from other countries, know how to showcase their homeland favorites And luckily, reservations aren’t needed unless you have a big group

WHEELS IN THE AIR. FOOD IN THE ROUND. THAT’S HOW WE ROLL.

Bicycle paths, routes, and mountain trails intertwine under endless blue skies with authentic international cuisine to reward your day’s ride. Burritos, goi cuon, enchiladas, strudel, chimichangas, kolachi, sushi, roulade, and spokes. Roll on! visit.SierraVistaAZ.gov | 800-288-3861 | #SVThatsHowWeRoll

Cajun Creations

Farm-to-Table Restaurant Weeks

Food Trucks & Trails College Towns

Best of BBQ

Eats g o o d

Travel through New Mexico in search of the best green chile cheeseburger on the trail, or sit down for a nightly tasting in David Kinch’s Manresa farm-to-table extraordinaire Grab traditional Italian fare in a bayou cottage, or order a pimento mac and cheese melt from the best food truck in Nashville From classic Gulf seafood in Louisiana, to the mouthwatering brisket recipes of Texas, and everyth ing in between – we bring you nothing but good eats!

Cajun Cr eat i on s

There’s something so comforting about Cajun cuisine The long-running creole influence, the beautiful, soul-food-like presentations, the heartwarming atmosphere in the little eateries that line historic streets – these are all the things we have come to know and love about Cajun culture It’s hard not to fall for 100-something yearold cottages that have seemingly out-of-place “OPEN” signs hanging from their porches. Walking in and sitting down to a creative, yet authentic meal is more than simply going out to eat

This exact type of experience can be found in the small cottage restaurant, Dick & Jenny’s Purchased in 2013 by the native Italian Cristiano Raffignone and his business partner, Kelly Barker, Dick & Jenny’s is the perfect place to enjoy an authentic bayou-style meal with a modern twist

Dick & Jenny’s Chef James

Riché is a proud Louisiana native that has always stayed true to his southern roots. Chef James is committed to serving timeless southern Louisiana cuisine with the infusion of natural Italian ingredients

You can expect traditional menu items, and those that will take you on a culinary journey from Italy to the bayous Try the savory cheesecake appetizer to start: a blend of cream and pepper jack cheeses fold together with house made tasso ham, sundried tomatoes, and a roasted garlic aioli

For a southern cleanse, order the watermelon salad with spiced pecans and local pea shoots, topped with feta and a citrus vinaigrette for tartness Or, if you ’ re searching for the traditional Italian fare in the middle of New Orleans, order the classic caprese

Entrees served at Dick & J enny ’ s effortlessly combine the two diverse cultures, with choices like the well-known Louisiana seafood selection and the coveted Italian pasta dishes Order the blackened gulf fish with crawfish risotto and asparagus – deemed a must-try classic by the locals Of course, modern dishes are available to appease your taste buds, such as the Praline Chicken Airline chicken breasts are served with a triple-cre am brie and pecan risotto, and topped with a praline sauce

Cristiano and Kelly have fused together their love for each culture in Dick & Jenny’s, but not too far away lives their sister restaurant in the form of a swanky lounge, where patrons are greeted by a rich, luxurious atmosphere to enjoy the best wines and conversation

Located in Houma, Louisiana, the Cristiano Ristorante provides a classic Italian menu, with added seasonal dishes to inspire variety and showcase the best local ingredients Cristiano Ristorante is definitely worth a reservation while you ’ re visiting the Louisiana area, even if you never thought you would be sitting in a classic Italian eatery in the middle of the deep south The restauran t has been rated several times over as one of the “10 Best” restaurants in the state

On the classic menu, you’ll find treasures like the Anatra alla Noce, an almond-breaded duck tenderloin in honey buttermilk, topped with a spicy Pomodoro – or, the veal burger, with smoked gouda, pesto mayo, and local baby greens on a freshly-made bun.

On the seasonal menu, look for items such as Timballo di Coda di Bue, which translates to a slowroasted oxtail pot pie Their seasonal small plates are always a hit, so be sure to try one – the Conserva di Tonno, a lemon preserved tuna served on wheat toast with pickled fennel, a garlic aioli, and a quail egg, is always a good choice

CHEF JAMES RICHÉ

DICK & JENNY’S

DICK & JENNY’S

WHAT MAKES GUMBO, Gumbo?

Gumbo is what your momma made, a definition at assures that there are as many different types of gumbos as there are mothers who make them Sometimes it’s caramel colored roux, okra, tomatoes, shrimp and crab seasoned delicately and thickened slightly to the viscosity of a soup. Sometimes it’s a chocolate brown roux, thick as a stew and brimming with lumps of chicken and sausage Still, others have no roux at all and are served entirely with greens and legumes Gumbos are typically served over steamed white rice, but some tables prefer sweet potatoes or potato salad The variation is maddening when trying to sort out what makes gumbo, gumbo.

Details about the origins of gumbo are murky A dish called gumbo doesn’t really show up in historical record until the beginning of the 19th century, when the word starts showing up prolifically

in correspondence. What it was isn’t exactly clear except that it most likely included okra, given that the name derives directly from the West African word for the gooey vegetable, kimgombo, and was served primarily with seafood

Over the next 100 years, that soup-like substance evolved into what we moderns call gumbo. Gumbo is not one thing. But its definition is nevertheless apparent For something to truly be gumbo it must participate in the unique Louisiana culinary heritage of Cajuns, Creoles, Spaniards, Germans, Italians, Irish, Choctaws, Coushattas, Houmas, and all kinds of other peoples, places and things It more often than not will have a roux, which will come in varying volumes, shades, and tastes It will be served with a spoonful or cupful of rice, or thickened with okra or file’, or enriched by poultry marrow and andouille smoke And no matter how your mother made hers, you will know a gumbo when you see it

ZADEE’ S CHICKEN & SHRIMP OKRA GUMBO

Zadee’s Chicken & Shrimp Okra Gumbo Recipe

INGREDIENTS

½ c Vegetable Oil

3 lbs Fresh Okra, Chopped

6 c of Water or Shrimp Stock

3 Tbsp. Roux

1 Onion, Chopped

1 Red Bell Pepper, Chopped

1 Green Bell Pepper, Chopped

1 Celery Stalk, Chopped

2 lbs Chicken Breast, Chopped

½ Box of Savoy’s Sausage

3 lbs Shrimp, Peeled, Cleaned & Deveined

1 Small Bag Powdered Shrimp Salt & Pepper to Taste

Okra

Roux

1 c Flour

1 c Vegetable Oil

• Preheat oven to 350˚ in preparation for smothering okra

• Place ¼ cup of vegetable oil in medium sized pot over medium heat. Once oil is heated add okra to the pan and stir as to cover the okra with the oil

• Sauté for three to five minutes, stirring consistently before placing in the pre-heated oven

• Stir okra every 15 -20 minutes for two hours.

• In large pot start water or shrimp stock on a low boil

Mix equal parts flour and vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet continuously stirring on medium heat until you reach the desired color of roux Depending on your preference of darkness the roux will take anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour Once you have reached the color of roux you desire turn off heat Continue to stir until the skillet cools Once the skillet has cooled set aside for later Store any leftovers in a mason jar

• Add 3 tbsp of roux to the low boiling water one spoonful at a time until dissolved

• Cook for 20 minutes

• Add onion, bell peppers and celery to gumbo stock

• Cook for another 20 minutes

• Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste

• Use remaining ¼ cup of oil to pan fry chicken on all sides until golden brown

• Add pan fried chicken to gumbo stock

• Cut Savoy’s sausage into ¼ inch medallions and add to gumbo stock

• Simmer for 15 minutes

• Add oven smothered okra, shrimp and powdered shrimp to gumbo stock.

• Let simmer for 10 minutes

• Season gumbo with salt and pepper to taste and serve over rice

An EcLeCtIc CaJuN GeTaWaY

The Time of Your Life

For authentic charm, culture, history and delicious Cajun cuisine, you can get your fill in Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana You can experience the great outdoors along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, and later that evening, enjoy casino gaming or a night on the town

The area is known for casino resorts, with four casino complexes in the area Golden Nugget Lake Charles and L’Auberge Casino Resort sit side by side along the waterway, and feature spas, golf courses, live entertainment, incredible restaurants and retail outlets in addition to the casino floor Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel has a Texas flair with restaurants, an event center, and of course, seas onal horseracing Also, the Isle of Capri Hotel Casino has a relaxed atmosphere with a dancefloor for people wanting to do the two step or Cajun/Zydeco dancing

Music, art, and culture are all thriving in Southwest Louisiana There are concerts, and a downtown area with all local food experiences such as jazz brunches on Sundays to a Zydeco brunch on Saturday Festivals and events pack the calendar year round in the area Several well-known festivals include

Mardi Gras, the Louisiana Pirate Festival, Arts & Crabs Fest and a myriad of spring, summer and fall festivals all brimming with live music, food and fun

Let’s not forget about the food! From jambalaya to gumbo, crawfish étouffée and the fresh catch of the day, you can taste Cajun cooking at every turn Also, travel the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail to taste one of Southwest Louisiana’s favorite finger foods While you ’ re in town, you can also shop at specialty stores for Louisiana products to bring home to your friends and family Everyone loves a gift from Louisiana!

For more information on Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana, festivals, attractions, accommodations, restaurants and more, visit wwwvisitlakecharles org/GoodTimes

LaKe ChArLeS/SoUtHwEsT LoUiSiAnA

Farm -t o-tab l e

It is inherently evident that chefs all over the country are taking pride in their local farmers and going back to the “old ways ” in finding their ingredients Rather than importing a ton of different items to make a single meal, chefs are focusing more and more on their ability to make delicious dishes out of what is right in their own backyards

– so to speak

While larger farms may specialize in a single crop, or a few different vegetables to meet their business needs, smaller farms and local gardens are bringing in nearly every type of ingredient they can think of to harvest. These smaller farms depend on their local farm-to-table restaurants to support their business The economic survival of a smaller farm sometimes rides on a single eatery to keep their business going year-round

This relationship certainly goes both ways The increase in local ingredient sales has gone up tremendously since these farm-to-table restaurants have been on the rise The fundamental purpose behind purchasing locally-grown ingredients to serve a meal to customers is to ensure that each bite is as fresh and wholesome as the last

DAVID KINCH

Take it from the Manresa restaurant in Los Gatos, California Created by David Kinch, the restaurant does not offer a traditional menu, nor do the nightly tastings ever stay the same Cynthia Sandberg, among other small farmers, knows why David’s menu is so meticulously sporadic Cynthia operates the Love Apple Farm in Ben Lomond, California, and she sells nearly all of her vegetables to the Manresa

It has been noted that she has even filled her swimming pool with soil to create extra growing space to accommodate her garden. Each season, different ingredients are produced, and Chef David works diligently on his nightly tasting selection to provide the best platform for all Cynthia has tended to Chef David walks the garden space with her, he notes when seeds have first sprouted, he watches the growth process, and then he creates a signature dish

to display the perfection of each vegetable, herb, and root

Every edible flower, every sprout, every leaf is placed with extreme care and detail to present not only a delicious plate, but a work of art to the customer The nightly tastings are around 10-14 courses and can be paired with an impeccable wine selection Perhaps one of the most highly talked-about menu items, featured in the winter garden selection, is “Into the Vegetable Garden...” This dish is served on a bed of edible dirt made out of roasted chicory root and parsnips, and displays over 30 different types of herbs, leaves, and flowers from the garden

The display of what comes from simple, locallygrown California ingredients is unlike any other Manresa is a 3 Michelin Star restaurant, and has earned that reputation by serving backyard ingredients in futuristic, creative ways Each ingredient is tended to with love, and as customers take photographs of their plates and dig in without hesitation, the work that went into every bit of the growing and cooking process is all worth it to see the smiles and utter satisfaction on their foodie faces

AlBaNy,

Oregon

By Maddie MacGregor

In Albany, Oregon, farm-to-table living is a lifestyle Our small city is celebrated for its award-winning chefs and stunning al-fresco dining territory Earlier this year, we entertained diners aboard a historic covered bridge, and within a private garden alongside the banks of the broad Willamette River These unique dinners supported local non-profits such as the Albany Regional M useum and Veterans Day Parade

At September’s “Secret Garden” dinner, Chef Matt Bennett from Sybaris Bistro (a James Beard Award Nominee for Best Chef of the Northwest), tweaked culinary items once found in Albany cafes, hotels and restaurants during bygone eras Bennett’s creativity surpassed itself when he recreated an “abalone chop suey ” from a 1920s establishment, The China Café substituting flavor ful mushroom for the protected shellfish J Scott Cellars provided the accompanying wine for each of Bennett’s five courses

The Weddle Covered Bridge dinner in neighboring Sweet Home highlighted Oregon’s true romance between fine food and wine Chef Derek Ridgeway of the 1847 Bar & Grill prepared dishes with hearty local flavor, including stuffed grape leaves featuring Oregon’s renowned Anderson Ranch lamb, and hazelnut short bread with mixed local berries topping a triumphant buttermilk panna cotta Wine from Sass Winery celebrated each course

The Willamette Valley is renowned for its wine and food pairings There’s no shortage of fresh bounty from local winemakers, farmers’ markets or ranches The crown jewel, our vineyards, won Wine Enthusiast Magazine's “Number One Wine Region of 2016” an international honor

We invite you to join us for more epicurean delights at our 2018 farm-to-table series Keep in touch subscribe to the Albany Visitors Association E-news Subscriptions are free and monthly travel news is delivered straight to your in-box: www albanyvisitors com Telephone us at 541-928-0911 for more information

Image courtesy of Dennis Rivera

Image courtesy MKrutsinger Photography

Image courtesy MKrutsinger Photography

Image courtesy of Dennis Rivera

Have ForkWill Travel

Tasty New Culinary Adventures on Arizona’s Fresh Foodie Trail®

Mesa, Arizona is garnering lots of national attention as the culinary gateway in the Southwest with a flourishing collection of charming, neighborhood farms and foodcentric outposts providing a year-round bounty of seasonal goods for visitors to enjoy These linked experiences create the Fresh Foodie Trail® and carve out the ultimate foodie road trip for those travelers with a penchant for good eats This guided path will find them dining on homemade ice cream, peaches, heritage grains, olives, and so much more

The trail stops share more than just great food, it’s also a chance for the gourmands-in-training to dive a little deeper and discover why dining local matters and they should get to know their farmer In the Town of Queen Creek, it is education-plus-experience that makes their ‘agritainment’ stops memorable An assortment of salivating, epicurean activities can be enjoyed, including pasta and pizza making classes with ancient grains at Hayden Flour Mills at Sossaman Farms, watching the cold-pressing of fresh olives and tasting early harvest and late harvest EVOO at the Queen Creek Olive Mill, or foraging for the freshest produce with the farmer at Schnepf Farms

Another standout on the trail is Jalapeno Buck’s, tucked away in the middle of one of Mesa’s original citrus orchards that dates back to 1915 This BBQ-meets-Southwest roadside restaurant packs them in and people come from other states just to load up on brisket and pulled pork The flavor profiles here are rich and tasty with homemade ‘secret recipe’ sauces, salsas and baked beans

Visitors that want to put the focus on the food and let someone else take the wheel can reserve a full-day Fresh Foodie Trail® tour with premier tour outfitter DETOURS offering guest pick-up and drop-off at all area hotels

For a complete list of Fresh Foodie Trail® stops or to download the Arizona Agritourism guide, go to www FreshFoodieTrail com

When was the last time you ate a meal

WITH A GARDEN?

Far m Loops , Grass Fed Beef, Distillers, and More

LoCaL PrOoF Of EaStErN OrEgOn BoUnTy

Fertile soil, plentiful sunshine and pure spring water are the secret ingredients of chefs, distillers, brewers, and yes, winemakers across the vast plains and pristine mountains of Eastern Oregon.

A good portion of Eastern Oregon is dedicated to agriculture, so a driving or cycling tour around the region’s back roads and scenic byways offers travelers the rare chance to strike up conversations and see what life at a working ranch, honey bee farm or alpaca homestead is really like Not to mention tasting the goods first hand at small batch chocolate maker’s, ubiquitous farm stands, artisan creameries or one of 13 breweries Best of all, across the region, travelers can relish in the bounty at cozy eateries that don’t require reservations weeks in advance

If you ’ re a wine lover, head to MiltonFreewater and tour the Whisky & Rocks Farm Loop, nestled in the beautiful Blue Mountains and home to orchards, wheat fields and wineries known for Syrah, Grenache, and Cabernets whose unique, expressive

taste is due partly to the cobblestone terrain the grapes are grown in, which drains faster and allows roots to plant deeper Don’t miss the chocolate creations at Petits Noirs, who infuse their truffles with complex notes from the area – from lavender and oak chestnut to cabernet Then kick up your heels in Pendleton, living proof that the Old West is alive and well

For picture-postcard views around every turn, head towards La Grande and take a self-guided tour of the Cove-Union Farm Loop. Cove is the land of big prize cherries and home made apple pies, and the Cherry Fair, held every August, is worth planning a trip around A goat dairy, century farms and ranches, bountiful gardens, the Victorian-era town of Union and old-fashioned mercantiles round out the experience of a place where time stands a little bit still

Sure, we can bring our ha est to you. But it’ll taste a whole lot better if you come on out here and pick it yourself.

NEW YORK CITY

January 22 - February 9

CHICAGO

January 26 - February 8

DENVER

February 23 - March 4

Restaurant we ek s

Restaurant weeks are important to foodies that enjoy culinary diversity on a more reasonable budget In participating cities, restaurants and chefs come together with local chambers and organizations to provide a week of prix fixe menus and seasonal selections to provide to customers These menus usually feature some of the restaurants’ best-sellers and the idea of the restaurant week i n itself, brings in the money that would otherwise be lost to an average check

During restaurant week, foodies get the best of both worlds: a chance to try a restaurant they’ve had their sights on, and the opportunity to try many

more without breaking the bank. Going out to eat all week long has never been more enjoyable or affordable

This winter, head to major cities like New York City, Chicago, and Denver for the biggest selection of restaurants Hundreds of different eateries participate, and dinner prices will range from $20 to $80 or more, depending on the quality you ’ re searching for Local dining in a variety of neighborhoods around the cities provide smaller, more comfortable menus, while the big city streets will be focusing on showcasing the best of the best

Brunch and lunch menus are also available, but most city restaurant participants are not revealed until the week before the events begin In New York City, the winter restaurant week will begin on January 22 nd and run until February 9th

Reservation options will open up on January 8th, so be sure to check with the NYC Restaurant Week organization in January for your official dining guide Most restaurants will not be offering their prix fixe menus on the weekends, so your best bet is to plan a reservation during the week for the best prices and menu items. Each menu comes with approximately 2-3 appetizer choices, along with 3 entrée options, and roughly 2 dessert selections Reservations, especially for the NYC Restaurant Week, are highly recommended, as most food enthusiasts will be planning their restaurant travels around this event

The Chicago Restaurant Week will be in its 11th year by the beginning of 2018, and the event will start on January 26th and go until February 8th. Celebrate the kickoff of Chicago Restaurant Week at the First Bites Bash, produced by Choose Chicago In the Grand Ballroom on the Navy Pier, more than 60 different restaurants will be serving up their best creations These bites are tastings, both of the sweet and savory kind, and are paired with different local craft beers, wines, and even spirits and specialty cocktails The event officially starts off the Chicago Restaurant Week with a bang every year, so it is a great way to sample those restaurants you ’ ve been wanting to try.

enver for the Denver Restaueek, happening on February and running until March 4th his will be the 14th annual restaurant week in Denver, and most of the restaurants will be featuring multicourse dinners Reservations for the Denver Restaurant Week are also highly recommended, along with dining earlier than you may be used to Dive into the meal of your dreams at places like The Pig & The Sprout, the Bacon Social House, Root Down Denver, The Way Back staurant, and so many others e restaurant week particie serving up everything from modern eggs benedict, to u and fried chicken with goat cheese biscuits!

THE PIG & THE SPROUT

ViSiToRs SaVoR CuLiNaRy DeLiGhTs In Downtown Hendersonville

NoRtH CaRoLiNa

W h e n H e n d e r s o n v i l l e, N o r t h C a ro l i n a , w a s e s t a b l i s h e d i n t h e m i d1800s, one of its founders decreed t h a t M a i n St r e e t s h o u l d b e w i d e e n o u g h t o t u r n a r o u n d a c o a c h pulled by four horses Although the horse-and-carriage days are over, that wide, winding Main Street cont i n u e s t o b e n e f i t t h e B l u e R i d g e Mountain town

Downtown Hendersonville boasts 2 4 i n d e p e n d e n t r e s t a u r a n t s , a n d several of them offer alfresco dini n g o n t h e s p a c i o u s s i d e w a l k s . N e v e r B l u e, a t a p a s - s t y l e r e s t a urant with worldly flavors, rolls up its g a r a g e - d o o r f r o n t o n p l e a s a n t e v e n i n g s D i n e r s e n j o y p o w e r f u l cocktails, creative tacos and decadent desserts topped with housemade ice cream.

Postero, another Main Street standout, presents New American fare that is both familiar, yet innovative The chicken and waffles is garnished with foie gras maple syrup, and kimchi rémoulade tops the lunchtime burger The menu changes seasonally and showcases local ingredients.

International flavors abound in the heart of downtown Mezzaluna specializes in wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas Although its menu is Italian, its craft beer lineup is heavy on local labels. Just up the street, Umi serves fresh sushi and sashimi, and several bento boxes for those who want to try a little of everything Sol Y Luna combines the cuisine of California and Mexico for flavorful entrees and killer margaritas.

As shoppers peruse the boutiques, gift shops and galleries along Main Street, they enjoy midday snacks from several downtown eateries The sweet smells wafting from McFarlan Bakery have drawn in customers for more than 80 years Homemade apple turnovers, bear claws and cake doughnuts keep customers coming back Newcomer HVL Donuts packs a lot of flavor into its tiny space with a walk-up window Its artisan doughnuts come traditionally glazed or topped with such unexpected additions as bacon crumbles or a bourbon glaze.

For more information about these Hendersonville restaurants and other downtown attractions, go to www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org or call (800) 828-4244

MeZzAlUnA SpEcIaLiZeS In WoOd-FiReD PiZzAs AnD HoMeMaDe PaStAs

Chances

Where do you want to be?

JANUARY 19 – FEBRUARY 3

(ACTUALLY 16 DAYS!) BRUNCHES, LUNCHES AND DINNERS $15 TO $35 FIXED PRICES

2018

Baltimore County, MD

WINTER RESTAURANT WEEK

Local restaurateurs identified the slowest weeks in the winter and summer, and coordinating with the Office of Tourism and Promotion, the County’s Restaurant Week was created in 2010

T h e 2 0 1 8 w i n t e r p r o m o t i o n m a r k s t h e 1 5 t h Re s t a u r a n t We e k i n B a l t imore County, and the promotion has g r o w n e a c h t i m e - t h i s p a s t s u m m e r m a r k e d a n a l l - t i m e - h i g h w i t h 6 7

s t a u r a n t s participating

altimore County Restaurant Week features a variety of estaurants to suit every taste nd budget From fine dining and fusion to family dining and pubs, one can enjoy 16 days of diverse “meals and deals ”

Reservations can be made through the County website, y ng a restaurant directly For a full list of participating restaurants and menus, go to: www BaltimoreCountyRestaurantWeek com

With great meals at reduced prices, guests can eat at several restaurants throughout the 16-day promotion This is a great opportunity to enjoy delicious deals at some favorite restaurants and to try some new ones at a discounted price

O n e w e e k i s n o t e n o u g h t i m e f o r p a t r o n s t o v i s i t s e v e r a l B a l t i m o r e C o u n t y r e s t a u r a n t s a n d e n j o y “ m e a l s a n d d e a l s , ” s o t h e p r o m ot i o n i s s p r e a d o u t o v e r t w o w e e ke n d s a n d t w o f u l l w e e k s o f g r e a t d i n i n g

Re s t a u r a n t s a r e b i g b u s i n e s s i n B a lt i m o r e C o u n t y A c c o r d i n g t o d a t a f r o m t h e Re s t a u r a n t A s s o c i a t i o n o f M a r y l a n d , i n 2 0 1 6 t h e f o o d s e r v i c e t r a d e w a s a 1 6 b i l l i o n d o l l a r i n d u st r y i n t h e C o u n t y, p r o v i d i n g j o b s f o r 2 7, 2 4 7 p e o p l e i n 1 ,6 0 0 e a t i n g / d r i n ki n g e s t a b l i s h m e n t s

Re s t a u r a t e u r s a r e h a p p y t o o f f e r great meals and deals for this 16-day p e r i o d S a l e s a r e a l w a y s u p S e rvers, chefs, suppliers, and most of all the pa trons – all enjoy a great time for a great price! Many restaurants g a i n h a p p y, r e t u r n i n g c u s t o m e r s after Restaurant Week is over

heritage corridor, iL

Joliet Area Restau rants

invites foodies to their communities

A culinary celebration of flavor is happening along Route 66 – just outside of Chicago The restaurants of Joliet and some of its surrounding areas are hosting their second restaurant Week event from February 18 – 25, 2018 Over 30 restaurants are expected to offer great deals on flavorful meals, including some restaurants located in Joliet, Morris, Wilmington, Channahon, Shorewood and Lockport

This year ’ s celebration includes some new participants – and carnivores will definitely rejoice Joliet’s MyGrain Brewing tops the list, along with nearby Final Cut Steakhouse are joining this year ’ s celebration And with Al’s Steakhouse, Morris Chop House, and

“

The Reserve Steakhouse coming back, there are some great steak options that will be calling your name

If seafood is the taste of the day, Big Fish Bar & Grille and Pesciolino Osteria are definite destinations you will want to visit Hamburgerseria and Cross Street Grill offer great burgers and other sandwiches Maybe you ’ re thinking about some cocktails - Tin Roof Joliet, Embers Tap House and Port Noir Wine & Martini Bar have the right recipe for you

Joliet is just a short drive from Chicago, with plenty to do and experience You can easily turn the tri p into a mini vacation, taking in some Route 66 history at the Joliet

Area Histo cal Museum nearby W ton’s Gemini Giant Nearby concert venues include the historic Rialto Square Theatre and the new The Forge (the latter also serving lunch Restaurant Week specials) Take in a great deal at some of the casino restaurants of Harrah’s Joliet and Hollywood Casino Joliet, then hit the tables or slot machines

To see all of the restaurants participating in the upcoming Joliet Area Restaurant Week, please visit JolietAreaRestaurantWeek com To make your culinary adventure a little bit longer, see the sights that are available at HeritageCorridorCVB com

The restaurants of Joliet and some of its surrounding areas are hosting their second restaurant Week event from February 18 – 25, 2018.”

an d trai l s FoodTrucks

Food Trucks and trails are all about their foodie travels

Whether you ’ re in the mood to make a road trip out of your foodie excursions and try out the top food trails of America, or if you ’ re more into the food coming to you on wheels, complete with a restaurant-quality flattop, these two brightly shining stars of the culinary world are yours for the taking – or ordering, that is

Food trucks have come a long way from serving up boiled hot dogs and paper-wrapped sandwiches If you ’ re in the mood for a unique food truck that tops almost all the rest across the country, head to Nashville for some outrageous grilled cheese creations The Grilled Cheeserie food truck is serving up some classic favorites, and some new spins on the classic itself Specialty melts, kettle chips, salads, and even a milkshake bar make this food truck unlike any other

Run by a Le Cordon Bleu trained chef, the Grilled Cheeserie is not only a local favorite, but a food truck that Americans across the states are raving about They have been featured on the Food Network’s hit series Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and they have been voted the “Best Food Truck” six years in a row by The Tennessean Be sure to check them out online for the full menu and the truck’s route

One of the most popular menu items is the pimento mac & cheese melt The melt is served with house made pimento cheese, a local cheddar variety, macaroni (of course!), and tomatoes and bacon bits, all on country sourdough bread. For a sweet treat melt, try the Campfire S’more, with a toasted smoked sugar marshmallow, Nutella sauce, and a salted honey graham cracker crumble on a brioche bun

Perfect for a winter meal, order the harvest melt, which consists of a double-cream brie melted

burger Trail has been voted time and time again into the best food trails of America, alongside the Hoosier Pie Trail and the Texas BBQ Trail

The green chile is practically its own food group in New Mexico, so it comes to no surprise that putting it on a cheeseburger made all the sense in the world Traditionally, the green chiles are roasted slowly and perfectly to provide a subtle, hearty, mildly hot flavor The pairing of this simple chile with a cheeseburger is otherworldly, and has both locals and tourists coming back year after year

over roasted turkey, maple roasted squash, and topped with a pumpkin seed pesto on a multigrain bread You can also make your own melt however you’d like to build it Choose to pair your melt with one of their delectable milkshakes for the full effect You can’t go wrong with the classics, but if your sweet tooth is really screaming, try the hopscotch shake, made with vanilla ice cream, house made butterscotch, fresh banana for flavor, and brown sugar caramelized bananas for richness

For those of you who would rather make a road trip adventure out of finding the best food, you’ll want to head to the Southwest for the best green chile cheeseburgers you’ll ever have in your life The New Mexico Green Chile Cheese-

There are over 200 different restaurants nominated to be on the trail, and roughly 60+ that are mapped, so trying them all in a single trip is hardly realistic However, there are a few stops that you shouldn’t miss, no matter what!

One of those stops in particular is the Owl Bar & Café They have been grinding their own burger meat, searing up the buns, and preparing their own secret green chile sauce for years It is no wonder that their Owl Burgers are world famous For $5 95, you can order and try what has been described as the best green chile cheeseburger on the planet by many reviewers Don’t miss out on their green chile cheese onion rings, either!

THE HEART OF IoWa

PELL A, IA

The heart of Iowa is the perfect setting to enjoy the common thread that binds us all together – FOOD! We all know that food is the cornerstone of a good time so there is no better way to jump into the culinary culture of our area than to enjoy the fruits of our labors The diverse communities of Oskaloosa, Leighton, Pella, Knoxville and Pleasantville will immerse you in a variety of nuances in culture and taste From apples to zucchini, from breweries to bakeries, from old world recipes to new food innovations, there are many delights to tickle your palate’s fancy

For this reason, we have developed our A to Z Foodie Trail to showcase many of our award-winning food and beverage offerings The tasty items on this trail are bursting with local flavors that are unique to Central Iowa

You will get to taste everything from A to Z including Blonde Fatale Beer from Peace Tree Brewing Company, Chocolate Wooden Shoes and Tulips from Van Veen Chocolates, Dutch Letters and St Nick Cookies from Jaarsma Bakery, Gouda Cheese Curds from Frisian Farms Cheese House, Iowa Wines from The Wijn House, Leighton Brats from Leighton Locker, Mayan Mocha Martini from A & P Pub and Northcote’s Bigfoot Tenderloins from Northcote Meats

More stops include: Oskyfizzante Wine from Tassel Ridge Winery, Pigs in the Blanket from Vander Ploeg Bakery, Queen Bloody Mary from The Cellar Peanut Pub (a national award winner!), Summer Sausage & Dried Beef from In’t Veld’s Meat Market, Genuine Pella Bologna from Ulrich’s Meat Market, Windmill Wheat Flour from Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Mill, and finally, Yoga Poser Pale Ale from NoCoast Beer Company

Keep your ears – and appetites - tuned for South Central Iowa’s own A to Z Foodie Trail!

www.visitpella.com

College

T own s

When it comes to the best college towns, we ’ re not focusing on the academics, or the sports, or even the cost of living We’re focusing strictly on the food. Every college kid needs a fun and quick place to grab a bite to eat in between grueling study sessions, but for those of us who have long since graduated and are still looking for that familiar foodie scene of our college days, San Louis Obispo is the place to visit

The central California city has been called many great things, but being ranked as one of the best college towns in America is more a matter of fact than opinion There are tons of different cafes and coffee shops to grab an authentic brew in, and the streets are lined with plenty of outdoor seating spaces, perfect for reading a book or enjoying lunch with a colleague

San Louis Obispo just has a naturally relaxing aura about it The “good vibes” feel you get while walking down the street just lets you know that whatever eatery or café or market you choose to stop in at, will be heartwarming and pleasant

SCOUT COFFEE COMPANY

THE SLO BREW CO

hello

Foodie FUN TOWN

Just a few Manhattan, KS

Radina’s Bakehouse

227 Blue Earth Plaza

radinascoffee com

Bluestem Bistro

1219 Moro Stree

bluestembistro com

The Chef

111 S 4th Street

thechefcafe com

Bourbon & Baker

312 Poyntz Avenue

bourbonandbakermanhattan com

dellaVoce

405 Poyntz Ave

www.dellavoce.com

The food is definitely an important part of this ranking, as it has to showcase fun dishes that are both innovative and easy to get to One of those places is the Scout Coffee Company, where locally-roasted coffee and homemade baked goods will start every morning (or late-night study hall) off right The SLO Brew Co is the best place to grab a local craft beer and a plate of out-of-this-world nachos. Beer selections range from the original brew (a local favorite), to the Wave Wrangler IPA or the Reggae Red Ale The restaurant is open late, which makes for fun gatherings any time

The large and impressive menu will knock your socks off with choices like the smoked pork and papaya tacos, and the beer on beer brownie sundae, made with stout chocolate brownie mix and a SLO Brew craft beer gelato with IPA caramel sauce The pork green chile nachos are definitely a must-try item, however. This shareable plate comes piled high with pork, green chile, cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and you can even add a fried egg!

ChIcAgO’S NoRtH ShOrE

Evanston, IL

Just north of Chicago along the shores of Lake Michigan, Evanston enjoys the benefits of its proximity to Chicago and its wealth of culinary offerings make it a unique college town in the Midwest Home to Northwestern University, Chicago’s Big 10 team, brings visitors to this legitimate destination for gastronomes It is easily accessible via car or the city’s famed elevated “el” train Its most popular restaurants reflect both its urban and suburban qualities Highlights include:

Te r r a & V i n e , f r o m f o r m e r “ C h e c k , P l e a s e ! ” h o s t A l p a n a

S i n g h , f o c u s e s o n s h o w c a s i n g M e d i t e r r a n e a n c u i s i n e , s p e c i f ic a l l y e m p h a s i z i n g i t s I t a l i a n i n f l ue n c e s T h e r e s t a u r a n t b e n e f i t s f r o m S i n g h ’ s e x p e r i e n c e a s a m a s t e r s o m m e l i e r, f e a t u r i n g a n i m m a c u l a t e l y c o n s t r u c t e d w i n e l i s t ( terraandvine com)

E d z o ’ s B u r g e r S h o p , a s m a l l s h o p w i t h o u t m u c h c u r b a p p e a l b e l i e s b r i g h t f l a v o r s i n s i d e Loc a l s l o v e i t f o r b u r g e r s m a d e f r om hand- patti ed beef, hand- cut f r i e s , a n d s h a k e s i n f l a v o r s l i k e s p i c y M e x i c a n c h o c o l a t e ( edzos com)

A t H e w n , b a k e r s m i x t h e d o u g h b y h a n d , s h a p e a n d p l a c e i n t o b a n n e t o n s , l e t i t r i s e o v e r n i g h t and bake in the early morning A d i z z y a r r a y o f p a s t r i e s m a t c h t h e l a r g e s e l e c t i o n o f b r e a d s (hewnbread com)

B o l t w o o d m e n u h i g h l i g h t s i nc l u d e g r i l l e d s w o r d f i s h a n d e xt r e m e l y a d d i c t i v e c r i s p y p o t a t o e s B a r t e n d e r s c r a f t i n v e nt i v e c o c k t a i l s (boltwoodevanston com)

B l i n d F a i t h C

offerings (blindfaithcafe com)

Peckish Pig, located right on Evanston’s border with Chicago, takes a unique spin on the brewpub concept Offering approachable items as well as adventurous surprises, coupled with a dozen housebrewed beers (thepeckishpig com)

Found Kitchen & Social House is a restaurant with a mission Its rustic American dishes change with the market and season and are served in a relaxed, creative atmosphere inspired by 1920’s Bohemian Paris (foundkitchen com)

EVANSTON, ILLINOIS

e s t of

BBQ

We have learned that the best BBQ doesn’t come from a certain place on the map, but from certain souls who pour every ounce of their love into what they’re serving up. This is completely true when speaking about the Texas owner and pitmaster of Cattleack Barbeque, Todd David After 30 years of being in the disaster restoration business, Todd decided to leave it all behind for his one true passion that remained on the back burner for so long: good BBQ

Todd says, “just like Cadillac is known for its high-quality cars, Cattleack Barbeque is known for its top-notch, fall-offthe-bone, melt-in-your-mouth smoked meats ” Cattleack Barbeque backs its slogan, “Branded the Best,” with every plate of BBQ they serve up

Cattleack Barbeque was featured on Incredible Edible America with the Dunhams on Food Network, and is surely rising to the top of the BBQ chain in Texas Jeff Dunham called Cattleack’s signature Toddfather sandwich “traditional Texas barbeque done perfectly ” The Toddfather is a mile-high sandwich featuring some of the juiciest, fattiest, tastiest brisket around, along with a perfectly smoked hot link and juicy, tender pulled pork

You can easily order take out from Cattleack’s, or dine in for a great meal with great company Try the homemade sausages, brisket, or the beef ribs paired with mac and cheese, loaded baked beans, cheesy jalapeno grits, or classic greens. Order the Crack Cake for dessert and you won’t be disappointed

CATTLEACK BARBEQUE

When you’ve spent over 80 years in syrup... tradition tends to stick.

Since

29 8 1

It’s not just for

anymore...

www.AndersonsMapleSyrup.com

Escaping Wi nte

r’s Ch i l l

From Florida to the Turks and Caicos, escaping winter’s flurry fury has never been easier, or more tempting. No matter if you have peace and quiet in mind, or a raging good time with the entire family, these beaches are top-rated for a reason! See what each of these stunning shorelines have to offer.

Clearwater Bea ch, Florida

CLEARWATER BEACH, FLORIDA

Clearwater Beach steadily maintains its strong reputation of being one of the best beaches in the entire country In just under a three-mile stretch, Clearwater Beach packs in a ton of entertainment, a wide variety of lodging accommodations, and a whole lot of soft sand to lay on and soak up the sun

Clearwater Beach received the recognition of being number one on the list of “Top 10 Travelers’ Choice Beaches in the U S ” by TripAdvisor Clearwater Beach was also named “Florida’s Best Beach Town” by USA Today The area has earned its name as being amongst the elite when it comes to the beaches, but perhaps even more so when it comes to the attractions

Rent jet skis, take a dolphin-watching cruise, step aboard a pirate ship for dinner, or rent a boat of your own for a day of unsupervised fishing in open water Travel to a nearby island and go exploring, take your sweetheart for a cocktail at a beachside Tiki hut, or head to the aquarium for a fun-filled day with the kids With so many things to do and see, it’s no wonder why families keep coming back year after year The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a hotspot because of the celebrity dolphin that calls it home Winter, the aquarium’s resident dolphin, was behind the inspiration for the book and film, Dolphin Tale Winter was rescued after losing her tale in a crab trap, and was given a new prosthetic tale, which she now thrives with Going to see Winter the dolphin, during a vacation where you ’ re essentially trying to “ escape ” winter – oh, the irony!

During the winter months, you can expect mild, dry temperatures between the 60s and 70s This type of weather is perfect for enjoying a nice walk on the beach, or even sunbathing on a warmer day The summers usually provide late afternoon showers, so the winter time truly is perfect for making the most out of your trip You will never care if you see snow again once you have experienced a weekend in beautiful Clearwater Beach!

CORONADO BEACH, CALIFORNIA

Coronado Beach is also among the highest of ratings when it comes to the beautiful beaches of the United States The Travel Channel ranked Coronado Beach as fifth on the list of “Best Beaches of America ” The word Coronado means “the crowned one ” in Spanish, thus the city got its nickname: The Crown City

Coronado Beach, which is also referred to sometimes as Central Beach – due to its location – begins at the popular Hotel del Coronado Known simply as “Del” or “Hotel Del” by the locals, the famous hotel was made so by being featured in films, such as Some Like It Hot

with Marilyn Monroe A number of celebrities also choose to vacation here, making the area in itself something magical and luxurious Main access to the beach is also near the hotel, which makes for a beautiful backdrop as you get to park and walk to the sand There are free parking areas all along Ocean Boulevard, so you won’t have to worry about purchasing a day pass

Coronado Beach moves north and ends at Sunset Park, where dog lovers can bring their canines for a day of fun Also called Dog Run Beach, all dogs here get to roam free, so get

ready for enormous splashes of both water and excitement

Even though Coronado Beach only stretches just over a mile, there are plenty of things to do The beach itself is very flat and smooth, so picnicking or laying out to catch some sun comes with an easy setup Try your hand at surfing – it’s quite popular here You may notice bonfires in the winter months as well, as the hotel hosts bonfires with music The weather is perfect, the water is gorgeous, and the people exuberate joy and relaxation Come take a walk along Coronado Beach, and see for yourself !

The beach itself is very flat and smooth, so picnicking or laying out to catch some sun comes with an easy setup

Visit the

River Area

Discover our Local Flavors...

27th Annual Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival

January 18th - 21st, 2018

www.FrogLegFestival.com

3rd Annual ShrimpFest & Craft Brew Hullabaloo

March 16th - 18th, 2018

www.ShrimpFestFL.com

3rd Annual Sebastian Lionfish Fest

May 18th - 20th, 2018

www.SebastianLionfishFest.com

Why choose between food and fun when you can have both? Savor the natural splendor, rich history, and unique & delicious flavors of the Sebastian River Area! Stroll our beautiful riverfront adorn with restaurants and marinas offering fresh local catches and brews. Enjoy diverse and unspoiled waterways along with preserves and refuges. Explore museums and art galleries, beachcomb for treasure, or just enjoy the river breezes.

www.SebastianChamber.com

GRACE BAY BEACH, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS

Grace Bay is the epitome of indulgence in a tropical paradise This is a true escape, but one much farther away from home If you ’ re looking for this kind of winter getaway, Grace Bay is the place to be. Located in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Grace Bay is well known for its array of luxury resorts, exquisite shopping opportunities, and fine dining experiences Not to mention – the beach is beautiful!

The Turks and Caicos is a British Overseas Territory that is made up of a cluster of coral islands, which classify the area as an archipelago The islands sit just north of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and southeast of the Bahamas Grace Bay is the gem of it all, with pristine shorelines that stretch for twelve miles

For a more exotic beach activity, get your scuba gear and certification, and head for the barrier reef on Provo’s north shore Provo is the island on which Grace Bay Beach sits The barrier reef is over a dozen miles in length, and provides one of the best atmospheres for scuba diving in the world Some diving charters will provide the course you need to be able to go on the trip, but make sure you research which services will be taking you where, and what exactly you’ll get to do While some don’t include scuba diving, they do take you snorkeling, and also provide lunch, drinks, and an incredible boat ride through the stunning, bright-blue water

At Grace Bay Beach, you will enjoychampionship golf courses, five-star

resorts, dinner right on the beach, designer boutiques and shopping districts, authentic eateries, and of course, the amazing views This is a trip worth planning if you ’ re looking for the ultimate tropical winter holiday

Whether you just need a quick getaway or a longer stay in paradise, these beaches will provide all you need to destress and unwind Brush away the snow flurries, kick off your boots, and start packing your sunscreen and swimsuit – it’s time to escape winter’s chill!

Discover

Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Unique Cuisine Culture

Peppered among 23 miles of soft beaches, eight distinctive beach towns, and 300 miles of inland waterways, Greater Fort Lauderdale has a dining culture like no other Whether you are a culinary traveler or just a parttime foodie, you’ll love exploring the diverse and innovative cuisine scene that ranges from island-inspired fare to brunch temptations to the best local craft brews and burgers ever

Because this is the “Venice of America,” you’ll find a number of dock-and-dine restaurants where you can arrive by boat and dine alfresco with intracoastal waterway views

Try BAO Bar + Asian Kitchen, 15th Street Fisheries and Billy’s Stone Crabs. At Boatyard restaurant, enjoy hook-to-table Floribbean cuisine, the freshest daily catches, and their legendary Bimini Bread while relaxing under the gumbo limbo tree.

In Greater Fort Lauderdale, brunch is more than bottomless mimosas (But, yes, there are definitely bottomless mimosas.) It’s an opportunity to explore where sweet and savory run amok, like the tempting Baked Brie in Puff Pastry with Lavender-Scented Honey served at OCEAN2000 Make weekend plans with your choice of exciting brunch menus at American Social Bar & Kitchen, Burlock Coast, Foxy Brown and S3

wide eyes

Shooters Waterfront, Fort Lauderdale

This mix of cultures, cuisines and scenery is what makes Greater Fort Lauderdale so appetizing.

Sometimes, the good food finds you Monthly events at Hollywood’s Arts Park and Fort Lauderdale’s FATVillage Art Walk, as well as the Food Truck Invasions at area parks, bring mobile menus of all sorts Keep your eyes open for trucks like Conch Shack, King of Racks BBQ, Dough Dough’s Donuts and Buenos Nachos, serving cuisine as cool as the trucks themselves

This mix of cultures, cuisines and scenery is what makes Greater Fort Lauderdale so appetizing Vegan and vegetarian dining destinations include Sublime Restaurant & Bar and Woodlands Indian restaurant Enjoy casual fare and craft beers in the heart of nature at Park & Ocean inside Hugh Taylor Birch State Park And get immersed in organic farmto-table dining at Market 17, serving fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced by Executive Chef Lauren DeShields at local farms

If low-key is more your appetite, there are many outstanding local spots that serve up unique experiences and tastes Craft coffee roasters, bakeries, green markets, whiskey bars and of course, craft beer breweries You can tour some of the most popular breweries by Water Taxi, bus even a cycle

party, where you can peddle your way with 15 of your closest friends

In February 2018, Greater Fort Lauderdale and the “SOBE Crave GFL Series” will once again be in the spotlight during the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival Past events have featured celebrity hosts Neil Patrick Harris; Valerie Bertinelli; and restaurateur, Iron Chef and Cooks vs Cons host Geoffrey Zakarian plus more than a dozen other top chefs, celebrity authors and foodies This time, expect hot, new events and delicious happenings Learn more at sunny org/cravegfl

If all of this is getting you inspired, you ’ re going to love Crave Blue GFL TV, the destination’s new online foodie series, now streaming on Hello Sunny TV Host Blue Arauz, Yelp Community Manager, takes viewers on a tasty journey through Greater Fort Lauderdale Watch now at sunny org/tv

WHATEVER YOU’RE CRAVING,

COASTAL CUISINE

WINTER SEAFOOD FAVORITES

Searching for something delicious in the seafood realm this winter season? Look no further . We’ve found the best in upcoming festivals, where to go to shuck 80,000 pounds ofoysters withfamily andfriends, andwhichrestaurants are serving up the best chowders in New England Whether you ’ re up for a full day of fun or a just quick bite to eat, these winter seafood favorites are more than mouthwatering

giving back and lending a helping hand wherever we can really helps to put us all in the right state of mind Being grateful for what we have, and celebrating life together, are what the holidays are all about

Crawfish for Cancer is a celebratory event that makes all the sense in the world to attend February is National Cancer Prevention Month, and March is Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, with

the form of burgundy ribbons

rapidly approaching, now is the o start learning about this event, rs to those suffering from canmultiple myeloma Multiple s a cancer of the plasma cells ition raises your plasma cell bnormal levels, which in turn afmmune system, bones, kidneys, your red blood cell count The founder of Crawfish for Cancer, Lt Colonel Lorenzo Mayo Crowell of the U S Air Force, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and ultimately passed away from the disease

Planning your attendance in the coming months has never been easier, as more and more cities around the country are joining in participation for the event So far, crawfish are boiling up practically year-round in nine cities,

with more following in the coming years

Crawfish don’t have a true “ season, ” so the movement from city to city makes this event both easy to navigate and hard to turn away from Every batch of the delicious crustaceans is boiled up with a blend of special seasonings, corn, potatoes, and authentic sausages You can expect every bite to be other-worldly, as these boils are cooked up by the best chefs from all over Louisiana When you grab a plate and taste the mouthwatering recipes, you’ll undoubtedly be looking for the opportunity to solidify your spot in the other upcoming boils

Crawfish for Cancer is coming to Atlanta, Boston, Charleston, Chicago, D C , Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco Check out wwwcrawfishforcancerorg for event dates, ticket information, entertainment lineups, and more

Lowcountry Oyster Festival

The coastal towns of South Carolina have long been well known for their impeccable seafood creations, and their overall ability to deliver the freshest inventory to anyone looking for the best in everything from filets o f s e a s o n a l fi s h , t o o y s t e r s b y t h e p o u n d Head to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, in J a n u a r y t o e n j o y t h e Lo w c o u n t r y O y s t e r Festival – the largest oyster festival in the world!

O n S u n d a y, J a n u a r y 2 8 t h , y o u b e t t e r g e t ready to shuck over 80,000 pounds of fresh oysters – but not by yourself, of course! The Lo w c o u n t r y O y s t e r F e s t i v a l h a s b e e n l abeled as one of the must-attend festivals in the Southeast, and each year, festivalgoers will enjoy a variety of entertainment while they sample the premium oyster selection

Tickets are around $20 per person, and VIP tickets will cost you about $100 General admission will get you around the entire festival without a problem, but if you ’ re really here for the food, you’ll want the VIP ticket

That $100 will end up being very well spent, as you make your way to the VIP tent for truly all-you-can-eat oysters, unlimited access to a variety of other dishes at the festival, and of course, unlimited beverages to wash it all down Food is not included with general admission, but vendors are lined up inside the festival, selling oyster buckets, local brews, and plenty of other festival-themed foods

The festival is being held this year at the Boone Hall Plantation Even if you ’ re not an oyster fan, there are plenty of other local restaurants that set up shop during the festival to bring you all the foodie favorites from around t he Charleston and Mount Pleasant areas With beautiful weather in January, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to walk along the South Carolina shorelines, and explore the Boone Hall Plantation, which is a piece of history and a visit-worthy site all on its own

The Chowders of New England

When we hear the word, “chowder,” most of us automatically think of that loveable warm bowl of traditional clam chowder There’s nothing better than coating your soup spoon with that thick, creamy base of salt pork and potatoes, followed by bits and pieces of the region’s freshest, sweetest clams Clam chowder, however, is not the only star of the New England chowder family

If you ’ re looking for one of the best restaurants in the area that’s got several different “chowdahs” on the menu to try, head to Newick’s Lobster House in Dover, New Hampshire Newick’s started as a tiny takeout spot for a quick meal, but has since grown into a rather busy restaurant and a true local favorite Take your pick from five delicious chowders There’s always the traditional clam chowder of course, served both ways: thin or thick

The thick broth is creamy comfort food at its finest, loaded with clams and diced potatoes The thin version is a soupier New England style broth that pairs with the clams nicely for a rich flavor and clean aroma Go for the fish chowder if you ’ re not feeling clams, or the seafood chowder for a bit of everything The seafood chowder at Newick’s is considered to be a top contender in the best of all the New England chowder recipes It is said that the chowder has to be made off-site because it is that big of a hit The seafood chowder is thick as well, and is layered with the bold New England flavors we all know and love, including chunks of Maine lobster and a hearty hint of bacon to round things out Locals like to order extra bits of lobster on top for a real treat

Foodies are no longer in search of an upcoming seafood festival to attend, or a simple local chowder joint to enjoy Feast on thousands of pounds of fresh oysters, crack tons of crawfish with friends, or have a bowl of hearty winter stew that will surely warm you up

sp ht

Everyon several order to to be a

These that, by thing from the design of your nap kin, to the sauce that tops your entrée There is no detail left to the wind, no leaf untouched, no lid left closed, when it comes to the expertise and culinary passion that chefs Michael Beckman and John Sundstrom have

terested in this line of work while he was a student at the University of San Francisco After studying for years in several front-of-the-house programs, Beckman earned his Bachelor’s Degree and headed out in search of new culinary ventures

ench style of cookd himself in Geneva, he honed in on his o spent two years center bistro After he door, he set out to accomplish a life-long goal: to be a part of a 3 Michelin Star restaurant. For the next two years, he worked under the wings of several highly-acclaimed Meilleur Oeuvriers de France instructors, where he served as an apprentice, and eventually got to cook under well-known chef Thomas Kellermann

PALM SPRINGS, CA

Beckman finally returned home to California with a new culinary outlook and a perfectly seasoned set of cooking skills. Beckman then opened his hit restaurant, Workshop Kitchen + Bar With his love for cooking, and his sleek, urban style, Workshop Kitchen + Bar has turned into one of the most talked about restaurants in the area

Walk into the establishment and you will notice the floor-to-ceiling concrete, which somehow gives off warmth and welcomes the cozy dining atmosphere Any other design concept would scream the opposite, but Beckman has made it work, developing the space (which was once an old movie theater) into a modern-style mancave of sorts, complete with a royal communal table, and a courtyard inside The contrasting design, mixed with the traditional elements, such as the cathedral ceilings and the minimalistic, eco-conscious layout, make for one of the most interesting spaces that you will probably ever dine in. That being said, it comes to no surprise that Beckman’s Workshop Kitchen + Bar earned the 2015 James Beard Award for design

Once you glance at the menu, you will be

tempted to enjoy large-format entrees like the prime aged 18 ounce ribeye, which is grilled over a wood fire and served with roasted cipollini onions, and topped with a composed bone marrow butter If you are in the mood for something lighter, try the farmers’ market spring vegetables, which consist of lobster mushrooms, baby turnips, garnet yams, Chinese log beans, young artichokes, and a butternut squash puree, topped with green chili and a fermented garlic Cool your palate with the harissa yogurt that comes with t he dish

In the mood for simple snacks and drinks with friends? Order some of the small plates, such as the shaved brussels sprouts, or the market selection wood-fired pizza The brussels sprouts are served with apricot, cherry, and pepitas, with a balsamic and olive oil dressing. They're also topped with pecorino Romano for a bit of richness

No matter what you’re ordering while you are in Workshop, you will be more than satisfied The menu is blended perfectly by Beckman’s skills, and the atmosphere ties every element of your dining experience together

SEATTLE, WA

John Sundstrom is another worthy chef Sundstrom began honing in on his love for the culinary world by training at the New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, Vermont Before this training, Sundstrom took on an apprenticeship for 4 years under chef Yasuyuki Shigarami, a classically-trained and highly disciplined chef in Japanese cuisine and sushi

When Sundstrom graduated, he moved around to work in some of the most prestigious resorts and restaurants in the country, including: Club XIX, a restaurant in the Lodge at Pebble Beach, and at the Stein Ericksen Lodge

Sundstrom has spent time in Japan, where he explored exploring the cultures, taste, and technique behind Japanese food After all of his adventures, he found himself making his way to Seattle, Washington He stepped foot in the city with a full set of unparalleled culinary skills and a desire to bring excellence to his customers in the form of simplistic, yet intelligently modern and fun

John Sundstrom is now one of the most renowned chefs in the Seattle area He has received many awards for best cuisine, best chef, and more Sundstrom has been featured on Food Network’s FoodNation with Bobby Flay, where he shared several recipes with Bobby Flay himself In 2003, Sundstrom opened Lark Restaurant, where he serves artisan-focused cuisine that certainly pays tribute to his cultured background

Lark is an establishment that works with local farmers, foragers, and resources to make sure that each plate that arrives on a customer’s table is filled with the freshest, finest ingredients Start with classic small plates from Sundstrom at Lark, like the purple kale salad or crispy beef tongue T h e s a l a d i s p a i r e d w i t h g o l d e n r a i s i n s , p i s t a c h i o s , a n d Asian pears, and topped with a creamy lemon dressing The crispy beef tongue is a more southwestern style dish, with tomatillo and salsa verde, and a puree of mayocoba beans Give in to the dessert menu if you dare, where you’ll order treats like the cookie dough semifreddo It is served a s a m i l k j a m w i t h h o t f u d g e, b a c o n l a c e, a n d a p e c a n streusel!

I t i s n o w o n d e r w h y t h e s e c h e f s a r e i n t h e s p o t l i g h t They’ve studied for years, perfected their skills, and are ready to serve you the meal of your life Next time you ’ re i n t h e a r e a , m a ke s u r e y o u p u t t h e c u l i n a r y s p o t l i g h t o n these gastronomical geniuses!

Goody Goody Burgers is another iconic Tampa brand specializing in all-day breakfast as well as burgers, sandwiches and pies The original restaurant, opened in 1925, was one of the first drive-ins east of the Mississippi River It closed in 2005 After having been purchased by Richard Gonzmart and the Columbia Restaurant Group in 2014, the restaurant reopened in Hyde Park Village Its crowd-pleasing menu includes the signature POX burger (served with pickles, onions and a tomato-based special sauce) and butterscotch pie Conveniently, there is a second location at the Tampa International Airport, in Airside C

In another historic transformation, Tampa Bay’s most popular steakhouse started as a humble luncheonette called Bern and Gert’s Little Midway. In 1956, Bern and Gert Laxer moved into Beer Haven on South Howard Avenue, and Bern’s Steak House opened its doors Ever since, Bern’s has been known for its stellar steaks, spectacular wine list and the Harry Waugh Dessert Room, which features a menu of nearly 50 decadent desserts

MEETS MODERN

JUST LIKE THE CITY ITSELF, TAMPA BAY’S CUISINE SCENE SERVES UP AN INSPIRED MIX OF OLD AND NEW.

The Tampa Bay dining scene is as diverse as the city’s history, dating back to the late 1800s, when just over 700 people lived here From its humble beginnings serving local cigar factory workers to today’s innovative chefs, Tampa Bay’s dining scene embraces its history and caters to the most forward-thinking foodies

Withstanding the test of time.

When the Columbia Restaurant opened in Ybor City in 1905, the main draw was its Cuban sandwiches and café con leche More than 100 years later, the same family still owns the restaurant now the oldest in Florida and it still serves its original sandwiches and coffee, along with an extensive menu of Spanish and Cuban favorites

TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA

cent and remarkable ef Greg Baker and his wife, Michelle, introduced mpa Bay to pork belly (before it was popular) when ey opened The Refinery in 2010 The constantly hanging, rule-bending menu exceeds expectations ith dishes like Sunflowers Several Ways, made with very part of the sunflower Critics have noticed too: The Refinery made the short list for the James Beard Foundation’s Best New Restaurant award in 2011 and has been listed in Zagat’s Best Restaurants since opening

Sitting proudly on the Tampa Riverwalk, Ulele has been welcoming a non-stop stream of guests to its outdoor patio and expansive indoor space since 2014 Its popularity has as much to do with its it does with ingredients indigenous to the area ’ s waters and farms Be sure to try the charbroiled oysters, pompano, grouper and Fresh from Florida beef Beer drinkers delight in the restaurant’s on-site Ulele Spring Brewery

New in town

Armature Works, also located on the Tampa Riverwalk, blends historic and modern with the fun food hall environment that is gaining momentum in the United States The 1910 Armature Works building was originally a trolley barn for the city of Tampa Today, the mixed-use space features the Heights Public Market, a community food hub: freshly prepared foods, meats and cheeses, pressed juices, beer, wine, specialty cocktails and desserts are enjoyed in a communal setting

The Hall on Franklin is another noteworthy newcomer Whether you are in need of a pick-me-up in the morning, a fun place to hang out late at night or even a table (all the furnishings in the Hall are available for purchase), The Hall on Franklin is an experience like no other just like the rest of Tampa Bay’s dining scene

Be SuRe To TrY ThE ChArBrOiLeD OyStErS, PoMpAnO, GrOuPeR AnD FrEsH FrOm FlOrIdA BeEf

homegrown Pueblo Chiles

Pueblo, Colorado

Pueblo, Colorado is well known for our unique casual dining Our homegrown Pueblo Chiles spice up everything from traditional American dishes to authentic Mexican cuisine, but, did you know we are also home to a host of fine dining restaurants as well?

That’s right! Pueblo has a variety of fine dining options including the historic Cicerelli’s Park East Restaurant and Steakhouse on Goodnight Avenue While the Park East Building is historic and rich with Pueblo history, the Ciccarelli family brings a new twist to classic dishes One such item on the Park East menu is the Blue Crab & Spinach

fondue, a plate that combines grilled roasted garlic and Spanish Piparras Inside the Pueblo Historic District on South Union Avenue you will find La Forchetta da Massi, an upscale Italian Restaurant specializing in Northern Italian cuisine A guest favorite, the Squid Ink Pasta, pairs well with a Corn Pie dessert Massi, head chef and owner, crafts incredible Italian dishes that oftentimes have a bit of a spicy flair a tribute to his wife who hails from Cuba For fine dining with a view, check out The Place Eatery along the Pueblo Riverwalk; patio seating opens up to an outdoor atmosphere unlike any

other While there, make sure to order one of the numerous gelato flavors, made in-house and fresh every day Also in the historic downtown district is DC’S on B Street, an eclectic bistro known for creative daily specials. Pueblo’s newest addition is 21 Steak

This latest upscale Riverwalk chophouse will feature a unique atmosphere centered on the 1921 Flood, a historic event in Pueblo So, when planning your next trip to Pueblo, save your green chili slopper for lunch and try one of our many fine-dining restaurants for an unforgettable Southern Colorado experience!

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The Trendy

Traveler

Whether you’re looking for information on the best time to plan your next vacation, or simply want to know how the experts do it, we’re covering all of the wheres, whys, and hows when it comes to the trends of the travel industry.

Where?

you are landlocked) Staying somewhat in their area allows travelers to take a simple train ride, or drive themselves, to cut down on transportation costs In the road trip category, coastal vacations have become quite popular, from taking a simple ride down the shorelines, to grabbing a food trail map and heading for all of the different selected eateries

Traveling for festivals and events is also high on the list, where families, couples, and groups of friends make an entire vacation out of a single festival They center their trip around the

rips to nearby towns o make their stay feel

ric trips much more back into both mainking family vacations now usually include exploring and getting outside, rather than doing an expensive trip to a theme park, although those are still popular during the summer breaks

Younger travelers are choosing local trips, bed & breakfasts, and unique stops along the way to make their vacation into a scavenger hunt of sorts, for the quirkiest places they can find Immersion into the local community is what it's all about now Explore, live, stay, and eat like a local for the best vacation, and you will be the trendiest of all the travelers

When?

O f f - s e a s o n i s i n - s e a s o n I n r e c e n t y e a r s , t r a v e l e r s h a v e b e e n t a k i n g t i m e t o e x p l o r e t h e i r t r a v e l b u c k e t l i s t s i n t h e o f f - s e a s o n Ra t h e r t h a n h e a d i n g i n t o t h e i r p r e f e r r e d d e s t i n a t i o n i n p e a k s e a s o n , w h e n e v e r y o n e e l s e i s t h e r e, t r a v e l e r s a r e o p t i n g f o r b o o k i n g a s t a y w h e n t h e a r e a i s n ’ t s o p o p u l a r

This is not only a good idea if you are hoping to have more personal space, especially at a park or in a m useum, but this is also better for those who are among the more frugal of travelers Off-season trips are cheaper as far as hotel and lodging rates go, and the main attractions are usually more accommodating as well

Any time of year is great for traveling, and most travelers are using their vacation days to destress Whenever you

a r e f e e l i n g t o o o v e r w h e l m e d w i t h y o u r d a i l y r o u t i n e i s w h e n y o u s h o u l d s t a r t p l a n n i n g a v a c a t i o n t o e sc a p e Yo u w i l l c o m e b a c k f e e l i n g r e f r e s h e d a n d r en e w e d

A l o t o f p e o p l e t h i s y e a r h a v e b e e n t a k i n g s o l o d es t r e s s t r i p s Ra t h e r t h a n f o c u s i n g o n g e t t i n g t h e e n t i r e f a m i l y t o g e t h e r, t h e y a r e p a c k i n g a s m a l l b a g a n d h e a d i n g o u t f o r a d e s t i n a t i o n t h a t t h e y h a v e n e v e r s e e n b e f o r e S o l o t r a v e l i s b e c o m i n g m o r e a n d m o r e p o p u l a r I f y o u h a v e t h e t i m e a n d o p p o r t u n i t y, t a k e a s o l o tr i p a n d c o m p l e t e l y i m m e r s e y o u r s e l f i n t h e c u lt u r e w h e r e v e r y o u g o Yo u w i l l m e e t t h e m o s t i n t e re s t i n g p e o p l e , a n d y o u w o n ’ t h a v e t o f o c u s o n w h a t o t h e r s i n y o u r g r o u p w a n t t o d o , s o t h e t r i p w i l l b e e xc l u s i v e l y a l l a b o u t y o u

How?

As a trendy traveler, how should you go about planning and executing your next vacation? Pack light, plan for transportation and lodging ahead, and don’t plan any specific itinerary until you get there Packing light is quite the trend now, as more and more people are taking advantage of smaller suitcases, and even backpacks that they can keep on their person

Of course, traveling with just a backpack isn’t always the option, but the key here is just simply packing the essentials You will want to save money and time by packing less, and doing more Always have your lodging and transportation mapped out ahead of time A lot of travelers are their own travel agents, so it is up to each individual to come up with where they will stay, and how they will get there Do your due diligence when it comes to shopping around for the best prices – this is why traveling in the off-season is the best option!

When you arrive, the trendy thing to do is to dive head first into the local community and find out personally from people what the best places are to check out, along with the where the best food, drinks, and entertainment are If you leave it up to the guides, that’s okay, too But stay on trend and get a little edgy – mingling with new people is the most exciting part!

Traveling while being eco-friendly is also an extremely hot topic As you are moving around from place to place, you want to make sure that you are leaving the tiniest carbon footprint possible This means that if you are taking a road trip and you have the opportunity to carpool or take public transit to reach your destination, then do it If you can get by on foot or by renting a bike – rather than a car – then choose that

Traveling to a remote location, or planning an outdoorsy trip? Definitely go for the eco-friendly method You will make more friends that way, and you will feel better about your overall vacation, knowing that you succeeded in spending very little money, and harming the environment very little

When it comes to traveling with the trends, we may not always meet the standards Some of us enjoy our traditional vacations, and that’s okay! But, if you ’ re looking for fun, new ways to get out in the world, then these chic tips will definitely keep you in the loop

SESQUICENTENNIAL THE

Canada is known for its beautiful lands and friendly people, but this year, Canada is celebrating 150 years of these wonderful attributes that make it such a great place to visit The significance of the years gone by actually represent the 150 years of Canada as a Confederation. The original term “federation” is more accurate, but Confederation caught on nonetheless

The Canadian Confederation is the term used to describe the union between the British colonies of Canada with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. On July 1, 1867, these areas became known as one under the Dominion of Canada This entire year is about celebrating the 150th birthday of the unity of the lands, but the love of Canada spreads over timeless travels. You can continue the celebration with Canada by planning your next trip to our northern neighbor, and see what amazing wonders she has to offer

“Start with a helicopter tour of Niagara Falls. Of course, there’s nothing like being face to face with the falls, but for such a popular attraction, a helicopter tour is certainly a unique way of visiting.”

For true immersion into the Canadian wilderness, head to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada Winter is the perfect time to explore this beautiful park, which has well over 2,000 square miles to explore Established in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest park, and one of the most popular to visit among tourists and locals alike Each year, Banff National Park receives over three million visitors

The amazing clusters of snowcapped peaks from the Canadian Rockies provide an awe-inspiring backdrop, perfect for those who are willing to hike for the ultimate photograph Tremendous valleys and extreme terrain are well worth a weekend in the park alone – don’t forget to look up at the Northern Lights before you zip up your tent for a night’s rest! Calm lakes make Banff National Park enjoyable to all who enter, whether you are looking to fish or simply admire the turquoise-blue water

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is perhaps the most visited, and most adored lake of the park During the winter season, try something new, and ride horses across the frozen water As the snow flurries fall around you, and the carriage glides over the ice, you will feel like you are in a true winter wonderland

Sometimes it is hard to enjoy every bit of the land when you are out and about, especially in a place as big as Ca nada Spend your time here in the air, rather than on the ground, where you will be able to take in miles of beauty all within minutes

Start with a helicopter tour of Niagara Falls Of course, there’s nothing like being face to face with the falls, but for such a popular attraction, a helicopter tour is certainly a unique way of visiting The Niagara Falls Grand Helicopter Tour is just around $100 pe r person, and consists of a 20-30 minute ride around the collection of impressive falls As you fly over wine country, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, you will receive panoramic views unlike any other you have ever seen

If you have already been to the famous Niagara Falls, and are looking for something different, try a seaplane tour A seaplane tour is a little bit longer, and many tours cover multiple areas We recommend taking the seaplane tour that laps over scenic views of Vancouver and Victoria There are even tours that include a whale-watching experience For roughly $300 per person, you will hop aboard the seaplane in downtown Vancouver You can choose your own departure times, which make this trip both convenient and an overall amazing experience Once you take off, you will tour the busy harbor and view Vancouver’s stunning landscape As you head away from Vancouver, you will be overtaken by enormous mountain peaks that dot the coastline Once your seaplane tour ends at Victoria, you’ll step out and immediately board an ocean cruiser for your whale-watching excursion!

On the cruise, you will make your way through fish-infested waters – perfect for attracting orcas, also known as killer whales Get your camera ready! As you move along in the cruise, look for sea lions, whale pods, seals, otters, and tons of other wildlife Each cruise is professionally guided, so you won’t have to wonder where you are or what you are seeing – your guide will be sharing interesting facts and history tidbits all along the way

Some of these tours are seasonal, so you will have to research which cruises are available in the winter months, but many offer special group deals, so plan your next tour with a larger group for added discounts!

If the city is more your style, you will definitely want to make your way to Old Quebec Old Quebec is a historic neighborhood in Quebec City, and is comprised of two “towns:” Lower Town and Upper Town Old Quebec is known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so expect gorgeous buildings, impressive architecture, and lots of interesting things to do and see

The French impression in Old Quebec is classic, and it has been said that the atmosphere makes visitors feel “like they are in Europe ” You will notice plenty of similarities, from the narrow streets to the old-world buildings The neighborhood is located along the banks of the St Lawrence River and is brimming with tiny boutiques, artisan shops, and little gourmet cafes

The Upper Town sits (fittingly) atop cliffs that reach nearly 350 feet in height Upper Town is extremely well developed to host tourists from all over the world, all year long The streets are lined with many local artists showcasing their works In Upper Town, you will find that the main bulk of attractions are within the historical sites and museums The Lower Town is home to original settlement, and the famous Château Frontenac, the best luxury hotel in Quebec City

“The French impression in Old Quebec is classic, and it has been Said that the atmosphere makes visitors feel like they are in Europe.”

Whether you ’ re looking for complete immersion in nature, an overview of the entire land from a bird’s point of view, or a timeless escape into a European-style city, you can’t go wrong with these vacations to celebrate the sesquicentennial of Canada’s Confederation!

THE HALIBURTON

HIGHLANDS are centrally located between the dynamic metropolis of Toronto and the world famous Algonquin Provincial Park, only two and half hours from either Toronto or Ottawa

Haliburton Highlands, Canada

Haliburton Highlands is a year-round destination offering an exciting array of things to do and see Visit anytime and you will be treated to some of the best food and beverages available anywhere From east to west, north to south each quadrant of the Haliburton Highlands has a distinct and delicious version of their very own local

ple syrup – this is not to be ssed Who can pass up sh local breads, bagels, ms and preserves? Make it driving tour based on findg the best eats Pick up ome sweet treats from a cal bakery and enjoy them ith locally-roasted coffee here is a wide variety of roducts available, some made from local grains grown right here in Halibury Some businesses also offer delicious gluten-free options for those with special dietary needs While you are here be sure to take the time to enjoy some of our famous micro-breweries and wineries, savour the flavour and then take a little bit of Haliburton home with you to remind you of the experience Prefer to dine out? We offer a variety of fresh,

scrumptious options to suit everyone

The Haliburton Highlands are centrally located between the dynamic metropolis of Toronto and the world famous Algonquin Provincial Park, only two and half hours from either Toronto or Ottawa

The back-drop in the Haliburton Highlands is second to none; beautiful lakes, rivers and streams, hills, trees and crisp, fresh air make coming here is something you will long for, year after year From east to west there are thousands of kilometers of trails designed for year-round fun Accomodations are unique, fun and easy to find The entire area offers yearround events and a relaxed culture

We invite you to slow down, and come wander our way!

AuthenticallyCANADIAN

SAFE TRAVELS [

Whether you’re taking a simple weekend vacation a few states away, or you’re traveling to a foreign country, you must maintain your safety andhealth Getting sickwhile on vacation is no fun, and neither is feeling scaredandvulnerable in an emergency situation Make sure you’re packing the essentials, and thatyour health is in tip-top shape before heading out on your next adventure!

PACKING

How you pack your clothes is up to you, but you should be aware of the possibilities of losing important documents that you ’ re packing in with your wardrobe If you ’ re traveling abroad, for example, you will want to leave a copy of your important stuff, like your passport and any other travel documents, with a friend or relative that you can contact in case of an emergency

You should also make several copies of your important documents and pack one in each piece of luggage that you ’ re taking with you This decreases the probability of losing that one piece of luggage that has your life – literally – in it With several copies, you eliminate the bulk of the problem, and always have a copy on hand, in case anything goes wrong

Though these situations may seem rare, they are much more common than most of us, as travelers, realize, so being prepared is never a bad idea Even if you ’ re a seasoned traveler and you ’ ve been to many countries many times, and nothing horrible has ever happened, don’t take your good luck for granted It only takes one time to completely strand yourself in a foreign country

Make sure you research the airports that you’ll be flying in and out from, so that you ’ re able to confidently pack without having to wonder if “this or that should be in a clear plastic bag ” Packing the essentials is a must, but refrain from packing a bunch of extras that will weigh you down – you’ll end up paying more at baggage check-in for the weight of things you didn’t use If you ’ re traveling by boat, train, or car, you’ll want to check the rules and regulations for liquids, weapons, and any other tricky items, as travel regulations vary depending on your mode of transportation

If the car you ’ re traveling in is your own, then you must set rules for yourself before setting out, like making sure the car has had an oil change and tune up, checking the tires, and packing any extra tools you may need, such as a spare tire, jumper cables, a flashlight, etc , if the car breaks down or has any other issue

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation is one of the most important aspects of traveling No matter what mode of transportation you choose, you are depending on that to get you safely to and from your destination Whether it is a conductor, pilot, captain, or you ’ re driving yourself, there are many things that have to take place in order to take off Be patient with your transporters, and when driving, always foll ow the rules of the road

Some travelers like to do things last minute – this is not the best way to go about your adventures Plan ahead of time, and make sure you book your tickets in advance Those that stand by and wait for seats to open up or come in at the last second for possible discounts, run the risk of not making their trip at all It is much better to have everything purchased, booked, and in order before you go Do your research on different airlines before just going with the first one you find, as many of them run seasonal deals and offer points for certain residents

When flying, cruising, or taking a train, you will be amongst other travelers There is a certain travelers’ etiquette that should be followed Do not leave trash behind when you leave, be prepared to help others if you take a seat in an emergency exit row, and do not invade other people’s personal space Sometimes, transportation quarters are tight, so you may be right next to someone Be courteous and allow for even leg and arm room – you ’ re both going to have to make the best of it

“Some travelers like to do things last minute – this is not the best way to go about your adventures . Plan ahead of time, and make sure you book your tickets in advance.”

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ILLNESS PREVENTION & AWARENESS

The first thing you should do when it comes to illness prevention, is to research your destination Make sure you know exactly what viruses are going around in the area, and stay up to date with the local news of that region The more you know about a place, the better

Keep records of your immunizations, and prepare to get preventative shots and medications if you ’ re trave ling to a place that warns of possible diseases Airports, terminals, stops, and ships, all carry hundreds of people at any given time, and they are all coming from dif-

ferent parts of the country and/or the world Even if you ’ re not traveling out of the country, it is still highly possible that you will become ill after or during your travels Wash your hands thoroughly after touching public railings and handles Always carry disinfectant with you It is a good idea to take an immune booster a day or two before your trip as well, to help prevent the transmittance of any viruses

Pack yourself a small medical bag to be on the safe side This should include basic cold medicine, a copy of your last physical and shot records, and any vitamins or medications you take normally Having this “just in case ” bag f or yourself and those who may

be traveling with you will come in handy more than you know Whether your throat starts to feel scratchy, or you simply have a headache, carrying these items along will make your travels easier

Traveling to new places is exciting You will create some of the most priceless memories of your life during your travels This is why it is so important to make sure that you are staying safe and healthy on your adventures From hiking the Appalachia, to exploring the historic neighborhoods of London, to walking along a beach on a Caribbean island, these safe travel tips will help you make the most of your next vacation with ease, so that all you have to focus on is having the time of your life

Grapevine, TX

Whether you ’ re looking for a quaint town to enjoy Christmas lights in, a beautiful resort to call home for the holiday season, or a nationally-recognized Christmas celebration, you’ll find all you need and more in these beautifully-decorated holiday towns Known for their fantastic holiday celebrations, they’ll wow you with what they’ve got to offer You won’t want the holidays to come to an end!

Grapevine, TX

Grapevine is known as the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” and for good reason Grapevine celebrates the magic and wonder of the Christmas holiday with more than 1,400 different events that span well over a full month Getting started as early as the Thanksgiving holiday, and running all the way through the rest of December and into the New Year, Grapevine has everything winter and Christmas-theme d to enjoy Check out original life-sized ice sculptures, monuments, and even slides, presented by the Gaylord Texan Resort ICE! at Gaylord Texan puts these creations on display for guests –which are made from a modest two million pounds of ice

The Great Wolf Lodge puts on quite an event during the holidays, called Snowland Snowland transforms the lodge into a winter paradise, with a real-life gingerbread house that you can enjoy a meal in, as well as tons of classic and modern decorations, a Santa Claus visiting station, North Pole inspired activities, and so much more Book a decorated family suite for the entire holiday season, and receive great rate options, as well as your own personally-decorated rooms You’ll have all of the holiday essentials, like a decorated Christmas tree, garlands, twinkling lights, and even a special milk-and-cookies visit by a surprise Great Wolf Kids character

Historic Downtown Grapevine will leave you in awe as you stroll down Main Street in search of the perfect holiday gift for your loved ones Enjoy the decorations throughout the town that truly do bring the Christmas spirit to life You may hear laughter and singing as you walk through the streets, which could very well be coming from The Chilly Dawgs These funny, singing snowmen put on a great show all t he way through to January 7th, from 9am to 11pm

Take your chances with a unique western spin on Christmas, as you head to the Texas Star Dinner Theater to watch Dismay in a Manger This interactive murder mystery show features a holiday-style meal, and fun entertainment for the whole family Prices per person for dinner and the show are around $60, perfect for filling up your night with laughter, intrigue, and of course, good food!

McAdenville, NC

For an outdoor vacation you’ll be sure to remember, The beautiful town of McAdenville is known for its annual holiday celebration, Christmas Town USA Running through the month of December, you will be able to experience all McAdenville has to offer – holiday style!

A short drive or walk through the town will allow you to view the many varieties of Christmas light displays that are put up all around the area With parades, festivals, and communal activities throughout the month, there is always something to do to get into the holiday spirit Visit the historic Mill Tower, which will broadcast Christmas music during every festivity Make sure you take pictures of the famous 46-foot Old Man Winter His glowing image awes all who view it, as he blows snowflakes over the lake The lake itself is laced with twinkling trees and wreaths all around

The quaint town’s huge holiday celebration has been featured on Good Morning America, the 700 Club, the MSNBC network, HGTV, and more, so it is definitely an attraction worth adding to your holiday bucket list

McAdenville,

Historic buildings and houses throughout the town are all lit up and you will often see carolers in the streets, singing beautifully as they move from house to house Viewing all of the Christmas lights are completely free, so make sure you book your stay for your next holiday celebration in McAdenville, where the season can be spotted in every restaurant, lodge, and shop in town

Alexandria, VA

If you are looking for a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve party, then come celebrate New Year’s Eve in Alexandria The D C region is family-friendly during this celebration, which is refreshing for the holiday itself This New Year’s Eve, the entire family can enjoy a fantastic fireworks display over the Potomac River

Old Town Alexandria transforms into a gorgeous canvas for more than twenty different venues Look for the many live performances throughout the celebration – there are over 150! Entertainment is provided in a wide range, from blues and Irish music, to old school funk, and even swing! Gather your entire group for some dancing in the street, which starts at the east end of King Street

Expect to stroll through everything from art galleries and historic sites, to boutiques, cafes, and more There are plenty of places to grab a quick bite to eat, or a treat for the children The family fun starts at 2pm, and children can participate in the 8th annual Fun Hunt this coming New Year’s Eve

Tickets for the celebration are between $20-$30, and there are discounts for children and military members

With events like the ThinkFun Family Game Room, Olio-Oil and Vinegar Tastings, memorial tours, and even an old-fashioned carnival, a laid-back New Year’s celebration has never been so fun

The holiday season brings warmth into our hearts, family back into our homes, and love into our lives

The season is all about spending time with one another, enjoying the company that we keep, and growing closer together We are reminded to be thankful for what we have, and these celebration destinations make it easy to take in all of the wonderful things about this time of year Go put the happy in happy holidays, with the help of these amazing towns!

M

tEscapes

T HE PE RFECT W INTE R GE TAWAY

In search of the perfect winter getaway? Look no further From the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Appalachia, to the powder-dusted Rockies and the breathtaking Aspen Mountain, these retreats are the best solution you ’ ve ever come across when searching where to book your next winter vacation

Relax in a hot tub on the hand-built deck of a mountain home overlooking misty blue peaks, go horseback riding in the trails of the surrounding forests, or ski until you drop along the snowwhite mountainsides in Colorado Whatever you ’ re hoping to achieve during your escape, you’ll exceed with ease when you choose either of these extremely acclaimed mountain resorts

THE LITTL E NE LL

Aspen, Colorado

The Little Nell is known for being one of the most luxurious ski-in/ski-out resorts in the Rockies The benefit of booking your stay in a ski-in/ski-out resort is that you don’t have to worry about making transportation plans to get to and from the mountains The resort literally boasts that you can ski right in, and ski right back on out again

Both convenience and luxury are important to The Little Nell, and to anyone looking for a prime mountain escape location The winter time offers plenty of cold-weather activities, and so does the resort, with skiing naturally being the number one choice

Glide down the powder-white Aspen Mountain with all the comforts of 5-star luxury, as The Little Nell team will be waiting for you at each turn to help you with any of your snowboarding or skiing equipment and needs Your lift ticket actually gains you access to playgrounds other than Aspen Mountain, such as Snowmass, Buttermilk,

and Aspen Highlands There are well over 1,000 instructors that are eager to help guide you along, whether you just need to brush up on the basics or you ’ ve never taken part in any activity like this before in your life

The history of The Little Nell is rich, as the lot she was built on is considered to be “hallowed ground ” The name “Little Nell” came from the silver mine days of Aspen, where a single miner named his mine after a particular love interest: a lady of the night From being a summer hunting ground for the Ute Indians, to a miners’ site and a railroad depot, this land has seen it all In 1989, The Little Nell stole the thunder, and has been reigning as a Five-Star, Five-Diamond hotel ever since

Choose from a variety of accommodations, including whether you’d like your suite mountain-side or townside Choose a room overlooking Durant and Spring Streets, or face off with the Aspen Mountain, the Red Mountain Range, or the Continental Divide themselves

“GLIDE DOW POWDER-W ASPEN MOU WITH AL COMFOR 5-STAR LUX

The Little Nell Suite is a perfect choice, as it is a one-bedroom suite that can be connected to neighboring rooms for a larger 23 bedroom space Expect a fully-functioning workspace complete with a personal computer system, hand-selected works of art to please the eye, a wet bar for entertaining, a separate dining area, and two wrap-around balconies for enjoying the fresh air – not to mention the endless wall-to-wall window views of Aspen Mountain

The Little Nell is modern, sleek, seductive, and of course, finelytuned into the world of art White, slick finishes and bizarre pops of color excite guests, but what most won’t take to heart is the fact that each piece tells a story, and many of the paintings and sculptures are created by internationally-acclaimed artists Even the restaurant is a gallery; Element 47 was “designed to include an important collection of contemporary Aspen art ”

Element 47 is where you’ll head for an out-of-this-world dining experience This mountain escape is a step (or 10) above the humbling s ’ mores and fire-roasted hotdogs that we ’ re used to An elegant glass showcase displays an impressive wine collection that will catch your eye in the dining room Modern, sophisticated seating and tableware show off Element 47’s need to impress

Drop by for a quick drink, grab lunch, or sit down and stay a while for a relaxing dinner date Whatever you have planned, Element 47 generously accommodates Get a little personal and ask for a private cellar tasting, if you dare Enjoy award-winning dishes, like the butter poached lobster with corn, tomato, and tarragon – or try the crème de la crème of the menu: The Emma Farms Wagyu This 8 oz steak is paired with spinach, nettles, and pickled onion rings, and must be tried with a side of mushroom risotto!

The style of the vivacious Little Nell will start a fire within you, while the cuisine and hospitality warm your heart A mountain escape has never looked or sounded so good

PRIMLAND

Meadows of Dan, Virginia

There are 12,000 pristine acres to enjoy at Primland, a premier luxury Blue Ridge Mountain resort With everything to enjoy from world-class golf courses and spa treatments, to hunting excursions and plenty of nature trails for hiking or horseback riding You can spend the days fishing and end the nights with a stargazing session Whatever you ’ re hoping to get out of the ultimate mountain escape, you’ll find at Primland

It all started with Didier Primat, the founder of Primland His vision came to life in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and many years later, staff still strive to effortlessly capture Primat’s passion for serving up genuine hospitality with a smile “There are places that touch you in ways both simple and profound Primland is one of these ”

The serene surroundings of Primland are rich with history

Many American Indian tribes have called these peaks home

The tribes’ love for the land, and their sensitivity to its wellbeing, has been instilled into Primland, which is completely evident upon arrival, whether you ’ re there for the hunting trips or the spa The spa itself incorporates American Indian practices into their treatments, such as the Native American Healing Day package This package “blends ground blue corn with native honey” to exfoliate the body After exfoliation, you’ll enjoy a soothing shower and a Harmony massage, followed by time in the Relaxation Room with a seasonal beverage

Stay in the main lodge, made of stone and cedar, where you’ll have your pick of over 20 different rooms If you prefer to stay in a luxurious cottage, the Fairway Cottages offer lavish settings, like hardwood flooring and cathedral beamed ceilings, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplaces, and even private decks The Fairways offer optimal luxury with wide open views of the property Expect to see oversized soaking tubs in the bathrooms, barn-like architecture throughout the home, and impeccable décor to make you feel completely immersed in the land

The Mountain Homes are yet another option, where you can expect an elevated, breathtaking view of the mountains, along with endless options depending on your needs and style A newer addition to the Mountain Home collection is the Flying Squirrel Home, which boasts a 13-sided frame of reclaimed wood This circular look, complete with a wrap-around deck, gives this home a rustic, yet modern feel, while also offering unforgettable 360-degree views of the surrounding land In the Flying Squirrel, you’ll enjoy all of the comforts of home, including a gas fireplace and a fully-equipped kitchen

Looking for something even more unique than that? Try out one of Primland’s tree houses, like the Golden Eagle The Golden Eagle is literally built in the trees of the land, with a beautiful semi-circular deck that overlooks the valleys below Balanced on the rocks and situated in the sprawling oaks, the Golden Eagle is the epitome of a mountain escape

Ski, eat, sleep... Do it again!

Alta’s finest ski-in/ski-out location, unparalleled personal attention, and our tradition of excellence distinguish the Rustler Lodge from the rest Enjoy our amenities, including an outdoor heated pool, indoor/outdoor Jacuzzis, sauna, eucalyptus steam room, spa facilities, full-service ski shop, and the Eagle’s Nest Lounge. Our 85 rooms, all include “heavenly comfy” linens, and range from modest to luxury accommodations Daily rates include a full breakfast and fourcourse, gourmet dinner

Come join us and see why we're ranked #1 in Alta on TripAdvisor!

Spend your time in Primland on the Highland Golf Course for a truly unforgettable addition to your trip An award-winning golf course in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains cannot accurately be described; it must be Considered to be one of Donald Steel’s he Highland course offers a challenging navle providing minimalistic settings The course nked as one of “America’s 10 Best New es ” in 2006 by Travel and Leisure Golf

hether you ’ re looking to ride a bike through he trails, go on a fly-fishing adventure, or simply relax, Primland is a dreamland for those who have searched endlessly in hopes of finding a one-of-a-kind mountain escape

There are many places to escape from the “everyday,” but none that offer up as much peace, scenery, and amenities as a cozy winter mountain retreat Whether you ’ re looking to lap up the luxury with friends, or take the family to a cabin for the holidays, these mountain escapes are nothing short of amazing Highly ranked, op-rated, and wonderfully reviewed, they’ll eal your breath away the moment you arrive

Wintertime

Means Phenomenal Foraging in Western Montana

Looking for the coolest culinary event on earth? You might consider a January jaunt to Greenough, Montana There, The Resort at Paws Up hosts an annual WinterFest celebration, and the upcoming event, held January 25–28, 2018, features the winner of Bravo’s Top Chef 2017 season, Chef Brooke Williamson

As a regular visiting chef to The Resort, Williamson will be headlining three and a half days of i ti t cooking demonstrations, g feasts, tastings with winem Ehren Jordan and evenin filled with live local music She’ll be creating an enticing, mouthwatering menu with help from The Resort’s Executive Chef Ben Jones, a James Beard House headlining chef

Whether you visit during WinterFest or another time this season,

the colder months are a great time to witness the beauty of Montana while dining on fine cuisine

A passionate advocate of the local food movement, Jones sources much of his ingredients from area farmers “I tend to get very comfy in the winter,” Jones says “We have an emu stew for lunch that’s incredible ” For breakfast? “The bison-and-pork-

sausage Gnarly Burger with egg and mascarpone cheese makes for an amazing way to wake up ”

It’s all served against a backdrop of incredible snow-covered scenery The wide-open spaces feel larger in a blanket of white, and the beautiful Big Sky sparkles when it snows Explore 37,000 acres on snowmobile, dogsled or the back of a horse If you decide to try Paws Up’s newest winter activity, kij i , you’ll be pulled on skis by a Call it Norwegian-style “waterg ”

There are also horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, crosscountry skiing, sporting clays shooting, private indoor equestrian lessons, hiking, archery, snowshoeing and, of course, sitting in your own private outdoor hot tub under a starlit sky

Find all kinds of wintery adventure, culinary and outdoor, at pawsup com

Humans Weren’t Meant to Hibernate.

Montana winters may be dreamy, but they’re not remotely sleepy. Now that The Resort at Paws Up is open year-round, you’ll find all kinds of thrilling adventures, from dogsledding and snowshoeing to snowmobiling and skijoring.

When you’re ready to rest your eyes, relax inside your perfectly appointed vacation home, nestled in the pines. Just be sure to set your alarm early, because there’s more wilderness to discover each and every day.

Galesburg, IL

Natchez, MS

Wheeling, WV

Seguin,

TX

Destination AMERICA

Bethesda Fountain

Central Park

Northeast

New York City is the nation’s most populous city;

Nearly nine million people call it home.

New York City is known as a “ power city,” as it has a great influence and impact, both nationally and internationally, on everything from politics to fashion If you ’ ve never visited the mesmerizing city, you need to plan your trip and head for a few of the must-see attractions while you ’ re there

The first stop is Central Park An iconic park, featured in countless movies,

books, and other works, makes for a beautiful introduction to the city The park is nearly 900 acres in area and offers up a ton of different sculptures, memorials, fountains, benches, and gardens for sightseeing

Head to the Bethesda Fountain, which has been completely restored and made into perfect working condition The romantic fountain displays beautiful angel sculptures and its

name actually refers to a pool in Jerusalem that is known to have healing powers

The Conservatory Garden is another great spot to visit within the park, and it is considered to be the only “formal garden” here The garden itself is six acres in area, and divided up into three smaller sub-gardens Each subgarden has a different style: Italian, French, and English The plants and flowers within the Conservatory Garden are seasonal, so you ’ re always going to get a great view

A trip to New York City is not complete without a walk down Broadway and tickets to a show Street tickets will be more expensive, so try to purchase them in advance

Metropolitan Museum of Art

“ The museums are filled with great gifts , so if you’re looking for something special during the holidays , head to one of the gift shops . ”

However, the convenience of being able to walk right up and purchase t i c ke t s t o a s h o w o n t h e s p o t i s amazing, and a tribute to the vibrant, fast-paced personality of the city

If you can’t make it to a show, you’ll at least want to walk down the strip and make your way to Times Square T h e b r i g h t l y - c o l o r e d s i g n s , m o v i n g billboards, and flashing lights will be e n o u g h t o m e s m e r i z e y o u W h e n you look up at the towering buildings c o v e r e d w i t h p r o p a g a n d a , y o u ’ l l surely come to this conclusion: it’s all about advertising!

After coming to this realization, you will definitely want to window shop, s o c h e c k o u t N YC ’ s f a m o u s 5 t h Avenue Here, you’ll get to see the lat-

e s t a n d g r e a t e s t f r o m s t o r e s l i ke G u c c i , J i m m y C h o o, Ka t e S p a d e, Ro l e x , G u e s s , a n d s o m u c h m o r e S a v e a l i t t l e s p e n d i n g m o n e y f o r your trip you ’ re going to need it!

For the addition of education and art, check out the many museums in the c i t y T h e r e a r e s o m a n y e x h i b i t s t o observe that you won’t be able to fit them all in one trip Stop by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), the American M u s e u m o f N a t u r a l H i s t o r y, T h e Guggenheim, and more, for a fantast i c e x p e r i e n c e T h e m u s e u m s a r e fi l l e d w i t h g r e a t g i f t s , s o i f y o u ’ r e looking for something special during the holidays, head to one of the gift s h o p

b o o k- s h a p e d l i g h t s , m o o n l a m p s , kitchenware, and even gifts for children, like fun puzzles and games Be s u r e t o c h e c k m u s e u m w e b s i t e s i f there is an exhibit that you ’ re wanti n g t o v i e w, a s t h e d i s p l a y s a n d events rotate and change often

A t rip to NYC wouldn’t be complete w i t h o u t s e e i n g t h e i c o n i c f e a t u r e s t h a t m a ke t h i s c i t y s o s p e c t a c u l a r. Take a ferry to view the Statue of Liberty, visit the Grand Central Terminal, take a walk to the top of the Empire St a t e B u i l d i n g , a n d r e a d a b o o k i n t h e N e w Yo r k P u b l i c L i b r a r y J u s t a day’s walk around the city will bring you awe-inspiring photos and memories to cherish forever, from observing the phenomenal architecture, to mingling with the locals

Wheeling, West Virginia

“Wheeling Feeling” at Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack and see a show at the Historic Capitol Theatre Find unique shopping at our Centre Market and The Highlands Anyone interested in American history can appreciate Wheeling, since the city served as a pivotal point in both the Revolutionary and the Civil Wars Visitors can see where West Virginia became a state in 1863 at Independence Hall, and the Suspension Bridge also has a lot of history behind it

Here in Wheeling, our culinary community ranges from down-home country cookin’ to fine Italian delicacies, farm-to-table freshness and every scent and spice in between Enjoy unique-to-Wheeling eateries and fine gourmet dining You can even eat like a local with our own style of pizza Or try what Gourmet Magazine claimed as the “the country’s best fish sandwich” at Coleman’s Fish Market Outdoor dining overlooking the gardens of Oglebay at The Garden Bistro, dining in the street with a live concert at Centre Market, a courtyard to enjoy specialty crepes at Later Gator or intimate dining surrounded by wines from around the world at Good Mansion Wines All of these experiences can be yours in Wheeling, West Virginia

Wheeling

Belle Isle Island

Midwest

Detroit is the largest city in Michigan. With a population of almost 700,000 people, there has to be something for everyone to do here, and there certainly is!

While Detroit may not be at the top of most tourists’ bucket lists, it is definitely a city worth visiting There are so many historical sites to see, as well as museums, shops, and nightlife Even a long weekend in Detroit won’t be enough

Visit the Belle Isle Island, located on the Detroit River The island is three miles long and nearly a mile wide, and offers up beautiful park areas, sports

fields, hiking and biking trails, and picnic areas for visitors There are also a variety of indoor attractions on the island, including the Great Lakes Museum, the Belle Isle Aquarium, and the Conservatory When warmer weather arrives again, there is also a beautiful stretch of shoreline for water fun and sunbathing

The Henry Ford Museum is another great attraction located in Detroit The

museum is not solely focused on Henry Ford himself, but also of the milestones that the industry crossed during the years. The museum houses iconic historical pieces, such as the very first Ford ever made, the bus where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, and the car that JFK was assassinated in Along with these historical pieces, you can also view the Driving America exhibit, which is a car show fit for those who consider themselves to be avid car lovers View historical pieces such as the 1931 Bugatti Royale, the Quadricycle, and the Mustang 1 The Henry Ford also showcases plenty of other exhibits unrelated to cars, such as Dollhouses, Telephones, a collection of Henry Ford’s violins, Railroads, Firearms, Modern Glass Art, and more

“Head to Campus Martius Park , where you can enjoy food trucks , local artisan wares and shops , and the featured winter ice- skating rink . ” //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

D u r i n g t h e w i n t e r s e a s o n , d o w nt o w n D e t r o i t i s a n e s p e c i a l l y d el i g h t f u l p l a c e t o v i s i t i f y o u ’ r e l o o k i n g f o r h o l i d a y - t h e m e d , w i n t e r w o n d e r l a n d - i n s p i r e d e v e n t s H e a d t o C a m p u s M a r t i u s Pa r k , w h e r e y o u c a n e n j o y f o o d t r u c k s , l o c a l a r t i s a n w a r e s a n d s h o p s , a n d t h e f e a t u r e d w i n t e r i c e - s k a t i n g r i n k . T h e p a r k w a s r e e s t a b l i s h e d a f t e r a f i r e i n 1 8 0 5 , t o b e c o m e t h e f o c a l p o i n t a n d o v e r a l l c o m m o n g a t h e r i n g p l a c e o f th e d o w n t o w n a r e a I t ’ s n o w o n d e r t h a t p e o p l e f r o m a l l o v e r t h e r e g i o n f l o c k h e r e e v e r y y e a r f o r a c h a n c e t o s k a t e i n t h e r i n k , t a s t e t h e l o c a l f o o d i e c r e a t i o n s , a n d m e e t n e w p e o p l e C a m p u s M a r t i u s , which is from the Latin origin, meani n g “ F i e l d o f M a r s , ” w a s b u i l t t o b e

t h e n u c l e u s o f t h e c i t y, a n d d u r i n g t h e w i n t e r s e a s o n ( a s w i t h a l l y e a r r o u n d ) i t c e r t a i n l y i s

E v e n t h o u g h t h e p a r k i s o n l y j u s t o v e r 2 a c r e s i n a r e a , i t h o l d s g a rd e n s , p e r f o r m a n c e s t a g e s , p l e n t y o f s e a t i n g a n d w a l k i n g s p a c e, a n d o f c o u r s e, a p l a c e f o r t h e i c e - s k a ti n g r i n k E n j o y w i n t e r - t h e m e d e v e n t s , s u c h a s t h e M e r i d i a n W i n t e r B l a s t , w h i c h t a ke s p l a c e o n J a n u a r y 2 0 t h , a n d r u n s u n t i l J a n u a r y 2 2 n d L i v e e n t e r t a i n m e n t , f o o d s a m p l i n g s a n d t r e a t s , a M e t r o P C S z i p - l i n e , m a r s h m a l l o w r o a s t i n g s t a t i o n s , a w i n t e r s l i d e , a n d f r e e i c e - s k a t i n g a r e j u s t a f e w o f t h e t h i n g s y o u c a n e x p e c t t o p a r t i c i p a t e i n d u r i n g t h i s e v e n t

N o r m a l l y, a d a y o f i c e - s k a t i n g a l o n e w i l l c o s t y o u a r o u n d $ 8 , a n d $ 7 f o r c h i l d r e n I f y o u d o n ’ t h a v e y o u r o w n s k a t e s , t h e r e n t a l s a r e $ 3 , s o t a k e a d v a n t a g e o f t h e w i n t e r s e a s o n a n d h e a d t o C a m p u s M a r t i u s f o r a f r e e d a y o f s k a t i n g d u r i n g t h e W i nt e r B l a s t F o r a l l y o u f o o d i e s , m a k e y o u r w a y t o t h e Ta s t e o f D e t r o i t v e n d o r t e n t , w h e r e p l e n t y o f l o c a l e a t e r i e s w i l l b e w a i t i n g f o r y o u t o t r y t h e i r o r i g i n a l r e c i p e s Ta ke i n t h e s c e n e r y a s y o u w a l k a b o u t t h e e v e n t , a n d g e t m o v i n g t o t h e s o u n d s a n d s i g h t s o f m o r e t h a n 5 0 l i v e p e r f o r m a n c e s . C a m p u s M a r t i u s h o s t s m a n y o t h e r e v e n t s t h r o u g ho u t t h e y e a r, s o b e s u r e t o u p d a t e y o u r s e l f w h e n e v e r y o u ’ r e p l a n n i n g y o u r n e x t t r i p t o D e t r o i t !

ChErRy St. BaR AnD ReStAuRaNt

Both Iron Spike and The Packinghouse offer unique spaces to dine The Packinghouse was once a meat packing plant, now converted into top-notch steakhouse The restaurant pays homage to the buildings past with elements of the original plant

GALES BU RG, I LLIN O IS

W h i l e G a l e s b u r g i s m o s t k n o w n f o r i t s r a i l r o a d h i s t o r y, l o c a l s k n o w i t a s a d e l i c i o u s t o w n f o r f o o d To p Va l u e Re v i e w s n a m e d G a l e s b u r g o n e o f A m e r i c a ’ s 3 0 g r e a t s m a l l t o w n s f o r f o o d l o v e r s W h e t h e r y o u ’ r e l o o k i n g f o r a n o r i g i n a l d i s h , s o m e i n t e r n a t i o n a l f a r e , o r a g o o d s l i c e o f p i z z a , y o u c a n f i n d i t i n G a l e s b u r g

Iron Spike Brewing Company is a microbrewery located in a refurbished firehouse Their menu features fresh made flatbreads and delicious burgers The Spike, as locals call it, is a great place to spend an evening out with friends in the Players’ Lounge The Players’ Lounge is home to a golf simulator, pool, darts, and a second bar all upstairs in the old firemen's quarters

Galesburg also has delicious ethnic restaurants Buenos Aires Bakery and Cafe is a taste of Argentina Their menu features Argentinian pastries, alongside savory milanesa sandwiches and empanadas Masa Sushi and Hibachi Steakhouse is the best Japanese food you ’ ve tasted outside the island Koreana is new to Main Street, serving authentic Korean cuisine The area also has several Mexican restaurants, and Haldi Indian Restaurant

Want to experience more food in Galesburg? Stay a while! Try Landmark Cafe, a slice of pizza, secret recipe BBQ, and all of our delicious restaurants Shop the downtown between meals and stay the night in one of our hotels or bed and breakfasts Galesburg has what you ’ re looking for and what you ’ re hungry for

For more information about these delicious eats in Knox County, contact the Galesburg Welcome Center at 309-3432485 or visitgalesburg com

Iron Spike Brewing Company

Chances are this could happen to someone you know and care about.

Sitting pretty on Illinois’ westernmost curve of the Mississippi, Quincy was built on the limestone bluffs and is steeped in history, hospitality, and natural beauty.

Quincy, Illinois

The city is adorned with outstanding architecture and possesses a dynamic cultural & culinary community Its location on the Great River Road is midway between the neighboring historic areas of Nauvoo & Pittsfield, IL Visitors may experience area sights and attractions via curated self-guided driving tours and handy guides

Ripe with culinary options, the Local Fix Culinary Guide outlines 70 delicious lo cally owned spots to satisfy those equally obsessed with food as Quincyans A must is the iconic Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop, home of the “loose meat sandwich”, visited by Food Network’s Alton Brown Food is served diner style, and the “ no tipping allowed” policy affords ample room in the pocket book for a slice of homemade cream pie

A new addition to the guide is the STOUTROUTE3000 - a fun little food itinerary saluting the Great River Road’s 3000-mile course Eateries along the Quincy area ’ s portion of the best scenic drive in America are showcased, with menus approaching 3000 calories per meal at some pretty stout stops The Mississippi Valley Wine Trail is the perfect pairing, weaving the locally made offerings of five wineries together

Explore Quincy's four National Register Historic Districts, presented in the Abundant Architecture Guide of 15 distinct areas of the city Or take a drive on the wild side with the quirky new {Off the Record}, featuring thirteen famous, or infamous, former Quincy area residents It’s a bit on the bizarre, brow-raising spectrum

Quincy is the naturally beautiful and relaxed hub to experience in triguing local flavor and culture, with the advantage of Midwest hospitality and value

Download the complimentary guides on seequincy com or request by calling 800 978 4748

Come Dine With Us...

Tuscarawas County, Ohio takes pride in our growing local food movement. Numerous area restaurants offer farm-to-table and field-to-fork experiences that rival big city offerings. PARK STREET PIZZA and BAHLER STREET PIZZA are proud to strengthen our local economy by buying locally, fresh from the farm, whenever possible! Executive Chef Sherry Schie of SHY CELLARS embraces the seasons and prepares traditional favorites with non-traditional ingredients. And at BREAD HEAD BISTRO, you will find only fresh baked buns and all natural ingredients. Call our offices at 800-527-3387 and visit our website at TravelTUSC.com to learn more about these novel culinary experiences.

Tuscarawas County Convention & Visitors Bureau

In southeast Ohio, there is a place where you would never guess you are in the Midwest.

It is the Hocking Hills, Ohio’s natural crown jewels The landscape was carved by ice age glaciers The result is a geological wonderland of sandstone caves, cliffs, rock outcroppings, and lots and lots of waterfalls

Every season, Hocking Hills takes on a distinct personality; Winter is one of the best kept secrets and offers the most dramatic beauty Cave walls are covered in ice beards, waterfalls freeze in suspended animation and the forest lands are blanketed with snow It is a photographer’s dream

January is also a food lover’s dream, as a dozen locally owned restaurants invite you on the 5th Annual Hocking Hills Comfort Food Cruise January 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28, 2018 these inviting restaurants in the Hocking Hills offer up servings of both sweet and savory classic comfort foods Dishes like biscuits & gravy, meatloaf, berry cobbler, cinnamon rolls and the all-time favorite, mac & cheese, served up along a cruise route that provides a glimpse into the magic of winter in the Hocking Hills

The Hocking Hills Comfort Food Cruise is not only a fun and tasty way to tour the region but also a great way to bring a little much-needed comfort to others Tickets for the Cruise are $18 and $5 of every ticket sold goes to local food pantries Best of all, the Cruise can be guilt free There are many great places to stop and take a hike along the way Burn off the mac & cheese while building up an appetite for the next stop on the Cruise

Tickets are good for all six dates Make a weekend of it and enjoy one of the many charming cabins, many offering great soft season rates Tickets are available online at ExploreHockingHills com or by calling 1-800-HOCKING (462-5464)

LINDSB OR G, KS

Standing on the shoulders of its res o u r c e f u l f o u n d e r s , L i n d s b o r g c o ntinues to artfully blend the new with heartfelt tradition in central Kansas

I f y o u c o m e, s t a r t p e r h a p s w i t h a b e v e r a g e o r a m e a l a t F a r l e y ’ s B a r a n d G r i l l o r T h e S w e d i s h C r o w n Re s t a u r a n t , b o t h o f w h i c h o f f e r weekend specials that include fresh seafood and juicy prime rib At Farl e y ’ s , e a s e i n t o t h e p u b - l i k e a t m o sp h e r e w i t h l a r g e - s c r e e n t e l e v i s i o n s and music inside with outdoor seati n g o p t i o n s A t T h e C r o w n , r e l i s h d e c o r f e a t u r i n g h i s t o r i c S c a n d i n av i a n a r t a n d c r a f t d i s p l a y e d i n v a r ious dining rooms and in its cozy bar

Rest easy at one of Lindsborg’s overnight accommodations Choose a smartly styled space from Lindsborg Va-

cation Rentals With their full kitchens and en suite laundries, the va c a t i o n r e n t a l s m e a n f r e e d o m t o l i v e l i k e a l o c a l A t t h e S w e d i s h C o u n t r y I n n , arise to a Scandinavian-style breakf a s t S i t u a t e d i n L i n d s b o r g ’ s w a l k ab l e d o w n t o w n , t h e I n n ’ s S w e d i s h f u r n i s h i n g s l e n d a c o z y f e e l T h e Ro s b e r g H o u s e s h o w c a s e s V i c t o r ia n a i n a r e n o v a t e d t u r r e t e d h o u s e furnished in fine style Contemporary conveniences such as a private outd o o r p o o l a n d s p a s i n e a c h r o o m complete the Rosberg’s comforts

Le a v e t i m e t o r o a m L i n d s b o r g g a ll e r i e s a n d s h o p s , m a n y o f w h i c h

the joyful world of Scandinavian design and home craft at The Hemslojd, including its personable Dala horses Find meaning and value in the world’s wares at Connected Fair Trade, one of the Midwest’s largest stores featuring high-quality fairly traded goods And if you ’ re lucky, get a little face time with Lindsborg resident and noted photographer Jim Richardson of National Geographic fame His work is featured at Small World Gallery

The kind voices at Visit Lindsborg are prepared to customize a Lindsborg experience for singles and couples as well as meeting, tour and event planners Chat with Holly or Amy at 1-800-227-8687 or see wwwvisitlindsborg com

OtTuMwA,

Iowa

Nestled in the center of Wapello County and the heart of southeast Iowa, the city of Ottumwa pleasantly surprises its visitors – first with the beauty of the Des Moines River that flows through the middle of town followed by the wide variety of things to do Famously known as the home to fictional character Radar O’Reilly of M*A*S*H and actor Tom Arnold who was born and raised in Ottumwa, there are other notables about Ottumwa and the area Those giant foam #1 fingers seen at most sporting events? That’s right, in 1971 Ottumwa High School Student Steve Chmelar constructed the first prototype of the foam finger for the Boy’s State Basketball Finals Or, you can visit the farmhouse made famous by artist Grant Wood’s painting, American Gothic

Market on Main

umwa is home to miles of hundreds of acres of historical museums, an anmuseum, authentic Hisre, art galleries, concert ention and performing arts utdoor aquatic center and

Many of the restaurants are locally owned, having their own story to tell The Iowa Gallivant blogger dubbed Ottumwa “The Land of 10,000 Tacos,” naming Mimi’s Taqueria and Bakery the “2016 Best Hometown Tacos in

Iowa.” The most famous eatery, however is Canteen Lunch in The Alley, specializing in loose meat sandwiches and homemade pies The original restaurant opened in 1927 before moving to its current site in 1936 and was made even more famous when it became the model for the “Lanford Lunchbox” featured in the sitcom Roseanne. The alley where the Canteen is located will host “The Canteen World Loose Meat Sandwich Eating Championship” sanctioned and hosted by Major League Eating on June 2, 2018 It will be an event you won’t want to miss Come for a visit and Let Us Surprise You!

Whether you’re passing through on your way to parts unknown or making this your final destination, let the spirit of Ottumwa draw you in and convince you to extend your stay. From bridges to historic landmarks, wildlife to wild nightlife, Ottumwa has both the unexpected and everything you’d expect from America’s Heartland. Come for a visit, stay for a vacation.

OTTUMWA

West

San Jose, California, is a popular western business travel destination, but brings so much more to the table for visitors traveling for pleasure.

San Jose is the largest city in northern California, and is home to water parks, mystery houses, timeless architecture, and facilities dedicated to the exploration and progression of science and technology Because of the eclectic mixture of attractions, there is something that everyone will find enjoyable in San Jose

For those of you that live for souvenirs and chic shopping districts, you will

have to make it a point stop in Santana Row Santana Row is one of the more popular shopping developments that the locals enjoy as much as the visitors will World renowned designers open their doors and beckon shoppers to come in and marvel at their newest collections But Santana Row isn’t just for shopping gurus The development has a plethora of fine-dining and unique eatery options, along with a movie theater, and plenty of outdoor

seating for people-watching or putting your feet up

Weekly events are always on the calendar for Santana Row, so you never know what you’ll run into, from an allover happy hour, to a doggie photoshoot Your fun in Santana Row doesn’t have to stop when the stores close The development is known for turning into an urban nightlife hub once the sun goes down Enjoy late-night menus, live entertainment, restaurants that magically transform in to swanky nightclubs, and so much more

If you ’ re looking for something completely out of left field, head to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, which hosts the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts on the west coast

Santana Row

Social Robots gallery

“If modern scientific exploration is more appealing to you than ancient history, you have to check out the Tech Museum of Innovation. The architecture, with its signature blue dome, is innovative in itself.”

Venture back in time and explore a tomb replica, along with 4,000 different items from the ancient Egyptian culture Admission is only $9 per person, so if you ’ re looking for something cheap and easy to fill in a few hours during your days in San Jose, this museum is the perfect choice

If modern scientific exploration is more appealing to you than ancient history, you have to check out the Tech Museum of Innovation The architecture, with its signature blue dome, is innovative in itself Journey inside for hands-on learning experiences, like the Social Robots gallery, or catch a film in the IMAX theater At the museum, you can expect to view exhibits and learn about physics, ge-

netics, biotechnology, energy of all kinds, space exploration, and even new takes on human anatomy The museum is always addin g new displays and rotating exhibits, so be sure to check out their website ahead of time if you ’ re hoping for something specific

Architecture fascinates us all, but churches happen to take our breath away when it comes to attention to detail Visit the Cathedral Basilica of St Joseph, which is located right in the heart of downtown San Jose The Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph is a Roman Catholic church that was rebuilt in the late 1800s, after the original adobe structure was damaged by earthquakes and several other re-

builds were destroyed by fires In 1985, the church was finally elevated to a cathedral, and the complete renovation and restoration was finished by 1990 By 1997, Pope John Paul II made the church into a minor basilica, which granted the church certain special privileges Visit the church for views of amazing sculptures, artwork, and ll hit t

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

Tech Museum ofInnovation

Desert Botanical Garden

Southwest

As the capital of Arizona, Phoenix is a great southwestern vacation destination, especially in the winter time when the weather isn’t stifling.

Phoenix is well-known for its beautiful Desert Botanical Garden The Desert Botanical Garden is one out of only twenty-four botanical gardens to be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums The Garden is made up of nearly 150 acres, and over 50 of those acres are under cultivation Nearly 1,000 staff members and volunteers help these gardens remain beautiful and enjoyable year-round, by tending to the 55,000+ displays

that are showcased throughout the property

The Desert Botanical Garden officially opened its doors to the public in 1939

By the early 1960s, a gift shop and visitors center were being added, and the opening of the Galvin Parkway in 1963, provided direct access to the public

By the late 70s, the Docent Program was established, which gave the garden the opportunity to further educate

visitors by offering informative, guided tours Now, nearing the garden’s 80th anniversary, more and more visitors continue to walk the paths of the desert displays, enjoying the unique, vibrant scenery that makes up the southwestern land

If you visit the Desert Botanical Garden during the holiday season, you can expect to see Las Noches de las Luminarias

This handmade lantern-based event runs from November 24th to December 30th, so if you hurry, you can catch the last few weeks Every year, the Desert Botanical Garden lights up its pathways with luminarias, or small Christmas lanterns, which are usually made of paper bags that hold votive candles inside

Las Noches de las Luminarias

Photo Credit: Laura Segall

“ The Rosson House was built in 1895 and is considered to be a museum, where guests may take a guided tour through the property. A tour through the Rosson House will give visitors a glimpse of what the early days in Phoenix were like, along with the history of the town itself.”

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Along with the luminarias, there are thousands of white string lights that illuminate the displays, turning the desert garden into an unconventional winter wonderland

During Las Noches de las Luminarias, you can have dinner in the garden with your family and friends, or take a stroll along the pathways with a cup of warm cider or hot cocoa This year, visitors will enjoy enormous, beautiful sculptures created by the Japanese American artist Jun Kaneko Along with the art and plant displays, you’ll find live entertainment of 10 varieties, including a local favorite: Simply Three Adults can make this part of their next vacation for about $25, if you plan on taking the kids, their tickets will run for $10 per child

s e s a r e n o w q u a i n t b o u t i q u e s a n d r e s t a u r a n t s , b u t a f e w a r e p o p u l a r t o u r i s t a t t r a ct i o n s f o r g u i d e d w a l k t h r o u g h s . T h e m a i n a t t r a c t i o n o f H e r i t a g e S q u a r e i s t h e Q u e e n A n n V i c t o r i a n Ro s s o n

House The Rosson House was built i n 1 8 9 5 a n d i s c o n s i d e r e d t o b e a m u s e u m , w h e r e g u e s t s m a y t a ke a g u i d e d to u r t h r o u g h t h e p r o p e r t y A t o u r t h r o u g h t h e Ro s s o n H o u s e w i l l g i v e v i s i t o r s a g l i m p s e o f w h a t t h e e a r l y d a y s i n P h o e n i x w e r e l i k e , a l o n g w i t h t h e h i s t o r y o f t h e t o w n i ts e l f

I f y o u ’ r e a l l a b o u t t h e h i s t o r y, t a k e t h e V I P V i c t o r i a n S e c r e t s To u r, w h e r e y o u ’ l l g e t e xc l u s i v e a c c e s s t o p a r t s o f t h e Ro s s o n H o u s e , s u c h a s t h e a t t i c , t h a t a r e n ’ t e x p l o r e d d u r i n g t h e r e g u l a r g u i d e d w a l kt h r o u g h A l o n g w i t h V I P a c c e s s , y o u ’ l l h e a r a b o u t t h e u n i m a g i n a b l e d a i l y l i f e s t y l e s o f t h e e a r l y V i c t o r i a n r e s i d e n t s , a n d h o w t h e i r w a y o f l i f e d i f f e r s s o m u c h f r o m o u r s t o d a y A f t e r t h e t o u r, y o u w i l l g e t t o e n j o y r e f r e s h m e n t s p r o v i d e d b y t h e N o b u o a t Te e t e r H o u s e r e s t a u r a n t , w h i c h i s a n a w a r d - w i n n i n g e s t a bl i s h m e n t . T h e s e V I P t o u r s a r e f o r s m a l l e r p a r t i e s o n l y, s o b e p r ep a r e d t o p l a n y o u r t o u r f o r a m a x im u m o f 6 p e o p l e

Real Food Finds in SeGuIn

Authenticity is what you will find in Seguin. Dated back from 1838, Seguin is full of history, hospitality, and rich food You will find something for everyone ’ s palate!

Seguin has a variety of restaurants for everyone ’ s taste buds - from BBQ joints and homestyle cooking to Asian cuisine and authentic Tex-Mex You will also find breweries and a winery nestled within Seguin So feast your eyes on Seguin

On its t hird generation, the family owned and operated Davila’s BBQ offers a variety of smoked meat Their unique bar-b-que recipes have been featured on the Food Network and are worth the trip to Seguin You can also enjoy their

new food truck at numerous community events.

Seguin’s Hispanic culture shines through its food offerings with over a dozen Mexican food restaurants offering traditional Mexican dishes full of spice and flavor Each restaurant has their own spin and you will want to try them all

Need your caffeine kick? The right place for you is in the downtown historic district, Court Street Coffee Shop The owners are proud to serve exceptional coffee roasted by Austin's Texas Coffee Traders, gourmet ice cream, cakes from The Ultimate Cheesecake Bakery, fresh baked goods, an impressive salad bar, and soups and sandwiches

crafted in the coffee shop kitchen

If you ’ re looking for one of the best b u r g e r s y o u ’ v e e v e r f e a s t e d o n , t r y K i r b y ’ s Ko r n e r W h e t h e r y o u ’ r e h a n k e r i n g f o r o n e o f t h e i r h a n d p r e s s e d b u r g e r s o r a s p e c i a l t y s a l a d , w e ’ r e c o n f i d e n t t h a t t h e p r i c e, s e r v i c e, a n d g r e a t t a s t e w i l l h a v e y o u c o m i n g b a c k f o r m o r e.

F i n e d i n i n g c a n b e e n j o y e d a t t h e C h o p H o u s e l o c a t e d w i t h i n t h e Park Plaza Hotel on the downtown square The 100 year-old hotel reopened in December 2015 after an extensive rehab and offers a variety of delicious entrees

Come on in, have a bite to eat, and stay for a while For more authentic eats, visit wwwvisitseguin com

BRENHAM, TEXAS

Halfway between Houston and austin lies a tasty secret.

brenham, affectionately known for many things starting with the letter b, has long been thought of a day-trip destination to see bluebonnets or to get a scoop of blue bell ice cream these days, many more are finding its rolling hills the perfect backdrop for delicious food and wine

brenham is making a name for itself in the wine industry with delightful wineries that dot the countryside surrounding brenham in all four directions award-winning wines made from texas grapes, comfortable tasting decks overlooking the green rolling hills, and the sound of nature in the background – this is what makes a wine tour around brenham so special unique flavors like prickly pear and jalapeno, plus long-time favorites like blanc du bois and cabernet, make for an unforgettable wine tour saddlehorn winery is open daily, while texas star, windy and Pleasant Hill wineries are open on weekends in the summer, the latter two even offer guests the fun opportunity to stomp grapes, just like lucy and ethel!

Visitors and locals happily find soup & sandwiches with mile-high meringue pies for dessert at Must be Heaven, and exquisite flavors blended together in char mingly named menu items at funky art café (and yes, they actually do have funky art)

SoMe SaY ThE MaC ‘N ChEeSe Is So CrEaMy It Ll MaKe YoU WaNnA SlAp YoUr MaMa!”

Photos courtesy of Cargile Photography

It’s time you in Brenham.

Halfway between Houston and Austin is a place filled with unexpected discoveries. In Brenham, you can two-step into the past, enjoy the local wines, get a scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor at Blue Bell Creameries and search for hidden treasures while geocaching. Here, you’ll experience just about everything, except boredom.

Reconnect in Brenham with family, friends and natural beauty.

Nowhere else will you find a restaurant like Dumas Walker Pepper & Pie Company During the week they serve a full country breakfast and spicy Cajun cuisine for lunch And of course, you can find pie there – really yummy pie

If you ’ re one of those who seek out the state’s favorite cuisine, you’ll have no problem finding phenomenal barbeque in Brenham

LJ’s BBQ is truly one of the best They’ve got all your fa vorites, plus juicy pork tacos with homemade aioli sauce and hand chopped coleslaw The smoky brisket is so tender you can cut it with a fork, and some say the mac ‘ n cheese is so creamy “it’ll make you wanna slap your mama!” The owners remember your name when you walk in the door, and that’s what sets LJ’s apart When you discover LJ’s, you become family

Another unexpected discovery in Brenham is Ninety Six West, an upscale gem fused with casual personality Guests can truly relax while sitting outside under the twinkle lights, sipping fine wine and sharing tasty tapas Ninety Six West prides itself on using organic and local ingredients, including beef from nearby ranches, and making every plate look like a work of art

Just around the bend in Downtown Brenham is a farmers market turned beer garden Home Sweet Farm Market & Biergarten is the place to be most nights of the week Live music pairs nicely with the largest selection of Texas craft beer in over a 50 mile radius The owners are ambitious farmers who have flipped Brenham onto its edge by creating a growing nightlife enjoyed by locals and visitors alike

Most of the sweetest pleasures in life can be found in Brenham Cupcakes, choc olate and toffee are the specialties of Bliss Candy Company This little business started by making generations-old toffee full of buttery richness and chopped almonds Then came the chocolates, a dozen varieties of decadent truffles and liqueurs Finally, the cupcakes Every day the owners bake several varieties of cakes, filling and topping them with smooth, luscious ganache and buttercream The favorite is their Sea Salt Caramel creation – the combination of sweet and salty never disappoints

W h e t h e r a s p o n t a n e o u s d a y t r i p f o r p i e, a t w o - d a y wine tour with the girls, or a mid-week retreat with a r o m a n t i c d i n n e r f o r t w o, y o u ’ l l q u i c k l y d i s c o v e r t h a t B r e n h a m i s t h e d e s t i n a t i o n t h a t d e l i g h t s t h e t a s t e buds

The Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta

Southeast

Atlanta is Georgia’s state capital, and is home to some of the most amazing attractions in the country,

along with world-renowned eateries and award-winning displays, from botanical gardens to aquariums and zoos In fact, the largest aquarium in the world is located in Atlanta The Georgia Aquarium is home to over 500 different species from around the globe

The aquarium specializes in both freshwater, and marine tanks, and the facility pumps more than 10 million gallons of

these waters daily Enjoy live sho ws at the aquarium, such as the dolphin show, where you’ll get to see these amazing creatures closely interact with their trainers and even the audience! Those with a SCUBA diving certification can participate in dive programs offered at the aquarium Immerse yourself in a coral reef habitat, or snorkel and dive with sharks! The underwater tunnel offers a full 360-degree view of marine life, where brightly- colored fish

can be seen swimming all around you

The Ocean Voyager tunnel is another great walk-through area, where you will experience the larger underwater variety, such as manta rays, whale sharks, hammerheads, and more

Because of all of the different exhibits, shows, and interactive programs, the Georgia Aquarium is a little pricier than most, but completely worth it, especially if you love the wate r! The Georgia Aquarium has everything you can think of, from albino alligators and beluga whales, to penguins, a giant octopus, and so much more

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is another great place to visit during your trip The garden is located inside of the beautiful Piedmont Park

World of Coca Cola

“ The World of Coca-Cola let ’s you experience a variety of history, art, and interactive exhibits , as you make your way through the facility.”

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The garden takes up approximately 30 acres, and is an outdoor lover’s dream You’ll find everything from begonias and jasmine, to exotic orchids and tropical hibiscus The new Longleaf Restaurant within the garden allows for you and your family to have the perfect lunch, all garden-inspired of course!

There will be a need to brush up on your garden etiquette, especially if you ’ ve not visited a botanical garden before Most rules are expected and of the common-sense nature, but it is always good to make sure you ’ re properly observing the exhibits A full list of rules are available on the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s website, as well as pricing information, closures, and reservations for private events

b e r t o n , w h o w a s t r y i n g t o c u r e h e a d a c h e s i n 1886 by making a syrup that people c o u l d p l e a s a n t l y i n g e s t U p o n m i xing the syrup with carbonation and a bit of water, the mixture ended up turning into what we know today as Coca-Cola!

The World of Coca-Cola let’s you experience a variety of history, art, and i n t e r a c t i v e e x h i b i t s , a s y o u m a k e y o u r w a y t h r o u g h t h e f a c i l i t y. E xplore the Coca-Cola Theater, where a r o t a t i o n o f f i l m s p l a y s h o r t s e gm e n t s f o r v i s i t o r s T h e Va u l t o f t h e

S e c r e t F o r m u l a i s a n o t h e r p o p u l a r attraction, that actually lets you view the very vault that the formula is protected and held in. Definitely check o u t t h e Po p C u l t u r e G a l l e r y, w h e r e you will be able to view a variety of b o t t l e a n d c a n d e s i g n s , a l o n g w i t h original paintings and concepts that d e v e l o p e d t h r o u g h o u t t h e f a m o u s d r i n k ’ s h i s t o r y, s u c h a s t h e C o c aC o l a S a n t a , a n d t h e i c o n i c Po l a r Bear advertisements

T h e r e a r e p l e n t y o f t h i n g s t o d o i n Atlanta, from grabbing a bite of authentic soul food, to shopping, and even touring the city Don’t forget to visit Zoo Atlanta, the High Museum of Art, the CNN Center, and the Mart i n Lu t h K i n g J r N a t i o n a l H i s t o r i c Site

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Layer

GREENE COUNTY,

GEORGIA

Located just a short drive away from the hustLe and bustLe of atLanta is Greensboro, GeorGia.

this charming town is home to beautiful Lake oconee and offers all who enter a taste of southern hospitality we invite you to stroll th streets of downtown and travel back in time as you step into the y terday café for a slice of their famous buttermilk Pie arrive by boat to experience spectacular waterfront views, casual dining and custom cocktails at Gaby’s by the Lake at the ritz-carlton reynolds, Lake oconee make a reservation for two at da corrado ristorante and enjoy a taste of italy with authentic italian dishes passed down from generation to generation stay warm on a cold, crisp fall morning with a hot breakfast and cup of Grassroots coffee from café 44 round up all your friends and head over to the national tavern, located at the heart of reynolds Lake oconee, to indulge in traditional pub food with a unique twist, open-air dining with scenic golf course views, and a spacious porch and fire pit area to relax and unwind with a handcrafted cocktail take a tour of oconee brewing company, housed in a newly renovated cotton mill warehouse, and relax with a cold craft beer all of this and more is waiting for you in one location – Greensboro, Georgia we invite you to escape reality and explore a hidden gem of the south you won’t be disappointed with the endless possibilities Lake oconee has to offer

Outdoor lovers are sure to work up a thirst and Gainesville’s growing craft beer movement is a perfect pairing to a day of exploring nature Swamp Head Brewery and First Magnitude Brewing Company are a couple local favorites with tasting rooms where you can sample seasonal flavors with fellow beer lovers

Downtown Gainesville has a tremendous selection of local establishments within walking distance including The TOP Restaurant, Big Lou’s NY Style Pizzeria, Dragonfly Sushi, Emiliano’s Café, Crane Ramen, and Manuel’s Vintage Room just to name a few

GAINESVILLE aND aLaCHUa COUNTY, FL

“This is Gator Country ” On Saturday afternoons, that phrase and 90,000 screaming University of Florida football fans are what most people think about when they think of Gainesville But there is more to offer than just football, especially as the weather cools and gameday grub gets replaced with local flavors and winter harvests. Located a couple hours north of Orlando, winters in Gainesville feature temperatures in the 50s and crystal clear blue skies with plenty of sunshine The saying “Gator Country” proves true, as alligators keep warm and bask in the sun at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Outdoor activities are quite popular this time of year with cyclists on the paved Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail, families walking the wooden stairs at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, or swimmers hitting the numerous freshwater springs

Winter farmer’s markets provide a great opportunity to gather your own harvest Cool Florida weather yields a peak selection for kale, broccoli, collard and mustard greens, beets, sweet and juicy citrus fruit, and strawberries making their appearance in January. Local farmers are proud to show off their yields at various markets throughout the week

This combination of nature and wildlife, craft beer, and diverse local flavors make Gainesville an easy recipe for a delicious Florida getaway

The question is not “Why should I take a road trip to Martin County?” The question is: Why shouldn’t you?

Martin County, FLORIDA

With 22 miles of Atlantic shoreline, this charming hidden gem of the South Florida coast offers everything, from beach relaxation and wilderness adventures to boutique shopping and seaside dining Whether you ’ re seeking a romantic respite or a family vacation, Martin County is a dream

Your Next Road Trip

For those looking for a more rugged experience, the area offers no shortage of natural wonders begging to be explored Hike, kayak, bike, birdwatch or just find a remote spot on the beach and nap the day away

At the end of each day, taste the local flavors at one of Martin County’s oceanfront restaurants

Roadtrippers looking to absorb the local culture can visit one of the many galleries, museums and historical sites in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Port Salerno, and Hobe Sound there’s even a scuba/snorkeling tour of a shipwreck site or spend the day shopping at the local boutiques scattered throughout the historic downtowns

A road trip worth pulling over for.

When it comes to road trips, getting there is half the fun, and the scenic routes in Martin County, Florida offer plenty to look at along the way. Picture canopies of shady trees welcoming you, bright tropical colors, scenic vistas, beautiful sand beaches brimming with photo-ops, and the most bio-diverse ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere. So go ahead and stretch your legs a bit. You’ll be glad you did.

Plan your trip at discovermartin.com

e s c a p e t h e c h i l l y

WINTER AIR ON ALABAMA’S

32 miles of sugar-white sand

Beaches.

with warmer weather, an array of activities and events, and impeccable culinary cuisine, the holiday season truly comes alive in gulf shores and orange Beach Beginning shortly after thanksgiving and continuing to new year’s day, the area is in full swing with coastal christmas

coastal christmas includes many events, including a lighted boat parade, the annual merry market which offers more than 70 unique arts and gifts vendors, and a dip into the gulf at the public beach on new year’s morning this year ’ s lineup is sure to give even the scrooge of the family a few smiles and laughs along with coastal christmas, the cities of gulf shores and orange Beach offer their guests a plethora of activities and attractions to enjoy Bike rides through the gulf state park, fishing on the back bays or the gulf state park pier, christmas shopping at the wharf and area boutiques, and eating a variety of coastal delicacies includi ng royal red shrimp and gulf oysters are just some of the ways guests spend time in the destination during the winter season alabama’s beaches also offer a multitude of accommodation options from nationally-recognized hotel brands to resorts complete with indoor pools, fitness facilities and on-site dining, there is something for everyone in gulf shores and orange Beach to learn more about the holiday season on alabama’s beaches visit GulfShores com or OrangeBeach com Be sure to request a free copy of the 2018 vacation guide, where you'll find information about area accommodations, things to see and do, and the best places to eat

“With warmer weather, an array of activities and events, and impeccable culinary cuisine, the holiday season truly comes alive in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.”

AN ALABAMA GULF COAST VACATION REALIZATION

IT DOESN’T GET ANY FRESHER THAN JUST CAUGHT.

You’ll find our restaurants offering an abundance of fresh Gulf-to-table seafood to satisfy any palate no matter how you like it served.

Coastal Christmas Thanksgiving - New Year’s

GulfShores.com / 877-341-2400

It’s the perfect time of year to dine in the City with Soul! Jackson is known for its southern cuisine, offering the finest selections you would find in any southern grandmother’s home A perfect example is Bully’s Soul Food Restaurant, one of America’s Classics named by the James Beard Foundation; But Jackson goes beyond its southern roots

Seafood is readily available, fresh from the gulf or a Mississippi catfish farm Yes, seafood! Jackson’s own Chef Alex Eaton of The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen was crowned king at the Great American Seafood Cookoff in 2016

JaCkSoN, Ms

[His “trio of Gulf shrimp” was the winning dish While you might not find the winning dish on the menu, you can’t lose with any of his wood-grilled or seared fish dishes!

Fresh seafood abounds in the city!

The Mayflower Café, offers fresh seafood daily, from catfish to calamari, to red snapper; complete with the Greek influence of its signature comeback sauce as a favored condiment The Mayflower is the perfect lunch or dinner date, but if it’s dinner, you can bring your own bottle of wine! It just doesn't get any better than that!

Gumbo Girl’s gumbo with fresh large gulf shrimp, blue crab, crawfish tails, chicken, sausage and okra, or her “Pot” Cajun spicy-seasoned turkey necks are the perfect combination as the weather cools down

The stylish bistro, Walker’s Drive-In, has a great selection for seafood lovers The everything crusted #1 Tuna, coupled with spicy cheese grits, chipotle glaze and tomato relish is absolutely divine Although you may be the type for pan roasted “U-10 dry packed” sea scallop with shrimp & feta risotto, with an heirloom tomato cucumber salad with yellow tomato-parmesan broth

Whether you like your seafood simple or with a spectacular twist, savory dishes await you, prepared with that very rare ingredient – Jackson!

WaLkEr S DrIvE-In

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Looking for a taste of true southern hospitality? Look no further than Natchez, Mississippi

Natchez is abundant with restaurants that feature soul food, authentic ethnic dishes and modern culinary delights, making it a foodie’s paradise The city’s over 300-year-old eclectic heritage has led to a delicious blend of old and new The distinction in Natchez is the infusion of hospitality into the dining experience The Biscuit Capital of the World and a hub for epicures far and wide, this is a city legendary for southern fare and home-grown cuisine

The ambiance in Natchez restaurants is as satisfying as the food they serve, so be sure to ask about their history as you find yourself

eating in old cotton warehouses, buildings believed to be haunted, or in what was once one of the most notorious crime areas in the early 1800s We guarantee it will be one of the tastiest history lessons you ’ ve ever had

Often referred to as “The Little Easy,” many local bars and restaurants serve Natchezmade libations.

Natchez nightlife offers a variety of live music hot spots Find yourself porch side at one of the oldest bars on the Mississippi River Within about a 2-mile radius, you will find an award-winning rum distillery, a

e t o t a ke t h e u n o f f i c i a l p o u rt o u r a n d s a m p l e a l l t h e f l a v o r s t h e y h a v e t o o f f e r

D i n i n g e x p e r i e n c e s i n N a t c h e z range from classic southern cuis i n e , t o h a n d - c r a f t e d f o o d a n d c o c k t a i l s w i t h a c o n t e m p o r a r y f l a r e Yo u r e x p e r i e n c e w i l l b e h e i g h t e n e d b y a v a r y i n g s e l e ct i o n o f f i n e h o t e l s , t h e e xc i t em e n t o f a r i v e r f r o n t c a s i n o, a n d the splendor of relaxed, elegant d i n i n g a t h i s t o r i c e s t a t e s

Columbus, Mississippi

Columbus, Mississippi, with its rich historical heritage, is the perfect destination for anyone who appreciates classic Southern architecture, food, and hospitality

There’s a magical time each day when the sun sets over the Tombigbee River The soft light dances on the water, inviting anyone who’s strolling along the beautiful Riverwalk that begins in Columbus’ historic downtown to pause and savor the moment

In fact, savoring the moment is what we do best here in Columbus This is a place where slowing down is rewarded with a cold mint julep or an architectural tour of centuries-old homes Our revitalized downtown area is alive with charming shops and Southern food hotspots Catfish Alley harks back to an African-American hub at the turn of the 20th century, while Mississippi University for Women has been an important destination for education since 1884 And right here at the Riverwalk, we love to celebrate with special events from races to festivals to concerts Nope, there’s no need to rush through Columbus unless, of course, you ’ re aboard one of the supersonic jet trainers at Columbus Air Force Base, in which case, you might be moving at more than 800 miles per hour!

We invite you to explore this place we call home, to savor your own special moments and make some new memories with us, especially during our 78th Annual Columbus Spring Pilgrimage April 5-14, 2018 The award-winning event has been widely recognized as one of the best and most authentic home tours in the South Showcasing more than 650 historic properties within three National Register Historic Districts, the 2018 Pilgrimage embraces and celebrates all of Columbus’ history as it serves up a feast of irresistible cultural flavors

Go to VisitColumbusMSorg for a complete list of attractions and events, and see why Columbus is “The City That Has It All!”

TUPELO, MS IS EMERGING AS A CULINARY HOT SPOT

Long-known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, Tupelo is emerging as a culinary hot spot Just like the unique sound Elvis created, melding gospel, country, and rhythm and blues to create rock ‘ n roll, Tupelo’s culinary culture is a melting pot, celebrated at tables throughout the city, at each meal, every day

Tupelo’s culinary landscape is an ever-evolving scene whose constant is its ability to satiate any appetite From food trucks and perennial southern favorites to farm-fresh creations and haute-cuisine, Tupelo is blazing an epicurean trail through the state of Mississippi Tupelo’s food culture is also inspired by Elvis, inviting patrons to enjoy a meal where he was known to eat Johnnie’s Drive-In is still a full-service drive-in restaurant, serving up the same diner food that Elvis loved Guests can even sit where he sat in the “Elvis Booth ”

Tupelo invites guests to discover the ultimate #tupelofoodie experience by creating their own culinary itinerary at tupelo net Whether gathering the girls for a girlfriends’ getaway, loading up the family for the next adventure, or

planning the perfect romantic weekend away, great meals literally put the icing on the cake in Tupelo With new restaurants opening almost weekly, tupelo netis your resource for the next epic feast Throw in a little live music at one of the city’s many live music venues and let the rhythms of the town that gave rise to the world’s greatest entertainer move you

In the South, food is less a means of nourishment than it is an integral thread in the DNA of what makes a southerner southern The town that enabled Elvis to dream big still embodies that same contagious optimism that put him on a path to stardom, and today, it beckons visitors to come on in, have a bite to eat, and stay for a while

YAZOO COUNTY, MS

Yazoo County's character and its sites of interest are as diverse as its landscape.

Its geography ranges from flat Delta fields that seem to reach endlessly to the horizon, to gently rolling hills bordered by cliffs and canyons cut in loess bluffs, deposited by the wind over many centuries Those who have inhabited this mysterious land have each made their mark on the landscape and legend of Yazoo Yazoo County, Mississippi, is Colorful, Authentic, and Unique just like you!

Many people plan their visits to Yazoo County around the area's annual events But Yazoo County is a great place to visit year-round for anyone who enjoys an off-the-beaten-path adventure Whether your interests are in family-friendly events and festivals, Civil War history, African

American history and heritage, hunting and fishing, or taking in the historical sites and sounds of Yazoo's communities, your trip on the Yazoo backroads is waiting

Yazoo County is the birthplace of the unique Bentonia school of blues, home of world championship-winning cuisine, famous literary and political figures, unique art and shopping, and a living history like nowhere else in Mississippi Yazoo County’s food is definitely something to write home about With awardwinning barbecue, internationally famous Mississippi-made treats, great downhome cooking, and surprising gourmet options at over 30 locally-owned restau-

rants and eateries, you ’ re sure to find something to please your taste buds

Yazoo is home to the oldest library building in Mississippi that is still in use, the oldest juke joint in Mississippi still open daily, and has one of the largest areas to be added to the National Register of Historic Places Yazoo City's Town Center Historic District was selected by This Old House Magazine in 2012 as one of the “best old house neighborhoods ” Of course, the legend of the Witch of Yazoo has brought many visitors to Yazoo City's Glenwood Cemetery, voted in a Huffington Post 2012 poll as the 2nd “Spookiest Cemetery in the US ”

NaTcHiToChEs, LoUiSiAnA

In all of Louisiana, no other place is as unique as the Cane River Country Established in 1714, Natchitoches (Nack-a-tish) retains its European flavor through its architecture, heritage and lifestyle At the heart of the National Historic Landmark District lies Front Street, a brick thoroughfare where wrought iron balconies, restaurants and shops face beautiful Cane River Lake.

Chances are, the thing you’ll love most about Natchitoches (aside from the famous meat pies) is the charming 33-block Landmark district - a shopper’s paradise and a bed & breakfast lover’s dream Natchitoches is the Bed & Breakfast Capital of Louisiana with over 25+ inns offering 125+ rooms, many within walking distance of the historic district

Take your taste buds on a tour of Cane River Country! From starting the day with a fresh ground coffee at Front Street Marketplace, snacking on a world-famous Natchitoches meat pie from Lasyone's Restaurant, to dining at one of our many locally-owned restaurants; you can enjoy it all! Natchitoches offers true Louisiana cuisine, whether Cajun or Creole, homecooked or pub life, Mexican or Italian

Natchitoches, well known for the filming of Steel Magnolias, is also known as the “City of Lights ” The world-famous Natchi-

toches Christmas Festival is held the first Saturday in December Events throughout the year fill out the festival calendar for a great time all year

If plantations are your thing, we have that covered as well Plantations open daily along the Cane River Road, including Oakland and Magnolia at the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, located within the Cane River National Heritage Area, 116 acres of history, culture and architecture

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum sits at the edge of Front Street, honoring more than 300 Louisiana athletes, coaches and other sports figures, such as Shaquille O’Neal, Terry Bradshaw, and Tommy Hodson You will be amazed by the museum ’ s international award winning architecture as well

Discover Your New Getaway Destination!

February

Mardi Gras

March:

Bloomin’ on the Bricks & Art Along the Bricks

Ashland Spring Festival

St. Patrick’s Pub Crawl

Cane River Film Festival

Dragon Boat Races

April:

Cane River Green Market

Jazz / R&B Festival

Spring Fest at Rebel State Historic Area

Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival

May:

Cane River Green Market

June:

LA Sports Hall of Fame Induction

Cane River Green Market

Cookin’ on the Cane Natchez Heritage Festival

reward your day’s ride. Burritos, goi cuon, enchiladas, strudel, chimichangas, kolachi, sushi, roulade, and spokes. Roll on! visit.SierraVistaAZ.gov | 800-288-3861 | #SVThatsHowWeRoll