LIVING COLOR IN THE FLINT HILLS. America’s vast, tallgrass prairie is our backyard. Space to roam and relax. Tap into pulsing college town culture and historic frontier pioneer heritage. Sip craft beers and feast on local farm-grown food. Find your happy place in Manhattan.
VISITMANHATTANKS.ORG
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Explore the tastiest winter seafood recipes and where to find them!
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Find out what New York has to offer foodies and travelers like you, from cuisine to points of interest, and more!
Check out the latest news on this celebrity chef from Ramsay’s excellent cooking techniques to his top-rated restaurants and recipes.
These popular drinking spots are serving up the best adult beverages around.
Once
Cayuga County boasts 12 unique
From cozy lodges to ski retreats and more, we’ve found the place for your next mountain getaway!
Join us on an excursion through these lively college towns to see what’s cooking across America!
No matter where you're headed, keep these hot tips in mind to make your travels as smooth as possible.
Explore what the southeast, midwest, & western regions have to offer.
Where else can you enjoy brunch at a local cafe & bakery, take to the trails of a national forest for an afternoon hike, top off the evening at a historic movie theater... and stay the night only a few miles away from it all?
David-Jacobs Publishing Group and the Food Traveler team are thrilled to present to you this cozy winter edition of Food Traveler Magazine. In this issue, we take you to underexplored culinary gems and showcase the best and brightest this country has to offer. Looking for offbeat and adventurous travel plans? Look no further – we are full of suggestions, everything from food and wine trails in the Northeast to sunny delights down South. Food and fun go hand in hand, as far as we are concerned, and amongst these pages you will find plenty of both.
Discover the best the Eastern Seaboard has to offer with our Coastal Cuisine feature, or dive into the life of world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay in our Chef Spotlight. Getting ready for a vacation? Check out our travel tips in Trendy Travelers, and maybe you’ll happen upon your next dream destination. If you love New York but you want to get out of the city, our New York feature will keep you informed on everything the great state has to offer.
If you enjoy a glass or two of something adult in the evenings, make sure to check out our Wine, Beer, & Spirits section. We’ve got plenty of options for expanding your taste horizons all over the country. Wineries, breweries, and craft distilleries are ready to serve you delicious and authentic creations that truly represent the regions they call home.
Our goal with Food Traveler is to see you full – full of happiness, full of experiences, and of course full of food. You, our audience, are the most important part of everything we do, and we strive to make sure that you have the best time possible with the people you love, enjoying the tastes and sights and sounds of your next vacation. If we can add a bit of extra sparkle to your trip by guiding you to the unexpectedly delicious, then we’ve done our jobs and we are proud.
Light a fire, make yourself a toasty mug of hot chocolate, and curl up with this fabulous edition of Food Traveler. Let your imagination soar across the country while you stay snug in your warm living room. Within these pages you will explore the best America has to offer, letting you plan ahead for your next perfect holiday. Don’t forget to bring us a souvenir.
Wishing you all full bellies and safe travels,
Audit-R
The towns of Johnston County (or JoCo to the locals) invite travelers to take a break from the road and explore the unique and growing food scene right off the highway; Johnston County is located where I-40 and I-95 cross in Eastern North Carolina. Discover the unexpected tastes and traditions that await you beyond the exit ramp. Here are the top 5 ways in JoCo to let your foodie flag fly!
1. Enjoy traveling along our BBQ Trail during your visit, with 10 stops and counting. BBQ is a noun here in Eastern North Carolina, not a verb. And BBQ means slow-cooked, pulled-pork, no sauce, just a hint of vinegar.
2. Skip the fast-food joints and check out Under the Oak in Downtown Smithfield. Chef and farmer Blake Gotliffe, along with his wife Megan, started Under the Oak Farm and their endeavor to grow and cook with organic produce grew into a restaurant. Under the Oak is a farm to table, nose to tail, scratch-made kitchen that sources almost entirely from NC.
3. Visit Downtown Clayton and have a drink at Revival 1869 – A Drinkery - a sophisticated whiskey & craft cocktail bar, where the cocktails are fresh and cool, the jazz is hot, and the whiskey flows.
4. Travel along our self-guided craft beverage experience, the JoCo Beer, Wine, and Shine Trail. Enjoy touring and tasting at 3 breweries, 2 wineries, and 2 distilleries.
Don’t just stay for the day, make a weekend of it all and book the Sip and Stay package. This gets you deals at area hotels as well as coupons for eating and drinking your way around JoCo at all the amazing places mentioned in this round-up.
With so much to explore, you’ll need more than one day or even one weekend to visit. Make JoCo and its many exits along I-95 a favorite place to stop on your travels. For more information visit www.johnstoncountync.org
Social: @JoCoVisitorsBureau on Facebook and @JoCoTourism on Twitter and @VisitJoCo on Instagram.
However, even when the days are shorter and the air holds a chill, the shore is a place full of wonder. No matter where you find yourself along the Eastern Seaboard, you will find something to satisfy even the most discerning of palates. Dive into the mouthwatering lobster of Rhode Island, said to be even sweeter in the winter months. Or if you find yourself seeking the sun further south, soak up the rays and sample the delights found at the Key West Food & Wine Festival. From its Northern tip to its Southern roots, the East coast will captivate one and all. No matter where you find yourself this winter, you’ll be able to indulge in the best the seaside has to offer.
While lobster conjures up images of summertime, sitting by the water eating a cold lobster roll or enjoying a lobster boil or clambake, lobster is always in season. In fact, lobster is said to be even sweeter in the colder months when the lobsters have their hard shell packed with sweet meat. Lobster is abundant in South County, Rhode Island, as are other types of fresh seafood.
The quiet fishing village of Galilee is the largest fishing port in the state, bringing in more squid than any port in the Northeast – which explains why calamari is Rhode Island’s official appetizer. Lobsters and crabs are sold right off the fishing docks in Galilee. Local fish markets carry fresh seafood. Or, you can charter a fishing boat and catch cod, flounder or striped bass depending on
the season. Several restaurants, like George’s of Galilee, will cook your catch and serve it to you.
South County’s unique cuisine features ingredients grown on our farms or plucked from our ocean. Learn about aquaculture as you tour the oyster farm at Matunuck Oyster Bar, then hop across the pond to visit the organic vegetable farm where the restaurant’s vegetables are grown before sitting down to a true farm-to-table dining experience.
South County is not just for foodies. Wrapped around the southernmost part of the state, South County features 100 miles of coastline and 20 public beaches. Nature lovers will relish our unspoiled nature preserves offering miles of hiking and biking trails with opportunities to glimpse rare migrating birds. Water lovers can paddle our quiet inlet waterways while thrill seekers can surf the waves or get a bird’s eye view via a helicopter tour. Visit South County, Rhode Island for a taste of everything we have to offer.
Photo: Dave Sarazen
In 2020, the Key West Food & Wine Festival is poised to make waves worldwide by hosting a lavish gastronomic affair that will relish in the ocean’s culinary delights while collaborating with organizations dedicated to protecting our planet.
Surrounded by the cerulean waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, the tropical location allows the Key West Food & Wine Festival to simultaneously indulge in the savory bounties of the local environs and still honor the importance of maintaining the ecosystem that provides us with delicious and healthy food and wine.
Partaking of epicurean delights need not come at the expense of protecting the planet, a sentiment shared by Ocean Sotheby’s Realty, our presenting partner. In collaboration with Mote Marine, Marine Sanctuaries of the Florida Keys, and Reef Relief, the 2020 Key West Food & Wine Festival will celebrate Key West’s rich culinary culture while raising awareness of the importance of marine wildlife preservation. And presenting wine partner Jean-Charles Boissett, the creator of the JCB collection, will ensure that there is no shortage of bubbly.
Andres Franke’s image of “Sweet Babette” eating cake and sipping champagne underwater breathes life into the idea of the artificial reef.
Franke's new exhibition, “Plastic Ocean," is intended to create awareness about how humans can curb our reliance on plastics in an effort to preserve the diversity of our underwater biosphere.
Whenever New York comes up in conversation, it’s almost always about New York City...
Broadway, the Statue of Liberty, pizza, bagels, yellow taxis, and the like. This state has so much more to offer than bright lights and towering skyscrapers, as fantastic as those are. When you visit New York, you’re truly immersing yourself in a historical smorgasbord. In Albany you’ll find yourself in the state’s culinary capital, as well as its official capital – not to mention the home of America’s first brewery. Columbia County is full of family farms and home-grown products – everything from dairy to fruit to maple syrup. The Finger Lakes wine region in Cayuga County is internationally renowned and has something for every set of taste buds. New York is broader and more beautiful than you could imagine, and there is so much for you to discover.
Albany has a rich history dating back more than 400 years. When Henry Hudson arrived in 1609, the area was already home to the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and the Dutch had established a trading post. In 1797, Albany became the official capital of New York State. Since then, Albany has been a center for banking, railroads, and international trade. The telegraph, electric motor, and celluloid plastic were all pioneered here. Albany was also the point of origin for the first long distance airplane flight and the first passenger railroad.
In addition to the many inventions and “firsts” that stem from Albany, there have also been culinary staples developed in New York’s capital city. Did you know that the first brewery in North America was located right here in Albany? And there’s a rumor the bakers’ dozen is a term first coined here.
Albany County has emerged as a culinary hotspot. Surrounded by rich farmland, and just a short jaunt from international gateways like New York City and Boston, you’ll find our kitchen brimming with creativity. The region is blessed with a wealth of chefs who graduated from the nearby Culinary Institute of America and it’s also familiar terrain for pioneering chefs, who seek an opportunity for their own start-up restaurants.
From food trucks servicing the many New York state employees at the Empire State Plaza during the lunch-time blitz to the Historic Downtown Albany Food Tour that takes attendees on a journey of Albany’s history through the booming restaurant and craft beverage scene, Albany is further identifying itself as upstate New York’s Culinary Capital. With a plethora of dining options, locals and visitors alike can sample fine fare from both land and sea, exceptional local entrees, and international cuisine. From charming outdoor patios to trendy spots with flavorful dishes, to cozy pubs with great Happy Hour specials, everyone can find a place in Albany County to satisfy their taste buds.
Come and discover why Albany is upstate New York’s Culinary Capital.
If you have a passion for fine food made from the freshest ingredients, a visit to Columbia County, NY should be on your list. With over 450 farms - most of them family operations - dotting the breathtaking rural landscape, the words Farm to Table take on new meaning. Noteworthy chefs showcase their creative talents using just picked fruits and seasonal garden - fresh vegetables, grass fed livestock, wholesome dairy products even maple syrup from local producers. Artisanal beverage makers have taken root in the county, handcrafting spirits and ciders from local apples and grains. County grown hops and grapes supply breweries and vintners the ingredients for award winning beers and wines.
With over 14 breweries, vineyards, cideries and spirit makers within county borders, visitors can make a refreshing and relaxing excursion sampling the brews in the many tasting root.
Inspired local dining awaits in the “little city with big city flair,” Hudson. Its cafes, bistros, patisseries and trendy cocktail bars make for a delicious and diverse dining scene. Other county villages keep pace with eclectic diners, pubs and restaurants serving classic cuisine. For a complete listing of dining options and artisanal beverage producers, check out columbiacountytourism.org. Plan your visit today. Your taste buds will thank you!
The Finger Lakes region is gaining critical acclaim and was named the best wine region in the U.S. in 2018 in the USA Today. The region is internationally renowned for Riesling, but also known for its Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wines, Chardonnay and Ice Wine, as well as wines made from Native and French American Hybrid grapes.
Finger Lakes wineries tend to be on the smaller side as compared to west coast wineries, and many are family owned and operated. For this reason, it is not uncommon to meet an owner,
winemaker or vineyard manager while visiting a winery. Visitors can enjoy sipping wine in a tasting room, a cellar or in the middle of a vineyard with a beautiful view of one of the Finger Lakes. The scene is laid-back and casual, and the wineries offer warm, welcoming hospitality in addition to world-class wines. Heart in Hands is one of the younger vineyards in Cayuga County quickly receiving world recognition for their quality. They committed to sustainably producing cool-climate wines that authentically express the unique character of the Finger Lakes. Written by Susan Higgins.
Wine and cheese have long been a staple pairing, but in Cayuga County it is wine and fine chocolates. Gretchen Christenson, of Gretchen’s Confections, Master Chocolatier and graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and Ecole Chocolat, uses her refined techniques and flavor combinations to create unique chocolates that are suited perfectly for the regions’ award-winning wines. “The right truffle can extract flavors from your favorite wines that you never knew were there” says Rob Hickson, manager of The Underground Bottle Shop, a specialty wine and liquor store located near Gretchen’s in Auburn’s historic East Hill District. Gretchen’s sources many of their ingredients locally. “It is fitting that our chocolates would pair so well with wine created from the same environment,” says Gretchen. Gretchen’s takes months, and sometimes years, to perfect each of their confections. It is a dance of culinary finesse and chemistry knowhow that must come together just right. Environment, ingredients, and skill are relied upon to create a product as close to the original flavor as is possible, but like wine they have their vintages, which is part of what makes this pairing a great match. Written by Kendra Pearson.
Leave the beaten path for some of the most remote places on earth. Along the way meet the inspiring, resilient people who are changing their lives and the lives of those around them.
Start planning your Journey today!
Call 404-979-9450 for details.
Known for his ferocious criticisms and fiery language on television, Chef Gordon Ramsay is one of a kind. We learned to love him and his sharp tongue on show’s like Hell’s Kitchen, and also saw his surprisingly gentle side on Masterchef Junior.
He is a man of great complexity and greater talent, and chefs across the world simultaneously love and fear him. His restaurants have been awarded sixteen Michelin stars, further showcasing his talents. We explore the life and career of this world-famous chef, and dive into the accomplishments and delicacies found within. How much do you really know about the man who has brought innumerable chefs to tears and then helped build them into something great?
The man, the myth, the legend. Audiences love him and chefs fear him. His sharp voice, full of criticisms and peppered with profanities, is known the world over to both laypeople and restaurateurs. Americans know him from his wildly popular television shows MasterChef and Hell’s Kitchen, but how well do you really know the man known for making cooks cry on national television?
Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1966, Ramsay and his family spent a lot of time moving around until finally settling in Stratfordupon-Avon. His early life was tumultuous, thanks to a father with lofty ambitions and failed prospects – not to mention a violent temper and a penchant for alcohol. At sixteen, Ramsay moved out of his family’s house and into an apartment of his own. At nineteen, he enrolled in a technical college to study hotel management – a decision that gave him entry into the larger culinary world.
After hotel management, he spent time working in restaurants all over London, doing everything from being a commis chef to running the kitchen. After spending nearly three years at Harveys, a well-known French restaurant, Ramsay then went on to further his career by studying French cuisine by working under Albert Roux at Le Gavroche and eventually moving to Paris for three years. Ramsay also expanded his palate by working as a personal chef on the Idlewild, a private yacht, and traveling to Sicily and Sardinia to learn about Italian cuisine.
1993 saw Ramsay return to London in the position of head chef at La Tante Claire, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Chelsea. 1998 saw him open a restaurant of his own, with the apropos name of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. 2001 saw that restaurant receive its third Michelin star. Ramsay’s own star was well on the rise at this time, with restaurants under his name and his brand opening up around the world from Dubai to Tokyo. Alongside all of his restaurant success, Ramsay became a star of the small screen with Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares and Hell’s Kitchen. These shows came over to America in the late 2000s, exposing him to a wider audience and spreading his name even further. More recently, Ramsay has been a judge on MasterChef and MasterChef Junior. He’s got another show in the works called Uncharted, which has Ramsay travelling all over the world to try different foods and different cultural methods of cooking – everywhere from Laos to Alaska.
Thechef’slifedoesnot consistofonlyrestaurants andyellingprofanities. Heisamarriedfatheroffive,threegirls andtwoboys.HeandhiswifeCayetanasplit theirlivesbetweenLondonandLosAngeles.
He’s an avid charity supporter, especially the Scottish Spina Bifida Association. In fact, he ran ten consecutive London Marathons from 2000 to 2009 in honor of the charity and in order to raise money. He’s a devoted fan of English football – soccer, to those of us across the pond – and even briefly trained as a teenager with one of his favorite football clubs, the Rangers. He’s written twenty-six books – mostly cookbooks and recipe collections – since 1996. He makes a point of staying healthy and fit, having seen too many chefs lose their ability to work in the kitchen or even have health complications from being overweight.
His attitude towards life and food shows how he places value in the fine details of things – he’s known as a perfectionist and holds those who work for him to the highest standard.
“The minute you start compromising for thesakeofmassagingsomebody’sego, that’s it, game over.”
This is a direct quote from the man himself that sums up his attitude more succinctly than anyone could hope. Even though he is stern and high volume, he expects high standards from everyone, especially himself. He has a reputation for being fair, and for standing behind his staff. He might be challenging to work with, but once you’ve got his trust he’ll support you wholeheartedly.
What can you learn from Gordon Ramsay?
If you follow his recipes, you can learn how he seasons and little tricks of the trade to make your dishes more flavorful and pleasing. If you keep up with his charity work, you can learn how to prioritize and support the things are the most important to you. If you model his exercise routine and the way he grazes on food all day instead of eating hearty meals, you can learn how to treat your body well and promote healthy living. If you watch the shows he is best known for, you can learn a lot of interesting and colorful vocabulary. But most of all, you can learn from Ramsay that no man is just one thing, one stereotype, one emotion – people are complex and interesting individuals, even those we see on TV. So the next time you watchHell’sKitchen, remember that behind the profanity there’s an interesting and talented chef trying to help others attain the perfection he craves.
Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food for the first time, visitors see its uniquely culinary-focused design –everything meticulously planned around food, from the classrooms and temperature controlled walk-in wine cellar to the ceilings and art. Behind the scenes, classrooms offer state-of-the art technology including a high-tech cooking theater with live-stream capabilities. Their mission “food as art, food as business, and food as wellness” echoes throughout the facility.
Formerly a Tyson Foods plant, Brightwater occupies the north end of Bentonville’s Eighth Street Market, a food hub and driving force behind Northwest Arkansas’ ever-expanding culinary culture. The hub is home to a diverse group
of tenants including numerous restaurants and food trucks, an award-winning chocolate shop, an artisanal cheese shop, a brewery, and a textile studio, attracting locals and tourists alike to take part in all it has to offer. The Eighth Street Market exposes Brightwater students to real-life examples of creativity, entrepreneurship and community engagement.
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the American Culinary Federation, Brightwater was conceived to be more than a typical cooking school. As an academic department of NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC), it offers uniquely holistic programming with academic and career training in the areas of culinary nutrition, artisanal food, beverage management, and food entrepreneurship. Meant to be the culinary epicenter of Bentonville and surrounding communities, it provides world-class
training for individuals, students, and professionals at any point on their journey.
Brightwater also offers the insights and skills needed to positively impact our food system. In addition to gaining cooking proficiency, students regularly participate in activities and training on culinary nutrition, growing and sourcing food, food waste and recovery, whole-animal butchery, food entrepreneurship, and seasonal cooking. Brightwater is the first culinary school to integrate a food-systems approach and inquiry-based learning to cooking, local farming, sustainability, and community development. Assembling a core group of chef instructors and culinary professionals, the programs teach and inspire students, industry professionals, and the general public in an innovative educational setting
www.nwacc.edu/brightwater
The center breaks the mold by focusing on the larger food system, culinary skills, wellness, and strengthening local food networks to change the paradigm of culinary education. Aptly named after an apple variety indigenous to Arkansas, Brightwater’s focus is hyper-localized and holistic, traversing the entire food experience from crop to cuisine. Infused with artisanal methods like whole animal butchery, its programming offers education and experience previously only acquired through apprenticeship. It uniquely offers students a dynamic educational experience in Culinary Arts, Artisanal Food, Pastry & Baking, and Beverage Management by delivering a combination of technical skills, broad industry knowledge, and specialty cultural exposure.
To connect with us, visit: www.brightwater.org.
Facebook: Brightwater NWA Instagram: @brightwaternwa Twitter: @brightwaternwa
Give yourself the gift of a truly unique experience this winter, above and beyond the humdrum and the traditional. All across the country you will find regions that know the artistry behind craft beer, spirits, and wine. Challenge your palate in New York along the Heart of New York Craft Beverage Trail and the Central New York Cheese Trail, sampling the finest delicacies the Empire State has to offer. Or perhaps you might find yourself in Ohio, exploring the abundant variety of liquors and elegant dining experiences of Gervasi Vineyards. Whatever your heart craves this winter, you’ll be able to find a place to delight all of your senses and keep your soul warm. Keep out the chill with these remarkable and spirited adventures!
When you’re exhausted, overworked, and stressed, sometimes the best way to relax and unwind at the end of a long day is with a nice glass of wine. Whether you stick with a traditional grape-based wine or you explore the exciting options offered by plum wine, a rice wine like sake, or a honey-based wine like mead, wine has long been associated with calm and sophistication. We drink it with elegant dinners, pairing effortlessly with meat or fish. We use it for cooking to add depth of flavor and richness to dishes. Wine has a solid and ever-present place in the world of fine dining and in the home, and it’s here to stay.
Wine has been produced for thousands of years, dating back to nearly 6000 BC in the country of Georgia. The ancient Greeks celebrated and practically venerated wine, dedicating the god Dionysus to the grape harvest, winemaking, and ritual madness. Wine was vital to trade and to all levels of society – in many regions it was safer to drink than the local water. Everyone, even children, had a share to drink. Wine is also vital to many religious ceremonies – it is used in the rite of communion, and is served at Shabbat dinner after the Kiddush is recited over a cup. Not only is wine comforting in a cultural sense, but in a spiritual sense as well.
Wine culture has truly blossomed here in America – the United States has nearly nine thousand wineries, and not just in well-known grape regions like Napa Valley. The states that produce the most wine are California, Washington, New York, Oregon, and Texas, but there is at least one winery in each of the fifty states. Taking a tour of any of these will educate and delight you – it’s fascinating to see how wines are developed, and being able to taste different styles without having to commit to buying a bottle is a great way to expand and develop your palate.
The range of sweetness and flavor available in wines is large. If you are a fan of dessert wines, go for a Moscato or a Riesling – those are the sweetest, and easiest for novice wine drinkers to enjoy. A “dry” wine like a Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc tend to be more challenging – almost an acquired taste, but well worth the challenge. Next time you’re able to attend a wine tasting, try something new – your taste buds will thank you.
Napa Valley, California
One of the oldest alcoholic drinks in the world. Evidence of fermentation and brewing has been found dating back to nearly 13,000 years ago. Several ancient cultures paid their workers in beer, and the workers who built the Great Pyramids in Giza, Egypt got daily rations of beer. Just like wine, in some regions it was safer to drink beer than local water – less risk of bacteria, and much tastier as well. Some breweries were attached to early bakeries, and the popular theory is that yeast from the brewing beer led to the creation of leavened bread – one innovation leads to another.
The process that leads to cracking open a cold one starts with cereal grains – primarily malted barley. It’s a complex operation, filled with strange terms like “mash tun”, “sparging,” and “sweet wort”. There’s a great deal of boiling and cooling, filtering and mixing, and of course the addition of yeast. Fermentation is a vital step, as it is what produces the alcoholic content of beer. It requires sugar and yeast, and produces carbonation and ethanol. Without this final step, beer would be nothing but a strange liquid bread. By fermenting the beer in one or two stages, the bubbling mixture turns into the beer we all know and love.
Beer’s complex flavors and social importance have led it to be the world’s most popular alcoholic beverage, and the third most popular drink worldwide – just after water and tea. Many countries have a thriving beer culture; Oktoberfest in Germany celebrates beer and German food, Great Britain boasts some of the oldest continuously running pubs in the world, and American universities are well-known for their keggers. There are a number of games designed to be played while drinking beer – beer pong, king’s cup, and other party staples. As a cultural staple, beer is at the top.
These days, it’s hard to throw a stone and not hit a craft brewery. These small, independent brewers are innovative, creative, and develop beers with unusual and interesting twists. They aren’t afraid to play with flavor, adding everything from chocolate to lactose to marshmallow in search of the next amazing beer. Since more than 80 percent of adults 21 and older live within ten miles of a brewery, maybe make your next date night one to remember and sample the ware your local craft brewery has to offer.
Spirits, more commonly known as liquors, are more complex than beers or wines. Spirits are produced when liquid that has already gone through fermentation is then distilled. Distilling makes the alcohol content stronger by removing anything diluting it, essentially reducing it down to a stronger form. Spirits can be based on grains, fruit, or vegetables – anything that will ferment and distill can give you a spirit. Everything from sugarcane to potatoes to anise and fennel can be turned into a spirit with a little ingenuity and technological innovation.
There are a large number of distilled spirits available on the market, but six liquors form the base of the majority of cocktails and other types of drinks. Brandy is distilled from fruit, often wine – although other fruits like apples, cherries, or peaches can be used. It’s often drunk post-meal, or in a classic cocktail. Gin is made from grain and flavored with botanicals, often juniper berries. It’s not an aged liquor, and usually has a distinct flavor reminiscent of pine. Rum is distilled from sugar, either sugarcane or molasses, and has a distinct sweet overtone. It can be found in a number of tropical drinks, especially in its coconut variation. Tequila is produced from agave, a tropical plant found in the hot and arid areas of the Americas. If an agave spirit is not produced in Mexico, then it is not tequila. This spirit is popular in margaritas and frozen drinks. Vodka is distilled from grains or potatoes,
and has the most neutral flavor out of the popular spirits. Many vodka distilleries produce a wide variety of flavors, everything from strawberry to jalapeno. Vodka can be delicious when combined with any number of mixers, and some enjoy it straight. Whiskey is produced from malted grains, and is aged in oak barrels. There are a number of different styles and profiles of whiskey, and each style has very unique identifiers. Whiskey is often enjoyed neat, or in complex cocktails.
Spirits occupy a peculiar place in our cultural worldview. It is simultaneously seen as the height of sophistication – James Bond and his shaken-not-stirred martini – and the depths of depravity – college students and doing shots. They have historical importance as well; they have been used medicinally, traded for labor, and served in religious ceremonies. Spirits bring flavor and depth to many of life’s experiences, and they should be enjoyed – in moderation, as always.
Ethnic diversity yields a bounty of extraordinary cuisine in Utica, Rome, Verona and Sylvan Beach...Central New York’s Getaway Region!
Rich history and agricultural excellence combine to produce something unique that visitors and locals alike always appreciate…amazing food! The area is packed with hundreds of restaurants offering everything from a wide variety of international flare to celebrated unique local favorites like chicken riggies, turkey joints, tomato pie, and Utica greens.
Up for a foodie trail challenge? Hit the stops along the Heart of New York Craft Beverage Trail or the Central New York Cheese Trail. Combine the two for some of the best craft beer, wine, spirits and cheese you can find! Central New York has legendary beer and cheese producers. F X Matt Brewing Company, makers of the Saranac brand of beers and located in Utica, has been brewing award-winning beers for more than 130 years.
Take the factory tour, then relax over a pint in the 1888 Tavern. The Original Herkimer Cheese Company has been at the top of their game for 70 years making all their cheeses in small batches by hand. Their amazing Chudder won a bronze medal at the U. S. Cheese Championship!
For more information, visit www.theGetawayRegion.com or call 800-4263132 for a FREE travel guide.
In less than a decade, Gervasi Vineyard has transformed from one family’s dream to a destination for lovers of fine wine and dining experiences. The moment you pass under the arched gateway, you are transported to an Italian village that feels miles away from the Canton, Ohio neighborhood Gervasi calls home.
What began as a small winery and Italian bistro has evolved to a multivenue resort that includes restaurants, event spaces and luxurious overnight accommodations. The latest addition to the property is The Still House , a distillery, coffeehouse, craft cocktail lounge and cigar bar. The swanky new hot spot appeals to a whole new audience for Gervasi, serving coffee by day and libations by night.
Spend an evening at The Still House and choose from more than 120 spirits including an extensive list of bourbons, scotches and tequilas, as well as a broad cocktail menu offering the traditional tried-and-true classics of the prohibition era. High-end cocktails showcase the cutting-edge flavor combinations and techniques of today’s mixologists. Pair your drink of choice with an enticing selection of snacks and small bites.
Adjacent to the lounge is a state-of-the-art distillery that integrates technical innovation and traditionalism to produce spirits rooted in passion, craft and creativity. The facility is designed for an annual capacity of 25,000 bottles and is poised to produce bourbon, whiskey, vodka, gin, brandy, rum and Italian liquors. Public tours of the distillery are available on Sundays. The Still House accompanies three full-service restaurants on the 55-acre estate. The Bistro—the original restaurant housed in a historic barn— features exceptional Italian cuisine made with only the freshest ingredients. The Crush House Wine Bar & Eatery is a loft-style restaurant offering casual fare for lunch and dinner. It also houses the winery, where 30+ wines are produced by a team of experts. During summer months, enjoy the beauty of the spring-fed lake as you dine al fresco on The Piazza patio. Each restaurant offers award-winning Gervasi wines from sweet whites to bold, dry reds, local craft beers, craft cocktails and a full bar. Learn
Experience a unique Tuscan-inspired winery resort featuring award-winning wines, craft cocktails, winery and distillery tours, boutique shopping, luxurious overnight accommodations and exceptional cuisine at three distinct restaurants.
Escape and enjoy the pleasures of Gervasi Vineyard.
Centrally located in Eastern North Carolina, Duplin County is easy to find but hard to forget! Our visitors are drawn here by our deep roots in history, small town charm, and that special Southern-Style hospitality that keeps them coming back. Whether traveling alone, with friends and family, or arriving with a group of fellow adventures via a bus tour, the many flavors of Duplin County offer a little something for everyone. While here, you’ll enjoy exploring our collection of quaint small towns.
In the town of Kenansville, enjoy the beautifully restored Greek-revival style architecture of Liberty Hall, the ancestral home of the Kenan Family, one of North Carolina’s and Duplin County’s most prominent families of the day. The historic landmark is filled with fascinating period furnishings and artifacts, including the wedding dress worn by Mary Lily Kenan when she married Henry Flagler in 1901, at what was then known as “the wedding of the century.” While in Kenansville, see the newly curated Cowan Museum of History & Science. You’ll learn about North Carolina’s history in agriculture and take an up-close look at everyday ways of living “back then.”
Duplin County is known for its heritage in agriculture and particularly for our muscadine grapes. Wine enthusiasts for over forty years have made Rose Hill’s Duplin Winery a world-famous destination. Come enjoy the fun and friendly atmosphere, tastings and tours, and dine at The Bistro before you leave. In Duplin County you can celebrate our wine culture during the North Carolina Muscadine Festival in September.
Downtown Warsaw is home to the longest continuous Veterans Day celebration in the country and the Duplin County Veterans Museum, with unique displays of U.S. military history.
Duplin County has quite a story to tell and we can’t wait to share it with you!
The Sacramento region boasts a year-round growing season, ideal climate and a mouthwatering bounty of crops that make it one of the best places in the country to get a meal.
The authenticity of what Sacramento's agricultural and culinary communities are doing led to international recognition over the years and reached new heights in 2019 when the Michelin Guide sent inspectors to the city, then bestowed the coveted Michelin Star on Sacramento's The Kitchen Restaurant, awarded Bib Gourmands to three more, and rounded the awards out with 10 Michelin Plates. Several other Sacramento standouts were included in the Michelin Guide as well.
Farm-to-fork adventures go way beyond the plate in the Sacramento region. Whether on foot or by bike, on the farm or down the street, there are countless options to give you a taste of our food and agriculture. Enjoying a farm visit, taking a culinary walking tours, perusing one of many farmer’s markets or toasting a glass at one of 70+ breweries or a winery in one the 8 wine regions are just some of the ways you can experience Farm-to-Fork firsthand.
Every September, Sacramento celebrates with the Farm-toFork Festival, Northern California’s best fresh food party attracting more than 150,000 people from across the country. For three days, festival attendees enjoy local foods, wines, beer and specialty product as well as music from well-known bands. The final day culminates with a four- or five-course dinner on Tower Bridge for 850 people. The event brings together top regional, as well as internationally known chefs, to create a one-of-a-kind dinner sourced from local growers and ranches.
Farm-to-Fork Capital of America. We grow it. We cook it. You eat it. From quaint sidewalk cafes and craft breweries to the swanky and elegant, every day provides the perfect excuse to whet your appetite.
Mountain resorts are considered one of the ultimate winter destinations
ountain resorts are considered one of the ultimate winter destinations. Skiing or snowboarding down a freshly powdered track, ice skating on sparkling frozen ponds, curling up in front of a roaring fire with a mug of hot chocolate – whatever your winter desire, you can find it in the mountains. There are some places in the mountains, however, that are designed for peace and healing – such as Woodloch Lodge in Pennsylvania. This four-star spa tucked into the Poconos has everything for the discerning traveler – whether you make a day trip or a lengthy visit, this hidden gem will set you on the path for rest and relaxation.
The Lodge at Woodloch has long been aware of the healing power of sound. To take it a few steps further, The Lodge at Woodloch has enhanced its Sound Healing Therapy in the treatment room, in the meditation room, and in the great outdoors.
The Lodge at Woodloch recently rolled out the Vibrational Sound Therapy Treatment: Combining powerful vibration and sound to induce an immediate relaxed state, this unique experience introduces sound waves by direct placement of therapeutic singing bowls on the body. The gentle vibration and soothing ambient tones encourage a deep meditative state, allowing the body to fully rest and promoting a greater sense of well-being ($150).
The Lodge at Woodloch has also added a weekly class, Gong with the Wind. Through using the bronze gong, attendees of the class will experience the in-depth healing power through holistic tone immersion. The benefits of the fiftyminute class include emotion/stress release, chakra align-
ment, Yogic breath exercises and the opportunity for a deeper meditative state.
Taking the experience outdoors, The Lodge at Woodloch has added three extra-large Shohola Bells to the property. Each bell is located in carefully selected areas to help “ringin” intentions as guests enter and exit the nature trails, Labyrinth and Treatments area. The local artisan, David Greembaum hand spun and artistically crafted each bell specifically for The Lodge at Woodloch. The deep tenor ring can occasionally be heard on the nature trails when the breeze blows just right.
The continuation of the healing powers of sound will resonate for food lovers as well. Sometimes the healing power of sound comes from nature. The Lodge at Woodloch now offers Gourmand Baskets where guests can order ahead and take their artfully crafted lunch on the go. The soothing sounds of nature in our bucolic forest setting are amazing any time of year.
Everything from the elegant and refined to the quirky and unusual can be found, with flavors that are sure to satisfy a wide variety of palates.
College towns aren’t just known for their raucous parties and popular sports teams. Any town that is host to a university is going to be home to a great deal of innovation, and there’s no better place for that creativity to show up than in the local restaurants. When young people from all over the world gather, they are going to want food that is interesting and full of flavor; the restaurants that spring up around these educational institutions are sure to supply just that. Everything from the elegant and refined to the quirky and unusual can be found, with flavors that are sure to satisfy a wide variety of palates. See what strikes your fancy in this edition of Good Eats!
There’s nothing quite like living in a college town. Anyone who’s experienced it will immediately recognize the experience – the stands of a home football game producing a wave of screams and cheers, the decadent odor of spe-
cialty coffees and pastries, the savory sensations of Taco Tuesday, the sight of students sprinting like deer across crosswalks to get to class, the feel of soft grass under your feet on the quad. It’s a way to live unlike any other. Sports team loyalty is always at an all time high, school colors adorn the racks and shelves of local businesses, specialty license plates abound. Almost everyone is united in support of one great institution. It becomes part of the town’s identity.
But how do you define a college town? Honestly, it’s exactly what it sounds like – a town or city that is dominated by its local university’s students. Many businesses and services will pop up that accommodate the specific needs of these students, like bookstores, specialty coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. Not to say that other towns don’t have these things – of course they do. But in a college town, these types of businesses
spring up like mushrooms, especially in the area immediately surrounding the university.
One thing college towns are renowned for are offbeat and off-the-wall eateries and bars. College students love to eat, and they love to do it on the cheap, so restaurants pop up to fill that niche.
Restaurants from a variety of cultures fill the streets with delectable smells and mouthwatering bites, ready for you to try something you’ve never heard of before. A place like Munchie’s 420 Café in Sarasota, Florida is a perfect example – they have a menu full of creative concoctions like the Fat Sandy, a sandwich consisting of two cheeseburgers, macaroni and cheese, chicken fingers, onion hoops, potatoes, and mozzarella sticks. And yes, they stay open until 4:20 am on the weekends.
We have given the matter a great deal of thought, and these are the food categories essential for exploring when visiting a college town. Make sure you travel hungry and get ready to eat like a college kid again, finding the best spots around.
> P I Z Z A
A life without pizza is not a life worth living. Whether a sumptuous deep dish pizza brimming with toppings and sauce or a crunchy and crispy thin crust delicacy coated in cheese, there’s nothing quite like diving into a massive slice. Every university has its own beloved pizza institution, and there are often several that vie for the top spot. In a city like Portland, Oregon, home to the University of Portland, you have places like Life of Pie. Named one of the ten best Portland pizza spots, you can get an entire Margherita pizza for only five dollars – a price no broke college student can pass up. They also boast that all of their crusts are vegan, which is a nice touch. There are great pizza shops big and small all across the nation – don’t miss out.
<Munchie’s 420 Café
At Life of Pie you can get an entire Margherita pizza for only five dollars
> B R U N C H
The best part about waking up on Sunday morning after partying too hard the night before? Going to brunch to try and recover. No college town would be complete without a revered brunch spot, a place where you can go drown yourself in pancakes and eggs and use mimosas to prop up your eyelids a bit until the coffee kicks in. Just on the outer border of the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Tolly Ho is just this kind of spot. Not only is it a delectable brunch spot, it’s open 24 hours a day for students and anyone else craving a burger or an omelet at 3 in the morning.
Tolly-Ho
> B A R S
No visit to a college town would be complete without a sojourn to a local watering hole. Students have a reputation for working hard and partying harder, and will flock to unusual and compelling bars like moths to a flame. If you want a drink in a place where the only thing better than the delectable drinks is the enticing prices, a college bar is the best way to go. One such drinkery is Cain & Abel’s in Austin, Texas, attracting University of Texas students since 1991. With many beers on tap, tasty pub food, and football games blaring on the TVs, it’s a lively place for anyone who wants a convivial atmosphere alongside their food and drinks.
> C O F F E E
Coffee is an inextricable part of college life. Everything from pulling an all-nighter writing essays to propping up your eyelids during an 8 am math class requires caffeine to survive. This leads college towns to have a variety of coffee shops around to satisfy the desperate need for caffeine and pastries. If you find yourself visiting Massachusetts, be sure to stop by Pavement Coffeehouse. A stone’s throw from the University of Boston, this locally owned independent chain of coffee shops serves up a variety of cozy coffees and teas, as well as bagels and sandwiches for all your breakfast needs.
Traveling to a college town gives you an opportunity to explore a delightfully distinctive and unique cultural touchstone of a region. Don’t pass up an opportunity to embrace local landmarks and delightful delicacies on your next adventure!
Mama Pang serves up comfort food made in small batches but with a big taste.
in the rolling hills of Southern Illinois, Carbondale offers a variety of unique local eateries to enjoy. Home of Southern Illinois University, there is always a demand for good cuisine to satisfy the student population. Apart from the student crowd, families and alumni who visit, Carbondale offers dine-out options to the larger surrounding community. In close proximity to the Shawnee National Forest and Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, Carbondale is a favorite stop for tourists, who are often looking for an eatery that can provide them an interesting atmosphere and new dining experience. Some favorites include:
Cristaudo’s Café & Bakery is family owned, offering a wide variety of baked goods and pastries. They have a full breakfast and lunch menu available, including an espresso menu. In addition to their other
offerings, the café has recently started serving Sunday brunch with refreshing mimosas! More information can be found at their website at www.cristaudos.com
Quatro’s Pizza is a well-known name in Southern Illinois. Serving Chicago-style pizza, pastas, sandwiches, and salads since 1975 it is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Don’t forget to grab the classic yellow Quatro’s cups to take home! Make sure to check out their tasty menu at www.quatros.com.
Global Gourmet provides diners a classy environment and ever-changing menu. With a combination of small plates and entrees, along with a seasonal patio, this is a hot spot for an evening out with friends or a date night. See what they’re serving up tonight at www.globalcarbondale.com.
Longbranch Café and Bakery is a vegetarian café that utilizes fresh and organic ingredients. Its outdoor deck is a favorite place to gather for a cup of coffee with friends or a business lunch. See their full menu and upcoming events at www.longbranchcafeandbakery.com.
Keepers Quarters, a gastropub serving elevated pubstyle fare with a creative blend of sandwiches and refined plated entrees, appetizers, and desserts is an excellent place to go for date night or with a group of friends for an evening out. Visit their Facebook page for their menu.
Underground Public House, a cozy pub focused on eclectic world beer cuisine and culture, featuring seasonal farm to table menus is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner. They also have more than 20 rotational craft beers on tap, and premium spirits and wines. See their specials at undergroundpublichouse.com.
Don Taco, a college student’s paradise, offers many SIU alumni with fond memories of late night snacks after a long evening of entertainment. Don Taco stays open past midnight, and as an added bonus, they deliver. Check them out at www.dontacoincarbondale.com.
Mama Pang at PK’s serves up com fort food made in small batches but with a big taste. Located in PK’s, this eatery keeps customers happy with theme days like “Gwensday” where chili mac on Wednesdays is tradition. PK’s breakfast is a staple for Saturday mornings, so make sure to stop in and grab the most important meal of the day at a college-friendly cost. You can see what’s being served up daily by visiting their Facebook page.
With all the hustle and bustle of travel, it’s easy to get bogged down in the little details and forget about important steps of the process. One thing leads to another, and suddenly you’re at the airport with no boarding pass and no clue what to do. This article is designed to help streamline everything for you, so you don’t have to focus on the mundanities of packing and can instead enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of a brand new place. You shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not you have your phone charger – you should be taking perfect selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower instead.
Anyone who travels a great deal has their own little secrets and tricks to make the entire process run as smoothly as possible. All over the internet you’ll hear people extol the glories of digital boarding passes, commiserate over buying the wrong size of carry-on luggage, and compare all-in-one charger brands. In this section we will give you a few of our best travel tips, tried and tested through the throes of our wanderlust, in order to make your travel experience as smooth as possible.
✓ S pac e s av e r ba g s
Packing cubes are wonderful for organization, but when it comes to getting a large amount of stuff in a small space, then space saver bags are the way to go. Just pack them with items that can be easily compressed – things like clothing, especially bulky items like sweaters – vacuum or roll the air out, and boom! The same items take up less than half the original space. Small space saver bags can also be used to keep jewelry items organized and in place. The best thing is, many brands are reusable, so you don’t have to keep buying them for each new trip.
✓ A t h o r o u g h c h e c k l i s t
It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle of packing and organizing for any kind of travel. Whether you’re going on a whirlwind girl’s weekend or you’re spending two months backpacking across Europe, there are going to be so many details for you to remember and keep track of. It’s inevitable – you’re going to think of something, tell yourself “remember to pack that!”, and forget an hour later. Enter the checklist! Keep an ongoing list on your phone of the little things that occur to you, so you remember to do them. “Call the bank to let them know I’m travelling.” Done. “Buy a battery backup.” Ordered. “Pay bills before I leave.” On it. Keep a list and keep yourself in check.
✓ S o l i d t o i l e t r i e s
One way to avoid compressing your entire hair and skin care routine into a teeny Ziploc bag before airline travel is to switch to solid toiletries. A shampoo bar, conditioner bar, and solid lotion bar give you access to cleanliness, and you don’t have to fuss with those little plastic bottles that always lose their tops. Perfume is even sold in solid form, so stock up before your next trip and save yourself some effort and some mess.
It’s inevitable – you’re going to think of something, tell yourself “remember to pack that!”, and forget an hour later. Enter the checklist! Keep an ongoing list on your phone of the little things that occur to you, so you remember to do them.
Vacation checklist
Call the bank to let them know I’m travelling.
Buy a battery backup.
Pay bills before I leave |
A short drive north of downtown’s towers, Tampa Bay’s Seminole Heights neighborhood has earned a reputation as a hipster haven and home to some of the community’s most dynamic dining options. Travel Florida Avenue to find your favorite new happening hang-out. At Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, you can grab a My Boy Blue, the top-rated creation of Brew Bus Brewing. In Florida’s hub for craft beer, Brew Bus stands apart with weekly hop-on/hop-off tours of Tampa Bay’s most popular breweries and restaurants – many of them right in its own back yard.
Farther up Florida Avenue, the Independent Bar & Café draws creative types of all stripes, from chefs to tattoo artists to musicians. Though not a brewery, its craft beer cred goes back to the beginning of Tampa Bay’s craft juggernaut when local labels first appeared on its taps. Catch a hot new band and a cool drink at the same time. A few blocks away, Rooster & the Till repeatedly ranks as Tampa Bay’s top restaurant. Chef Farrell Alvarez’s gourmet flavor adds major flair to this neighborhood hang-out. The menu offers plenty of options for vegetarians, including “chorizo” beets. Grab a seat overlooking the open kitchen
and watch your meal come together right before your eyes. Across the neighborhood, the line forms early Sunday mornings– that’s when Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe rolls out its weekly soul food menu. Tuck into classic chicken & waffles and Kansas City-style barbecue washed down with Ella’s staple Bloody Mary garnished with a spare rib. The funky folk art on the walls keeps this spot fun and fresh. Find these and other local favorites in Tampa’s Table, a culinary journey through Tampa Bay’s food scene. Get your copy at: www.shop.visittampabay.com.
GEORGIA
INDIANA
IDAHO
TEXAS
MAKE SURE YOU TRY THE REDNECK TACO AT MARTIN’S BBQ JOINT – you’ll thank us later when you sink your teeth into this cornbread hoe-cake doused in barbecue, creamy sauce, and coleslaw.
The Southeast United States stretches roughly from Louisiana down to Florida, up to Virginia, and over to Kentucky.
No one defines the region in quite the same way, but some iconic features include days full of sunshine, people full of smiles, and food chock-full of flavor. The Southeast is known country-wide for its barbecue and its produce, not to mention the rich cultural diversity that contributes so heavily to its food culture. There’s something for everyone in the Southeast!
> A U S T I N , T E X A S
Let’s start our adventure in Texas. The second-largest state in the U.S., Texas is larger than life and full of personality. Texans are a fiercely proud people, and they have a lot to be proud of – the handheld calculator, 3-D printing, and Dr Pepper were all developed in Texas. A major farming presence, Texas also boasts a cattle population of nearly 16 million. And all that quality beef leads to quality barbecue. The Lone Star State has barbecue down to an art, and four different styles of Texas barbecue have made names for themselves in the region’s culinary world. The two most popular styles are Central Texas barbecue, where the meat is dry-rubbed with spices and cooked over oak or pecan wood, and East Texas barbecue, which is slow-cooked in a sweeter barbecue sauce. No matter what style of barbecue you prefer, you’ll find something to satisfy your hunger in Austin. Not only is Austin the state capital of Texas, it is home to some of the most exemplary Tex-Mex restaurants around. Drown yourself in melted cheese at Mohawk Austin’s annual Quesoff, a celebration of all different types of queso.
Theoriginof MoonPies is in Chattanooga
As our travels bring us to Georgia, you can almost smell the mouthwatering sweetness of peaches. This perfect pie fruit isn’t the only thing Georgia is known for –it’s also the country’s top producer of pecans, peanuts, and Vidalia onions. CocaCola was invented in Atlanta, and the metropolis is home to a fascinating experience called the World of Coca-Cola – a must-see for any visitor. Make sure to try all the international varieties of Coke. Speaking of Atlanta, this city is a required destination for the serious foodie. With everything from restaurants celebrating Southern cuisine in new and innovative ways to tiny little cultural gems tucked away in quiet neighborhoods, you could eat at a different restaurant in Atlanta for every meal for months, and you still wouldn’t crack everything the city has to offer.
> N A S H
Next on our itinerary is Tennessee. Home of the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood, and country music, Tennessee is also a great place to find lush and savory Southern comfort food. Explore a bit and you’ll find the home of Mountain Dew in Knoxville, the origin of MoonPies in Chattanooga, and so much more. In search of the best catfish you’ve ever eaten? You’ll find it here in the Volunteer State. If you’re in search of something to set your taste buds alight with excellence, get yourself to Nashville as fast as you can. The city is famous for its hot chicken – the most pleasant mouth-burning experience you can find. There are also incredible burgers, artisan chocolates, delectable pizzas, and so much more for you to discover. Make sure you try the redneck taco at Martin’s BBQ Joint – you’ll thank us later when you sink your teeth into this cornbreadhoe-cake doused in barbecue, creamy sauce, and coleslaw.
> M I A M I , F L O R I D A
Head down south to the white beaches and clear blue skies of Florida. The aptly named Sunshine State has much to offer both novice and seasoned vacationers – everything from airboat rides in the Everglades to caving experiences in Tallahassee. Florida is host to a great deal of food and drink history. The Cuban sandwich hails from Florida – either in Tampa or Key West, depending on who you ask. Gatorade was developed for the University of Florida’s football team. Plant City is the winter strawberry capital of the world. No matter where you go in Florida, you’ll find something interesting and delicious. Don’t pass up an opportunity to visit Miami, a veritable smorgasbord of flavors. Cuban food dominates the landscape, of course, with such delectable treats as empanadas and croquetas. In search of a sweet treat? Make sure you nab a slice of authentic key lime pie, made with limes straight from the Florida Keys. Branch out a little bit and try some alligator bites with spicy mayo. From out of this world cuisine to down home comfort foods, Florida has a little something for everybody.
is truly the land of plenty. Blending historic charm with modern luxury, the city brims with attractions and amenities that make it perfect for a day trip, leisurely weekend getaway, or meeting of any size. Plano’s location just north of Dallas offers easy access to the area’s professional sports, performing arts, museums and the world famous Southfork Ranch. But Plano is also a destination in its own right, with over 50 hotels, more than 1000 restaurants, world class shopping, a lively arts and nightlife scene, and abundant natural beauty.
Conveniently located about 30 minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas Love Field airport, and downtown Dallas, Plano is among the safest, easiest, cleanest, and most family-friendly cities. Plano is also known as a foodie destination, offering a huge variety of different cuisines. From farm-to-table, sustainable seafood, and even a European-style food hall, Plano has everything from Texas-style BBQ to Asian fusion and even gourmet donuts, ice cream, and popsicles.
Plano has several walkable entertainment districts that incorporate high-end retail and dining, as well as nightlife, live music, and hotels.
For those who can’t decide, Legacy Food Hall has it all. In this one-of-a-kind artisanal food hall, visitors can wander over 20 stalls to meet local purveyors and sample everything from lobster rolls and sushi to Philly cheesesteaks and duck fat fried chicken.
This rotating stall concept allows restaurateurs to develop and perfect their concepts before investing in a full restaurant. Bringing the best local chefs in a unique space makes for an unforgettable experience! But that’s not all – there is also has an on-site brewery and an outdoor live music and entertainment stage. Legacy Hall was even named the #2 best new food hall in the nation by USA Today in 2019.
Find more culinary inspiration for your next visit to Plano, visit visitplano.com/thatstempting.
Welcome to Blairsville, the sole county seat in Union County. It is also known as “The Top of Georgia” because it is home to the State’s highest elevation, Brasstown Bald at 4,784 feet, as well as amazing southern hospitality unmatched in the North Georgia Mountains.
Blairsville offers a great variety of restaurants—some almost 100 years old – as well as many new and upcoming eateries that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
From Caribbean fare and fresh seafood to Southern comfort food and finger-lickin’ BBQ, Blairsville has many restaurants you will want to visit time and time again.
Looking for dinner and a view that will make your jaw drop? Come visit The View Grill at Butternut Creek. While the view is phenomenal, the food and service are even better! Try their calamari, strawberry bruschetta, French onion soup, crab cake sandwich or the Spokane spinach salad. The folks at
The View can’t wait to share their dining experience with you. Need a caffeine fix? Cabin Coffee and Abide Coffee both offer unique coffee experiences that won’t disappoint. Cabin Coffee offers a warm, rustic atmosphere and freshly roasted coffee beans providing a mouthwatering aroma that will greet you upon arrival. If you like your coffee shop to have a more modern flair, check out Abide Coffee, where you can sip on your coffee while watching local artists display their talent.
For a truly farm-to-table cooking experience, The Sawmill Place is must go destination. The restaurant features locally sourced foods from over 12 different farms and purveyors, and their market carries over the theme of “all things local” with fresh in-season produce, Georgia Grown and Tri-State area products. It’s a gathering place for locals and a destination for travelers to the mountains alike.
Swing by Downtown Blairsville and satisfy your burger cravings with the Georgia Angus Burger and some fresh cut fries at Copeland’s Burgers and Southern Eats. Or, have the ultimate Italian experience at Michaelee’s Italian Life Caffe with freshly imported selections necessary to create an indispensable and delectable Italian meal while overlooking Blairsville’s beautiful historic courthouse.
Treat yourself to some Latin American cuisine at Lala’s on Merchant’s Square with amazing offerings like Lala’s Shrimp Ceviche, Chicken Fricassee, and delicious Tres Leches for dessert. Visit the Flying Trout for always fresh, always new, always comfort food with attitude. With seasonal “soul satisfying” southern favorites featuring the finest ingredients their culinary team rocks a menu of southern classics.
Don’t be shy. Learn more about what Blairsville has to offer at VisitBlairsvilleGa.com and VisitDowntownBlairsville.com. We can’t wait to feed you.
There’s so much history contained between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan it will make your head spin. Did you know the first McDonald’s ever was opened in Des Plaines in 1955?
The Midwest – also known as the “breadbasket of America”. This region produces most of America’s corn and most of America’s soybeans, as well as a plethora of other fine fruits and vegetables. If you’ve eaten a slice of sweet cherry pie recently, chances are those cherries came from this fabulous region. Spanning from Ohio to the Dakotas, the Midwest has the best of both worlds – diversity and unity, both in food and in warmth from the locals. Midwesterners are known across the country for going out of their way to be nice, even to tourists.
> CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
If you’ve never been to Illinois, pack your bags immediately and make your way to the Prairie State. Grab some popcorn – the official snack food of Illinois – and settle in, because there’s so much history contained between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan it will make your head spin. Did you know the first McDonald’s ever was opened in Des Plaines in 1955? Or that the ice cream sundae was developed and named in Evanston? From presidents to pizza, Illinois has many claims to fame. Speaking of pizza, make sure you stop in Chicago for a slice of authentic deep dish pizza. Brimming with chunky tomatoes and oozing cheese, it is a feast for all five senses. A Chicagostyle hot dog should be next on your list – an all-beef dog on a poppy seed bun, coated in vegetables and mustard (but NEVER ketchup). If it’s haute cuisine you’re after, never fear – Chicago is full of elegant eateries that delight in innovation and presentation.
> OMAHA, NEBRASKA
After Illinois, cross the plains to Nebraska. Immerse yourself in golden fields of gently waving corn, marvel at Carhenge (an artist’s recreation of Stonehenge using automobiles), and gawk at the world’s largest ball of stamps. Nebraska also has a number of delightfully regional eats – grab a runza, which is a bread pocket filled with beef, cabbage, and onions. It’s like a pierogi, but bigger and better! The Reuben sandwich originated in Omaha¸ a city with a surprisingly varied and delicious food culture. Everything from chicken-fried steak to ice cream made from local dairy can be found all across the city, and Omaha even has its own style of pizza – it comes in a giant rectangle and has a rich, flaky crust.
Make sure your next road trip travels through the gorgeous Midwestern heart of our country!
Did you know the ice cream sundae was developed and named in Evanston?
At the heart of every getaway is passion –for a new place, a new adventure, even a palate pleasing experience – a destination that will awaken all your senses.
Acclaimed chefs are raising Richmond’s culinary fare to new heights, with many tapping into locally sourced organic produce and meats. The Old Richmond Inn has been the core of fine dining since 1984. Classic dishes with international influences are created by chef/owner Galo Molina. Lifeblood to Hoosiers, the breaded pork tenderloin at Lumpy’s Café is served to enthusiastic patrons. In the Historic Depot District, you’ll find an evolving dining scene. The Cordial Cork Restaurant & Wine Bar serves fresh fare, crafted cocktails and top-quality wines. At the Firehouse BBQ & Blues, hickory smoked BBQ is offered along with a side of Blues music.
An invigorating ethnic scene spices up meal options, featuring Thai, Indian, Italian, Greek, Mexican, and Chinese restaurants. Gulzar’s Indian Cuisine features the best of
curry dishes prepared with fresh herbs, seasonings and meats cooked in a clay oven. Just a few blocks away, the welcoming aroma of fresh Italian specialties at Galo’s Italian Grill is sure to ignite the senses.
Be sure to sip and savor local brews and wine along the Heartland Wine and Ale Trail, and chocolate lovers will delight in the legendary Chocolate Trail which is free and offered year-round.
Allow some time to explore. Art is big. Huge, even. Sometimes three stories tall and visible from blocks away. Here, you’ll see 80 vibrant murals woven along city streets. Wayne County is a place where every brick tells a story. At the Levi & Catharine Coffin House, heart strings will be pulled when you learn about a fugitive slave’s quest for freedom. Take time to trek along the Historic National Road, stroll through neighborhoods full of antique shops (a.k.a. Indiana’s Antique Alley), studios, eateries, greenspace, and lovingly restored early 19th century homes and warehouses.
Fill your senses with the sights, sounds, and tastes of Wayne County.
Restaurants in Austin, Minnesota are known for their award winning BBQ Sauces, French Onion Soup, Raspberry French Toast, Super Spuds, Bloody Mary’s, Caramel Bars, Food Challenges, Breweries, Wine Rooms and MORE! We invite you to come and sample for yourself.
The Tendermaid Challenge started about 18 years ago. The current record is held by Molly Schuyler who consumed 30 burgers, 80 ounces of water, a bag of chips and a malt in 26 minutes on July 21, 2016. To beat the record you must eat at least one more burger than the previous record holder and eat or drink everything else they consumed in 30 minutes or less. Dare you to try the Tendermaid Challenge in Austin, Minnesota!
Yes, it’s real. The SPAM® Museum is stuffed with interactive exhibits that bring the iconic history of the SPAM® Brand to life like you’ve never seen it before! Go behind the scenes and behind the can for an experience adults and kids will savor.
SPAM® is served at 14 restaurants in Austin, Minnesota
Kenny’s Oak Grill www.kennysoakgrill.com
Perkins Family Restaurant www.perkinsaustin.com
Piggy Blues Bar-B-Que www.piggybluesbbq.com
The Old Mill www.oldmill.net
B & J Bar and Grill www.bandjbarandgrill.com
Torge’s Live www.torgeslive.com
Coffee House on Main www.coffeehouseonmain.com
Japan Panda www.japan-panda.com
Culver’s www.culvers.com
Pizza Ranch www.pizzaranch.com
Steve’s Pizza www.pizzaaustinmn.com
Johnny’s Skillet Sterling Café Barley’s Family Restaurant
A FAN OF NUTELLA? Oregon is one of the four major hazelnut growing regions in the world – in fact, it produces 95% of U.S. hazelnuts.
“Go West, young man!” The American West has long held a fascination for the adventurous, the bold of heart and courageous of spirit.
Past the Rockies and their looming caps of snow, a unique and spirited culture has developed that ranges wildly from glitzy Hollywood media to rough-and-ready Alaskan bush camps. Explore the West and find yourself, just like explorers of old.
> JUNEAU, ALASKA
We will start in one of the farthest-flung Western states –the awe-inspiring state of Alaska. Full of stunning vistas and imposing glaciers, Alaska is the largest state by size but fourth from the bottom of the list in population. For a state with less than a million people, it is rich in innovation. Due to the near-constant daylight hours in the summer, Alaska is known for its oversized produce – a 65-pound cantaloupe, 35-pound broccoli, and a whopping 138-pound cabbage are just a few examples of what a good growing season can produce. Megafauna like moose and reindeer roam the landscape, and often supply much-needed and exceedingly delicious protein. Make sure to try a reindeer sausage for breakfast one morning! An essential destination in Alaska is the capital city of Juneau, tucked cozily away in Alaska’s panhandle. Local ingredients are the star of the show here, especially when it comes to seafood –the highest-quality fish and crab will make its way to your table. The food truck scene in Juneau is also robust, with everything from oysters to tacos to crêpes. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Juneau can provide.
> SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Much farther south we find sunny California, with its wellearned moniker The Golden State. Temperate and cheerful, California’s beaches and bustling cities attract tourists in droves. It boasts the avocado capital of the world, the best fruit to put on toast. The lush wine-making regions of the state produce 17 million gallons of wine every year.
With so much to offer all throughout the state, it’s hard to settle on just one area to visit. But when you go to California, you would be remiss to pass up San Diego. This city has it all –lusciously tempting Mexican food, fresh and beautiful sushi, tiny diners and sprawling steakhouses. Stop for some woodfired pizza after a trip to the San Diego Zoo, or grab a handcrafted popsicle before strolling around Waterfront Park. No matter where you turn, you’ll find something to delight you here.
Head back north to Oregon, jewel of the Pacific Northwest. It may be misty and rainy, but don’t let that dampen your enthusiasm for a state with so much to offer. A fan of Nutella? Oregon is one of the four major hazelnut growing regions in the world – in fact, it produces 95% of U.S. hazelnuts. Oregon even has its own mushroom festival – the Estacada Festival of the Fungus, a free event celebrating all things mycological. If you enjoy a good craft beer, find your way to Portland – the city has more breweries than any other city in the world. Portland is also a truly excellent place to fill your belly; full of culinary innovations and diverse cultural cuisine, there’s something for everyone here. Craving a colorful and ostentatious donut, or a massive helping of fresh Thai food? What about farm-to-table produce and crispy fried seafood? Portland has what your heart desires and more. Don’t pass up the Dungeness crab – you can’t find a more local seafood than that.
Portland, Oregon
Having exhausted the coast we head inward to Montana, a state of towering mountain ranges and never-ending sky. You don’t have to worry about being crowded by too many people here – elk, deer, and antelope outnumber the citizens of Montana. The state’s place in mining history means its motto – “Oro y Plata,” or “Gold and Silver” in English – is particularly appropriate. Known for the sweet purple huckleberry, there’s even a Huckleberry Festival in Trout Creek that’s been going on for forty years. Don’t pass up an opportunity to try a bison burger, made with locally raised meat. With any luck you’ll find yourself in Bozeman, a humble city with much to offer discerning palates. Local produce and meat takes pride of place here, even at its late-night joints. Craving comfort food? You can find soul food and classic Americana here, as well as diners that make you fee at home. Want something more upscale? Hit one of Bozeman’s romantic eateries for a date with that special someone. Montana is a diamond in the rough – don’t let it pass you by.
Idaho Falls attracts many tourists visiting nearby Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, but has become an increasingly popular destination all on its own; particularly for beer and vodka lovers! Both of these get their start from some of Idaho’s most notable crops and water sources.
Beyond the potato, Idaho is also the largest producer of barley in the US and the second largest in the production of hops. Idaho is also home to the largest portion of the Snake River, which is what helps these crops get their great start.
With the headwaters right inside Yellowstone and then flowing through Idaho Falls, it’s no surprise that craft and corporate breweries as well as vodka distilleries find it attractive. (Anheuser-Busch even has a plant in Idaho Falls, and much of the malt barley is harvested right from the 200 acres surrounding the facility.)
One local craft brewer, Snow Eagle Brewery, not only has several award-winning brews like the Cream Ale, but also boasts the best views of the Snake River and the falls. With only eight beers on tap at a time and sold almost exclusively in house, this operation still cranks out an impressive 700 barrels of beer a year, as well as providing a fairly large brewpub menu of eats.
For those who prefer more options, then look no further than the largest one-day beer fest in the Northwest; The Mountain Brewers and North American Beer Awards. Showcasing over 100 breweries and 300 different kinds of beers, this festival has become the “not to miss” event of the summer in Idaho Falls. It also helps kick off the governor-proclaimed official beer week in Idaho. What’s best is that all of the profits from the festival go to local charities.
If you’re looking for something a little harder than beer, you won’t be disappointed by the region’s vodka selection either. Known for its sweeter and smoother taste, potato vodka is also gluten free and full of, you guessed it, potatoes. In fact, it takes on average 9-10 lbs of spuds to produce just one 750 mil bottle of vodka.
Just outside of Idaho Falls, in a little town called Rigby, the state's first legal distillery was created; but oddly, not for vodka. Initially it was an industrial plant that intended to create fuel out of the potato, but quickly learned that it was not so efficient. So the plant was sold to its current owners, Distilled Resources Inc., who believed potatoes were better used for vodka.
This distillery claims to be the longest running producers of vodka, and while you won’t find their name on the bottles they produce, you may recognize some of the brands they produce, like Idaho’s top selling vodka, 44 North.
44˚ North Vodka is distilled from the famous Burbank and Russet potatoes; using a five-column still and Rocky Mountain spring water. The vodka is then blended with the coveted waters of the Snake River Aquifer. For an extra special farm to table experience, try 44’s Huckleberry Vodka (which also uses locally sourced huckleberries) and combine it with fresh lemonade!
Audit-R
