Northern Virginia 7

NORTHERN VIRGINIA VOL. 7

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RETIREMENT • INVESTING • VACATION

RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIRECTORY FEATURED ARTICLES

TRAVEL • LIVING • HEALTH • DINING

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WHAT ARE

ANNUITIES?

An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the

same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.

There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.

FIXED ANNUITY

A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.

VARIABLE ANNUITY

A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.

INDEXED ANNUITY

An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.

WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?

It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much

income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.

FENG SHUI

IN COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui

is

a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

NEW TRENDS FOR Weddings

After the thrill of an engagement, all attention moves to the upcoming wedding. It is a happy and exciting time for any couple and one filled with many choices and decisions. It can also be a stressful time if not properly organized. To make it a joyous event, a plan is essential and it starts with making lists of things to accomplish. Technology has made it much easier. There are on-line wedding planning tools for couples to use. Not only do they simplify wedding preparation, they save time and keep everything organized and in one place as opposed to old fashioned methods.

Post-Covid backyard weddings are out and luxury is in. Couples want their venue to be special, whether it is the country club, a spectacular garden, a historic estate, or a clear top tent for dancing under the stars. They want it to reflect who they are and their own personal love story and even their cultural heritage.

Oftentimes, couples are going for smaller, more intimate affairs. This allows more time to spend with people they care about most. It also helps with the budget and allows for spending on special effects or treats. Decor has shifted from traditional white to brighter, bolder colors. Couples can now more easily express their personalities. Food and flowers are often designed to be environmentally friendly using locally sourced products. Champagne towers add a touch of elegance and they have made a big comeback.

Hanging florals are a new and dramatic trend along with decorative ceremony aisles. Special effects lighting is another new trend. For a really unique look, go for a custom dance floor as the dance floor is often the center of the action at the wedding party. A new special effect is called cold sparks. The best explanation is indoor fireworks which add drama and sparkle to any event. They can be used in a variety of ways. Use them to light up the bride and groom’s entrance to the party, for first dances, or for the couple’s departure.

It is all about creating a memorable experience unlike any other. If you don’t have a lot of time to plan and implement all that is required for your wedding, consider hiring a wedding planner or pick a venue that coordinates the details for you. Country Clubs and Hotels are good at that as they often have excellent party planners on staff. Although a private wedding planner will add to the expense, they make sure the entire process runs smoothly from design issues, overseeing the budget, sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, managing vendors, and coordinating the schedule of the wedding. At a minimum, be sure to have someone in charge on the day of the wedding for any last minute issues that arise.

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

DATESTOURNAMENT COVERAGE

Arnold Palmer Invitational

MAR 4 - 10

MAR 4 - 10

MAR 11 - 17

MAR 18 - 24

MAR 25 - 31

APRIL 1 - 7

APRIL 8 - 14

APRIL 15 - 21

APRIL 15 - 21

APRIL 22 - 28

APRIL 29 - MAY 5

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 13 - 19

+ Signature Event

presented by Mastercard +

Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Florida

Puerto Rico Open

Grand Reserve Golf Club, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

THE PLAYERS Championship

TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course), Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

Valspar Championship

Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course), Palm Harbor, Florida

Texas Children’s Houston Open

Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas

Valero Texas Open

TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course), San Antonio, Texas

Masters Tournament #

Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia

RBC Heritage +

Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Corales Puntacana Championship

Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course), Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Zurich Classic of New Orleans

TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana

AT&T Byron Nelsons

TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, Texas

Wells Fargo Championship +

Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina

Myrtle Beach Classic

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

GOLF

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, ESPN+

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

GOLF

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina GOLF

PGA Championship #

Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

CBS, ESPN+

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

DATESTOURNAMENT COVERAGE

MAY 20 - 26

MAY 27 - JUNE 2

JUNE 3 - 9

JUNE 10 - 16

JUNE 17 - 23

JUNE 24 - 30

JULY 1 - 7

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 15 - 21

JULY 22 - 28

JUNE 29 - AUG 4

AUG 5 - 11

Charles Schwab Challenge Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas

RBC Canadian Open

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday + Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

U.S. Open #

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

Travelers Championship + Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

Rocket Mortgage Classic Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, Michigan

John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois

Genesis Scottish Open ^ The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

TBA Event TBA, TBA GOLF

Barracuda Championship

Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, California GOLF

3M Open TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Olympic Men’s Golf Competition # Le Golf National, Paris, France GOLF

Wyndham Championship

Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

+ Signature Event

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change +

#

AUG 12 - 18

AUG 19 - 25

AUG 26 - SEP 1

FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee

BMW Championship Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Rock, Colorado

TOUR Championship East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

*

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

*

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE NORTHERN VIRGINIA

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

MARCH

MARCH 8 - 10 | ART & CRAFT FESTIVAL

Features original designs and work from hundreds of talented artists and craftspeople from across America. See the creative process in action as many exhibitors demonstrate throughout the weekend. There is something for every style, taste and budget with items from the most traditional to the most contemporary. This show is a winner of Sunshine Artist “200 Best” awards.For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2T4yhn8

MARCH 21 - 24 | U-PICK LAVENDER

Have you always dreamed of cutting fresh bunches of Lavender? Well here is your chance, come pick and cut your own fresh bunches of Lavender. We will provide you with scissors, rubber bands and direction to cut your own bunches. Why buy dried Lavender bundles when you can pick fresh lavender and dry it yourself. We will be offering several weeks

for cutting. For more info visit: beagleridge.org

APRIL

APRIL 1 - 14 | CHERRY BLOSSOMS

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Virginia is our complete guide to the best cherry tree blossom locations, tracking sites, and more. For more info visit:

https://tinyurl.com/yyhybzap

APRIL 12 - 14 | SPRING MARKET

Two Exhibition Buildings featuring unique gifts, gourmet foods, boutiques, fine artists and crafters and exciting decorative accessories for the home and garden.

For more info visit:

https://tinyurl.com/3wm44yt7

MAY

May 17 - 19 | Riverrock

The nation’s largest outdoor sports and music festival is Dominion Energy Riverrock, a three-day riverside experience in an urban setting with great food, craft beer

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE NORTHERN VIRGINIA

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

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and wine nearby. This isn’t your typical festival, and we’re not your typical town. For more info visit: riverrockrva.com

JUNE

JUNE TBA | BROAD APPETIT

Upwards of 80 local restaurants converge on this area each summer and prepare mini-dishes of their best creations, all for just $3 a plate. For more info visit: broadappetit.com

JULY

JULY 12 - 13 |

TOMATO FESTIVAL

A huge festival located at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville, the Hanover Tomato Festival has just about every variation of tomatoes you can think of: fried green tomatoes, tomato pie, tomato Po’ boy, tomato tacos, tomato burger, fried tomato chips, tomato wraps, salsa, and on and on and on – all, of course, of the Hanover tomato variety. For more info visit: hanovertomatofestival.com

JULY 26 - 30 | HIGHLANDS FESTIVAL

75 years ago, Robert Porterfield began a cultural experience unparalleled to our region. The Virginia Highlands Festival has continued to grow in size and scope to become a destination for tourists and a beloved regional cultural resource for the arts, history and culture of Virginia. For more info visit: vahighlandsfestival.com

AUGUST

AUG 10 | CRAFT BEER & MUSIC FESTIVAL

The JamPacked Craft Beer and Music Festival has literally too much great stuff in one place: environmentally conscious craft brewers, inspiring bands and concertgoers who want a better future. We are committed to creating a waste-free event utilizing only recyclable materials and helping to create a great local experience. So come down and enjoy great craft beer and music! For more info visit: jampackedfest.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE NORTHERN VIRGINIA

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

(. . .continued from 28) (. . .continued on page 32)

AUG 11 - 19 | COUNTY FAIR

Well, there is no shortage of great things to do and see – whether you are young or old – or some place in between. With your family, friends, and friends you are about to meet. But the real reason everyone loves the County Fair is because of the singular focus to make the fair fun for you! For more info visit: pwcfair.com

AUG 12 - 13 | JAZZ FESTIVAL

This is a world-class jazz event that’s worth traveling for. Every year, the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival lines up some of the best names in jazz, funk and blues. Make plans now to join us at this monumental festival!

For more info visit: richmondjazzandmusicfestival.com

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 24 - 29 | FILM FESTIVAL

An inclusive and spirited festival designed to honor true film artists. Richmond theaters will show quality flick after quality flick. More

than 150 films from over 35 countries to be screened over several days. In between screenings, you can catch panels, awards, musical performances, and more!

For more info visit: rvafilmfestival.com

SEPT 27 - 29 | FOLK FESTIVAL

This beloved event attracts people to downtown Richmond’s riverfront over three days to celebrate the roots, richness and variety of American culture through 30 different genres of music on seven stages, dance, traditional crafts, storytelling and food. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3hMY9L2

SEPT 27 - 30 | STATE FAIR

The Virginia State Fair features dozens of food vendors offering all-time favorites like funnel cakes, cotton candy, and barbecue chicken. Vendors offer souvenirs, clothing, belt buckles, and various unusual designs.The beautiful Meadow Park is a great outdoor setting for exciting rides, games, shows, concerts, and other family

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE NORTHERN VIRGINIA

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

(. . .continued from 32)

fun.For more info visit: statefairva.org

OCTOBER

OCT 1 - 31 | HARVEST FESTIVAL

Come celebrate with us and create an unforgettable experience picking pumpkins, getting lost in our corn maze and roasting marshmallows at the bonfire. Don’t forget those freshly made Cider Donuts! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3rKGaKc

OCT 18 - 19 | OKTOBERFEST

The Annual Richmond Oktoberfest is changing dates to the first weekend of October. Come celebrate at the only authentic Oktoberfest in central Virginia. The entertainment will be highlighted with the traditional march of the regional German Societies, the crowning of the Oktoberfest Queen, and the popular Beer Stein Hoisting Contest. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3vGjnS1

NOVEMBER

NOV 1 - 2 | OYSTER FESTIVAL

As you walk through the festival you will find many food & craft vendors, as well as wine tasting, beer tasting, and educational experiences. There is something for everyone at this popular festival & the Urbanna Oyster Festival invites individuals from all over to what has long been known as the Official Oyster Festival of the Commonwealth. For more info visit: urbannaoysterfestival.com

NOV 16 | RICHMOND MARATHON

With street art and river views, historic architecture and beautiful parks, our race routes treat runners to a unique and unforgettable tour of RVA that ends with our renowned downhill finish and post-race party on the riverfront! During your race, you’ll also encounter live bands, DJs, spirit groups, and Party Zones that will offer plenty of encouragement and motivation. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2SaqCDp

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE NORTHERN VIRGINIA

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

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DECEMBER

DEC 5 - 8 | BIZARRE BAZAAR

The Bizarre Bazaar’s Christmas Collection features more than 500 juried exhibitors in four contiguous buildings. The 45th Christmas Collection will feature talented artisans of varied media, unique new shops, boutiques, small businesses, exciting new gift lines, holiday decorations, gourmet foods, jewelry, clothing, accessories, toys, quality crafts, fine art and much more! For more info visit: thebizarrebazaar.com

JANUARY

JAN 24 - 26 | BOAT SHOW

The Downtown Richmond Boat Show will feature over 150,000 square feet of boats all under one roof. See boats shine under the first class lighting only found at the Richmond Convention Center. This show will be the largest show Richmond has ever seen! For more info visit: downtownrichmondboatshow.com

FEBRUARY

FEB TBA | GEORGE WASHINGTON PARADE

The George Washington Birthday Parade winds through a one-mile route along the historic streets of Old Town. It is the oldest and largest parade celebrating the birth of George Washington in the USA, thanks to thousands of participants and spectators.

For more info visit: washingtonbirthday.com

FEB TBA | CHOCOLATE, WINE & WHISKEY FESTIVAL

Enjoy Chocolate in a multitude of decadent presentations – an amazing selection of bean-to-bar artisan chocolates. Quench your thirst with Champagne, Prosecco and premium wines and a sip of fine whiskies! Hey, and buy some to take home – why not, you deserve it! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2s3vfaxd

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

*

**

HEALTH & FOOD

Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.

Sugar intake is a concern for many.

A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.

To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.

The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.

The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.

The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.

The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.

BANANA DATE NUT BREAD

• 3 ripe bananas mashed

• 2 eggs

• 1 stick butter

• 1 cup unbleached flour

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped

• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan

• Cream butter and date mixture

• Add eggs one at a time, beating well

• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture

• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts

• Pour mixture into the bread pan

• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean

• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack

TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful

If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,

comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.

Here are a few amazing train trip options:

JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS

If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.

In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.

SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM

In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.

In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.