Extended Weekend Getaways - February

The Extended Weekend Getaways Magazine is Published Monthly by BarnettPRO Publishing Corp. 1515 W. 3rd, Sedalia, Mo 65301

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Event Calendar - Brandi Paxton Brandi@barnettpro.com

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Tour Guide - Kaitlyn Bissen Kaitlyn@barnettpro.com

Places to Go Editor: Sheeree Oney

Things to Do Editor: Kandy Derden

People to See Editor: Lisa Garcia

Global Editor: Jamie Ye Jamie@extendedweekendgetaways.com

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From the Editor

To be the shortest month of the year, this February sure has a lot of special activities going on to squeeze into 28 days. I think of the biggie as being Valentine’s Day. My son disagrees. I’m sure many others do as well since on that very same weekend, the biggest football game of the year is scheduled. I must admit I’m pretty stoked about it myself. After all, my home team is returning to the Superbowl this year after they went into overtime to win the honor from the Bengals. Black History month is ongoing to remember, celebrate, honor and reflect the contributions of Black Americans throughout history. The result of Groundhog Day has diagnosed six more weeks of winter for us this year. Presidents Day now celebrates and pays tribute to all who have served as presidents of the United States instead of only Lincoln and Washington.

When it comes to health, February is also American Heart Month, making it a great opportunity to focus on your heart health by cooking heart-healthy recipes and taking note of these potentially life-saving facts about your ticker. February marks National Cancer Prevention Month and National Pet Dental Health Month.

Cover Photo: Kathy

Couples can bring their furry friend along on a romantic date in pet-friendly Brookhaven, Georgia. See the whole friendly story on page 89

So in honor of all the days we love and have the opportunity to remember as we choose, our theme for this issue is Places or Destinations you would “LOVE” to return again and again. This will be ongoing all month as we would like YOU to let us know where you wish to return by clicking on the “contact us” link in the top right corner of our website home page. In the message box, take as much space as you need to share your favorite destinations. All who respond will automatically be entered into our prize drawing of a FREE weekend getaway! We will notify winners by email. So until next time, Happy Valentine’s Day, Happy President’s Day, Happy Groundhog Day and May the BEST team win!

ManagingBarnett,Editor

People to See Jesse Howard

A singer, performer and songwriter, this artist has proven dreams can come true. It may take a little luck, a little more talent, even more patience, and then a whole lot of love and support from family, friends, and God.

Jesse recently shared with me his first big dream in life was to make his dad proud of him.

“My driving force through it all was my dad,” he said. “He is what kept me going. I just wanted to impress him.”

His father was a musician also and Jesse first began his career by playing drums for him. He was only six years old at the time.

As the passion for performing grew, he picked up the guitar and began developing his talent, singing popular cover songs with local bands. He realized he enjoyed singing and playing guitar more than drums, so continued to find his place in the musical world.

“It was a learning process,” he said. “I had to find a place where I could just go and be myself.” He then headed to nearby cities and played at open mic venues, building his own style and brand. Quite surprised, Jesse realized audiences were beginning to respond.

Still searching for that right niche and yearning to create his own songs, he learned from his sister

By Kathy Barnett Managing Editor

that a beautiful and peaceful destination was near Gulf Shores, Alabama. He moved and found the inspiration he needed to write, expand his career, build his unique sound and formed his band, Outlaw Nation.

He also found love. He met and soon after married Beverly, who now travels with and works with Jesse to promote his concerts.

Jess is returning to his roots this summer to say “thank you” to friends, family and fans in Norwalk, Ohio at the Huron County Fairgrounds on June 24. Currently, this is the only concert scheduled in his home state and tickets are on sale. Be sure to order now as they are going fast.

This concert and other shows are found at https:// outlawnationofficial.com/outlaw-nation-shows/

To share with newcomers in the music business, Jesse advises not to rush. Make sure you have good content and people working with you. Character and humility, class are also important. I believe the words from the song “A Simple Man” hold true to this artist.

“...Oh, take your time, don’t live too fast, Troubles will come and they will pass. You’ll find a woman, yeah, and you’ll find love And don’t forget son there is someone up above...”

By Lynyrd Skynyrd

Product Reviews Valentine Gift Ideas

Dark Chocolate Hearts, Nine Pieces

Share your heart with someone you love this Valentine’s Day! KOHLER’s heart-shaped shell of dark chocolate surrounds a soft, raspberry ganache center graced with subtle hints of champagne and cognac notes. Until Feb. 10, KOHLER is offering 30% off all products. For the lover with a sophisticated taste, try - Terrapins. This specific variety pack offers the perfect combination of all four Terrapin flavors: three Original Buttery, two Java, two Blackstrap, and two Peanut Butter.

Price: $25.99 / 9 pc. https://kohlerchocolates.com/

Dog Shoe Toy

Kohler Collection

No loving dog owner wants to forget their beloved companion. Bonne et Filou once again comes to the rescue with their luxury Red Heel Squeaky Dog Shoe Toy. It is priced just right as the crème de la crème of French footwear made e specially for your fur-friend. This fun toy is bound to make a pampered canine feel all the love. Made from hypoallergenic and incredibly soft, high-quality recycled materials. Each plush shoe contains a built-in squeaker protected by a layer of fabric to create endless hours of enjoyment! Two sizes available: Price: $13.99 (sm) $18.99 (lge) https://bonneetfilou.com/

Martha’s Strawberry Ombre Cake

This stunning pink cake is ombre on the inside, with shades of pink vanilla sponge cake alternating with layers of strawberry Swiss buttercream! A love of food was instilled in Martha by her mother from a young age, and after a brief stint on Wall Street she started a catering company from her home kitchen. Martha made everything from scratch and quickly earned a following. This cake is packed in dry ice.

Price: $99.95 and Free shipping www.goldbelly.com/martha-stewart/marthas-strawberry-ombre-cake?ref=merchant

Going Global : Tel Avive The City That Boasts The

By Kat Fleischman http://dotellpublicity.com/

One of my top priorities while visiting during the Winter was to be centrally located, while also enjoying a constant view of the Mediterranean, which reminds me of my home in Miami.

The city of Tel Aviv boasts the best of all worlds, with it’s delicious foods like falafel and hummus, mixed with a rich, historical culture, and a laid-back beach atmosphere that makes it an ideal city to live in.

The Carlton Tel Aviv just does that. Situated on the beach, it’s been awarded year after year as the top business luxury hotel in Tel Aviv, and is iconic for much more. The five-star hotel is also the perfect example of where “the city meets the sea”, since you are able to have breakfast in the popular beachside stand-alone breakfast restaurant “Carlton on the Beach” with endless views of the ocean, making you feel like you are on a dreamy, floating boat suspended in the water. The gourmet breakfast selection is endless, from an omelet station to an array of delectable baklava desserts. The prime location is also steps from the busy hub of Tel Aviv’s most popular business, shopping, culture, and entertainment options.

The suites are expansive, with unobstructed 360 degree views, so that ‘beach’ feeling never leaves you, even from your balcony, as you watch the boats cruise by or dock in the marina. The 15th floor rooftop pool is chic and the best location to catch the sunset. The hotel has a hip lobby bar to grab a drink and even offers guests a Royal Executive Lounge, with light bites, drinks, a private chill zone, and a business center. The hotel is also the only member of

Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in Israel, hosting many Prime Ministers and star studded celebs.

We stayed in the newly renovated beautifully appointed one-bedroom suite which had a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea from its private balcony. In fact 269-rooms (including 12 suites) feature private balconies looking out over the Mediterranean Sea or the Tel Aviv cityscape. Rooms include a large flat screen smart-TV, high speed Wi-Fi, a cozy sitting area, mini bar, coffee & tea making facilities, a large desk and luxurious bathroom with a Carlton Tel Aviv special scented toiletry set.

There is so much to do in Israel in so little time, and Tourist Journey made the entire process a cinch! Their customizable booking experience via “Create My Journey” allows travelers to instantly organize a completely personalized itinerary across 20 countries, including tours and

The Best of All Worlds

hotel accommodations, taking the guesswork out of the booking process and tailoring to personal lifestyle. I chose from the Tel Aviv tours HERE and visited Masada, The Dead Sea, and the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. I even explored parts of Tel Aviv I had missed on my first two trips like the Carmel Market, urban street art and the historical and rich culture of Jaffa, with a really knowledgeable tour guide.

For the best dining experience, make your way to Alena Restaurant at the Norman Hotel. They have a fun library in the back, a stunning interior and heating lamps outside on the beautiful courtyard. The best dining selections included the yellowtail crudo, lasagna, tortellini, chicken, the burger and chocolate gelato for a sweet finish.

For the sunniest and most entertaining winter holiday season, Tel Aviv is the perfect spot to kick back and relax, for a true vacation without the frigid temperatures.

Going Global: France Let’s Party in Paris

Fly to Paris this spring with Norse Atlantic Airways

Paris – the city of love and excitement and if it’s good enough for Emily – it’s good enough for us. You can now fly to the French capital (CDG) from New York (JFK) with Norse Atlantic Airways from March 26, 2023. With flights going from just $159 one-way, a gift of a trip to Paris is the perfect Valentine’s Day present for your one true love.

Bård Nordhagen, Commercial Director, Norse Atlantic Airways, says:

“Paris is the ultimate city of love, the perfect getaway for couples in need of some private time, or perhaps destined for a proposal. Just over a seven-hour flight from New York, it offers culture, adventure, amazing cuisine, the very best hotels and unrivaled history and art that will educate and entertain. We are thrilled to offer an affordable travel option for our American travelers who want to experience French glamour first-hand this spring.”

Norse provides their top five reasons why Paris should be on your must-see list in 2023:

• It’s the city of love – As you walk the beautiful cobbles of Paris and view the amazing Eiffel Tower hand in hand with your one

true love, it is bound to give you that warm, fuzzy feeling. The countless charming bars and restaurants give the perfect setting for a couple’s love to blossom.

• The Art – The Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa, is the world’s most visited art museum in the world for a reason. And you’ve got the Musee d’Orsay, housing impressionist and post-impressionist art from the likes of Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh, as well as The Centre Pompidou, Paris Museum of Modern Art and the Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin to choose from.

• The Food – The French are, of course, famous for their food and drink, with new and unique restaurants popping up all the time, while traditional greats have remained for decades, stalwarts of French society. These include Bouillon Chartie, Café de la Paix and Le Train Bleu.

• The History - The Palace of Versailles, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montremarte and the Sainte-Chapelle are just five of the architectural beauties that you must see when arriving in Paris.

• The River Seine – The stunning river flows through the heart of the city and provides a picturesque walkway or a wonderful river cruise, particularly by night.

Providing comfort and affordability all in one airline, there is no better option than to fly to Paris with Norse Atlantic.

The airline launched in March 2021 and is a new long-haul, low-cost airline that offers transatlantic routes. Gone are the days of low comfort and high prices. With Norse Atlantic, travelers can experience affordable fares to destinations and great service on board modern and more fuel-efficient Dreamliners.

You can fly to Paris from New York on the following routes:

JFK – CDG $159 (oneway)

Norse Atlantic offers two cabin choices, Economy and Premium. Passengers can choose from a simple range of fares, Light, Classic and Plus, that reflect the way that they want to travel, and which options are important to them. Light fares represent Norse’s value option, while Plus fares include the maximum baggage allowance, two meal services, an enhanced airport and onboard experience and increased ticket flexibility.

The large and spacious Boeing 787 Dreamliner cabin offers passengers a relaxed and comfortable travel experience, with each seat including a personal state of the art entertainment experience. Our Premium cabin offers an industry leading 43” seat pitch and 12” recline, allowing passengers to arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore.

To book and for more information on Norse Atlantic please visit www.flynorse.com

Norse Atlantic Airways is a new airline that offers affordable fares on long-haul flights, primarily between Europe and the United States. The company was founded by CEO and major shareholder Bjørn Tore Larsen in March 2021. Norse has a fleet of 15 modern, fuel-efficient and more environmentally friendly Boeing 787 Dreamliners that will serve destinations including New York, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Oslo, London, Berlin and Paris. The company’s first flight took off from Oslo to New York in June of 2022.

What in Your Life Is Worth Recipes For Living

We are creatures of habit. This is evidenced in our daily lives. We eat, sleep, shower, and go through our own unique routines on a regular basis.

However, for our purposes today, I’m not talking about the many details which are repeated without thinking. Neither are we discussing tasks such as grocery shopping, dry cleaners, pharmacy, banking, errands or other such weekly events such as church services.

Instead, I’m asking about things such as best-loved books you read more than once and favorite movies you watch over and over. I will confess to both of those plus the frequent selection and wearing of one particularly comfortable outfit.

I don’t know about you, but around here, our holiday activities are often re-enacted because they are tradition. For example, when friends and family gather, we usually end up playing our favorite card game while listening to the same playlist of music. Of course, this isn’t until after we have enjoyed the standard celebration meal.

When you need a break from routines and rituals, how do you select a vacation destination? Do you go exploring for things unknown or do you resort back

to the familiar and revisit prior locations where you enjoyed the sights, activities and food choices? I’m guilty. I’ll admit it. One of my biggest considerations when traveling includes some of our favorite eating establishments. There have even been times when we added a particular choice to our itinerary, even if it required a detour while en route to our final destination.

If you are anything like us, once you arrive, you order the same meal you enjoyed while there the last time. After all, you already know how good it is and how much you like it.

I’m quite sure I’m not alone when I say I do have several menus which I make again and again. Some of these include specific recipes which are so good, they get used in more than one menu.

Scalloped Pineapple is one such recipe. I first tried it while attending my first luau over fifty years ago. It was an instant favorite! As a result, it has shown up on our holiday table multiple times per year ever since. It is an excellent side dish no matter what your entrée may be or what time of day you wish to eat it. It can even be served for breakfast.

Versatility is a great way to

describe this old stand-by recipe. On occasion, it has been made without the pineapple for a bread pudding variation. We have served it hot, cold, room temperature and everything in between. If you wish to try it for breakfast as mentioned above, simply omit the pineapple and add cinnamon to taste. Drizzle with icing if desired. For funeral dinners, or any carry in potluck, it is easy and quick to prepare and transport. Throw in the added bonus of not being terribly expensive and you’ve got a winner all the way around.

SCALLOPED PINEAPPLE

Drain the juice off one can of pineapple chunks or tidbits. Cut six slices of bread into cubes or tear into small pieces. Combine bread and pineapple but do not mix. Beat two eggs together with one and a quarter cups sugar. Mix this with one stick oleo, melted.

Pour this mixture over the bread and pineapple. Toss lightly until coated but use caution not to overmix or let the bread become crumbs. Transfer to sprayed nine-by-nine inch casserole dish and bake in three hundred fifty degree oven for forty five minutes.

Trust me. THIS is worth repeating!

By Kandy Derden Lifestyles Editor

Worth Repeating?

Hotel Hospitality - Boston New Dream-On Package Promises

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, and the post-holiday winter blues, The Revolution Hotel is rolling out its Dream On package that will make guests swoon at the incredible savings. The hip, stylish, cutting-edge hotel is in the heart of the South End, Boston’s picturesque neighborhood filled with Victorian-era brownstones. It’s the city’s most diverse and welcoming community and the SoWa Arts + Design District. It’s within walking distance to the Back Bay and close to public transportation

The Revolution Hotel has already made waves with its stylishly designed Bath Down-TheHall rooms, which offer some of the most affordable hotel rooms in a city better known for highpriced lodging. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center and free Wi-Fi Those rooms are an even better deal during the post-holiday season, thanks to Dream On.

Offering as much as 45% savings over regular rates, the Dream On experience at The Revolution Hotel is a dream come true. It means a Bath Down-the-Hall King is going for as little as $90 a night. A Bath In-Room Queen starts at $159, while a Bath In-Room King is priced from $163 per night. The offer runs through March 31, 2023.

What to do with all those savings? Explore the restaurants, cafes, and bars of the vibrant South End dining scene, now considered one of Boston’s best restaurant neighborhoods. From the French fare at Aquitaine and Frenchie Wine Bistro to B&G Oysters, the Asian offerings at Banyan Bar + Refuge, the breakfast eats at The Buttery, and the live music at The Beehive, it’s a delicious scene and offers a wide range of

date night dining for couples. There’s also Cósmica, a CalMex restaurant in The Revolution Hotel, servings dinner and weekend brunch, as well as Kohi Coffee Co. in the lobby, ideally located to jump-start the morning.

This is the time of year to stroll hand-in-hand through the Public Gardens, catch the sales on Newbury Street, and go skating on the Boston Common

Promises Savings Up To 45%

Frog Pond before getting cozy on a Midcentury Modern couch in front of the fireplace in the hotel lobby. Dream on, indeed.

Book now to save up to 45% over published rates based on double occupancy and availability. For more information and to researve, visit https:// therevolutionhotel.com/

Mid - Eastern States

A New Aquarium Underwater

New winter fun comes to the Newport Aquarium worth returning to experience. There are new Annual Memberships and an All-New Underwater Scavenger Hunt Around the World presented by Skyline Chili.

Visitors are invited on an indoor adventure where they can escape the cold and meet some new animal friends, while learning more about those they may have overlooked before. Among the new animals are the mesmerizing weedy sea dragons and a rare albino catfish born at the aquarium. While finding the animals, visitors will also search the exhibits for the Scavenger Hunt’s hidden globes, with each carrying a letter. All together they reveal a secret phrase that can be used to enter for a chance to win four Newport Aquarium Gold Annual Memberships, along with a $100 Skyline Chili Gift Card!

The new weedy sea dragons recently went on display in the Seahorses: Unbridled Fun gallery. These beautiful creatures get their name from their plant-like appearance and graceful movements. Weedy sea dragons are striking upon first glance with their leafy look, and are known for their elaborate dance during courtship. Another new animal to be found during the Underwater Scavenger Hunt is the rare albino channel catfish, that was interestingly born at the aquarium to parents not presenting this trait. The catfish was coincidentally born alongside the aquarium’s two white American alligators, Snowball and Snowflake, in Gator Alley.

Newport Aquarium’s new Silver, Gold and Platinum Annual Membership program has also just launched, allowing guests to choose from three tiers of different benefits to find the right fit for their family. Members can enjoy a full year of unlimited visits with a Silver Annual Membership. Upgrade to a Gold Membership

for extra benefits like exclusive member events, Bring-A-Friend Free Days and free parking vouchers. Or, get guaranteed entry without a reservation and other VIP Benefits with a Platinum Membership. Each Membership helps support animals and education at your aquarium along with conservation efforts around the world. For a limited time, Gold and Platinum Memberships also come with two extra months free. To learn more, visit NewportAquarium. com. The Underwater Scavenger Hunt Around the World is included free with admission.

By Heather Raulerson Freelance Travel Writer

Choosing To Return To Greenville

Greenville is a wonderful small town to visit. It is so much so that I keep going back time and again.

Why do I keep going back? Is it the 220 days of sunshine each year? Maybe, but there is more.

I have been fortunate to have an aunt living in Greenville that allows me to visit quite often. Here are a few of my favorite reasons: delicious food, cool museums, historic bridges, and magnificent waterfalls, and that is just the tip of what Greenville has to offer visitors all year long. So, for those who haven’t explored this great town, here is what you miss.

Stroll Through

Walkable Downtown Downtown Greenville is family-friendly day and night. During the day, you can see families wandering in the specialty shops, hunting for the Mice on Main Street, strolling through the Farmer’s Market, chasing street art, or playing in Falls Park on the Reedy. After walk-

ing across the Liberty suspension bridge, go underneath to see the 28ft Reedy River waterfalls up close. Along the Reedy River, Greenville’s first European settler, Richard Pearis, established a trading post in 1768. This area eventually saw the rise of ironworks, grist, corn, and sawmills. Nowadays, many of those sites have been remodeled into specialty shops, art galleries, and restaurants. At night you’ll hear the clip-clop of the horse-drawn carriages while walking under the twinkling lights along Main Street.

Munch on Amazing, Delicious Food and Drinks

Greenville is a continuously changing city with new restaurants always popping up. One of the best ways to experience how much Greenville is a foodie town is to go on one of the culinary tours from GreenvilleHistoryTours.com. The first one I recommend is the BBQ Trail Tour. This tour gives you three back-to-back barbecue tastings where you can munch on a mouth-watering BBQ that just falls off the bone. Another fabulous tour is the Breakfast Tour, where you can eat through a few lovely breakfast joints enjoying energy bowls and huge homemade

Greenville Cont.

biscuits. Make sure you come hungry for these food tours.

If you aren’t in the mood for a group tour, wander around the downtown area, and you’ll come across gourmet popcorn, craft bears, walking tacos at Papi’s Tacos, and ice cream.

For the best collection of street food, make sure to visit Gather, where you have over ten different street food vendors to choose from. And if you want a unique nightlife experience, try Greenville’s speakeasy, Vault & Vator. You won’t ever go hungry with all the food options here in Greenville.

Explore the Numerous Museums

Greenville is full of history, and you can learn all about it at the many museums throughout the city. Whatever your interest, you can find a museum for any family member. There is the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum by Flour Field for hard-core baseball fans. For the race car enthusiast, wander through the BMW Zentrum Museum. A couple of my favorites can be found at Heritage Green. If you are a music fan, you will love exploring the Sigal Music Museum. With over six hundred musical instruments, you’ll see some of the most intricately designed keyboard instruments and a unique collection of woodwinds and guitars.

Another fantastic museum is the Up Country History Muse-

um. The museum allows you to experience the uniqueness of the Upcountry. Each section of the museum gives insight into Greenville’s fascinating past, including how the Cherokees, Catawbas, and Europeans found this area the perfect place to settle with its mild weather, good hunting, and rich soil. You can also learn about the ingenious farming and mill industry around Greenville. These are only a few fabulous museums that Greenville has to entertain you when you visit.

Walk or Bike Miles of Nature Trails

I love the great outdoors, and there is nowhere better to experience than Greenville. Being nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there is an endless supply of nature adventures to be had. A short drive away is the Bald Rock Heritage Preserve, Caesars Head State Park, Wildcat Wayside Falls, Poinsett Bridge, and the Campbell Covered Bridge. But, the adventures are even closer on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. This 22-mile paved trail starts at Falls Park on the Reedy and runs along the Reedy River to Traveler’s Rest. This is one of the busiest nature trails for cyclists and joggers, with eateries for the Swamp Rabbit Trail enthusiasts to stop, rest, and refuel along the route. Check out the Whistle Stop Cafe when you make it to Travelers Rest.

There is so much to see, do and explore in Greenville that

I’m not surprised that Greenville has become one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing urban areas. Just watch out because the combination of the hip, cosmopolitan downtown and traditional Southern charm

makes visitors lifelong residents here. And after a few trips, I could easily see that happening. Greenville is worth a visit or two or three.

Smokey Mountains

Loudon County is known for its spectacular mountain views, pristine lakes and the charming downtown streets, shops and attractions of Lenoir City and Loudon, making it a dream location for those who love the outdoors. With the Smoky Mountains, Tellico Lake and the Tennessee River creating a backdrop, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, stunning sunsets and trademark misty mornings. Located between Knoxville and Chattanooga, Loudon County’s Highway 321 is the most scenic and least congested route to the Smokies from I-75 and I-40 East. Many prefer this area as a basecamp for enjoying the National Park, including farm tours, shopping, the LoCo Drive In and The Lost Sea cavern tours.

Lenoir City and Loudon each have unique shopping and dining spots and locals who love to show off their Southern hospitality. Lenoir City delights history lovers with its well-preserved architecture and classic streetscapes. The traditional storefronts are home to locally owned shops and boutiques with unique finds. This is also home to a portion of the U.S. 11 Antique Alley, which begins in Lenoir City and continues south through Loudon County. The neighboring town of Loudon sits beneath its trademark historic water tower and is also

home to beautiful historic buildings and a town square complete with picturesque fountain. This 1800s riverfront town is an idyllic setting for browsing specialty shops and enjoying the small-town vibe.

Near Loudon, the oldest family winery in the state, Tennessee Valley Winery, has earned more than 900 national, regional and local awards. Visitors can enjoy daily free tastings and attend special events throughout the year. The setting includes beautiful views. Music on the Mountain concerts. Choose from more than 20 wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and other traditional varieties, several from French hybrids as well as Native American grapes such as Concord and Muscadine.

Spend a day shopping, snacking and touring at Sweetwater Valley Farm in Philadelphia. Approximately 300,000 pounds of cheese are produced annually on this working dairy farm; the cheese-making process is visible through a viewing window. Taste and purchase some of its 30 varieties at the farm’s store and have a savory grilled cheese sandwich and a fresh milkshake at the Seed to Sandwich Café.

Windy Hill Farm and Preserve is a splurge-worthy resort and

hunting lodge with thoughtfully appointed cabins and sweeping views. Rates include daily meals, non-alcoholic beverages and unguided activities. Their restaurant, Wilder, is open to the public and regarded as the best of the best for a romantic dining experience. Windy Hill cultivates many of its own heirloom garden-to-table ingredients. The menu features a collection of small plates, seasonal offerings and nightly specials, all imaginatively prepared. Enjoy a wine pairing or a regional craft beer.

Loudon County is also the perfect destination for the nofrills, down-to-earth couple who loves to hike and camp.

Yarberry Peninsula Campground is on the shores of Fort Loudoun Lake off Highway 321 South in Lenoir City. Among its many amenities are stunning views from just about every site. Level sites accommodate the largest RVs and are also perfect for tents, and each has 50/30-amp service and water, a picnic table and fire ring. Two spotless bathhouses are climate-controlled for year-round comfort. For more ideas on what to do, where to eat and stay go to www.VisitLoudonCounty.com.

For more on Tennessee > Click Here

Franklin, One Visit is

Franklin, Tennessee, is a beautiful town located just south of Nashville. The people in Franklin are some of the nicest you’ll ever meet, and this charming town has something for everyone!

Let’s explore the unique attractions that will make you want to return again and again.

VisitFranklin.com hosted my visit, and the Harpeth Hotel provided complimentary lodging. All opinions are my own.

Historic Downtown Franklin

The downtown district of Franklin is known as one of the most picturesque places in the country. The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Franklin as one of five “Great American Main Street” honorees for its outstanding downtown and main street revitalization. Franklin is also included in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Main Street of Franklin showcases stunning architecture and history in the buildings and churches. The Old Factory Store that now houses the Landmark Booksellers is one of the oldest buildings and an early example of Greek Revival architecture. After the Battle of Franklin in the Civil War, it was used as a field hospital.

This bookstore was the inspiration for the bestselling novel by Karen Kingsbury, The Bridge. A movie from the book appeared on Hallmark.

The iconic 1937 Franklin Theatre is on Main Street. The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County restored the theatre to its former glory and reproduced the original Marquee. It is open with films and live shows to entertain right on Main Street.

Franklin is very walkable. You can park your car and enjoy the 16-block historic downtown area on foot.

There are some things to see outside of town, but you can leave your car parked and take the new “Hop on/Hop off” trolley tour offered by Gray Line Tennessee. The Franklin Hop has five stops and is

is Never Enough

Robin O’Neal Smith Freelance TravelWriter RobinOnealSmith.com

an entertaining 90-minute loop with guides pointing out points of interest.

Guests can get off and explore at any stops along the route, including the visitor center, the Factory at Franklin, Carnton, the Carter & Lotz Houses, and the village of Leiper’s Fork. Tickets are available at the downtown visitor center or online through FranklinHop.com.

History & Culture

The history of Franklin is fascinating - from the Civil War to the present day, there’s so much to learn about this city.

Franklin is rich in history and has several historical sites to visit. If you’re interested in the Civil War, there are several battlefields, and Carnton is worth

checking out.

The town square is in the middle of town, on the main street. It is an area that includes a memorial for the soldiers from Franklin of the Civil War. It was erected on the 35th anniversary of the Battle of Franklin.

The square also includes four 1847 cannons, lights, and flowering plants. The markers share the Battle of Franklin story, how the market house was used for purchasing and selling human beings in the early years, reconstruction, the deadly Riot of 1867, and the local involvement of the U.S. Colored Troops.

In the fall of 2021, a new March to Freedom statue was officially unveiled. In a Civil War uniform, it depicts an African American soldier standing with one foot on a stump and a rifle across his knee. It honors the U.S. Colored Troop soldiers who marched in the fight against Confederate soldiers and their continued march for freedom after the war ended. It is one of only a few in the U.S. portraying an African American Civil War soldier.

Shopping & Dining

The shops and restaurants in Franklin offer locally made goods and delicious southern cuisine. From antique stores filled with treasures from days gone by to modern boutiques selling trendy items - there’s something here for everyone!

Most businesses in Franklin welcome dogs. You will know if they are welcome when you see a white dog bowl outside.

Remember to check out some of the local eateries, too; the food is incredible - from southern BBQ to fine dining, you’ll find everything your taste buds are looking for. I was impressed with the abundant

restaurants in downtown Franklin. You won’t find chain restaurants on these streets. One of my favorite eateries in Franklin is Puckett’s. I enjoyed the Deep Fried Brownie Sundae that was featured on the Food Network.

Live Music Everywhere

Nashville may be the Music City, but Franklin is where you’ll find the best live music. From country to rock to blues and more, you can find a little bit of everything in Franklin. If you’re a music lover, you’ll want to check out some of the local talent.

When we dined at Puckett’s, they had a local musician playing just a few feet from our table. Kimbros Pickin Parlor also has live entertainment, and free live street entertainment is often near the town square.

Hotels and Accommodations

The hotels and accommodations are topnotch. There are several lovely B&Bs and hotels. When we visited, we stayed at the Harpeth Hotel by Hilton. They also had live music throughout the afternoon to enjoy.

Digital Passports

You can learn more about Franklin by

downloading one of their digital passport self-guided tours. There are several for the town and Williamson County. All are free and cover history, murals, coffee, and more. If you complete all the visits for a passport or trail, you earn a prize from the visitor’s center. The digital passport for Main Street covers 0.7 miles and is an easy walk with 33 stops.

Franklin, Tennessee, offers travelers a unique combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape or an exciting day trip with family and friends, it’s all here waiting for you in this lovely town! One visit to Franklin, Tennessee, and you’ll fall in love and find yourself wanting to come back again and again.

For more on Tennessee

Ice Skating in DesMoines, Iowa is a favorite winter activity many love to take part in again and again

Midwestern States

Snow Sculpting Competition

Teams from around the state will compete in Rockford for the right to represent Illinois in the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition in 2024. This 37th annual Illinois state competition has been rescheduled to Feb. 8-11 due to the weather conditions. As many as 50,000 visitors view these massive works of snow art each year. There is also a high school division. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Sinnissippi Park is open to the public for sculpture viewing while weather permits. Viewing hours are daily from sunrise until 10:30 p.m. You may drive or walk through the park. Visitors are encouraged to take the time to walk through to maximize their experience and allow them to view the sculptures from all sides.

Then there will be the opportunity to cast your vote for the people’s choice awards in the state and high school divisions. All votes will be cast online or via text between 8:30 a.m. and noon only on Feb. 11. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at 1 p.m. also on Feb. 11.

Limited parking is available at Sinnissippi Park. Additional parking is available at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens just west of Sinnissippi Park across N. Second Street.

For more information, visit https://ilsnowsculpting.com/

INDIANAPOLIS - When it comes to the city life, there are multiple opportunities to keep your loved ones entertained and happy. In fact, there are so many that you will want to return again and again. Take your loved one(s) to one of Downtown’s 350+ restaurants, unwind with a cocktail, enjoy arts and crafts, experience world-class events and more! Indy’s urban core is ready to welcome you and spread the love.

Here are a few favorites to get started with the fun and adventure:

Dinner and Dance

Feb. 14/6-10 p.m. at the Indiana Roof Ballroom Ready to dance your shoes off and have a full belly? The Indiana Roof Ballroom will be having a fabulous evening of dinner and dancing with a live performance by the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra. Cocktail hour will begin at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. with dancers performing throughout the night.

“The Alice” Cocktail Experience

Through April 30/7:30 - 5:30 - 7 p.m., 7:30 - 9 p.m. or 9:30 - 11p.m. A new immersive cocktail adventure, perfect for Alice in Wonderland fans,

A Valentine GetawayCity Style

has arrived at the Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library in Downtown Indy! This theatrical, alternate reality experience will take you down the rabbit hole and through the looking glass! An extravagant way to make new memories while creating cocktails, solving riddles, devouring tasty sweets, and much more! Tickets are $28 per person.

Valentine’s Art Night Out

Feb. 11/6 p.m. at the Garfield Park Arts Center. Complete with live music, a photo booth, and craft stations with guided instructions from local artists.

Chocolate & Wine Class

Feb. 10/6:30-8 p.m. at SoChatti. includes a flight of all four SoChatti origins and your choice of wine(s) for the perfect pairing.

You can also create drop candies and anticipate a few Valentine’s Day surprises!

Indiana Night Live: Valentines Edition

Feb. 10-11/8 p.m. At the District Theatre. Want to have a laugh with your friends, family, or loved one? See the fabulous stand-up comedian Gwen Sunkel!

Dinner and Show

Feb. 9- March 26/6 p.m. Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre. Buffet and the musical “Footloose.” See next page. page.

For more on Indiana

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound hit the Round Barn Theatre stage for one incredible night of love songs just in time for Valentine’s Day! The new album is called Decades of Love and features some all time favorites:

It Had To Be You, Blue Moon, Only You, I Want To Hold Your Hand, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Sugar Pie Honey Bunch, How Deep Is Your Love, You’re the Inspiration and more!

Meal & Show Packages are available as well as individual tickets. Don’t miss this incredible night at the Round Barn Theatre!

Ryan Stevenson has had multiple hits including: Eye of the Storm, Amadeo, No Matter What, With Lifted Hands & The Gos. Bring your family or church group out for a great night of worship with Ryan Stevenson!

Don’t miss this incredible night at the Round Barn Theatre!

Rhett Walker has had hit songs with Gospel Song, All Joy, No Stress, Let’s Go Down & Good To Me. He has also teamed up with Country singer Jimmie Allen on Alright. This will be an incredible night of music and fun!

Meal & Show Packages are available as well as individual tickets.

Winter Fun is in Hendricks County

TRAIL RIDING

There are few things more lovely than a forest in winter on horseback. There’s just something about crisp air and the steady clip of hooves that can soothe a busy mind, which we could all use after the craziness of a work week.

Natural Valley Ranch in Brownsburg offers trail rides year-round, weather permitting. Schedule a trail ride at your convenience.

Not necessarily a fan of horseback riding? No problem! Visit the farm to see the animals for free or even snag a free pony ride (of course remembering to tip the handler).

ICE SKATING AT PENGUIN PARK

For only $8 a person (kids under 3 and spectators are

free), come out to its new location at Murphy Aquatic Park in Avon, and check out Penguin Park to try your hand at ice skating on a synthetic rink. The rink is even bigger this year and more conducive to skating, so bring your friends!

Once you’ve tired of skating, consider renting an igloo for some winter fun. Gather with friends, bring snacks and drinks and warm up using the bonfires just outside your igloo entrance. This is truly a unique recreational destination and the perfect weekend winter activity for families through Feb. 26. Open hours are 6-9 p.m. Friday and noon - 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Registration isn’t required for open skate sessions

DINNER AND MUSIC

On Feb. 11, a Valentine’s Dinner will be hosted at the

Avon Wedding Barn by Hoosier Roots. Cocktails will be served at 5:30 with dinner at 6:30 p.m. You will have the option of Choice of Roast Beef Carving station, Boursin Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast or a vegetarian option.

Live entertainment will be provided by American Idol finalist Clark Beckham. His new album, “Light Year,” is available now. which infuses elements of Soul/R&B with pop melodies. Then a Dijay dance hour will follow. For tickets, visit https://www. ticketor.com/awb/tickets/ valentine-s-dinner-live-music2023-251499#buy

Clear Lake

The lakeside town that calls your name year-round

By Tim Trudell Freelance Travel Writer

On road trips between Omaha and Minneapolis, I used Clear Lake as a stop, pulling off Interstate 35 to refuel the car and myself. Then, one day, I fell in love with the North Iowa community.

Looking for a local place to enjoy lunch on a drive north, my wife and I stopped at a local bar and grill for a burger and fries. The place, no longer around, was decorated with all sorts of Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens memorabilia. As a child, I grew up with my older siblings listening to their music. I became a fan of the early rock and roll legends at a young age.

Told the Surf Ballroom - where they and JP “The Big Bopper” Richardson performed for the final time - was only a few blocks away, we stopped outside for a photo. The trio and their pilot perished in a plane crash north of town shortly after the 1959 Winter Dance Party. A historical marker outside the music venue honors them.

A few years later, invited to spend a summer weekend in Clear Lake, we jumped at the opportunity. Since our first visit in 2015, Clear Lake is a nearly annual visit for us. From weekend stays to a day trip, Clear Lake is one of my favorite places in the United States and a destination I can visit over and over.

The Surf Ballroom remains nearly intact from its early days as a concert venue. Still hosting concerts, the Surf honors the fallen legends with a Winter Dance Party each weekend near the February 3 anniversary of the crash. A green room off the stage is full of autographs from musicians who have performed there over the years. Tours of the Surf Ballroom include memorabilia of the stars, as well as guitars and other items donated by performers.

Located in a cornfield about an 11-minute drive north of Clear Lake, the Buddy Holly Crash Site attracts fans, paying their respects to the musicians and pilot. A giant pair of Holly’s signature blackrimmed glasses sits atop fence posts, marking the spot.

With the private farmland opened to the public, visitors are asked to treat the area with respect.

Whether you’re a water enthusiast or enjoy tourist attractions, Clear Lake has something for everyone. Anglers can fish from the shoreline or drop a boat into the chilly glacier water and head out to the center of the lake, where plenty of crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, carp and largemouth bass await them.

Recreational boating on Clear Lake is popular, with captains navigating sailboats as speed boats blast by with skiers or people on tubes trailing behind. Parasailers and jet skis can also be found on the water.

A small sandy beach near the downtown docks attracts sunbathers, swimmers and sandcastle builders on warm summer days.

Explore Clear Lake from the comfort of a seat

with drink in hand during a 90-minute tour aboard the Lady of the Lake paddle boat. Hosting tours for more than 30 years, Lady of the Lake operates between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.

Drawing nearly 100,000 people, Clear Lake’s Independence Day celebration is among the best in the Midwest. For seven days, Clear Lake’s downtown becomes “Party Central,” with a midway, amusement rides, games, music and other entertainment. The lake is the place to be after sunset when a fireworks extravaganza explodes over the water, capping a day of events July 4. The celebration concludes with events on July 5.

Summer may be the most popular time of the year for Clear Lake tourism, but the city of 7,000 people is a prime spot to visit year-round.

The first weekend in February brings the three-day Winter Dance

Party at the Surf, but there’s more to the lakeside community.

Colors of the Wind Kite Festival attracts hundreds of kite flyers and thousands of onlookers the third Saturday of February. With colorful, giant kites in the shape of animals such as whales, horses and kittens, people and other creations, kite enthusiasts take to the frozen ice, flying custom-built kites stretching to about 50 feet long. From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., Clear Lake provides impressive views.

No matter the season, check out Cabin Coffee for a delicious coffee drink or pastry, grab an old-fashioned ice cream treat at Charlie’s Soda Fountain. No visit to Clear Lake is complete without a stop at Cookie, etc. It’s a safe bet you’ll head home with a dozen freshly baked cookies.

For more on Iowa

Chocolate Lover’s Affair Worth Repeating

The Lindsborg Arts Council is excited to announce the 29th Annual Chocolate Lover’s Affair and Art Auction featuring various local businesses and artists showcasing their talents as well as supporting the arts for the Lindsborg and surrounding Smoky Valley community.

• Live and Silent Art Auctions

• Chocolate Delicacies

• Delicious Food & Refreshments

• Specialty Cocktails & Cash Bar

All of the proceeds from the evening will be used to fund two $1,500 scholarships awarded to local college-bound, high school students from the Smoky Valley area who have demonstrated great promise in an artistic field. Additional funds will be put towards our creative community in the form of grants, special events, and more. The Lindsborg Arts Council will also be announcing 2023’s Artist of the Year. Vote here!

The LAC invites you to make the rounds, snap a commemorative photo, taste the chocolates and beverages, pick up a fine art piece from the auction and support the arts and the artists of our community.

Doors open at 6:30 pm with the event begin-

ning at 7 p.m. Location: Sundstrom Conference Center at 102 N. Main. $35 to enter ($25 for members. Become a member today!)

For more on Kansas >Click

Where Kansas & Missouri Rivers Meet

By Renée S. Gordon

The consolidation and incorporation of eight small towns in Wyandotte County in 1872 led to the creation of Kansas City eleven years after Kansas gained statehood. A biography of the state, both prior to statehood and into the 21st-century, is a microcosm of the history of the United States’ westward expansion and the colorful characters who impacted on those events.

Until entry into the Union the region was recognized as the Nebraska and the Indian Territories until 1854 and as such settlers, outlaws, lawmen,

natives and African Americans entered the area. Kansas City, KS is listed as one of fifty-five National Heritage Areas based on its historical sites, culture and significant geography. #kansascitykansas

Archeological evidence indicates that there was a nomadic Paleo-Indian presence as early as 12,000 BC. The Spanish explored the area, led by Coronado, in 1541 followed by the French circa 1750. They partnered with the tribes and established a profitable fur trade.

On June 26, 1804 the Lew-

is and Clark expedition set up camp on the shoreline of Kaw’s Point where the Kansas and Missouri Rivers meet. For the next three days they rested and restored their equipment.

Ten-acre Kaw Point Park is open to visitors with a number of attractions, trails, heritage gardens and a boat ramp. Nineteen flags are displayed representing Native tribes in the region. Interpretive signs and plaques focus on the Corps of Discovery history and their time encamped there. The park is open daily.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act, opening the territory for nonindigenous settlement, occurred in 1854. Prior to this Kansas was home to more than 10,000 Natives forced to migrate from the east out of an estimated total of 100,000 who were forcibly relocated west. In 1862 settlers rushed into the area as a result of the Homestead Act. Pioneers were offered 160-acres of federal land for a $10.00 filing fee, an assurance that they would homestead the land and make improvements for a minimum of five years.

Moses and Annie, a Delaware Indian, Grinter settled at the Delaware Crossing of the Kansas River. They built a homestead including a log

cabin trading post and ferry in 1857. Their subsequent 2-story home was constructed of bricks made on-site. The brick house stands today as Grinter Place State Historic Site, the oldest home in the county. Visits to the home showcase pioneer life through tours of the home furnished with period pieces. The home remained in the family until 1950.

Wyandotte County Historical Museum is near the Grinter House and adds substantially to information on the history of the indigenous tribes. There are greater than 75,000 artifacts displayed throughout the galleries.

Because of Kansas City’s geographical location on the Kansas-Missouri border it became a crucial site in the pursuit of freedom in the years prior to the Civil War. Quindaro was established in the 1850s. Many who believed in Kansas as a free state moved to the area where they had quick access to a water route and people who opposed their stance could not so easily ambush them. Abelard Gutherie purchased the land on which abolitionists, fugitive slaves, freedmen and Wyandotte Indians founded

the town. He named the town after his wife Nancy Quindaro Gutherie. The lower section of the town was filled with businesses while the area on the bluff was largely residential. #visitkck

By the mid-1850s a line of the Underground Railroad ran through Quindaro. Freedom seekers, freedmen and newly escaped individuals found safe haven and the only free-state port of entry in the region. From this branch of the UGRR many linked up with the Lane Branch and moved further onward.

The town lost many residents when the Civil War began as families moved for protection. The site has been designated one of only three National Commemorative Sites in the National Park Ser-

vice. Quindaro Ruins Overlook allows visitors to view the archeological ruins of the town. Private hiking tours are available in advance through the city.

The Quindaro Underground Railroad Museum is housed inside the Vernon Multi-Purpose Center, formerly the Colored School of Quindaro. The structure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, displays murals on the first floor and a museum on the lower level. The collection is eclectic and features the history of Quindaro and the region. Emphasis is placed on the collaborative relationships among blacks, whites and Native Americans.

The first school to admit

blacks west of the Mississippi River was Western University, an outgrowth of the 1857 Colored Normal School in Quindaro. The school was later named Freedman’s University and ultimately Western University. It closed in 1948. The school has the distinction of having erected the country’s first statue to John Brown in 1911. It was carved of marble in Italy, sent to the campus, and placed on a 7-ft. granite plinth. The life-sized statue holds a diploma.

When the Wyandotte Indians were forcibly removed from Ohio in 1843 many of them died of cholera, measles and typhoid. More than 400 are interred in the Wyandot National Burying Ground/Huron Indian Cemetery, 120 in unmarked graves, in what was sacred ground.

The land was to be sold by the government in 1906 and the Conley sisters, Lyda, Ida and Helena, of Wyandotte descent, vigorously protested the sale. At one point the sisters erected a shack over the graves of their parents, armed themselves with their father’s Civil War musket, locked the gates and settled in the cemetery to protect it. Lyda, raised in Quindaro, became the first woman admitted to the Kansas Bar and advanced the case in 1910 to the Supreme Court.

She lost but by that time public support was overwhelming. In 2016 it was inscribed as a National Historic Landmark. The sisters are buried in the cemetery. Visitors are welcome and a series of plaques document tribal history.

Kansas City is known as the “City of Neighborhoods” and each has its own history, ethnic heritage and culture. Urban Hikes KC offers several comprehensive neighborhood tours including a bike tour that can last up to five hours.

that in 1988 The Strawberry Hill Ethnic Cultural Society was founded to showcase the cultures. There are more than 30 rooms and Individual ethnic groups are responsible for the décor in each room. The holiday displays are particularly spectacular. Olde World Christmas Tours are scheduled from November 5th, 2022 until January 15, 2023. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Evening dinner and wine tours are also offered.

Strawberryhillmuseum

Strawberry Hill is one of the most picturesque and historic neighborhoods. It developed on the land of Mathias Splitlog, owner of 288-acres on which he established both a sawmill and gristmill. He wed a Wyandotte Indian and spoke seven languages.

Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center is housed in an 1887 Queen Anne mansion that was originally a family home. During the 1918 influenza epidemic it functioned as St. John’s Orphanage. Kansas City’s ethnic heritage is so pervasive and unique

KCK Taco Trail is a distinctive culinary trail that encompasses more than fifty taquerias. The selections, tacos, Tex-Mex and specialty dishes are fresh and homemade from heritage recipes. There is a map and an app to start you off. While on the trail stop in Spicin Foods’ gift shop. They have created more than 1,800 salsas and sauces sold internationally. You can test a product in the shop along with a cup of water in case you have overestimated your abilities.

Editor’s Note: Sometimes Wyandotte is spelled without the t and e at the end. It seems interchangeable but I used Wyandot to designate individuals and Wyandotte for the tribe.

For more on Kansas

Artisan Waterfront

DELAMAR Traverse City, a luxe resort on the West Bay of Lake Michigan, has introduced a Snow Days pass allowing locals and travelers alike to spend the day enjoying the hotel’s many amenities. There are outdoor and indoor heated pools, a sauna, hot tub, fitness center, snow shoes, fire pits with s’mores and so much more. Consumers can also reserve a Cozy Cabana, seating six, and including a curated winter menu and access to the heated outdoor pool.

The day pass is available Sunday through Thursday until the end of March. Available to the general public from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., this is an affordable way to take in all the amenities DELAMAR has to offer its guests and to help make the decision to stay awhile. The cost is $35 for adults and $25 for ages 3-12. All activities and attractions are available at no extra charge to overnight guests.

DELAMAR Traverse City is a 173-room full-service hotel on the West Bay of Lake Michigan and walking distance to downtown Traverse City in Northwest Michigan. The iconic property, originally built in 1968, is well-known among generations of locals and visitors for its guest rooms with stunning water views and beachfront patio with live entertainment. The resort welcomes guests year-round who enjoy being walking distance to Downtown Traverse City with its local art galleries, boutique retailers,

antique shops, and eateries. Also, within close proximity are many of the best vineyards and wineries in the country, microbreweries, cideries, and Sleeping Bear Dunes, a four-season national lakeshore park offering miles of trails.

Among the hotel’s amenities are a 24-hour airport shuttle, an Indoor and outdoor (year-roundheated) pool with sauna and hot tub, free parking, and on-site watercraft rental and nauti-cat sailing charters.

Access our onsite gym featuring a Peloton, treadmills, and free weights. Receive 20% off drop-in classes at our onsite yoga and fitness studio.

Step out of the snow and into

one of our newly built Cozy Cabanas, set alongside our steamy, 94-degree outdoor pool. Cabanas are available by reservation only. A $100 food and beverage minimum applies.

Take a hike with complimentary snowshoe rentals and a curated guide of local snowshoe trails.

Roast your own S’mores with the complimentary s’mores kits at one of the poolside firepits, lit at 5 p.m. daily. Or take in the complimentary hot cocoa bar from 6 – 8 p.m daily.

Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern

ong before Rowdy Yates and the other cowhands in Rawhide declared its uniqueness Sedalia’s history was firmly entrenched in western lore. Native Americans lived there for

Queen City of the Prairies

Lthousands of years and French explorers documented the Missouri Tribe, people of the dugout canoes, in 1673. French missionaries followed the explorers but failed to establish permanent settlements in the region. In the 1800s many other tribes crossed the state on forced marches to Indian Territory. www.visitsedaliamo.com

General George Smith and his father-in-law migrated from Kentucky, bringing along their families and 60 slaves in the 1830s. Ultimately Smith purchased acres of land adjacent to what he believed would become a railroad line. He recorded his deed in 1857 and called the settlement Sedville after his daughter Sarah’s nickname. The next year he began selling lots for a town that

Prairies

By Renée S. Gordon Freelance Travel & History Writer

Rowdy Yates in Rawhide

did not exist physically. Smith built a sawmill to make building easier and in October 1860 he and a partner purchased more land and changed the town’s name to Sedalia. The Missouri Pacific Railroad reached Sedalia and the town’s fortune was solidified.

We do not know why it is known as the Shawnee Trail, it was possibly named after the Na-

tive American tribe that lived along its route in Texas, but we do know that it predates the presence of Europeans. It had been used as a hunting and trading path. When Europeans began to follow it they called it variously, The Texas Road, The Cattle Trail and The Sedalia Trail. It was the first and easternmost trail used to herd cattle to Midwest hubs for shipment to eastern slaughterhouses. Sedalia, because it was the railroad terminus, became a cattle town complete with stockyards and allied businesses. In 1866 alone more than 250,000 cattle passed through the stockyards in Sedalia.

The Romanesque Revival Katy Railroad Depot was listed on the

National Register of Historic Places since 1979. It was constructed as a 2-story, limestone, station in 1896 for $35,000. The current renovated structure houses a railroad museum, Convention and Visitors Center and Depot Store. Additional galleries present all aspects of Sedalia’s history from its founding onward. The Railroad Museum features memorabilia and a waiting room with authentic furniture and flooring. The Depot Store carries a complete range of souvenirs, handicrafts, railroad objects and bike trail paraphernalia. Guided tours are offered if prearranged.

Katy Trail State Park, a 225mile route has two trailheads in Sedalia and passes through the state. It affords a great opportunity for outdoor experiences.

Please Turn to next Page . . .

“That ain’t any other town, that’s Sedalia.”

The Missouri State Fairgrounds, a National Historic District, is located on the trail at Mile Marker 229. The Missouri State Fairgrounds Historic District is a 400-acre area that has hosted the 3rd largest US fairgrounds since 1899. www.bikekatytrail.com

Showcasing Sedalia’s place as a site on the prairie that was the terminus for Texas cattle drives and the railroad is the Trail’s End Monument at the entrance to the fairgrounds. The sculptural diorama consists of full-sized replicas of a water tower, windmill, five longhorn cows, 1860s locomotive and a mounted cowboy. At the site there is interpretive information.

On the heritage tour architectural routes through the city feature extraordinary examples of Queen Anne, Romanesque Revival, Craftsman, Classical Revival, Italianate and Prairie-Style structures. The 1895 Harris House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 3-story mansion features a two-story tower and portecochère.

Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site is situated atop two natural caves. The 31-room lodge was built for John Bothwell, a lawyer. Throughout the 12,000-square-foot lodge visitors can view the furnishings, the majority of which are original to the lodge. On the

exterior there is an accessible 3-mile hiking and biking trail. The lodge is 6-miles north of Sedalia.

Scott Joplin was born in 1868 in Linden, Texas to formerly enslaved parents. Both of his parents were musical, his father played the violin and his mother the banjo, and at an early age he played both. Around the age of seven he began to play the piano at the home of his mother’s employer. Four years later a

German-born music teacher, Julius Weiss, took him on as a free student. Weiss is credited with instilling in him a love and appreciation for classical music and opera.

At the age of 19 Joplin left Texas to become an itinerant musician and spent much of his time playing in brothels and bars because the larger culture was not very receptive to his forms of music. He settled in Sedalia in 1894, earned income as a piano teacher and

attended the George R. Smith College, established by the Freedman’s Bureau. There he was trained in music theory and notation.

In Sedalia he played at the Maple Leaf Club and it is there he had printed on his business cards “The Entertainer,” a name by which he became known. His popularity grew there and in 1899 a local music publisher published Maple Leaf Rag leading to national fame and the selling of more than a million copies.

Following the death of his second wife he left Sedalia, never to return. At the age of 40 he died on April 1, 1917 in Manhattan Psychiatric Center in New York.

Joplin’s influence on music cannot be overstated. He wrote in many genres of music, concertos, symphonies, operas, marches, waltzes and ragtime, and often defied the color line. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame 1970 and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1976. The Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival is held each June.

Sedalia’s Scott Joplin Tour has 24 locations including Maple Leaf Park. The park is situated on the site of the original Maple Leaf Club. A focal point of the tour is a large mural of Joplin playing the piano.

Side Trip

Jefferson City is 60-miles from Sedalia but it is well worth the detour to visit one of the most haunted places in the country. Jefferson Penitentiary, the oldest penitentiary west of the Mississippi River sits on 47-acres. It was built in 1836 with enclosing limestone walls and 15 towers. General tours include several cellblocks, solitary and the execution area. Hall A, the oldest section, is considered especially haunted. Ghost tours are as long as five hours and have been featured on national television. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Infamous inmates include Pretty Boy Floyd, Blanche Barrow of Bonnie and Clyde renown and Charles “Sonny” Liston who learned to box there. James Earl Ray was incarcerated in the peni-

tentiary until his escape in 1967. While an escapee he assassinated M. L. King, Jr. in Memphis.

Should you escape from the pen hurry around the corner to Prison Brews Restaurant and continue the experience. The décor is prison-chic and the menu is filled with a wide-variety of delicious pub foods. The building dates from 1895 and was transformed into Prison Brews in 2008.

Road Reads:

Rawhide was based on George C. Duffield’s diary detailing the trials and tribulations of his 1866 cattle drive to Sedalia. Duffield was the sole trail rider to write a diary, published in 1924.

For more on Missouri

Love the Weekend at Arbor Lodge

Love is in the air at Arbor Lodge Mansion each weekend in February. Step back in time and discover weddings related to the Morton family through photographs, newspaper articles, and diary entries. Learn about the history of Valentine’s Day and view vintage Valentine’s Day cards.

You’ll also have an opportunity to make your own special Victorian Valentine and paper doll when you visit on February 11 and 12 between 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Another special opportunity that day is to join in the sunroom of Arbor Lodge Mansion for a Valentine’s Tea during Celebrate Love Month. Enjoy an assortment of teas and dainty brunch and dessert selections, along with musical entertainment and a brief history of Valentine’s Day greetings. In addition to the tea, participants can explore the mansion and view the special “Celebrate Love” exhibit.

Teas will be at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Cost is $25 per person and includes

your mansion admission and entrance to the tea. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Event is included with Arbor Lodge Mansion admission. Purchase tickets to Arbor Lodge Mansion are available at https://www.showclix.com/ events/29858

Call 402-873-7222 for more information.

Think Fun, Think Food, Think I

For an extended weekend to try something different or unique, the college city of Bowling Green offers several opportunities. There are so many different activities to choose from, you will be sure to “think fun, think repeat, think return for another weekend.

Think Fun

The BGSU Game and Anime Music Ensemble will present a concert at 1 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Moore Musical Arts Center in Kobacker Hall. This event is free and open to the public.

A fun place to make art is the Art-a-site where they offer classes, workshops, and group celebrations for any age. You can also schedule a painting party featuring sips, snacks and socializing for adults or pizza for kids. Owner and Director, Becky Laabs, is ready to help you create the perfect activity to fit your wish. Visit http://artasitegallery. weebly.com/

The Observatory in the Life Science Building at the Bowling Green State University is open to the public for stargazing and viewing through the 0.5-meter telescope during the academic year fol-

lowing the weekend planetarium shows, weather permitting. In public stargazes, visitors experience the sky first-hand and take away information and stories that contribute to their enjoyment of Astronomy.

Sports enthusiasts can try something new at the Bowling Green Curling Club. Clean rubber soled athletic shoes are required. You CANNOT curl in the shoes that you wore to the club, even if you put grippers on them. All other equipment will be provided. Dress for 40 degree temperatures. Curling ice is not the same as skating ice. Skating ice is perfectly flat, but curling ice has tiny little bumps on it called pebbles. The pebble has much better grip than your common skating ice.

A two hour $30 Learn-to-Curl includes some basic instruction and practice followed by playing a real game. You can come as an individual or as a group. https://bgcurlingclub.com/

Snook’s Dream Cars displays the extensive collection of the late “long time car guy” Bill Snook and is operated by his son Jeff Snook. It features a recreated 1940s era Texaco gas station, a showroom of extensive automobile memorabilia and a car collection presented within period scenes ranging from a 1930s general store to a racetrack from the 1960s.

By Kathy Barnett Managing Editor

I Love Bowling Green

Think Shopping

Shop until you drop in BG! You’ll find tons of specialty stores in Bowling Green—browse unique trinkets, clothing, antiques, painted furniture, and so much more. The city offers numerous spots to purchase BG souvenirs, so you’re sure to find that special something to remind you of your visit. While shopping in Bowling Green, OH, you can soak up the city’s charm and satisfy your shopping addiction at the same time.

Check out this historic downtown are, where you will find unique gift stores, fashion boutiques, local coffee shops, and antique stores. Shopping in Bowling Green, Ohio, is a fun experience, no matter what you’re looking for! Be sure to stop in at For Keeps on Main Street as they have a great variety of gifts available for every valentine on your shopping list! You will find namebrands like Vera Bradley, Nora Fleming, Poo-Pourri, and Corkcicle Tumblers, while also having merchandise promoting Ohio and Bowling Green life. Another great place is the Joyful Creations Studio and Boutique where you will find handmade gifts and collectibles.

Think Food

If all this shopping makes you hungry, you are in luck. There are several great dining establishments conveniently located on Main Street near the shops. You can build your own burger at Beckett’s Burger Bar or choose one of their signature burgers from the menu. All come with their delicious home-fried chips and a pickle spear. It’s no wonder this restaurant was voted the best and favorite burger in Bowling Green. They also have a full menu of other entree’s. See https://www. bgbecketts.com/ for more.

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Winter Fun That’s Worth Repeating

Colder months offer a winter wonderland that few other locations can top.The magic of winter in Historic Deadwood can conjure an unforgettable vacation full of fun and recreation for all ages. This goes far beyond the ski slopes (though the ski slope is pretty fabulous) to a wide variety of winter activities, including: snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, ice fishing, and much more.

Or are you Looking for something a little simpler? There are plenty of spots close to town to venture off the beaten path, where you can build a snowman, have a snowball fight, or even make a snow angel. Then, when you’re finished frolicking in the frosty air and ready for a warmup, swing into one of our many coffee shops for some hot cocoa and refreshing treats.

Want to keep the fun going? Then make a weekend of your winter excursion with a cozy stay at one of the many lodges, cabins, bed and breakfasts, or hotels. Make plans to stay for Calamity’s Shindig, slated for Feb. 24.

And remember, Deadwood is open regardless of weather conditions – so bring on the snow! And along with it, all the big smiles and endless joy of winter.

No one threw a better party than Calamity Jane. Join in the fun for musical entertainment by Kenny Putnam, Dalyce Sellers, and Mike Connor; Sarah Carlson as the adventurous wildcat of the West, Calamity Jane, and Deadwood Alive’s Andy Mosher as Marshal Con Stapleton; heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by Cheyenne Crossing; cash bar, and auctions. Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center; 6 – 9 p.m.; admission is $50 per person. Advance reservations are required. Purchase online at DeadwoodHistory.com or call 605-722-4800.

Visit a Spa

If stress relief is what you’re after, this is the place to start. Book an afternoon at one of the area day spas. Or make it an ultimate spa getaway and reserve a room at Sundara Inn & Spa for the weekend. Sundara Inn & Spa is an adults-only destination spa with a full complement of spa amenities including indoor and outdoor pools heated year-round, massages and facials, chef-prepared cuisine, fitness and wellness classes, and quiet relaxation spaces.

Head to the Casino

Ho-Chunk Gaming in Wisconsin Dells is a slice of Vegas, complete with blackjack, craps, slots, and bingo. You already won the jackpot with your partner, so go out and try to win a big prize together at your game of choice. Don’t leave (with your winnings) until you’ve enjoyed a libation at their recently renovated Spirit Bar.

Wine Tasting

Wisconsin Dells is home to six distinct wineries, so you could actually turn your trip into a

Romantic Ways to

full-fledged winery tour. The historic Wollersheim Winery also has a distillery you’ll want to experience. For craft beer loving couples, head to Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co., Latte Stone Brewing Co., Tumbled Rock Brewery, or the AL. Ringling Brewing Co.

Plan a “Play Date”

Feel like a kid again with a grown-up play date. Have fun together in an arcade like Wild Fun Zone, Tom Foolerys or Knuckleheads – maybe even competing to see who can win the most tickets. Make sure to fit in a game of mini golf while you’re there. Try to hit the bullseye at Asgard Axe & Tap where they have two levels of throwing lanes, plus a vintage arcade on the lower level.

Dinner for Two

Slow down your fine dining experience at a supper club like Del-Bar or House of Embers. Start with an old-fashioned cocktail and finish with an indulgent dessert. Field’s at the Wilderness, Kaminski’s Chop House, and Double Cut Steak-

house are also stellar choices with great wine lists, mouthwatering entrees, charming ambiance and dim lighting.

Get Outdoors

Enjoy the outdoor beauty of Wisconsin Dells all year long. Depending on the season, hike, snowshoe, or cross country your way through the four area state parks. You’ll find something new to appreciate at every turn. Stroll hand in hand down the River Walk, pausing at the various lookout points to reflect on how grateful you are for one another.

Charm the one you love with these captivating ideas to bring out the romance in your relationship all year long.

to Enjoy Wisconsin Dells

Listen to Live Music

Check our calendar of events page for ongoing live music at various venues all around town. Or combine live entertainment with craft cocktails at Redd’s Piano Bar where you’ll be entertained in a lounge-style atmosphere. Dance the night away with your significant other at The Reef nightclub or Grateful Shed where you can’t help but move to the playlist of the DJ’s.

For the Sweet Tooth

Never pass up the chance to indulge in “sweets for your

sweetie” when you purchase a treat for the ride home from local confectionery shops including Dells Fudge Company, Goody Goody Gum Drop, Original Wisconsin Dells Fudge, and Swiss Maid Fudge.

Cozy up in a Cabin

There’s a peaceful feeling that envelopes you when you stay in a cabin tucked in the woods or within view of the Wisconsin River. Take a winter stroll, watch for eagles, then retreat to your cabin lodging to warm up by the fireplace. For a full list of cozy Wisconsin Dells cabins, click

Waterpark Time

This one might not be an obvious selection for romance, but there is something magical about sipping a beverage in an indoor/ outdoor hot tub in the middle of a snow fall – if you time it right, you can do just that at both Kalahari Resort and Wilderness Resort. Reserve a cabana (some have hot tubs) for some extra privacy.

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Out West for an Extended Weekend Getaway

Explore some of Alaska’s best places for watching the magical northern lights in late fall, winter, and early spring. The following five-day winter itinerary puts you under the most accessible parts of the “aurora oval,” a magnetic halo that circles the North and South poles.

DAY 1: FAIRBANKS

Start your adventure in Fairbanks, one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights. Daylight only lasts a few hours in mid-winter; the long nights give you plenty of oppor-

Return To See The

tunities to see the northern lights shining overhead. Meanwhile, you can spend your day touring the excellent University of Alaska Museum of the North, watching the sled dog races that are held almost every weekend during the winter, or wandering the forest on a nature walk with a herd of tame reindeer. When you turn in for the night, make sure to let the front desk staff at your hotel know that you want a northern lights wake-up call if the aurora borealis comes out.

DAY 2: CHENA HOT SPRINGS

If you don’t already have a

car, rent one for the 60-mile drive from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs. This year-round destination sports a relaxing, rock-lined hot springs pool and limited light pollution, both of which make it a great place to see the aurora borealis. Make sure you tour the Aurora Ice Museum while you’re here; this marvel was carved by two of the world’s best ice artists. Chena Hot Springs also offers a number of day tours and the front desk staff will, if asked, wake you when the aurora comes out.

DAY 3: CHENA HOT SPRINGS TO FAIRBANKS

The Northern Lights

Enjoy another relaxing soak in the hot springs, and stop by the resort’s sled dog yard before you drive back to Fairbanks. Go to bed early; tomorrow will be a long, but glorious day.

DAYS 4 & 5 COLDFOOT

Book a fly-in trip to the remote work camp of Coldfoot. Winter tours to Coldfoot may focus on photographing the northern lights, or just offer you the experience of visiting a place few people have ever seen during winter. Located some 250 miles north of Fairbanks, Coldfoot is almost directly under the center of the aurora oval, with long,

clear nights and very little light pollution. Those factors make it one of the best places in the world for photographing the northern lights. Spend the night in Coldfoot’s rustic accommodations, then fly back to Fairbanks and from there, on to home.

After a day of reindeer games, visitors don’t have to travel far to rest and relax. The Reindeer Haus Lodging is the perfect charming cabin for two. The home is complete with a living room, kitchen and dining area downstairs and full loft with a sitting area upstairs. At this chalet-style house, travelers can

wake up to amazing views of the Alaska Mountain Range and reindeer gently grazing nearby. Reindeer Haus guests can even join during reindeer feeding time!

An incredible winter wonderland, there is nowhere that embodies the festive holiday spirit more than Alaska! Be sure to check out our winter itinerary suggestions to make the most of your trip. From cozy stays in wilderness lodges, exploring small towns aboard the Alaska Railroad, skiing Alaska’s epic slopes, our winter itineraries highlight trip ideas for all interests

A Grand Canyon Adventure

Something happens out west, it’s a place where your inner cowboy comes out—whether you’re 9 years-old or 75. That’s how it happened for us, an extended family vacation where the romance of the rails and adventure of the old west transported us, not just in spirit but to one of the world’s most outstanding natural marvels, the Grand Canyon.

One of the grandest ways to get there? The Grand Canyon Railway. Departing from Williams, Arizona (about a 2.5 hour drive from Phoenix), you’ll find a slice of history–and a slice of homemade pie. Williams is part of the iconic route 66, where places like The Pine Country Restaurant still serve homemade, heaping portions with a cup of coffee. Many, like us, take advantage of The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel which offers a clean, comfy spot to rest and is within walking distance to the station. The stay here sets the stage for the next adventure.

Cowboys and Comedy

Well rested, we headed to the pre-boarding show–a good ‘ol western shoot-out. More of a comedy than a drama, this outside western romp is short and perfect for cowpokes of all ages. Then it’s all aboard–The Grand Canyon Railway departs at 9:30 a.m. Arizona-standard mountain time.

Boarding this beauty, you can feel an energy among the passengers. The Grand Canyon Railway is a 64-mile heritage railway and was completed in 1901. We are all about to depart Williams, Arizona, on a journey to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. With six different class choices, we opted to pay a bit more for the observation dome car. That means, a glass dome is over us. And if you’ve ever seen a blue Arizona sky, it’s worth the extra money.

Now on our way, we settle in with our fellow passengers. Charles from California is on our right, he’s been to the Grand Canyon multiple times. His teeth are bright white against his tan skin. His wife leans over and tells us about the tour they’ve planned. In contrast, our Ohio faces are longing to catch some much-needed sun.

Our train buzzes through diverse scenery–prairies, barren desert, and tall Ponderosa pines. Their slender trunks look wispy compared to our woodland pines back home. Sunkissed faced smiling children run out to wave as we pass

Adventure Worth Repeating

By SarahMiller Freelance Travel Writer

by. I wave back and return a big smile, feeling quite like a child myself. The conductor is an older gentleman with a dry wit who knows how to tell a story. He pauses, “If you look to your left, you’ll see an animal native to this area–a bobcat!”

We all whip our heads left, and there’s a BobCat construction vehicle on a ranch. Everyone laughs and moans good naturedly. “If you look really hard, you can sometimes spy a prairie dog,” he continues.

“I see one! I just saw a prairie dog!” I shout excitedly. My outburst pierces the silence, and my fellow passengers start laughing out loud. My husband smiles at me, he’s used to my enthusiasm. Our son looks a bit embarrassed. Being swept away in the excitement of it all is what makes it special. My mother-in-law is enjoying a complimentary snack with her grandson. This ride can make you feel like a kid again.

Then, a crooning cowboy joins our adven-

ture. He’s got the classic ten-gallon hat and mellow voice that keeps rhythm with his strumming guitar. Only this cowboy sings silly songs about a pug with opposable thumbs and a hobo in a rowboat.

Meet the Grand Canyon

All of this is leading up to “the moment.” After our two-hour train ride, we arrived. For some reason, I thought we’d see the canyon from the station. That’s not the way it happens. Rather, the train pulls into the South Rim Grand Canyon Depot and lets us off at the adjacent Historic Village. I look around, “Where is the Grand Canyon? It looks more like summer camp with just a few outbuildings and a sprinkling of pines.” A short walk, and voila–there it is–The Grand Canyon.

My first thought was “this can’t be real.” The conductor had said some people weep the first time they set eyes on the canyon. I can now understand why. My reaction was a visceral one, the canyon is so vast and deep. The canyon’s colors seem to change by the minute, turning

different shades of burnt oranges and shadowy purples with the shifting sunlight.

What’s wonderful about the South Rim is that it’s highly accessible to all. People can push strollers and many bodies can maneuver over the wide walkways with unobstructed views. Yes, the views are unobstructed which means there is a short stone wall between you and the drop off of the canyon. The wall itself is shorter than your center of gravity, so if you have a fear of heights be forewarned. Luckily, there is a wide berth for plenty of distance from the wall. While we were there, a teenage boy jumped on the wall and pretended to fall backward while his mom was snapping his photo. His mom was understandably angry, and he was lucky his stupidity didn’t kill him. Our son was just the right age, but I probably wouldn’t take an adventurous toddler (unless strapped in a stroller).

Last Snapshot

Going over spring break, the park can be

busy. That being said, we still had plenty of quiet spaces to relax. Our three-hour train stop at the Grand Canyon was just the right amount of time for our multi-generational group. We had no intention of taking a long hike into the canyon. Instead, we strolled the wide berms that meander through the village. Dining at the El Tovar Hotel, a historic national park lodge and restaurant, is a must. Here you can savor authentic Native American and Southwest cuisine all while overlooking views of The Grand Canyon.

The train departs the canyon at 3:30 pm for the return trip back to Williams. Don’t be late. And, I won’t spoil the ending for you. Just a word of advice: keep your eyes peeled for vigilante cowboys on horseback.

At least once in a lifetime, a person who appreciates national parks will be served well if they visit Joshua Tree National Park. It is 127 miles from Los Angeles, 160 miles from San Diego and a mere 30 miles from Palm Springs.

This 800-acre national park has 79 miles of paved roads where one can get up close and personal with the Cholla Cactus Garden and rock formations such as Skull Rock, made of granite called Monzogranite has been the subject of hundreds of thousands of photos. Yet, there is much more to explore outside the park’s borders.

Favorite Experiences In

Joshua Gateway Communities

Joshua Tree Gateway Communities is attributed to an area from Morongo Valley to Twentynine Palms, California. By car, this area is connected by Highway 62, a 40mile stretch that makes it easy to stop and explore some of the attractions that make a visit to the everchanging area attractive. Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, Landers, and Twentynine Palms is within its boundaries.

Cactus Mart In Morongo Valley

Frankly, I can remember only

one time I headed up this area from Palm Springs, and I did not stop at the Cactus Mart, for it is more than a fascinating place. Locals come here for their hardware store needs, but people like me

In The Joshua Tree Area

come here to explore the greenhouse, the gardens, and the gift shop, which always has a way of coaxing me to leave some funds there, for there are so many unique items.

Just about any cactus you ever thought about wanting to own can be found here. The” Dig Your Own Bar” offers a large variety of cacti that are only 1 to inch high for 79 cents each. They will teach you howto replant or direct you to similar cacti in a larger size if you choose.

Gubler Orchid Farm in the Hi-Desert

It is one of Southern California’s largest suppliers of orchids. When you ask residents of Palm Springs, “Have you been to the orchid farm in the hi-desert?” they look at you with disbelief. Who would ever dream that orchids would grow in the desert?

Yes, you can buy orchids. The array of varieties and colors of orchids is astounding, and you will learn how to grow these stunning flowers. Gubler Orchids offers tours of their six greenhouses. One of the greenhouses includes some ancient cacti that are part of the family’s collection.

Integratron A Place to Relax

The Integratron dome is entirely wood, 38 feet high, and 55 feet in diameter, and is considered acoustically perfect. Today, hundreds of visitors come to the grounds to relax or partake in a sound bath offered Thursday through Sunday. Reservations are necessary. If you have never experienced a sound bath, it is a therapeutic process for the whole body. Tibetan singing bowls are played, followed by taped chamber music. Through fullbody listening, you become very relaxed as you lie on mats. From my three times experiencing a sound bath there, they have never been the same.

Joshua Tree Cultural Center

Open on May 3, 2023, in Twentynine Palms, California, the Joshua Tree Cultural Center looms large in the newly created Freedom Plaza. A partnership between the City

ByCondonKathleen Journalist & Travel Writer

of Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree, Joshua Tree National Park, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Native American Community came together to provide a community gathering place while serving visitors.

Visitors can gain insights into the area’s history through informative exhibits, curated museum artifacts, and a variety of books on the area. Check their calendar for special events, including lectures.

The 29 Palms Art Gallery and Guild

Keep your eye open as you head to the North entrance of the Joshua Tree National Park for the 29 Palms Art Gallery and Guild. The gallery is the oldest in the Joshua Tree Gateway Communities, located at the Oasis of Mara in Twentynine Palms in an adobe building built in 1936.

This well-appointed gallery is owned by the Guild, a non-profit, and staff with volunteers.

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Joshua Tree - Cont...

Monthly exhibits highlight artists of the area and are highlighted in juried art shows. If you want a souvenir to remember your trip, the art is available for purchase, and the gift shop showcases some talented jewelry and wood craftspeople living in the area.

Shopping in the Area

If you are looking for antiques, there are numerous places to stop and browse for everything from vinyls to vintage clothing. For example, even the 75yard crinoline popular in the 60s can be found in the stores scattered throughout the area.

If you are looking for spiritual material, you will want to stop at Rainbow Stew in Yucca Valley. A fascinating store with everything

from beautiful clothing to hard-to-find spiritual books.

Dining in the Area

There are three restaurants in cities in the area that I enjoy for varied reasons:

Yucca Valley- Las Palmas Mexican – I highly recommend the restaurant if you are craving Mexican food. I am an aficionado of Chile Relleno; thus, I use any excuse to stop here.

Joshua Tree – Joshua Tree Saloon – My appreciation of this restaurant started when a friend introduced me to deep-fried pickles. This western-style restaurant serves up great barbecue with my favorite pulled pork sandwich.

Twentynine Palms – GRND SQRL - This is a funky restaurant with made-from-scratch food and aassortment of craft beers. From my experience, you cannot go wrong choosing from their daily and weekly specials.

Whether you choose a day trip or want to stay for a while, The Joshua Tree Gateway Communities havea plethora of activities to keep you intrigued. I suggest you head up there, take your time and explore this unique area that attracts over 3 million visitors yearly.

Top Skiing Destinatations

If a ski resort is on the top of your getaway list, Colorado has four that were recently listed in the “Top Ten” rankings by MtnScoop. All resorts that appear in the top 10 provide skiers and snowboarders with ample terrain and state-of-the-art facilities.

The four Colorado destinations are Vail Ski Resort, Breckenridge Ski Reort, Beaver Creek, and Aspen-Snowmass. Colorado remained the most represented state in the rankings, with 14 Centennial State ski resorts making it into the top 50. Colorado is known for its high elevations and consistent snowfall, and its ski resorts are destinations unto themselves.

This 2023 list evaluates more than 300 ski resorts across the U.S, based on the factors that matter most to skiers and snowboarders, including skiable acreage, vertical drop, average snowfall, variety of trail difficulty and resort amenities. The MtnScoop.com team continues to place particular attention to the on-mountain experience skiers and snowboarders can expect at the ski resorts. Specifically considering operational capabilities and investments resorts are conducting to improve the guests experience. The ratings also fac -

tor in what visitors have shared about their on-mountain experience visiting these ski mountains.

Vail is one of the largest ski resorts in the United States at 5,289 skiable acres, which see more than 360 inches of snow a year. Combine this terrain and snow consistency with legendary après-ski activities and easy access to Denver International Airport.

The five impressive peaks at Breckenridge Ski Resort, less than two hours from Denver International Airport, boast the highest lift elevation in Colorado. The ski and snowboard school offers private and group lessons for all ages.

Beaver Creek ski resort is known for upping the luxury game with unparalleled customer service, high-end amenities, and immaculately groomed slopes. Spanning five mountains and two bowls, and encompassing 1,832 skiable acres,

Aspen-Snowmass has expanded over the decades to incorporate four distinct ski areas – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass – all of which are accessible with one lift ticket. That’s 5,517 acres of skiable terrain, 336 trails and eight terrain parks, accessed by more than 40 lifts. For more information, visit https://www. mtnscoop.com/

Romancing The Pen

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and there’s no better way to spend some quality time with your partner in crime than “Romancing the Pen” at the Old Idaho Penitentiary.

BOISE - Looking for something other than roses or chocolates this Valentine’s Day? Cozy up with your sweetheart and find the true meaning of “ball and chain,” with special exhibits on love stories and love letters from the Idaho State Penitentiary, as well as complimentary guided tours throughout the day.

Built in 1870, the Old Idaho Penitentiary is one of only four territorial prisons open to the public today. During its 101 years of operation, the site saw escapes, scandals and the effects of Boise’s transition from the “wild west” to a mid-20th century capital city. Step inside the four walls of the prison yard and imagine a life of confinement as steel doors close behind you.

Romancing the Pen is scheduled this year right on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. from noon to 9 p.m.

Adult Admission is $10 each, or purchase pairs at a special 2 for $14 price! The site will be open for self-guided tours in all publicly accessible buildings. Dress warm and bring a flashlight!

While in the area, a great side trip to add to your weekend getaway is a peaceful drive following the Sunnyslope Wine Trail. There are 17 different wineries and vineyards to explore on this trail. A wine and chocolate open house weekend is planned Feb. 11-13 where each winery will offer great parings. For a map and details, visit https://sunnyslopewinetrail.com/events/ wine-chocolate-weekend/

Soak in the relaxing, therapeutic benefits at one of the many developed hot springs near Boise. Located about 90 miles outside Boise, the Rocky Canyon Springs area is along the Middle Fork Payette River. There is an unmarked parking lot on the side of the Middlefork highway where you can park and walk to the spring.

For more ideas to add to your weekend, see https://visitboise.com/

An All Inclusive Guest Ranch

Brooks Lake Lodge, the popular 100-year-old destination for snow enthusiasts, has added extra time through March 21 for guests to enjoy outdoor adventure, casual luxury, marvelous meals and spa services. Guests can enjoy epic spring snowmobiling, additional fireside meals and 360-degree scenic, snowcapped views.

Located in Shoshone National Forest near Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, surrounded by evergreen forests next to alpine Brooks Lake, the exclusive, all-inclusive Rocky Mountain resort offers five-star service, luxury accommodations and gourmet dining. With space for a maximum of 24 guests per night, enjoy the snowy side of a “casual-luxury-meets-Wild-West experience.” Explore the scenic mountains and vistas via snowmobile or snowshoe, ice fishing on a peaceful lake. You can soak in an enormous hot tub and in-

dulge in a deep tissue massage.

The intimate number of guests creates a VIP experience and often leaves guests feeling like part of the lodge family, with many returning year after year. The one-of-a-kind Wyoming backcountry resort is so remote that guests arrive via snow coach or snowmobile for the final 5 miles, adding to the dreamy, snowy seclusion.

After the scenic arrival through the woods, guests enter the lobby with its grand views of the lake and mountains, where a crackling fire in the giant stone fireplace welcomes you. Next, check out the Cowboy Bar, which offers the best belly-up seating in the West for superb spirits and fun bar games like shuffleboard, darts and foosball. Down a short hallway, guests find the Governor’s Tea Room, named for Governor Bryant Brooks, namesake of the lodge and lake for

his discovery of the valley. The Tea Room offers a restful respite with a second fireplace and cozy seating area for the daily 4 p.m. Governor’s Teatime. Crumpets, cookies, fruit and teas are presented. Next is the Great Hall with dramatic vaulted ceilings, where all meals are served and diners are surrounded by fine Western art and yet another giant fireplace.

Settle into one of the seven lodge rooms or one of the eight private cabins, all a short walking distance to the main lodge. Amenities include cozy terry cloth bathrobes.

For additional information and to make your reservations, visit https://brookslake.com or call 866-213-4022.

Southern States

Exploring The Natural

North Alabama is full of opportunities for romance and adventure. Some are traditional, some unexpected and all set amid a diverse landscape that is often the star attraction. The region is home to m ajestic natural wonders including intriguing caves, a National Forest and other protected areas, picturesque waterfalls and sparkling waterways to explore. Seven state parks with a full slate of amenities make staying overnight and exploring the outdoors easy. The area encompasses 16 counties. In the north the major cities include Huntsville, a tech and science hub and home of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and Florence, birthplace of the Muscle Shoals sound, where artists like Cher, the Rolling Stones and Aretha Franklin recorded with hitmakers. At the southern end between Gadsden and Cullman, the historic covered bridges of Blount County preserve the engineering of the past, while Nature designed the towering 148-foot sandstone marvel in Winston County, the longest natural bridge east of the Rockies.

A host of trails make themed itineraries (and photo opps) easy. Whether your interest is waterfalls or wine, beer or barbecue, murals or motorcycles, there is a trail showcasing the best of the region. Discover North Alabama’s heritage, beauty, and love of the arts through more than 125 murals across 16 counties. Read about the artists and stories b ehind them. Each mural boasts a completely unique design and creative vision. The Waterfall Trail features stunning falls, some of which are easily accessible for those with mobility issues. This waterfalls blog will answer many questions about where to picnic, find restroom facilities, discover the most challenging hikes and more details. The Wine Country Trail includes six wineries producing muscadine, fruit wines and grape wines. Covered bridges have been spots for romance since horse and buggy days. While Blount County holds the title of “Covered Bridge Capital,” they’re found scattered all around North Alabama.

North Alabama has a variety of accommodations to fit every taste and budget, whether your idea of romance includes sipping champagne from a balcony or curling up fireside under a cozy blanket. Camp out under the stars in a state park. Cozy up at a lakeside or mountaintop cabin with a view. Fall in love with a B&B, or live in luxury at a resort. Find your inspiration from this rustic romantic getaways blog. More travel information is available from NorthAlabama.org.

A host of trails make themed itineraries (and photo opps) easy. Whether your interest is waterfalls or wine, beer or barbecue, murals or motorcycles, there is a trail showcasing the best of the region. Discover North

Illuminated Cave Cathedral of many breathtaking

Alabama’s heritage, beauty, than 125 murals across 16 counties. stories behind them. Each mural design and creative vision. ning falls, some of which are mobility issues.

Natural Wonders

Cathedral Caverns State Park near Huntsville is one natural wonders in North Alabama.

beauty, and love of the arts through more counties. Read about the artists and mural boasts a completely unique The Waterfall Trail features stunare easily accessible for those with

For more on Alabama

> Click Here

Photo by Scott Baker for Alabama Mountain Lakes

Dining on the Patio

FAYETTEVILLE

- It’s always patio season at Penguin Ed’s, Warm meals out with friends in Fayetteville are a delight every winter at the original historic B&B location.

A trip to Fayetteville in the winter usually means mild weather, but it can still get cold there, especially once the sun has gone down. On those special nights, we are ultra grateful to enjoy this favorite warm and welcoming local restaurant on their heated patio.

Now with two locations to serve you, (until Covid hit there were three) owners Ed and Liz Knight began with the purpose in mind to provide a place where fami-

lies and friends could gather for enjoying a home-cooked meal at a price that would be sustainable and fair for all who came.

While Penguin Ed’s barbeque is prepared by a slow, hickory-enhanced method for smoking meats, they have won numerous awards through the years. Once ordered from the menu, the entree is always prepared fresh from the grill. So allow a good

15 minutes cooking time. The taste result, however, is worth the wait.

All sandwiches are served on homemade Texas Toast. Chips are complimentary when dining i. Other unique items on the menu they are famous for are fried pickles, fried okra and Betty’s fried pies.

“We judge our success by the number of customers who leave totally satisfied and come back in to eat with us time after time,” said Ed. For more information or to see the menue, visit https://penguineds.com/

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Adventure in Paradise, Anna Maria Island and

There is no best time to visit the Bradenton, the barrier islands Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, but the month of February allows you to take full advantage of the romantic aura that surrounds the region. Like pearls strung out along the Gulf Coast, 15-miles in length, it is possible to pick your passion and create your own experience.

The area is located on the West Coast of Florida midway between Sarasota and Tampa, a brief ride from the Sarasota Airport. The destination offers a selection of pristine beaches, cultural and artistic offerings, an extraordinary range of culinary venues and accommodations created to fulfill your personal desires. www.bradentongulfislands.com.

For thousands of years Native American

tribes, most notably the Calusa, Jeaga, Tequesta and Apalachee, inhabited Florida. Hernando De Soto arrived in 1539 and after contact with the Spanish conquistadors their numbers were rapidly depleted by disease, battle and enslavement and removal. Even under these circumstances the Apalachee put up such a fierce fight that the Spanish were not eager to settle there for more than a century.

In 1842 brothers Dr. Joseph and Hector Braden left plantations they owned in North Florida and moved to the Manatee River area to start anew. Hector drowned in 1846 but Joseph persevered, developed a sugar plantation and erected the Braden Sugarmill and a log home/stockade known as Braden’s Castle. The 2-story structure had 20-inch thick walls and each outer wall was 100-feet long.

Paradise, Bradenton, and Longboat Key

The castle had 4-rooms, all 20-ft. square, on each of the floors. The building’s remains stand at First Baptist Church of Bradenton’s playground.

In the 1870s an official name was required for the Manatee River area to qualify for a post office and become a town. The residents voted for Bradentown in honor of Hector Braden. In the 1900s the “I” and the “w” were dropped and the town was officially named Bradenton.

One of the outstanding ways to immerse yourself in the area is through the culinary options that are both specific to the area and incorporate cutting edge techniques and sustainability. Begin with a tour of Gamble Creek Farms and Farmer’s Market. This 26-acre working farm is on organic-certified land and merges scientific techniques to produce locally grown and ethically raised meats and seafood. Gamble Creek supplies area restaurants and supports charitable entities in the region. Gamblecreekfarms.com

A gill to grill culinary tour continues with a guided boat tour with Oysters Rock Hospitality. The goal is to familiarize visitors with oyster restoration programs designed to bring back the oyster population to improve water quality. One oyster can clean up to 50 gallons of seawater daily. In the past 200-years nearly 90% of all oyster reefs have disappeared.

Please turn to next page . . .

By Renée Gordon Travel and History Writer

Anna Maria Island is 7-miles long and is connected to mainland Bradenton by two drawbridges and to Longboat Key by road. The earliest nonnatives, Spanish explorers, appeared in the 1530s. One story of the naming of the island tells us that the explorers called it Ana-Maria Cay in tribute to the Virgin Mary and Anne her mother.

A leisurely amble down colorful Pine Avenue, the greenest street in America, will give you a real feel for the island and allow you to engage in some serious retail therapy. Pine Avenue is a certified Green Village with native landscaping, community gardens and a unique selection of shops, boutiques and restaurants.

Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum consists of three structures, the museum, old city jail and Belle Haven cottage. The museum building dates from 1920 and outlines the island’s history from its prehistoric past onward. The 1927 old city jail was the only jail ever constructed on the island and there was only one documented prisoner.

Historic Cortez Village, with 97 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, preserves Florida Gulf Coast Heritage. Originally it was known as Hunter’s Point and in 1880 five fishermen and their families arrived from North Carolina and established homes.

The Florida Maritime Museum’s exhibits detail the area and the state’s maritime culture and

history through dioramas, models and text. A highlight is the exhibited Cortez fisherman Capt. Blake Banks seashell collection. The museum’s Folk School presents public programs that emphasize the teaching of heritage crafts and skills. The museum is situated inside a 1912 schoolhouse.

One of the most interesting classes they offer is Painting with a Fish, modeled after the Japanese art of Gyotaku. Pre-photography rubbings were taken by fishermen to document the number and type of their catch. It was believed the print brought good luck. @PaintingWithaFish

Anyone with a desire for a complete dining experience including excellent cuisine, ambiance and sensational views should seek to continue the SW Gulf Coast experience by dining in any, or all, of the listed restaurants.

Beach Bistro is an award-winning restaurant nestled on the white sands of the Gulf. It has been awarded the highest Zagat ratings in the country. Their most renowned dishes are seafood, lamb and prime rib. Add great sunsets for true awesomeness. @ beachbistro

Sit on the climate-controlled outdoor deck, enjoy the view and dine locally sourced and fresh dishes at the Beach House Restaurant. This waterfront restaurant takes pride in its bountiful menu and exemplary service. The Anna Maria Bake House is located inside the restaurant and creates from scratch all of the baked goods offered to diners using only the highest quality ingredients. @TheBeachHouseAMI, @thebakehouseami

Tide Tables is so named to honor the connection between the rhythm of the tides and the culture of the waterman. All of the seafood is fresh and cleaned on the dock of the restaurant. Their most requested dish is the fish taco. Seating is available both indoors and on the patio. @tidetables

Anna Maria Oyster Bar was founded on the Anna Maria City Pier in 1996, and the City Pier will always be home. It is notable for the fresh seafood, extensive menu and

casual, welcoming, atmosphere. @annamariaoysterbar

Seaside at Anna Maria Island Inn offers the newest upscale accommodations on Anna Maria Island. It is also the only hotel located directly on the beachfront. Guests can step from their glass doors onto the deck leading to the white sand beach, a few feet from the turquoise waters of the Gulf. Each room is artfully decorated and features deluxe linens and bath amenities. The sunset views from your resort room are incomparable. @annamariaisland.inn

“Pick your passion in Paradise.”

The Perfect Stage Set

WINTER PARK –

Thanks to its cobblestone streets, sidewalk cafes, and live oaks offering welcoming shade, it’s easy to see why Winter Park is one of Florida’s most gracious and romantic cities. Central Park is the lush green heart of town, flanked by the promenade called Park Avenue, where restaurants and people-watching are favorite activities. The Alfond Inn at Rollins, the award-winning hotel celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, is just a short stroll away.

This Valentine’s Day and throughout the month of February, get to the heart of romance with a stay at the Alfond Inn. The hotel’s Romance in the Park experience begins with checking into a Classic Room, where a chilled bottle of welcoming champagne awaits. There’s a specialty cake to mark the occasion as well.

Spend the afternoon lingering by the pool or explore the cutting-edge artwork from The Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art displayed throughout the property. It’s part of the permanent collection of the Rollins Museum of Art, making the Alfond

the only hotel in the country to exhibit artworks from a museum collection.

Then stroll along Park Avenue, check out the boutiques and the wine bars, and walk past the Mediterranean-style mansions. Back at the hotel, dress for a fashionable warm-weather evening and head down to Hamilton’s Kitchen for a romantic dinner-adeux prepared by Executive Chef Stephen Doyle. It’s a fantastic way to feel romantic during this month dedicated to lovers.

ROMANCE IN THE PARK

•One night stay in a classic room (double occupancy)

•One chilled bottle of champagne in the room

•Specialty cake for two

•Dinner for two in Hamilton’s Kitchen, tax and gratuity not included

•Rates start at $329 per room per night, taxes are extra

•The package is based on availability

•Available through February 28.

•Details at The Alfond Inn at Rollins

Set For Romance

UNDER THE STARS

On Valentine’s Day evening, Tuesday, February 14th, The Alfond Inn at Rollins will host

Under the Stars, the hotel’s annual Valentine’s Day experience. The evening starts with 7 pm Cocktails in the Conservatory, followed by a 7:30 pm Dinner on the Courtyard Lawn, with live entertainment. The $119 per person price includes a champagne toast and a three-course plated dinner. Reservations at Eventbrite.

The Alfond Inn at Rollins

A member of the Preferred Ho-

tels & Resorts L.V.X.℠ collection, The Alfond Inn at Rollins has a AAA Four Diamond Rating and is managed by Olympia Hotel Management, an innovative leader in hospitality. Owned by Rollins College, a private coeducational liberal arts college in Winter Park, Florida, The Alfond Inn at Rollins opened in August 2013 and directs net operating income to The Alfond Scholars Program.

The award-winning Hamilton’s Kitchen restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the 112room boutique hotel, which has

a pool, fitness center, and 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. It is located 15 minutes from downtown Orlando and 30 minutes from Walt Disney World and Orlando International Airport. For more information or to reserve your staty at The Alfond Inn at Rollins, call 407-998-8090 or visit online at www.thealfondinn. com .

A Welcome “Haven”

Located 19 miles northeast of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and just 10 miles from downtown Atlanta, Brookhaven’s community-focused vibe enchants visitors and locals alike. Comprised of distinct neighborhoods, Brookhaven is reminiscent of a laid-back smaller town with all the perks and benefits of a big city.

Walkable neighborhoods, well preserved greenspace, locally owned restaurants, one-of-akind shops and beloved annual events provide noteworthy experiences for visitors no matter the season. And better yet, pets are even welcome to come along. Couples can bring their furry friend on a romantic date in pet-friendly Brookhaven, (shown on our cover) an Inside-the-Perimeter city more reminiscent of a quaint smaller town.

Celebrate the season with friends and some of the best craft cocktails around at The Ashford. This chef-driven neighborhood restaurant, located on Dresden Drive in the heart of Brookhaven, is the perfect spot for seasonal sips. Go for cocktails and stay for dinner. Featuring a selection of both shareable dishes and traditional entrees, the seasonal menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients and innovative twists on classic favorites. For more information, https://www.explorebrookhaven.com/discover/the-ashford/

Things to Do:

Brookhaven is full of opportunities to celebrate and relish during the winter months. Indulge in the fresh winter menu at Haven Restaurant and Bar, great for celebrating a romantic Valentine’s Day, outing with the guys for Superbowl, Black History Month, or any special family gathering. This upscale neighborhood eatery opened over 15 years ago and is often referred to as a centerpiece of the community. Diners will enjoy seasonal menus featuring creative comfort food with a wide selection of small plates, appetizers, salads, entrees and more. http://havenrestaurant. com/

Brookhaven Wines is a specialty wine store located on Dresden Drive with more than 450 different wines from around the world, 100-plus wines under $20, as well as collectible and hardto-find wines and high-quality cigars. On Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons, the store decorks a couple bottles to share, so drop in and grab a glass. The Beer Growler Brookhaven is home to 45 craft selections of beer, cider & cold brew. Sample some high-quality craft beers at the bar in this relaxed environment and stay for a game of darts. Before or after, treat yourselves to total relaxation with a Togetherness Massage at Natural Body Brookhaven. For our outdoorsy couples: consider a sunset proposal at Murphey Candler Park. www.ExploreBrookhaven.com

To Visit Any Time Of Year

Take in a performance at the Conant Performing Arts Center at Oglethorpe University. Located on the historic campus of Oglethorpe University, the Conant Performing Arts Center has hosted student productions and local performance companies for over 20 years. For more information on performances, visit https://connect.oglethorpe.edu/organization/ conant

Include a shopping trip to Marguerites on Dresden for gifts and souvenirs. This local favorite is owned by a mother/daughter team sharing a passion for all things home and interior design. Shoppers will delight in interesting home décor items as well as local art and design services. For more shops and boutiques to visit while in town, check out https:// www.explorebrookhaven.com/shop/

Places to Stay

For a romantic stay, head for the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina, a lavish urban

hotel with the comfort and sophistication of a resort. Settle into spacious, suite-inspired guestrooms with pet-friendly options. Even though it’s just inside the north Atlanta Perimeter (I-285), you wouldn’t know it as you walk the beautiful gardens nestled in the trees, sit and enjoy the calming waterfall, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the family of deer that frolic about.

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A Family-Friendly Mardis

Louisiana’s Shreveport-Bossier City region has already kicked-off the 2023 Mardi Gras season with events continuing through Feb. 21, 2023. From family-friendly parades and entertainment to balls and parties, visitors and residents alike will find a variety of Mardi Gras fun to experience.

“We absolutely love sharing this time of year with our guests and encourage everyone to make travel plans now, booking hotel rooms, reserving a spot at a favorite restaurant and getting the perfect costume pulled together,” said Stacy Brown, president of the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau (SBCTB). “Activities include numerous parades, formal events, food and wine tastings and athletic events.”

Krewe of Oceanus Grand Bal

Fri., Feb. 10, 2023, Bossier Civic Center. The Grand Ball is a formal attire event. 6:30 - 11 p.m. and Tableau will begin at 7:30 p.m. Charlotte’s Web Band will perform. Tickets are $80.

Krewe of Centaur Parade

Sat., Feb. 11, 2023; Clyde Fant Pkwy., Shreveport; 3 p.m. Admission is free. One of the largest parades in Louisiana, the Krewe of Centaur rolls 10 days before Fat Tuesday, featuring marching bands, brightly colored floats and more. The Krewe of Centaur was named after the mythological half-man half-horse in recognition of the horseracing and gaming industry in Northwest Louisiana. This year’s theme is “A Million Dreams.”

Unleash the Decades: A Pet Parade

Sun., Feb, 12, 2023; 10:30 a.m. Louisiana State Fair-

grounds. The Krewe of Barkus and Meoux admission is free. Join in the fun by bringing your pets, children, family and friends to this happy occasion.

Krewe of Gemini Parade

The Krewe of Gemini Float Loading Party will be held a the Gemini Den in Bossier on Friday, February 17 at 5 p.m. Admission is free. The party will begin at the Krewe of Gemini Den. Bring your family to see all of the floats and collect some beads. Sat., Feb. 18, 2023; Clyde Fant Pkwy., Shreveport; 3 p.m.

Krewe of Highland Parade

Sun., Feb. 19, 2023; Highland Neighborhood, Shreveport; 1 p.m. Affectionately known as Shreveport’s most eccentric krewe, the Krewe of Highland is famous for throwing unusual items like hot dogs, rubber chickens, Capri Sun pouches, MoonPies, Ramen packages, and meatballs in Ziploc bags. Additionally, homemade floats always have been a staple of this unique parade - in fact, they are encour-

There is always something to celebrate in New Orleans and this month is no exception. Let’s Go Celebrate Mardis Gras!

Mardis Gras Visit In Store For You

aged! This parade rolls through the historic Highland neighborhood and begins at Gilbert Drive and Ockley Drive in Shreveport. The theme this year is “Highland Goes Greek.”

Mardi Gras 2023

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Mardi Gras is steeped in history. From Rome, Mardi Gras moved across Europe to countries like France, Germany, Spain and England. As a result, Mardi Gras’ excess and revelry became a premonition of Lent’s 40 days of fasting and penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. French-Canadian adventurer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville named the area “Pointe du Mardi Gras” after settling there 60 miles south of New Orleans. Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville celebrated the first Mardi Gras with his soldiers in America.

By the 1730s, Mardi Gras was openly celebrated in Louisiana, though without today’s parades. The Mar-

quis de Vaudreuil, the governor of Louisiana at the beginning of the 18th century, hosted elegant social gatherings that became the model for current Mardi Gras celebrations.

Shreveport-Bossier City has embraced influences from around the world, combining them to create their own unique flavors. A culinary paradise with origins in the French, Spanish, African, Sicilian, Caribbe-an, Irish, German and American Indian cultures can be found in its restaurants. The melting pot of cul-tures infuses the rich attractions, events and culinary experience Shreveport-Bossier City offers. For more information, visit https:// www.shreveport-bossier.org/mardigras/

Discover Beaumont Art,

Take art, history, culture, nature, food, and mix it well with oil and you have Beaumont.

Art Museum of Southeast Texas

The Art Museum of Southeast Texas displays art from the 19th century to the present. It ranges from portraits to comments on current affairs. One of my favorite works is the world’s first selfie.

House Museums

There are three historic homes that help tell Beaumont’s story. They range from pioneer days to oil boom. The John Jay French Museum is one of Beaumont’s oldest dating to 1845. The McFaddin-Ward home represents Beaumont’s upper crust. This Beaux Arts Colonial Revival style covers an entire block. It takes you back to the first half of the 20th century and shows what oil field wealth can build.

Chambers House is a more middle-class reflection of Beaumont in the 1900s. Most of the 1924 time frame furnishings are intact. The family’s two sisters never married and were either collectors or hoarders, depending on your point of view; a wonderful thing for a house museum.

Nature

Cattail Marsh Wetlands looks like many other wildlife marshes but there is something very different about Cattail Marsh. It is an earth-friendly way to recycle Beaumont’s wastewater treatment system. You would never know its origin when you see the 900-acres of scenic wetlands with a new Educational Center. It’s an award-winning place for birding, hiking and just enjoying nature’s beauty.

Gator Country is a look at the wilder side of the animal kingdom. It’s home to rescued reptiles,

mostly alligator but lots of other wildlife. This is the home territory of the TV show, Gator 911. You meet the world’s record holder for largest alligator, Big Tex, who is 13’ 8.5’’. His runner up, Big Al, at 13’4” and over 80 years old, also makes his home there. You get really up close with the residents. I got to hold a beautiful Burmese python.

Spindletop and Gladys City Museum

Oil is what greased Beaumont’s wheels. On January 10, 1901, Spindletop made United States the biggest oil producer in the world and changed Beaumont, Texas, and the world’s economy forever. First thing you see is a replica of Spindletop, a full-sized oil derrick. You can watch it erupt just as the real one did but now they use water instead of oil.

Step into Gladys City, a replica of the small town

History, Culture

By Kathleen WallsContributing Editor, author of Americanroads.net

day technology. My favorite exhibit is an animated character who tells how he came of age in the early days of the oil boom and became first a roughneck and finally a wildcatter in the oil fields around Spindletop.

Dining

Naturally you have to eat no matter where you are. Beaumont has lots of fantastic choices. For breakfast or just a sweet treat, try Rao’s Bakery. My favorites there are their Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffin or their Chewy Fudge cookie. You can’t go wrong with any of their baked goods.

For lunch, try Katharine and Company. Their Chicken Salad Sandwich is a real winner. Dessert offers some hard choices but the Cream Brule is a good one.

that was there when Spindletop spewed forth its fortune. You’ll see all the usual businesses typical of the times like a dry goods store, drugstore, print shop, barber shop, general store, post office, and saloon. One unusual one is Beaumont Oil Exchange and Board of Trade. This was formed out of necessity to cut down on fraud; hundreds of leases, oil companies were being formed, and traded daily.

Texas Energy Museum

Texas Energy Museum traces the history of Texas’s place in the energy field. It begins with prehistoric times and leads through Spindletop to present

Another good lunch choice is J. Wilson’s. For an appetizer, their Man Candy, made with slow smoked pork belly dressed with habanera jelly or the Oyster Nachos are delicious.

Floyd’s Seafood and Steakhouse has fantastic seafood served in a Cajun atmosphere. No matter your taste, whether in food or fun, you will enjoy Beaumont.

This trip was hosted by Beaumont CVB. Thoughts are my own. For more information, visit https://www. beaumontcvb.com/ For

New England States

England States

PORTLAND - A Valentine’s getaway package and a prix fixe Valentine’s dinner complete with themed cocktails.is now being offered by Portland Harbor Hotel and the Harbor Bistro + Terrace. Dinner comes complete with your very own fire and ice igloo on the outdoor terrace.

Let the romance begin at Harbor Bistro + Terrace. Guests will enjoy a four-course prix-fixe menu while sipping on one of their featured Valentine’s Daythemed cocktails. Starters include Grilled Chicory Salad and Baked Brie; Entrees include Petite Filet with grilled broccolini and lobster béarnaise and Wild Mushroom Ravioli with lemon herb ricotta and marsala cream; Desserts include Maple Creme Brûlée and Opera Cake with espresso buttercream. Valentine-themed cocktails include Cupid’s Arrow, Lady in Red, and Heartthrob. View the

A Valentine Getaway

full menu online.

Igloos can accommodate groups of six and feature themed decor and lighting, heater, blankets, and bluetooth speakers upon request. Seating times are as follows: 4 - 6 p.m., 6 - 8 p.m. and 8 - 10 p.m. for a 2-hour igloo block. You must order food & beverages during the 2-hour window. Please call 207523-2075 or email info@harborbistroandterrace.com to reserve.

After dinner, make your way to the Old Port District. Guests will arrive at Portland Harbor Hotel to a chilled bottle of champagne and luxury accommodations. Package includes $50 dining credit to Harbor Bistro + Terrace, where guests can enjoy a romantic dinner or delicious breakfast the next morning, along with a late checkout of 1:00 PM.

Tucked in the heart of Port-

land’s historic Old Port district one block from the waterfront, the Portland Harbor Hotel is known for its distinctive design and exemplary service. The AAA Four Diamond hotel features navy, khaki, and white nautical décor, custom-made Thomas Moser furniture, hardwood floors, individual pantries on each floor offering Starbucks, a gracious lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Portland’s Fore Street, and original artwork by Maine artists. Harbor Bistro + Terrace located within the hotel offers the bounty of the oceans, streams, farms and local purveyor’s ingredients as a commitment to using fresh, sustainable Maine/ New England products whenever possible.

For more information, please visit portlandharborhotel.com.

For more information on Maine

LEGO ® Maritime Festival

CHARLESTOWN - Let your imagination set sail this February 18-26 at the USS Constitution Museum to build your own ship with LEGO® and DUPLO® bricks. While here, find inspiration from the model ship exhibit, Masters in Miniature. In the hands of a creative kid – or kid at heart – a pile of colorful bricks can become an aircraft carrier, a party boat, or USS Constitution!

All ages are invited to build and enter their ships into the annual USS Constitution Museum’s LEGO® Ship Shape Competition. For 2023, there are two options: in-person or at home. Details are below, and all entrants must follow these rules:

One entry per day is allowed. All ships will be judged based on originality, aesthetics (looks), and difficulty of construction. Entries must be

your own creation, not a LEGO® designed kit or a project found online, in a magazine, etc.

Your ship should be no larger than two standard 32 x 32 stud baseplates.

Builders of all ages are welcome to enter. Daily winners will be entered into the grand prize contest at the end of the week. Open hours for the museum are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and the cost is admission by donation.

Unable to join in at the Museum? Build a ship at home using your own bricks and enter to win by filling out the form found at https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/events/legofestival/

Conveniently located on Boston’s Freedom Trail, the Navy Yard offers two historic ships, interactive exhibits, and engaging programs for adults, families, and students of all ages. Spark your imagination and explore your maritime heritage today!

winterGoodbyewoes.

Kick Off Those Winter Blues

Talbot

Harford

Harford County has awe-inspiring nature–including the 17-foot waterfall at Kilgore Falls in Pylesville. Kilgore Falls has seen many visitors both in real life and on the big screen, where it debuted in the Disney hit movie, Tuck Everlasting! Watch the film, then see its beauty for yourself! Visit Harford, Matthew Scales, VisitHarford.com, matthew@visitharford.com

Kent

The Winter Blues got you down? Enjoy a day of amazing shopping. You will find unique gifts at the newly renovated Twigs & Teacups, 111 S Cross St., and artful treats at Bespoke Chocolates, 207 S Cross St. in Chestertown. Visit Rock Hall for The Hickory Stick, a unique boutique. Kent County Tourism, MD, Jamie Williams, KentCounty.com/Visitors, jlwilliams@kentgov.org

Travelers visiting Talbot County for the upcoming vacation season, early spring to late fall, are already booking their hotel, B&B, or vacation rental. They come to enjoy beautiful Eastern Shore views, kayaking and biking the scenic trails, and feasting on delicious crabs and oysters caught straight from the Chesapeake Bay. Talbot County Office of Economic Development and Tourism, Krista Boothby, TourTalbot. org, kboothby@talbotcountymd.gov

Wicomico

With more than 50 parks and outdoor facilities, Wicomico County is a great place to get outside. Bring a kayak or canoe and get out on the water, go for a hike on a trail, or enjoy outdoor activities like disc golf and pickleball. Maryland’s Wicomico County, Vanessa Junkin, WicomicoTourism.org, vjunkin@ wicomicocounty.org

Hello, outdoor destinations to waken your spirits. outdoorsGetto enjoy beautifulnature, scenery and inspirational trails or activities.

Blues and Stay Awhile

Overnight in Baltimore

The Ivy Hotel is a 19th-century mansion located in the heart of Baltimore’s historic Mt. Vernon neighborhood. It opened its doors in 2015 and was beautifully restored and re-adapted as an elevated boutique hotel with 17 unique rooms. The property prides itself on providing unmatched levels of quality, excellence and attention to detail, ensuring a stay nothing short of extraordinary. Each room, from the public spaces like the conservatory and library to the suites and rooms, is a completely different work of art.

Encased in the DNA of The Ivy Hotel and Magdalena, a Maryland Bistro are the owners’ commitment to diversity at all areas and levels. Owners Eddie and Sylvia Brown are entrepreneurs and philanthropists in the Baltimore area. They met at their alma mater, Howard University, and recently donated $5 million, the largest donation from alumni ever.

The highly inclusive nightly rate includes:

Afternoon Tea, Breakfast & Car Service:

•Complimentary libations, both self-serve and upon request at The Mansion Bar, afternoon tea featuring Black-owned tea brand, Equitea Co. (a GOOP favorite), complemented with tiers of sweet and savory treats and in-room delicacies.

•Special nightly turndown delights, made-to-order breakfast wherever you fancy, a chauffeured car service, gratuity and more are all included in one seamless room rate.

Magdalena, a Maryland Bistro: The Ivy Hotel’s restaurant, led by Scott Bacon, unites culture, tradition, and sophistication to create dishes full of character.

•Trail of Dreams ($20) which highlights the hotel’s meaningful partnership with Uncle Nearest (found throughout the property) and is a nod to Clingmans Dome, Tennessee shedding a light on the troubles of Native Americans and African American peoples along the Appalachian Trail. Ingredients include duck fat washed 1856 Uncle Nearest Whiskey, locally foraged paw paw and black walnut syrup and bitters, burdock root and

tail tincture.

The Spa at The Ivy: A sanctuary in the city, the spa offers massage therapy, body rituals, and facial experiences.

•Iconic French-crafted skincare brand, Biologique Recherche is offered so guests and the public can enjoy ultraluxe facial treatments and purchase products directly from the spa.

•The Hot Toddy Foot Ritual celebrates the hotel’s continued partnership with Uncle Nearest. The treatment begins with a relaxing foot soak in birch-infused bath flakes while enjoying a delicious dram of Uncle Nearest Whiskey while you soak, fully immersing yourself into the experience.

Repeat Honeymoon With New Ideas

Dubbed the “Honeymoon Capital of the World’’ in the late 1800s for its romantic grandiosity, Niagara Falls sees more than 12 million visitors each year. It’s a destination worth repeating again and again as attractions continue to grow in number.

Get closer to the waters of Niagara Falls than you thought possible at the Cave of the Winds experience--a tour through the Niagara Gorge and wooden walkways that bring you just 20 feet from underneath the waters of Bridal Veil Falls. Ride along the gorge and under the falls on the iconic Maid of the Mist. Feel the thrill of Devil’s Hole class 5 whitewater rapids and the magnitude of the Whirlpool at Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours.

Make sure to pop into the new

28,000-square-foot Welcome Center opening May 2023 to see exhibits highlighting natural, industrial, and Indigenous American history.

Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The Top of the Falls Restaurant serves American-fare lunch and dinners and a panoramic view of the Falls. It is the only restaurant overlooking Niagra Falls. Temporarily closed for the winter season, plan your visit when it reopens in May.

Take a behind - the - scenes tour at the Aquarium of Niagara and see areas most visitors don’t ever view. You will leave with a better understanding of the complexities of caring for a variety of aquatic animals. see https://www.aquariumofniagara.org/inside-the-aquarium/ for details.

While in the area, take a side trip only a few miles away to revisit the Lockport Locks. Celebrating it’s bicentennial this year, see the locks in action on a narrated ride with Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises. The tour includes being raised and lowered 50 feet in the only double set of locks on the Erie Canal! Those who prefer to stay on land can opt for a walking tour or if you’re feeling adventurous, head underground for a different perspective on canal history at the Lockport Cave. The Erie Canal Discovery Center and Locks District offer even more opportunities to learn about the historic waterway once called “The Nation’s First Superhighway.”

In addition to distinctive meals, unique libations, and award-winning local beers, visitors can treat themselves to some of the region’s finest coffee and artisan chocolates.

Launching February 1st, the Cumberland Valley Coffee and Chocolate Trail is a digital passport to everyone’s favorites sweets and treats. The trail features 16 locations serving locally crafted coffee and chocolate items. Enjoy the trail through May 31st and win prizes along the way!

Coffee connoisseurs can get their caffeine fix and recharge as they sip aromatic and delectable drinks made with stellar java. Take time to slowly sip your drink while enjoying an amazing array of pastries or a delicious meal at these cozy cafes. You’ll find all your favorites -- mochas, lattes, cold brews, macchiatos, and more, plus a variety of seasonal drinks with unique flavor combinations.

Chocolate enthusiasts can satisfy their cravings and indulge in delicious goodies at unique local shops where the alluring scent of homemade chocolate tempts visitors to sample every confection.

We invite you to sip, savor, and try a bite on our Coffee & Chocolate Trail. With a number of locations conveniently located near each other, it’s easy to combine these two everyday pleasures into a delightful and delicious adventure as you explore the charming towns of the Cumberland Valley.

To make it easy for you to keep track of the locations you’ve visited, download the list and check them off as you go

Combining graciousness of the past with exceptional comforts of today, a new era of elegance awaits you at The Greenbrier. The Greenbrier is widely regarded as one of the finest luxury resorts around the World.

Surrounded by the wondrous Allegheny Mountains in White Sulphur Springs, The Greenbrier offers exclusive services, hospitality and amenities, such as fine dining, de-

A Visit To Greenbrier

signer boutiques, a world-renowned mineral spa and a 103,000 square-foot gaming and entertainment venue. The Greenbrier also has its own Clinic, as well as Sporting Club and Legacy Club real estate ventures. Guests of The Greenbrier often express that, once they arrive, they don’t want to leave - best known as America’s Resort ™

It’s said that laughter is the best medicine. Howev-

er, the staff believes laughter combined with an incredible meal from the kitchens of The Greenbrier is even better. On Feb. 11, the talented comedian, Sam Comroe, will delight the audience with his winning performance gathered from performing at more than 100 clubs and colleges annually. He will share the trials and tribulations of living with Tourettes Syndrome since being diagnosed at age six and observational material based on his life expe-

Resort Bears Repeating

riences. On Feb. 25, Greg Morton will be featured on stage, often described as a one-man variety show. He has entertained audiences worldwide for 35 years. Other live entertainment is scheduled other weekends including dueling pianos, game shows, and a murder mystery dinner theatre.

The Greenbrier is unmatched in its offerings with 20 restaurants, lounges and bars featuring cuisine of all types from The Greenbrier’s award-winning culi-

nary team.

The Greenbrier experience, beginning in 1778, offers a luxurious respite to discerning guests from around the world. The grand scale architecture, Dorothy Draper decor, immaculate attention to detail and legendary gracious service set The Greenbrier apart from all others. Guests walk in the footsteps of presidents, celebrities and generations of families who regard The Greenbrier as a “one of one” destination.

The 710 perfectly-appointed Signature Resort Rooms, Classic and Historic Suites, Legacy Cottages and Estate Homes are situated on a breathtaking 11,000acre playground.

Our fullservice, 40,000 squarefoot world-renowned mineral spa is widely recognized as one of the most luxurious mineral spas in the world, and our Retail Collection is comprised of more than 35 boutiques and shops featuring handcrafted works of art.

A full-schedule calendar of more than 55 activities awaits guests online at https://www. greenbrier.com/Daily-Calendar.aspx . Some of the guest favorites in wintertime include carriage/sleigh rides, ice skating and off-road driving.

One of those activities is a special Super Sunday celebration for Feb. 12. Take in the biggest game of 2023 between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles right in the comfort of The Casino Club. Show your team pride by wearing your favorite jersey and savor game day cuisine and incredible drinks from the cash bar, all while watching the game on multiple screens throughout the facility.

Football won’t be the only source of action, with 37 table games, more than 320 slots and the FanDuel Sportsbook, allowing guests to place a wager on almost anything happening in the big game. Game Day Buffet tickets will be available for purchase at $55* per person outside The Casino Club on Sunday, February 12, 2023. General admission seating will be on a first come first serve basis.

The Greenbrier Resort is home to “America’s only private casino” because it is open only to overnight guests and members of the Greenbrier Sporting Club. This creates a much different environment than a traditional casino. The atmosphere is unique due to the incredible Dorothy Draper design and

the dress code, which requires gentlemen to wear a sport coat after 7 p.m.

Special Packages

For Valentines, a 3 nights for 2 Package is offered if you check in Feb. 12, 13 or 14. Another option on those dates is the Spa Package, which includes a $1,000 spa allowance with a two-night stay. If choosing to come on the weekends before or after Valentine’s Day, the Win-

tertime Package includes early check-in, late check-out, $100 per room, per night spending credit, complimentary breakfast in the Main Dining Room and more. A great option for couples on a weekend Valentine’s trip would also be to enjoy the Dinner and a Show Series.

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