14 minute read
Eastern
Places to Go: Kentucky Derby Museum
Every Day is Derby Day at Churchill Down and the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville.
The Kentucky Derby is the longest continuously-running sporting event in the country dating back to the first Derby in 1875. Kentucky Derby Museum is located next to Churchill Downs® Racetrack in one of Louisville’s historic neighborhoods just 10 minutes from downtown Louisville.
You can now reserve your spot on a Historic Walking Tour that comes with General Admission. Stroll through the historic grounds of Churchill Downs as a tour guide takes you past the iconic Twin Spires and out to the world-famous Racetrack. Knowledgeable tour guides will share the colorful history of the world’s most famous racetrack. Enjoy the many photo opportunities available on all tours and create new memories from this bucket-list experience! Tickets may be purchased at the door, but spots fill up fast!
The museum and store are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m to 5 p.m. on Sunday. If you visit Wednesday through Sunday and want to take a break during your tour, the Derby Cafe Express offers a great dining experience from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The team is up early chopping herbs, preparing food, and dreaming up the delicious sauces, dressings and ingredients for the meals served to guests. Using a “scratch kitchen” model, all food is prepared from raw ingredients and are souced locally. Enjoy eating inside the cafe, or on our covered outdoor terrace, right next to historic Churchill Downs.
General admission tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for ages 5-14. Free parking is available on-premise year-round.
For more information or to order time - scheduled tickets, visit online at https://derbymuseumstore.com/
For more on Kentucky >Click Here
Things to Do: Getting Outdoors
DUPLIN COUNTY, –You don’t have to look far to see the wide variety of outdoor activities that make Duplin County a popular spot to get out and explore. Duplin is located in eastern North Carolina, between Raleigh and Wilmington along Interstate 40. Many pass through on their way to North Carolina’s popular beaches. Many more have discovered this is the perfect spot to experience so much more of the beauty and diversity of this Carolina region.
For a day on the links, Duplin’s golf courses offer the perfect challenge. Duplin Country Club in Kenansville is a favorite with its fairways flanked by tall southern pines and lush wetlands. Nearby, River Landing in Wallace features two championship 18hole courses designed by acclaimed architect Clyde Johnston. Both are semi-private, with public tee times available. For some, hitting the water is the perfect getaway. Fishing and boating on the Northeast Cape Fear River are some of the most popular year-round activities in the region. This beautiful black-water stream offers good fishing for large-mouth bass, sunfish and channel catfish. It’s also a beautiful setting to just explore and enjoy. The county offers public launches, as do several campgrounds in the area.
Lake Leamon Campground, Wallace, is a popular spot for families to enjoy the lake life. Both RV and tent camping sites are available, more than 100 in all, with a mix of amenities from which to choose. The campground has paddle boat and kayak rentals available, as well a boat ramp for those who want to get out on the water.
Cabin Lake County Park, Pink Hill, with its 169-acres, is the perfect spot for family or group camping. It features RV and tent sites and is also open for day use. Paddle boats and canoes are available for rent as are picnic shelters for large groups. The park also has great fishing, a 2.3-mile hiking trail and a swimming area that is open from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Dining in Duplin County offers the perfect opportunity to visit one of the region’s popular wineries, as well. Of course, pairing a wine tasting with a meal is always an option. The Bistro in Rose Hill is located at Duplin Winery and offers a lunch of gourmet soups, salads and specialty sandwiches and North Carolina flavors abound. Annual events are a tradition here, with Murder Mystery and Down Home Christmas dinner shows each year. A popular dinner venue year round is the Country Squire Restaurant in Warsaw. Known for its Old World charm, the restaurant is just one element of the Country Squire property, which also has a winery and historic inn. Whether a chef’s special for lunch or a dinner feast of steak or seafood for a special occasion, the Country Squire is not to be missed.
For those who want to get out and enjoy the great outdoors or just get back to a simpler lifestyle for a bit, Duplin County is the ideal location for a getaway. Find information about other activities and attraction, as well as local lodging options, online at UncorkDupllin.com.
For more on North Carolina >CLICK HERE!
Places to Go: Lake Murray Country
Start off the adventure in the Capital City’s Vista, once a bustling cotton warehouse district and commercial railroad terminal, this part of downtown maintains its historic charm while bursting with every modern necessity. The beautiful region of South Carolina is conveniently located off Interstates I-77, I-20, I-26 in the central part of the Palmetto State.
Visitors can peruse 40 art galleries, collect timeless wares and fun threads at specialty shops and taste their way through the more than 60 restaurants and bars spanning a virtual globe with flavorful offerings—all without leaving the region. Burn off all of those good eats with a city walking tour and stroll the streets that are etched in civil rights and Civil War history. Continue to step back in time and explore the area’s antebellum homes, the South Carolina State House or one of the many museums that call Columbia home. Make sure the little ones get in on the Ed-Venture—the largest children’s museum in the South or take them for a walk on the wild side at the nationally acclaimed Riverbanks Zoo. After exploring all of the big city sites, recharge in nature with the pristine outdoor opportunities this region offers, including the Purple Martin Phenomenon when, each summer, the skies over Lunch Island on Lake Murray come to life as more than one million birds venture north for the summer and roost on the island, giving spectators a rare look at one of nature’s treats. Guests will see why Boating Magazine named Lake Murray one of the top 10 places to boat and live. Take a tour of the State’s only national park—Congaree National Park. Canoe, kayak or hike through these preserved and serene marshlands. Whether water lovers feel the need for speed or prefer to float on the area’s sparkling waters, local rental shops can accommodate everyone. At the end of the day, recharge in accommodations spanning cozy cabins and lovely waterfront rentals. Whether attracted to big city lights or the soft moonlight bouncing off quiet waters, Capital City/Lake Murray Country leaves nothing to be desired. www.LakeMurrayCountry.com.
For more on South Carolina > Click Here
NASHVILLE - The Nashville Comedy Festival makes its triumphant return next month after a year that has us longing for laughter. Billboard’s first-ever “Comedian of the Year” Sebastian Maniscalco kicks off Nashville Comedy Festival on Saturday, June 12 at Ryman Auditorium. Maniscalco will have the audience roaring during the Nashville stop of his Nobody Does This Tour. Tennessee-native and rising star Leanne Morgan takes the stage at the Mother Church on Sunday, June 13. Morgan will be sure to have the people in the pews laughing out loud with her southern charm and hilarious storytelling.
Tickets on sale Friday at NashComedyFest.com
The performances will be at 100% capacity with local safety guidelines in place. More shows to be announced in the coming weeks. The festival’s venue partners include some of the most iconic showrooms in Nashville, including Ryman Auditorium.
June 12 Sebastian Maniscalco Ryman Auditorium 7:00 PM
June 13 Leanne Morgan Ryman Auditorium 7:00 PM
About Sebastian Maniscalco:
After a year off the road, Sebastian Maniscalco is back with his new Nobody Does This Tour. Recognized by both Billboard and Pollstar with top touring awards, Nobody Does This follows a string of record-breaking, soldout arena shows from his Stay Hungry and You Bother Me tours including the United Center in his hometown of Chicago, Boston’s TD Garden, The Forum in LA and New York’s Madison Square Garden. That success follows a number of blockbuster years for the comedian, author, and actor the New York Times calls “the hottest comic in America.” In addition to releasing a best-selling memoir, Stay Hungry, and Netflix original special also titled “Stay Hungry,” the comic hosted the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards and landed roles in Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-nominated The Irishman as well as Green Book, which won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Maniscalco can next be seen on the small screen in his own food show for Discovery+ to be released later his year. For more information and tour updates visit sebastianlive. com.
sebastian maniscalco & leanne MOrgan
About Leanne Morgan:
Leanne’s style of comedy combines her southern charm and hilarious storytelling about her own life into an act that keeps them coming back for more. As a stay-at-home, mother of three with a husband, people are always accusing her of spying on them because she seems to be living the same life that they do. The fact that everyone can relate to her comedy has made her a hit even among the strangest of audiences. While performing in San Antonio she was asked to appear at the Las Vegas Comedy Festival and shortly thereafter appeared on ABC’s The View in a hilarious housewife segment. Leanne appeared as a finalist on Nick at Nite’s Funniest Mom and toured three years with the Southern Fried Chicks. She has appeared in comedy clubs, performing arts centers, and theatres all over the United States. She had a contract with Warner Brothers and ABC to develop a sitcom based on her comedy and also collaborated with legendary writer/producer Matt Williams (“Roseanne,” “Home Improvement”) on a half-hour comedy project. She counts as her celebrity fans, Dr. Phil and Paula Deen. She has appeared on both their shows. Leanne and fellow comic Reno Collier recently co-hosted Chewing the Fat, a weekly radio show on Sirius XM/Blue Collar Radio, and her comedy is in rotation every day on Sirius comedy channels. She is currently touring as part of the comedy trio Country Cool, along with headliners Karen Mills and Trish Suhr. She has a comedy special currently streaming on VidAngel called “So Yummy” and her videos on Dry Bar Comedy have gotten more than 50 million views and growing! She has a podcast called Sweaty and Pissed...Menopause and More.
About Outback Presents: Outback Presents is the leading independent, full-service promoter of live entertainment. Based in Nashville, TN, Outback Presents specializes in producing music and comedy shows, tours, and festivals across North America and connecting their diverse roster of artists with their fans. Festivals include the Nashville Comedy Festival and Minneapolis Comedy Festival. For more information, visit outbackpresents.com.
For more on Tennessee > Click Here
Go, Do, See Coalfields Cookoff BBQ
“Come for the Meat and Stay for the Ride” This is the theme for the inaugural WV Coalfields Cookoff WV State BBQ and ATV Festival, June 12th in Welch.
The festival, hosted by the city, will feature the WV State BBQ Championships sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society for pro cookers and backyard BBQ teams, as well as music, including a battle of the bands, family activities, a beer garden, a public BBQ tasting, and several ATV contests. It promises outdoor summer fun for the whole family in a safe outdoor space.
“The WV Coalfields Cookoff entice BBQ cookers, ATV enthusiasts, and the general public to visit the great city of Welch, WV,” said Harold McBride, Sr. Mayor of Welch. “We are currently inviting BBQ teams, sponsors, vendors and bands to sign up on our website to participate in the event. In addition to the professional and backyard BBQ cook-off, music contests, arts and crafts, food vendors, the Beer Garden for our guests age 21 and older, and the Kids Korner for our younger audience, we really have something for everyone at this event.”
Welch is known for being the heart of WV Coal Country. The surrounding mountains are home to the Hatfield McCoy Trail, that is a popular ATV route. Since the town welcomes ATV enthusiast into the city to enjoy the attractions, the idea was born to pair the BBQ festival with an event to highlight our ATV tourists. Riders are invited to attend, grab some great BBQ and show off their ATV with contests geared to highlighting their machines and will offer direct access to return to the off-road trails surrounding the town. Sponsored by the City of Welch, ticket, contests, and
BBQ cook team registration are available at http://www.wvcoalfieldscookoff.com or at the city offices located at 88 Howard Street in Welch. Festival passes are $5 per person, can be purchased online, and a portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Welch, WV Volunteer Fire Department. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free with an adult. For more details and contest rules for the BBQ
Cookoff, music contests,
ATV competitions, or general festival information, visit our website and follow the festival on Facebook @wvcoalfieldscookoff or Instagram at @coalfieldscookoff.
Visit www.wvcoalfieldscookoff. com for additional information about the event.
For more on West Virginia, > ClickHere
Places to Go:
Primland Resort
Primland Resort, a majestic all-season mountain retreat, has become a part of Auberge’s portfolio of award-winning hotels, resorts, and residences.
Located at the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains on 12,000 expansive acres, Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection offers luxurious accommodations, a championship golf course, exquisite farm-to-table cuisine helmed by new Executive Chef Elliot Cunniff from Soho House in New York City, a serene spa and a level of outdoor adventure that is unrivaled on the east coast. In one of the most breathtaking mountain settings, the resort boasts impressive year-round activities for the entire family, including horseback riding, fly fishing, alfresco yoga and meditation, kayaking, hiking, sporting clays, archery, stargazing in one of the largest observatories in the Eastern U.S., RTV trail riding and tennis. With Auberge Resorts Collection’s highly personalized service, Primland will be the quintessential escape this Summer.
“We are incredibly honored that the Primat family has chosen Auberge to be the stewards of Primland, one of the most spectacular resorts in the country,” said Dan Friedkin, owner and chairman, Auberge Resorts Collection. “It is an absolute privilege to bring our brand to this unparalleled experience in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.”
Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection is rooted in a love of the land, which is expressed in the resort’s extensive efforts to minimize the impact on nature while enjoying its beauty. Sixty-two rooms are featured including standalone cottages, cabins and treehouses. At the center of the property sits the Lodge, featuring a soaring great hall with twin fireplaces, a full-service spa, fitness center, indoor swimming pool, private theatre, game room and one of the largest telescopes and observatories in the Eastern U.S. The resort’s exceptional culinary program boasts three regional cuisine restaurants, a two-story wine cellar and private dining experiences for intimate gatherings and celebrations.
Exceptional culinary destinations and programming are overseen by Executive Chef Elliot Cunniff, who joined the resort in Spring 2021. He brings a wealth of creativity to all of the resort’s exceptional restaurants, including the signature restaurant, Elements, a harmony of the Virginia Highlands’ natural abundance and Southern comfort flavors, beautifully presented in a fine dining atmosphere. The property’s more relaxed eatery, 19th Pub, serves casual, hearty pub fare alongside a bar well-stocked with draught beers, single malts and spirits, as well as moonshine cocktails, which harken back to the region’s rich bootlegging history. The Woodland Grill is located at the Outdoor Activities Center for easy grab-and-go sandwiches between adventures. Find more at https:// aubergeresorts.com/ primland/
For more on Virginia > Click Here
