Extended Weekend Getaways - March 2022

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -1-

Shopping egg-stravaganza March 4 - 6 Draw for prizes in each cottage It’s Egg-stra special.

30003 Old East US Highway 50, Lee’s Summit, MO 816-697-1923 www.cockrellmercantile.com

-2- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -3-

Table of Contents:

Product Reviews People to See Editor - Lisa Garcia Asian Filmaker - Kay Zhang Celebrate Women’s History Month Monica Baer & Renee’ Gordon

P. 6

P. 7 P. 8 P. 40

P. 44

Experience The Moravian Influence in Lititz

By Robin O’Neil Smith P. 44 A New Column: Resort Picks Travel Passport Free

By Jenna Bush, guest author

P. 40

-4- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

P. 12

The Weekender Extended Magazine is Published by BarnettPRO Graphics and Publishing Corporation P.O. Box 96, Shiloh, OH 44878 Branch office: 1515 W. 3rd, Sedalia, Mo 65301 PHONE; 419-687-0002 Email: info@barnettpro.com Publisher - Michael D. Arnold mike@barnettpro.com Editor-in-chief- Kathy Barnett kathy@barnettpro.com Places to Go Editor: Sheeree Oney Things to Do Editor: Kandy Derden People to See Editor: Lisa Garcia Social Media Editor: Norman Reed Places to Go Team: Duane Duschaene Rebecca Embry Robin Smith Things to Do Team:Geremy Sowash Lisa Brant Samantha Bradley People to See Team: Bethany Cantrell Angie Offenburger Mike Arnold editor@extendedweekendgetaways.com Technical Director - Norman Reed Norm@extendedweekendgetaways.com Visit our Website for event coverage between regular issues at www.ExtendedWeekendGetaways.com Subscriptions are FREE! Submit name and email address HERE and also be entered in our drawing for a FREE weekend getaway!

Copyright 2022 by BarnettPRO Publishing All rights reserved. Reproductions of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher. Advertisements in this publication do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the publishing company.

Cover Photo:

Take a walking tour through 11 different countries in one day at EPCOT located at Walt Disney World, Fla. See P. 16 for details.

Up Close: From the Editor

Let’s go travel the World right here in the good ole’ U.S.!

Little did I realize just how many foreign countries are represented and visible to tourists in the United States until I began working on our March issue topic: “Exploring Foreign Culture within the U.S.” I already had plans to feature EPCOT at Walt Disney World (See P.16 and our cover) which represents 11 different countries. It became my inspiration to check out other areas to see if there were similiar tourist attractions.

Of course, this month celebrates St. Patrick’s Day. So I knew there would be Irish activities scattered through several areas to cover. Then there is Chinatown in San Francisco, P. 32. By then, I was on a roll to see where immigrants settled and kept their homeland traditions alive. For instance, thanks to the Dutch people, Holland, Michigan was born and we now have the pleasure of experiencing the annual tulip festival there. P. 54. Others introduced their religious beliefs to the United States from other countries like the Moravian Influence in Lititz, Pennsylvania. See p. 44.

All in all, I counted 35 different countries represented in this issue. Can you find more? There are just so many places to go, things to do and people to see across the U.S. for the fun side of life! So where will you go next on an extended weekend getaway? Until next month...

May the Luck of the Irish be with you and have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Kathy Barnett, Managing Editor March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -5-

Product Reviews: Goodies for Spring BendyFigs

Who DOESN’T know Dorothy and Toto from The Wizard of Oz? Year after year, new generations fall in love with this classic story. This lifelike bendable doll will absolutely be a collector’s item worth keeping around!

You need to buy two - one to play with and the other to keep in its box for value. The 7” figure seriously shows the characteristics and features of Judy Garland. Other characters available are the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and The Cowardly Lion.

Price: $19.50 ea. https://www.amazon.com/

Shanky’s Whip is the perfect Irish tipple to enjoy on

St Patrick’s Day - a combination of Irish spirits and aged pot still whiskey, blended with the natural flavour of vanilla and infused with caramel. All these flavours combined make a deliciously smooth and creamy drink which can be enjoyed on its own over ice or mixed in a cocktail. Blended and bottled under bond in Co. Cavan, Ireland - The Perfect Pal This St Patrick’s Day. Shanky’s Whip has recently been launched in the US and makes for a great gift but also the easy to make serves will surprise and delight friends and family at home.

Price: From $24.99 www.shankyswhip.com or maxliquor.com

Zincuta Ointment

This skin cream brings relief and heals skin afflictions, including chafes, burns, sun burns, abrasions, raw sores, insect bites, psoriasis, eczema, poison ivy, and more. This ointment is made in the USA with the finest, purest, natural ingredients, including zinc oxide, beeswax and lavender. Make sure you buy two - one for your medicine cabinet and the other for your first aid kit when traveling.

Price $12.50 for a 2 oz. tin www.zincuta.com

-6- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

People to See:

By Lisa Garcia People to See Editor

Asian Filmmaker Kay Zhang Kay Zhang, trailblazing filmmaker, producer, and creative force behind the award-winning film, Mother in the Mist, is making waves in the film festival circuit and has her eyes set on Hollywood for more Asian representation.

Originally from Wuhan, Kay was inspired to make this film based on a story a family member shared when COVID-hit Wuhan. Moved by the struggles her fellow citizens were facing, Kay wishes to make a film about family and motherhood that resonates with us all. Mother in the Mist follows Zhao (Shen Shi Yu), a new mother who has yet to see the daughter she gave birth to, and Snowie (Wang Xi Wen), a little girl fighting her own way to the heart of the catastrophic epidemic in the hope of seeing her mother. The two join forces, evading curfew and protocol to be with their loved ones.

After graduating from Duke University with a bachelor’s degree in International Comparative Studies, and working as a bilingual Production Coordinator for a year, Zhang decided to pursue my long-standing love for films

Foundation, FOX Fellowship Endowment Fund, Moustapha and Malek Akkad Endowed Fund, Lisa Lu Foundation, Jack Larson, and James Bridges Merit Fund, and several other generous funds. She worked as a Key PA in renowned TV and feature films such as Spongebob Squarepants season 9-12, Bureau 749 by Chinese director Lu Chuan, and Normal Heros from Alibaba Studios.

Zhang’s creativity is inspired by her experience as an international citizen, constantly crossing borders both physically and culturally. Her passion is to depict stories that reflect nuanced emotions and struggles of diverse women and children. and filmmaking and attended USC School of Cinematic Arts for an MFA program in Film Production.

As a producer, several of her short films and features were screened at Oscar-qualifying film festivals internationally including Flickers’ Rhode Island IFF, St. Louis IFF, USA Film Festival, and Beijing IFF, and won the 27th DGA Student Film Awards Best Women Filmmaker, Gold Medalist of the 47th Student Academy Awards, and Special Jury Prize at the BAFTA Student Film Awards.

Her projects have been funded by the Alfred P. Sloan March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -7-

Things to Do

Celebrate Women’s This March, Women’s History Month is the ideal time to pack up the RV and delve into the history-making impact women have had on the United States for hundreds of years. Exploring several Women’s History Month stops is comfortable and easy in a Holiday Rambler.

Holiday Rambler motorhomes are known for their innovation, quality, and value and have received numerous industry awards.

One of the brand’s signature motorhomes is the 2022 Vacationer®, a Class A Gas motorhome with three models that range from 34’ to 39’ and are built on a Ford Chassis. While the Vacationer is shorter in length, it’s designed to impress. The 36F model (pictured below) sleeps up to eight with a sleeper sofa, king bed, bunk beds that convert into a seating area, and an optional Hide-A-Loft drop down queen bed. Other sought-after amenities include two full baths, electric fireplace, stainless steel appliances, three-burner cooktop, master bedroom suite, and three LED TVs, including an exterior entertainment center.

Holiday Rambler is a Class A RV brand within REV Recreation Group, Inc., which is a subsidiary of REV Group®, Inc.

Statue of Liberty, New York, NY

The Statue of Liberty is one of the country’s oldest and most famous women. At a graceful 305’ tall, she is a towering symbol of American freedom. The statue was sculpted

by French artist Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi and gifted to the United States by France in 1875 to commemorate the countries’ alliance during the American Revolution.

-8- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

In her right hand, Lady Liberty holds a torch above her head. In her left hand, she carries a tablet inscribed with JULY IV MDCCLXXVI (July 4, 1776 in Roman numerals), the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

The statue can be viewed from various vantage points along the Hudson River. For an up-closeand-personal look, take the ferry that departs from Battery Park to Liberty Island where the Statue of Liberty stands.

RVers can stay overnight at Liberty Harbor RV, which also delivers views of the Statue of Liberty and is next to Liberty Harbor Marina.

New-York Historical Society Museum & Library, New York, NY

The New-York Historical Society includes a Center for Women’s History with a plethora of exhibits, information, and artifacts from women who have shaped the United States.

“Women’s Voices” is a multimedia digital installation that includes profiles of: Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court Justice; Barbara McClintock, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist; Elizabeth

By Monica Baer https://www.herandhimsel.com

s History Month Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the U.S; Misty Copeland, a trailblazing dancer and principal ballerina; and Chien-Shiung Wu, the Manhattan Project physicist who was snubbed by the Nobel Prize committee.

RVers can stay overnight at Liberty Harbor RV, which also delivers views of the Statue of Liberty and is next to Liberty Harbor Marina.

(where the convention was held), the homes of three suffragists (Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Jane Hunt, and Mary Ann M’Clintock), and Declaration Park & Waterwall, which features the text and signers of the Declaration of Sentiments. The Declaration was written by Stanton to protest women’s inferior legal status and included 11 resolutions for equal rights.

Be sure to check the park’s website to experience one of the many ranger talks (conducted outdoors) about the pivotal events that happened on the park’s grounds.

RVers can spend the night at Hejamada Campground & RV Park, nestled in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of upstate New York.

The National Susan B. Anthony House & Museum, Rochester, NY

Women’s Rights National Historical Park, Seneca Falls, NY

The fight for women’s right to vote began in upstate New York with the suffrage movement. In July 1848, two brave and determined women, Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, organized the first Women’s Rights Convention with approximately 200 women in attendance at Wesleyan Chapel.

At the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, “meet” the five women who organized the convention and Sojourner Truth, a former slave who became an abolitionist and women’s rights activist.

Learn more about the convention, its organizers, and what they thought would happen after the convention.

Outside, the park includes Wesleyan Chapel

Susan B. Anthony can be considered one of the world’s greatest revolutionaries. She dedicated 50 years of her life to the women’s suffrage movement and was arrested for voting in the 1872 Presidential election in Rochester. After a two-day trial in 1873, she was convicted and sentenced to pay a fine of $100 and court costs. The museum shares Anthony’s inspiring story and preserves her National Historic Landmark home, which was the headquarters for the National American Woman Suffrage Association during her time as president of the organization.

She died at age 86 in 1906 after giving her “Failure is Impossible” speech in Boston.

RVers can spend the night at Southwoods RV Resort about 30 minutes from Rochester.

Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C.

Just outside of D.C., Arlington National Cemetery is worth a visit since a number of pioneering women have been honored with a burial at the Cemetery.

Lt. Ollie Bennett was the first female medical officer commissioned in the U.S. Army. During March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -9-

Women’S History - Cont.

World War I when she joined the Army as a contract surgeon, she was told there were no uniforms for female surgeons, so she had to design one herself.

(Section 10, Grave 10938-LH) On February 14, 1870, Seraph Young became, according to many accounts, the first woman in the United States to vote under a women’s equal suffrage law. Two days earlier, Utah (then a U.S. territory) had passed legislation granting women the right to vote. Young, a schoolteacher, became the first woman to cast a ballot when she exercised her newly granted right in a Salt Lake City local election. (Section 13, Grave 89-A) Major General Marcelite Jordan Harris retired in 1997 as the highest-ranking female officer in the Air Force and the highest ranking Black woman in the Department of Defense. A graduate of Spelman Academy, she was commissioned in 1965, rising through the ranks to become the first Black female brigadier general in the Air Force in 1991. Many of her assignments represented “firsts” for women in the Air Force. (Section 30, Grave 621) RVers can spend the night at Cherry Hill Park that offers full hook-up sites.

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park, Church Creek, MD

Harriet Tubman, who was born into slavery in Maryland and escaped to freedom in Philadelphia, is the Underground Railroad’s best-known conductor. She risked her life many times, returning to Maryland to rescue at least 70 enslaved people, including her parents, brothers, family members, and friends. After the American Civil War broke out, her bravery continued as she became an armed scout and spy for the Union Army. In her later years, Tubman was an activist in the movement for women’s suffrage. To see where Tubman was born, lived, labored, and where she fled from, follow the scenic, self-guided driving tour of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway that includes 45 sites.

The Byway winds 125 miles through the beautiful landscapes and waterscapes of Maryland’s Eastern Shore and continues for 98 miles through Delaware before ending in Philadelphia. A free map and audio guide are available on the Byway website.

On the Byway, don’t miss the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park in -10- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

Church Creek, MD, to learn about Tubman’s life and how her upbringing equipped her with essential outdoor skills that allowed her to successfully lead dozens of people out of slavery.

RVers can spend that night at Fort Whaley Campground with a variety of amenities, including a private pool, dog park, and catch-and-release lake.

Helen Keller Birthplace, Tuscumbia, AL

The life of Helen Keller was full of hard struggles and amazing accomplishments. When Keller was just 19 months, she suffered a severe illness that left her blind and deaf. When she was six years old, her parents hired Anne Mansfield Sullivan as her teacher. Sullivan, who had partial vision, was 20 years old and a graduate of the Perkins School for the Blind.

Miraculously, in less than a month, Sullivan was able to reach Keller through sign language and open the world to her.

Keller became one of history’s remarkable women. She dedicated her life to improving the conditions of blind and the deaf-blind around the world, lecturing in more than 25 countries. Wherever she appeared, she brought courage to blind people.

When visiting Keller’s birthplace, do not miss the water pump where Keller had her life-changing breakthrough. While cool water gushed over Keller’s hand, Sullivan spelled “water” into her other hand. Suddenly, Keller connected the spelled word with the flowing liquid. Keller immediately

began touching the elements around her, wanting to learn their names. Keller’s home includes her complete library of Braille books, her original Braille typewriter, plus mementos and gifts from her travels around the world. RVers can spend the night at Heritage Acres RV Park in Tuscumbia.

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, Fort Worth, TX

The National Cowgirl Museum is the only museum in the world to honor the courageous, resilient, and independent women who helped shape the West. Hands-on activities for adults and children, along with computer-enhanced archival photographs, bring these trail-blazing women and the rough-and-tumble time to life. Through a hologram, hear from sharpshooter Annie Oakley and learn about the Wild West Shows that traveled the globe from the 1880s to the early 20th century.

Be sure to visit the Hall of Fame that honors modern-day cowgirl Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, along with the winningest female roper in the world, an American equestrian and Olympic show jumping medalist, a cowboy hat designer, and a country music superstar.

RVers can spend the night at Sandy Lake RV Resort. The resort offers pull thru sites, sites with concrete patios, a fitness center, swimming pool, and dog park.

Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, Atchison, KS

Amelia Earhart demonstrated that the sky’s the limit for women. She was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland. During her flight to circumnavigate the globe, Earhart disappeared on July 2, 1937 somewhere over the Pacific.

She was just 39 years old. As a champion for women in aviation, Earhart was instrumental in the formation of The Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots. Visit her childhood home on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River to get a glimpse of life inside the Earhart family. Another Earhart attraction is an earthwork portrait of the aviator created in 1997 by Kansas artist Stan Herd. Made from plantings, stone, and other natural materials, the one-acre portrait is on a hillside overlooking Warnock Lake. A viewing deck is on a nearby hilltop.

RVers can spend the night at Basswood Resort, a beautifully secluded spot with modern amenities.

Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center, Salmon, ID

This center pays tribute to Sacagawea and her important contributions to the team that surveyed the Louisiana Purchase and Pacific Northwest.

Sacagawea was a bi-lingual Shoshone woman who accompanied the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery expedition in 1805–1806. Her skills as a translator were invaluable, along with her intimate knowledge of the difficult terrain. Remarkably, Sacagawea made the arduous exploration while caring for her infant son, Jean-Baptiste, who had been born just two months earlier. The Interpretive Center is part of a 71-acre park that includes a bronze statue of Sacagawea holding Jean-Baptiste and two scenic walking trails. RVers can spend the night at Elk Bend RV Park located on a scenic Western drive. The area is famous for its abundant wildlife – elk, eagles, bighorn sheep, deer, and mountain goats.

Bennington Museum, Bennington, VT

While the museum is closed during Women’s History Month, it is reopening April 1 - just a few days after the month officially concludes.

Anna Mary Robertson “Grandma” Moses (1860– 1961) started painting in her seventies and within years was one of America’s most famous artists.

Moses, known as a folk artist, painted scenes of rural life that captured an idyllic, bygone era of the United States. The Bennington Museum has the largest public collection of paintings by Grandma Moses and a collection of artifacts from her life, including an 18-century tilt-top table she used as her painting table and her paint-stained apron. In addition, the museum is now home to the schoolhouse where she studied as a child. RVers can spend the night at Pine Hollow Campground.

To view the 2022 Holiday Rambler lineup, visit holiayrambler.com.

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -11-

Things to Do:

Travel Passport Free and Stil As the weather warms, wanderlust is on the rise.

But even as the forecast is brightening for domestic travel, COVID-19 restrictions continue to put that dream European vacation out of reach for now. For those would-be international adventurers whose patience is wearing thin, here are three passport-free alternatives:

Whiteface Lodge Lake Placid, New York

St. Moritz-style Alpine Adventure (Lake Placid, N.Y.) Both are two-time hosts

of the Winter Olympic Games.

Both draw adventurers yearround to their rugged mountains, sparkling lakes and dense forests. But unlike the Swiss resort town of St. Moritz, Lake Placid is within driving distance of New York City, Boston and other points throughout the Northeast. The all-suite Whiteface Lodge, a AAA Four-Diamond luxury resort in this Adirondack village, is tucked into the woodlands of a 36,200-acre forest preserve, giving active travelers direct access to miles of scenic trails for hiking and biking. The resort’s private Canoe Club, slated to open Memorial Day Weekend, is stocked with complimentary kayaks, pedal boats, canoes and more, ready to launch from Paradox Bay. Also nearby are rock climbing, whitewater rafting, fishing and golf.

Abbey Inn Westchester County, New York

By Jenna Bush Assistant Account Executive, Public Relations Mower.com

ll Experience the World Tuscany on the California Coast (Casa Palmero, Pebble Beach Resorts) Its design

The Great British Getaway (Westchester County, N.Y.)

Afternoon tea, grand estates, charming towns and gardens galore—Anglophiles can enjoy an English country weekend just a short train ride or drive from New York City. Start in the affluent village of Bronxville, with its quaint downtown full of treasures like the 83-year-old Womrath Bookshop.

Bronxville is also home to Sarah Lawrence College, modeled on the Oxford/Cambridge system, and its residential streets showcase a variety of English architectural styles, from grand Tudor and Georgian

evocative of a private Mediterranean estate, Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach offers all the trappings of a romantic retreat in Casa Palmero Italy, with the Pebble Beach Resorts rugged beauty of the California coast filling in for the Tuscan shoreline. This boutique “resort within a resort” just might be the legendary golf destination’s best-kept secret, its 24 expansive rooms and suites tucked into a homes to secluded setting just steps from the Cotswold cot- links but a world apart. Casa Palmero tages. In nearby Tarrytown, landscape guests enjoy romantic touches like gas tours resume May 7 at the Gothic Re- fireplaces, deep soaking tubs, private vival mansion Lyndhurst. Untermyer patios with whirlpool spas, a sparGardens (Yonkers) is another must, kling swimming pool, lush courtyard with its 43 acres of distinct, themed garden, and an exceptional level of gardens ranging from a Walled Garpersonalized service. Be sure to book den modeled after ancient Indo-Pera romantic dinner for two at Pebble sian gardens to the naturalistic Rock Beach Resorts’ acclaimed Pèppoli, and Stream Garden. Head north to serving authentic Tuscan-style dishes Peekskill for a proper English tea at paired with the widest selection of Kathleen’s Tea Room on Main Street, Antinori wines outside of Tuscany. then check in for the night at The Ab- And but a five-minute drive away is bey Inn, a stylish new hotel set in the downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, where beautifully restored, Gothic Revival cobblestoned streets and fairytale-like remains of a former Episcopal convent cottage homes are reminiscent of a and chapel. medieval European town.

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -13-

Little Switzerla

By Kathy Barnett/Managing Editor Set in the Ozark Mountains with steep and winding streets, Eureka Springs is fittingly known and nicknamed “The Little Switzerland of America.”

Originally known for its healing waters in varius hot springs, the mountainsides supporting many of the Victorian buildings is much like what you would see in Switzerland. It easily takes on the alpine vibe with the backdrop of the mountains.

biking, and walking trails that loop through the city and pass the city dog park, skate park, and city playground.

However, beware as this historic hotel is allegedly haunted.

With a population of around 2,500 people Eureka Springs is one of the best-preserved 19th-century communities in the nation. Tucked into the Ozark Mountains and encircled by two beautiful lakes, the city provides numerous historic attractions and simple pleasures while still allowing the visitor to shop at more than 100 specialty boutiques, dine at 70 restaurants, and participate in several recreational opportunities.

The village’s scenery is only part of what makes it worthy of the nickname. There are Swiss-inspired destinations to include during your visit.

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant serves traditional German and Czech cuisines. Every meal is made from scratch. Specialties include the famous rye bread, smoked bratwurst from their smokehouse and a delicious homemade apple strudel. Relax and enjoy yourself in our cozy Alpine dining rooms Where fine dining quality with a casual atmosphere and professional wait persons will make it a time to remember. They are only open on Thursday through Sunday evenings from 5-9 p.m.

Widely known for it’s symbol of hospitality, its long-standing history, and ample supply of amenities, a stay at the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa is in order.

Built high above and overlookng the village, sunrises and sunsets are not to be missed.

Guests can enjoy the resort activities, hot tub, swimming pool, New Moon Spa & Salon, Crystal Dining Room, SkyBar Gourmet Pizza, resort host and bellman service, and 15 acres of manicured gardens with hiking,

And if you’re in town next month, consider celebrating Easter (April 16) with a sunrise service at The Great Passion Play in a 4,000seat amphitheater that is watched over by The Christ of the Ozarks, a 67-foot-tall statue of Jesus. The Great Passion Play, an outdoor drama depicting the last week in the life of Jesus Christ, is one of the most visited attractions. The event opened in 1868. The site also includes the Christ of the Ozarks, a 67-foot tall statue, the Holy Land Tour, a tabernacle, a

-14- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

museum, and more.

Enjoy “Art with an Altitude” at the 27th annual Kite Festival on March 25 at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a 459-acre haven for lions, tigers, leopards, and cougars. Festival attendees can bring their own kites, build one at the fest, or watch professional flyers perform tricks with their colorful kites.

For more information on Eureka Springs, visit https://www.eurekasprings.org/

and of America

For more on Arkansas

>Click Here

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -15-

Travel the world on a walking tour at Epcot

experience the architecture, culture & people of 11 countries!

Join us on an inspiring journey through one of the most unique areas in any Disney theme park—World Showcase.

Know Before You Go Learn when, where and how you can reserve your place on this entertaining, educational expedition.

The World Showcase: DestiNations Discovered tour is a fascinating 4.5-hour walking excursion through 11 “countries” and 4,000 years of history, culture and food.

From the streets of Paris to the Bavarian countryside, Guests can immerse themselves in the architecture, landscapes, streetscapes, attractions, shops and restaurants of 11 themed pavilions—each staffed by actual citizens from these countries:

Please check in 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour behind Pin Central – Future World, facing Spaceship Earth. For more information or to make a reservation, please call (407) WDW-TOUR. Guests under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call.

The walking experience lasts about 4.5 hours and includes a snack.

No cameras, video equipment or cell phones may be used while backstage. Photography is allowed and encouraged in non-backstage areas.

The tour is wheelchair and service animal accessible.

Annual Passholders, Disney Chase Visa Cardmembers and Disney Vacation Club Members qualify for a 15% discount. Guests must be 16 years of age or older and have a valid photo I.D. Late arrivals may not be caught up to tour.

Closed-toed shoes must be worn. Be sure to make reservations. For more information or to make a reservation,please call (407) WDW-TOUR. Guests under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Annual Passholders, Disney Chase Visa Cardmembers and Disney Vacation Club Members qualify for a 15% discount.

Mexico Norway China Germany Italy United States Japan Morocco France United Kingdom Canada World Showcase began as a personal passion of Walt Disney, who envisioned an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT), a global community where visiting Guests could assimilate the sights and sounds of the world.

The DestiNations Discovered tour allows Guests to peek behind the scenes at several pavilions and get an insider’s look at unique 3D replicas of some of the world’s most magnificent architectural icons. This tour will also include an exclusive Epcot festival experience and a snack.

-16- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

Epcot’s World Showcase is centered around a beautiful reflective lagoon. There are eleven countries from around the world represented along the perimeter.

This is one of the more relaxing and scenic areas of Disney World. As far as “attractions” go, you’re not going to find thrill rides but there are several movies, boat rides and shows that will give you an overview of the country you’re in.

As you stroll around, you’ll transition from one country to the next. While each “land” is next to the other, you’ll never get the sense that you’re in two places at once. To enhance the experience, the cast members typically come from the country you’re visiting and are always eager to talk about their homeland. For instance, one cast member from the United Kingdom shared that when she stands by the rose garden, she feels like she is actually

home.

If you’re looking for unique and often inexpensive souvenirs, this is the place to be. Unlike the other theme parks which sells almost identical merchandise, each country in the World Showcase has items that are only found there. From candy to clothing, from CDs to Cuckoo clocks, there’s no end to the “treasures” waiting to be found.

Dining at the World Showcase is not to be missed. Most countries have both table and counter serve restaurants. It’s a wonderful chance to try a different cuisine. Start with a French pastry for breakfast with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Then perhaps a taco de ribeye or enchiladas de pollo from San Angel Inn Restaurante inside the Mexican Pavilian for lunch. On a hot day, the twilight atmosphere is a bonus.

For a luxurious dining experi-

ence, the Tutto Italia Ristorant is a must, located in the Italy pavilion or the outside patio. Relax in Old World ambience as you enjoy any of the authentic Italian dishes from a menu created by award-winning chef Joachim Splichal. A wide-ranging wine list and a full children’s menu are also featured. Be sure to make advance Dining Reservations for the table serve venues.

For more information on Florida

>CLICK HERE March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -17-

Go, See, Do

Venice of America “Venice of America” is more than a humble-brag on Fort Lauderdale’s official city seal. It is this destination’s world-famous sobriquet, a nickname based on the 300 miles of inland waterways that run through Greater Fort Lauderdale, with about 165 of those miles in the city of Fort Lauderdale itself.

When locals and visitors call this tropical destination the Venice of America, it’s because these winding ribbons of waterways aren’t just for show. The extra bragging rights come from how Greater Fort Lauderdale makes good use of them, cultivating a water-lover’s lifestyle that you can enjoy year-round under the warm Florida sunshine.

Whether you are a fishing enthusiast or a foodie, a paddleboarder or a party-boater, you’ll find a multitude of ways to stay, play and dine on the waterways in Greater Fort Lauderdale.

Yes, those are authentic Venetian gondolas gliding along the New River in Fort Lauderdale. Professional gondoliers in striped shirts set the ambiance, and each gondola is the picture of elegance from the ferro to the risso — those unique, curvy metal pieces on the bow and stern of a gondola.

Las Olas Gondola offers 75-minute tours and a unique perspective of the luxurious homes and tropical greenery along the canals at a cozy speed -18- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

that makes it easy to soak it all in. This is the perfect romantic ride for two, unique outing with the kids, and cool experience for all ages.

If you’re here during a full moon, plan a nighttime adventure during the Monthly Full Moon Kayak Tour at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. You’ll be guided on a 45-minute paddle by the light of glow sticks and the yellow moon.

A little farther south, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach is another oasis within this metropolis. This beachfront haven has swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, birdwatching, shore diving, as well as kayaking and paddleboarding along the two-mile stretch of mangrove-lined waterway known as Whiskey Creek. This creek was aptly named because of the bootleggers who used to hide out in it to avoid the law during the Prohibition Era. There’s also evidence that the ancient Tequesta Indians used the creek as well.

For More on Florida, >Click Here

Final Days to see Machu Picchu

The Boca Raton Museum of Art, one of South Florida’s leading cultural institutions, announced record-breaking attendance numbers that surpassed all previous seasons.

In addition to breaking all previous attendance records, the Museum also welcomed more new Annual Membership Packages than ever before, an increase in Memberships by 200% from thousands of households.

“Our City is thrilled that the Boca Raton Museum of Art succeeded in bringing the world premiere of Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru here first,” said Andrea Levine O’Rourke, the Deputy Mayor of the City of Boca Raton.

Final weeks and closing soon!

Don’t miss one of the most immersive experiences that South Florida has ever seen, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru! https://bit.ly/336whji.

This world-class, artifact exhibition highlights the storied Andean empires that ruled for over 3,000 years through 192 priceless, real treasures. Make sure to enhance your visit through a first-

of-its-kind tour of Machu Picchu in virtual reality! Limited tickets available, click to buy yours today!

“This spectacular tour de force has shined the national spotlight on all of South Florida as a cultural destination,” adds the Deputy Mayor.

With only weeks remaining until the closing on March 6th of this limited run, locals and tourists are flocking to the Museum because this exhibition may not return to the U.S. again until 2024 or 2025 ― after the world tour continues next to museums across Europe and Asia.

inence of this rarely seen collection, this first leg of the exhibition at the Boca Raton Museum of Art has already generated major headlines nationwide and internationally too, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Times of London.

“Through this extraordinary exhibition, and the first-rate events and programming that the Museum team created, we have shared our destination and this amazing collection with so many new visitors,” said the Deputy Mayor.

“This world premiere has been an economic boon to the surrounding area by bringing people of all ages and cultures to share in this educational experience,” adds O’Rourke. The exhibition is presented by Cityneon and produced by World Heritage Exhibitions.

This is the first time this collection of Andean treasures has traveled the globe, from two of Peru’s major museums: the Museo Larco and the MuFor More seo de Sitio Manuel on Florida, Chávez Ballon.

Due to the prom>Click Here

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -19-

Go, Do. See:

A

Bavarian Alpine Hel

bundant shopping, art galleries, wineries, traditional German dishes and international fare: This is Helen, White County and the surrounding villages of Sautee and Nacoochee, where Appalachia meets Alpine, a North Georgia beauty with a Bavarian sensibility, alongside the Chattahoochee River. Tour the strasses and platzes of the Alpine Village in a horsedrawn carriage.

Georgia’s Alpine Bavarian Village, located about an hour and a half north of Atlanta, is well-known for re-creating a small German village complete with cobblestone alleyways, Old World towers and buildings laced in gingerbread trim. The destination originated from forward-thinking leaders seeking to create a space attractive to those traveling through the Northeast Georgia Mountains. Charm is the key, Bavarian charm that is, and folks love it!

Outdoor enthusiasts find two golf courses, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, tubing, rock climbing, zip lining and horseback riding.

There are picturesque mountain views, lovely vineyards and plenty of ways to escape the normalcy of everyday life here. Pet-friendly -20- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

Unicoi State Park is sprawled across some 1,050 acres just north-northeast of Helen within the Chattahoochee National Forest. Enjoy 53-acre Unicoi Lake on Smith Creek as well as fantastic trails leading to attraction points like Anna Ruby Falls—you’ll hear the rush of the waterfalls well before you ever

len- White County

see them.

Seasoned hikers will be challenged by the 4.6mile Smith Creek Trail that stretches between the base of Anna Ruby Falls to Unicoi State Park. Other pastimes at the state park include archery, zip lining and fishing. Also, important to note, there are plenty of accommodations onsite including the lodge and cabins.

The new Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail is a wonderful one-mile ADA accessible trail that journeys from the Chattahoochee River at Hardman Farm State Historic Site into Helen. Peaceful, with lots of resting spots, this is the perfect trail for all ages and skill levels.

Within Unicoi, Adventure Lodges of Georgia manages the accommodations and offers every outdoor activity possible, from an ADA-accessible interpretive trail and guided nature hikes around Unicoi Lake to heart-pounding ziplining and Olympic-level mountain biking. Try 3-D archery

or take a level one fly fishing class. Take on canopy ziplines and bridges, kayaking, paddle boarding and more. With a tavern, on-site dining, 100 hotel-style rooms, 29 fully-furnished cabins, 51 RV sites and 82 tent campsites, including primitive camping platforms, it’s a popular retreat any time of the year. Book ahead for a stay in the unique midcentury-retro Barrel Cabins.

Culinary and culture vultures delight in Helen’s seven wineries and beautiful tasting rooms, her eclectic dining landscape, mountaintop spa and her accomplished artisans – quilters, woodcarvers, potters, glass artists. Shoppers are enchanted by a streetscape a’bustle with activity: like-minded souls browsing more than 150 shops, horsedrawn carriages, German music – even a babbling brook – and all in down-home ambience. Lodging includes in-town hotels, riverside bed and breakfast inns and cabins, condos and chalets tucked into the mountains. . If you’re looking for an active, cabin-in-the-woods mountain getaway, with room to wander, waterfalls and heart-stopping views, this is the place. HelenGA.org

For more on Georgia

> Click Here March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -21-

Go, Do, See, BROOKHAVEN - Anderson East, Howie Day, Drivin N Cryin and more join headliner Joan Jett and the Blackhearts as the music lineup of the 2022 Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival, taking place Saturday and Sunday, March 26-27, at Blackburn Park, 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Road in Brookhaven. Admission is free.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts are the Saturday, March 26, headliner, while Anderson East headlines on Sunday, March 27.

Also taking the stage Saturday are Howie Day, Dumpstaphunk, Mike Kinnebrew, and Kaylin Amaro. Drivin N Cryin, Morgan Wade, and Brendan Abernathy join the Sunday lineup. A detailed schedule will be announced later.

“What better way to kick off the 2022 festival season,” said Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst.

“We continue to be grateful for our partnership with Live Nation in bringing these A+ acts to Brookhaven.”

Joan Jett grew up when rock ‘n’ roll was off limits to girls and women, but as a teenager, she promptly blew the door to the boys’ club right off its hinges.

After forming her band, the Blackhearts, in 1979, with whom Jett has become a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, she has had eight platinum and gold albums and nine Top 40 singles, including the classics “Bad Reputation,” “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll,” “I Hate Myself For Loving You,” -22- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

and “Crimson and Clover.” With a career that has spanned music, film, television, Broadway, and humanitarianism, Joan Jett remains a potent force and inspiration to generations of fans worldwide. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts continue touring the globe with headlining shows alongside fellow rock legends like The Who, Green Day, Heart, and Foo Fighters. After two COVID-19 postponements, the group will return to the road in summer 2022 for The Stadium Tour with Def Leppard, Motley Crue and Poison. “Bad Reputation,” a documentary about Jett’s life, premiered to critical acclaim at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and is available for streaming.

Maybe We Never Die is Anderson East’s first new music since 2018’s breakthrough album, Encore, which featured the Grammy-nominated #1 AAA radio single, “All On My Mind.” Heralded by critics, The New York Times praised Encore as, “…an often lustrous revisiting of raucous Southern soul, rousingly delivered and pinpoint precise. He has a voice full of extremely careful scrape and crunch, but his howls never feel unhinged,” while Rolling Stone declared, “On

Encore, East’s influences meld seamlessly, stacking the album with Stax-worthy R&B grooves, gospel-blues ooohs and aaahs, surging keys and blasting brass.”

Known for his magnetic live performances, the Alabama-born, Nashville-based \East and his band have performed sold-out shows worldwide and have been featured on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “CBS This Morning Saturday,” NBC’s “TODAY” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” PBS’ “Austin City Limits” and more.

Howie Day’s emotionally resonant lyrics and inventive melodies have earned him both critical praise and a legion of devoted fans. He is known for his energetic, heartfelt shows, where he connects with audiences through the strength of his songwriting and his quirky sense of humor.

Day’s warm tenor voice “soars

into fluttering, high registers, but also grates with real, pleading grit,” as one critic put it. Day released his major-label debut, Stop All The World Now in 2003.

Stop was certified gold in the United States and spawned two Top 10 radio hits: “She Says” and the platinum single “Collide.”

After sales of over a million records, Day is back on the road in support of his new studio album, Lanterns.

Celebrating their 35th anniversary, Atlanta-based folk rock act Drivin N Cryin have spent most of their career on tour. In October 1985, Drivin N Cryin played their first show at Atlanta’s famed 688 Club. The band quickly gained attention for their blistering live shows, and amassed a rabid fanbase in the late 1980s Southeast music scene. Now, 35 years later, and after releasing four full length albums on Island Records and one on Geffen Records,

founding members Kevn Kinney and Tim Nielsen find themselves enjoying a milestone anniversary for the band. With Dave V. Johnson on drums, and the band’s newest member, Laur Joamets, (originally Sturgill Simpson) added to the lineup, Drivin N Cryin continues to tour the United States to great acclaim. Island Records re-released their highly recognized Mystery Road album in 2017.

Mystery Road was named one of “The 50 Best Southern Rock Albums of All Time” by Paste Magazine that year as well. In 2018, New West Records re-released their self-titled 1997 album with a new name, Too Late To Turn Back Now! In addition, the band recently celebrated the release of their 9th studio album, Live the Love Beautiful.

Dumpstaphunk stands out amongst New Orleans’ best, cementing themselves as one of the funkiest bands to ever arise from the Crescent City. Born on the Jazz & Heritage Festival stage, and descended from Neville and Meters family bloodlines, these soldiers of funk ignite a deep, gritty groove that dares listeners not to move. Their performances combine ingenious musicianship through complex funk, rock, and jazz arrangements accompanied by soulful melodies and Big Easy traditions. The band just released

their fourth studio album Where Do We Go From Here in 2021 featuring Marcus King, Trombone Shorty and Chali 2Na, and is now available on double bronze vinyl, CD and all digital platforms.

Unafraid to write about the parts of his story that scare him most, Brendan Abernathy is known for his contemplative lyrics, memorable melodies, and a captivating live performance you will feel in your soul. Since August 2019, Brendan has lived out of his car, touring the United States and selling out concerts across the country, including in Atlanta at Eddie’s Attic. Recently, he played the 30A Songwriters Festival in Florida. He has generated over 1 million streams and played over 200 live shows. His forthcoming LP – Single and in Love – is a heart-throbbing, authentic, yet soaring work telling stories of anxiety, singleness, and sacrificial love.

“This year will be another great lineup,” said District 1 Councilmember Linley Jones. “We invite the community to come out and listen to some great music while enjoying the art vendors, food and other fun activities under the cherry blossoms in Blackburn Park.”

In addition to the music, this year’s festival brings back favorites such as the Artists’ Market, Kidz Zone, Pet World, Classic Car Show, and food trucks. The Brookhaven Cherry Blossom 5K will take place Saturday, March 19. www.BrookCherryFest.org,

For more on Georgia

> Click Here March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -23-

-24- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

Go, See, Do

French Dining in French Quarters

Creoles of French descent, including those of Québécois or Acadian lineage, have historically made up the majority of white Creoles in Louisiana.

Louisiana Creoles are mostly Catholic in religion.

Throughout the 19th century, most Creoles spoke French and were strongly connected to French colonial culture.

The word “Creole” refers to French colonists and their descendants who came to what is now Louisiana starting in the early eighteenth century. The roots of Creole cooking come from the traditional French foods these colonists would have made. Once settled in, they adapted their French cuisine to the available ingredients: fish, shrimp and crab instead of eel and lobster for a bouillabaisse, for example; bay leaves from laurel trees and file (pronounced fee-LAY) powder from the sassafras plant.

To this was added variations on classic French cooking, brought to New Orleans by French emigres with culinary talents, such as Antoine Alciatore, who arrived in 1840 and opened the celebrated Antoine’s restaurant. Located in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Antoine’s Restaurant is still owned and operated by fifth generation relatives of the original founder.

Antoine’s is the birthplace of such culinary classics as

Oysters Rockefeller, Eggs Sardou (poached eggs over artichoke bottoms with anchovies, topped with hollandaise sauce), and Pommes de Terre Souffles (those marvelous puffed potatoes Antoine’s helped popularize).

The current entree special features the choice of Cassoulet Confit duck Leg, andouille sausage, crispy lardons, and thyme-stewed white beans or Trout Cardinal, a Bronzed Louisiana speckled trout, aromatic purple rice pilaf, wilted spinach, with Crawfish Cardinal Sauce. Save room for dessert of a delicious Key Lime Tarte topped with whipped crem and candied lime. Reservations are recommended to ensure you have a wonderful Antoine’s dining experience.

Walk-ins are welcome but subject to table availability. The dress code is business casual. and will be enforced at the manager’s discretion. For more information, visit https://antoines. com/

For more on Louisianna

> Click Here

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -25-

Charles Pendleton’s Civil War Museum

Museum aims to educate about African Americans in the fight, history and the overall conflict

VICKSBURG - Charles Pendleton has spent his life collecting antique guns and ammunition, but it wasn’t until he visited a Civil War gun show that he became interested in the war that consumed Vicksburg during a siege by the Union Army in 1863. Pendleton began researching the Civil War’s origins, its soldiers on both sides and the eventual outcome with Reconstruction.

It was slavery—or sometimes the lack of the mention of slavery—in history books and at gun shows and museum exhibits that gave him pause, especially one particular document, that of a seven-year-old girl sold from her family for $350.

“I was fired up with that,” Pendleton said. “I have daughters who are in their 20s who are still dependent on me. I couldn’t imagine this young girl being taken away from her home, from everyone she knew.”

Armed with knowledge, Pendleton decided to give his vast gun collection a home, plus other important artifacts, while telling a comprehensive history of the Civil War, opening the Vicksburg Civil War Museum in the spring of 2021. The goal of the non-profit museum is for visitors to embrace the history of the country’s most divisive time period, to understand all sides of the conflict and to learn about the contribution of African Americans in the fight.

Among his displays are letters of secession from all -26- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

Southern states, medical instruments, uniforms and artifacts from the daily life of soldiers such as coffee pots, games and musical instruments. The museum includes a slave cabin, examples of slaves picking cotton and other slave artifacts. Pendleton’s artillery shell collection and firearms, what he believes is the largest collection of Civil War guns in Mississippi, fill up museum display cases.

The museum is located at 1123 Washington Street, in the heart of downtown Vicksburg in what was formerly the Corner Drug Store. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission is $7 for adults, $3.50 for ages 7-12 and free to ages 6 and under. For more information, visit VickburgCivilWarMuseum.org or call (601) 218-5526.

The museum is part of Vicksburg’s City Attraction Passport, a helpful visitor’s guide that allows visitors to collect stamps from participating attractions. After five stamps are recorded, visitors may return their passport to the Vicksburg Visitors Information Center (52 Old Highway 27) for a free #VisitVicksburg T-shirt. For more information, go to www. visitvicksburg.com/passport.

These days, Pendleton is hosting his own gun shows. His Civil War/Old West Relic Show will be held Feb. 18-19 at The Vicksburg Commons.

“I am sure that I am the only black person in the world to host a Civil War show,” he said with a laugh.

For more on Mississippi

> Click Here

Places to Go:

Vietnamise Dining in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City’s Asian District thrives as a space of community. This Midwestern enclave is home to folks of various Asian heritages, but the city’s large Vietnamese population has given the district its colloquial name, “Little Saigon,” and invigorated its culinary scene with more than 30 restaurants.

Fleeing the war, Vietnamese refugees began immigrating to Oklahoma nearly five decades ago in the mid-1970s. By 1980, about five years after the fall of Saigon, the state’s Vietnamese population had reached more than 6,000. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Oklahoma is currently home to more than 16,000 people of Vietnamese descent, with most settling in either Tulsa or Oklahoma City. In Oklahoma City specifically, about one in 60 locals are Vietnamese American.

Today, the modes of Vietnamese-owned businesses in the district range from salons to retail boutiques.

Yet it’s arguably food—the most delicious form of intangible heritage— that brings together those inside and outside the Oklahoma City Vietnamese community.

Oklahoma City benefits from the mandatory infusion of fish sauce and fresh herbs that accompanies a commitment to traditional Vietnamese fare. Most Vietnamese establishments in the Asian district specialize in pho, capitalizing on the dish’s popularity in non-Vietnamese circles.

There’s Pho Cuong Restaurant where, for an extra dollar, you can heap on beansprouts, cilantro, and lime until the bowl is teeming with taste. The noodles and easily accessible condiments are fan favorites at Pho Thai Nguyen, while Pho Ca Dao, known for its savory bun

bo hue broth and beef stew, gives vegan patrons the opportunity to indulge in the classic meal by swapping out meat stock for mushroom broth. These three restaurants dot a two-mile jaunt down Classen Blvd., joining community and place in a partnership that is as reciprocal as it is convenient.

For more on Oklahoma

> Click Here March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -27-

Places to Go:

El Paso, an Internation Located aside the Franklin Mountains, El Paso is a gateway to culture and scenic beauty in every direction. It is a major stop on IH10 connecting California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. So, whether El Paso is your destination or a stop along the way, your trip will be all the better by knowing what to see and do in the Texas treasure.

EL PASO, Texas, March 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- El Paso is located at the western tip of Texas, where Texas, New Mexico and Old Mexico meet. It is the largest international metroplex in the world and seamlessly blends cultures and traditions: from the historic Old West to the colors of Mexico, from the heritage of Native Americans to the beauty of our desert sun. Since the early days when Spanish Conquistadors arrived at the banks of the Rio Grande in 1598, to today, with the millions of visitors who come here on a yearly basis.

Hotel Paso del Norte, Autograph Collection is synonymous with the history and story of El Paso.

Built in 1912 and on the National Register of Historic Places, this architectural feat just re-opened after a multi-million-dollar restoration. It was here that locals and guests watched the Mexican Revolution unfold from the safety of the property’s 10th floor balcony. Managed by Greenwood Hospitality, the hotel has beautifully preserved features such as a Tiffany-style, stained-glass dome ceiling that reaches 25 feet in diameter. Original light fixtures and carvings have been preserved while the glamour of the modern era has been added with luxurious finishes and an open and airy layout that incorporates the hotel’s beautiful views and outdoor spaces. Its 351 luxurious guest rooms are appointed with plush furnishings and curated art pieces. Lavish amenities include the 10th floor rooftop pool, fitness center, spa, boutique, and cigar bar. Plus, Hotel Paso del Norte is located in downtown El Paso—an easy-to-navigate, walkable destination with parks, restaurants, museums, The Plaza Theater, a ball park and convention center. A charming streetcar system connects these downtown attractions.

-28- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

Hotel Paso del Norte is across the street from The Plaza Theater Performing Arts Centre, the Downtown Arts District; and Southwest University Park, home to the El Paso Chihuahuas minor league baseball team. El Paso is known for festivals, with annual celebrations occurring throughout the year.

Whether you are interested in the Native American and Mexican cultures, music, wine, or seasonal celebrations like Winterfest—there’s a party in El Paso all year long. (Note, various attractions and events have been impacted by COVID-19.)

The one thing you HAVE to buy here—boots!

El Paso is referred to as the boot capital of the world with numerous boot options from pre-fab to custom designs by local artisans. Hotel Paso del Norte’s boutique Dannah Lane is also a great place for a new pair of kicks.

nal metroplex cuisines, extensive libation offerings, décor, lighting, music, styles of service, silver, china, and glassware.

Air Filtration System To ensure the utmost amenities in safe dining and travel, Hotel Paso del Norte is among the world’s first hotels to open with a virus-killing air filtration system throughout the property. Its state-of-theart Plasma Air system has been shown to kill 99% of bacteriophage in the air after 10 minutes of use.

Common areas, bars, restaurants, hallways, ballrooms, meeting rooms, spa and fitness rooms, and all guest rooms utilize the filtration system.

More information is available at http://www. hotelpdn.com.

Being located aside the Franklin Mountains, ample outdoor adventures await for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers. El Paso is also a short drive to three National Parks including White Sands, Guadalupe Mountains, and Carlsbad Caverns.

Aside from an authentic culinary scene shaped by the influences of Mexico, the Southwest, Americana, as well as regional produce; El Paso is home to numerous breweries and the El Paso wine trail. Within Hotel Paso del Norte, a distinct culinary scene is the property’s signature feature. Here, diners enjoy the best of El Paso with Sabor. Opening over the next few weeks will be 1700° Steakhouse and the 10thfloor bar and restaurant, El Mirador. Each offers diverse culinary styles with best-in-class offerings.

Every element of the experience is curated: exquisite

For more on Texas

> Click Here

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -29-

People to See: SAN FRANCISCO /PRNewswire-PRWeb/- Imagine Picasso, the largest-ofits-kind immersive multimedia experience, invites you to step into the world of Picasso in a way that has never been done before. Bringing to the U.S. more than 200 works together in one place at one time in the iconic Skylight of The Armory, embark on a journey through the revolutionary career of modern art master, Pablo Picasso.

Using the groundbreaking, multi-projection techniques of Image Totale©, this exhibit will fill the spacious 40,000-square-foot venue Picasso masterpieces projected onto origami structures – inspired by Picasso’s late work – standing as tall as 26 feet. Guests will enjoy a multi-phased, fully-immersive experience that offers a unique look into Picasso’s revolutionary career and its impact – from the Bleu and Rose periods to his masterpieces in the cubism and surrealism movements – with educational moments, thoughtful scenography, and tasteful music pairings that bring pieces to life.

“We created this exhibition so guests can step into Picasso’s paintings through a dialogue of detail and depth,” said Annabelle Mauger, Creator of Imagine Picasso and the original creator of the first immersive Van Gogh exhibition. “It’s important that people of all ages, backgrounds and artistic knowledge have the same opportunity to experience his works. Immersive exhibitions open the door for younger generations to celebrate his work, allowing Picasso’s legacy and influence on the arts to live on.”

“It’s very interesting for the visitors to get Pablo Picasso in a new way,” said Olivier Widmaier Picasso, grandson of Pablo Picasso. “I think this exhibition would have

-30- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

Picasso - In

pleased my grandfather a lot because he was, above all, a man of freedom.”

Building on the success of the original Imagine Picasso exhibitions, the San Francisco iteration will include a new introductory experience developed by the award-winning experience design studio, Local Projects. Entitled “The Presence of Genius,” the experience sums up Picasso as a singular individual whose genius emanated from his studio and changed the world. Visitors walk through animated historic images and quotes that celebrate his impact, journeying towards an intimate visitation with Picasso in his studio.

Jake Barton, Creativ Founder of Local Proj wanted visitors to dire the dynamism of his l deepen their understa verse chapters of Pica Amongst a century of a revolutionary, impa ers, and the world itse In addition to Maug creative team behind I includes work from re Rudy Ricciotti and Cu rian Androula Michae produced by France-b

n His Paintings

ve Director and jects. explained, “We ectly experience lived presence, and anding of the diasso’s storied career. f revolutions, he was acting artists, art-lovelf.” ger and Barton, the Imagine Picasso enowned Architect urator and Art Histoel. The exhibition is based Encore Pro-

ductions, a Fimalac Entertainment Group Company, and produced and promoted

by S2BN Entertainment.

The exhibition will run through March 27, 2022. Tickets start at $39.99 for adults.

Children five and under are free. Discounts apply for educational and large groups.

Imagine Picasso will adhere to all CDC and city COVID-19 protocols throughout the duration of the exhibition while operating at a reduced capacity. Proof of vaccination is required for entry and masks are mandatory at all times for visitors ages two and older. Due to the design and ex-

pansive nature of Imagine Picasso, guests can safely experience and freely explore the multimedia art exhibition while maintaining physical distance.

Imagine Picasso first debuted in Lyon, France in 2019, followed by Quebec, Canada and Vancouver, Canada.

For More Information on California,

>CLICK HERE

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -31-

Places to Go:

China

Amidst art, temples, and tea, the oldest Chinatown in the United States will catapult you into a whole new dimension.

Although no Chinese people were consulted in the architectural choices, bright colors, scalloped roofs, and streetlights sculpted to resemble dragons were imposed to make it popular among tourists wanting to “experience” China.

And it worked -- today it is not -32- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

only home to the largest Chinese population outside of Asia, but it claims more annual foot traffic than the Golden Gate Bridge.

Chinatown is in an amazing location sandwiched between Nob Hill, Union Square, North Beach, and the Financial District and is extremely dense and bustling with both tourists and residents.

Common sights are bakeries with

trays of egg custards and sesame balls, tiny shops with shameless tourist wares, replicas of temples and jade animals, dim sum restaurants and stacks of produce, especially during the busy Saturday markets.

The streets are narrow and crowded, and not very car or stroller friendly. Cantonese and Mandarin can be heard at least as

atown often as English, and street noise can be very loud, with trucks unloading and people yelling orders starting as early as 4 am.

Eating dim sum in San Francisco is a staple experience, and the options range from high-end thrills (take the white-tablecloth vibes at Yank Sing, for example) to a no-frills ambience at momand-pop joints. Lately, some of

the newest, drool-worthy dim sum restaurants are even going modern, upending a normally classic atmosphere with trendy interiors and flavors. The newest spot is Palette Tea House located at Ghirardelli Square focusing on fresh seafood and rainbow-colored soup dumplings.

At the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory you can watch the

production process (on a smaller scale than the industrial ones, of course) and buy them freshly made. The cookies are sold starting at around $5 and the selection includes giant fortune cookies, classic fortune cookies, and even chocolate ones. Would you like to take pictures of this fascinating workshop? If so, you must pay $0.50.

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -33-

Things to Do:

Mexican in Las Vegas

The next time you head to Las Vegas for an extended weekend getaway, put Casa Playa, a new vibrant coastal Mexican restaurant and lounge at the Wynn Las Vegas on your radar.

Casa Playa puts its own distinctive spin on authentic Mexican coastal cuisine with a sustainably sourced menu that merges creativity with tradition. Join the party and feast on chef Sarah Thompson’s ceviche, aguachile and seafood platters, all sourced from Mexico’s Pacific coastline.

Wagyu tacos and suckling pig

carnitas alongside freshly housemade corn tortillas ensure the night never ends. Wynn’s expert mixologist Mariena Mercer Boarini has curated a collection of thoughtful, cutting-edge cocktails based on the spirits and produce of Mexico, while agave expert Noah Arenstein oversees the mezcal and tequila selection.

Since its recent opening, Casa Playa has become a celebrity haunt for dining and entertainment with guests like The Chainsmokers, Diplo, singer Kehlani, Noah Centineo, and more seen dining at the

restaurant.

Helmed by renowned chef Sarah Thompson, Casa Playa puts its own distinctive spin on authentic Mexican coastal cuisine with a sustainably sourced menu that merges creativity with tradition. Casa Playa’s front lounge offers monthly parties called “Mi Casa es Su Casa” that features a nightlife component paired with a theme or special event. With a DJ in the front lounge nightly, Casa Playa is the perfect dinner date spot or precursor to a wild night out in Vegas!

Mexico has captured the heart of Sarah Thompson, Casa Playa’s executive chef. Prior to opening Encore’s Casa Playa, Thompson toured these and other regions to research outstanding dishes and resources.

Those experiences informed Casa Playa’s menu, from Mexican Blue Shrimp Ceviche, with crustaceans from the Pacific, to Wagyu For More Carne Asada Tacos, the restaurant’s most popular dish.

on Nevada

>Click here

-34- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

Things to Do:

scandinavean fashion Photos by Carrie Hertz

At the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe a current exhibit presents “Dressing with Purpose: Belonging and Resistance in Scandinavia.

Dress helps us fashion identity, history, community, and place.

Dress has been harnessed as a metaphor for both progress and stability, the exotic and the utopian, oppression and freedom, belonging and resistance. Dressing with Purpose examines three Scandinavian dress traditions— Swedish folkdräkt, Norwegian bunad, and Sámi gákti—and traces their development during two centuries of social and political change across northern

Europe.

By the 20th century, many in Sweden worried about the ravages of industrialization, urbanization, and emigration on traditional ways of life. Norway was gripped in a struggle for national independence. Indigenous Sámi communities—artificially divided by national borders and long resisting colonial control—rose up in protests that demanded political recognition and sparked cultural renewal. Within this context of European nation-building, colonial expansion, and Indigenous activism, traditional dress took on special meaning as folk, national, or ethnic minority costumes—complex categories that deserve reexamination today.

In this exhibition, visitors will be introduced to individuals who adapt and revitalize dress

traditions to articulate who they are, proclaim personal values and group allegiances, strive for sartorial excellence, reflect critically on the past, and ultimately, reshape the societies they live in.

Learn more about the companion publication for Dressing with Purpose published by Indiana University Press: https:// iupress.org/9780253058577/dressing-with-purpose/ This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support comes from Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation and Swedish Council of America. https://www.internationalfolkart.org/

For more on New Mexico

>Click Here

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -35-

Thins to Do:

Dining at Asian Here is a curate roundup of some of the newer Asian-owned restaurants in Portland whose owners and/or chefs were greatly inspired by their cultures. Portland strives to welcome everyone with open arms. This is a city that aims to make space for everyone to express their culture, beliefs, and perspectives. We’ve often found one of the greatest expressions of culture to be through food, and here are just a few of the chefs in Portland’s robust culinary scene who have expanded our palates with food inspired by their roots.

Vietnamese

At Berlu on SE Belmont, Nguyen operates a take-out Vietnamese bakery while also offering Vietnamese street foods and noodle soups in the evening.

Inspired by her mother, chef Thuy Pham of Mama Dút, serves vegan versions of the Vietnamese dishes her mother cooked for her growing up. According to an interview with Portland Monthly, “Her favorite treat her mother would make on weekends, birthdays, and holidays is bánh xèo, a turmeric–coconut milk Vietnamese crêpe typically stuffed with pork belly and shrimp and loaded with fresh herbs and bean sprouts.”

Portland Cà Phê specializes in single-origin coffee from Vietnam’s Central Highlands. If you’re looking for extra pep in your step, Vietnam specializes in Robusta beans—which has about twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans—and tastes great as a cappuccino or mocha latte (made from the locally made Holy Kakow Agave Mocha).

-36- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

Indo-Chinese

At Oma’s Hideaway, chef Thomas Pisha-Duffly’s finds inspiration by his Oma, Kiong Tien Vandenberg. Inspired by her ability to adapt and stay creative, Oma’s serves bright, funky and playful food influenced by the cuisine of Southeast Asia.

n - Owned Restaurants Korean

At Taste Tickler, a beloved Korean-influenced sub and bento shop in Northeast Portland, chef Andy Kim has expanded the menu to include a tofu-kimchi rice plate, japchae and banchan like pickled garlic and cucumbers, though the Philly cheesesteak, where the beef is marinated in bulgogi, has been a staple for many years.

Toki is the playful sister eatery of Peter Cho’s Han Oak. The downtown hot spot brings Korean cuisine with a twist, such as a bao bun breakfast sandwich sprinkled with everything bagel seasoning. The gim-bap “supreme” feels like a modern-day golden ticket with its vegetable and nori sandwiches wrapped in a festive gold foil. Opening during a pandemic means the offerings are very takeout friendly, which translates to easy on-the-go options when exploring downtown.

Sri Lankan Opened October 2020, Mirisata serves flavorful Sri Lanken dishes like cashew curry or oyster mushroom curry.

For More on Oregon

>Click here March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -37-

Places to Go

Tucked away on Great Diamond Island in Casco Bay, The Inn at Diamond Cove opens for the season on May 27, 2022, offering a Maine Island Getaway rich with history and surrounded by natural beauty.

Just a 30- minute ferry ride from Portland’s Old Port district, the Inn is the centerpiece of Diamond Cove, a small private community that was once the site of Fort McKinley. Formerly army barracks, the Inn has been restored with meticulous attention to historic detail preserving its original character. Great Diamond Island is not accessible from the mainland by car and primary modes of transportation are golf carts and bicycles. Visitors arrive by ferry, water taxi, or private boat and have access to a full-service marina.

The Inn at Diamond Cove offers luxury island condominiums including spacious suites with kitchens, a heated swimming pool with hot tub and cabana bar, and recreational amenities including tennis courts, an indoor basket-38- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

ball court, and game room with duckpin bowling, pool table, and arcade games. Guests will also enjoy secluded beaches, miles of hiking trails, kayaking, paddle boarding and other activities perfect for families and couples looking for a summer escape off the beaten path.

Offering rooted coastal cuisine highlighted by spectacular waterfront views, Diamond’s Edge Restaurant is a popular choice for visitors and Portland residents alike for lunch, dinner, and cocktails.

Travelers who want to enjoy great savings, avoid the crowds and get away to a destination rich in history and natural beauty should look no further!

Book by April 15 and get a Third Night Free! For guests making their summer plans, Inn at Diamond Cove is offering a book early incentive: stay 2 nights and get the 3rd night free. Rates starting at $398. Offer based on availability and must be booked by April 15, 2022. Check-ins are available Friday through Tuesday night.

Stay must be three consecutive nights and cannot be combined with other discounts, packages, or offers. Not available for groups of five or more guestrooms. Blackout dates apply.

As a nod to the Inn’s past and to honor the present, Inn at Diamond Cove is offering 15% off for all active and retired military personnel. Package available May 27 - October 9, 2022. 15% off retail pricing. Offer based on availability. This offer applies to all military branches: Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard.

Guest must present credentials upon check in.

Guests will be picked up at the marina in golf carts upon arrival.

Minimum three-night-stay. Long term stays are welcome. For more information or to make reservations, call 207.805.9836 or visit innatdiamondcove.com.

For more on Maine

>Click here

SOUTH YARMOUTH - For centuries the public house or pub has been an important part of Irish culture, a place to meet old friends and make new ones. The Cape Cod Irish Village carries on that time-honored tradition by offering the finest beers and spirits served in a traditional Irish pub setting.

Live entertainment featuring traditional and contemporary Irish music is scheduled regularly, and you will most likely find your favorite sport on one of their flat screen TV’s and 120 inch screen.

A fine selection of Irish and American foods with weekly menu changes is offered.

Make it an extended weekend getaway by making reservations now for one of the 125 comfortable mini-suites for singles, couples or the whole family. A large outdoor pool and a huge indoor pool with a whirlpool are available to guests. There is a special St. Patrick’s Weekend package available March 17-20 where you reserve and pay for two nights, then receive the third night FREE. Two brakfasts and one dinner are included in this package.

For more information or to make reservations, visit https://capecod-irishvillage.com/ st-patricks-day-weekend/

For more on Massachusetts >Click Here

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -39-

Go, Do, See...

“Radical Optimists

Continental Congress to, “Remember the Ladies.” In March is Women’s History 1851, former slave Sojourner Month, highlighting women’s Truth, speaking at an Ohio achievements and focusing on women’s rights convention, their ongoing quest for recgave her famous “Ain’t I a ognition. From the country’s Woman?” speech. www. founding women have striven sourcebooks.fordham.edu/ to be heard and their continual mod/sojtruth-woman battle for equal rights and abilIn the 1830s abolitionists’ ity to remain optimistic in the Anthony Home & Grave organizations and the Unface of organized resistance is derground Railroad (UGRR), detailed in Upstate New York. were prevalent in Syracuse In 1848 three-hundred womin Onondaga County. More en and men, including Fredthan 650 African Americans erick Douglass, gathered in lived in the county and they Seneca Falls, New York to sign and their white counterparts the Declaration of Sentiments, actively spirited people to a document regarding the end Canada. www.pacny.net/ of discrimination against women in every aspect of freedom_trail society. Colonial law, based on English common law, The museum of the Onondamerged man and woman into one individual upon ga Historical Association has an marriage and a woman had no legal standing sepaoutstanding, permanent exhibit rate and apart over her property or finances and by Freedom Bound: Syracuse & the 1777 women had lost the right to vote in every state.

Underground Railroad that inThe road to the August 26, 1920 ratification of the troduces visitors to the personal Nineteenth Amendment, a long, difficult and circuitous one, is best traced at sites in the state of New stories through artifacts, exhibits and video. An exYork and includes women of all ethnicities. It declares, hibit on the 1851 Jerry Rescue relates the story of the “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall rescue from slave catchers of fugitive William “Jerry” not be denied or abridged by the United States or by Henry by a crowd of citizens. The Jerry Rescue Monument on Clinton Square is a life-sized bronze deany State on account of sex.” www.iloveny.com Many of the people involved in the women’s rights piction of the incident. It faces north toward Canada movement were previously staunch abolitionists and where he made his eventual escape. The history of the civil rights advocates. At the conclusion of the Civ- Native American inhabitants and their influence on il War and the 1870 passage of the 15th Amendment the nation is depicted in a permanent exhibit. www. declaring, “The right of citizens of the United States cnyhistory.org Matilda Joslyn Gage is the unsung hero of the womto vote shall not be denied or abridged by the Uniten’s rights movement. Her father was an abolitionist ed States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude,” many women felt and her home was an UGRR station. Her stance on let down by their exclusion and began to protest ve- the rights of women was modeled on her close interhemently for women’s rights. They used the organi- actions with the matriarchal Haudenosaunee Indians zational, fundraising and speaking skills they learned living in the area. Ultimately, she was considered too radical for Stanton and Anthony. as abolitionists.

A 15-minute film introduces a self-guided tour. Each It should be noted that as early as 1776 Abigail Adams wrote to John Adams during Philadelphia’s room on the tour is based on one of her social justice -40- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

By Renée S. Gordon

s” Women’s Rights Trail

themes. The front parlor is dedicated to the works of government, humanities and her son-in-law, Frank Baum, author of “the Wizard philanthropy have been inducted. I encourage you to of Oz” and we can see her influence in the charac- visit their website where you can view photographs, ter of Dorothy. Her home is included on the National learn the stories and hear their voices. It is located inUnderground Railroad Network to Freedom. www. side the 1844 Seneca Knitting Mill. www.womenoftmatildajoslyngage.org hehall.org Ganondagan, State Historic Park, is the state-of-the“It’s a Wonderful Life” is one of world’s favorite art home of the Seneca Art and Culture Center situ- movies and it is believed that Frank Capra, after visated on the site where the Seneca iting Seneca Falls, modeled the mythical Ganondagan and Haudenosaunee established Bedford Falls after the city. The delightBelt the “Town of Peace.” Visitors can ful Wonderful Life Museum is filled explore a replica Bark Longhouse, with memorabilia, photographs, toys self-guided trails, videos and a and documents that relate to the stars, unique museum. The museum intheir characters and the movie. The real terprets the story of the six nation tragedy of Antonio Varacalli probably Haudenosaunee Confederacy, inspired George’s scene on the bridge Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Caand you can learn the true story here. yuga, Seneca and Tuscarora, that Annually, the second week of Deceminspired the Constitution and the ber, Seneca Falls holds an “It’s A Won1848 Declaration of Sentiments. derful Life” Festival. www.therealbedTheir symbol, bundled arrows fordfalls.com stronger than one, is depicted on The Susan B. Anthony House & Musethe Great Seal of the United States. um is located in Rochester. She lived in www.ganondagan.org a 12-room brick house from 1866-1906.

Seneca Falls is renowned as the Tours of the house include her 3rd-floor cradle of Women’s Rights. The workroom and the room in which she first convention was organized died in 1906. Ida B. Wells-Barnett was by abolitionists Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Phila- known to stay there when in Rochester. Anthony is delphia’s Lucretia Mott and held there in 1848 at the buried in Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester. www.

Wesleyan Chapel. Stanton lived in Seneca Falls along susanbanthonyhouse.org with her husband and seven children and her house is open daily. www.senecafalls.com Women’s Rights National Historical Park is adjacent to the chapel and is an ideal place to begin a tour. An orientation film and an exhibit gallery enhance your visit. Also, on display is memorabilia from “12 Years a Slave.”

The atrium’s bronze “First Wave” sculpture consists of life-sized figures of some of those in attendance at the first convention including Douglass.

The National Women’s Hall of Fame was founded in 1969 and since that time 293 womWomen’s Rights National Historical Park en in the arts, athletics, business, education, March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -41-

Go, Do, See The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Metropolitan Museum of Art collects, studies, conserves, and presents significant works of art across all times and cultures in order to connect people to creativity, knowledge, and ideas. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters.

The country’s largest museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses vast series of collections, with more than 2 million works divided among 17 departments.

Within this single building view thousands of pieces of American and European art, including notable works by Whistler, Sargent, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. The museum also notably contains what’s considered the greatest collection of Egyptian art outside Cairo. One of the world’s most prestigious centers of art and culture, the museum welcomes more than 5 million visitors each year. Step inside to see Roman statues, musical instruments, antique weapons, costumes, period rooms, Egyptian artifacts, and modern photographs. Consider a -42- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

Metropolitan Museum Egyptian Art The Met’s collection of ancient Egyptian art consists of approximately 26,000 objects of artistic, historical, and cultural importance, dating from the Paleolithic to the Roman period (ca. 300,000 B.C.–A.D. 4th century).

guided tour of the museum highlights. You may want to end your visit with a drink in the rooftop bar. Using our custom trip planner, New York City attractions like The Metropolitan Museum of Art can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.

African Art in The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing The Met’s collection of works by artists from across sub-Saharan Africa comprises nearly 3,000 works spanning two millennia, several hundred distinct cultures, and 39 contemporary nation states.

Asian Art The Met’s collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world.

Greek and

Roman Art The Museum’s collection of Greek and Roman art comprises more than 30,000 works ranging in date from the Neolithic period (ca. 4500 B.C.) to the time of the Roman emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity in A.D. 312.

Islamic Art The Met’s collection of Islamic art is one of the most comprehensive in the world and ranges in date from the seventh to the twenty-first century. Its more than 15,000 objects reflect the great diversity and range of the cultural traditions from Spain to Indonesia.

General admission for adults is $25 and for children, $12.

For more on New York

>CLICK HERE!

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -43-

Go, Do, See Lititz is a charming town located six miles north of Lancaster, PA. The heart of the town is at the intersection of Broad and Main Streets, where you will find antique shops, art galleries, cozy cafes, restaurants, and chic boutiques.

The town was named after a Bohemian castle and founded by members of the Moravian Church in 1749. The Moravian influence in the town of Lititz is still relevant today.

Experience The Mo

History

Thought to be the oldest Photo By protestant denominaRobin O’Neal Smith tion in the world, Eighteenth-century Moravians left Germany to serve as missionaries around the globe, including parts of Pennsylvania.

Count Nicholas Ludwig Von Zinzendorf left Germany to come to the new world where religious freedom was allowed. He met with Ben Franklin and reached an agreement to establish a free Moravian movement in Pennsylvania.

Inspired by the Moravian settlements in Bethlehem and Nazareth, Lititz was formed. The Moravian motto “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, freedom; and in all things, love” was appealing to early settlers in Lancaster County.

The religious, social, cultural, and economic life was under the direction of the church leaders. The goal was to have an environment free of “worldly influences.”

The Buildings

Over the years, five different buildings served as their place of worship. The present Lititz Moravian Church building was built in 1787. In 1957 much -44- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

of the sanctuary was destroyed in a fire. The “prophetic style” sanctuary was carefully restored the following year. An open Holy Bible rests on a high pulpit with a stained-glass window of the Moravian Seal, and Motto is behind it.

To the side and rear of the church near the cemetery is Leichen Kappelchen (Corpse House), constructed in 1786 as a place to keep the bodies of deceased members until burial. Last used in 1935, It is one of the architectural gems of Lancaster County.

Beside the church is the Single Sisters’ House and the Single Brothers’ House. Adult singles often chose to live there for camaraderie and vocational training. George Washington commandeered the Brothers’ House to serve as a hospital for hundreds of wounded soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Today the Brothers’ House is home to a chapel, a fellowship hall, offices, a lounge, kitchen, and dining room.

The Single Sisters’ House is now a part of the campus of Linden Hall School For Girls. It is the nation’s oldest all-girls boarding school.

By Robin O’Neal Smith Freelance Travel Writer https://instagram.com/atouchofluxurytravel

oravian Influence in Lititz Beliefs

The Moravian Church motto directs its faith and practice of serving God in daily life: In essentials, Unity; In non-essentials, Liberty; And in all things, Love.

The Moravian Church practices open communion where Christians of any denomination are welcome to share in the bread and the cup of the sacrament.

Baptism is the sacrament of Christian initiation.

Through baptism, believers and their children are embodied in the covenant of grace and become a part of the fellowship of the church.

Moravians are a community that seeks first, last, and always to follow Jesus and build a community of faith, hope, and love.

Lititz that the Christmas Vigil Service is scheduled six times during Advent.

In absolute darkness, a Moravian Star high in the sanctuary begins to glow as a solo voice, and the choir in hushed tones sings the familiar German “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht!” Other hymns are sung, a Christmas Lovefeast enjoyed, and then candles are lit.

Christmas Putz - Dating back to St. Francis of Assisi, figurines of the nativity are set among tree limbs and moss and placed under a canopy with stars representing the northern December sky. All the figures are hand-painted by members of the Lititz church. A soundtrack of the Christmas story is played.

Music

New York was not the best place to hear Bach and Mozart in colonial times; a Moravian Church was the place to go. The Lititz church still embraces that tradition with vocal choirs, a hand-bell choir, a Praise Band, and a brass Trombone Choir.

Funding from the National Endowment of the Humanities provided the Moravian Music Foundation the opportunity to publish the “Catalog of the Lititz Congregation Collection” of some 1300 pieces of manuscript, the work of local writers and composers. Colonial-era musical instruments are displayed at the Church’s Museum.

Traditions

Moravians honor their traditions and still celebrate them.

Lovefeasts - A worship meal experience shared in the family of Christ. Consisting of sweet bread and coffee or chocolate milk, it is served to the pews during the worship service.

Easter - Moravians gather each evening of Holy Week to read aloud from the gospels, from Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem to his burial.

Christmas Vigils - this celebration is so popular in

Photo By

The Moravian Star

The star was first a geometry exercise in the boarding schools of Germany in the nineteenth century.

Missionaries and other church workers shared the stars throughout the world. The star proclaims the hope of Advent in all corners of the globe.

Please turn to next page . . .

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -45-

Lititz - Continued

Photos: Courtesy of Discover Lancaster - Brian Evans The Star symbolizes Jesus Christ, who was born to be the Light of the World. The many points reach out to all mankind in all parts of the world. Moravians embrace this focus.

Things to See and Do

Lititz Moravian Church and Grounds - Visitors are always welcome, and group tours can be arranged by calling in advance.

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery - It is America’s oldest commercial pretzel bakery. Founded in 1861, they are still making pretzels, and it is on the National Register of Historic Places. They have tours in the art of pretzel making. Don’t forget to get your photo taken outside with the giant pretzel.

Lititz Springs Park - A beautiful park in the center of town. Feed the ducks, enjoy the fountain and relax on the park bench to enjoy nature.

Wilbur Chocolate Store - Famous for Wilbur Buds.

Wilbur Chocolate Store is an excellent place to visit, learn about the world of chocolate (they make it right before your eyes,) and shop for yummy chocolate treats.

Shops and Restaurants - There are many shops and a variety of restaurants in Lititz. One of the shops we enjoyed visiting was the Savory Gourmet -46- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

with its many adventurous types of meat and the Candy*ology store with all the old-fashioned candy I remembered eating as a child.

Lititz is a quaint town where you feel safe and welcome. The Moravian influence is alive and well in a community that supports faith, inspires hope, and shows love to others.

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery

For more on Pennsylvania

> Click Here

Go, Do, See

ALL THINGS IRISH

Looking for even more ways to celebrate everything Irish culture has to offer? Check out the “All Things Irish” travel inspiration from Visit Chicago Southland for a great guide on local restaurants, pubs and events that have that luck-o-the-Irish charm.

If you want to feel Irish, but stay in the states, grab a Guinness in Chicago Southland at J.J. Kelley’s in Lansing, The Ashford House Restaurant in Tinley Park paired with their authentic Irish cuisine is a great start. Next, visit an Irish athletic and cultural center in Oak Forest.

Enjoy Good Friends & Good Times at the Carraig Irish Pub located next to Chicago Gaelic Park for a true Irish experience where excellent service and warm hospitality are guaranteed. The Carraig Pub has earned a well-deserved reputation for great food, serving traditional Irish and more contemporary dishes. The Carraig Pub hosts live entertainment every Thursday, Friday and Saturday and there is never a cover charge.

All things Irish are celebrated throughout the month of March including the Chicago Gaelic Park ten day event “Ireland on Parade” building up to St. Patrick’s Day. Gaelic Park is proud to host this multi-generational tradition, which was started by the late Martin Fahey in 1967. Various Irish step dancing schools from the entire Chicagoland area are featured each evening of Ireland on Parade. In addition, there is Ceili and Set Dancing and musical entertainment is provided

by The Irish Musicians of Chicago, an organization which consists of

local artists who are dedicated to the Tara, which was then the city of Ireperpetuation of traditional Irish Music land’s Ard Rí, or “High King”.

There’s also the Oak Forest Fleadh, Tinley Park Parade, South Side Irish Parade and dyeing of the Lake Katherine waterfall green. Then keep the Irish eyes smiling at Chicago Gaelic Park’s Irish Fest during Memorial Day Weekend, which offers some of the best in Irish entertainment straight from the Emerald Isle. Slainte!

“Feis” (pronounced phonetically “fesh” in English) is an Irish word meaning “festival” and has come to describe a traditional Gaelic arts and culture festival. In Ancient Ireland, communities placed great importance on local festivals, where people could come together in song, dance, music, theatre and sport. The largest of these was the Aonach, the great festival at

Today the Feis has experienced something of a rebirth, both for ethnic Gaels and for enthusiasts of the Gaelic Culture in Ireland and Scotland, as well as throughout the world. Typically they are community-based festivals seeking to promote and maintain Gaelic Culture, tradition, and pride.

The Chicago Feis for 2022 will take place on Memorial Day Weekend, Sunday, May 29th and Monday, May 30th. For more information, visit https://chicagogaelicpark.com/

For more information on Illinois,

>CLICK HERE March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -47-

Things to Do:

Bloomington’s Worldwid Whatever you’re craving at any given moment — Tibetan dumplings, New York-style pizza, fresh sushi, vegan tacos, Mediterranean gyros, authentic French crêpes, and so much more — Bloomington has a restaurant that offers exactly what you’re looking for.

Travel to Ireland without ever leaving the States by visiting The Irish Lion, Bloomington’s sole authentic Irish restaurant. An outing to this pub is a bit of a magical experience — you’ll feel like you’ve teleported to Dublin as soon as you set foot inside the door.

Choose from a large selection of authentic dishes, including Rack of Lamb, Roast Duckling Rineanna, and Chicken Kiev. Sit in the cozy bar area and order a pint of Guinness & the Blarney Puffballs for the full Irish Lion experience.

• Did you know that you can forage for the prized Morel mushroom in Bloomington, IN? These mushrooms are a Hoosier delicacy that can only be found in certain parts of the country from late March - May and Bloomington can be found on that belt. The city is known for its hidden spots, prized recipes, and restaurants that highlight dishes with them.

• Bloomington is full of blooms and culture. Explore the country’s only Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center with self-guided walking tours, meditation classes, stay in an on-sight Yurt (no TVs, electronics).

• Bloomington is a mecca for global cuisine. If you can find it on a globe, you can find it in Bloomington. Bloomington boasts 350+ restaurants where diners can -48- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

find everything from gourmet hotdogs in an underground dive bar filled with pinball machines and traditional mo-mo’s at the Midwest’s best Tibetan restaurant to ethically sourced coffee shops and all-vegan bakeries. Here are

Bloomington’s most iconic restaurants.

Enjoy the only restaurant in the U.S. dedicated to Tibetan food (Founded by Dalai Lama’s brother in 1970s, Dali Lama has private apartment there).

de Culinary Scene in the comments! Chances are that if you ask a local to describe Bloomington’s food scene, they would say “diverse and delicious” and point you in the direction of 4th Street. Though that street is home to many incredible restaurants, you will find great international food in any part of town. Travel the world with your taste buds from the comfort of Monroe County! But let’s talk specifics...exactly how many different countries are represented here?

Afghanistan

If you’ve never experienced Afghan cuisine, now’s your chance!

Head to Samira to give it a try (spoiler alert: it’s really good).

Burma

Mandalay is your place to go for authentic Burmese food (very similar to Indian, Thai, and Chinese). Burma Garden offers a large menu of Burmese cuisine.

They serve curries, fried rice dishes, seafood entrees, noodle dishes, classic chicken entrees such as orange chicken & sesame chicken, and more. Their pho, tealeaf salad, and Mandalay appetizer platter are extremely popular, but everything on their menu is exceptional. It’s the only place you can experience Burmese food in the area, and that makes it a pretty special spot!

Downtown’s beloved 4th Street is home to a variety of international restaurants that serve incredible, authentic fare that’s isn’t found too often in the Midwest. The street, known as “International Row,” is well-loved

by students, locals, and visitors and there’s always an abundance of opportunities to try something new. Use this blog as your guide to discovering the cuisine of 4th Street, and let us know what your favorite dishes & restaurants are

France

At Le Petit Café, you’ll enjoy a unique “menu-less” atmosphere, where fantastic French food is made according to the fresh produce available that day.

Please turn to next page...

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -49-

Culinary Scene Continued Greece

Try The Trojan Horse for some gyros and a local beer, or head over to Topo’s 403 for upscale Mediterranean cuisine.

Btown Gyros is a Greek restaurant that serves gyros, falafel, pita & hummus, baba ghanoush, and other Mediterranean specialties. They offer several platter dishes for those wanting to sample a little bit of everything, and nearly the entire menu is $10.00 or less. Not quite sure what you want to try? The lamb & beef gyro is one of the most popular items on the menu.

Ireland

India

Try Amrit India or Taste of India (and their fabulous lunch buffet!) Taste of India, in Bloomington locals’ opinion, is one of the best Indian restaurants in the area. They offer a large menu of incredible, authentic Indian dishes, from butter chicken and chicken tikka masala to a delicious assortment of flavored naan. Other selections on the menu include kebabs, curries, vindaloos, and more. Taste of India is also vegetarian-friendly, offering ten vegetarian dishes and even more vegetarian appetizers, soups, and salads. Indian Garden offers nearly 100 authentic Indian dishes on their menu, including everything from vegetable samosas and lamb biryani to saag paneer and chicken vindaloo.

The restaurant serves seafood specials, lamb specials, chicken specials, tandoori specials, and nearly 20 vegan and/or vegetarian-friendly dishes. The aforementioned chicken vindaloo and saag paneer are two of Indian Garden’s most popular dishes, in addition to their butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, and paneer tikka masala.

China

You won’t be short on options if you’re looking for Chinese food. Chow Bar, The Dynasty, and Judy’s Kitchen are just a few choices.

Croatia

Janko’s Little Zagreb is known for its Croatian history and awesome steaks...even Billy Joel has eaten there!

-50- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

Could you say no to Shepherd’s Pie and a pint (or a yard, we don’t judge) of Guinness at the Irish Lion?

Israel (Middle Eastern)

Bet you couldn’t guess this, but at Falafels you can find some falafels, in addition to a variety of tasty Middle Eastern dishes.

Italy

Stop by Bucceto’s for some casual pizza & pasta (with gluten-free options) or Osteria Rago for a romantic Italian dinner.

Japan

Check out Asuka or Domo for some hibachi, or head to Japonee for some sushi and sake (bombs).

Korea

Korea Restaurant on beautiful 4th Street and Soban on the east side serve up tasty authentic Korean cuisine. Korea Restaurant, like Do Asian Fusion, serves Korean food. Menu offerings include Korean sushi rolls (kimbap), noodle & rice entrees, soups & stews, stir-fries, and grilled protein entrees including grilled beef ribs, grilled pork belly, and chicken bulgogi. Popular dishes are the hot stone bibimbap, beef bulgogi, and fried dumplings. Do Asian Fusion Cuisine primarily serves Korean food, but they infuse elements of other Asian cuisines into their dishes. Their Korean fried chicken and beef bulgogi are two of their most popular offerings, but they also serve a variety of hot pots, fried rice entrees, bibimbaps, noodle dishes, and more. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the kimchi pancake, spicy fish egg stew, or spicy squid stir-fry.

Mexico

lings), kham amdo thugpa (a hearty stew), temo sha tsel (stir-fried vegetables in a garlic sauce), and a few other dishes.

Thailand Little Tibet also serves a selection of Indian and Thai Siam House and Esan Thai are only two of the dishes, and they offer a great combo deal — two many places to find your Thai kick in Btown. My Thai offers a great selection of Thai dishes, including entrees, two soups, two salads, and two drinks — for $25.95. Everything on their lunch menu, served pad Thai, tom yum noodle soup, basil chicken, and every day from 11:00 am-3:00 pm, is $10.00 or less. pad kee mow. The pad Thai and pad kee mow are local favorites, along with the drunken man fried Turkey rice and Thai spring rolls. My Thai also serves a Sofra’s Café, Anatolia, and Turkuaz are the places variety of Thai curry dishes for curry lovers. If you to go! Take your shoes off and sit on pillows for the want to order the perfect meal for an Instagram full experience. Anatolia another unique restaurant, shot, ask for the crispy chicken with pineapple — the stir-fried meal is served inside a fresh pineapple. as it’s one of Bloomington’s two Turkish restaurants.

Siam House is another incredible Thai restaurant on Local favorites include the beef doner kebab, moussaka, and shepherd’s salad. Anatolia also offers 11 4th Street. The restaurant serves many dishes simivegan dishes, a large selection of Turkish street food lar to those at My Thai, as well as their own signature meals, such as pad talay, a seafood and vegeta- for under $10.00, and some of the best baklava in the area. ble stir-fry with a double-cooked chili sauce. Other popular dishes are the spicy basil fried rice, yellow United States of America curry, pad ped, and volcano shrimp.

At this point in the list, you may have forgotten that we’re in the Midwest. Don’t fret, we’ve got crazy good burgers from Opie Taylors, wings from BuffaLouie’s, local and seasonal dishes from FARM bloomington, and unique Indiana cuisine and fine dining at Restaurant Tallent.

We could talk for hours about enchiladas and margaritas, so to keep it short we’ll just send you to Juannita’s and La Charreada.

Vietnam

At Rush Hour Station you’ll find speedy service and delicious Vietnamese dishes.

Keep an eye out for their food truck!

Tibet

Bloomington’s connection to the rich Tibetan culture wouldn’t be complete without Anyetsang’s Little Tibet Restaurant. Anyetsang’s Little Tibet is Bloomington’s only Tibetan restaurant. Their Tibetan specials include a variety of mo mos (dump-

That’s 18 countries! Hungry yet?

There are over 70 fabulous restaurants that represent these countries and cultures... https://www.visitbloomington.com/blog/ post/bloomingtons-top-arts-culture-attractions/

For more information on Indiana

>CLICK HERE March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -51-

For more on Iowa

>Click Here

-52- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

Places to Go

Dinsmoor’s Garden of Eden

LUCAS - Civil War veteran Samuel P. Dinsmoor built this visionary art environment, a stone log cabin surrounded by three-story concrete sculptures.

He called it the Cabin Home in Garden of Eden and created a pictorial history in his book of the same name.

Born in 1843, Dinsmoor had grown up in a very religious home. However, like many who witnessed the inexplicable slaughter of the Civil War, began searching for other ways to understand humankind.

His political views take the form of dimensional tableus, a sort of 3D political cartoon, reflecting his Populist Party lean-

ings and Masonic background.

Built from 1905 through the 1930s, this National Register of Historic Places site is nationally recognized example of vernacular art and architecture.

Dinsmoor did create his interpretaion of Adam and Eve standing in front of the tree of life. Two snakes form the grape arbor and one of them is giving Eve an apple. Other scenes portray a crucifixion, civilization, chain of life, and trust.

Current hours for tours of the Cabin Home and Mausoleum with face masks are from 1-4 p.m. everyday in March and April.

(Only Thurs-Sun from Nov-Feb.) After hours, you can use the

Self-guided Tour Sheets or online Tour. Tickets are $9 for ages 12 and over. They are $4 for ages 5-11.

For more information, visit online at http://www.gardenofedenlucas.org/

For more on Kansas

>Click Here

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -53-

Go Do See:

Holland

Discover Holland Michigan as a new favorite extended weekend getaway where the little moments become lasting memories. It’s where the spirit of adventure collides with an inviting mix of history and hospitality. You can explore, shop, eat, drink, play, and relax. This is a place with small town charm and big city amenities.

The European flavor of Holland stems from its roots as a haven for Dutch immigrants who arrived in the mid-1800’s. With popular attractions such as DeZwaan, the only authentic Dutch windmill in the U.S.; the Dutch Galleries at the Holland Museum, a world-class collection of 17th, 18th, and 19th century art, furniture and artifacts from the Netherlands; and the internationally-known Tulip Time Festival. More recently a Tulipanes Latino Art and Film Festival has been added to the festivities schedule.

Stroll downtown on the cobblestone sidewalks where more than 100 specialty shops, breweries, -54- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

and restaurants invite you to shop, dine, and enjoy. You won’t have to walk far to find lunch with all the choices. one restaurant features an appetizer and entrée special from a different country every month.

Be sure to visit Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant located on the beautiful Lake Macatawa. Boatwerks’ rich history on the lake inspired its design reminiscent of historic boat building factories that lined the shores of Lake Macatawa. Boatwerks features New American fare, top-notch service, and stunning waterfront views from its outdoor patio and lounge and its elevated dining room seating.

Beautiful views and personalized service are just part of what makes dining at Boatwerks a great experience. Be sure, however, to go hungry because their steaks are grilled to perfection. Other menu choices offer chicken and several varieties of seafood. Whatever you do, save room for dessert.

My suggestion? The lemonade pie or strawberry

For more on Michigan

> Click Here

cheesecake in keeping with a light spring flavor.

For their menu, visit http://www.boatwerksrestaurant.com/menu/ The Holland Museum tells the story of Holland, Michigan, from its founding by Dutch immigrants to today’s innovative, successful, and diverse community. Featuring thousands of fascinating historic objects, the Permanent Galleries are not to be missed. Also on display are the Dutch Galleries, featuring artwork from the Netherlands from the 1600s through the 1900s.

Visit the second floor to see the impressive collection of Dutch art and artifacts. he Holland Museum, originally the Netherlands Museum, has been a recipient of impressive gifts of Dutch culture from donors here and around the world for the last three-quarters of a century. The Dutch Galleries were created to celebrate each of these artifacts. Today, the galleries demonstrate how Dutch heritage has contributed so much to the

community’s sense of identity and its success.

Open Friday, Saturday, and Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., more information may be found at https://hollandmuseum.org/ Just a few blocks from the Holland Museum are the Cappon and Settlers Houses, which tell the story of Holland’s earliest settlers. The Cappon House, a beautifully restored Italianate Victorian, was once occupied by Holland’s first mayor, Isaac Cappon, and his 16 children. Family members lived in the house until 1979 and many personal belongings still remain. Just five doors down, in stark contrast to the Cappon House, is the Settlers House, the quaint cottage of an everyday working-class settler.

Visit BAM! Entertainment Center Holland’s one-stop family-fun indoor entertainment center, BAM! is known for its tagline: Eat. Drink. Play. Repeat…and for good...

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -55-

A great educational place for shopping and unique souvenirs, visit the Holland Bowl Mill. One of the last of its kind in America, Holland Bowl Mill makes solid hardwood bowls and various wooden products of the highest quality. It is lovingly hand carved, sanded, and finished by skilled artisans like they were more than one hundred years ago. There are also cutting boards and Mezzaluna knife holders for sale. The newest addition to their inventory is wooden kitchen utensils. The mill sells its products at various retailers nationwide, online, and at its James Street location. In the showroom you can shop for bowls and even see the factory where saws are buzzing, sawdust is flying, and the aroma of fresh-cut wood perfumes the air. If you don’t want to carry your purchases around while traveling, the Holland Bowl Mill does offer free shipping. For hours and more information, visit https://hollandbowlmill. com/ If you visit in May, plan to attend the famous Tulip Festival scheduled the 7th through the 15th. View the stunning display of more than 50,000 tulips with various colors at the Immersion Garden. For more information, https://www.holland.org and https://www. tuliptime.com -56- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

For more on Michigan

> Click Here

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -57-

Things to Do:

Try Springfield Ca

If you ever happen to see me at the grocery store, please be aware of a rather specific list of dos and don’ts. Before you misunderstand, allow me to explain. For starters, you may smile, wave and say hello. Depending on the day and my schedule we could even stop and chat for a few minutes.

So far, so good.

Now this is where it gets a bit more difficult because it is not as much of a don’t as it is a word of advice. Don’t under any circumstances follow me. You see, I seem to have this superpower which enables me to walk into any store anywhere and always end up with that one shopping cart which has a malfunctioning wheel.

I have even been known to test a cart for steerability before beginning the long trek through the store. You would think having done so would guarantee smooth sailing. Alas, this is not always the case. The manufacturers of these devices have them programmed to wait until you are at the farthest point from the entrance and then they malfunction.

The result? The cart only turns one direction requiring me to proceed in a corkscrew path looping around the aisles. I could spend a few more inches of column space on that topic, but I think you get the idea.

Let’s move on to the check out process. Have you ever noticed how the shortest line really isn’t?

It seems there is always that customer in line in front of me who has to have a price check (or two)

-58- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

and then has a fist full of coupons which are too old to scan properly and have to be hand-keyed into the system. And if that isn’t enough to test anyone’s patience, let’s not forget the credit card which gets rejected, or the ink pen which runs dry just as a check is being written or worse yet, not enough cash so something has to be sent back. The opposite has also happened where it is discovered that one specific item has been forgotten or the customer didn’t know where to find it because it is an ingredient needed for foreign dishes.

No, following me around the store will most-assuredly not get you in and out quickly. This is especially true when it comes to the above-mentioned foreign cuisine aisle. I recently wanted to try a recipe which called for Hoisen sauce. Unlike my childhood when such ingredients weren’t available, these days it is easy to find most anything in the international aisle. No problem. To my surprise, there were six different types. Big problem.

Which works best for this recipe?

I took the time to read every label and I still had no clue. That was a segment of my life I’ll never get back.

I’m not the busiest person in the world, but I prefer to waste time on my own terms. That being said, I have become a strong

believer in cooking shortcuts.

For example, my original recipe for Cashew Chicken is delicious, but labor intensive. Over the years, I’ve encountered several variations of this popular dish.

Some are made with specific sauce ingredients while others are comprised of very common condiments available in most any kitchen. Some are quick to prepare and others take much longer.

There was even one version adapted for a slow cooker. It was pretty good, but not quite like the original.

I had the privilege of attending college in Springfield, Missouri.

This is the home of the original Cashew Chicken recipe and the family responsible for its creation.

At one point, there were three restaurants associated with this

By Kandy Derden Things to Do Editor

ashew Chicken

family and I liked all of them.

Over time, a few carry out places obtained the recipe and now a few decades later, I still stop to get some any time I am in the area.

My fondness for this dish began when I was in high school.

My parents and their best friends were in Springfield for some long-forgotten reason. We asked the hotel clerk where there was a good place to eat. His answer, “Well, it depends on what you like,” was vague, to say the least.

After much discussion, we ended up at one of the three soon-to-be famous Leong Chinese restaurants. None of us had ever tried Chinese before, so the waitress came to the rescue. She suggested the Cashew Chicken and we all loved it. Little did we know how popular would become. Thus, the

name was changed to Springfield Cashew Chicken.

The history of David Leong and his culinary masterpiece is easily found in multiple locations on line, as is the recipe. His generosity in sharing is something I really appreciate. At one point in time, it was my ‘go to’ recipe when trying to impress my guests, usually a bachelor and potential boyfriend. It must have worked because next month will the 38th anniversary with one of them.

Everyone else on that original trip is gone now, as are the restaurants where I first tasted foreign food of any kind. However, the Leong legacy is ongoing in a new location serving their original specialty. And yes, the recipe is posted on their website. In fact, just writing about it makes me want some. Excuse me, my kitchen is calling and I must go. It’s a good thing I don’t have to go to the grocery store or I might be too dizzy to cook.

CASHEW CHICKEN 2 pounds chicken breast, diced into 1 inch pieces Flour mixture 4 cups all purpose flour 1 tablespoon seasoned salt (Lawrys) 1 tsp ground white pepper 2 tablespoon granulated garlic ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) Milk batter 3 eggs 3 cups milk

1 tablespoon seasoned salt ½ tsp ground white pepper Sauce 3 ½ cups chicken broth ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon sugar ¼ cup soy sauce (Kikkoman) 2 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 pinch ground ginger ⅛ teaspoon sesame oil ¼ cup cornstarch ¼ cup water For serving 4 ounces cashew nuts 4 ounces chopped green onions Heat fryer to 350°F. Place flour mixture ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix well. In another bowl, scramble eggs, add milk, seasonings. Mix well. Coat chicken with flour mixture, dip into milk batter, then back into flour mixture.

Blanch chicken in heated fryer until ¾ of the way cooked, about 2-3 minutes. Place on a wire rack. For sauce, mix first 7 ingredients and bring to a boil. Add the cornstarch to the water to make a slurry, then add it to the boiling mixture and whisk constantly until you reach a gravy-like consistency.

When ready to serve, fry chicken a second time for 2- 3 minutes.

Top with cashew sauce, cashew nuts and green onions.

Recipe courtesy Wing Yee Leong of Leong’s Asian Diner

For more on Missouri

>CLICK HERE

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -59-

Places to Go:

Historic German Village

Here are five things to not mis when visiting the homegrown neighborhood built by German settlers in the 1800s Located south of downtown Columbus, Ohio, German Village is known as one of the most endearing neighborhoods in the Midwest. Beyond the aesthetics, German Village is known for its homegrown small businesses. Here are five must-dos for a day trip spent walking down the brick-lined streets of German Village.

The Book Loft

Located just a few blocks south of the state Capitol building, The Book Loft consists of multiple brick buildings, making it one of the nation’s largest independent bookstores.

These pre-Civil War era buildings—which once were general stores, a saloon and a cinema—are now home to 32 rooms filled with books.

Winans Fine Chocolates and Coffees

Established in the early 1900s and in its fifth generation of family ownership, Winans offers local chocolates, coffee from across the globe and assorted gifts.

A selection of chocolate boxes is accompanied by a vast collection of sweets, from copper kettle candies to pretzels and chocolate-covered novelties. “[Winans creates] the finest small batch chocolates and hand-roasted coffees and make them available in a friendly, welcoming, local environment,” says Winans CEO Wilson Reiser. “[We] provide locally manufactured products at a price that is attainable to the communities we serve and that inspire confidence in the products’ quality, sourcing and wholesomeness.”

ers use an Old World process that allows the fudge to last longer while staying creamy and smooth. The shop uses rich Belgian chocolate and various ingredients, including roasted pecans, walnuts, almonds, creamy caramel, smooth peanut butter and marshmallows. Haus fudge is handcrafted and cooked in copper kettles and finished on marble tables. Martha Stewart has visited the shop, and the Travel Channel has featured it on Man. v. Food.

Franklin Art Glass Studios

Originally founded in 1924, Franklin Art Glass Studios was created

by Wilhelm Kielblock, Wilhelm Kielmeier and Henry Elmore Helf during the Great Depression. The shop provides everything needed for stained-glass and warmglass projects, including a full line of stainedglass supplies featuring more than 1,900 different types of glass. The studio also offers fundamental classes on stained-glass art, including stained-glass construction and copper foil and lead techniques.

Schiller Park

The second oldest park in Columbus, Schiller Park, was established in 1857. Originally called Stewart’s Grove by early settlers, the 23.5-acre park was purchased by the city in 1867 for $15,000. It was renamed Schiller Park in 1891 after the famous German poet Friedrich von Schiller.

Today, the park features a community center, picnic areas, softball diamonds, a fishing pond and delicately landscaped gardens.

For more on Ohio

Schmidt’s Fudge Haus

To make their fudge, Schmidt’s Fudge Haus chocolati-60- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

>

CLICK HERE

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -61-

Places to Go:

Italian Food Trail

. The Italian Food Trail has commenced, and this year it’s bigger than ever. With over 65 Food Sites, this year’s trail might be our favorite. Located between Cleveland and Pittsburgh (and about an hour away from each), the Italian Food Trail is a great reason to set out on a road trip!

Our new Mobile Pass is the best place to check your progress. All you need do is check in, eat food and you’ll earn the chance to win prizes. Prizes for eating some of the best Italian food in the region? Yes, please.

-62- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

History of the Italian Food Trail

Amber Beall, Mahoning Valley Cuisine Researcher, tells us, “We have many third and fourth generation Italian-Americans still eating similarly to their ancestors. Some use recipes hand-written on old scraps of paper while others have the ingredients memorized, feeling and tasting their way to the proper ratios. The legacy these Italian families left us still has a powerful presence in Trumbull County, Ohio and is shown through their culinary exper-

tise.”

Ready to indulge in some of the best culinary experiences Northeast Ohio has to offer? You don’t have to ask us twice. Here you go...

Get Your Stretchy Pants Ready The Italian Food Trail maps out the best local Italian eats in Northeast Ohio.

If you love Italian food, eating it, cooking it, shopping for it, and learning about it, you’re going to love the Italian Food Trail and the 2021 Passport Pro-

gram! In its third year, this year’s program is going digital. Residents and visitors can participate by signing up at www.ItalianFoodTrail.com. The mobile passport is 100% free. After you sign up, your passport link will be instantly delivered to your phone via text.

Then pass holders can start checking in when dining in or taking out at local food sites.

County sits directly on the Interstate 80 corridor in Northeast Ohio, midway between Cleveland and Pittsburgh and about

The Italian Food Trail celebrates our Italian heritage with recipes that have been passed along through generations along with today’s top food trends.

Pair the Italian Food Trail with...

Trips to see the Norman Rockwell: American Scouting Collection at the Medici Museum of Art; The National Packard Museum highlighting America’s first luxury car; Visit two site celebrating the birthplace of the 25th President of the United States William McKinley; Rent a boat at Mosquito Lake Marina and/or visit the fourth largest Amish Community in America. You can even stay the night at one of our unique overnight accommodations including north Ohio’s only luxury resort.

It’s Convenient!

As people begin planning their road trips for 2021, Trumbull

an hour from each.

Check-In. Eat Food.

Earn Chances to Win! The 2021 Italian Pass program kicks off in March and runs through Tuesday, November 30th with plenty of opportunities to explore locally owned food sites, nosh on regional favorites like Italian Wedding Soup, Greens, and Beans (made with escarole or spinach) and win some tasty prizes throughout the promotion.

Charbeny’s Wine on the River along the Mahoning River in Downtown Warren is excited about the kick-off to this year’s

Passport program. Char Butcher, owner, “This is another way to introduce our Italian wine and food selection to a new audience.

We can’t wait to greet them!” “First and foremost, we want everyone to participate and support our local food establishments while remaining safe and comfortable. So, we are giving digital pass holders the option to either check-in at the food site for take-out or dining in.” Says Beth Kotwis Carmichael, Executive Director.

Beth Kotwis Carmichael, Executive Director of Trumbull County Tourism continues, “We want to provide a fun experience. And with the expectedincrease of people hitting the road and exploring new places, this is a perfect option!”

Next Steps

1. Get your pass at www.

ItalianFoodTrail.com, fill out your information.

2. Receive a text message with the link and steps to put the mobile pass on your phone.

3. Start checking in on your phone at Italian food sites around Trumbull County!

For More on Ohio >Click Here

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -63-

Places to Go:

By Sheeree Oney Places to Go Editor

For the Luck of the Irish OHIO

Dublin has been named one of the best cities to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by several publications and organizations. So why not come and see why for yourself?

Get your green glasses, deely boppers, shamrock shirts, and Irish Attitude ready for the greenest and grandest day of the year in Dublin, Ohio for St. Patrick’s Day! The schedule begins early this year, Saturday March 12. Bring your entire clan and start with a pancake breakfast for all-you-can-eat pancakes and green syrup.

Next, stop at the Inflation Celebration to see the parade’s giant inflatables come to life! Top it all off with a front-row seat at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

MARCH 12, 2022 7 - 11:00 a.m.: Pancake Breakfast, Sells Middle School, 150 W. Bridge St. 9 a.m.: Inflation Celebration, Graeter’s Ice Cream, 6255 Frantz Rd. 10:15 a.m.: Pre-Parade Entertainment 11 a.m.- 12:15 p.m.: St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Historic Dublin, 1 W. Bridge St. For Parade map and road closures, visit https://dublinohiousa.gov/dev/dev/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Parade-Route-2022.pdf For more details on all the St. Paddy’s Day happenings in Dublin,visit https://www.visitdublinohio.com/blog/ post/st-patricks-day-dublin-ohio/ DON’T FORGET DORA: Downtown Dublin’s DORA District allows you to sip, stroll and stay awhile. Pick up an adult beverage at one of the participating locations and take your spirits to go while you make your way through Historic Dublin and Bridge Park for all the St. Patrick’s Day fun. Click here for everything you need to know about Dublin’s DORA. MORE IRISH ACTIVITIES: Visit some of Dublin’s Irish-approved businesses.

Enjoy a bite at one of Dublin’s Irish pubs like the Dublin Village Tavern.

Sip your way through the Celtic Cocktail Trail. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by sampling some of the best of Dublin din-64- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

ing and craft cocktails. Each of the 19 stops offers a unique, Irish-themed cocktail to give you a taste of Irish attitude. Download your passport, sip lucky libations and earn prizes along the way!

Take the kids on Dublin’s Irish Fairy Door Trail.

Pick up a passport at the Dublin Visitor & Information Center to start a magical journey through Downtown Dublin. Visit 11 stops, find the tiny colorful fairy doors and write down the name of each resident fairy. Complete the trail and redeem a free, Irish Fairy Doors of Dublin t-shirt.

Most of all, have a

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -65-

As soon as gold was first discovered in Deadwood Gulch in 1874, the rush was on. People from all walks of life descended on the Black Hills and Deadwood - rich people, poor people, workers, migrants, business owners, miners, prostitutes, lawmen and everything in between. All looking for a better life and a chance at prosperity, whatever form that may have taken.

It was this diversity that was etched in the foundation of Historic Deadwood and set the stage for what it is today - a National Historic Landmark.

-66- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

One cultural group in particular left a lasting legacy on Deadwood - the Chinese. Subject to discrimination across much of America before and after the passing of the Chinese Exlcusion Act of 1882, Chinese immigrants found a warmer welcome in Deadwood. In the early mining days, as many as 400 Chinese immigrants created their own Chinatown district on lower Main Street. Though their fortunes as prospectors were limited, many set up shops and provided services needed in town.

Despite having their own sec-

tion of town, Chinese immigrants actively participated in local activities. They attended schools, they contributed to organizations and they provided essential services. In addition, the Chinese community was granted burial rights in their own Chinese section at Mount Moriah Cemetery.

In 1908, Deadwood’s Chinese community constructed a burner and altar in the dedicated section.

The altar and burner were used as a place for prayer, as well as food and paper offerings.

The gold rush in the Black Hills

Places to Go:

CULTURE AT ITS FOUNDATION ended at the turn of the century and many of Deadwood’s Chinese community left Deadwood. With no one left to maintain it, the ceremonial burner and altar crumbled.

In the coming decades all that remained was a foundation.

In 2003, the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission, as well as hired archeologists, began an extensive project to resurrect the original burner and alter. The group meticulously researched the area and mapped the original location in the cemetery and the

reconstruction was based on those parameters. Historic bricks taken from the Wing Tsue building, originally located on lower Main Street, were used in the construction of the new burner and altar.

The completed burner and altar were officially dedicated in 2013.

The Wong family, descendants of Fee Lee Wong, the original proprietors of the Wing Tsue building, officiated the dedication.

The completed burner and altar were officially dedicated in 2013.

The Wong family, descendants of

Fee Lee Wong, the original proprietors of the Wing Tsue building, officiated the dedication.

Today, the Chinese burner and altar stands as a success story of Deadwood’s Historic Preservation efforts and symbolizes the Chinese community that left an indelible mark on the history and prosperity of Deadwood.

For more information on Deadwood’s history, visit Deadwood. com or come visit the National Historic Landmark for yourself.

For More on South Dakota Click Here

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -67-

For more on Wisconsin

> Click Here

-68- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

Things to Do:

Foreign Dining

Malika

• Malika: After a successful run with Ma’am Saab at Workshop, Co-Owners Raheel and Maryam have opened Charleston’s only Pakistani restaurant in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. Malika offers canteen-style Pakistani street food with favorites like the Chicken Biryani, Aloo Tikki Roll and Masala Fries.

“Street food is an essential part of everyday life in Pakistan,” shares Maryam. “Whether it’s a quick lunch with a friend, a mid-day tea and chaat date, or a quick snack to cool off after a summer shopping spree, we all turn to the ever creative, never disappointing foods sold by hard working vendors along the busy street sides.” Guests of Malika can enjoy canteen classics like the Aloo Tikki Roll, Chaat Papri, Beef Shami Bun, Cholay Biryani

Jalisco

and Masala Fries, along with a selection of hot & cold drinks such as Mango Lassi, Pakola and Desi Hot Chai.

The couple plans to open the brick & mortar of their original concept Ma’am Saab in downtown Charleston later this spring.

For a menu, to order online or more information, visit https:// www.malikacanteen.com/

•Pink Cactus:

Charleston-native and certified sommelier, Chef/Owner Brooke Warden, opened Pink Cactus with the goal to bring a hip, fun and casual Oaxacan style restaurant to Charleston’s blossoming food scene. Menu items range from tacos and quesadillas to whole local fish.

There are also, of course, plenty of margarita options to choose from, like their Frozen Pink Cactus Marg, perfect for beat-

ing the scorching Charleston summer heat.

• Jalisco Taqueria and Tequila:

Representing the heart of authentic Mexican cuisine and culture, Jalisco, located on James Island, honors the traditions of fresh, local ingredients and lots of tequila. With a spacious outdoor area, cornhole, foosball and TVs, this place makes for a great casual meetup spot for family and friends.

Don’t miss favorites from Chef Michael Harvey like their Tacos Birria, Elote Dip, Chile Rellenos and Carne en su Jugo.

For more information, visit www.jalisco-chs.com

For More on South Carolina

> Click Here March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -69-

Places to Go:

Moravian Living

The Moravians, or Unitas Fratrum (United Brethren), were German-speaking Protestants. As followers of Jan Hus, a Bohemian heretic who was burned at the stake in 1415, the Moravians are acknowledged as the first Protestants, pre-dating the Lutherans by 100 years.

The settlement of Bethabara in what is today Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was founded on November 17, 1753 when fifteen Moravian Brethren arrived after walking from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The Moravians, or Unitas Fratrum (United Brethren), were German-speaking Protestants. As followers of Jan Hus, a Bohemian heretic who was burned at the stake in 1415, the Moravians are acknowledged as the first Protestants, pre-dating the Lutherans by 100 years. Bethabara became the first Moravian settlement in North Carolina. It was the beginning of a series of Moravian settlements on the 100,000-acre tract that the Moravians had purchased in the Piedmont of North Carolina.

Dr. Stanley South arrived in the 1960s to undertake a major archaeological excavation of the original town.

Today, you can see the foundations of the original buildings that were uncovered during the dig. In addition, the -70- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022

1788 Gemeinhaus has been restored to its 18th century appearance. The 1782 Potter’s House is in the process of being restored as well. You can visit the 1834 Log House and see the 1802 Brewer’s House as they appeared originally. In addition, the 1754 Village, Community Garden, and Medicinal Garden have all been reconstructed so that the area looks as it did in the 1750s. The garden, originally laid out in 1759, is the only documented colonial community garden in the United States.

Tour guides give visitors to Historic Bethabara Park a sense of what living in the colonial Piedmont was like.

Special event weekends throughout the year spotlight different aspects of Bethabara’s history and the history of the region. Explore the restored 1788 Gemeinhaus with an experienced tour guide. Bethabara’s 18th century Gemeinhaus, meaning “meeting house” in German, is the only German colonial church with attached minister’s living quarters remaining in For More on the United States.

North Carolina

> Click Here

For more on Tennessee

>CLICK HERE March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -71-

Scene Top Picks New hot spots have joined long-time favorite restaurants in Abingdon.

Foresta (190 East Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276206-8490) has added variety and upscale flair to Abingdon’s food scene with a creative and ever-changing Italian/Mediterranean menu and an ethereal atmosphere. Reservations are the best way to ensure a spot at the table here.

The Girl & The Raven (380 East Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-698-3333) is a lovely cafe featuring dishes created from regionally sourced ingredients, paired with premium craft coffees roasted in small batches, using ethically sourced beans.

At Jack’s 128 Pecan (128 Pecan Street SE, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-698-3159), diners choose from a menu of popular sandwiches with unique twists, special dinner entrees and housemade desserts, all in a friendly, quirky atmosphere.

Luke’s Café (823 West Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 34210; 276-623-2233) features unique salads, burgers and sandwiches and a full dinner menu that all has an artistic flair. Fresh food and an art-and-music-inspired setting combine an outstanding dining experience with a casual atmosphere.

Rain (283 East Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276739-2331) is a local favorite that

has an extensive menu and artsy atmosphere. From soups, seafood and steaks to distinctive drinks and desserts, the choices are creative and yummy. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

Bone Fire Smokehouse & Musictorium (260 West Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-623-0037) is a smokehouse and restaurant popular for both outstanding food and amazing music. Located in an old hardware store, Bone Fire serves slow-smoked meats with “Southern high-country sides” and is an excellent venue for original music from local and regional artists.

Dinner at The Tavern (222 East Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-628-1118) is a tradition here! Located in one of Abingdon’s oldest buildings (built in 1779), The Tavern has a fascinating atmosphere, both indoors and in its courtyard. Its diverse menu, coupled with an extensive beer and wine list and full bar, make for an excellent dining experience.

Reservations are recommended.

Abingdon has been described as one of the coolest small towns in the country. It combines these great local eateries with historic charm and easy proximity to spectacular outdoor recreation.

For more Abingdon adventure, a visit to VisitAbingdonVirginia. com offers online itineraries, a full list of restaurants, and more.

In Abingdon, the lodging is as eclectic as the dining.

An Abingdon landmark, the Martha Washington Inn and Spa (150 West Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-628-3161) offers 61 guest rooms and suites, fine and casual dining and a variety of activities to ensure a memorable stay. It is a member of Historic Hotels of America and has both a Mobil Travel Guide’s FourStar Award and a AAA Four-Diamond Award. There are bed and breakfasts to choose from, like the popular Gather Inn (155 East Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 540-623-3876). This historic home offers downtown access, a beautiful setting and the best of Virginia hospitality. For a more rustic experience, the exceptional Grayson Highlands State Park (Mouth of Wilson, 829 Grayson Highlands Lane, Abingdon, Virginia 24363; 276-579-7092) offers yurts, primitive and RV camping sites as well as bunkhouse lodging.

These, along with a variety of other lodging options, give visitors a complete array of accommodations to fit any need.

For more on Virginia

>CLICK HERE

March, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -73-

-74- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ March, 2022