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A New Column: Resort Picks Travel Passport Free By Jenna Bush, guest author
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
Tuscany on the California Coast (Casa Palmero, Pebble Beach Resorts)
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 homes to Cotswold cottages. In nearby Tarrytown, landscape tours resume May 7 at the Gothic Revival mansion Lyndhurst. Untermyer Gardens (Yonkers) is another must, with its 43 acres of distinct, themed gardens ranging from a Walled Garden modeled after ancient Indo-Persian gardens to the naturalistic Rock and Stream Garden. Head north to Peekskill for a proper English tea at Kathleen’s Tea Room on Main Street, then check in for the night at The Abbey Inn, a stylish new hotel set in the beautifully restored, Gothic Revival remains of a former Episcopal convent and chapel. Its design evocative of a private Mediterranean estate, Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach offers all the trappings of a romantic retreat in Italy, with the 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 secluded setting just steps from the links but a world apart. Casa Palmero guests enjoy romantic touches like gas fireplaces, deep soaking tubs, private patios with whirlpool spas, a sparkling swimming pool, lush courtyard garden, and an exceptional level of personalized service. Be sure to book a romantic dinner for two at Pebble Beach Resorts’ acclaimed Pèppoli, serving authentic Tuscan-style dishes paired with the widest selection of Antinori wines outside of Tuscany. And but a five-minute drive away is downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, where cobblestoned streets and fairytale-like cottage homes are reminiscent of a medieval European town.
Casa Palmero Pebble Beach Resorts
Little Switzerland of America
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. 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. 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, 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. 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.
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 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/
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.
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:
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. Know Before You Go Learn when, where and how you can reserve your place on this entertaining, educational expedition.
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.
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 experience, 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.
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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 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.
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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 firstof-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. 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 Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballon. Due to the prominence 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.
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Abundant 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
Go, Do. See: Bavarian Alpine Helen- White County 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
Bavarian Alpine Helen- 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
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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,” 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,
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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/
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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 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.
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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.
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Places to Go:
El Paso, an International metroplex
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. 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.
El Paso, an International metroplex
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 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.
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 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.
People to See: Picasso - In His Paintings
Jake Barton, Creative Director and Founder of Local Projects. explained, “We wanted visitors to directly experience the dynamism of his lived presence, and deepen their understanding of the di verse chapters of Picasso’s storied career. Amongst a century of revolutions, he was a revolutionary, impacting artists, art-lov ers, and the world itself.”
In addition to Mauger and Barton, the creative team behind Imagine Picasso includes work from renowned Architect Rudy Ricciotti and Curator and Art Histo rian Androula Michael. The exhibition is produced by France-based Encore Pro
Picasso - In His Paintings
Jake Barton, Creative Director and Founder of Local Projects. explained, “We wanted visitors to directly experience the dynamism of his lived presence, and deepen their understanding of the diverse chapters of Picasso’s storied career. Amongst a century of revolutions, he was a revolutionary, impacting artists, art-lovers, and the world itself.”
In addition to Mauger and Barton, the creative team behind Imagine Picasso includes work from renowned Architect Rudy Ricciotti and Curator and Art Historian Androula Michael. The exhibition is produced by France-based Encore Productions, 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 expansive 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.
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Places to Go: Chinatown
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 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
Chinatown
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.
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 Carne Asada Tacos, the For More on Nevada restaurant’s most popular >Click here dish.
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/
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Thins to Do:
Dining at Asian - Owned Restaurants
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
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).
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.”
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.
Dining at Asian - 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.
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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 basketball 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.
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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
