Epic Travel Magazine September 2020

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EPIC+ S E P T E M B E R

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M A G A Z I N E

PISMO BEACH

LAS VEGAS

MARGINAL WAY ST. PETERSBURG

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Explore the world’s amazing destinations

EXPLORE Las Vegas

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Exclusive Luxury Getaways We’re here to help you plan your trip. Whatever the reason you’re traveling, we’ve got you covered. Even if you only need to book a hotel because you’re heading to your family reunion in Petoskey, and you refuse to sleep in your Great Aunt Tallulah’s guest room because it smells like mothballs.

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Contents.qxp_Layout 1 9/8/20 9:27 PM Page 1

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6 THIS IS WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF

22. GINNIE SPRINGS

Take the TMZ celebrity tour!

24. PISMO BEACH

11. OFKORS BAKERY

Central Coast wines of California

From the inside looking out, you won't see a single child who walks by without looking in.

26. DESTINATION SALEM

12. UNIQUE EATS IN ST. PETE 16. THE RESTAURANTS THAT NEVER SLEEP

30. PORTLAND HEAD LIGHTHOUSE & FORT WILLIAMS PARK 35-45. LAS VEGAS Explore all that Las Vegas has to offer.

21. MARGINALWAY Marginal Way leaves visitors breathless with its scenic views and lengthy trails.

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This is what dreams are made of.qxp_Layout 1 9/8/20 1:55 PM Page 1

T H I S

I S

W H A T

DREAMS A R E

M A D E

O F

by Stephanie Serpe | Travel Industry Storyteller

E

xperience the secrets of Hollywood! See the places celebs go to party and play, Discover the hotspots where you can mingle with the stars! Immerse yourself in the ultimate Hollywood experience, Take the TMZ celebrity tour!

Join TMZ Celebrity Tour guides and see the REAL Hollywood, on a 2-hour celebrity safari. As you travel through Hollywood, West Hollywood, The Sunset Strip and Beverly Hills, you willl see the locations TMZ has made famous over the last decade and watch some of the biggest stories in celebrity entertainment news come to life on your customized luxurious tour buses.

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“JOIN TMZ CELEBRITY TOUR GUIDES AND SEE THE REAL H O L LY W O O D , O N A 2 - H O U R C E L E B R I T Y S A FA R I . ”

Produced by the same team behind the iconic celebrity news website and TV shows, this tour is a must for anyone hoping to increase their chances of spotting their favorite star, and you will never know who you’ll see! Discover where celebs hang out, party and play, with tour guides who are equipped with video cameras and always on the lookout and ready to spring in to action to interview any celebs you may see along the way and send the footage directly back to the TMZ Newsroom.

After your tour, Los Angeles has one of the most dynamic dining scenes in the country, offering everything from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. Whether it’s a sleek, modern dining room or a casual oceanfront patio, diners can choose from an astonishing menu of global cuisines. Visitors to Nobu Malibu (22706 Pacific CoastHwy, Malibu 90265) will find floorto- ceiling wood, cushioned lounge chairs, and crashing waves.

Power couples like Kim Kardashian & Kanye West, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley & Jason Statham, and Chrissy Teigen & John Legend have all graced the airy restaurant. Notable bites include monkfish pate with caviar, black cod with miso, and roasted King crab with uni.

Demand is rising for high-end Italian restaurant Madeo (362 N. Camden Dr., Beverly Hills 90210) that Gianni Vietina and brother Nicola couldn’t wait for reconstruction to finish in their original building, so they temporarily moved to central Beverly Hills. The space should be recognizable to people who frequented the family-run institution thanks to the same sumptuous striped booths. Celebrities who have entered past Madeo’s green awning have included Kate Hudson, Drake, and Ryan Reynolds. The owners have leaned into luxury – this is Beverly Hills, after all – serving grilled baby lamb chops, grilled langoustines, and veal Milanese.

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OfKors Bakery.qxp_Layout 1 9/1/20 3:59 PM Page 1

A Must Try

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OfKorsCheesecakes.

Pistachio is our favorite!

Bakery on Main Street

OF

From the inside looking out, you won't see a single child who walks by without looking in. Eyes wide, they will peek inside, both their palms pressed onto the glass.

OfKors has a gentle, yet commanding presence at 1359 Main Street, located in downtown Sarasota that draws in a diverse crowd. Travelers flock to this family-owned bakery for the welcoming sense of community it embodies. The majority of employees are from various places across Europe, especially Ukraine. Prepare to be enchanted by a multitude of accents.

There is a sofa by the window as well as tables and chairs along the painted brown walls. Amber lighting and simple interior decor helps elevate this small cafe into a cozy, lounge-like atmosphere.

There is also outside seating available beneath an umbrella.

My first time visiting the bakery, a soft-spoken Ukranian woman with deep-set eyes

recommended me the Tiramisu and Freddo OfKors (an organic acai, mixed berry, and basil beverage blended with ice). Both were phenomenal and remain my personal favorites to this day.

OfKors has everything from cannolis, baklava, and macarons to cheesecakes, honey cake, and fruit tarts. (It is also not uncommon to be offered a complimentary donut if you are in the right place at the right time.) The baked treats are almost too pretty to be real, yet they are. And they are delicious.

If sweet is not your treat, there are also unique sandwich options. The stuffed butter croissant with smoked salmon and cream cheese and lettuce is undoubtedly a delicacy in my review book.

Be sure to try out the Ripple coffee printer while you're there. Upgrade that cappuccino of yours by printing a beloved picture of you and a loved one on top.

Where to find us.

1359 Main Street Sarasota, Florida 34236 ofkorsbakery.com | 941-330-2220 bakery@ofkorsbakery.com

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UniqueEats

by Sabrina Baron

in Saint Pete

s

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IceBurg

449 Central Ave #102, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 800-9816 Instagram: @iceburgrolledicecream facebook.com/iceburgstpete

Rolled ice cream, also known as stir-fried ice cream, has been delighting the people of Thailand since 2009.

According to Business Insider, its popularity increased after videos featuring street vendors making the dessert in Thailand went viral.

Soon after, rolled ice cream began to be sold worldwide and shops have been popping up across the nation. Ice cream in its original form is a popular dessert among Americans, so it isn’t a surprise that this new form has already taken the U.S. by storm.

Though the flavor is the same and the base recipe doesn’t differ from normal ice cream, rolled ice cream has a denser texture. It comes in a cylinder shape and has spirals on both ends.

A shop called IceBurg, located on Central Ave, serves up rolled ice cream to Saint Pete dessert lovers.

They offer 22 unique and different flavors of rolled ice cream. According to the store’s manager Alea Saric, IceBurg’s most popular is the classic Cookies & Cream.

The flavor combinations they offer range from familiar to exotic. For example, they have flavors such as strawberry, vanilla and coconut. But, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can order flavors like taro, Thai tea and green tea.

When you eat rolled ice cream, don’t think you’re just limited to singular flavors. For example, IceBurg offers a flavor called Flamingo. It starts with a green tea ice cream base then strawberries and sweetened condensed milk are added to the mix. After watching your dessert be made in front of you, IceBurg invites you to customize your cup of rolled ice cream with toppings ranging from fresh fruit to gummy bears.

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Pop Goes the Waffle

Various locations around the St Pete and Tampa Bay Area Email: hello@popgoesthewaffle.com Instagram: @popgoesthewaffle Website: popgoesthewaffle.com

A food truck with a fun name and even more fun waffle creations!

The Pop Goes the Waffle truck travels to various locations in the St Pete area and their products can be found in some local coffee shops. It was established in 2017 and offers a wide variety of gourmet waffles. You won't find the average waffle with maple syrup and butter here! From waffle pops to waffle donuts, waffle lovers will have a hard time deciding what to order when they walk up to the truck window.

The flavors are interchanged every so often so be sure to check out their instagram account (@popgoesthewaffle) to get a look at the menu before you head out to wherever their location may be. Strawberries and Cream, Oreo, and Cinnamon Toast are a few flavors creations that have come from the mind of owner Sara Gerald Fludd.

Don't worry if you miss one of their pop up events.

Certain coffee shops around St. Pete and the Tampa Bay area sell the delicious waffles!

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Rollbotto

221 1st St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 487-2681 Instagram: @rollbotto Email: contact.us@rollbotto.com

Think Subway but for sushi!

Rollboto is a sushi restaurant that gives guests the opportunity to create special sushi rolls that cater to their specific tastes. Whether you prefer brown rice over white rice or prefer to have your sushi wrapped in soy paper instead of seaweed, Rollbotto has you covered!

When you approach the counter, you get to choose the base of your roll, the protein, as well as the veggies and toppings. Every time you go to Rollbotto you can create a completely different and totally unique sushi roll.

If the idea of a fully customized roll is too intimidating, they also offer a equally delicious menu of "pre-programmed" specialty rolls. You can also enjoy sides with your sushi such as spring rolls and miso soup.

For dessert, they offer mochi ice cream in flavors such as green tea and mango.

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Las Vegas: T H E R E S TA U R A N T S T H AT N E V E R S L E E P

By Lorrayne Sousa | Travel Industry Storyteller

L

as Vegas is known for many things, one of them being that it keeps you out way past your bedtime with its countless casinos, clubs, shows and bars. It truly is a city that never sleeps. Sometimes that means you need to satisfy your late night cravings, but not all restaurants are open late and not all late night restaurants are created equal. So here are five highly rated restaurants that are open late for you to keep in mind on your next late night out

Secret Pizza

This New York style pizza joint lives up to its name. It’s hidden on the third floor of the Cosmopolitan and is open until 4 a.m. on weekdays and 5 a.m. on weekends, perfect after a night of clubbing. This pizza joint is unmarked so look out for CD album covers on the walls and follow the smell of pizza but note that this is a very popular pizza place so if you are very hungry you may want to head to one of the other choices below.

Vanderpump Cocktail Garden

Located in Caesar’s Palace, Vaderpump Cocktail Garden is a newly opened lounge. If you are familiar with reality TV than you may be familiar with the name. Lisa Vanderbilt, a reality TV star from the hit, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules, is the owner of this Instagram worthy bar and lounge. It’s open until 12 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends where you will find cocktails and appetizers with super cheeky names. This is one of the few celebrity restaurants and or bars that are open past midnight. So if you are looking for a more high-end experience after hours, this may be the place for you.

Vanderpump Cocktail Garden

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Vanderpump Cocktail Garden

Nacho Daddy

With its catchy name you better believe that there will be nachos! Along with other Mexican specialties, there is also a vegan menu. Nacho Daddy is open every day until 3 a.m. to fulfill your nacho craving. There are threedifferent locations for this restaurant in Las Vegas but if you are staying directly on the strip, you will find one near the Miracle Miles Shop mall and Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino.

Lucky Penny

Remember that times are subject to change depending on the season so before heading out for your late night snack or meal, it is important to verify the business hours of your restaurant of choice. There’s nothing worse than arriving to a closed restaurant when you are “hangry”.

Lucky Penny Cafe

A 24 hour cafО inside the Palms Casino & Resort, Lucky Penny CafО is where you can get your early morning breakfast and coffee fix or your burger and fries fix. Vegans can also rejoice as this cafО has a vegan menu of its own making it a late night pleaser for all.

Biwon Korean BBQ and Sushi Restaurant

Their all you can eat sushi menu makes Biwon Korean BBQ and Sushi Restaurant a favorite among sushi lovers and for those who are not sushi fans, their Korean BBQ is among the best in the area. This restaurant is located right outside the Palace Station Hotel & Casino and is open every day until 3 a.m.

Nacho Daddy

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Marginal Way.qxp_Layout 1 9/1/20 5:21 PM Page 1

“ M A R G I N A L WAY B EG I N S N E A R O G U N Q U I T ’ S T H R E E- M I L E S PA N O F B E A C H E S . T H E WA L K E N D S AT P E R K I N S C O V E , W H I C H I S F I L L E D W I T H S H O P S , R E S TA U R A N T S , A N D B E A U T I F U L V I E W S .”

VISIT FOOTBRIDGE LOBSTER Located in Ogunquit, Maine, in the center of Perkins Cove, Footbridge Lobster is the little red building with a not so little love for lobster.

MarginalWay

by Alexis Collis

Marginal Way leaves visitors breathless with its scenic views and lengthy trails. Located in Ogunquit, Maine, the coastal walk spans over a mile long with 39 benches strategically placed. Marginal Way begins near Ogunquit’s three-mile span of beaches. The walk ends at Perkins Cove, which is filled with shops, restaurants, and beautiful views. Visitors will be able to enjoy the fresh fish at the lively seafood restaurants that are located in the Cove. Many enjoy the view of the cold tides of the Restless Sea crashing into the rough cliffs. At Marginal Way, you have the option to fish, surf, or simply enjoy the view. If you find yourself traveling to Maine soon, make sure you stop at Marginal Way.

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R E F R E S H & R E V I TA L I Z E

Ginnie

Springs

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race yourself, nature lovers! Even if you’ve felt the Florida summer heat, you will discover no cold shower can compete once you swim in the state’s freshwater springs. The water is clear but it is chilly, especially in comparison to the bathtub of the ocean you may be used to swimming in at the beach. Immerse yourself in, then emerge from the southern side of the Santa Fe River — your body refreshed and your spirit revitalized.

You can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddle board, if that’s your style. For lazy adventurers, or those on a budget, tubing is an affordable alternative. What are you waiting for when there are limestone caverns to explore?

There are also campgrounds for overnighters with water and electricity, plus plenty of updated outdoor facilities, including (but not limited to): picnic tables, grills, bathhouses, laundry services, covered pavilions, a rental cottage, volleyball courts, and wifi internet access.

During the summer, the park is open from 8am to 7pm Monday through Thursday, 8am to 9pm Friday and Saturday, and 8am to 8pm on Sunday. Winter hours can be found on their website.

7300 Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, FL 32643 ginniespringsoutdoors.com 386-454-7188

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C E N T R A L C OA S T W I N E S O F CA L I F O R N I A :

Pismo Beach

Beginning along the historic Highway 101 in Santa Barbara and continuing for 300 km. north to the San Francisco Bay Area is California’s Central Coast.

Known for its fertile valleys and awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean, the Highway 101 winds around mountains and sheer cliffs to the beaches below. One of the lesser known attractions of the Central Coast are its diverse wines and wineries. The region claims some of the oldest grapes in California.

In the late 1700s, Franciscan monks introduced their mission grapes to California as they travelled north along El Camino Real (“The Royal Road”), now known as the Highway 101.

Mission grapes were planted at the site of each of the Catholic missions built by the Franciscan

monks. The grapes naturally adopted this moniker as their origin was unknown. While mission grapes were the original variety introduced to California, and specifically the Central Coast, today the region is primarily known for its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah wines. This is due to a cooler climate and reduced sun exposure than is typically experienced to the south. These conditions combine for frequently foggy, cool days that are prime for growing grape varietals such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

In the fall of 2016, while working in California between San Diego and San Francisco, I stopped in Pismo Beach after seeing a billboard along the Highway 101 imploring motorists to “Discover California’s Southern Wine Country”. I had four days to kill between my work event in Palm Springs and the next in San Francisco. After a seafood lunch in Santa Barbara, sampling some wine by the beach would be a great cap to the afternoon.

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I turned off the 101 and easily navigated to Price street, Pismo Beach’s main drag.

Tastes of the Valleys Wine Bar was waiting with an inviting street view and large clusters of brightly colored plants and flowers arranged outside. It was a quiet Monday and the owner and bartender was quietly rearranging the nearly empty store as I stepped inside, jingling the bell on the door as I entered. She greeted me with a warm smile and invited me to sit at the bar. We chatted for a few minutes before she asked what she could help me with, what had brought me in that day. I responded that I wasn’t quite sure; I’d seen the sign along the highway and decided to stop in to see what Pismo Beach had to offer for local wines.

After explaining several varieties, we decided on several crisp chardonnays to start with.

I had gone in thinking I would choose a wine to bring back to Michigan as a gift for my mother I hadn’t seen in several months. I wasn’t disappointed with what I found.

Many of the bottles produced in the Central Coast region, particularly around Pismo Beach rarely make it out of the area due to the high demand and limited supply produced each growing season.

A great personal touch to my afternoon at Tastes of the Valleys came after choosing a bottle to bring home to Michigan. The owner gestured behind me to a table in the corner where the proprietor of that respective winery was talking with another customer. A few minutes later I had a unique gift to bring back to Michigan signed with a jolly “Cheers from Pismo Beach!” by the man who made it.

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D e s t i n a t i o n

salem GETTING INSIDE MASSACHUSETTS’ WITCHY HISTORY

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T

he East Coast has the best of both worlds, mountains, and beaches. It’s rich in our country’s history.

New England has beautiful Autumns. Vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow control the foliage of the region’s best awardwinning, spectacular scenic Autumn displays, along with its exciting history.

Possibly everybody’s heard of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 in History class. What about its harbor? Perhaps you, the reader are like I was, unaware of the importance of Salem’s harbor during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries as an international port for the colonies, bringing in imports of ceramics, furniture, decorative arts, etc. This harbor was in its prime between the years of 1775 and 1812, due to its Cod fish exports and molasses imports. Cod fish was traded for valuable cargos such as oranges, grapes, iron, and wine. Molasses was used to make the rum industry. In fact, the harbor is responsible for keeping the town of Salem alive during the Revolutionary War. Today, the area around the harbor is a national park called Salem Maritime National Historic Site and the country’s first national historic site established in 1938. Its buildings and wharves tell the story of a time long gone, a time development of colonial portal towns, and how important global trading was important to The United States economy in its youth.

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The shops around the harbor are called Pickering Wharf, which include dining establishments and local stores that sell a variety of items. There are book shops that sell reading material about maritime or witchcraft. There are spice stores where one can find an assortment of spices to choose from. Art stores/galleries where local artists sell their wares. Also, gift shops to buy the normal tacky tourist items of t-shirts, refrigerator magnets, or maybe that coffee cup to show off at work. And don’t forget, pirates are part of maritime lore. There’s plenty of focus on these scoundrels all around the town as well.

Of course, Salem’s major commerce focus is tourism that seeks things such as witchcraft, ghosts, and hauntings, which makes the month of October its busiest time of the year. Many of the town’s streets are closed off to motor traffic. Many merchants will only allow a certain number of patrons inside their establishments at one time to avoid overcrowding and a way to keep control of what happens in their shop.

There are a plethora of ways to tour around Salem, while see sites while learning either history or legends, moonlit haunted/ghost walking tours, moonlit witch walking tours, or a trolley ride are a few.

The “spooky” events begin as soon as the of October does. There is an annual Psychic Fair and Witches Market that begins on October 1st and lasts until Halloween. Also, an annual Halloween night event is The Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball with the night ending with a firework show.

Yes, I love visiting Salem during Autumn and Halloween time, but if one doesn’t enjoy being in large crowds or not a Halloween lover still visit. Just make sure you do it during another time of the year.

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“THERE IS AN ANNUAL PSYCHIC FA I R A N D W I TC H E S M A R K E T T H AT BEGINS ON OCTOBER 1ST AND L AS TS U N T I L H A L LOW E E N .”

There is still plenty to see and do at any other time of year. If you’re a history buff, there is an abundant of sites and events to take part in.

If you’re into witchcraft, there are various museums focused on the Witch Trials and shops that sell spells, tarot cards, and books on the history and the practice of witchcraft.

Destination Salem/Official Travel & Tourism Website of Salem, MA www.salem.org National Park Service: Salem Maritime www.nps.gov/sama/index.htm

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P O R T L A N D

H E A D

L I G H T H O U S E A N D F O R T W I L L I A M S

P A R K

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The famous Portland Head lighthouse is in the town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine along the beautiful shores of the Fort Williams park.

This monumental lighthouse is the most photographed one in the country and is also the oldest one in Maine. The Portland Head has protected the area and its residents since 1776. During this time, Cape Elizabeth’s citizens were yearning for America’s independence from British rule. To do so, they hired eight soldiers to guard the Portland Head and warn the citizens of incoming British attacks. In 1787, the Massachusetts legislature issued $750 for the construction of the Portland Head lighthouse. The original tower measured at seventy-two feet from the base to the lantern deck and was first lit by sixteen whale lamps on January 10, 1791.

Fort Williams park, which is directly adjacent to the lighthouse, has over ninety acres and is a great tourist attraction. There are many fun activities for visitors to enjoy such as strolling down the park paths, taking a tour of the Arboretum, or simply relaxing on the soft sand of the beach. And, of course, visiting the lighthouse. There are also two delicious food vendors to check out called Gorgeous Gelato and Bite Into Maine, which serves mouthwatering lobster rolls and various other sandwiches.

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PL A C E S TO V I S I T >The Lighthouse

Let’s start with the most important place to visit in the town of Cape Elizabeth: The Portland Head lighthouse. When you visit the promontory (the spit of land where the lighthouse sits), you might notice the waves crashing against a very unusual-looking rock formation. From afar, it seems to be some sort of wood that has been petrified, but in actuality the formation is made of quartzite and a dark grey phyllite that has been piling up in alternating layers for years. As you are looking over the beautiful Portland harbor and Casco Bay on a clear day, you will be able to see four other lighthouse towers. On the northside, you will see the Spring Point Ledge Light that was built in 1897, and the Ram Island Ledge Light which was built in 1905 and is currently solar powered.

If you are interested in wartime relics, there are a few forts near the lighthouse that were built during the American Revolution and World War II like Fort Gorges, Fort Preble, and Fort Scammel. Around these forts are many walking paths, a cliff walk that has an amazing view, and a new Arboretum.

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If you would like to get an even better view of the Portland Head region, there are small boats that will ferry passengers throughout the bay to take pictures of the scenery. While on the boat, you will see some brightly colored buoys which are used to mark lobster traps, and if you are lucky, you may come across a few lobstermen pulling up the traps. Occasionally, on days when the sky is dark and misty, you might hear the woeful sound of the foghorn that reminds us about the significance of light stations. >The Ecology Project

After exploring the lighthouse, you can make your way down to The Ecology Project area of the Fort Williams park. If you are an environmentalist or are someone who simply enjoys nature, then this is the place for you. The Ecology Project is a long-lasting, parkwide initiative that the Friends of Fort Williams Park organization have put together to help sustain the park and keep it ecofriendly. The first project they developed was the ‘Cliffside’ back in 2012, where you can take a nice stroll through the trees and shrubs, have a seat on the stone walls, and relax with a stunning view of the Casco Bay. The organization’s second project was the Lighthouse View, where you can walk amongst wildflowers in a meadow near the lighthouse. It also serves as a great reminder about the beauty of nature and keeping the environment safe.

The third project was creating the ‘Children’s Garden’, which was made to celebrate Portland’s ecology and history while also encouraging kids to enjoy nature through climbing, exploring, and discovering new and exciting things in the garden. The Children’s Garden includes a bunch of paths that lead to many different fun activities the kids can participate in. There’s a shallow pond that has frogs and dragonflies they can play with, waterfalls that flow into the Skating Pond, a tree fort they can look through, and many more interesting places for children to discover. There

is a picnic area as well for families to relax and recover as they wait for the kids to return from their exciting adventures. >Ship Cove Beach

This is for all the beach lovers out there! On the north side of the entrance is a small, rocky beach called ‘Ship Cove’ and has a lovely view of the Ram Island Ledge Light. It’s a great place to cool off from those hot summer days and dip your toes into the icy cold water. You can also pack a delicious picnic and unwind for a little on the picnic tables across the beach parking lot, which also includes swings for the kids to enjoy. >Museum and Gift Shop

Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by the Museum at Portland Head Light and gift shop so you can bring back a souvenir. The museum is inside the former lightkeeper’s house that was built in 1891 as a duplex for the head Keeper, Assistant Keeper, and their families. You will learn more about the history of the Portland Head Light as you walk through the exhibits and uncover artifacts and documents, navigational aids, photographs, etc. While you wander through the museum, a historical timeline will help guide your tour, starting with the origins of the lighthouse and its keepers, how technology has changed over the two-hundred plus years, and ending with the Portland Head Light becoming automated in 1989. You can also check out the great souvenirs the gift shop has to offer at their website https://portlandheadlight.com/museu m-and-gift-shop.

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T H E L I G H T H O U S E A N D F ORT W I L L I A M S P A R K A R E A W E S O M E TOU R I S T AT T R A C T ION S FOR A N YONE W HO I S

F A S C I N A T E D B Y T H E H I S TOR Y OF

L I G H T H O U S E S , W A RT I M E , O R H A S A LO V E F O R N AT U R E .

G ROU P G AT H E R I N G S The Fort Williams park hosts a variety of gatherings throughout the year for companies, family reunions, field trips, birthdays and weddings. You can reserve the following facilities for a fee: Picnic Shelter, Gazebo, Band Stand, and Ship Cove Platform. The park has a Family Fun Day as well that happens at the end of the school year. They have a parade that starts down the Shore road and goes to the entrance of the park, followed by several activities, a concert, and ends with a spectacular firework show. If you are more of the athletic type, there is also a 10K road race called ‘Beach to Beacon’ that is held annually on the first Saturday of August. Over six-thousand people participate in this race that starts at Crescent Beach and ends at the Portland Head Light.

The Lighthouse and Fort Williams park are awesome tourist attractions for anyone who is fascinated by the history of lighthouses, wartime, or has a love for nature. The park is open all year from sunrise to sunset and is free, although they appreciate donations.

If you would like more information about all the attractions the Portland Head Light and Fort Williams park have to offer, you can visit their website at portlandheadlight.com.

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By Lorrayne Sousa | Travel Industry Storyteller

I N S T A G R A M W O R T H Y A T T R A C T I O N S

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THE NEON MUSEUM B E L L AG I O CO N S E RVATO RY A N D B OTA N I C A L G A R D E N THE LINQ’S HIGH ROLLER |

CO N TA I N E R PA R K

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W

ith it’s larger than life persona, Las Vegas is notably atop city for Instagram worthy pictures. If capturing the perfect selfie is important for you, then you must visit these destinations.

THE NEON MUSEUM

The Neon Museum may just be the place for you if you are a history buff. There you will find neon signs from the past that makes for a great backdrop for your photos, including the famous Stardust sign.

As of recently, the Neon Museum has included an exhibit by Tim Burton. If you are a Tim Burton fan then this is a must see.

THE LINQ’S HIGH ROLLER

The LINQ’s High Roller, located at the LINGQ Hotel & Casino, is a great place to get photos from a different perspective.

This Ferris wheel isn’t like any Ferris wheel at a state fair, it is the world’s tallest Ferris wheel! Each spacious cabin has a 360 degree panorama view and takes half an hour to complete a full circle. A great tip is to take this ride as long as you are not afraid of heights, at sundown where you can get a gorgeous shot of the sunset behind the hotels and rolling hills. After your photoshootI mean ride, head on over to the LINQ Promenade where you can take stunning pictures in front of the High Roller.

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T H E L I N Q ’ S H I G H R O L L E R , LO C AT E D AT T H E L I N G Q H OT E L & C A S I N O, I S A G R E AT P L AC E TO GET PHOTOS FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE.

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L A S T LY, AT T H E O U T S K I R T S O F T H E S T R I P, I N D O W N T O W N L A S V E G A S , YO U W I L L F I N D T H E CO N TA I N E R PA R K . W H AT I S T H AT YO U M AY A S K , W E L L I T ’ S A S H O P P I N G D I S T R I C T M A D E O U T O F CO N TA I N E R S .

B E L L AG I O CO N S E RVATO RY A N D B OTA N I C A L GA R D E N

If flowers are your thing, then head on over to the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden located inside the Bellagio Resort. Here you find beautiful and mesmerizing displays of plants and flowers. Within the conservatory you will also find Bellagio’s Arcadia which is a showcase of one of a kind flower arrangements and displays.

The photo opportunities are endless here and while you are there, visit the Bellagio fountains right outside of the resort to witness the Fountain Show every 30 minutes.

CO N TA I N E R PA R K

Lastly, At the outskirts of the strip, in downtown Las Vegas, you will find the Container Park. What is that you may ask, well it’s a shopping district made out of containers.

There you will find restaurants, bars, lawn games, live music and a fenced in playground.

It may not be an attraction by definition, but the grunginess look of this area is the complete opposite of what you will find on the Las Vegas Strip. So what makes this place Instagram worthy? Well this area of downtown Las Vegas, specifically Fremont Street, is a budding art district where you will find colorful and larger than life murals every corner you turn. There’s nothing more Instagram worthy than a cool moral as your background and while you are there enjoy the greenspace and have a drink!

In all honesty, Las Vegas has an overwhelming amount of photo opportunities, everywhere you turn you will find something to take a picture of, but remember to worry less about getting the right shot or the perfect angle and to be present and enjoy your time at this one of a kind destination. There is no other like it.

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Everything is grand in

LAS VEGAS INCLUDING THE SHOPPING

By Lorrayne Sousa | Travel Industry Storyteller

S

o let’s start off with the hotel or resort you will be staying in on the Las Vegas Strip.

Chances are, there’s a lot of shopping that can be done right there, from souvenir shops to high-end brands.

Take the famous Caesars Palace, for example. The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace is pretty much an attraction of its own. Even if you do not plan on shopping, it’s a wonder with its Roman architecture and replicas. The stores at the Forum are just as luxurious as the architecture and decor.

If you enjoyed walking through the Roman inspired mall at Caesars Palace, then please enjoy walking and shopping through the Venetian inspired mall called the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Las Vegas, where you can take a romantic gondola ride to and from trendy and popular stores.

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AS GRAND AS THE LAS VEGAS NAME. FROM THE HIGH END AND EXCLUSIVE BOUTIQUES INSIDE THE HOTELS ON THE LAS VEGAS

If you are looking for a quieter more relaxed shopping experience away from all the hustle and bustle that Las Vegas has to offer, the Shoppes at Mandalay Bay is perfect you. It bridges the Mandalay Bay Resort to the Luxor Hotel and Casino, which makes it a bit more difficult for tourists to find, unlike the Grand Canal Shoppes and Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. At this quaint mall you will find a collection of specialty stores that are different from your high-end brands and common shopping mall stores. Enjoy your time in these interesting shops and stop at the Burger Bar on your way out. Trust me, you’d really want to try their burgers!

Looking to save not splurge?

The Fashion Show Mall may be the right choice for you and is centrally located on the Las Vegas Strip, making it walking distance of most hotels. Although this mall does offer high-end stores, you will also find the same stores as in your hometown shopping mall, such as Macy’s and Forever 21. If you are willing to travel off the Las Vegas strip, consider taking a trolley to the Las Vegas Premium Outlets, only 15 minutes away. What makes this outlet stand out from your average outlet mall is that you will find brands that you would typically not find at an outlet like Dolce and Gabbana.

If you’ve planned a Las Vegas trip and did not leave any room in your suitcase, or in your budget for that matter, you will regret to not have done so because the shopping possibilities in this desert town are endless.

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Las Vegas F A M I LY F R I E N D LY E N T E R TA I N M E N T

By Lorrayne Sousa | Travel Industry Storyteller

M

any families may not think that Las Vegas is a destination for children, but each year it seems like there are more and more family friendly activities making Sin City the new trendy family vacation spot.

From your hotel’s pool, to shopping areas with playgrounds, museums of all sorts and fun day activities; you pretty much have your days covered with your little ones, but what about nighttime entertainment? Most night time entertainment is geared towards adults but there is an increasingly amount of family friendly nighttime entertainment in Las Vegas today.

Your children may love the traveling circus that travels to your hometown each year, so maybe give them the opportunity of experiencing Cirque du Soleil. O by Cirque du Soleil is currently at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino. What makes this circus unique from the original circuses is the use of aquatic tricks and synchronized swimming. Mystere is another show by the Cirque du Soleil located in the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino and is one of the ďŹ rst Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas. Its popularity helped pave the way to their other shows and performance not just on the Las Vegas strip but around the world.

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater

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Paw Patrol Live

Sesame Street Live

MYSTERE HAS VIBRANT COLORED AND FEATHERED COSTUMES WHICH WILL KEEP YOUR KIDS HYPNOTIZED.

Another circus themed show your whole family can enjoy is the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater located at the Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino. This show futures circus acts along with cute shelter animals and their impressive tricks.

This show is definitely for the animal lovers in your family.

If your family is a huge America’s Got Talent fan, then you may all know that the winners perform in Las Vegas.

Currently Tape Face is a resident at the Harrah’s Hotel & Casino. Tape Face is a comedian and mime that stole the heart of America on America’s Got Talent with his silent comedy. Another favorite among the America’s got Talent entertainers is Piff the Magic Dragon who is currently at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino.

Piff the Magic Dragon was one of my all-time favorite constants of America’s Got Talent and definitely on my list of shows to see in Las Vegas. Piff the Magic Dragon is a magician and a comedian that wears a dragon costume, making the show that much more entertaining. This show in particular has a minimum age of thirteen, so your little ones may not be able to enjoy this, but your preteens and teenagers sure will. The Blue Man Group is ranked as one of the best kid friendly show in Las Vegas. Located in the Luxor Hotel & Casino, The Blue Man Group is as entertaining as it will get with music, dancing, lightshows, comedy, art and science, there is something for everyone.

The Blue Man Group have been in the entertainment industry for twenty five plus years so they must be doing something right.

You may not be at Disneyland but you can sure find a Disney show of some kind, from Disney on Ice or a Disney movie classic musical along other popular children series, such as Paw Patrol Live and Sesame Street Live at the Barbary Coast Hotel & Casino.

These shows; however, have a short lifespan so make sure to check what are available when you are traveling to Las Vegas. Sin City may have gotten its name from all its adult entertainment but it has come a long way from that. Today it is more than acceptable to travel to Las Vegas with children and the increasing number of family friendly entertainment is only multiplying to accommodate that shift.

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WynnMore PlayMore

by Stephanie Serpe | Travel Industry Storyteller

Wynn Resorts holds more Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Awards than any other independent hotel company in the world. Their resort offers award-winning restaurants, exciting entertainment and night life, two awardwinning spas, salons and luxury shopping. Their commitment to making every visit a once-in-alifetime experience for their guests is what makes them who they are.

Wynn Las Vegas is just over five miles from the McCarran Airport Rent-A-Car Center.

More Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Awardwinning restaurants than any other resort in North America. The first Chinese restaurant in the country to be awarded a Michelin Star and the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award winning Chinese restaurant in North America.Fish caught in Hawaiian waters that arrive fresher to your table in Las Vegas than they do in Maui’s own restaurants. One of four restaurants in the world to serve a beef even more rare than certified Kobe (but we serve that, too). These are the superlatives that make dining at Wynn Las Vegas and Encore so exciting.

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Excitement, discovery, wonder. From large production shows to live music and once-inalifetime chances at behind-the-scenes adventure, making unforgettable memories that you will remember forever is the heart of entertainment at Wynn Las Vegas and Encore. Valet and selfparking at the resort is complimentary for everyone, without any imitation.

The hottest entertainment in the most luxurious, cutting-edge venues. Our nightclubs and beach clubs at Wynn and Encore are renowned for attracting the biggest headliners—and the best crowds. Encore Beach Club, the hottest ticket in town, Encore Beach Club is home to artists like David Guetta, Kygo and The Chainsmokers, and was named 2019 Las Vegas Day Club of the Year by the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association. The party doesn’t stop, and the 26 cabanas stocked with their own refrigerator, flatscreen TV and plush daybeds let guests enjoy the pool party in total comfort. Eight bungalows each offer a private bathroom, infinity dipping pool, cooling system, a view of the Las Vegas Strip from a private balcony and an exciting, oasis-like pool scene. Resident artists including RL Grime, Flosstradamus and Dillon Francis keep the party going along the moonlit poolside cabanas and bungalows during the nightclub atmosphere complete with intimate VIP tables and a full-service bar. The unique setting radiates with energy both indoors and out—the most memorable nightlife scene in Las Vegas.

The Wynn and Encore Esplanades are a Las Vegas attraction all their own for personalized shopping experiences, apparel and accessories created exclusively for Wynn shoppers. Our newest retail offering, Wynn Plaza Shops, offers wellness, dining and retail experiences specifically planned for Wynn Las Vegas. The sky lit art and floralfilled galleries of the casinos at Wynn Las Vegas and Encore introduce guests to a new way of experiencing the pleasure of gaming. Our casino experiences include the widest variety of table games and slots, luxurious high limit salons, poolside gaming, a state-of-the-art sports book and Las Vegas’ preeminent poker room.