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Plan a Spirited Tour of these Tennessee Distilleries for Women's History Month

There's nothing wrong with a typical boozy girls trip to idyllic vineyards, but for something unexpected and adventurous, try a tour across Tennessee to discover these women-led distilleries. Here, a new narrative is unfolding. From the hallowed grounds of storied distilleries to the forefront of innovation, a number of remarkable Tennessee women not only shaped the landscape of one of America's most iconic industries but also shattered glass ceilings and defied convention. For Women's History Month this March, celebrate the indomitable spirit and groundbreaking contributions of women in the Tennessee whiskey industry. Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey (Shelbyville, Tennessee) A woman of many talents, Fawn Weaver is an entrepreneur, a New York Times-bestselling author, a TED speaker and CEO/founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in the U.S. — and the best-selling African American founded spirit brand of all time. Equally talented is Victoria Eady Butler, who fills the role of Master Distiller at Uncle Nearest. It's a family affair: Butler's great-great-grandfather was Nathan “Nearest” Green, the enslaved (and later emancipated) Tennessean who taught Jack Daniel the craft of distilling. During a guided tour, go behind the scenes at Nearest Green Distillery, and taste the Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey flight, which includes the Master Blend Edition, sold exclusively on-site. And don't miss the craft cocktails at the distillery's Humble Baron Bar, where you'll enjoy 518-foot-long showpiece bar (the world's longest!), live music and a gospel brunch celebration every Sunday. Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. (Tullahoma, Tennessee) Nicole Austin of Cascade Hollow - courtesy of TN Dept of Tourist Development Fun fact: George Dickel is the only American whiskey distillery owned by a woman in the 1800s that's still in production. Now renamed Cascade Hollow Distilling Co., the Tullahoma distillery — and its women-powered energy — live on in the 21st century. Master Distiller since 2018, Nicole Austin is the whiskey genius behind some of Cascade Hollow's most beloved releases, including such legacy items as George Dickel Bottled-in-Bond and Dickel Bourbon. Cascade Hollow offers regular “Meet the Distiller” experiences, with Nicole guiding whiskey fans on a distillery tour, a Q&A session and tastings. Check the event calendar for upcoming events. Nelson's Green Brier Distillery (Nashville, Tennessee) Another woman who looms large in the history of Tennessee whiskey is Louisa Nelson, who emerged as a pioneering force in the industry during the late 19th century. In 1863, she married Charles Nelson, who initiated the Nelson Distillery in Greenbrier, Tennessee in the early 1870s. Following Charles's passing in 1891, Louisa assumed leadership, transforming the distillery's footprint from 50 acres to a staggering 980 acres, propelling Nelson's Green Brier Distillery to international acclaim until prohibition forced them to close. Louisa's descendants revived the family business and pay homage to their matriarch with her own line of liqueur. Visitors interested in learning more about this “great woman behind a great whiskey” can explore the Nelson's Green Brier Distillery exhibits at the Greenbrier Historical Society Museum and Library (Wed.-Fri., 10am-4pm or Sat., 10am-1pm). Take a guided tour of Green Brier Distillery's Marathon Village location in Nashville and learn more about how brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson revived the family business. Big Machine Distillery (Lynnville & Nashville, Tennessee) Initially a tattoo artist and part-time bartender, Devin Walden stumbled into the craft beverage industry as a temporary employee on the bottling line at Woodford Reserve. She immersed herself in the craft, eventually becoming the famed brand's first female distillery operator. Now at Big Machine Distillery in Tennessee, she tackles diverse challenges daily, from cooking mash to refining production schedules. At its downtown Nashville location, Big Machine Distillery offers an entertaining/educational tour with a tasting of a wide array of its craft spirits. As an add-on, guests can bottle their own Double Gold Award-Winning Platinum-Filtered Big Machine Vodka, or Single Barrel Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey straight from the barrel. Leiper's Fork Distillery (Franklin, Tennessee) From grain selection, mashing, fermentation, distillation, barrel aging and bottling — Leiper's Fork controls every step of its intricate whiskey-making process. Leading this fiercely independent charge is Head Distiller Kendra Anderson, whose dedication to using pre-prohibition technique and a small-batch approach (the distillery only makes 25,000 gallons of whiskey annually) has resulted in some of the finest spirits to ever come out of Tennessee. On a guided tour of Leiper's Fork, you'll visit the distillery's stillhouse, learn how they make this traditional small-batch whiskey and get a taste of their spirits in a 200-year-old tasting room. Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery (Chattanooga, Tennessee) Tiana Saul of Chattanooga Whiskey - courtesy of TN Dept of Tourist Development Tiana Saul, Head Distiller at Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery, left an indelible mark on Tennessee's spirits world with innovations like barrel-aged gins and infused liqueurs. Her adept blending skills also played a crucial role in shaping the acclaimed Chattanooga Whiskey Finishing Series and Bottled in Bond Vintage Series. At the helm of Chattanooga Whiskey, Saul leads a team of 15 full-time employees, overseeing all aspects of production from grain to glass. With over 100 different barrels maturing in the aging cellar, every visit to the experimental distillery is an exploration of the past, present and future of hand-crafted bourbon. Reserve a tour and tasting to check out the latest and greatest. Jack Daniel Distillery (Lynchburg, Tennessee) Lexie Phillips's journey at the legendary Jack Daniel Distillery began in quality control and distillery operations, where she steadily rose to the position of Assistant Distiller. Today, she works closely with Master Distiller Chris Fletcher to drive whiskey innovation. As one of the few women to serve in this role, Lexie is keen on inspiring the next generation of female distillers and passionately shares her knowledge as a brand ambassador through tasting events, brand education, and insightful distillery tours for Lynchburg visitors. On the immersive Jack n' Back tour, spend a day in historic Lynchburg, with plenty of tastings and the full story of how the highest selling American whiskey in the world grew from the smallest county in Tennessee. Old Dominick Distillery (Memphis, Tennessee) Alex Castle of Old Dominick Distillery - courtesy of TN Dept of Tourist Development Whiskey isn't just a job for Alex Castle, Old Dominick Distillery's Master Distiller and Vice President. It's a lifelong passion. “I love that I get to be creative,” she says. “I really enjoy product development and getting to play with different flavors and ingredients.” With early experience in the heart of Kentucky's bourbon belt, Alex brings a spirit of experimentation to her work at Old Dominick — you must try their oatmeal raisin cookie bourbon. From an in-depth discussion into the history of whiskey in Memphis to an exclusive look into Old Dominick's aging loft, the Beyond the Barrel experience is a whiskey lover's dream come true. Tennessee Hills (Jonesborough, Tennessee) Born and raised in Washington County, Jessica Callahan's roots run deep in the community that Tennessee Hills Distillery calls home. Alongside her husband and co-owner Stephen, she left behind a comfortable 9-to-5 job, immersing herself in every aspect of the whiskey business, from the hands-on labor to the intricate art of constructing stills. That relentless dedication culminated in the opening of Tennessee Hills Distillery in 2016, housed in the historic Salt House of Jonesborough. Do yoga and whiskey go well together? At Tennessee Hills they do! Every Wednesday from 4:30-5:30pm, join a yoga session — and then enjoy a sampling of the distillery's best offerings.A Sip of History (Hermitage, Tennessee) This spring on April 6th, Andrew Jackson's Hermitage and the Tennessee Whiskey Trail will host the ninth annual Sip of History event, an afternoon of whiskey sampling, live music and dog-friendly fun at Nashville's presidential homesite. Taking place in one of Tennessee's most beautiful and historic settings, Sip of History offers visitors the chance to learn about and support several of Tennessee's woman-led distilleries, including Old Dominick, Uncle Nearest, Cascade Hollow, Jack Daniel and more. For more Tennessee whiskey experiences, discover the Tennessee Whiskey Trail.

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Spend Spring in These Charming Small Towns

Beaches, theme parks, campgrounds, and big cities all might be feeling a bit crowded as spring breakers and travelers plan warm-weather trips. If you're looking to unwind and escape the bustle of popular destinations this season, get off the beaten path and head to one of these small-town America and enjoy the local charm and slower pace of life. White Rock, New Mexico Bandelier National Monument by Jael Coon - Unsplash The Travel, an online travel journal, recently named White Rock, New Mexico, the “Happiest Small Town in America” in their 2024 rankings. Based on the criteria of a town with a population below 8,000, as well as low poverty, crime, and unemployment ratings, White Rock—located in Los Alamos County—received the highest score. “With a rural feel and a close-knit community, White Rock is one of the happiest small towns in America, where the abundance of picturesque landscapes is great," The Travel wrote in their article. “We’re honored to have White Rock receive such high acclaim from The Travel, and we know the town is certainly deserving of the title,” Ellyn Felton, Marketing Specialist for Los Alamos County said. “With a friendly atmosphere, tons of trails through and around town, beautiful dark skies, and unique local businesses, White Rock is a gem among small towns across America.” For those visiting White Rock, be sure to start your visit at the White Rock Visitor Center for maps and an overview of local activities. A must-see destination for all history and anthropology lovers, Bandelier National Monument transports visitors back in time, where they can climb ladders and explore ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings. Additionally, with a variety of hiking trails, some even paved and ADA accessible, Bandelier is perfect for exploring the outdoors and viewing local wildlife. For more beautiful outdoor scenery, grab your camera and prepare for stunning shots at White Rock Overlook Park. With 270-degree views of the Rio Grande, running along the Jemez Mountains, you’ll have the chance to take in one-of-a-kind sunsets and explore trails on foot, horse, or bike, along the rim or down to the bottom of the canyon. Named in TravelAwaits’ list of 15 Best Small-Town Restaurants across the U.S. in 2021, Pig + Fig Café features delicious creations from Laura Crucet—award-winning chef and graduate of the globally-renowned Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France. Enjoy a variety of fresh-made dishes—many of which can be offered with vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free options—as well as local twists featuring New Mexico chile. Extend your visit and explore nearby Los Alamos, New Mexico, famed as the former home of The Manhattan Project and J. Robert Oppenheimer. Located just 15 minutes away from White Rock, groundbreaking scientific discoveries occur to this day at Los Alamos National Laboratory. To plan your visit or explore all there is to see and do in White Rock and Los Alamos, go to www.visitlosalamos.org. Mariposa, California Mariposa Hotel Inn - courtesy of Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau The charming town of Mariposa, California is in the national spotlight again for a cultural scene that residents and returning visitors alike know is among the best in the United States. Recently, Mariposa was named as one of 20 finalists for the 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice travel award in the category of Best Small-Town Cultural Scene. To be considered for the award, a town must have fewer than 25,000 residents and have outstanding examples of museums, art galleries, performing arts and a strong stable of local events. Despite its population of just 1,060 people, Mariposa is home to three museums including the Mariposa Museum and History Center, which was named by the Smithsonian as one of the best small museums west of the Mississippi River. The town boasts three art galleries, local filmmakers that debut their works here in Mariposa and holds the title of being the smallest town in America with a symphony orchestra, The Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra. The Mariposa Arts Council's work to host its Music on the Green concert series and rejuvenate Mariposa with new murals and art installations is a huge boost to the local cultural scene. Mariposa is home to multiple annual events including the Mariposa County Fair which showcases the rich agricultural scene that many destinations have left behind. Each spring, Mariposa is home to the Mariposa Butterfly Festival, a family-friendly event that releases hundreds of butterflies. Mariposa's history goes back well beyond Spanish colonization to the Southern Sierra Miwuk, a local tribe that has called modern-day Mariposa home for hundreds of years. The Miwuk and other local tribes are honored each year with an event of their own in Mariposa, the Mariposa Pow Wow. A great place to stay for visitors, Mariposa is home to great lodging options running the gamut from camping to bed and breakfasts to boutique hotels and hotel brands that visitors from all over will recognize. Mariposa is the county seat of Mariposa County, California, a large, but lightly populated county on the southwestern edge of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The county is home to rich Gold Rush history, outdoor activities like hiking, whitewater rafting, skiing and snowboarding, and skydiving, as well as Yosemite National Park, a world-renowned outdoor destination, and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania Cucumber Falls - courtesy of GO Laurel Highlands Ohiopyle has long been known as one of the best places for outdoor adventure in the Eastern United States. Now, the charming Fayette County borough, surrounded by Ohiopyle State Park, can earn a new title: Best Small Town in the Northeast. A panel of experts and USA Today's 10Best editors has selected Ohiopyle as a Readers' Choice Awards nominee. With its idyllic location along the banks of the Youghiogheny River and encompassed by the lush embrace of Ohiopyle State Park, the town offers a perfect blend of tranquility and excitement for visitors and residents alike. From cascading waterfalls to winding hiking trails, Ohiopyle beckons adventurers to explore its captivating landscapes and discover the wonders of the great outdoors in the Laurel Highlands. “The significance of Ohiopyle and Ohiopyle State Park in the Laurel Highlands runs deeper than most visitors will ever realize,” said Ann Nemanic, executive director of GO Laurel Highlands. “As Pennsylvania's largest state park, Ohiopyle is a destination for any outdoor enthusiast. Whitewater rafting, an abundance of hiking trails, unique native fauna, waterfalls, and a hub for cyclists on the Great Allegheny Passage all mesh in over 20,000 acres of natural beauty. Native Americans named and respected the 'white, frothy water' that so many enjoy today. Ohiopyle is a four-season destination and provides all the amenities one would want nestled in a picturesque river/trail town. Come for a visit; we can assure you this will not be a one-and-done experience.” With a population of 37 according to the 2021 census, Ohiopyle certainly fits the “small town” category, but Mayor Mark McCarty says the number of year-round residents is probably closer to a dozen. Ohiopyle's nomination isn't surprising to McCarty, who has called the borough home since the state park was dedicated in 1971 and has served as mayor for decades. “I realized it was a wonderful small town more than 50 years ago,” he said. “I left Pittsburgh and ran away to the mountains and never looked back.” The Youghiogheny River runs through the heart of town, with the 20-foot drop of Ohiopyle Falls visible from Main Street and four outfitter services offering whitewater rafting trips on the river, ranging from family-friendly floats to wet-and-wild adventures. Kayaking, fishing and swimming are also popular activities in the Yough, which recently was nominated as Pennsylvania's river of the year. Over the years, the town's popularity has grown along with the outdoor activities available in it. Backpackers flock to the borough to access the trailhead of the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, while cyclists riding the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage – which USA Today readers named one of the nation's top recreational trails – pedal above Main Street on the Ohiopyle Low Bridge. “The tourism has picked up, especially with the Great Allegheny Passage bike trail through town,” said Jessica Kruse, Ohiopyle borough council president. “There's been an increase in lodging in town that means more people can stay. They used to come for day trips. Now, with so many opportunities, there are longer stays – weekend stays, three-day stays and even weeklong stays.” Ohiopyle State Park attracts more than one million visitors per year, with the adventurous testing their nerve at the Meadow Run Natural Waterslides while waterfall lovers gather at Cucumber Falls, an Instagrammable 30-foot bridal waterfall that is just yards from a parking lot. Outdoor adventures aren't the only reason to visit Ohiopyle. It's also a popular spot for architecture lovers. Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is 3 1/2 miles north of town, while Kentuck Knob, another home designed by the architectural genius, lies two miles to the west. The surrounding region of Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands has been showcased multiple times by USA Today 10Best. Keystone State Park was named the Best Destination for Fall Foliage in the U.S., and the Foggy Goggle at Seven Springs Mountain Resort was chosen the Best Apres-Ski Bar in North America. Ohiopyle outfitter Wilderness Voyageurs was voted one of the 10 Best Whitewater Rafting Tours last year, and Greensburg's El Diablo Brewing Co. was one of the nation's top new breweries in recently concluded voting. A magnificent mountainous region, the area spans 3,000 square miles in southwestern Pennsylvania. Located just an hour east of Pittsburgh, the beautiful four-season destination offers spectacular natural scenery, outstanding skiing, hiking, biking and golfing opportunities, historic sites and attractions, family activities and world-class resorts. Visitors to the Laurel Highlands can find information online at GoLaurelHighlands.com.

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Celebrate Art and Culture in San Francisco for Women's History Month

In honor of Women's History Month, the San Francisco Travel Association celebrates women in the arts whose work amplifies San Francisco's ethos of experimentation and creativity. San Francisco's rich and diverse cultural scene features new exhibits, artistic programs and events led by dozens of dynamic and innovative women. Here are a few of those charting the next chapter. Watch a global premier at the San Francisco Ballet Tamara Rojo's blockbuster inaugural season as San Francisco Ballet's artistic director features bold new global premiers such as Mere Mortals and beloved classics like Swan Lake. The current repertory season runs through May 5. SF Ballet will return to the War Memorial Opera House in December with performances of the Nutcracker. Expect even more innovation and spellbinding performances from SF Ballet in the years to come. In February, SF Ballet – the nation's oldest professional ballet company – received a historic $60 million anonymous donation to fund new works and acquisitions of masterpieces and bolster Rojo's and SF Ballet's vision of revolutionizing ballet. See European paintings at the Fine Arts Museums This fall, the Legion of Honor marks the start of its 100th anniversary celebration. Emily A. Beeney, the newly appointed chief curator of the Legion of Honor and curator-in-charge of European paintings at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, will play a significant role by leading the curatorial and interpretation effort underway to present the historic collections at the Legion and the stories they contain through a fresh and inclusive lens. This initiative will involve selective gallery reinstallations and enhancements to the visitor experience. A specialist in French paintings and drawings of the 17th through 19th centuries, Beeny will present Mary Cassatt at Work (Oct. 5, 2024–Jan. 25, 2025) to kick off the Legion's 100th anniversary. Too often dismissed as a sentimental painter of mothers and children, Cassatt was a radical modernist and pioneering female impressionist painter and printmaker. The exhibition is the first major U.S. presentation of Cassatt's work in over 25 years, and it is one of the Fine Arts Museums' focused season of exhibitions emphasizing the groundbreaking works of historic and contemporary women artists. The Legion's centennial celebration will continue through the fall of 2025 and offer audiences a special program of exhibitions and events closely tied to the collections on view at the Legion. Learn about local artists at ArtSpan Led by ArtSpan Executive Director Joen Madonna, the 50th annual SF Open Studios production (SFOS) marks a milestone for the nonprofit, which connects diverse audiences to local art and artists. Themed From Disco Days to the Tech Craze: 50 Years of Championing Local Arts, SF Open Studios 50th production will expand to include local art and culture happenings across the city from June through November, with the annual flagship SFOS taking place Sept. 19 through Oct. 13. Since its launch in 1975, SFOS has grown into a month-long, citywide season of art held annually in the fall with over 800 participating artists and more than 100,000 visitors. It's a testament to the enduring power of art to bridge communities and to the unyielding spirit of the artists who have been at the forefront of shaping San Francisco's cultural identity. “ArtSpan is a beacon for the creative community that ensures artists shine as an essential part of San Francisco's legacy of groundbreaking artistic expression. San Francisco is a magical place that reinvents herself with the desires and drive of her people—so too does ArtSpan to support artists where their needs are greatest,” said Madonna. Explore sports in culture at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) Jennifer Dunlop Fletcher is helping San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) get into the game ahead of the 2025 NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center next February with a new exhibition exploring the powerful role of sports in contemporary culture. The Get in the Game exhibit (on view from Oct. 19, 2024, through Feb. 18, 2025) will examine how sports permeate culture, bring people together, and offer a critical lens through which to consider ongoing conversations about gender, race, national identity and the human body, as well as the will and desire to compete and succeed. Dunlop Fletcher, together with Christopher Bedford, Seph Rodney, and Katy Siegel, is curating the exhibit, which will be SFMOMA's largest to date. Since 2008, Dunlop Fletcher has organized several key acquisitions and exhibitions at SFMOMA, focusing on bold visionary works of design from the late 20th century to the present. “SFMOMA's Architecture and Design collection and programming began with a focus on bold visionary works from the late 20th century. I've furthered this emphasis on radical thinking while also expanding the focus to include works and voices previously marginalized,” said Dunlap Fletcher. Enjoy award-winning theatre at American Conservatory Theater Pam MacKinnon and Jennifer Bielstein of the A.C.T. - courtesy of San Francisco Travel Association Under the direction of Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon and Executive Director Jennifer Bielstein, A.C.T. is rolling out a blockbuster season of plays. Following the success of the world premiere of BIG DATA, A.C.T. will be staging the Pulitzer Prize finalist play Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord (March 30 – May 5), the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical A Strange Loop (April 18 – May 12), and the five-time Tony Award-winning production The Lehman Trilogy (May 25 – June 23). “A.C.T. is thrilled to be making work with and giving platform to gorgeous and important theater artists. With versatile actors who bring their all to unlock the power of a character and story, or brilliant designers who create magical worlds, or unparalleled craftspeople in our costume, scenic and prop shops who realize the visions, San Francisco and Bay is full of creative, nurturing, innovative makers and dreamers,” said MacKinnon. Bielstein added, “A.C.T. is proud to be an integral part of the San Francisco Bay Area's vibrant and diverse arts ecosystem. We bring artists and Bay Area residents together to inspire and provoke through what they experience on our stages, and we think that the value we offer with a live, in person, communal experience is more important than ever in these times.” View works by emerging Asian and Asian American artists Abby Chen in front of Pattern Recognition - courtesy of San Francisco Travel Association / Asian Art Museum Since joining the Asian Art Museum as Head of Contemporary Art in 2019, Abby Chen has swiftly positioned the museum as an essential platform for emerging and established — as well as historically underrepresented — voices from Asia, the Asian diaspora and the wider Asian American community. In just a few short years, the award-winning exhibitions, attendant programs, and publications organized by Chen have helped the Asian Art Museum to reshape the narrative of contemporary Asian art outside of Asia. Chen's experimental approach often explores the intersectionalities of race, sexuality, gender, nation, migration, and especially technology in the U.S. and Asia. “I want audiences to learn there is more to modern and contemporary art than what they've been told, that it is not a monolith in terms of gender, sexuality, culture, and place, but an intersection. How else can we do the essential, but hard work of redefining the story of American art to meaningfully include Asian American and diaspora voices?” said Chen. With the addition of Senior Associate Curator to her title, Chen now leads the largest curatorial team at the Asian Art Museum. She helped the museum acquire the largest collection of SF Bay Area Asian artists, securing works by Bernice Bing, Zheng Chongbin, Jenifer K Wofford and Rupy C. Tut, among others. Chen's next major exhibition, a collaboration with award-winning designer Jenova Chen, will debut in spring 2025 when the Asian Art Museum will be the first museum to present a first-of-its-kind immersive “gaming” exhibition. Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Museum of the African Diaspora Monetta White, CEO, Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) - courtesy of the San Francisco Travel Association The Museum of the African Diaspora will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025. CEO Monetta White has led the museum's successful efforts to expand its global reach and digital audience since she took the helm in 2019, creating new opportunities for Black curators and artists. MoAD bridges local and global narratives, fosters a sense of belonging, and celebrates the rich diversity of the African Diaspora. This year's exhibitions include “!!!”, a solo exhibit showcasing works by acclaimed British visual artist and painter Rachel Jones. On view from March 27 through Sept. 1, Jones' new body of work continues the artist's exploration into Black interiority and personhood. Catch a performance by the San Francisco Opera Following the San Francisco Opera's dynamic centennial celebration, the company returns with another incredible summer season from May through June. Music Director Eun Sun Kim will open the season on May 30, conducting Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's The Magic Flute, featuring an international cast and staging rooted in the aesthetic of silent film that incorporates stunning animated projections which interact with the singers. SF Opera will also present the U.S. premiere of Kaija Saariaho's last opera, Innocence, a San Francisco Opera co-commission. In the fall, the free SF Opera in the Park will take place in Golden Gate Park on Sept. 8, with Eun Sun Kim leading the orchestra in an afternoon of arias and ensembles performed by stars from SF Opera. Browse the contemporary art gallery of Jessica Silverman Jessica Silverman - courtesy of San Francisco Travel Association Since founding her eponymous international contemporary art gallery in 2008, Jessica Silverman has become one of the country's leading galleries and a champion of Bay Area artists. She represents artists who make museum-worthy art at all stages of their careers. Silverman's contemporary art gallery is known for building Bay Area and international artists' careers and supporting art buyers keen on establishing relevant collections. In 2021, Silverman moved to a larger gallery space in Chinatown. The gallery's summer solo opening on July 25 features San Francisco-based artist Chelsea Ryoko Wong. This will be the artist's first major show at the gallery and will present large-scale figurative paintings inspired by California landscapes and communities, like San Francisco's Chinatown. “The Bay Area is home to ambitious and diverse artists, many of whom the gallery represents—a third of our artists live and work here. Local artists are an essential focus for museums in this community, too. ICA SF, San Francisco's newest institution, recently presented a solo exhibition of Rupy C. Tut, an artist who joined the gallery in 2023. An installation by Sadie Barnette, another gallery artist, is on view at SFMOMA through June. Titled “SPACE/TIME,” it celebrates the legacy of her Oakland-based family. Across the street, Chelsea Ryoko Wong is featured in the “Bay Area Now 9” biennial hosted by Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA). Visit Chinatown Edge on the Square in Chinatown - courtesy of San Francisco Travel Association A stone's throw from Jessica Silverman is Edge on the Square, a new contemporary art hub in the heart of San Francisco Chinatown led by Executive Director Joanne Lee. The art hub hosts art exhibitions, music events and cultural gatherings year-round. Returning this year is Edge on the Square's third annual Contemporary Art Festival (slated to return on Saturday, Sept. 7). The festival aims to fuel revitalization efforts through the cultural arts. The one-day festival will feature an array of original art experiences, ephemeral installations, family-friendly activities, creative performances, panel conversations, culinary delights, and interactive exhibitions. To date, Edge on the Square has collaborated with more than 50 BIPOC artists and 30 merchant and vendor partners. “Edge on the Square is Chinatown's contemporary arts hub where you'll find compelling exhibitions, dynamic programs and surprise events by API and BIPOC collaborators. Created by and for the community, our offerings aim to reflect the rich history and culture of our neighborhood, all the while fueling the local economy towards the revitalization of Chinatown,” said Lee. Grant Street will also become the permanent home of the Chinese Culture Center (CCC) of San Francisco. CCC Executive Director Jenny Leung led the historic purchase of the organization's future building in Chinatown this February. Leung is known for her commitment to cultural diversity, equity, and arts access, as well as for expanding the organization's programming while focusing on cross-racial solidarity and combating anti-Asian hate. “CCC was one of the first Asian American arts organizations. It is truly meaningful for CCC at this stage to continue to chart a new course and continue its legacy in shaping a prototype for what Asian American arts can and should be. I feel deeply honored that CCC can create new expanded spaces for the community, in a pivotal and transformational moment for Chinatown as it is recovering from the pandemic, and at the same time having an awakening for artistic and cultural expression,” said Leung. CCC's current exhibition, Perilous Playground, is on view at its longtime Visual Art Center and Design Store near Portsmouth Square in Chinatown. The multidisciplinary exhibition guest is curated by C & G Apartment, formerly of Hong Kong, and presents innovative work in film, video, new media, sculpture, and mixed media by local and international artists examining the community's urban changes.

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With Sunnier Days Approaching, It's Time to Book an Outdoor Adventure

It's a great time of year to get outside; Daylight Savings is just around the corner, and that means more sunshine and warmer temperatures. Look ahead to the brighter months of the year and book a trip for a memorable outdoor adventure. Journey through Utah's canyon country A guided tour in Utah encounters pictographs - courtesy of GeoCultura GeoCultura's 2024 tours offer its guests a journey through landscapes and an immersive experience led by knowledgeable guides and experts. Offering an insightful journey through the stunning landscapes and geology of Utah's canyon country, their southeastern Utah tour promises an unforgettable exploration of nature's wonders and human history. The first departure of this guided tour will be April 23 – 28, 2024. Led by expert guide Russell Davies, participants are invited to delve into the mysteries of Utah's National parks and monuments, where dramatic landforms and geological phenomena await discovery. From the majestic Colorado National Monument to the iconic Arches National Park, visitors will unravel the secrets behind these breathtaking landscapes, pondering the processes that shaped them over millennia. But the GeoCultura Tour offers more than just scenic vistas; it provides a window into the rich cultural tapestry of southeastern Utah. Delving into the history of Fremont, Ancient Puebloan, and Native American peoples, participants will explore cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and pictographs, gaining deeper insights into their way of life and enduring legacies. The tour includes a glimpse into the challenges faced by Mormon settlers as they traversed the rugged terrain of southeastern Utah, showcasing resilience and ingenuity in taming the wild landscape. Among the highlights of the journey is a visit to Monument Valley, renowned not only for its cinematic allure but also as the ancestral home of the Navajo people. Here, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Navajo culture and tradition, gaining a newfound appreciation for this sacred land. Throughout the tour, participants will meander through quaint desert towns like Bluff and Moab, each offering its own unique charm and character. From the sleepy streets of Bluff to the bustling adventure hub of Moab, visitors will experience the diverse tapestry of life in southeastern Utah. The GeoCultura Tour is designed for both the curious traveler and the avid explorer, offering a balance of easy to moderate activities suitable for all levels of fitness. With comfortable transportation and accommodations providing a seamless experience, participants can focus on soaking in the sights and sounds of this captivating region. Explore the ecosystem of Florida's Historic Coast The beach near St. Augustine, Florida - courtesy of Florida's Historic Coast Residents and visitors alike are charmed by the historic sites and natural beauty of Florida's Historic Coast. Cresting the Bridge of Lions, you're more likely to feel like you're descending into a Spanish village than a coastal town in Florida. This is thanks to St. Augustine and St. Johns County's incredible dedication to sustainability and preservation. It's a great region to explore the natural beauty and wilderness of Florida. Several businesses in the area also do an excellent job of reducing negative environmental impacts. These lands have been the site of numerous historic moments, and their preservation is just as important. The natural environment of the area boasts over 40 miles of pristine beaches, tens of thousands of acres of maritime hammocks, marshes, oyster beds, and more. Both the Florida and National Parks Systems actively promote responsible environmental impact and sustainability practices to protect St. Augustine's historic buildings, like the Castillo de San Marco National Monument, and seashores, like Anastasia State Park. The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve) works with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to provide stewardship, facilitate research, and educate the public. Visitors are eager to learn about this spectacular environment that locals have grown up appreciating and protecting. Eco-tourism allows travelers to experience the natural habitat with tour operators that approach tourism ethically and sustainably. Outfits like St. Augustine Sailing, Florida Water Tours, St. Augustine Eco Tours, and GeoTrippin Adventure Company offer education-based tours that explore the ecosystem and its wildlife thoughtfully and non-invasively. Many local attractions and businesses are committed to instituting environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices. Eateries like the Ice Plant Bar & Restaurant, Harvest & Reel, The Floridian, and Catch 27 Restaurant pride themselves on using locally-grown produce and ethically sourced meats and seafood in their restaurants. The St. Augustine Distillery, which produces craft spirits like bourbon and gin, has prioritized sustainability since its inception eight years ago. Its home, a repurposed ice plant built in 1917, has been recognized by the Urban Land Institute of North Florida for preserving as many elements of the original building as possible. Several lodgings on Florida's Historic Coast, from major hoteliers like Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa to locally-owned enclaves like Carriage Way Bed and Breakfast Inn, have earned the Florida DEP's Green Lodging designation. The DEP has also awarded the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, St. Augustine Marine Center, St. Augustine Shipyard, and Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor with its Clean Marina Program, for their above and beyond efforts to protect the local marine ecology. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre has a landmark initiative known as Green Hands that reduces its impact through innovative processes, like utilizing a reusable cup deposit system. Get off the beaten path in Arizona Off the beaten path in Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona - courtesy of Petrified Forest National Park Discover secluded areas within Petrified Forest National Park with eight new Off the Beaten Path guides that direct hikers away from busier areas to explore the park's hidden gem trails. Adventures include following old roadbeds, trekking into the wild badlands of the Painted Desert and hiking a path made by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The trails are open all year round and range from four to eight miles. The new guides are available at the park's visitor center. Be one of the first to visit and explore Rockin' River Ranch State Park in Camp Verde, which just opened in February 2024. Spend the day at Arizona's newest state park and enjoy hiking trails, kayaking or fishing while you take in remarkable views of the cottonwood tree-lined Verde River. Then, have a picnic at this day-use-only park. After visiting, take the opportunity to explore the surrounding Verde Valley for even more outdoor adventures such as visiting Montezuma Castle National Monument and touring the area wineries. Discover caverns and camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains Luray Caverns in Luray, Virginia by Sarraf A - Unsplash Spacious Skies Campgrounds is a fast-growing owner and operator of RV campgrounds with RV, tent, cabin and glamping sites across 15 locations from Maine to Georgia. The company’s mission is to offer a fun, relaxing and authentic campground experience in destinations with abundant outdoor recreation and attractions. Their locations in North Carolina and Virginia, around the Blue Ridge Mountains, happen to also be near some of the most beautiful caverns. Head to their Hidden Creek location in Marion, North Carolina for an epic mountain adventure. The nearby Linville Caverns were discovered when a fishing expedition saw trout swimming through what looked to be a solid rock. Instead, it was an opening to a large cave complete with stalactites and stalagmites as well as a bat population. In late April, visitors can also enjoy the Fire on the Mountain festival in Spruce Pine, just a half an hour from Marion. The festival celebrates blacksmiths and their skill forging metal into useful items, art and functional art. Following that festival, in mid-May, visitors can catch another unique event in Marion. The WNC Bigfoot Festival welcomes both believers and skeptics who enjoy Bigfoot activities, educational panels, food and fun competitions. For more caverns, head north to Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views in Virginia and visit Luray Caverns. Luray is the largest cavern in the eastern United States, and some rooms have ceilings 10 stories high.

InspirationFamily

5 Fun Vacations to Book this Spring

Wondering where to go this spring? Whether you're looking for a family trip, outdoor adventure, or cultural experience, these destinations offer something for everyone. Book a family trip to South Lake Tahoe, California The area certainly has a split personality: part California, part Nevada — with the two meeting along the lake’s southern shore. High-end casino hotels (in Nevada) bump up against the base village for Heavenly (in California). Outdoor recreation, gambling and nightlife are equally accessible things to do in South Tahoe — while for others outdoor picnics and renowned restaurants and breweries keep everyone satiated. There is so much to look forward to, as spring represents one of the most beautiful and interesting seasons to visit. The weather is generally mild, sunny, and temperatures can even get warm on some days. Known as the “shoulder season,” spring in Tahoe is a time of warmer weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices, making it ideal for families to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and attractions. Here are some of the best ways to spend your spring vacation in South Tahoe: Enjoy spring skiing – Enjoy the sun and snow with South Tahoe’s famous spring ski scene. Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Sierra-at-Tahoe provide diverse skiing experiences suitable for all skill levels. RnR’s extended stay rentals offer convenience for families, allowing them to treat their vacation as a full ski season rather than a short getaway.Visit Taylor Creek Visitor Center – An educational and scenic experience awaits families at this center, where diverse wildlife can be observed in a natural setting. The center is a gateway to several self-guided trails, making it a great spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.Experience the beauty of Emerald Bay State Park – A must-visit location, Emerald Bay offers breathtaking views, kayaking, beaches, and hiking trails. It’s an ideal spot for family photos and outdoor adventures.Chase waterfalls – Spring is the best time to explore Tahoe’s waterfalls, thanks to the melting snow. Trails of varying difficulty levels, like the beginner-friendly Eagle Falls trail, offer families the chance to witness the beauty of nature up close.Kayak or paddleboard – Experience Lake Tahoe from a unique perspective by kayaking or paddleboarding. Clearly Tahoe offers year-round tours, including special glass-bottom kayak experiences.Hop on a bike – Whether you’re a mountain bike pro or just getting started, spring offers many amazing mountain biking trails. The website Localfreshies.com offers a trail guide that will get you pointed in the right direction. Our suggestion? The 7.5-mile Tahoe Mountain trek is perfect for beginner-intermediate riders. It’s usually one of the first trails to dry out in the spring. After a quick battle uphill, you’ll be greeted with views that make it worth it, and the option to either out-and-back, loop around or keep heading up the ridge.Go climb a mountain – There’s no better way to experience the natural beauty of the Sierras firsthand than on the beautiful hiking trails. One of our favorite South Shore spots is Eagle Falls. This link from our friends at All Trails lays out other prime options.Enjoy a Heavenly Village experience – The base of the Heavenly Mountain Resort Gondola is home to Heavenly Village, featuring a charming shopping scene, restaurants, live music, and various family-friendly entertainment options.Partake in family-friendly events – With the new Tahoe Blue Event Center comes a new venue for great family-friendly entertainment with the 2024 Spring lineup including the Harlem Globetrotters world tour and Paw Patrol Live!: Heroes Unite, sure to delight the youngest members. Get in some spring swings – With the snow at lake level melted away, it’s the perfect time to get in a few rounds on the links, most open May through October. There’s Lake Tahoe Golf Course (a public course in a mountain meadow), Bijou Municipal Golf Course (Tahoe’s oldest, a 9-hole executive course) and Edgewood Tahoe (a challenging, beautifully sculpted public course along the lake). Of course, there’s plenty of fun to be had at Magic Carpet Golf, a family-friendly goofy golf experience that’s sure to bring some laughs. RnR Vacation Rentals offers a wide selection of vacation homes, ensuring that families find the perfect base for their South Tahoe adventures. But remember, well-placed vacation rentals fill up quickly for spring break, so early booking is recommended. Ready for a family spring break filled with adventure and relaxation? Visit RnR Vacation Rentals at www.rnrvr.com/extendedstay or call (530) 208-5001 to start planning your South Tahoe spring break today. Go golfing in Williamsburg, Virginia An aerial view of Colonial Williamsburg by Eric Foster - Unsplash Head to the Historic Triangle of Virginia and plan for an epic, golf-filled vacation at the region's beautiful courses. Just as Colonial Williamsburg brings America’s history to life, the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club honors the classic traditions of the game while still creating an entertaining challenge for today’s player. Designed by the father-and-son team of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Rees Jones, players will experience 45 walkable holes over three courses, surrounded by mature woodlands. The Gold Course is a classic reimagined. Recently renovated by “The Open Doctor,” Rees Jones, the Gold Course now features cutting-edge turf grasses, new grass on the fairways, updated greens and surrounding rough, and utilizes “Better Billy Bunker” construction. Tees have been re-leveled and resurfaced, and the expanded practice putting green and range gives golfers plenty of opportunity to work on their long and short games. Rees Jones drew inspiration from his father to create the acclaimed Green Course, which opened in 1991. Carved from the same beautiful parkland terrain, the Green Course is longer than the Gold Course, but also more forgiving, which creates an enjoyable challenge for golfers of every skill level. Perfect for networking or a quick golf getaway, the Spotswood Course is Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s updated version of the original 1947 Williamsburg Inn course. Called the “best short nine-hole course in the country” by Golf magazine, this par-31 course includes six par-3s, two par-4s, and one par-5 to test your entire game. Championship golf is the centerpiece of the Kingsmill Resort experience. It has hosted 38 PGA and LPGA events with golf legends Payne Stewart, Annika Sorenstam, Jack Nicklaus, Cristie Kerr, and Arnold Palmer among those who have played the famed courses. The Kingsmill Golf Academy offers expert advice for all levels of players. Pick between three renowned courses, The River, The Plantation, and The Woods. You can’t go wrong. The River Course, a Golfweek “Top 200 Resort Course,” was designed by prominent architect Pete Dye and is home to the LPGA Pure Silk Tournament. This course has welcomed Presidents Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay designed the Plantation Course to test the skills of all types of players with its generous fairways, water hazards, and undulating greens. The Woods Course occupies a secluded corner of the resort and was recently opened to the public. Ranked #10 of Virginia’s Top Ten Golf Courses by Golf Week Magazine, the Woods Course is an instant hit with all golfers. Featuring the only Arthur Hills signature-designed golf course in Williamsburg, Colonial Heritage Golf Club is open to the public and offers an exceptional layout that winds through rolling hills, streams, and pine forests. This artfully crafted masterpiece emulates the classic beauty and refinement of the natural terrain of its southern Virginia surroundings. Thoughtfully planned bunkers, undulating fairways, and well-arranged water features create an enjoyable golfing experience for novices and experts alike. Each year since 2013, Colonial Heritage has been ranked “Best in Region” by Coastal Virginia Magazine. After sinking the last putt, the clubhouse’s Heritage Restaurant and Bistro Grille will be waiting so you can grab a bite from the menu of American classics. Kiskiack Golf Club is home to one of the top-ranked 18-hole golf courses in the state of Virginia. Designed by John LaFoy, it’s nestled along a ridge of a natural bluff in Williamsburg. Kiskiack’s public course features tree-lined fairways, gorgeous water features, and is easily walkable. While the course can be demanding even for the experienced player, the course’s open fairways and picturesque views will allow beginners to enjoy a round of golf as well. It’s the only golf course in Williamsburg with no homes on the course. The 18-hole golf course at Stonehouse Golf Club features 7,013 yards of golf from the back tees. Stonehouse was designed by one of the most innovative golf course architects in the business, Mike Strantz, a former protégé of Tom Fazio. Strantz envisioned a mountain-style course that disturbed nature as little as possible. With deep bunkers and wide fairways, the par-72 layout features dramatic elevation changes and enormous putting greens perched on the edges of natural cliff formations, with constant challenges for all levels. Williamsburg golf travelers looking for a unique experience will find it at Stonehouse. Located just minutes away from historic Williamsburg, Ford’s Colony Country Club offers some of the best resort golf in Virginia. This semi-private golf club features 54 holes with three distinct championship golf courses designed by Dan Maples. Blackheath is the most picturesque of the three courses with water coming into play on 13 holes. Every green on the course is guarded by bunkers, and the course also features many doglegs with rolling fairways. The Blackheath course is the only course at Ford’s Colony that plays to a par 71. Blue Heron is a continuous 18 that has long, challenging par-3s and par-5s. The Blue Heron has generous fairways carved out of dense wetlands. The course has new Champion Bermuda greens, which provide the smoothest surfaces throughout the year. Blue Heron is the longest of the three courses and contains many different species of birds, fish, and other wildlife. Marsh Hawk features traditional tree-lined fairways. It has small, undulating greens with strategically placed bunkers. The narrow fairways, well-placed bunkers, natural lakes, and elevation changes are the defenses of this course. Marsh Hawk was the host of the 1998 and 1999 Virginia State Opens, a Monday Qualifier for the 2005 – 2007 Henrico County Open, and a Monday Qualifier for the PGA Tour’s Michelob Championship for 12 straight years. Voted “Best Golf Course in Williamsburg” by the Virginia Gazette two years in a row, Williamsburg National Golf Club is an open-to-the-public private club that features two very different courses when it comes to layout and putting surfaces (Bermuda rather than bent grass). The Jamestown Course, developed by Nicklaus Design, is a 4-star Golf Digest winner. The par-72 course measures close to 7,000 yards from the championship tees, with five different sets of tees appealing to golfers of all skill levels. It has received several awards, including being named “One of the Ten Best Courses you can play in Virginia” by Golf Digest magazine. The Yorktown Course layout offers a great mix of classic course design with a few modern twists. In addition to being ranked No. 7 of the most-improved courses in the nation by Golf Advisor (now GolfPass) in 2018, it has the area’s most interesting back nine featuring three par-5s, three par-4s, and three par-3s. Bermuda fairways, bent grass putting greens, and a course full of fun challenges await, three par 4s, and three par 5s. Be sure to try one of the most creative casual dining menus in Williamsburg at Williamsburg Nationals' 1607 Grill which features daily specials, weekend breakfast, and patio dining. Immerse yourself in culture in New York, New York The meatpacking district in New York City by Bernd Dittrich - Unsplash Steps away from the High Line and Chelsea Market in New York City’s vibrant Meatpacking District, the Whitney Museum of American Art is the perfect destination for visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in art, culture, and all that NYC has to offer. The Whitney presents soaring views of the famous city skyline via four stories of outdoor balcony terraces and awe-inspiring architecture amid its collection of masterworks by leading American artists like Edward Hopper, Jacob Lawrence, and Georgia O'Keeffe, along with cutting-edge exhibitions featuring today's most celebrated contemporary artists. From March 20th through August 11, 2024,, the Whitney Biennial, the Museum’s flagship exhibition and the country’s leading survey of contemporary American art, will return with a showcase of the most relevant art and ideas of our time. Plan your trip to experience this must-see exhibition and cultural event of the season, and be sure to include a visit to the newly opened Frenchette Bakery at the Whitney. Looking ahead, mark your calendars for Edges of Ailey, the first large-scale museum exhibition to reflect on the life, work, and legacy of visionary artist and choreographer Alvin Ailey, opening this September. The 2024 edition, Even Better Than the Real Thing, on view through August, features 71 contemporary artists and collectives working across media and disciplines. The artists featured are exploring and interpreting critical and timely issues. Don’t miss your opportunity to see tomorrow’s icons today, all in the heart of the lively Meatpacking District. The 2024 Whitney Biennial also features an incredibly robust lineup of live performances and film screenings. For the first time in Whitney Biennial history, audiences will be able to enjoy select films online, as well as during special screenings at the Museum. More information about the Whitney Biennial can be found at whitney.org/biennial. On view through May 19, 2024, Harold Cohen: AARON traces the evolution of AARON, the earliest artificial intelligence (AI) software for artmaking and one of the longest-running contemporary art projects. Featuring artworks produced by AARON, this mesmerizing exhibition highlights its drawing process with pen plotters live in the galleries for the first time since the 1990s. The Whitney houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, with a special focus on the most innovative artists of our time. Iconic works by Andy Warhol, Lee Krasner, Norman Lewis, Roy Lichtenstein, and many more are now on view in The Whitney’s Collection: Selections from 1900 to 1965. This multi-year presentation also features a panoramic installation of Alexander Calder’s Calder's Circus, which New York magazine calls “one of the most fun, beloved, and radical works of 20th-century American art.” As part of the Whitney’s reimagined food and beverage program, Frenchette Bakery, which opened in TriBeCa in 2020, opened a new flagship location, with its first-ever cafe in the Museum’s redesigned ground-floor restaurant space in November 2023. The new Frenchette Bakery at the Whitney offers a grab-and-go bakery with a selection of on-premises baked sweet and savory fare, as well as a sit-down, full-service cafe with pizzas, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees, desserts, and a carefully selected wine, beer, and cocktail menu. The restaurant features a new installation from artist Rashid Johnson, a steel-grid sculpture laden with plants and ceramics, extending from within the Whitney out to the plaza. The Museum's eighth-floor cafe space, featuring a new commission by artist Dyani White Hawk, will reopen this spring. All year round, the Whitney offers free art programming for kids and teens on weekends and a robust slate of public programs and events for visitors of all ages. Programs range from guided tours and artist talks to artmaking, performances, and so much more. Throughout the month of June, the Whitney will present a series of free, on-site public programs and events celebrating Pride. More public program information can be found online at whitney.org/events. The Whitney Museum of American Art is the cultural anchor of the Meatpacking District, a twenty-square-block area on the far West Side of Manhattan. A neighborhood where old New York meets the electric pace of the 21st century, today the Meatpacking District is bustling with numerous architecture and design firms, fashion boutiques, high-tech companies, innovative public parks, and some of New York's most notable restaurants, bars, clubs, and hotels. The neighborhood is bordered by Chelsea, renowned for its art galleries, cultural organizations, and Chelsea Market. The Whitney is only a few steps from the High Line, one of New York City's most exceptional public parks located thirty feet above street level on a 1930s freight railway, as well as Little Island and Gansevoort Peninsula. Day and night, the cobblestone streets of the Meatpacking District are alive with culture. The Whitney recently transformed the artist Roy Lichtenstein’s nearby Greenwich Village studio into a new permanent home for its Independent Study Program, creating a dynamic space for creativity and scholarship. Learn about the ocean in Daytona, Florida Visitors explore the Daytona Aquarium and Rainforest Adventure - courtesy of Daytona Beach Area CVB Often called home of the world's most famous beaches, Daytona Beach, Florida, continues to delight and surprise visitors with its diverse and growing array of attractions. The Daytona Beach area includes several cities and towns including Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Ponce Inlet, Holly Hill and South Daytona. The destination has long been known for its iconic beaches and rich auto racing history but today a slate of exciting new attractions, upscale lodging, a vibrant arts scene and an amazing collection of parks, preserves and outdoor activities are all part of Daytona Beach's year-round appeal. The Daytona Beach area has its first aquarium offering in the destination with the opening of the Daytona Aquarium and Rainforest Adventure, which provides an interactive educational experience featuring animals from both land and sea.The 55,000-square foot facility is located on the northwest corner of International Speedway Blvd. and Nova Road in the heart of Daytona Beach. Visitors can explore close to 40 separate exhibits including a 100,000-gallon shark exhibit and two touch pools including a 12,000-gallon stingray touch pool. There are also habitats for alligators, frogs, and lizards.In addition, the attraction will have animal meet and greets with reptilian animal ambassadors throughout the day with guests. “We're excited that this moment has arrived,” said Lori Campbell Baker, Executive Director for the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The destination's first aquarium is going provide another great must-do experience when visiting Daytona Beach area.” Phase 2 of the attraction, The Rainforest, is scheduled for opening in 2025 and will feature multiple species including primates, sloths, and tropical birds. Daily adult admission tickets are $28.95 and $24.95 for children ages 2-12. College students, military/police, and senior admissions (65 and over) are $27.95. Annual memberships are $100 for adults and $80 for children ages 2-12. The Daytona Aquarium and Rainforest Adventure is open seven days a week, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. with the last admission available at 5:15 pm. For more information, visit Daytona Aquarium and Rainforest Adventure. Sip on fine wines in Detroit, Michigan The Michigan Wine Collaborative (MWC) is excited to announce that from May 17-19, 2024, Detroit is set to be swept off its feet as Taste Michigan Invades the D, transforming the city into a haven for wine enthusiasts and gastronomic aficionados alike. This three-day extravaganza promises an unforgettable fusion of local flavors, exquisite wines, and unparalleled experiences.On May 17, embark on a journey through the heart of Metro Detroit as Michigan Wine Collaborative's renowned winery members collaborate with restaurants, crafting exclusive Michigan wine-paired experiences at select locations. Immerse yourself in the art of wine and culinary perfection as each venue unveils a symphony of flavors curated to tantalize taste buds across the Motor City. This is the premier chance to truly, Taste Michigan.The climax of the weekend unfolds on May 18 at Comerica Park, where Michigan Wine Collaborative, Vintage Michigan Wine Club, and Taste Michigan partner with Uncork Me Michigan Wine Festival. Brace yourselves for an unparalleled gathering of 30 wineries, all converging within the iconic stadium. Sip, savor, and celebrate the diversity of Michigan's finest wines, meticulously curated to delight even the most discerning palates. The invasion concludes on May 19th with The Royce's annual Michigan Wine Expo.Experience the best that Michigan has to offer in the world of wine and culinary arts by securing your tickets at TasteMichigan.org. Don't miss this opportunity to revel in a weekend of unparalleled indulgence and create lasting memories with friends and fellow enthusiasts. Taste Michigan is dedicated to showcasing the vibrant culinary and winemaking scene of the Great Lakes State. Through curated events and festivals, Taste Michigan provides a platform for locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Michigan's gastronomic delights. Visit TasteMichigan.org for more information and ticket details. The Michigan Wine Collaborative is the voice of the Michigan wine industry. Our mission is to enhance the sustainability and profitability of the Michigan wine industry by supporting wineries, growers and other businesses and individuals connected to the industry – today and for future generations.

InspirationAdventure

Plan an Astronomically Spectacular Vacation to Southeastern Canada

The Eastern Townships, a region in southeastern Quebec, Canada, is gearing up for an extraordinary astronomical phenomenon this year—the Total Solar Eclipse. This celestial display will occur on April 8, 2024, and while the experience will only last a few minutes, visitors will want to plan a whole vacation around this stellar event to enjoy the area's many activities and attractions. The moon will slowly pass between the sun and Earth, gradually obscuring the light until the sun's corona comes into view with stars in a darkened sky, following the trajectory of a full solar eclipse. This rare spectacle is best viewed from the International Dark Sky Reserve in and around Mont Megantic. Covering an area of 5,300 square kilometers it was the first of its kind in the world. In Quebec, the last total solar eclipse was more than 50 years ago, and the next one will not take place for another 80 years. A number of local enterprises throughout the region are in the process of establishing the best viewing areas. Details and locations are listed on eclipsequebec.ca. Whether you're the kind of person who loves good food, cultural events, adventure or just relaxing, in the Eastern Townships you're sure to find something that appeals to your passion. Enjoy dark skies in the "astronomy capital" of Quebec The Mont Mégantic Observatory in Lac Megantic, Canada by Patrick Boucher - Unsplash Experience the total eclipse of the sun at the base of Mont Megantic, the astronomy “capital” of Quebec and an area designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve. Mont Megantic National Park will be presenting a 4-hour, animated show on a giant outdoor screen, tracking the eclipse in real time (as well as being rebroadcast later). Tickets go online in December and the cost includes bus transportation to the site. Visitors will not be able to drive into the park. Places are limited, so reservations must be made in advance. Visitors can also watch the eclipse in Lac Megantic. The downtown area has plenty of parking, large public spaces, a jetty and a park – all of them offering easy viewing of this once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon! Moreover, the Haut-Saint-François MRC is organizing an overflow circuit in several of its municipalities to allow citizens and visitors to observe the eclipse. If you're a nature lover, you can enjoy some spectacular vistas from Mont Megantic National Park, Mont Gosford or Station touristique Baie-des-Sables. Do you enjoy taking a road trip? The 193-km Summit Drive is flanked by breathtaking scenery and on April 8, drivers will be able to view the eclipse from one of 36 lookout points along the route. If you're travelling with the family, they'll love the Ferme des Petits Torrieux in Frontenac. Attractions include a sugar shack (where you can gather maple sap and taste maple products) and a visit to the farm animals. Lac Megantic boasts several great eating establishments: Musi-Café, the Café Bistro La Brûlerie, Citron-Vert restaurant, La Garnison microbrewery and the Kaline Resto-Pub, to name a few. Book a stay in a traditional yurt or a mini-home at Hébergement aux cinq sens in Piopolis. Benoit, an amateur astronomer, will lead the Soirées aux étoiles (“Evening under the stars”) during which he will explain the eclipse to visitors as they gaze at the skies. After the event, guests will be served chaga (mushroom) tea. Finally, a new inn is opening in Frontenac, Estello Suites & Spa. Situated in the heart of the International Dark Sky Reserve, it has 11 renovated suites and thermal facilities. Explore local culture and history in Sherbrooke and Coaticook Sherbrooke, Canada by Mathis Mauprivez - Unsplash In Sherbrooke, visitors can go to the Exhibition Centre, as well as a number of public spaces around the city. The student populace will be invited to attend various eclipse-related events at Bishop's University, Cégep de Sherbrooke and the Université de Sherbrooke. Only students are allowed to attend the gatherings at the educational establishments. In the Coaticook Valley, Mont Hereford is organizing a 13-kilometre (round-trip) hike from the East Hereford parking lot to observe the eclipse from the summit of the mountain. (By reservation only. Maximum 250 people.) Before and after the eclipse, there is plenty to do nearby. Downtown Sherbrooke is home to a number of museums: the Musée d'histoire de Sherbrooke, Musée de la nature et des sciences de Sherbrooke and the Musée des beaux-arts de Sherbrooke. Follow along the Circuit des murales – a circuit of giant murals painted by professional artists, depicts scenes from Sherbrooke's history and a novel way to explore the city's attractive downtown. In Coaticook, the Musée Beaulne (a former private home) traces the history of Arthur O. Norton who made his fortune manufacturing railroad jacks. For a bite to eat, try Auguste and sample its unique version of poutine, the Siboire Dépôt microbrewery (local beers brewed on site and its oh-so-popular fish 'n' chips!) or the OMG Resto for a juicy burger. In the Coaticook Valley, it's well worth stopping at the La Station de Compton to taste their delicious cheeses. Wander around the Economusée (onsite), where you can learn all about how cheeses are made and matured. Hop Station, a microbrewery in Coaticook, is housed in a former railway station and it will soon be launching a new maple syrup beer to commemorate the solar eclipse. Sherbrooke has a number of inns and B&Bs such as l'Ile de Garde or le Marquis de Montcalm. In these intimate, privately-run establishments, owners are always willing to chat to their guests and to fill them in on what there is to see and do in their region. In Coaticook, at Auberge du Changement d'Ère adventurous souls can stay in yurts or suspended “pods”, in a stunning natural setting. Similar pods are also among the unusual accommodations offered by Mont Expérience Hereford Get active in Brome-Missisquoi and Granby Bromont, Quebec, Canada by Pierre Jarry - Unsplash Numerous activities will be taking place in the Brome-Missisquoi region. Visitors will have the choice of viewing the celestial event from Bromont's Place Publique (a public gathering place), the summits of Monts Horizon, Bernard, Spruce or at Bromont, montagne d'expériences. An amateur astronomer from the Fédération des astronomes du Québec will be on hand at these locations. Parc Duhamel (Bedford Township) has the capacity for up to 100 visitors and in the Granby region, there are a couple of places to observe the eclipse - the Granby Zoo and the Centre d'interprétation de la nature du lac Boivin interpretation centre. The Yamaska National Park will project images (in real time) from the ASTROLab, on a giant screen. If you love a good workout, you'll enjoy climbing the walls at BackBone Boulder in Bromont or the challenge of track cycling in the new indoor velodrome at the Centre national de cyclisme de Bromont (the only one in Quebec). Alternatively, you can put your body through its paces – Ninja warrior style - at the Motion parc évolutif, a training/exercise centre in Granby. The mountains of Sutton and Bromont, the Au Diable Vert mountain resort and the Yamaska National Park are also great places to exercise outdoors. At the end of an action-filled day, you can relax at the BALNEA Spa which has just added a new infinity pool to its facilities. Relax and enjoy the view over mountain-fringed Lac Gale. Foodies have the choice of several restaurants in the area that offer fine dining: la Maison Boire, la Table à Mo and the Bistro Kapzak in Granby, not to mention Le Chardo and Le Roux in Bromont. A number of wineries along the Brome-Missiquoi Wine Route will also be open to the public. The Eastern Townships, the “cradle” of Quebec's viticulture industry, produces over 60% of the wines made in the province. There are a number of great places to stay, including the Château-Bromont, Domaine Jolivent, le Pleasant Hôtel & Café, Huttopia, the Beatnick Hotel, and the Hotel St-Cristophe. Explore star-spangled events beyond the eclipse Constellations above Quebec, Canada by Arnaud Mariat - Unsplash If you didn't get enough of this “heavenly” phenomenon, don't worry, there are plenty of other astronomical events here in the Eastern Townships. The region is known as the perfect spot for gazing at the stars, no matter what the time of year! During the summer, Mont Megantic International Dark Sky Reserve attracts dozens of people who come to watch the Perseids (meteor showers) which, in 2024, will be at their peak on August 11 and 12. The 5,500-square-kilometre reserve was created to shield the starry sky from light pollution. This move was critical to the work of researchers and for the educational programs at the Observatory and the ASTROLab in Mont-Mégantic National Park, one of North America's leading astronomy sites. Au Diable Vert is a mountain resort in Glen Sutton, in the heart of another Dark Sky Reserve (the second largest in the Eastern Townships). This eco-friendly, outdoor centre offers a unique attraction – Observétoiles - an open-air, augmented reality planetarium, that allows star-gazers to observe the constellations and other heavenly phenomena. Other night sky activities take place elsewhere around in the region: hikes by moonlight in the Parc d'environnement naturel de Sutton (PENS), a sound-and-light experience at Foresta Lumina in the Parc de la Gorge in Coaticook, overnight stays at a campsite (or rustic shelter) at the summit of Mont Sutton, and photographing the night sky during Zenderfull, an event in Val-Racine.

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Obsessed with Breakfast? Celebrate National Pancake Day and Book a Stay Here

Wake up and smell the pancakes! From the brand whose pancakes pack the same punch as their iconic waffles, comes this humble ab-ode to flapjacks. Eggo® is celebrating its other favorite breakfast staple with the ultimate Eggo experience in honor of National Pancake Day — celebrated today, on February 28th. Beginning today, you can now book the first-ever Eggo House of Pancakes, a literal "pancake house" complete with a stick-of-butter-shaped chimney and breakfast-inspired decor, available for rent exclusively on HomeToGo. It's here just in time for spring break to rescue families and fans from the chaos that comes with planning a vacation for the whole crew.Visit the "Pancake Capital" in the Smoky Mountains Enjoy the view of the mountains from the Eggo House of Pancakes - courtesy of Eggo/HomeToGo Located in the Pancake Capital of the South – Gatlinburg, Tennessee – fans will be able to book a unique stay at the Eggo House of Pancakes and enjoy this short-stack-shaped home-away-from-home in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Flapjack-loving fans and families visiting this unique vacation destination will be transported into a pancake paradise from the moment they step inside. Breathe in the scent of sweet syrup-infused mountain air. Get cozy in the fluffy pancake beds and bean bag chairs. Toast up Eggo Mini Pancake s'mores at the fire pit overlooking the Smokies. Pour it on thick at the maple syrup fountain. Dive into game night in the basement gameroom, complete with an Eggo pancake-fied pool table and more. Enjoy the game room in the Eggo House of Pancakes - courtesy of Eggo/HomeToGo The best part? Parents can actually relax because vacationing here is easy, from start to finish. First, HomeToGo's seamless booking process ensures your pancake-filled vacation begins effortlessly. Then, Eggo's array of products ensure you don't have to worry about breakfast once you're there. That's right. We've packed the freezer full of Eggo pancakes for chaos-free mornings throughout your stay. Expertly crafted and irresistibly fluffy, Eggo pancakes are a convenient, ready-in-30-seconds breakfast classic that come in a variety of flavors and sizes: Buttermilk, Blueberry, Chocolatey Chip, Minis & Chocolatey Chip Minis. All you need is a microwave… and butter and syrup. "Eggo and waffles are an iconic combination, so much so that fans might forget about our pancakes. That's why we're flipping our focus with this unexpected experience that celebrates Eggo pancakes as a breakfast go-to that's equally good at making parents' lives easier and making breakfast delicious," said Joe Beauprez, Senior Director of Marketing for Frozen Foods at Kellanova. "Plus, we know that planning a family vacation can be chaotic, so we're helping parents check one more thing off their to-do list for spring break season with this deliciously fun house."The kids room features pancake wallpaper - courtesy of Eggo/HomeToGo The Eggo House of Pancakes will be exclusively listed on HomeToGo.com, a vacation rental marketplace specializing in making incredible homes easily accessible to everyone. According to HomeToGo data, Gatlinburg not only tops the charts as the most-searched destination in Tennessee, but also ranks as one of the top ten most searched destinations in the entire U.S., making it the perfect pancake haven for this mouthwatering collaboration. "At HomeToGo, we're on a mission to make vacation planning as delightful as the trips themselves. And, we love pancakes. That's why we are thrilled to partner with Eggo to bring their House of Pancakes to fans of unique vacation rentals," said Danielle Finch, Director of Customer Experience at HomeToGo. "We look forward to inspiring adventure-seeking families to embark on unforgettable journeys, all while showcasing the simplicity of booking their dream stays using HomeToGo. We believe booking a vacation rental should be as easy as a pancake breakfast with Eggo: without any chaos and full of fun." How to book your stacked stayThe living room of the Eggo House of Pancakes - courtesy of Eggo/HomeToGo Families and fans can request to book one of four different three-night stays at the Eggo House of Pancakes beginning on National Pancake Day, February 28th, at the chaos-solving cost of $0 a night, by visiting www.hometogo.com/EggoHouseofPancakes. And yes, you can bring the whole crew, as the House accommodates up to 8 guests. Set your alarms! Bookings will be available throughout the month of March. The first weekend opens for booking on National Pancake Day (2/28 at 12 PM EST) and the rest will open on Mondays at 12 PM EST on a rolling basis through Monday, March 18th.* Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from the Eggo House of Pancakes. See below for exact booking dates and openings. *The four 3-night stays are not a contest. The stays will be available for booking as follows: Wednesday, Feb. 28: March 7-10 open for bookingMonday, March 4: March 14-17 open for bookingMonday, March 11: March 21-24 open for bookingMonday, March 18: March 28-31 open for booking