New Hampshire ski areas are ready to welcome visitors during looking for a late-season ski trip. Over 875 alpine and Nordic trails are currently open and covered side to side and top to bottom with snow, offering thousands of acres of varied terrain suitable for everyone from beginners to experts. Additionally, resorts are offering a multitude of other family-friendly activities like tubing, snowshoeing, and ziplining, along with special events and après-ski festivities for both kids and adults. Ski New Hampshire provides a listing of both alpine and cross-country ski areas on its website at www.SkiNH.com/resorts. Here, visitors will find information on ski areas of all sizes, each with its own vibe, level of difficulty, and off-slope offerings. Those looking for hidden gems with short lift lines and lower ticket prices can often find both at smaller ski areas. Currently, Ski NH has $25 tickets available at Dartmouth Skiway and McIntyre Ski Area that are good any day for the rest of the 2023-24 ski season, including February vacation weeks. Ski NH's Conditions page provides information that guests typically want to know in advance, including snow conditions, the number of open trails and lifts, links to resort web cameras, and click-through links to area websites for more detailed snow reports. Regarding tickets, ski lessons, and more, people should be aware that some ski areas will sell out of certain products or services during holiday and vacation periods. Ski NH suggests calling in advance to ensure availability, and in some cases, advanced purchases or reservations may be recommended or required. Night ski and save Skiing in New Hampshire - coutesy of Ski NH Another way vacationers can save on the slopes is to consider skiing under the lights at night. Many areas like Gunstock Mountain Resort, King Pine, McIntyre Ski Area, Pats Peak, and Crotched Mountain offer night skiing and riding from mid-afternoon until 8 p.m. or later. Crotched Mountain is normally open Tuesday-Saturday until 9 p.m., but is also open for night skiing until midnight on March 2. Find the latest information on night skiing at SkiNH.com. Go Nordic Nordic (or cross-country) skiing is a great choice to beat the crowds and get a great workout. At many Nordic centers, visitors can also snowshoe. The state has many choices for cross-country skiing that offer diverse terrain options, from beginner to expert, and some with sweeping views across open fields and others through wooded trails. Cross-country skiing is a lower-cost alternative to downhill, has a shorter learning curve, and is another great way for the entire family to enjoy time on snow this February. For those who have never tried cross-country skiing before, most areas offer lessons; one lesson can build confidence and get new skiers on their way to enjoying many miles (or kilometers, as measured by Nordic areas) of trails. Try a non-skiing mountain adventure Snow tubing has become increasingly popular, especially for kids, for those who don't ski, or as an activity to complement skiing and riding while on vacation. Snow tubing facilities vary; some are lift-serviced while others require a short hike up the hill. NH resorts offering snow tubing include Bretton Woods, Cranmore Mountain Resort, Franconia Inn XC, Great Glen Trails, Gunstock Mountain Resort, King Pine, Loon Mountain Resort, McIntyre Ski Area, and Pats Peak. Many NH ski resorts offer additional activities on and off snow, including fat biking, canopy tours, skijoring, mountain coasters, and taking a snow coach up the famed Mount Washington (the highest peak in the Northeast) where you can either ride the coach or snowshoe back down. Find more information on these unique non-skiing activities at SkiNH.com. Don't forget the après A child eats a s'more - courtesy of Ski NH For those who enjoy live music and hanging out with friends and family after skiing and riding, most NH alpine ski resorts offer live music on weekends or certain afternoons along with hearty appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, drinks, and more. During the February 17-24 vacation week, several ski areas will be serving up live music daily, while others will be hosting live acts Friday and Saturday at either end of the vacation week. A variety of events will take place at NH ski areas during the vacation weeks. For the kids, Cranmore Mountain Resort will be hosting its Cranapalooza family-friendly events daily from February 17-23. On February 24th and 25th, it's Good vs. Evil at Mount Sunapee's Superheroes and Supervillains Weekend! Come dressed as your favorite superhero or supervillain or make up your own and enter to win a pair of Oakley goggles at either Guest Services location. For those who enjoy competition, on February 25th there is “North America’s Toughest 10K." The Ski, Shoe & Fatbike to the Clouds 10k course uses 4k of the Great Glen Trails system, and then 6k on the snow covered Mt. Washington Auto Road with an average grade of 12% and an elevation gain of 2,200 feet (pre-registration required). Other events include live music, s'mores, guided snowshoe tours, and more; details on these and many more events can be found at www.skinh.com/events.

The wilds of Alaska, British Columbia, and Yosemite Valley are three locations beloved by travelers looking to escape into the beauty of nature and explore the outdoors—and all three destinations will have even more to offer this upcoming year. These destinations all include brand-new accommodations and experiences launching soon in 2024, so book your next wild adventure now. Feel rejuvenated in Alaska Rocking chairs at Tutka Bay Lodge - courtesy of Tutka Bay Lodge Alaska At Tutka Bay Lodge, wellness is woven skillfully into each day at the lodge. Within the Wild cuisine, cooking classes, adventure activities, and opportunities to explore in nature all add to the overall wellness culture at the lodge. To offer a deeper connection to nature and one's self, Tutka Bay Lodge's new regenerative wellness program offered all summer long includes daily outdoor yoga, as well as meditation, which can be practiced on a kayak or paddle board for a floating meditative treatment, and guided intentional breathing to find inner stillness, self-reflection, and grounding. Taking advantage of the lodge's unique location, Forest Therapy incorporates guided hikes into an old-growth rainforest or deep into the nearby Kachemak Bay State Park and Reiki in the wild where an expert uses gentle hand movements to guide the flow of healthy energy through the body to reduce stress and promote healing. From this ideal setting, guests can immerse themselves in sound bathing, which incorporates a full-body listening experience that intentionally uses sound to invite gentle, yet powerful, therapeutic and restorative processes to nurture the mind and body. Back at the lodge, a Wilderness Tea Lounge invites guests to gather herbs and berries from the forest to create a healthy and healing tea, which can be enjoyed before or after a Reiki in the Wild session or Herb & Salt Scrub Treatment. In addition to these offerings, the lodge has two hot tubs, a wood-fired sauna, and a private beach. A yurt is located near the forest, which guests can access anytime to stretch and do some weight-training with dumbbells and kettlebells. Within the Wild cuisine, cooking classes, adventure activities, or on-site property engagements with nature all add to our overall wellness culture at the lodge. Tutka Bay Lodge is also thrilled to announce their upcoming 'Wellness in the Wild' program retreats for 2024, scheduled in spring (May 24-27) and fall (Sept 20-23). Led by Hope Aguirre, the Wellness Director, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the healing power of nature, embracing the beauty of pristine waters and refreshing bay air. This transformative program encompasses eight core pillars: Connect, Grow, Heal, Create, Listen, Eat, Learn, and Move. At Tutka Bay Lodge, visitors will discover a sanctuary of balance, tranquility, and rejuvenation in the awe-inspiring Alaska wilderness, providing the perfect environment for focus and inner peace. Connect - Facilitate connections with the land, local natives, fellow participants, and, most importantly, oneself. Amidst the enchantment of our magical old-growth forest, find a special tree, the sanctuary for this transformative journey.Grow - Embrace hope for the future. Sustainability and regeneration are woven into every retreat aspect, from learning new skills to silent walks to joyful time shared at the table, encouraging reflective and purposeful living.Hea l- Experience the healing power of the natural world. Connect with the land and sea living pulse through meditative walks, hikes along Grace Ridge, and discovering the curative properties of wild things. Feel the energy of trees and embrace them and create your salt scrub using sea salt harvested from the ocean, complemented by wild herbs and flowers.Create - Liberate your mind, and inspiration will follow. Engage with talented hosts to make local spruce tip incense, experiment with natural pigment watercolors, and create fish prints. Unwind with glacial facial masks crafted from glacier ice, glacial mud, and seaweed freshly harvested from the ocean.Listen - Immerse in a symphony of sounds, allowing them to envelop and transport you to heightened awareness through sound bathing. Experience the transformative power of sound and celebrate the rhythmic undulations of the sea, the whispers of wind through the forest, and the harmonious melodies of birdsong. Explore the enchanting harmonics created by singing bowls, bells, harps, and the human voice.Eat - At Tutka Bay Lodge, food tells the story of who they are, who lived there in the distant past, and perhaps who will be here in the future. Learn about the cuisine, the cultural story of Alutiiq and Dena' Ina natives, the Russian occupation, and Scandinavian fishermen settlers. Learn how to forage for wild edibles and craft your gathered treasures into delicious works of art worthy of any Michelin-starred restaurant.Learn - Naturalist outdoor guides bring you deep into our old-growth Sitka Spruce Forest. Guides will share skills such as plant identification, animal tracking, and fire starting. The Spring retreat will marvel at being at near-full light at midnight and capturing the early morning dawn chorus. The Fall retreat will spend time looking at the stars and the bioluminescence in the bay.Move - In the heart of the seaside sanctuary, discover solace and immerse in exhilarating pursuits. The expansive deck, overlooking the ocean, becomes a base for practicing yoga while absorbing the invigorating sea breeze. Enjoy evening music and dancing, bonfires on the nearby beach, and stories. Sea kayaking offers an up-close encounter with the rhythmic ocean waves – and a potential whale sighting. Water-based wellness activities, including aqua yoga and hot-cold therapy, provide a harmonious blend of relaxation and exercise, embraced by the soothing environment of Tutka Bay. To learn more and book a stay or retreat visit www.withinthewild.com. Visit the Kootenay Rockies in British Columbia Rendering of Basecamp Suites in Revelstroke - courtesy of Basecamp Resorts Canada's award-winning hospitality brand Basecamp Resorts today announced Basecamp Suites Revelstoke (112 2nd Street East, Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada) will open to guests on May 17 2024, with reservations now available to book online. The modern boutique hotel was intentionally designed for travelers seeking comfort, style and convenience while visiting one of Canada's most spectacular and thrilling mountain towns. Located in downtown Revelstoke, with easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment and adventures, and just a 10-minute drive from world-famous Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Basecamp Suites Revelstoke redefines the quintessential mountain getaway. The brand new hotel boasts 31 spacious suites - from three-bedroom to micro-studios - each featuring a fully equipped kitchen, living/dining areas, a washer/dryer and stunning mountain views. Additional amenities include communal outdoor rooftop hot tubs, high-end bedding and furniture, shuttle services and a full-service front desk. “Revelstoke is a must visit Canadian mountain town, filled with incredible culture, art, craft breweries and restaurants, stunning scenery and limitless adventures. We are thrilled to be opening another hotel in this beautiful pristine destination, and to provide visitors with a home-away-from-home while they take in all that Revelstoke has to offer,” said Sky McLean, founder and CEO, Basecamp Resorts. A dynamic mountain community with a rich heritage, loved for its small-town charm and big mountain adventure, Revelstoke is a year-round paradise nestled in the Kootenay Rockies. Adventure seekers can partake in world-class skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, paragliding and more. Downtown Revelstoke offers visitors a range of vibrant and diverse culture to enjoy including independent restaurants, cafes, breweries, shops, museums, live music, art galleries, public art, markets and festivals, Tucked between the Monashee and Selkirk Mountain Ranges of southeastern British Columbia, home to the Columbia River, and located in the world's only inland temperate rainforest filled with old growth forests, Revelstoke is renowned for its natural splendors and is known as a mecca for thrill-seekers. Experience the beauty of Yosemite Valley Firefall Ranch Cottage - courtesy of Firefall Ranch/Tracy Barbutes Welcoming guests this May 2024, Firefall Ranch offers an unparalleled blend of rustic elegance, exceptional nature-forward experiences, and sustainable travel practices, all within minutes of Yosemite's popular northwest entrance. A beckoning retreat for discerning travelers, the Ranch comprises 55 thoughtfully designed, stand-alone cottages and villas dispersed amongst 300 acres of serene meadowland and forested rolling hills. The Ranch's name takes inspiration from the eagerly anticipated natural marvel of Firefall — an annual phenomenon that takes place in world-famous Yosemite Valley when each February the sunlight streams perfectly through the thin cascade of water at Horsetail Fall, transforming it into a breathtaking, fiery orange stream over the sheer face of iconic El Capitan. Firefall Ranch invites guests to embrace a world away from the everyday, offering not only accommodations but a private and enveloping connection with the surrounding natural beauty of Yosemite. A 'destination within a destination,' Firefall Ranch features 55 stand-alone cottages and villas with one, two, and three-bedroom configurations. Each cottage and villa boasts a double-sided indoor/outdoor fireplace, an expansive covered deck, and striking design details. Luxurious and relaxed, Firefall Ranch stands as a secluded haven with its own hiking trails, leading guests through the private forested hillside with stunning vistas that overlook the entire ranch. A natural pond adds to the tranquility, providing a peaceful spot for reflection, while carved pathways procure space for calming walks and bathing in the soothing sounds of redwing blackbirds. The main grounds are flat, ensuring easy accessibility for guests to enjoy the property throughout the seasons. Firefall Ranch is now taking reservations for stays starting May 1, 2024. For additional information, please visit firefallranch.com . The signature Restaurant at Firefall Ranch presents an upscale yet playful approach to modern mountain cuisine. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, flavorful menus are rooted in natural hardwood grilling, include delicious and healthy mountain fare, and top it all off with a delectable selection of fresh desserts made daily. Adjacent to the Restaurant is a private wine room that showcases a well-balanced collection of wines from accomplished vintners in California and around the world. The Tavern, a separate, more casual dining experience, is a memorable gathering spot after an adventurous day. Amidst a lively and comfortable atmosphere, guests can enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, curated wines, craft beers, and free-spirited non-alcoholic drinks. Lastly, The General Store provides a rich array of gifts and treats along with essentials for all of your Yosemite adventures, from made-to-order coffees to trail-ready breakfasts and lunches to happy hour supplies. Firefall Ranch offers a seasonally rotating activities calendar that ensures a variety of experiences for guests of all ages. Designed for kids and kids at heart, daily activities include nightly fireside s'mores, stargazing, crafts, wine tastings, and more. The heated pool and hot tubs offer family-friendly fun in the summer and romantic sunsets in quieter seasons. Outdoor activities include bocce ball, horseshoes, ping pong, hammocks, and serene scenic vistas. The inviting Guest Lounge includes a double-sided fireplace, cozy seating, games, and panoramic views. Guests can also enjoy a plethora of guided excursions, from driving tours of the park's iconic sites to adventurous hikes, biking, snowshoeing, fly fishing, overnight backpacking, and even a private airplane ride over the park. The Recreation Desk and dedicated team assists guests in planning recreation, exploration, and wellness activities. For a full-service spa experience, guests are encouraged to visit nearby sister resort, Rush Creek Lodge & Spa. In addition to recreational activities, Firefall Ranch offers flexible, indoor and outdoor function spaces for unforgettable retreats, weddings, and group gatherings. The breathtaking event space, Peregrine Hall, with towering cathedral ceilings and dramatic custom woodwork, provides an elevated view of the forested surroundings and can accommodate groups from 50 to 225 people — providing endless options for unforgettable events.

In New York, Adirondack region maple producers have begun their annual sap collection and maple syrup production activity. Maple Weekends, a celebration of maple producers and maple products, will take place March 16, 17, 23 and 24 with many facilities offering tours, samples and opportunities to speak with experts about maple syrup production in New York. New York is the second-largest maple-producing state in the country, accounting for approximately 18% of syrup produced each year. Much of that production takes place within the Adirondack region of upstate New York in small, family-owned “sugar shacks.” According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, New York produced 750,000 gallons of maple syrup in 2023, an 8% decrease from the previous year; while maple producers outside of New York experienced a 15% decrease. In 2022, maple syrup production in New York was valued at $30.6 million with an estimated economic impact of approximately $120 million.Maple syrup is typically produced throughout the months of February, March and early April. Unusually warm daytime temperatures this year caused sap to begin flowing in January. Sugar maple trees move sugary water (sap) through their trunks in late winter. Temperature fluctuations push sap through the tree so that it has the nutrients needed to grow. Sap can be collected through holes in the trees when there are cold nights and warm days; below 32°F at night and above 40°F during the day. This watery sap is then boiled until it becomes thick.Boiling sap and allowing the excess water to evaporate is arguably the most important part of the production process, as the quality of the syrup is determined by the amount of sugar in the final product. High quality syrups ideally contain 66-67% sugar. It is also incredibly time-consuming; it takes 40 gallons of sap to make just one gallon of maple syrup. According to Adam Wild, director of the Uihlein Maple Research Forest in Lake Placid, maple syrup production has always been a part of life in the Adirondacks. “The heavily forested Adirondack region, with its large percentage of maple trees combined with the ideal Adirondack climate of long cold winters punctuated with gradual warming at the end of the winter season make this area one of the best in the entire nation for maple syrup production.” he said.Much of Wild’s research focuses on forest management and sustainability initiatives, as maple syrup production is a sustainable, farm-to-table practice. “Maple producers actively manage their forests, ensuring that the trees remain in place for generations. They are not cut for timber and maple producers continually work to ensure that the trees remain healthy. Tapping trees removes only a small percentage of the trees’ stored energy, as each tree produces much more than it actually needs to thrive.” Book a unique stay at a local resort Sunset in Adirondacks by Eva Darron - Unsplash High Peaks Resort on the shores of Mirror Lake in the heart of Lake Placid is the perfect place to make a homebase while exploring the Adirondacks, and it is just a short drive from local Lake Placid Maple Sugar Houses. To take advantage of this short season, High Peaks Resort is offering a Mountains & Maple package. When booked, visitors receive: Authentic, locally farmed Maple Syrup—perfect for those morning pancakes or an afternoon pick-me-up.Maple Cotton Candy that captures the essence of the Adirondacks in each fluffy bite.Maple Popcorn, an irresistible blend of sweet and salty, for cozy in-room movie nights.Two exclusive High Peaks Resort mugs to take home, so your Adirondack memories stay fresh long after you depart. The resort offers three unique lodging experiences, from a traditional hotel experience in the High Peaks Resort, to a modern retro-vibe in the Lake House, to privacy and serenity in the Waterfront Collection (including suites with fireplaces!). Guests enjoy sweeping views of the Adirondack mountains, arts and crafts, family movie nights, s’mores building and marshmallow toasting, birds of prey demonstrations and dining specials in Dancing Bears Restaurant. Go beyond breakfast and try inspired local cuisine A collection of maple syrups by Wei Chen - Unsplash Maple syrup traditionally accompanies a variety of breakfast foods but, in the Adirondacks, it is also used to flavor candy, beverages, barbecue sauce, recipes, and cocktails. It can also be used as part of various experiences that showcase this Adirondack pantry staple. Some locally produced products and recipes include: Maple beer: Craft beers featuring local maple are found across the Adirondacks. Big Slide Brewery’s maple bourbon imperial stout is aged in a barrel previously used for locally-produced maple syrup. Raquette River Brewing offers its Maple Cream Porter, brewed with local maple syrup.Many Adirondack-region restaurants have “maple glazed” items on the menu: salmon, pork, chicken, vegetables and more. Chef Mike Rush at Campfire Grill in Saranac Lake obtains kegs of maple syrup for use throughout the year.Barbecue sauces in the Adirondack region often use maple syrup.Maple is used for a variety of products including: cotton candy, hard candies, maple butter, various syrups, sauces and jellies. Continue the celebration at home with a local drink recipe Local bartenders often create delicious cocktails with maple, including this recipe for a maple margarita created by Carolyn Sicher, co-owner of the Deer’s Head Inn, in Elizabethtown, NY: Ingredients: 1.5 oz good quality tequila, .5 oz mandarin liqueur, .5 oz fresh lime juice, .5 oz fresh lemon juice, .5 oz maple lemonade (traditional lemonade with maple as extra sweetener), 1 Tbsp local maple syrup Directions: Rub a freshly-cut lime wedge around the rim of the glass and coat the rim by placing it upside down in a dish of tajin spice blend. Fill the glass with fresh ice. Mix all ingredients together in a shaker with ice cubes and strain into the glass. Drizzle with a tablespoon of pure Adirondack maple syrup. Garnish with lime.

February may be the shortest month of the year, but there is still time left to plan a quick getaway. There's also the added bonus of special events for Black history month, Lunar New Year celebrations, and restaurant weeks that pop up around the country. Beat the spring break crowds, higher prices, and congested airports that come along with March and April, and head to the cities below for a quick romantic retreat, educational day trip, or a fun weekend getaway. Boston, Massachusetts Meet Boston, the official destination marketing organization for the Greater Boston area, is partnering with Boston and Cambridge hotels this winter to offer visitors a $100 prepaid gift card and a $25 Legal Sea Foods gift card with bookings of two nights or more at participating hotels. This offer is valid for stays through March 15, 2024 (subject to availability). “In Boston we embrace winter with a variety of activations – from strolling outdoor art installations to unrivaled dining experiences to ice skating across the city,” said Martha Sheridan, President and CEO of Meet Boston. “And, with a wide breadth of hotel offerings, we have experiences suitable for family adventures, friends getaways, wellness retreats and luxe escapes. This $100 pre-paid gift card is an added incentive for guests to get out and experience Boston for themselves.” With the launch of Meet Boston’s new website, which includes a booking platform and itinerary builder, travelers can find all the resources they need in one place. They can book hotels, customize their stays and find information about upcoming events. Winter highlights in Boston include: Boston’s incredible food scene, including Dine Out Boston beginning March 10, in which participating restaurants will offer prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner at a special price.Celebrate Black History Month in February by following the Black Heritage Trail or by supporting one of Boston’s many Black-owned businesses. Visitors can also celebrate the Lunar New Year with events and offerings in Chinatown and beyond, including The Chinatown Main Street Flower Market with colorful decorations and flowers to honor The Year of the Dragon, the Lunar New Year Cultural Village with lion dances, performances, singing and more, and the annual Chinese New Year Lion Dance Parade.Embrace cozy season with cocktails or cocoa fireside at hotels with beautiful fireplaces like The Lenox Hotel, The Newbury Boston, Fairmont Copley Plaza, Mandarin Oriental, Boston, and more.Ice skating rinks also abound throughout the city; a full listing is available here.Snowport in the Seaport includes shopping, rooftop igloos, outdoor fun and games like curling, and more.Winteractive is a free and walkable art experience featuring 16 artworks and interactive play elements, presented by the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District.Greenway winter activations are highlighted by whimsical Hatchling light displays and the Moki Sauna and Cold Plunge pop-up. Memphis, Tennessee Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee by Thomas Konings - Unsplash The U.S. Civil Rights Trail is a collection of churches, courthouses, schools, museums and other landmarks across 14 states that played a pivotal role in advancing social justice in the 1950s and 1960s, shifting the course of history. In Memphis, sites along the trail were pivotal in the movement and highlight legacy and the powerful reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by activists to achieve equality and justice for all. These landmarks serve as a source of education and inspiration for future generations, ensuring the Civil Rights Movement is not forgotten and provides a space for reflection and remembrance. This year, the Withers Collection Museum & Gallery is one of the newest sites along the trail. The new addition makes 15 Tennessee sites, including the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville and Green McAdoo Cultural Center in Clinton. Visitors can plan a Tennessee Civil Rights Trail road trip and explore the state's pivotal role in advancing social justice. Ernest C. Withers was an acclaimed photographer. Some of his most famous shots are those taken during his coverage of the Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike in 1968, which culminated in the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through the power of photographs and stories, the Withers' collection tells the story of Memphis and broader American history in the Civil Rights Movement. “Having the Withers Collection Museum & Gallery on Beale Street added to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail is a significant honor for both the Withers family, and our destination,” said Kevin Kane, President and CEO of Memphis Tourism. “Ernest Withers' photography captured impactful moments during the civil rights movement, highlighting the bravery and determination of those fighting for equality. We are proud to have his legacy as part of the Memphis and Beale Street story, and the museum's collection recognized as essential to our city and nation's history. This inclusion also raises additional awareness of the historic Beale Street site, encouraging locals and visitors to engage and learn from the powerful stories that the Withers Museum preserves and shares." The Withers Collection Museum & Gallery joins three other new sites along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, including The International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, The Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail in Virginia, and Holt Street Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama.Chicago, IllinoisBuildings in Chicago by Cody Engel - Unsplash Chi Town has a number of incredible events happening in February this year. The Chicago Auto Show, taking place from February 10-19, 2024, is the largest auto show in North America and has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. This year marks the 116th edition. Held in McCormick Place, the Chicago show features multiple world and North American introductions and the complete range of domestic and imported passenger cars, trucks, sport-utility vehicles, minivans, and experimental and concept cars. In total, the 2024 Chicago Auto Show boasts hundreds of different vehicles from more than two dozen different manufacturers. In addition, you'll find numerous automotive accessories and auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles, project cars, antique and collector vehicles, and interactive exhibits. Chicago Theatre Week (February 8 - 18, 2024) features value-priced tickets to more than 100 performances at theaters across the city, from musicals to improv to dramas and beyond. Experience everything Chicago theatre has to offer for just $15 or $30 (or less!). Chicago Theatre Week is presented by the League of Chicago Theatres in partnership with Choose Chicago. Now in its 12th year, this highly anticipated event allows visitors and locals to sample the extraordinary range of theatrical offerings throughout the Chicago area. Welcome the Year of the Dragon on February 18, 2024 with traditional lion dances, cultural performances, and more during this colorful celebration. The Lunar New Year Parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the intersection of 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue and travel north on Wentworth towards the viewing stand at Cermak and Wentworth. The parade will feature traditional dragon and lion dancing teams, colorful floats, marching bands and marching groups. Finally, don't miss the Mac & Cheese Crawl, "Chicago's Cheesiest Crawl," on February 24, 2024. You definitely won't go hungry as you crawl through Wrigleyville's best bars eating mac and cheese while throwing back some drinks with friends. St. Augustine, FloridaA beach in St. Augustine, Florida by David Nicolai - Unsplash Florida's Historic Coast is well-known for its rich Spanish and British history, but it's becoming even more recognized for its significant place in African American history. It spans centuries, from the arrival of black Spanish soldiers in the 16th century and the country's original Underground Railroad in the 1700s to the birthplace of the first African American college graduate in 1824 to historic protests and sit-ins by Black activists including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 1960s, paving the way for the Civil Rights Act. In February, Florida's Historic Coast recognizes Black History Month with a host of events, programs and historic spaces.. The Crisp-Ellert Art Museum at Flagler College hosts cultural and historical exhibitions to expand students' artistic knowledge. Through February 21, the gallery will host “Golden Thread” by New York artist Ilana Harris-Babou. Lectures, cultural events and museums offer an array of activities, from lectures to historical reenactments, for an immersive experience. Head to downtown St. Augustine for the moving “I Lived Here, As Well – Together,” at the Ximenez-Fatio House. This historical performance offers a first-person perspective of an enslaved man and woman, from enslavement to freedom. This program is offered every Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning beginning February 8 and continuing through the end of the month. The Lincolnville neighborhood is the epicenter of Black history in St. Augustine. Visitors interested in its history can visit the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center or walk the ACCORD Freedom Trail Project, which consists of 31 historic markers located at various sites significant to the St. Augustine Civil Rights Movement. A cell phone audio tour is available by calling 904-335-3002. The Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series returns for two weekends, February 8 through February 17, and boasts performances by heavy hitters like Common, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Keb' Mo' and more. Live from the Waterworks, a series presented by the St. Johns Cultural Council and Gamble Rogers Music Festival, welcomes Grammy-nominated musician and songwriter Jontavious Willis on February 17 to the historic Waterworks venue. Florida's Historic Coast is a playground for foodies looking for unique and delicious experiences. In the extensive culinary landscape, there are plenty of Black chefs making their mark on the food scene. Executive Chef Denzel Aponte creates exquisite seafood specialties at The Reef Restaurant; the menu of Prohibition Kitchen features Southern comfort and bar dishes with a twist, crafted by Executive Chef Lashunta Harris and her team. Beloved local chef Tyrone Bennett is known for his philanthropy as much as his killer soul food at his food truck and brick and mortar, Heart and Soul Food Eatery. Growers Alliance Café and Gift Shop sources fair trade, pesticide-free coffee from around the world, serving a selection of beverages, whole beans and health baked goods. And don't miss the food trucks! Chef Ibrahim Mahem churns out delicious Tanzanian cuisine at his African Love Kitchen, while The T.R.E.N. in West Augustine, with chef Natalya Axen at the helm, delivers fried specialties and soul food classics.