The James Beard Award-winning ”Best Chef: South” and semi-finalist for James Beard’s “Outstanding Chef” Award, Nina Compton was born and raised in St. Lucia, the daughter of St. Lucia’s three-time late prime minister, Sir John George Melvin Compton. At the Compton home of seven, the kitchen was the center of activity, and young Compton wanted to spend as much time as she could there. Like her siblings, she was sent to England for secondary school. When she returned home, she told her parents she wanted to be a chef. They tried to discourage her, but she insisted, so they arranged a two-year internship at a friend’s hotel in Jamaica. We caught up with the busy chef in New Orleans.

What did you learn in the kitchen at the Jamaican hotel?
For me, the biggest thing was never stop learning. I thought I knew everything and then the chef said the next step was for me to go to culinary school. I went to The CIA [Culinary Institute of America] in Hyde Park and, after, decided to learn from the best: Daniel Boulud at his three-star Michelin restaurant in NYC: Daniel.

What was the most important thing you learned from Boulud?
It was excellence or nothing. He really pushed to make the people around him excellent.

You met Emeril Lagasse. What did he say to you?
He said, always engage people; when they come up to you, always smile. People have this expectation of you, so you need to be engaging.

You moved to Miami to work at the iconic Norman’s and, eventually, Casa Casuarina, the former Versace Mansion in Miami’s South Beach, where you met your husband and rose from sous chef to executive chef. Wasn’t this a very fast-track advancement?
It was, but it’s about paying attention and reading and researching and pushing yourself. I think that’s why people excel; you learn from your mistakes and try to be better each day.

In 2008, Fontainebleau Miami Beach re-opened, and you joined Scott Conant at Scarpetta there as sous chef. Then you were appointed chef de cuisine. What was that like for you?
I was able to learn Italian food from the Maestro, who is very, very talented in what he does and the way he’s able to showcase food at that level.

You fell in love with New Orleans and opened your first solo restaurant, Compère Lapin, which has become a hugely successful restaurant included in “Best Restaurants in America” and Food & Wine’s “40 Most Important Restaurants of the Past 40 Years.” What makes Compère Lapin so successful?
Some of those flavors that I grew up with as a child are very unique to people who’ve never had them before. There are green figs and salt fish, conch croquettes, callaloo soup with spinach okra, nutmeg, coriander and chili flakes, and much more. We don’t make food for everyone else, we make food for you.

Why is NOLA such a great foodie town?
I think it’s the most culturally rich city in the U.S. There are influences here you don’t find anywhere else in the country or world. But it’s really about the people who live here and the people who came before us and instilled such strong cultural roots for us to carry that on.

What is your comfort dish?
I think, coming from the Caribbean, curried goat is probably something that people can identify with. That is definitely my comfort food.

In 2018, you opened Bywater American Bistro, recently relaunched as BABs this past January. Why did you change the name and what kind of food do you serve?
It was always supposed to be a neighborhood restaurant: casual, no frills. But the name was very long, and I just felt like BABs, the abbreviated version, would be more playful. We focus more on Italian cuisine.

You’ve opened Nina’s Creole Cottage, a fast-casual concept featuring affordable, heritage-inspired dishes which offers bold flavor combinations traversing St. Lucian savors with Louisiana Creole flavors. Why did you open it, and what’s your favorite dish there?
Doing fast-casual is really a nod to pretty much all the things I love to eat, but in a fast-casual format. My favorite dish there is the Hot Fire Chicken because with each bite the flavor builds, which I love.

How can you run all these restaurants at the same time?
I don’t know. I haven’t figured it out yet.

You were recently named the Godmother of  Silversea’s newest ship. Silver Nova. How did that feel?
I’ve always explored the many ways in which the world’s cuisines – especially St. Lucia and the Caribbean – strengthen human connections and honor heritage, tradition, and identity. I believe food and drink have the power to bond people together and serve as a unifying language.

How do you describe your cuisine?
I would just say it’s fun. It’s not meant to be too crazy, where people don’t feel comfortable, but adventurous people can enjoy lots of flavors.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Pig. I’ve compared it to crispy savory gummy bears. I’ve tried to cut back on it and it’s just not possible.

When you taste a dish, what exactly are you tasting for?
It depends. Whenever we try a new dish at the restaurant, a lot of the young kids say, ‘Oh, Chef, I think it needs more acid or more lemon juice’ or something. And my response to that is, ‘Do you put lemon juice in your macaroni and cheese?’ And they always say no. I think having the balance of the flavors to build within the dish is very important, and having complexity where it’s not just one note. I like things to either be salty or spicy or acidic, not where it’s just one flavor you’re tasting.

You are the culinary ambassador for St. Lucia. What do you do to promote it?
I take visitors to my home island, St. Lucia, every year for a week [this year it’s July 21-27, 2024, at the luxury resort Cosmos]. I focus on the history and technique of the island’s food, but we also explore everything from markets to waterfalls. I try and show the special secrets St. Lucia holds for me and get people to understand the beauty of the island through my eyes.

Do you have any new restaurants on the horizon for the future?
I’m trying to retire.

What advice would you give to those who want to be a chef?
Don’t give up. Don’t lose sight of your goal. And have fun. We spend too many hours in the kitchen not to have fun.

What’s the most important thing about being a chef?
Get rest. Take time for yourself in the day, whether it’s 10 minutes or an hour. And go outside. When I wake up in the morning, I make a cup of coffee and sit outside and either plan out my day or disconnect for a second. My husband/business partner, Larry Miller, and I run the business together and talk about our day together. It helps to have somebody.
Also, I think the most important part of it is to stay grounded. You have to really know who you are and be comfortable with everything you’re doing and not doing it for social media or anything like that. It’s just really about how you’re projecting yourself to the people.

What’s the most favorite meal you’ve ever eaten?
It could be having grilled lobster on the beach or eating dinner in Paris. It’s really about time and place, not so much about the food but really about where I am and who I’m with.

What’s the biggest mistake you ever made as a chef?
Everybody makes mistakes. I try and look at it as a Bob Ross situation where they’re happy mistakes. At the time, we think it’s terrible, but I think everything happens for a reason in a very Seinfeld roundabout way. I think it all makes sense.

What do you want your legacy to be?
I want my legacy to be Caribbean food is unique. The Caribbean is very big and very diverse with a lot of culture people don’t know. If you venture to the Caribbean, I think you should really go to underdeveloped places. Don’t go to the touristy places. Go to areas that are off the beaten path because sometimes that’s the most authentic food that you can get to understand the island.

By Margie Goldsmith

The post Nina Compton; Breaking the Boundaries of Southern Cooking appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

In December 2023, the National Park Service named Bedford, Virginia an American World War II Heritage City. This program honors the contributions of localities and their citizens who stepped into the workforce to support America’s efforts during World War II. Only one such designation is awarded in each state or territory.

The 80th anniversary of D-Day will be commemorated June 6-9, 2024, with the theme “Every Story Lives On”. The events begin with a ceremony on June 6 with surviving D-Day and World War II veterans as the guests of honor. On the evenings of June 7 and 8, the Memorial will be transformed in a multi-media sensory display, with the presentation When We Went In: The D-Day Experience in Light and Sound, created exclusively for the National D-Day Memorial by the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology at Virginia Tech. The acclaimed West Point Alumni Glee Club will perform a stirring patriotic remembrance concert before the Friday night show. On Saturday, USO-style duo, Letters from Home, will dazzle the audience with a 1940s-themed concert to open the showing. The events conclude with an authentic field chapel service on Sunday morning, June 9.

Visit the Memorial’s 80th anniversary website at dday.org/80th for full event details, tickets, and updates. The Memorial’s normal operating hours are daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

When visiting, don’t miss the Bedford Boys Tribute Center in historic downtown. Opened June 1, 2019, this is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive museum honoring the legacies of the famed “Bedford Boys.” Walk in their footsteps inside Bedford’s iconic and historic Green’s Drugstore where they hung out as young men. Learn about them growing up and about the supreme sacrifices made that forever teach us that freedom is not free.

Also located in Bedford is Thomas Jefferson’s personal retreat home, Poplar Forest. Built in a grove of poplar trees, the octagonal house, one of Jefferson’s finest architectural designs, offers great insight into the private side of this Founding Father. A visit to Poplar Forest will shed new light on Thomas Jefferson’s creativity and curiosity, his enslaved community, and his private world. View artifacts from the free and enslaved people who lived and worked at Poplar Forest. The site is open for daily tours and hosts special events throughout the year, including historical theater, lectures, dinners, ceremonies, wine festivals, and more.

Historic downtown Bedford offers art galleries, shops, antiques, and restaurants that are within easy walking distance from each other in a charming atmosphere of 19th Century buildings. The Bedford Museum, located beside the County Courthouse, showcases Bedford’s rich history.

While in Bedford, be sure to stop by the Bedford Area Welcome Center. The Center is open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and includes a gift shop, firefighter display, RV hook-ups, electric car charging station, LOVE sign, and more.

Visit DestinationBedfordVA.com or call (540) 587-5681 for more information.

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Located in the crossroads of the Civil War, Hagerstown & Washington County, MD is known for its rich history with South Mountain State Battlefield, Antietam National Battlefield. And there’s a diverse cultural scene.

Hagerstown’s Arts & Entertainment District is home to the Maryland Theatre and Performing Arts Complex, offering year-round shows, concerts and events. The Maryland Symphony Orchestra makes its home at the theatre. Our Museum of Fine Arts, boasts an outstanding permanent collection with an active schedule of exhibitions. The urban Cultural Trail connects our A&E District with the Museum at City Park.

Outdoor recreation is one of the most popular reasons people love to come to Washington County. The majority of Maryland’s Appalachian Trail runs N/S along South Mountain in the county. The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and the Potomac River create our Southern border. With FIVE National Parks, and EIGHT State Parks, there are an abundance of options for hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, birding, photography or whatever you like to do outdoors.

Our parks offer a range of amenities-everything from historic monuments and battlefields to waterways, with camping, trails, boat launches, and abundant educational opportunities. We also have three Canal Towns along the C&O Canal in Washington County: Hancock, Sharpsburg and Williamsport. They each offer everything needed for hikers and bikers of the Canal, from nutritious meals, bicycle repairs and bike-friendly places to lay your head.

Escape the highway and cruise in on our Hip & Historic Scenic Byways – for a delightful road trip to explore charming towns, the splendor of nature and to find hidden gems! Museums, Civil War history, pick-your-own orchards, country cooking and elegant dining, antiques, outlets, a cavern and 5 National Parks comprise just portions of our byways.

The Antietam Campaign Scenic Byway

This renowned battle with 23,000 casualties of the Civil War took place at Antietam, near Sharpsburg, and prompted President Lincoln to issue the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Learn about CivilWar medicine at the Pry House Museum. Annual events include the Antietam Memorial Illumination, with 23,110 lights placed along a five-mile driving route, each December.

The C&O Canal Scenic Byway

Originally built to move goods from Washington DC to the west, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal is now a hub of recreational activity, with hiking, biking, bird watching, horse-back riding and more. Williamsport, MD is its geographical center, and visitors here can experience the Canal first-hand with ranger-led boat rides and towpath tours. Stay at a Lock House to experience life as it was “back in the day” and scarf up a healthy lunch at Lotus Moon Café in Williamsport. In Hancock, MD, visitors can pick up theWestern Maryland Rail Trail, a paved portion that runs alongside the towpath, to Fort Frederick State Park. But first, grab some pie, snacks and more at the Blue Goose Fruit Market & Bakery!

The Maryland Historic National Road Scenic Byway

Here, the journey is the destination. Carved through forests, mountains and rivers, it was the marvel of its age. It stoked the dreams of untold thousands who followed this macadam and cobblestone ribbon into the American frontier. Begun in 1811 to carry settlers and trade from the great capital of Baltimore into the then-wilds of Illinois, drive along a bygone route once run by horse drawn wagons and coaches.

We invite you to come and see our role in the nation’s history and to soak in the breath-taking scenery. Discover YOUR America! The Best Views Are Yours here in Hagerstown-Washington County, MD.

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Just 25 minutes north of Dallas, Frisco is the go-to place for fun in the DFW Metroplex. Recently ranked the safest city in the nation, again, by Smartasset, Frisco boasts an environment full of attractions for families, sports lovers, business goers, and the everyday visitor. With a boundless calendar of events, more than 400 restaurants, and award-winning resorts and hotels, it’s easy to see why Frisco is known as The City That Plays.

Home to several professional sports organizations, including the Dallas Cowboys, FC Dallas, Dallas Stars, Frisco RoughRiders, as well as PGA of America’s headquarters, Frisco is the ultimate sports destination. Go behind the scenes of America’s team on a tour of The Star, the World Headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys. Love soccer? Frisco’s own major league soccer team FC Dallas kicks off their season in March. You can learn about the history of soccer through modern technology at the National Soccer Hall of Fame. It’s an immersive experience for visitors as they try their hand at goal tending through virtual reality, pose for the cup-winning picture, or deign your own scarf. Prefer baseball? Frisco is home to a minor league baseball team, the Frisco RoughRiders, who play at Riders Field. The stadium features a “cool” way to watch the game in a lazy river.

For the perfect blend of history and entertainment, discover Frisco’s growing museum district. Play on the largest game of Pong at the National Video game Museum. Inside of the Museum of the American Railroad, check out TrainTopia–a miniature world connected by model trains that bring visitors into a space of appreciation for the rail system. And let your kids try more than 100 different professions such as firefighter and podcaster at KidZania, a city built for kids, and run by kids.

When it comes to arts and culture, the city has an impressive public arts trail with more than 65 pieces of art displayed, as well as the Texas Sculpture Garden, which is the largest private collection of contemporary Texas sculpture and made publicly available, and plenty ofInstagram-worthy murals in the historic Rail District.

If shopping is your sport, Frisco offers more than 9 million square feet of retail space. Whether you stop at Stonebriar Centre, one of the largest shopping malls in North Texas or pop into a charming, locally owned boutique, you’re sure to find something that’s just the right fit.

As one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., there’s always a new gem to discover. Omni PGA Frisco Resort, the largest resort currently under construction, opens May 2023. The resort features two 18-hole championship golf courses, a two-acre putting green, a lighted 10-hole short course, entertainment district,13 dining options, 500 guest rooms and suites, and 10 luxury ranch houses.

Alongside Omni PGA Frisco Resort and PGA of America making the north side of Frisco home, Universal Parks & Resorts has announced they will be building a first of its kind park and hotel in Frisco. The project will feature a 300-person hotel and a park designed for young children that will host a variety ofUniversal characters and themes.

From sports to resorts, to the arts and parks, no matter the way you play, Frisco has something for everyone.

VISITFRISCO.COM

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Discover Tawas Bay, from the turquoise blue waters of Lake Huron to the lovely Au Sable River, you’ll see picturesque scenery everywhere you look.

Situated in Northeast Michigan, and referred to as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest”! If you are looking for a new place to enjoy beauty, hospitality and PURE Michigan fun, look no further than the beautiful Tawas Bay area. Start your day with a spectacular sunrise and finish with an evening bonfire or a little stargazing in the dark northern Michigan sky.

This bustling summer community is home to enjoy popular festivals, beautiful sandy beaches, a protected bay for sailing or kayaking, cozy cottages and hotels or motels to make your stay comfortable. Enjoy shopping beautiful and unique shops and the savory delights of great restaurants intent on serving up a healthy portion of relaxation and fun.

Tawas Bay provides the best natural harbor in Lake Huron. Boaters and visitors will find a safe–and breathtakingly beautiful–harbor at the East Tawas State Dock. More than just a marina, it has become a gathering point for local festivals and events. It is within easy walking distance to the historical museum, weekly concerts in the park and downtown-street dances. Brick-paved sidewalks on Newman Street lined with trees and benches make taking a stroll for ice cream an enjoyable experience.

If you are a paddler, bring your canoe or kayak to experience the Lake Huron Blue Waterway or the famous Au sable River. Looking to try something new, rental facilities are available for pontoons, wave runners, canoes and kayaks!

Bicyclists and walkers both appreciate the paved Tawas Bike Path. Shadowing U.S. 23 along the sparkling waters of Lake Huron, the path provides a front row view of the area’s loveliest landscape for ten miles through town, all the way out to the historic Tawas Point Lighthouse located in the Tawas Point State Park.

Tawas Point is a premier kite boarding destination with world-class conditions. Consistent winds, clear, warm water and abundant sandy beaches make it a kite-boarding nirvana. Tawas Bay has been considered one of the finest sailing areas in the country. Tawas Point and surrounding areas are known worldwide for birding with more than 300 species during peak migration times–from waterfowl to songbirds, you’ll see it all! The Tawas Point Migration celebration offers nonstop birding activities and interesting information sure to entertain everyone.

On the 22-mile long River Road National Scenic Byway, you’ll be amazed at its beauty and all the roadside (and riverside) parks. The Huron – Manistee National Forest creates habitat that’s home to gorgeous flora, fauna, fish, and fun. Whether you’re a photography buff, hiker, birder, fisherman, paddler, or just looking for an awesome place to have a picnic, almost a million acres of public land the forest provides abundant recreational opportunities.

Whether you enjoy cross-country skiing on our immaculate 44-mile groomed trailed system at Corsair Ski Trail or fishing on Tawas Bay or an inland lake, there is plenty of winter fun. The area also offers 94 miles of groomed trails for ATVs or snowmobiles.

While the endless water activities and outdoor splendor are reason enough to check out the area, consider visiting around one of the many family events and festivals. The calendar includes the Tawas Point Bird Migration, Summer Fest, Tawas Bay Waterfront Fine Arts, Uncork’d & Untap’d Wine Festival, Blues By the Bay and Perchville USA complete with a Polar Bear swim just to name a few.

Follow us on facebook! For more information and a visitor’s guide visit www.tawasbay.com

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Silver City is adjacent to the Gila Wilderness, 3.3 million acres to explore and the first designated wilderness area in the United States. If you love to hike, fish, camp, bird watch, sit on a rock and watch the skies, this is your place.

And closer to town there are great hikes and mountain biking, on the Continental Divide Trail and the Boston Hill trail system. It’s the perfect weekend getaway for social distancing while reconnecting with nature.

History abounds in the region. The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is a must-see to learn about homes and lives of the people of the Mogollon culture who lived there from the1280’s through the early 1300’s. Containing 533 acres, the monument was established on November 16, 1907. The dwellings are located 44 miles north of Silver City, New Mexico, on Highway 15. Surrounded by the Gila National Forest, the Gila Cliff Dwellings NationalMonument lies at the edge of the Gila Wilderness. This unique area in southwestern New Mexico offers a glimpse of the homes and lives of Indians who lived here from the 100’s to1300.

There also is Ft. Bayard that played an integral role in protecting settlers and miners in the Los Pinos and Silver City mining districts. Copper, silver, and gold mining spurred economic development of this region of southwestern New Mexico. Soldiers from the fort battled many of the most famous Apache war leaders, including Victorio, Nana, and Geronimo.

Today, the fort maintains many historic buildings and monuments, including the life-sized monument to the Buffalo Soldiers stationed here. Take a self-guided tour year-round, or a guided tour on Saturdays during the Spring to Fall months. Fort Bayard also hosts an annual historic re-enactment of fort life in the 1800’s during the annual Fort Bayard Days.

Silver City’s historic downtown has unique hotels and short-term rentals available for a weekend stay or longer. Many people are choosing to continue working remotely from the beauty of Silver City. Downtown is home to dozens of unique and one-of-a-kind galleries and shops and great people watching in the Town’s three historic residential districts. You’ll also find murals, theaters, and restaurants. Nearly every weekend, there is something going on–live music, theatrical performances, and special events. In addition, the Historic District includes the “Big Ditch” now a popular downtown park and one of the entrances to Silver City’s many greenways. Start your visit at the Murray Ryan Visitor Center, 201 N. Hudson Street, and you’ll soon see that there is so much to see and do in Silver City that you may want to stay an extra day!

For a fun drive, consider The Trail of the Mountain Spirits beckons. Go where the spirits of miners, homesteaders, Indians, Spanish explorers, and mountain men have left their marks. Cross the Continental Divide, experience the wild Gila River, walk amongst the ruins of ancients to sense life before history, and hear the sounds of solitude.

For more information, go to VisitSilverCity.org

The post Looking to Escape? Silver City is the Perfect Anecdote to our Busy Often Stressful Lives appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Nestled in the heart of Minnesota lake country, the Park Rapids Lakes Area serves as a source of peace, inspiration, and adventure. Hundreds of pristine lakes, winding rivers, miles of paved and off-road trails, and the headwaters of the Mississippi River provide the ideal opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The community’s charming small-town hospitality is surpassed only by its endless opportunities to experience nature. Be forewarned, the laidback spirit of lake life is known for capturing hearts and minds and frequently turns visitors into full-time residents.

The Mighty Mississippi

As a bucket list destination for many Americans, the first stop for most visitors isa trip to Itasca State Park to walk across the Mighty Mississippi. Established in 1891as Minnesota’s first state park, it provides extraordinary views of over 100 lakes, huge virgin pines forests, a Wilderness Sanctuary, and a Scientific and Natural Area. Itasca State Park is an outdoor oasis with boat tours, lodging, camping, dining, and equipment rentals.

Lovin’ Lake Life

With over 75 public access lakes and more than 50 lakeside resorts and campgrounds, the joys of a North woods summer are never out of reach.

Area lakes boast a variety of fish ranging from trophy walleye and muskie to crappies and sunfish that are perfect for a fresh caught fish fry. Cool off during the heat of the day by tapping into local water sports including skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, and kayaking. Cap a memorable day on the lake with a leisurely pontoon ride at sunset and enjoy a shoreline campfire while watching for the breathtaking northern lights.

The Bold North

Explore an extensive trail system and three state forests for an up-close view of majestic pines and a refreshing dose of outdoor adventure. Whether you prefer quiet hikes in the woods, pedaling on winding paved paths or cranking up the throttle on an ATV, there are hundreds of miles of trails to discover.

Set your sights a notch higher with aerial adventures, a zip line, or a trek up the steps of the Aiton Heights Fire Tower for a bird’s eye view of Itasca State Park.

Local Fare & Fun

Famous for parking in the middle of Main Street, Park Rapids offers a one-of-a-kind downtown experience featuring homegrown restaurants, numerous ice cream and candy stores, wine bar, brewery, and much more. Downtown Park Rapids is also home to the area’s signature summer event series, 2nd Street Stage, which draws a thousand or more people each week to its free outdoor concerts.

Less than 10 minutes from Park Rapids, the small town of Dorset is the self-proclaimed Restaurant Capital of the World. The town is home to one restaurant for every 10 residents and hosts a unique food extravaganza each August called the Taste of Dorset.

Plan your adventure to the Park Rapids Lakes Area and escape to a place that rejuvenates your mind, body and soul. After all, you’re not just getting away, you’re making memories to last a lifetime. Start planning today at www.parkrapids.com.

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Whatever it is that brings you to Owatonna the first time, you’ll find many reasons to return and experience Owatonna again from another perspective. The friendly small-town atmosphere gives you a relaxed and at-home feel, with no lack of amenities or experiences. Depending on the time of year you find yourself in Owatonna, you may experience the hustle and bustle of the Steele County Free Fair, or the relaxed and colorful scenery of a bike ride through the numerous parks connected to the 17+ mile trail system.

The history & architecture in Owatonna is a must-see no matter what time of year you visit, and the self-guided walking tour is a great way to experience it all. Over 60 businesses and homes are highlighted in the Historic Walking Tour, with several of those being on the National Register of Historic Places. Three Historic Districts are recognized, including Minnesota State Public School, which now houses the State School Orphanage Museum as well as the City Hall. Pillsbury Academy Campus now operates as Pillsbury College Prep and hosts summer camps. The third district,Downtown Owatonna was added in 2015. The Cedar Avenue street scape project was recently completed in 2022 to increase accessibility for Owatonna’s Main Street.

Rotating exhibits at the Steele County History Center focus on special highlights of the area’s unique history. The Village of Yesteryear is a great way to get a glimpse into the past. The original village layout was similar to the center of Owatonna and its Central Park, and has grown over the years with additional moves of historic structures.

Arts & entertainment options are year-round pastimes at local gathering places. Musical entertainment is a weekly occurrence at Owatonna’s two breweries, Foremost Brewing Cooperative and Mineral Springs Brewery. The Owatonna Arts Center offers classes, music, and art exhibits all year. May through September you’ll find downtown and Central Park lively with music other community events. Seasonal performances, at The Little Theatre of Owatonna, have offered quality theatrical experiences for 57 years.

If you’re more of the outdoorsy type, you’ll love Owatonna’s parks and trails system. Over 17 miles of trails connect to parks throughout the community. If golf is your game, Brooktree Golf Course and Owatonna Country Club offers beautiful and challenging 18-hole courses. Local campgrounds offer family fun May through October. For those looking to enjoy winter fun – there are plenty of opportunities to cross country ski and snowshoe through the trails, or ice skate at Morehouse Park. Cabela’s and Straight River sports are two great places to update your outdoor equipment!

Shopping and dining are always favorite American pastimes, and Owatonna continues to add new options for you to discover! In addition to the brand name stores located at the Medford Ultra Outlets, Owatonna’s downtown has added 8 new stores and restaurants since 2019. Roma’s Italian Eatery, the newest restaurant is scheduled to open in June.

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As one of the oldest communities in Nebraska, Nebraska City is rooted in history and tradition. Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River, this town of 7,000 has received international fame as the Home of Arbor Day. It has also been recognized nationally as a top-ten event site for its annual Apple Jack Festival, held each fall to celebrate the apple harvest.

In recent years, the Nebraska City Tourism & Commerce office and several volunteer organizations have joined together to create a third festival centered around the 4th of July. Named the TREESTOCK INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION, this new event features a weekend of live music, a cornhole tournament, a color run, beer garden, family games, carnival, food trucks, car show, golf, swimming, a dunk tank, a community worship service, a waffle feed, and–of course–fireworks! Nearly all the events take place in Nebraska City’s Steinhart Park.

For 2023, TREESTOCK will be on July 1 & 2! Saturday starts out with an all-ages Color Dash. The Dash starts in the Steinhart Aquatic Center for the wet portion of the event; as the one-mile route snakes through Steinhart Park, participants will encounter slime, colored powder, bubbles, paint, and more.

The festival continues with the Treestock Beer Garden, scheduled to open on Saturday at noon. The Beer Garden will house two major events on Saturday; one is a Cornhole Tournament that serves as a fundraiser for the local high school football team. Walk-up teams are welcome! The other major event in the Beer Garden Saturday is the live music! A wide variety of music by regional bands make up the all-day concert that afternoon beginning at 1 p.m. and concluding at dusk–just before the fireworks! Music genres this year include rock, folk, country, and indie. There is no fee to enter the Beer Garden and enjoy the music; identification will be checked at the entrance.

Nebraska City’s Bethel Church is a Treestock partner and hosts a Family Fun Day on their property just across the street from Steinhart Park. Their activities on Saturday include bounce houses, a watermelon feed, dunk tank, food trucks, vendor fair, and–new this year–helicopter rides. Other Saturday happenings include a small carnival and the Steinhart Aquatic Center, Nebraska City’s new pool that includes a zero-depth entry, lazy river, water slides, and diving boards.

As day turns to night on Saturday, July 1, the Nebraska City Jaycees host their annualIce Cream Social in the air-conditioned Steinhart Lodge. Live music will also be part of the Social, with performances by the Southeast Nebraska Community Band and Nebraska City’s two barbershop choruses. Saturday’s festivities end with a bang at dusk with the Jaycee’s Fireworks Show, best viewed from the baseball diamond, the terraces outside the Steinhart Lodge, or by renting a lounge chair in the Aquatic Center.

TREESTOCK continues into Sunday, July 2, with a free early morning Show & Shine Car Show. The Beer Garden from Saturday is now the site of a waffle feed and Community Worship Service. A two-person golf scramble is scheduled at Wildwood Golf Course, adjacent to Steinhart Park.

For complete details about the 2023 Nebraska City TREESTOCK INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION, visit NebraskaCity.com/festivals.

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Moab, Utah, usually conjures images of warm, sunny days spent among awe-inspiring landscapes of unique red rock. While summer is the most popular time to visit, the city and surrounding desert are brimming with exciting activities year-round. New adventures ebb and flow with the area’s hot summer days and mild winter months. Read on to explore the best aspects of visiting during each season and discover the ideal time for your trip.

Spring | March–May

As days get longer and the red rock starts to warm, travelers from around the world visit Moab to shake off a cold winter. Midday temperatures generally reach 70ºF, making spring perfect for getting outside.

The trails come alive with wildflowers, so be sure to pack your hiking boots. Trails like Delicate Arch, Grandstaff Canyon, and Corona Arch should be on every hiker’s to-do list. Mountain bikers can’t miss the famed Slickrock Trail or the Moab Brand trail network, both of which are usually in great condition come springtime. To add a little more adrenaline to your trip, schedule a four-wheeling tour with one of the guides in town. Downtown Moab is full of locally owned outfitters, art galleries, and restaurants–spend an evening wandering through town for a taste of the local lifestyle.

Summer | June–August

During the hotter summer months, temperatures can climb over 100ºF, so it’s best to plan activities for the early morning or evening. Long summer days lend themselves well to packed itineraries; just make sure you have plenty of water and sun protection. Then, stay up late to stargaze; Moab’s night skies are some of the darkest in the world.

Escape the heat by camping at Warner Lake Campground in the La Sal Mountains, where you’ll have easy access to less-traveled trails. Or, head to the Colorado River to cool down with kayaking, whitewater rafting, or a relaxing moonlight cruise.

Fall | September–November

Once fall comes around, Moab is in full bloom. The river has warmed, higher elevation trails are thawed, and temperatures drop to a comfortable 70ºF. It’s a great time to hit the trails, visit the national parks, and camp along the Colorado River under Moab Canyon’s commanding red cliffs. Mountain bikers can generally access all of the popular Whole Enchilada Trail, along with other higher elevation trails.

In the Manti-La Sal National Forest, the trees start to take on their vivid fall colors. For an experience you can’t find any other time of year, take a scenic drive on the La Sal Mountain Loop Road. It’s 63 miles in length and takes nearly two hours to drive. Pack a picnic and take your time, the forest is incredible during the fall months.

Winter | December–February

Winter in Moab may be one of the city’s best kept secrets. The crowds dissipate and the red rock looks spectacular under snow. You’ll likely also find great rates on accommodations during off-peak season. With temperatures between 40ºF and 50ºF, the crisp air will be invigorating as you hike trails you’ll practically have all to yourself.

Fisher Towers Trail in particular is a beautiful and accessible winter hiking option. Plus, the drive upHighway 128 provides unbeatable views of snowcapped red rock. Afterwards, spend some time exploring Arches and Canyon lands National Parks to see the most popular landmarks without the crowds.

Moab is an oasis for outdoor recreation any time of year. No matter when you choose to visit, you’re sure to create an adventure you’ll always remember. Visit DiscoverMoab.com to start planning your trip and to learn how to recreate responsibly.

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