For those drawn to the water, South Holston Lake bordered by the Cherokee National Forest, has much to offer. A gentle glide on a kayak or paddleboard, world-class fishing, rare bird observation, enjoy the thrill of a jet blade or floating waterpark, South Holston provides a perfect blend of activities for everyone. Numerous streams, rivers and lakes throughout the region are filled with large and smallmouth bass, spotted and rock bass, walleye, catfish, native brook, brown, and rainbow trout. Reserve a day or camping excursion with a local fishing guide.

Culinary Delights

Abingdon is well known for its collection of local restaurants. There are more than 30 in all, combining for an amazing mix of culinary offerings that has consistently garnered votes as one of the Best Small Town Food Scenes in the Country by USA Today’s 10Best. Abingdon is a treasure trove for the palate, from farm-to-table dining experiences to the unique flavors of craft beverages, including beer, wine, cider, freshly pressed juice, and specialty coffees.

Glimpse of History and Culture

While the call of the mountains and the lure of the table are compelling, Abingdon’s charm is deepened by its unique blend of history and culture. The town’s storied past is not just alive, but it resonates in its 22-block historic district, where architecture spans two centuries. Stand on the very ground where a small group of patriot militia changed the course of American history at the Abingdon Muster Grounds, the trailhead for the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. From Barter Theatre, which has a fascinating history of trading performances for produce during the Great Depression to vibrant festivals, museums, artisan studios, unique shops and galleries showcasing art, music, and antiques; Abingdon has something for every art and history lover.

Abingdon’s Warm Welcome

After a day spent in the embrace of nature or indulging in culinary delights, Abingdon offers a range of accommodations to rest and rejuvenate. Recognized for its southern hospitality, the town’s lodging options—from charming inns to cozy lofts—promise a warm welcome and a comfortable stay, making it easy to see why Southern Living heralds it as one of the best small towns in the South.

Your Invitation Awaits

Located conveniently off I-81 and within easy reach of major cities and airports, Abingdon stands as a beckoning destination that marries the tranquility of the great outdoors with the vibrant beat of cultural and culinary life. Its central location makes it a perfect getaway for those seeking a blend of nature and culture, inviting you to explore, taste, and discover.

So, are you ready for an unforgettable journey? Find your way to play and indulge in Abingdon’s culinary and natural splendors! VisitAbingdonVirginia.com for more information and start planning your adventure today.•

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Uptown Greenwood is a great example of a smaller city thinking big. It has emerged once again as a key economic driver for the city, despite the distinctive challenge of forging a sense of community from an area that was once divided by railroad tracks, and then hundreds of feet of blacktop. By modernizing the downtown (including free WiFi) while keeping an eye on the historic character of Main Street, Uptown Greenwood truly embodies its mission of “Embracing the future and preserving the past.” Over the last 15 years, Uptown has seen a huge increase in retail and dining options, including boutiques, craft breweries, and restaurants.

From upscale cuisine to good old-fashioned burgers, Greenwood has over 200 restaurants, including lakefront dining on Lake Greenwood. Greenwood’s most recent culinary campaign, A World of Flavor, highlights the diversity of cuisine across the area and allows visitors a “sneak peek” of dining options across the county. For the BBQ lover, Greenwood offers its annual SC Festival of Discovery featuring BBQ and blues during the second weekend each July.

Boating, swimming, skiing, fishing—all of the traditional water activities are in play at Lake Greenwood. Live music, nearby restaurants with casual waterfront dining, and July 4th fireworks. Sandy beaches for volleyball and swimming add to the fun. Boat rentals for leisurely cruises are also available and for those who’d like to sit back and let someone else do the driving, boat tours are available as well.

Fishermen flock there for catfish, bass, and crappie. Fishing tournaments are a frequent event. Lake Greenwood State Park provides water access and camping facilities. A three-mile walk and bike trail gives visitors a view from the land. The Lake Greenwood Blueway Trail, a 34-mile trail for paddling, has brought kayakers, canoers, and other water lovers to the area.
For the historian, Greenwood’s rich railroad history is chronicled with the Railroad Historical Center. Open throughout the spring and summer months, the center offers visitors a look at numerous locomotives, dining cars, sleeping cars, and even an executive car used to transport textile CEO’s and customers throughout the Southeast.

The Benjamin E. Mays Historic Preservation Site, located behind what once was the African American hospital for the community, offers visitors a peek at the early childhood and life of Dr. Benjamin E. Mays. Coming from impoverished, humbled beginnings, Dr. Mays rose to become one of the greatest international leaders of his generation. A lifelong educator, mentor to numerous presidents such as Kennedy and Carter, Dr. Mays retired as President of Morehouse College. The Mays Site serves as a reflection to those who seek success that education, determination, and hard work are the essential tools for breaking the walls of poverty and building the ladder to self-sufficiency.

As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, history abounds at the Ninety-Six National Historic Site. The site, which is a part of the National Park Service, documents key battles and skirmishes based at the “Star Fort”, the earthen fort built by soldiers for protection. The site also hails as one of the first areas to see a bloodshed battle in South Carolina during the beginning of the Revolutionary War.

For more information on Greenwood and its many offerings, visit www.discovergreenwood.com or contact Discover Greenwood at 864-953-2466.

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Locally owned restaurants are plentiful – many are family-owned with multiple generations on staff. This makes the dining experience extra special with locally sourced food, fresh ingredients, seasonal menus, and customized dishes. In late February each year, the community’s delicious dining scene is celebrated with Kenosha Restaurant Week.

Come for the food and stay to explore! Downtown Kenosha is located just steps from Lake Michigan. Its shopping and dining district is a mix of historic charm and modern vibes, with multiple opportunities to get on the water. Ride an authentic Electric Streetcar along the harbor!

Kenosha is a community full of history and culture. Three historic districts are listed on the National Register of Historic Places – with a fourth one listed as a locally designated historic district. A plaque in the Library Park Historic District notes the 1915 birthplace of acclaimed actor, writer, director, and producer Orson Welles.

Within a one-mile radius are five memorable museums. At the Civil War Museum, learn the contributions of the Upper Middle West – Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, and Ohio – to the Civil War. View “Seeing the Elephant” which focuses on the personal experiences and accounts of citizen soldiers. The museum is one of just a handful of venues nationwide using 360-degree movie technology. Broadcast journalist Bill Kurtis is the narrator.

Dive into Kenosha’s extensive automotive history at the Kenosha History Center. Currently on display is the 1962 Rambler American from the “3rd Rock from the Sun” television show, which is part of the museum’s collection. The next Kenosha Homecoming Car Show, hosted by the museum, will be held in July 2025.

See the famous excavated-in-Kenosha mammoths at the Kenosha Public Museum. Travel back in time 237 million years ago to the present at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum. Climb a lighthouse at the seasonal Southport Light Station Museum.

Pedal Tours in Kenosha, Wisconsin

Take a pedal tour through downtown, laugh out loud at a comedy show, see a theater production, attend a concert, go axe throwing, and more. Enjoy art galleries, DIY art studios, and outdoor art. See the sculpture that commemorates the second stop on the Winter Dance Party Tour (Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper, and Dion and the Belmonts). In the summer, visit Bristol Renaissance Faire for an immersive living history experience.

Outdoor adventures include skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing at Wilmot Mountain and ziplining at Boundless Adventures, an aerial adventure park. Be sure to bring your bike to experience more than 150 miles of dedicated bike lanes and signed routes in Kenosha County – as well as the oldest operating velodrome in the country.

Go take a hike! Trails, nature programs, and more can be enjoyed at Bristol Woods Park with its Pringle Nature Center, Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum, and Richard Bong State Recreation Area. The Charles and Kathryn Heide Observatory is located at Hawthorn Hollow and houses what is currently the largest public-serving telescope in southeastern Wisconsin. Enjoy birdwatching at Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area, which has been designated a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention.

Use VisitKenosha.com to start planning your getaway to Kenosha.

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That’s why we call our area Your Gateway to Adventure!

Tucked away in the mountains of western North Carolina, Franklin & Nantahala are two communities that work together to offer visitors a myriad of ways to get outside and explore the many bounties of the Nantahala National Forest.

The Mountain Waters Scenic Byway will take you through the Cullasaja River and the Nantahala River Gorges. Along the way, you’ll pass beautiful waterfalls as the rivers twist and turn through the Nantahala National Forest. Parking areas along the Cullasaja River allow you to explore Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls, and the popular swimming hole, Bust Your Butt Falls, with many places to stop and have a picnic.

Whitewater fans need to look no further than the Nantahala River. Year-round kayaking along with scheduled recreational dam releases, offer Class III & IV rapids. If a gentler paddling experience is up your alley, the Little Tennessee River flows north into Franklin from Georgia and continues all the way in to Fontana Lake. The Cullasaja, Little Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers also offer fantastic spots for fly fishing. Set out solo or contact a local fishing guide to help you find the best places to cast a line and relax.

Nantahala Lake

The Bartram Trail has over 100 miles of trail, most of it within the Nantahala National Forest. Together with the world-famous Appalachian Trail, avid hikers will have numerous trails to explore. The two trails also intersect at one of the most popular historic and scenic locations in all Western North Carolina, Wayah Bald Lookout Tower that sits at over one-mile high in elevation. From the tower, you can see the Blue Ridge, Nantahala, and Great Smoky Mountains.

Franklin has plenty for the foodies, music lovers, and craft beer aficionados. Franklin is home to the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, a world-class venue that offers entertainment from all genres of music and Broadway shows. Head downtown Franklin on Saturday evenings from Memorial Day thru late October for Picking’ on the Square, a free concert right in the heart of the historic district. Country, Blue Grass, Classic Rock, Beach Music, and more!

We invite you to walk Main Street in Franklin and see some of the handmade local item made by local crafters. We also have two full-service craft beer breweries in Franklin, bookmarking opposite ends of Main Street. They are both family friendly venues and are great places to enjoy an evening enjoying locally crafted beer. If you’re looking for a finer fare to dine on, check out Café Rel or Gracious Plates. Exquisite cuisine and a refreshing way to end the day!

After a day of retail therapy head over to Nantahala Lake, a water-sports enthusiasts happy place. From paddle boarding to pontoon boats, jet skiing to speed boating, with over 80% of the lake’s shoreline undeveloped and owned by the National Forest Service, ensuring the lake remains a serene and peaceful getaway. Have your own boat? Bring it along to one of our two public boat launches. Need a boat of just about any kind, head over to Lake’s End Marina and rent a boat of your choosing. Make sure you stop in at the Café & Grill for lunch and dinner!

We invite you to join us in 2024 in Franklin and Nantahala North Carolina – your gateway to adventure!

www.ExploringWNC.com

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Historic Maritime Legacy

Once hailed as the “Whaling City,” New Bedford’s maritime history is deeply etched into the city’s identity. The New Bedford Whaling Museum, New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, and the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park stand as testaments to the city’s maritime legacy, offering visitors a comprehensive view of the whaling history, fishing heritage, and cultural influences that have left a mark on the local culture and cuisine.

From Sea to Table

Options abound for indulging in the seafood that has established the city as the #1 Fishing Port in America. Along the city’s bustling waterfront, you’ll see fleets of commercial fishing vessels bringing in the freshest catch of the day, a highlight on local menus from casual sea-side shacks to fine dining establishments. Don’t miss the chance to savor New Bedford’s famous scallops and, of course, no New England trip is complete without enjoying a cup of clam chowder.

With a focus on sustainable seafood, Union Flats Seafood Co. is dedicated to only using fresh, in-season, and locally sourced seafood, produce, and meats. By utilizing seafood that is native to the waters just off the coast of New Bedford and available in abundance, Union Flats delivers on its mission of sustainability.

Global Influences

New Bedford’s rich cultural tapestry is evident in the diversity of its culinary scene. The city offers a surprising array of international flavors in family-owned eateries serving cultural cuisine passed down through generations. New Bedford’s restaurant scene is home to vibrant Mexican taquerias, authentic Cape Verdean kitchens, boutique sushi bars, an assortment of Central American cuisine, and Portuguese churrascarias. New Bedford has one of the largest populations of Portuguese descent in the United States and presents the largest Portuguese festival in the world, the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, where you’ll find traditional dishes like bacalhau (salted cod) and malassadas (Portuguese donuts).

Culture Beyond the Plate

While food is a major highlight of the city, New Bedford has so much more to explore beyond the plate. Take a “see-worthy” walk through the Seaport Cultural District in historic downtown where 19th-century architecture lines the cobblestone streets. Visit the Seamen’s Bethel, famously depicted in Herman Melville’s novel Moby-Dick. New Bedford’s creative spirit shines as you discover art galleries and museums, festivals for every season, and public art throughout the city. A visit to Abolition Row Park provides a glimpse into New Bedford’s role in the Underground Railroad. Fort Taber Park transports you to the past with the remnants of a Civil War-era fort and military history museum.

For those seeking natural beauty, New Bedford does not disappoint. The city’s beaches offer a serene escape while a walk around Buttonwood Park Zoo, named one of the finest small zoos in America, is the perfect leisurely stroll for the family. Watch the sunset along New Bedford’s harbor with a walk on the Blue Lane or take a harbor cruise with New Bedford Harbor Tours.

There are so many reasons to escape to this charming city by the sea. Visit New Bedford and you’ll discover why the “City that Lit the World” continues to warm the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

Visit us at www.destinationnewbedford.org/

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Sitting idyllically on the banks of the Tennessee, is the town of Savannah, boasting as the catfish capital of the world. This county seat is home to an abundance of family friendly parks, historic homes, and the leading national manufacturer of hushpuppies and southern side dishes. Yum!  Savannah Classics, located in Savannah, Tennessee, takes pride in providing you with wholesome, easy-to-prepare hushpuppies and side dishes from authentic Southern recipes. Keep your eyes peeled for their signature Savannah Classics label next time you hit the frozen food isle!

Rich in history and in flavor, Hardin County is the site of the pivotal April 1862 Civil War Battle of Shiloh. Shiloh National Military Park has preserved the now monument-dotted battlefield much as it was then, and frequently hosts special “living history” events, hikes and bikes trails, as well as outdoor concerts. Visitors are invited to walk, bike or drive touring the battle sites, discovering the remains of the 800-year-old Indian mounds, and even catching a glimpse of deer, turkey, and the park’s own nesting eagles.

Zip over to nearby Hagy’s Catfish Hotel Restaurant, the #1 hot spot for catfish and hushpuppies… many locals and visitors have enjoyed this riverfront restaurant for over 80 years! That basket of hushpuppies is the perfect addition to any meal especially paired with the fish, for snacking, dipping, or as a side.

On the shore of Pickwick Lake is Pickwick Landing State Resort Park, with its recently $11 million renovated lodge, convention center, restaurant, marina, golf course, campground, cabins, aviaries, swim beaches, paddling rentals, and its own dog park. Pickwick welcomes year-round visitors with an assortment of locally owned one-of-a-kind restaurants. Boaters coming in off the water can easily follow the catfish (restaurant) trail, enjoy pizza, burgers, or some favorable BBQ.

For those that are visiting for fishing opportunities, get out on the lake, the river below the dam, tucked away in a secluded cove, or from the bank. Fishing is big business in the area! Hardin County Convention and Visitors Bureau has rolled out the red carpet in recruiting fishing tournaments such as BASSMASTERS and Major League Fishing, leaders in the fishing tournament circuit.

For those looking to retire, the Pickwick area is ideal with outstanding homes overlooking the lake or perhaps a small farm with rambling creeks. www.RetireHardinCounty.org

Back in Savannah, travelers can stop in at the Tennessee River Museum, one of the best river museums of its kind. Learn about the history of the river through one-of-a kind artifacts detailing pre-historic times to post-war reconciliation. History buffs are sure to drive or walk through the city’s Historic District to see the homes, including Cherry Mansion, where General U.S. Grant was staying when the Battle of Shiloh erupted. Take a stroll along Main Street for the specialty shops, a cup of coffee or some bakery treats. While downtown, check out the weekly farmers market for the season’s best produce, fried pies, and Amish baked goods.

Other towns along the river include Crump, home to a bargain hunters paradise with a year-round weekend flea market and antique stores, and Saltillo, where you’ll find a mix of arts and bait and tackle shops.

Hardin County is a festive getaway destination. Come celebrate with the locals and enjoy this paradise outdoors. www.tourhardincounty.org

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Around the lively capital of Columbia and the delightful smaller towns, some named after the counties, you’ll find gardens and museums, wineries, culinary delights and farmers markets, along with hiking/biking trails, golf and other outdoor activities. Sprawling across the region is Lake Murray, 41 miles long and encompassing 650 miles of shoreline and plenty of fishing and water sports.

The food scene in the Capital City/Lake Murray region is extraordinary, and so are the arts, culture and events. National Register icons like the Newberry Opera House, dedicated in 1882, and Columbia’s Town Theatre, in its 104th season, make up part of the heritage of this area. Visitors can catch a Broadway performance at the Koger Center for the Arts, take a tour of the South’s premier international art museum, The Columbia Museum of Art, and the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia. Substantial diversity and community enthusiasm help to create events every weekend and festivals every month.

In Capital City/Lake Murray Country, dining also takes center stage. The area sends a team to the World Food Championship in Dallas, TX and in 2022, hosted the World Food Championship’s Final Table event at the University of South Carolina. Sample more than 60 restaurants in Columbia’s Vista neighborhood alone, and travel along South Carolina’s Famous BBQ trail in The Midlands–the only state to feature the official four sauces—with stops at dozens of beloved spots, including Hudson’s Smokehouse in Lexington and Maurice’s Piggie Park in several locations.

In Richland County, the Capital of Columbia features the rich cultural heritage of the South Carolina State Houseand the Columbia Museum of Art. Home to Colonial Life Arena, The Senate and The Township Auditorium, Richland County boasts venues for music, comedy, acting, art house film and more. Watch for upcoming performances from community productions at Trustus Theatre, national Broadway tours at Koger Center for The Arts, and indie films at the Nickelodeon Theatre.  The many foodie favorites include Smoked, Blue Marlin, Spotted Salamander, Hall’s Chophouse, M Vista, and DiPrato’s to name a few.

The smaller towns also boast culinary and cultural stars. Newberry, named by the “Travel Channel”as one of the 50 most “charming small towns,” is known for museums, dining and wine-tasting. Stroll through Newberry’s downtown district where the streets are lined with picturesque shops and restaurants and nearly every building within view is on the National Register of Historic Places. Stay awhile and catch a show—from concerts to professional touring plays to comedy and a packed Christmas schedule—at the historic, splendidly-restored Newberry Opera House. Check out the Newberry Community Players. Have a unique and memorable dining experience just down the street at the casually elegant Figaro the Dining Room, housed in a former bank. The cuisine is an eclectic fusion of international classics with a home grown feel. Savor world-class barbecue at SteelHorse SmokeHouse and homemade doughnuts at Laila’s Place.

Lexington County, close to the Capital City of Columbia, is one of the fastest-growing areas in South Carolina. Take a smartphone walking tour in historic downtown Lexington and or watch a production at Village Square Theatre. The Icehouse Amphitheater is a hot spot for concerts and events and is within walking distance of Main Street’s vibrant restaurant scene. Seasonally, it operates a weekly farmers market and is a great place to pick up artisan wares and farm fresh produce. Lexington has become a gastronomic playground full of snacking, dining and drinking opportunities with more than 70 unique and multicultural restaurants. Explore Bodhi Thai Dining, O’Hara’s Public House, Alodia’s Cucina Italiana, Mediterranean Café, Flight Deck Restaurant, and more. Visit Chapin for upscale seafood at Catch 22, and delicious steaks at Chophouse of Chapin, or make your way to West Columbia for exceptional cuisine and views at Terra, or for Italian, Al’s Upstairs and DeLucca’s Italian Grill.

In the rolling farmlands of Saluda County, more than 700 farms, including peach and pecan orchards, inspired a notable chef to make small town Ridge Spring his home. Chef Brandon Velie of Juniper incorporates the bounty of the area in memorable meals that have attracted national culinary acclaim. Chef Brandon helped start the South Carolina Chef Ambassador program and the SC Certified produce program with the State Department of Agriculture. He has also had the honor of cooking at the James Beard House in New York City. Another mandatory foodie stop is The Nut House and Country Market, where pecans are grown, harvested and transformed into gourmet treats, candies and pies.  In the historic Town of Saluda, explore charming shops and the stories of Revolutionary War and Alamo heroes. Hike scenic trails or enjoy fishing and boating on beautiful Lake Murray.

Hungry for even more culture and culinary delights? Stop by the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center in the historic Lorick Plantation House (2184 North Lake Drive, Columbia) to discover hidden gems, accommodations, dining and more trip ideas or visit LakeMurrayCountry.com

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The Beaverhead County Museum in Dillon is devoted to preserving our local history. The country’s best preserved ghost town, Bannack State Park, located just southwest of Dillon. A nationally registered historic landmark, Bannack was Montana’s First Territorial Capital and the site of Montana’s first major gold discovery on July 28, 1862. Beaverhead County also has another type of Ghost Town, Coolidge.  An abandoned silver mine from the early 1900’s, Coolidge is located off the Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway in the Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forest.

Abandoned Silver Mine and Ghost Town, Coolidge

Dillon is home to the largest of the national forests in Montana, covering 3.35 million acres. The Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway and the Big Sheep Creek Backcountry Byway are two must-see car trips.

The Beaverhead Trails Coalition trailhead is along Ten Mile Road/Reeder Street in Dillon. Your hike could be as short as 30 minutes to 3 hours. Beaverhead Trails Coalition owns 1,114 acres of land on the west edge of Dillon, with 10 miles of trails to enjoy. These trails are for hiking, biking, running and horseback riding. You can enjoy vast views of the Pioneer Mountains to the west and to the east, overlooks Dillon and the Beaverhead River!

• Dillon has an eclectic blend of fantastic shops to browse!
• From Custom Saddles to Custom Boots!
• From Ranch Supply to Hardware Stores!
• From Local Artists’ Galleries to Alpaca Socks and Sweaters!
• From a Furniture Store to Archery and Trading Post!
• From unique Gift Shops to an Incredible Bookstore!
• From Spas to Salons – Dillon has it all!

The Beaverhead River is one of the premier brown trout fishing rivers in Montana. The Beaverhead produces more large trout brown trout on a consistent basis than any other river in Montana.  The Big Hole River is the last river in the lower 48 that has a significant population of Artic Greyling. Every fall, hunters come from miles around for the hunt of a lifetime. For your dream hunting trip, visit 2H Outdoors,  Montana High Country Tours or Silver Bow Club to book that once in a lifetime hunt!

Every spring, summer and fall, you will find the area buzzing with explorers on side by sides or horses or folks relaxing in natural hot springs!  Visit Jackson Hot Springs or Elkhorn Hot Springs for more information.  Rent your side by side at Beaverhead Adventures or Pipestone Rentals & Adventures!
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Every fall and winter, the mountains are shredded by sledders!  Beaverhead Adventures has the sled for your trip.  Or book a Stay & Sled vacation at Montana High Country Tours to book that once in a lifetime trip!

Ride a horse in Montana!  Learn to ride a horse or book a trail ride in the mountains with Diamond 7 Western Riding!  Book a lesson or a trail ride with Diamond 7 Western Riding!

Dillon is the basecamp for all of Beaverhead County, which is the largest county in Montana at over 5,500 square miles! With only two stop lights in the entire county, this is the place to come when you want to unwind and unplug! Lose Yourself | Discover Yourself in Dillon Montana! www.visitdillonmt.com •

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Your food tour begins on historic Seminary Street, home to several restaurants catering to all tastes. At the Landmark Cafe´ and Crêperie, enjoy a savory and sweet crepe, their famous spinach bisque or the ever popular chicken pot pie. In spring and summer, take advantage of the great weather while enjoying your meal in their outdoor courtyard, which is tucked away and shielded by an umbrella of large trees and gorgeous green plants.
Across from the Landmark, Craft on Seminary Street offers a carefully crafted menu featuring some of the most savory steaks, chops and seafood. Make a point to get their early to visit the Craft Cocktail Lounge and enjoy a glass of wine or specialty cocktail before your meal. On Sundays, their brunch is a must for anyone who enjoys good food in great atmosphere.

If pizza tempts you, then you’ll find no better location to grab a slice than Galesburg. From deep dish to the crispiest of thin crusts, enjoy a wonderful variety of pizza selections. From quirky renditions on classic favorites to a cauliflower pizza crust loaded high with fun ingredients, everyone is sure to find their new favorites.

Before you depart, take the time to visit Galesburg’s oldest restaurant, Coney Island. For over 100 years, they have offered a variety of hot dogs, including the classic Coney Island dog, as well as chili dogs, tamales and milkshakes. All of this served up in a historic, nostalgic diner atmosphere.

To further entice your taste buds, Galesburg offers a variety of craft beers and custom drinks provided by local bars and breweries. Whether you prefer hoppy IPAs or a lighter wheat ale, this town has a beer to satisfy just about anyone.
One local favorite is Iron Spike Brewing Company. Located downtown, this rustic brick building gives off welcoming vibes to all who may enter. The interior is decorated with graffiti that provides a visually appealing, artistic atmosphere to go with the enticing food and beer.

Next, our journey brings us to the inventive La Cantinita. Quiet music floats through the air and the modernistic design mixed with the beautiful art pieces adorning the walls immediately set the tone. While it is largely a tequila bar, it has plenty of delicious food and snacks, making it a worthwhile excursion for the entire family. On their drink menu is a variety of margaritas, each one of them, while delicious, packs a punch.

The newest additions to our craft beer family are Reserve Artisan Ales and Cherry Street Brewing Company. Reserve Artisan Ales is a pour-your-own craft brewery in downtown Galesburg offering over 30 different brews to enjoy with friends in a relaxed, fun atmosphere complete with indoor and outdoor seating. Cherry Street Brewing Company offers an amazing selection of craft beer paired with some of the best food available in Galesburg.

Finally, our tour brings us to Hidden Hills Vineyard and Winery. A gravel path leads you to the beautiful winery where you will find a taste experience unlike any other. Cozy up to the unique custom designed bar and sample a variety of wines produced on site.

A small town with big time flavor, Galesburg will get you in the spirit! www.ExperienceGalesburg.com

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Located in southern Minnesota along Interstate 90, Austin has a very diverse community with over 40 languages spoken in the Austin public school system. So, it comes as no surprise that you can enjoy a variety of authentic cuisine, including a specially designed and delicious taco tour. At El Patron Mexican grill, fish tacos (tacos de pescado) are highly recommended. Maya Taqueria has the best breakfast taco (tacos de pastor) 1910 Mexican Fresh has the finest beef taco (taco de barbacoa) Tienda Guerrero has the satisfying steak taco (taco de asada) Alicia bakery and Restaurant the local choice is the chicken taco (taco de pollo) and El mariachi has a delicious dessert taco ( taco de postre). To enhance your taco tour you can stop at Angry Hog or Gravity Storm, two of our local breweries.

As you plan your next adventure or getaway to Austin, Minnesota, check out all of the incredible branded hotels to rejuvenate or consider the Elam House- a Frank Loyd Wright home. Enjoy staying overnight in one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s largest Usonian homes. Towering limestone piers, white cypress, floor to ceiling fireplaces, and over 100 windows are just a few of the features that await you in this beautiful home.

After a night of relaxation, the caffeine crawl may be an order. Enjoy the Liz Latte at Caribou Coffee or the highly recommended Caramelicious at Scooters Coffee.  Sterling has incredible Italian sodas, and The Coffee House on Main fan favorite is the flavored syrups. Don’t forget Hot Off The Press Comics and Coffee where you can enjoy edible glitter.
As you continue on with your day consider checking out the arts in Austin, especially the Austin Artworks Center or the Austin Symphony Orchestra, and much theater abounds here at the Historic Paramount Theatre, Somerset, Theater, Matchbox Children’s Theater, or the Frank W Bridges Theater.

For nature enthusiast Austin, Minnesota, has 26 city parks including the Jay C Hormel Nature Center, which is comprised of over 500 acres featuring hardwoods, pine forest, restored prairie, creeks, ponds, a three-story observation tower, hiking trails, canoes, kayaks, and an incredible interpretive center. The area also offers 45 miles of bike trails and many recreational opportunities on the Cedar River, a Minnesota State Water Trail that flows through the heart of downtown Austin.

Whatever the season there is always a reason to visit Austin, Minnesota. From the fun festivals, stupendous sports, astonishing arts and the great outdoors there is so much more to explore. www.AustinMN.com

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