Paige DeSorbo, Giggly Squad podcaster and Bravo star, shares her excitement: “As someone who values friendships and doesn’t wait for a special occasion to celebrate, I’m thrilled to partner with La Marca Prosecco to turn a besties trip into a trip of a lifetime. The La Marca Summer Villa has such a vibe and is an amazing way to bring a taste of Italy stateside while creating unforgettable memories with your favorite friends.”

Guests at the La Marca Summer Villa will enjoy the luxuries of a personal chef specializing in Italian cuisine, a dedicated butler curating a sparkling itinerary of Italian-inspired activities, and boundless opportunities to craft once-in-a-lifetime memories with friends.

“La Marca is the #1 Prosecco from Italy, and the Summer Villa encapsulates everything we love about our home country, bringing the essence of Venice, Italy, to Venice, California,” says Beth Orozco, VP of Marketing for La Marca. “We are delighted to partner with Paige, as she embodies our belief that there is no occasion more special than the present moment.”

To enter for a chance to stay at the La Marca Summer Villa, fans can visit @LaMarcaProsecco on Instagram and comment on how they celebrate their friendships. The contest runs from 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) on August 13, 2024, to 11:59 p.m. (ET) on August 20, 2024. Full contest rules and regulations are available at this link.

La Marca Prosecco is available nationwide or at LaMarcaProsecco.com in various sizes: 750mL (SRP: $18.99), 1.5L (SRP: $36.99), 187mL (3-pack) (SRP: $18.99), and 375mL (SRP: $10.99). Visit [lamarcaprosecco.com](https://www.lamarcaprosecco.com/) or @LaMarcaProsecco for more information.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open to legal residents of the United States (excluding NJ, UT, VA) and the District of Columbia who are 21 or older. Void where prohibited. Contest runs from 8:00 a.m. ET on 8/13/2024 to 11:59 p.m. ET on 8/20/2024. To enter via Instagram, visit [@lamarcaprosecco](https://www.instagram.com/lamarcaprosecco/), find the La Marca Summer Villa post, and follow the instructions to submit your entry. Subject to Official Rules. Official Rules are available at this link. Sponsor: E. & J. Gallo Winery.

About La Marca Prosecco

Founded more than 50 years ago, La Marca is the leading Prosecco from Italy* and represents a cooperative of 5,000 local winegrowers farming 35,000 acres in the Veneto region of northern Italy. From La Marca’s home in Treviso, Italy’s Prosecco capital, La Marca Prosecco elevates everyday moments with a crisp, refreshing style that pairs beautifully with friends and various foods. La Marca Prosecco boasts a pale, golden straw color and lively effervescence. It opens with aromas of fresh citrus and honeysuckle blossoms, delivering fruity notes of green apple, juicy peach, and ripe lemon, accented by hints of minerality. The finish is light, refreshing, with a tantalizing hint of sweetness. La Marca Prosecco charms as an aperitif and has the body and acidity to pair well with seafood, mild cheeses, rich pasta dishes, and decadent desserts.

*IRI Unify, Latest 52 Weeks, 7/14/2024, Total US MULO, La Marca Prosecco, Dollar Sales

SOURCE La Marca Prosecco

The post La Marca Prosecco and Bravo Star Paige DeSorbo Are Bringing a Taste of Italy to One Lucky Group of Besties through the La Marca Summer Villa appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Park Hop with No Lines and Fewer Crowds

Skip the crowds and lines of major theme parks, and enjoy a different kind of “park hopping” experience with just as many thrills. Three of California’s most beautiful national parks surround Fresno and Clovis. Only a short drive away, visitors can see three parks in one trip. A hidden gem, Kings Canyon National Park, is the deepest canyon in the United States. At 8,200 feet at its deepest points, Kings Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon and rewards hikers with incredible views of a glacial valley, roaring waterfalls, and giant sequoias. Stand beneath the General Sherman, the largest tree in the world, inside Sequoia National Park. Don’t miss the iconic El Capitan Mountain and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite requires reservations to enter the park from April through October.

Farm-Fresh, Year-Round

From luxury dining experiences to farm stands with fresh fruits, experience farm-fresh in the United State’s heartland of agriculture. It’s here you’ll discover California’s most underrated wine country. Not only does Fresno County produce a large sum of the state’s wine grapes, but wine lovers can also taste award-winning wines in an intimate setting at a reasonable price. Local wineries like Kings River Winery provide guided tours with the owner of the winery, taking you through the vineyards where their grapes are grown and the wine cellar to learn about their storing process. At Trelio Food & Wine in Clovis, the menu changes with the season and the chef utilizes locally grown ingredients to create high-end dishes. The restaurant’s sommeliers are trained to pair the best local wines to your taste and meal. Join the community in celebrating the spring harvest on the Fresno County Fruit Trail. Stop for fresh salsa and apricots at Sweet Girl Farms, juicy strawberries at Sunshine’s Farm, and a variety of fruits, dried nuts and old-fashioned sodas at Simonian Farms.

Take the Road Less Traveled

Explore the Forestiere Underground Gardens, an underground wonder carved by hand more than 100 years ago. The gardens have their own microclimate that makes the tunnels 10-20 degrees colder than the surface level. Take the family to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo to see more than 200 species within their interactive exhibits for a fraction of the cost of other nearby zoos. Join one of the behind-the-scenes experiences to help train sea otters, feed a giraffe, and touch a stingray. Thrill seekers can take a wild ride down the Kings River. Experienced tour guides will take you through twisting channels and chilled waters during a whitewater rafting trip hosted by the Kings River Expedition Class 3. The rafting season runs from late March through August. Take part in springtime events like the Clovis Rodeo, Kingsburg Swedish Festival, and the Wildflower Trail.

For more information go to visitfresnocounty.org

The post See Another Side of California in Fresno County appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

There are few places with the outdoor recreation opportunities that you find in Jefferson County. Miles of scenic hiking and biking trails are highlighted by the Appalachian Trail. The Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers are home to great fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking and tubing. An assortment of Professional outfitters can take care of all of the logistics and equipment for any adventure and guide you on a memorable adventure.

The legendary Appalachian Trail runs right through Harpers Ferry, near the headquarters and visitor center of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Pick up a guidebook or chat about your hiking plans at the conservancy’s visitor center, then get underway.

Also in Harpers Ferry, River Riders Family Adventure Resort has you covered for just about any adventure, from cycling to a treetop challenge course. But in this town defined by the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, you must get on the water. River & Trail Outfitters and River Riders’ whitewater rafting trips conquer class I-III rapids. You can even experience whitewater tubing on the Potomac river, which zips you over the river’s rapids alongside the historic town. Slow down with a Shenandoah float – a ride so mild, you can bring a picnic.

Harpers Ferry Outfitters is a must-stop for all kinds of travelers. Whether you are a cyclist, hiker, passing pedestrian, or tourist, you will likely be leaving with at least one item in hand. Find a filled inventory of gear, T-shirts, accessories and other clothing, freeze-dried foods, and snacks to prepare for your hike or biking excursion. One welcoming resource provided here is the water re-fill station which those stopping by town while on a long trek certainly appreciate.

After a day of adventure, explore the shopping and dining scene in and around Harpers Ferry. The historic rich streets of Harpers Ferry are home to a unique mix of shops and galleries. The Vintage Lady has been a favorite spot for visitors for over 20 years for unique gifts, art, and jewelry. Spoil your sweet tooth and True Treats Historic Candy, the nation’s only historic candy store, where visitors can shop over 500 historic teas, candies, and confections.  Tenfold Fair Trade Collection is a curated artisan market providing fair trade, hand-crafted, eco-conscious items for you and your home. Whether a student, teacher, hiker, historian, nature lover, or every day visitor, you will find something to remember your trip at the Harpers Ferry Park Association Bookstore.

When it is time to relax, have some great food and reminisce about your day, Harpers Ferry offers a variety of great options. Kelley Farm Kitchen is Harpers Ferry’s first vegan restaurant and provides mouth-watering meals that will be appreciated by vegans and non-vegans alike. Battle Grounds Bakery & Coffee is known for amazing sandwiches, great coffee, pastries and frozen custard. Wander to The Rabbit Hole Gastropub for a Blue Ridge Burger and a drink from its impressive craft beer selection, all enjoyed with a gorgeous view at one of its outdoor tables overlooking the river.

At the end of the evening, head to The Barn of Harpers Ferry for some live music and cold beer.

Bordering Harpers Ferry is the town of Bolivar. Stop in the Country Cafe for a good old-fashioned homemade breakfast. Nothing fancy, just delicious food like your grandmother used to make. Or find a range of fresh goods, including cinnamon rolls, biscuits, scones and West Virginia’s best pepperoni rolls at Bolivar Bread Bakery.

For more information on creating your own Jefferson County getaway, visit WhereAlmostHeavenBegins.com.

The post Jefferson County, WV – Spring into new adventures and tasty delights. appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Nestled along the shoreline, this charming region boasts a treasure trove of upscale restaurants that blend local flavors with a touch of sophistication. From charming waterfront eateries to hidden gems tucked away in historic towns, the Shores & Islands Ohio dining scene promises a delectable experience for discerning palates. Explore these culinary gems that elevate dining to an art form.

Celebrating 10 years of bringing “big city dining to a small town” in 2024, Ørchard Bar & Table at Catawba recently debuted major renovations and an expansion project. The new-and-improved restaurant offers a luxe and inviting atmosphere with a combination of indoor soft seating, traditional dining tables, bar seating, and a gorgeous expanded patio, in season. In addition to the intimate and more formal main dining room, consider watching chef’s preparations at the all-new sushi and raw bar. The dining concept offers prime steaks, fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and a large selection of wine in an elevated, warm and welcoming space.

1812 Food & Spirits features fine dining but casual dress. Named for the region’s history and close association with the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie, 1812 Food & Spirits offers an upscale dining experience featuring local favorites like Lake Erie yellow perch and walleye as well as other culinary treats. The rich menu also includes steaks, ribs, chops, seafood, pastas, and homemade desserts.

Bay Harbor Waterfront Restaurant in Shores & Islands

Bay Harbor Waterfront Restaurant is located at the Cedar Point Marina, offering water views and sitting in the shadow of some of the world’s most amazing roller coasters. This casually-elegant eatery features fresh seafood, delicious pasta, and prime rib. Outdoor eating on the patio is available in season, but the restaurant is open year-round. Come by lake or land for a romantic dinner or casual get together with friends.

Get dressed up for a fancy night out at Chez François, a French gem along the Vermilion River. The main indoor dining room does require jackets for men and a refined dress code. This elegant dining experience comes with top-rated food and service. Regularly one of the top restaurants in the region, Chez François features a highly-rated wine list and delicious French cuisine, fit for a special occasion. Their other onsite venues, Riverfront Café and Touché Wine and Martini Bar feature a more casual dress and atmosphere.

A more casual choice is Crush Wine Bar, offering both small plates and entrees with an extensive wine menu. Crush is known for its sushi and raw bar items, as well as a number of sharable dishes, pizzas, pastas, steaks, and chops. During the warmer months, the outdoor patio offers a casual place to enjoy an evening in downtown Sandusky.

Gideon Owen Wine Company

For more than 150 years, there has been a winery steeped in history and style on the Catawba Island peninsula. Now known as Gideon Owen Wine Company (formerly Mon Ami), this premier food and wine destination is the perfect fusion of old-world charm, innovative design, and immersive experiences. Offering a formal dining room as well as a more casual patio and a wine bar, Gideon Owen serves lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Visit for one of many special events, including live entertainment and wine cellar tours, or plan your own special event! Dinner menu includes elevated entrees featuring seafood, steaks, and pastas, all enjoyable with a glass of local wine!

Looking for an upscale island dining experience? Enter The Goat, Soup & Whisky which offers casual fine dining with a farm-to-table focus. It’s large eclectic menu features foods created with and utilizing herbs from the onsite garden. Not only does this eatery present a nice wine list, but they also boast an outdoor Austrian/German Biergarten, open seasonally.

Another downtown Sandusky option for a fantastic night out with a delicious meal is J Bistro, a fine-dining restaurant offering steak, seafood, and pasta with a large wine selection, homemade desserts, and both indoor and patio seating.

Sawmill Creek by Cedar Point Resorts offers a beautiful resort property with a number of amenities and dining options, where they definitely don’t offer typical hotel restaurant fare. The Miller’s Table is an experience, dedicated to sourcing the best sustainable and local Ohio ingredients and bringing them fresh to your table. It’s obvious in the rotating menu and your unforgettable meal. Hand-crafted cocktails from the full-service bar will complement your meal. The best part is you do not have to be an overnight resort guest to enjoy this experience, but upscale stays are always available for a memorable getaway.

These culinary delights are perfect when you are looking to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a night on the town. Which of these Shores & Islands Ohio upscale dining experiences will you try first? Get more information and order your Play + Stay Guide at SHORESandISLANDS.com.

The post Discovering Upscale Flavors in Shores & Islands Ohio appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

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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Exchange the humdrum of city life for the serenity of a luxurious cabin nestled amidst the whispering pines. Imagine crackling fireplaces casting warm glows on evenings spent with loved ones, mugs of hot cider in your hands as you gaze at star-studded skies. Ellijay’s upscale cabins offer more than just creature comforts; they are sanctuaries where time slows down, and nature’s symphony lulls you into a state of blissful repose.

The rolling hills of Ellijay cradle not just majestic mountains but also a flourishing wine industry. As the winter chill wanes, the vineyards burst into life with the promise of a bountiful harvest. Embark on a vineyard adventure, sampling the award-winning creations of local wineries.

Ellijay’s culinary scene is a delightful tapestry woven with fresh, seasonal ingredients and the artistry of passionate chefs. From farm-to-table restaurants showcasing the bounty of the land to cozy bistros with global influences, your taste buds will embark on a delightful expedition. Savor melt-in-your-mouth trout, indulge in juicy steaks cooked to perfection, or tantalize your palate with innovative vegetarian creations.

If you are the adventurous type, Ellijay is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be unearthed. Hike through verdant forests teeming with life, cast a line into crystal-clear streams teeming with trout, or embark on a scenic drive along winding roads that unveil breathtaking vistas.

As spring paints the mountains in vibrant hues, Ellijay comes alive with a renewed energy. Dogwood trees erupt in a cascade of white blooms, blanketing the landscape in a breathtaking display of ethereal beauty. Mountain Laurels carpet the meadows in a kaleidoscope of colors, their sweet fragrance filling the air. The gentle murmur of waterfalls crescendos, celebrating the season’s grand arrival.

Ellijay is more than just a destination; it is a state of mind. It is a place where time slows down, and worries melt away like snowflakes under the warm embrace of the spring sun. It is a place where the simple pleasures of life – the crackling fire, the shared laughter, the delectable meal – are elevated to an art form.

Ellijay, Georgia, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its upscale cabin rentals, award-winning wineries, and delectable cuisine, it offers an experience that is both luxurious and down-to-earth. And as spring paints the mountains in vibrant hues, the town comes alive with a renewed energy, making it the perfect time to escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary.

Visit www.PickEllijay.com

The post Embrace the Serenity of Ellijay, Georgia appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Good news travels fast and, with each new year, the second season welcomes all back to the beach even after the swimsuits and board shorts have been packed away.

In the air, there’s a feeling of…Festivals. The new year along the Southern Delaware Coast kicks off with the 2023 Fire and Ice Festival: “Lights, Camera, Action!” taking place on January 27-29, 2023. Experience the beach like you never have before with some movie magic at this Hollywood themed event. Spend the weekend taking in 63,000 pounds of ice that have been transformed into masterfully crafted sculptures. Enjoy other winter festivities including bonfires, live music, outdoor movies, and more. Visitors and locals alike buzz over the local Tasting Tour, Drink Competitions, and warm up with the comfort of an old-fashioned Chili Cook-off. Local businesses and towns join to extend the joy of the holiday season with something for everyone. It all caps off with a firework show that rivals the fourth of July.

Before you know it, the morning light starts peeking in earlier and lingering later every day to see what it’s been missing. Spring puts on a show for those who love wildlife; and fishermen and foodies together all eagerly await the first catches of the season. For those who are ready to get back outside after staying cozy indoors over the winter months, the award-winning 34th Annual Ocean to Bay Bike Tour is our early kickoff for the season. Taking place on the last weekend in April, riders of all experience levels can participate in any of the cycling tours that cover over 180 miles of Sussex County’s beautiful beaches, bays, and beyond.

Come back and continue to explore, endless opportunities abound. Stay for “local’s summer” that begins the week after Labor Day with our 45th Annual Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival featuring 100 juried artists. Wind along sandy trails through black pines. Kayak along the banks of the canals, bay, and shorelines or spend the day fishing, surfing, or finally fitting in that round of golf. If it is retail therapy you need, shop tax-free among many unique boutiques, galleries, and local specialty shops. There is something sweet about taking in the salty sea air while doing the things you love. And whether you prefer salty, sweet, or savory, there are hundreds of restaurants to choose from. The Culinary CoastTM is brimming with a variety of spectacular dining; boasting award-winning chefs, farm-to-table dishes, and mouth-watering seafood. The length of days might change from summer to winter, but the truth is that time doesn’t fly so fast when you realize the places you love to visit in the summer season are full of hidden gems year-round, with the beach as the backdrop.

Visit us at TheQuietResorts.com

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The Cheers Trail makes is easy to find brews, ciders, and sips made with local ingredients. Available as a free, mobile exclusive, instantly-delivered experience through text and email, the Cheers Trail takes you across 22 of the best libations-makers Ohio has to offer. Using your mobile passport, check-in when visiting participating businesses and earn points toward exciting prizes that can be redeemed at Shores & Islands Ohio welcome centers. Prizes can be earned for making qualifying purchases at five or more locations and you’ll earn points if you sip back, relax, and spend quality time at these brew-tiful locations!

Your adventure will take you across northern Ohio from Avon Lake to Helena, and to Catawba where you will find Twin Oast Brewery, offering craft-made beers and food mixing traditional German offerings with a modern American sentiment, also known as one of Ohio’s premiere fruit-based sour beer brewers. Gideon Owen Wine Company is a 150-year-old winery in Catawba. It has recently undergone a complete overhaul to both its indoor and outdoor spaces, menu, and more. It’s now a perfect blend of historic charm with an 1872 wine cellar, modern patio with fire pits, fine dining, and a wine bar. Next, to Marblehead’s Rocky Point Winery, just a few minutes from the iconic Marblehead Lighthouse. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy wines made using Midwest grapes, including ones grown on Isle St. George in Lake Erie. Then to Sandusky’s, Everwild Spirits, a craft bourbon distillery producing whiskeys and craft cocktails that represent the local land and grains native to Ohio. Berlin Heights offers the very unique Redhead Ciderhouse at Burnham Orchards. Redhead Ciderhouse is an estate cidery who grows, presses, and ferments on site. Hard ciders can be sampled in the tasting room or purchased to-go at the orchard’s market. Don’t forget to visit the island locations during the warmer months, as the Cheers Trail is a year-round experience.

These are just a few locations the Cheers Trail will lead you to on your journey of experiencing some of the best local flavors, culture, and history.

Firelands Adventure Tours offers two different 4-hour winery tours throughout the region in a climate-controlled, comfortable 16-passenger bus. Tours begin and end in downtown Sandusky and include three unique winery stops. These tours are VIP, all-inclusive wine-tasting events, that include wines paired with delicious snacks, interesting discussions with wine makers and winery staff, an informative tour of the production facilities, and gratuities for one all-inclusive price.
Traveling the Cheers Trail is a fun and enjoyable experience, from games for the kids to winter-friendly outdoor spaces with igloos, glass houses, and heated patios, the Cheers Trail is for the whole family. Everywhere you visit will offer something for everyone, including giant pretzels, cheese trays, coffee, beautiful views, live music, and so much more!

Good food, good drink, and good company with Shores & Islands Ohio Cheers Trail will make your getaway one to remember! Visit SHORESandISLANDS.com/cheers today to get started and sign up for your mobile passport. Please sip responsibly!

The post Sip Back and Relax with Shores & Islands Ohio Cheers Trail appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Roll down the Delaware River in a raft, tube, or canoe from one of a half-dozen liveries. Take a journey through scenic splendor and foamy rapids. American dry-fly fishing was born here. Cast about in the Neversink or Delaware rivers. Or try the Beaverkill or Willowemoc Creek. You can walk or train an alpaca at Buck Brook Alpacas and buy cozy apparel. Or try yoga in the field where the Alpacas graze. If it’s raining, swim (and dine) at the Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark Resort—New York’s biggest.

Get out on the trails. The Sullivan O&W Rail Trail follows the route that brought visitors here for almost 90 years. The Hurleyville segment is ADA-compliant. The D&H Canal Linear Park parallels the route that once transported regional coal and other products toward New York City. Up for something a little more challenging? The Tusten Mountain Trail is a moderate 2.9-mile loop that you and your leashed four-legged friend will like.

There is plenty of song and dance here. The 76-year-old Forestburgh Playhouse season includes Jersey Boys, Misery, and seven other productions, plus their new In the Works, in the Woods Festival. Break out your tie-dye and visit Bethel Woods Center for the Arts at the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Festival site. Take a virtual reality tour and learn about the ‘60s in the Museum. Then see The Chicks, Goo Goo Dolls, or Zac Brown in the Pavilion. On August 19-20, a new music festival debuts on the historic field. The Catbird Festival will feature local eats, craft beer, your favorite folk, indie, Americana artists, and jam bands.

Try our Award-Winning food and drink options in Sullivan Catskills

Hungry? Foster Supply Hospitality is a “2023 James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Awards Semi-Finalist for Outstanding Restaurateur.” Their five restaurants feature everything from a 12-course tasting menu to pop-ups in a historic inn’s two-lane, hand-set bowling alley. The Cochecton Pump House is one of the hottest new venues. This restaurant and event space was built in 1881 and re-established in 2021 as an open-air venue and offers an Asian street food-inspired menu for the 2023 summer season. You’re lucky if you’re heading to the gaming tables at Resorts World Catskills because the world-famous Monster golf course is reopening in August, and you can celebrate that Condor at Scott Conant’s Cellaio. Famous for aged, 100% Certified Black Angus steaks, Cellaio is equally renowned for a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere and warm, generous hospitality. Chef Jaime Stankevicius (who worked under the prestigious chef Jean-Georges) at the Neversink General Store creates culinary delights inspired by the land’s bounty. Named for the ecological marvel where it is located, Bashakill Vineyards is a wine-lovers paradise. Watch the eagles and sip a Black Bear. Smell the pines and sample a Wood Duck. Samara learned to cook in Italy. Try her Truffle Cheese and Mushrooms.

When you keep bees and distill spirits, you open Catskills Provisions and serve spirits with honey. Try the smokey 100% proof Bonfire Rye. The food at the Tasting Room here is sourced locally. Do Good Spirits in Roscoe and Rock Valley Spirits offer unique vodka, gin, bourbon, and whiskey. Do Good also has food, music, and merch to take home. Seminary Hill Cidery in Callicoon has been called “James Fenimore’s America with a dash of Tuscany.” The ciders are first-rate, and the Sourdough Bread with Cultured Butter and Whipped Chicken Fat is to die for. Beer lovers: the Good Taste Craft Beverage Trail is packed with breweries: 17 West, Bridge & Tunnel, Callicoon, Catskill, Roscoe, Russian Mule, Shrewd Fox and Upward.

All that outdoor fun, eating, and drinking will leave you wanting a good night’s sleep. Rest in a resort, curl up in a campground, meditate, and get your beauty sleep in a boutique inn. There’s a bed for every head, taste, and budget. Sleep well! When you visit, download the Sullivan Catskills Go app— a valuable tool to guide you to the fun. Visit SullivanCatskills.com

The post Go explore New York’s Sullivan Catskills appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Now more than ever, it’s important to prioritize having some fun. You want to escape the stress of work and home and go somewhere relaxing. You also want a destination that isn’t overly crowded, stuffy, or expensive. More than anything, you just want to go somewhere where you can just be yourself.

You want Lodi, California.

Lodi is one of Northern California wine country’s best-kept secrets. A scenic masterpiece, it’s located at the point where the San Francisco Bay Area transitions into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Lodi is widely known as the Zinfandel Capital of the world, famous for producing the grapes that make up a portfolio of more than 125 award-winning varietals. But there is so much more to this place than wine.

Whether its eating at one the award-winning eateries, paddle-boarding, hiking, or just wrapping yourself in the luxury of a resort hotel, Lodi has something for everyone who is looking to get away, unplug from the workaday world, and destress for a few days.

Lodi isn’t just about the wine–but if, to you, unwinding doesn’t happen without a glass of bliss, there is no better wine destination on the globe. Lodi has more than 85 boutique wineries, some of which are run by 5th-generation winemakers. Zinfandel is a staple, but Lodi also leads other California wine grape growing in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc. In fact, Lodi has 110,000 acres for wine growing, with 23,850 of those as Certified Green Acres under the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA) for sustainable wine growing.

You can always find a friendly Lodi vintner ready to line up bottles for a personal tasting or lead you through a tour of the vineyard and production facilities. On most weekends, there’s at least one winery holding a unique event for connoisseurs and casual sippers alike.

Who can relax on an empty stomach? Lodi has you more covered there, too. No matter what you’re craving, from American comfort food, farm-to-table fare, or fine dining, you can find it fixed up by some of the best chefs in the country.

For instance, Steve Ding’s Woodbridge Crossing features fine dining in a beautifully restored 19th-century brick building in downtown Woodbridge. The eatery is famous for its prime rib, but you can also find bottomless champagne brunch on Sundays. And of course, it features a full assortment of Lodi wines.

If your taste buds are calling from something more international, there’s Pietro’s Trattoria, a farm-to-fork Italian eatery that specializes in pasta, chicken parm, and homemade gnocchi. There’s also Thai Kitchen, a quaint hole in the wall where you can find big and authentic Thai flavor. (Try the green papaya salad, a perfect marriage of spicy and sweet with a unique peanut crunch.) Or for sushi, look no further than Sushi Komachi for the freshest Japanese delicacies infused with a California flourish.

There are also hours of outdoor recreation for the adventurer in you. Scenic trails, both short and long, abound around the Lodi Lake Wilderness Area, home to millions of migratory birds and lush vegetation. Lodi Lake Park is also ideal for family kayaking, paddle boarding, rafting, tubing, canoeing, and fishing.

After a day filled with wine, food, and fun, you want to relax. Lodi has accommodations for every comfort level and budget. And if you grow to love Lodi as much as many visitors do, there are also vacation houses for rent that will make this destination and its people your home away from home.

For more information or to plan your visit, head to www.visitlodi.com.

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