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.

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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

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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!

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Harrisonburg’s culinary landscape, boasts over 80 locally-owned restaurants and a commitment to farm-to-table fare that tantalizes the taste buds with international flavors. Beyond the culinary delights, there is a vibrant arts scene with one-of-a-kind shops, filled with hidden treasures curated by local artisans and business owners. It’s no wonder Harrisonburg proudly holds the title of Virginia’s First Culinary District and a Virginia Arts & Cultural District.

Harrisonburg offers the perfect weekend getaway. From the minute you arrive on a Friday afternoon you will feel the warm and inviting atmosphere. For a charming and relaxing stay just minutes from downtown, check into By The Side of the Road Inn & Cottages. As Harrisonburg’s first bed and breakfast, this family-owned property is steeped in history. Now operating as an inn, guests can choose to stay in the historic main building with private rooms or one of the cozy cottages scattered throughout the property.

After settling in, head downtown to Pale Fire Brewing Company. Sip on a flight of locally brewed beers, including their award-winning cream ale, Taking Water—a delightful blend with Pilsner malt and Liberty hops. Indulge in Detroit-style pizza, mouthwatering sandwiches, or crisp salads. Nestle by the fireplace with a book from their community library or groove to local live music, setting the perfect tone for the weekend.

Start your Saturday at Heritage Bakery for freshly baked pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and artisanal coffee. This charming, family-owned bakery takes pride in crafting their delectable pastries in-house daily, skillfully incorporating locally sourced lavender for an authentic touch. With a commitment to quality, their menu offerings change daily, promising an exciting array of flavors to savor each time you visit.

With the morning fuel, set your sights on the nearby Shenandoah National Park, a mere 30-minute drive from downtown. Grab a sandwich from Lola’s Delicatessen to embark on a picnic, surrounded by breathtaking views. If you’re looking to be more adventurous, plan out a hike on one of the trails. The South River Falls Trail takes you to the base of an 83′ waterfall, where you’ll cross a section of the Appalachian Trail. For an adrenaline-pumping scenic hike, conquer the Bearfence Rock Scramble—an exhilarating rock scramble that leads to a magnificent 360-degree view of the Virginia Piedmont and Shenandoah Valley.

The Joshua Wilton House, award winning cuisine.

As the day winds down, head back into town for an elegant dinner at The Joshua Wilton House, an award-winning Victorian fine dining restaurant with refined Virginia cuisine. Executive Chef Tom French brings culinary expertise from rare experiences including an internship at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. His remarkable talent for enhancing any ingredient promises a unique and delightful farm-to-table dining experience. Cap off the night at The Golden Pony with their exceptional, seasonal cocktails. Meticulously crafted in-house, each libation is a testament to the team’s dedication to innovative and high-quality mixology.

For a delightful Sunday brunch, head to Magpie Diner, located in a transformed 1950s tire service station. Their ever-changing menu brings a distinctive seasonal flare worth the anticipated wait. As you wait, check out the Liberty Street Mercantile just across the street, housing eight local businesses each showcasing unique, hidden gems. After brunch, splurge on a one-of-a-kind downtown shopping experience at The Shops @ Agora and The Yellow Button. “Before leaving Harrisonburg, grab some fresh gourmet popcorn at Shirley’s Popcorn for the perfect drive-home snack.

In just one weekend, Harrisonburg offers a perfect blend of culinary delights, outdoor adventures, and local shopping experiences. With its warm atmosphere and welcoming community, this town is sure to leave you with cherished memories and a desire to return for more.

Plan your trip today at VisitHarrisonburgVA.com

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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

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The Past Has Presence Here
Thanks to centuries-long efforts of loving preservation you can stand where the American Revolutionary War’s first battle was fought. You can experience Life in the Woods first hand when you see where Henry David Thoreau’s cabin stood when he lived on his own and penned the classic Walden. His colleague, orator and writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson lived here, too. Emerson’s preserved home is open to visitors as a public museum. And if you are a fan of the classic book Little Women and its author, Louisa May Alcott, her Orchard House is preserved and waiting for you to come by. A visit to the Robbins House will reveal the ways in which the first generations of free Concord African Americans pursued independence and contributed to the antislavery movement and abolitionist causes. In 2010, the house was saved from demolition, moved here, and restored. Today, the Robbins House embodies the determination of Caesar Robbins and his family to support themselves on the land and to shape their own destinies as free men and women—and serves to inspire conversations about race and social justice issues.

Great Traditions in Natural Foods
Touring Concord raises one’s appetite. In fact, the town’s food history is longer than its American history. The area that became Concord, with its fertile soil, forests and rivers has supported its changing residents for thousands of years. Town dining has been farm-to-table for Native Americans, settlers, and colonists. In the 1800s, Concord held cattle shows and agricultural exhibits. You’ve heard of Concord grapes. The hearty bunches were developed here by Ephraim Bull on a farm next to the Alcott family. Today, the town still offers farm stands and restaurants for fresh produce and great eating.

Delicious and Home Grown Organic Food in Concord, MA.

When You’re Hungry
Here are some of the many, reliably good Concord dining places to try:
The Saltbox Kitchen. This farm-to-table restaurant offers seasonal menus feature fresh ingredients from the Saltbox Farm. It’s home to Concord’s only craft brewery. Try their famous farmhouse ale, an oatmeal stout, or an Imperial IPA. Cheers!
Woods Hill Table. Their farm-to-table meal offerings are organic, sustainable and delicious. This award-winning restaurant uses ecologically viable ingredients while partnering with family farms to provide a satisfying menu.

Do It Yourself
Debra’s Natural Gourmet. Take it away. Concord’s independent natural market offers groceries and seasonally-scheduled cooking lessons for best preparing different healthy foods.
Verrill Farm. Concord’s centuries-old farming tradition lives on. Scenic Verrill Farm provides healthful food that’s grown and raised with sound and healthy practices. Come see and taste all that goes into true sustainable agriculture.

Feeding Others
Gaining Ground. This Concord farm has been active for over 300 years. It grows organic produce for many food banks, shelters, low-income residents, and others in need. See what this largely volunteer-maintained is planting, tending, and harvesting.

Take a Walking Tour
Concord’s Visitor Center provides many different walking tours with knowledgeable guides, great scenery, and interesting stops. These include the popular Emerson-Thoreau Amble, which travels the same trails as those iconic Americans all the way to famous Walden Pond.

Other walking tours include:
African-American History. Concord’s history includes enslavement, but you can learn about the town’s first generation of self-emancipated African-Americans and the growth of Abolitionism.
Indigenous People. This tour introduces you to the native Musketaquid people who lived for centuries in what would become the town of Concord.
Chocolate Twist. A decadent walking tour of downtown Concord where you’ll discover the signature handmade chocolate bark, truffles, fudges, caramels and nuts that have treated residents and visitors for many, many years.
Autumn Twilight. Mark your calendar for next fall and this awesome mix of foliage and historic burying grounds.
For more information, and to book your tour, be sure to check Visitconcord.org

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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.

The post 85+ Award Winning Wineries In Lodi, California appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

In 1851, gold mining hopefuls flooding Jacksonville, Oregon hadn’t a clue their dreams of striking it rich would lay the foundation for a town prized by residents and visited by people from all over the world. With a population of 3,000, Jacksonville’s size is perfection for a no-hassle getaway.

City-wide respect for and preservation of a robust history makes this charming town what it is today—irresistible. The downtown streets are flanked with original red brick buildings from the once Wild West. Now they house locally-owned shops, restaurants and wine bars. Picturesque Jacksonville has not only survived, it thrives.

Self-guided maps of homes and businesses listed on the Historic Register are available at the Visitor Information Center, so sightseers can amble through history at their own pace. When riding is preferred, climb aboard the town’s beloved trolley from May through October and take a narrated tour. The iconic trolley bell clang is a welcome sound that signals fun and nostalgia for all ages.

The Beekman House, 1870s home of early banker and entrepreneur, Cornelius Beekman, and Beekman Bank, open their doors to small group tours to view original family furnishings, heirlooms, and the vault with inner workings of the first and oldest financial institution in Oregon.

Local fine artists exhibit their work at Art Presence Art Center, a gallery transformed from the original county jailhouse.

The town boasts nearly twenty independently-owned lodgings—most tucked inside masterfully restored historical homes. Some may be rented for an entire season, when guests find leaving difficult. Restaurants and pubs, many offering live music on weekends, are within walking distance, and local chefs pride themselves on creating delicious, locally-sourced cuisine. Hungry visitors can satisfy their cravings with a variety of options—from savory BBQ to sushi, and from Thai, Italian, Mexican and classic American fare to fine dining, as well as three charming coffee houses.

Wine enthusiasts have struck the motherlode in Jacksonville. Over eighty vineyards and fifty tasting rooms serve the Rogue and Applegate Valleys’ impressive reputation for delicious wine and diverse varietals. Four are in town, and several lie within a scenic twenty-minute drive. As our city motto states, Jacksonville is truly the heart of Southern Oregon wine country.

The widely popular Britt Festival, named for Peter Britt, pioneer photographer and botanist, kicks off the summer and runs through September. The Britt Festival Orchestra and top-shelf musical entertainment arrive from all over the country to grace the amphitheater stage. All season long, folks come to the tree-encircled hill to spread a blanket, kick back, and enjoy their favorite artists.

Autumn provides a splendid backdrop for a visit, with leaves turning spice shades, and summer sun easing back for cooler days–perfect for hiking the woodlands or a drive through the verdant Applegate Valley. Fall brings haunted history tours to lend a chill as guides tell of strange but true early happenings. Climb aboard the Haunted Trolley for a dark and spooky roll through town at night.

After Thanksgiving, a month-long Victorian Christmas celebration commences, when families come together and the jolly old town transforms into a cozy Victorian village. With buildings draped in white lights and greenery, Christmas may be the pinnacle of small-town Jacksonville’s warmth. The season begins with a community tree lighting and carol singing, then Father Christmas arrives in the festively lit trolley. The following weekend, streets are lined with visitors from all over to watch the Victorian Christmas parade, with Father Christmas as the finale.

Jacksonville, Oregon is definitely a 24 karat nugget of small-town America. Visit www.jacksonvilleoregon.org to start making plans today.

Peggy Dover is a freelance writer/columnist living the good life in Southern Oregon. Reach her at peggydover@gmail.com

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Culpeper, Virginia, situated just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park is an unexpectedly charming destination boasting excellent cuisine, fun boutiques and antiques, award-winning wine and craft beer, and an abundance of history. Here are just a few reasons it should be on your summer travel list:

Eat and Drink – Culpeper is one of Virginia’s hottest, under the radar dining destinations. Whether you’re in the mood for smoked barbeque or the freshest hand cut sushi, there are a myriad of eateries from which to choose. But it goes much deeper than what’s on the menu. The farm-to-table movement is alive and well here, borrowed from a centuries old agricultural heritage, and our chefs prepare what is fresh, right from the farm. Within a 100-mile radius of Culpeper, Virginia visitors can find 20+ Michelin-rated restaurants ranging from 1–3 stars. There is also an uprising of incredible chefs that are cooking up some unforgettable meals for locals and visitors alike. Home to one of Virginia’s most awarded wineries, Virginia’s first tri-fecta brewery, winery & distillery, as well as Virginia’s greenest winery the Culpeper, Virginia region is also the perfect destination to plan a getaway to explore some of Virginia’s award winning libations.

On The Water – Situated between the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers as well as home to several large lakes, Culpeper, Virginia offers visitors a variety of ways to get on and enjoy the water this summer. Choose to spend the day soaking up the sun and floating down the river tubing on the Rapidan River or choose to rent a kayak, paddle board or canoe at Lake Pelham Adventures. If you prefer to enjoy the water views from land you can choose to picnic, fish, stroll, and even sip Virginia craft cocktails next to one of the ponds, lakes and rivers here.

Scenic Drives & Mountain Views – Culpeper sits squarely amid some of the most beautiful views in Virginia. There are many ways to experience them—on foot, by kayak and more—one of the most accessible to all is the abundance of scenic drives around the region. For wine lovers you can plan to take a day trip exploring a handful of the 60+ wineries within 60 miles of Culpeper, Virginia, or stay close by and spend the evening sipping award-winning wines while you watch the sunset at a local vineyard. Pack a picnic and take in stunning views of Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline drive which runs105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Map out a day trip to stop by a few nearby historic sites along The Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway which crosses Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Crossing 180 miles from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, the byway tracks through historic sites from the Revolutionary War and Civil War including battle sites, museums, state parks, presidential homes, historical towns and more.

Rest and Relaxation – Plan a full spa day pampering yourself with a manicure, pedicure, and body scrub or hot stone message. If you are looking for a less traditional relaxation experience you can check out a goat or sunset yoga class at one of the local farms. Sometimes all you need is a little retail therapy to unwind and recharge, exploring the unique shops and boutiques on Davis Street is the perfect solution. You can also find locally made and grown products at the seasonal downtown farmer’s market as well as at local farm stores too.

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With a vineyard, winery, restaurants, distillery, and luxurious, AAA-rated Four Diamond accommodations, Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa is a worthy destination all on its own. Spend a few extra days and venture out to explore more throughout the Canton, Ohio region; wineries and breweries, food tours, festivals, museums, and more.

The newest additions to the 55-acre Gervasi estate are The Spa and The Wine Cave. Receive restorative body treatments, massages, facials, and full glam services in the tranquil spa. Enjoy wine-tasting experiences and tours, discovering more about the wine-making process inside the impressive, underground wine barrel cave and tasting room. Spend evenings listening to live music at The Still House. It’s not only the distillery of Gervasi Spirits, it’s also a coffeehouse offering GV Caffe, a unique Italian roast coffee that is USDA-certified organic, fair trade certified, locally roasted, and delivered fresh each week. Outside on the heated lounge, partake of an incredible selection of cigars. Get fresh air on a walk around the grounds and spring-fed lake, or head onto Middle Branch Trail, the connected Stark Parks walking and bicycling path.

Venture around Stark County and discover more local Ohio wines. In the historic district of downtown Canal Fulton nestled along the Tuscarawas River and Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Dragonfly offers both a winery and tearoom. Visit for high tea or for the signature collection of 11 wines and a full menu of appetizers, flatbread pizzas, and desserts. In Hartville, Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery offers the peaceful surround of its family farm. Seasonal events include classic car cruise-ins, hot air balloon lift off, sunflower fields, and fall festival. Head south into Ohio’s Amish Country to continue visiting a selection of 32 wineries on the Ohio Canal Country Wine Trail.

Head to downtown Canton for dinner and entertainment. Catch a movie or live show in the historic, atmospheric Canton Palace Theatre. Tour exhibitions on view at the Canton Museum of Art. Visit local galleries and studios in the arts district. Take in public art, historic sites, and points of interest on a walking tour through the city. Canton Food Tours include a guided tour with stops along the way to sample chef-select small plates and iconic downtown dishes, like turtle soup at Bender’s Tavern. Operating since 1902, the oldest restaurant in Canton is known for its fresh seafood from Foley Fish in Boston and an extensive wine list. The location was frequented by none other than Jim Thorpe, the first president of the NFL, founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association in Canton, Ohio. Across the street from the restaurant the “Birth of the NFL” sculpture marks the location where the meeting was held.

Two miles away sits the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Each year a class of pro football’s greats is inducted during the annual Enshrinement Festival, the largest gathering of football legends. Their impressive collection of bronze busts is on display inside the Pro Football Hall of Fame museum year-round. Other exhibits include Super Bowl Theater, the Lombardi Trophy on view inside the Lamar Hunt Super Bowl Gallery, and an inspiring, holographic locker room experience “Game For Life”. Canton is also home to the William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, located beside the President’s monument and final resting place. The Canton Museum Pass provides admission to the Hall, McKinley Museum, Canton Museum of Art, and other area museums, like MAPS Air Museum, with one convenient digital pass.

https://www.visitcanton.com/

https://www.visitcanton.com/plan-a-trip/trip-ideas/wine-country/

https://www.visitcanton.com/deals/museum-pass/

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