Located in the Phoenix-Metro area, the city’s year-round sunny climate makes it the ideal place for outdoor recreation, and it abounds here! Surprise boasts one of the largest public tennis and racquet complexes in the Southwest including 25 tennis courts, two racquetball courts, a table tennis room, clubhouse and event space. If you prefer pickleball over tennis, there’s a place for that, too. Home to 16 dedicated pickleball courts – the Surprise Community Park – is a haven for pickleball fans. The Community Park also includes an urban fishing lake, basketball courts and a playground all nestled within a sprawling downtown park.

Surprise is also a golf aficionado’s dream destination with eight courses to choose from. Be sure to check out Surprise’s newest course, Sterling Grove Golf & Country Club. This world-class Nicklaus Design course draws inspiration from some of the world’s most famous courses. And there’s more than just 18 holes with grove-lined fairways – it’s also home to a state-of-the-art practice facility that includes an indoor golf simulator.

Surprise Stadium, ranked the #1 Spring Training Stadium in Arizona by USA Today, is the Spring Training home of Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers – 2023 World Series Champions! Baseball fans from all over the country travel to Surprise every Spring to experience the fun atmosphere of a spring game in the Arizona sunshine. With unique game viewing options, family entertainment, mouthwatering foodie favorites and craft brews, Surprise Spring Training is a can’t miss when traveling to Arizona.

If you are looking for outdoor adventure, the White Tank Mountain Regional Park, which rises from the border of Surprise offers hiking, biking, camping and a nature center. Maricopa County’s largest regional park is nearly 30,000 acres and provides endless options to fit every age, experience level and ability. There are approximately 30 miles of hiking trails at the park that offer breathtaking views of the mountains and panoramas of the valley below.

Surprise also has an emerging arts and culture scene with an array of public art, local galleries and performing arts venues. The Vista Center for the Arts is a state-of-the-art 1,300 seat performing arts center that hosts a variety of music acts, comedy shows and live performances. In addition, West Valley Arts HQ is an art gallery and cultural event center that holds exhibitions, performances and events.

As a growing city, Surprise’s retail and culinary scene continues to expand, showcasing everything from local hot spots to regional shopping centers. Local favorites include Saigon Kitchen, offering a traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern touch. For Mexican fare, Rio Mirage Café features Sonoran-style recipes handed down for generations including homemade tortillas, sizzling fajitas and delicious margaritas. Vogue Bistro is perfect for a date night out with an intimate setting, delicious French-American style dishes, designer martinis and an extensive wine list. Surprise also has great options if you are in the mood for a nice cold beer – locals love State 48 Brewery, Bonfire Craft Kitchen & Tap House and Irish Wolfhound.

And for the shopping enthusiasts, check out the Village at Prasada and Surprise Towne Center & Marketplace. These open-air malls are a perfect escape for a day of retail therapy!

There’s something for everyone in Surprise, Arizona. Find your game. Find your adventure. Find your retreat. Find your Surprise!

ExploreSurprise.com
SurpriseStadium.com

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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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Ascension Parish has many Sweet Spots to dine with family-owned restaurants like Don’s Seafood, Mike Anderson’s Seafood and Sno’s Seafood & Steakhouse, which have been here for more than forty years, providing the area with new twists on authentic cuisine for generation after generation.

Every great culinary destination has an exceptional must-see and taste in the South.

In Ascension Parish, it’s “The Crown Jewel of the River Road” and one of the South’s oldest and most beautiful estates, Houmas House and Gardens. Enjoy one of three restaurants on the property where both casual and fine dining are available. Latil’s Landing, The Carriage House, and Dixie Café, each provide guests with a culinary experience of a lifetime all on its own. These one-of-a-kind restaurants have varying menus reflecting traditional Louisiana cuisine. Each menu is updated seasonally to reflect the availability of locally grown produce, providing a true farm-to-table experience. Their Chef, Jeremy Langlois, masterfully creates wonderful dishes using the freshest local ingredients that Louisiana has to offer giving his guests an unforgettable experience in one of Louisiana’s most beautiful settings.

Dixie Café has a full breakfast and lunch buffet of all Louisiana staple dishes, perfect for large groups or families. The Carriage House restaurant is casual dining in the elegant surroundings of the 1830’s and Latil’s Landing restaurant allows guests to dine in the original 1770’s French House while enjoying a custom 5-course tasting menu with wine pairings for a fabulous fine dining experience.

After your meal, you can take a stroll through the beautiful 38 acres of gardens of Louisiana native landscape and tour the historic mansion and the Great River Road Museum while sipping on a mint julep from the Turtle Bar.

Ascension Parish has so much to offer, including sweet places to shop like the Cajun Village in Sorrento, LA where you can purchase Louisiana-made products. These Acadian homes are now shops housing unique gifts, décor and more. Painted cypress knees, Louisiana artisan pottery and Christmas ornaments made of fish scales are just a few findings from the Cajun Village shops. Be sure to try the café au lait & beignets from the Coffee House while there anytime throughout the day.

You can also “shop-til-you drop” over 65 brands at Tanger Outlets in Gonzales, LA-also known as Jambalaya Capital of the World which hosts the Jambalaya Festival every Memorial Day weekend. This cooking competition of about 100 cooks only allows for one champion to reign for the year.

Ascension Parish has two distilleries, NOËL Family Distillery in Donaldsonville and Sugarfield Cider, Wine and Spirits in Gonzales where you can take a tour and enjoy a cocktail in the tasting room. For those history buffs, visit Historic Donaldsonville’s walking tour to learn about the town that was once Louisiana’s Capital. Once you have enjoyed one of the many festivals and great food you can choose from one of the many accommodations for a restful night!

Go to visitlasweetspot.com for more places to eat, shop, and stay a while! Plan your trip today! •

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For the Self-Care Enthusiasts
Do you have someone in your life who deserves a little pampering? For those devoted to self-care, a spa experience at Mississippi’s premier oasis, Aqua Day Spa, makes for an ideal gift. With 6,000 square feet of pure relaxation, they offer massages, facials, scalp treatments, manicures, pedicures, and more. Keep an eye out for their holiday gift card specials. For those obsessed with lush lashes and bold brows, consider a gift card to Drench Day Spa and Lash Lounge.

Shop ‘til You Drop
Ridgeland boasts an array of local retailers and charming boutiques, making it the ultimate holiday shopping destination. The city’s “Wrap It in Ridgeland” promotion invites you to craft the perfect weekend itinerary, brimming with shopping, delectable dining options, and spirited drinks to keep your holiday spirits high.

Explore Hemline for designer apparel, accessories, and shoes from beloved brands. Arco Avenue has a collection of shoes to satisfy any footwear enthusiast. Libby Story is perfect for trendy tops and chic skirts, while CoatTails has the coziest and chicest coats.

But it’s not just about women’s fashion; Kinkade’s Fine Clothing caters to men, offering a wide range of attire for various occasions.

For the Unique Souls
For those who march to the beat of their own drum or love antiques, Repeat Street and Antique Mall of the South are treasure troves. Explore the 17,000 square feet of hand-selected furnishings, fashion, and more at Repeat Street. At Antique Mall of the South, discover one-of-a-kind home decor items, from collectible china to vintage furnishings.

For the Home Chefs
Whether you have a grandma who’s a casserole connoisseur or a sister-in-law inspired by the “Great British Bake Off,” Ridgeland caters to home chefs. The Everyday Gourmet has all the kitchen essentials, and they offer private and public cooking classes for those looking to sharpen their culinary skills. For edible gifts, J. Olive Fine Oils and Balsamics specializes in top-quality oils and vinegars that will elevate any dish.

For Adventurers
For those who can’t sit still, Ridgeland’s sports stores have you covered. Fleet Feet specializes in running shoes, Sportique offers top-notch ski gear, and a stunning selection of swimsuits, perfect for any adventurer.

Refueling in Ridgeland
After a long day of shopping, recharge with a delightful meal or a refreshing drink. Ridgeland’s dining scene offers something for every palate.

For a casual experience, consider Walk-On’s or Crab’s Seafood Shack. Walk-On’s offers a taste of the Big Easy with traditional Cajun and Creole dishes, while Crab’s Seafood Shack provides scenic waterfront dining with a vast seafood menu.

For am upscale dinner, Chef Derek Emerson’s restaurants, Caet and Local 463, are excellent choices. Caet features fresh seafood and decadent steaks, while Local 463 offers mouthwatering dishes like Dr. Pepper-Braised Beef Short Ribs.
To toast to a fairy-tale holiday weekend in Ridgeland, visit Dogmund Tavern for craft beer and creative cocktails in a whimsical setting. •

Ready to plan your holiday shopping weekend in Ridgeland? Visit www.visitridgeland.com/wrapit and plan your holiday getaway with Wrap It in Ridgeland.

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There’s a reason why La Conner is so often voted the most perfect Washington State getaway destination and lands on top of the romantic getaways’ lists. Plain and simple … not only is it beautiful, but this community is full of genuinely warm and friendly folks.

Located on the Salish Sea between Seattle and Vancouver, BC, La Conner is a combination of fishing village and artists’ colony that happens to also boast views of the water and Mount Baker. La Conner is jam-packed with things to do. Enjoy everything from numerous art galleries and notable museums like the Museum of Northwest Art, Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum, and the Skagit County Historical Museum, to culinary hot spots offering a variety of cuisines and venues for wine-and-beer tasting, all within walking distance of unique shopping experiences and lodging. Incredibly scenic, discover endless photo ops, including views of the Swinomish Channel. On a clear day, by walking across the Rainbow Bridge, you can get a great shot of soaring Mount Baker.

Situated on the delta near the mouth of the Skagit River, La Conner was founded in the early1860s and is Skagit County’s oldest community. Early settlers diked hundreds of acres of land, creating farmland which would surpass per-acre yields around the globe. La Conner soon became a popular farm community and a hub for steamers carrying passengers and freight from Seattle. Logging and fishing prospered until the Great Depression. Artists settled in the area in the 1940s. La Conner has become a regional, national, and international tourist destination. You will also enjoy natural beauty and wildlife such as bird-watching. La Conner is wintering grounds for swans and Canadian geese. The fertile farmlands continue to produce food and seed crops and, of course, their annual Tulip Festival is celebrated around the world.

La Conner values its history and heritage and welcomes you to visit to see for yourself! So, if you’re looking for a place to relax and refresh, browse through interesting shops and art galleries, enjoy fine restaurants and lodging, then go experience La Conner! For more information, visit lovelaconner.com

The post The Most Perfect Washington State Getaway – La Conner, Washington appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

While the sun stretches out her time above the horizon, thousands of beach lovers travel from far and wide to spend their vacation enjoying the bustling energy of the summer season along the pristine coast of Southern Delaware. When the summer crowds return home and the sun begins to dip earlier each evening, showing off its deeper fall hues, the locals and long-time visitors begin to whisper about the“second-season” like a hidden treasure. What some call the “off-season,” others call the best time of the year—the beauty without the bustle.

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 Cookoff. 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“Locals Summer,” which 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 Coast ^TM 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.

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Calling all artist and art lovers – downtown Pontiac will quickly become your new happy place! Pontiac has over 25 large, colorful, outdoor murals created by a talented group of artists known as the Walldogs. Simply follow the red footprints from mural to mural for a walking tour with nostalgic charm! Our collection of miniature art cars is scattered around the downtown sidewalks – each one created by a local artist or art group – great for photo opps! The Pontiac Community Art Center is a studio, teaching space, gallery, and retail sales outlet for locally produced works.  Pontiac is also home to The Museum of Gilding Arts.  Created by the International Society of Gilders, the museum focuses on the history, craft and art of using precious metal in design and decor.  

With a name like Pontiac, of course we love cars! You’ll also love and appreciate our one-of-a-kind museum:  The Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum and Resource Center.  With classic Oaklands and cool Pontiacs, this museum is the only museum dedicated to just these two automobile brands.  The museum is also home to one of the largest collections of oil cans and antique road maps around.  

History Buff? We’ve got you covered! The Pontiac Museum Complex houses a variety of exhibits and displays: 

The Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum offers a collection of images, artifacts, and stories about the nation’s most famous road – Route 66. Memorabilia related to the iconic Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire including his school bus home ‘The Road Yacht’, VW Microbus, and a gallery of his artwork.  

The Livingston County War Museum is staffed entirely by volunteer veterans. This museum pays tribute to the men and women from Livingston County who served in the nation’s military since World War I.  

Ron Selle and Darlene Agner have beautifully curated fascinating exhibits that delve into the history of three transformative time periods in our nation’s history:   

The Life in the 1940s – Featuring four rooms, completely furnished with furniture and toys of the era. Be sure to stop into the “Stage Door Canteen” to enjoy some vintage1940s music.   

The Life on the Titanic - This exhibit portrays the life and times of the ship, its passengers, and the elegant Edwardian Age. The items on display are contemporaries of those that sank on the famed ship as well as items from the rescue ship. 

The Music of the Civil War – Learn about the music that was popular during the Antebellum period, the war itself, and Reconstruction Era. There are framed original editions of sheet music with recordings as well as displays of antique musical instruments and soldier artifacts.   

Most famously, the city has many connections to our nation’s 16^th President, Abraham Lincoln. Follow the Looking for Lincoln Story Trail and learn more about this important historical figure and his connection to Pontiac. Located on the south lawn of the Historic Courthouse is a life-size commemorative statue of Honest Abe himself – another great selfie spot awaits! 

To learn more about Pontiac, head online to visitpontiac.org or call the Pontiac Tourism office at (815) 844-5847.  

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