Fall comes to life for visitors of Grants Pass thanks to the beauty and bounty found in every direction. The fertile soil of this region has sprouted countless vineyards, lavender fields, fruit orchards, dairies, and vegetable farms. Along with them comes hands-on experiences for guests, like exploring a working farm or jumping on the Uncorked Barrel Tour. Of course, Harvest season isn’t complete without a visit to Fort Vannoy Farms, where kids and adults a like delight in a spectacular, 12-foot-high corn maze and 8 acres of pumpkins ready for the picking.

Outdoor adventure is always within reach in Grants Pass. This destination is famous for its rivers—the Rogue, the Applegate, and the Illinois—which provide a playground for jet boats, world-class whitewater rafting, and fishing. Land lovers will find no shortage of incredible biking and hiking trails, zip lines, camping opportunities, and even treehouses.

As the ideal Southern Oregon basecamp, the town of Grants Pass is a hub for any fall activity. This welcoming community is packed with restaurants and shops, tasting rooms and breweries, lively events, and yes, even history. Warm up with one of Grants Pass’ local roasters like the Original Dutch Bros. Cafe (the one that started it all!), Wheelhouse Coffee, Millers Coffee House, and Rogue Roasters. Or if fall cocktails are in order, look no further than the signature creations from Sundance Distilling and Steam Distillery.

Grants Pass also boasts a burgeoning art scene which is on display every October at the Annual Art Along the Rogue street chalk art festival. Plus, enjoy a public art and mural walk downtown among the fall colors. Fancy yourself an artist? Be sure to visit the rotating exhibits at the Grants Pass Museum of Art or blow your own Christmas ornament at the Glass Forge glass-blowing studio.

As fall yields to the holiday season, the historic downtown lights up accordingly. Walk amongst life-size nutcrackers and holiday story boards, take in the annual Christmas tree lighting, and check off your holiday gift list with tax-free shopping. Cap it all off with a fabulous (and well-earned) meal at one of Grants Pass’ many hotspots like The Bohemian, Horny Goat, Twisted Cork, and Food Studio.

Of course, no trip to Grants Pass is complete without a visit to the legendary Rogue Creamery Dairy. Get a behind-the-scenes tour of the making of their award-winning Rogue Creamery Blue Cheese where the cows are trained to milk themselves. Rest assured, cheese samples are always available.

From festive experiences and adventures in the wild to the warm hospitality of a welcoming town one thing is perfectly clear—there’s always more to discover in Grants Pass.

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Fairfield–off the beaten path, but worth every bite! Fairfield, Iowa refuses to be categorized. It’s simultaneously both exciting and relaxing, with its serene landscapes that span from corn fields on the edge of town, to a delightful new age vibe that permeates this historic town.

Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Iowa, this town of 10,000 might be an out of the way drive. But it’s “home” to over 300 artists and musicians, a performing arts center, abundant outdoor space, and Maharishi International University. Fairfield has become a virtual melting pot of culture and creativity that has left an indelible mark on the community, especially the local food scene.

Foodies can choose from Indian, Thai, or Turkish food, Ethiopian, organic, vegan food, and so much more. With plenty of drool-worthy eateries, the town has earned the nickname of “Southeast Iowa’s foodie hub”.

But there’s something you should know; Fairfield’s food scene doesn’t get fancy. It gets comfortable! Comfort food reigns supreme here. We’re talking ooey-gooey, carby comfort food that makes you sigh with satisfaction!

And if you believe that a burger should be celebrated, you need to experience the farm to table burgers from Fishback & Stephenson’s Cider House. Not only have their burgers earned the title “Best in Iowa”, their ciders are top-notch, winning numerous awards, including top Iowa Cider Producer of the Year two years in a row. Their majestic tap room, built from local timber, serves up local favorite ciders like First Crush and is the best place in town to view Iowan sunsets.

Bountiful Bakery is a “must stop” at the start of any day. Be sure to get your camera out because these bakery treats are simply Instagram-worthy. Cheese and fruit filled pastries, flaky croissants, and gluten free cupcakes are baked fresh every day. But on the weekends their signature cruffins come out to play. Filled with a variety of designer creams like Earl Grey Caramel & Lavender, these works of art demand plenty of napkins!

Speaking of comfort food AND shopping, SOMM Wines is a destination in and of itself. Las Vegas transplant and Sommelier, Krista Matthes, has built a Midwest wine oasis and offers expert, customized wine experiences, attracting people from all over the Midwest. Shop for your favorite vintage or head to the comfy patio to sample a new favorite vino paired with a “Best in the Midwest” charcuterie, which includes local breads, cheeses and herb infused oils.

Small town living has its perks–one of which is the charm exuded by the local shops and boutiques. The shopkeepers in Fairfield, Iowa take the time to get to know their customers, and shops like Adela’s, a local gift and décor boutique, provides a personal touch that you just don’t find in larger cities. Owner Kara Waugh, a Fairfield native who returned after living in the city, prefers doing business in a town where your customers become your friends. Adela’s iconic red door is the gateway to a gift selection that’s as eclectic as the community. Farmhouse and traditional décor items live in harmony with distinctive jewelry and gifts, just waiting to go home with you.

While small towns are typically known for being sleepy and boring, Fairfield Iowa is going to surprise you. From weekend getaways to a day trip escape, this eclectic hot spot is definitely a trip you’ll want to take a bite out of. With plenty of eateries, super cute shops, local music venues, galleries, and the great outdoors all within 6.5 miles, what are you waiting for? Isn’t it time you got off the beaten path?

https://www.visitfairfieldiowa.com/

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Flooring Capital of The World; Dalton, GA, nestled near the base of the Appalachian Mountain chain, is home to an industry that merges purposefully crafted design with an attention to aesthetic details that inspire and meld together to create a wholly original environment. What started as a revolutionary method of tufting chenille to create beautiful and durable bedspreads is the base for what flooring groups develop today. “Peacock Alley”, as Highway 41 was soon named, was flocked to by visitors all over seeking these beautiful, colorful Peacock designed bedspreads.   The textile industry grew from bedspreads to carpet, then laminate flooring, and now is home to Astroturf. The revolutionary design of Astroturf, inventive technique of Engineered Floors, and stylish flourish of Signature Hospitality Carpets are part of the talented innovations that not only inspire décor across the world but also inspire our entrepreneurial zest for life in Dalton. 

Dalton, recently dubbed “Soccertown USA” in a New York Times article, is also home to a thriving outdoor sports scene. With the region’s natural beauty right at your fingertips, it’s not hard to lose yourself, hiking the trails, traveling the waterways by kayak, playing disc golf at one of our four courses, or taking in a soccer game on one of our many turf fields. Rocky Face Ridge Park offers a mix of history and challenging wilderness trails for mountain biking or hiking. Taking the trail by foot is challenging on its own, but biking provides a variety of skill levels for riders of any experience. 

Dalton’s culinary scene is not lacking in creativity or deliciousness. Our creative textile heritage has spilled over into our restaurants and the ingenuity gives us an amazing mix of flavors while maintaining the loved comfort of Southern food. The mix of modern flair and diverse cultural tastes blend in the dishes of Cyra’s Simple Goodness, the exceptional Mediterranean flavor of Café Ostro, the sweetness of Mama Wilson’s, or the hand-crafted meals from the chefs at the Dalton Convention Center that make coming together as wonderful and flavorful as the dishes they serve.  In addition, Dalton has developed its distinct flavor profile in craft beer brewing. Created by local entrepreneurs and engineers, Dalton Brewing Company is Dalton’s hometown microbrewery – brewing stouts, ales, seltzers, and more for a taste that is uniquely Georgia. The smell of the cheese melting into the crust from the wood-fire ovens fills the whole room when you come through the door of Cherokee Brewery and Pizza. But the 24 beers on tap, including the house brews, add something to the experience. The Spinning Room’s tapas and sommelier-selected wines pair perfectly with a night at The Mill at Crown Garden. 

The tastes and experiences of Dalton are as rich and flavorful as our textile legacy. Now visitors travel down “Peacock Alley” for many other reasons, but we don’t forget our roots.   Get off I-75, experience the new “Peacock Alley” and let Dalton Floor You!

Written by: Matt Byrum & Natalia Williams

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When the weather starts to cool, slowly and mildly as it’s known to do in South Louisiana, the lucky locals of Baton Rouge look forward to what comes next: gumbo season. While there’s no “official” credence, fall and early winter impart an undeniable craving for the rich and hearty roux-based stew called gumbo. Crab, shrimp, smoked sausage, chicken, okra—the ingredients vary greatly by chef, but nearly every Baton Rouge restaurant serving Creole and Cajun classics will have it on the menu. More importantly, it’s going to be good.

So what happens when the gumbo’s gone? When you’ve reached the bottom of the bowl, ordered a second for the table and are ready to explore? Spend a weekend in Louisiana’s historic Capital City and you’ll learn that when it comes to Southern traditions, there’s plenty to go around.

Tailgating and gumbo go together like football and marching bands, so an LSU or Southern University game day is an electrifying first impression of the city this time of year. If football isn’t your cup of tea? Try a different spirit. Head down town where a variety of cocktail bars, breweries and distilleries are all with in walking distance of hotels, museums and more. Oxbow Rum Distillery has become a fan favorite for its tours and tastings of premium rum made from Louisiana sugar cane, grown along the bends of the Mississippi River. After you sip your spirits beneath the twinkling lights of the outdoor tasting room, take a stroll down to the Mighty Mississippi herself and watch the sunset over a glistening horizon.

Once you’ve had your fill of flavor, the music and art scene in Baton Rouge is not to be missed. National headliners and local talent bring old and new sounds of folk, funk, blues, rock and country to venues across the city, while incredible art can be found just about anywhere—from festival grounds and city sidewalks, to the Baton Rouge Gallery and seasonal events like White Light Night and Sundays in the Park.

When it’s all said and done, and you’ve been enchanted by the slow, sweet serenade of Southern hospitality, it’s only fitting that you bookend your stay with a heart-warming crescendo of local flavor. Frank’s Restaurant, known for “the best homemade biscuits in the world” is one of the best-kept secrets for breakfast. Sharing the category with other greats like Louie’s and Dearman’s, all three have been serving the city for over half a century.

Just like a gumbo, time spent in Baton Rouge is a blend of all things good, one serendipitous moment after the next. Whether it’s the food, music, sports or history that brings you here, the easiest way to plan your trip is visitbatonrouge.com. The rest is gumbo and gravy. Take it easy and enjoy.

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They’ve been called the Galapagos of North America, but frankly, that’s selling them short. Five islands that are the loveliest step back in time; a wondrous world where housecat-size foxes scamper through fields of Seuss-like flowers, and moon and sun shine down on, well, nothing. Solitude? At night, from certain island campsites, you can see the pinprick lights of civilization flickering like the campfires of some tremendous army. While you breathe in silence, the stars, and the sea.

Adventure? Take a deep breath.There’s remote camping, sea kayaking (paddling into a sea cave is like descending into the throat of some softly breathing beast), snorkeling and world-class scuba diving (Jacques Cousteau called the Channel Islands one of the world’s best dive spots), and bird-watching.If not for the Channel Islands, there would be no seabirds in Southern California, and some of the birds on the Channel Islands–the Island Scrub Jay, for one–are found nowhere else in the world.

Hiking? Countless miles of trails, many meandering atop spectacular sea cliffs, lace the five islands of Channel Islands National Park. Hiking here is, in all likelihood, like nothing you’ve ever seen, starting with vast, breathtaking 360-degree ocean panoramas. In certain seasons, migrating gray whales pepper the seascape with their misty spouts, phantom sails hanging briefly in the air. Extraordinary views are everywhere. From the stunning canyon loveliness ofLobo Canyon (Santa Rosa Island) to aptly named Inspiration Point (Anacapa Island), which offers one of the best sunset seats on the planet; paint spilled in the heavens and daubed, perfectly imperfect, across the sky.

Stand transfixed and alone. Or maybe with another hand in yours.

Unique? True, the impossibly cute island fox (the kids will jump for joy) is the most famous of the islands’ wholly unique animals, but the Channel Islands are home to over 2,000 plant and animal species of which 150 are found nowhere else in the world—and so “The Galapagos of North America.” And that’s just life on dry land. The Santa Barbara Channel and the waters that surround the Park islands are rife with life; from the largest animal on Earth (did you know that the Blue Whale’s tongue is the size of an African elephant?), to scores of whale and dolphin species, to orcas and elephant seals. In short, on the islands—and on the boat ride out—you never know what you’ll see.

Easily accessed? Yep.The closest of the five islands of Channel Islands National Park–Anacapa Island and Santa Cruz Island–are just a 70-minute boat ride from Ventura Harbor, courtesy of Park concessionaire Island Packers Cruises.

There is a fee for the boat ride, but the price of Park admission? Nothing.

And nothing matters greatly. And a trip to Channel Islands National Park is your chance to step away completely. Nothing allows you to feel the sun on your skin. Nothing allows you to smell the hint of brine in a cool sea breeze. Nothing allows for moments you’ll treasure forever. Precisely the nothing you’d expect from one of America’s least visited National Parks.“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” That was Helen Keller. But why can’t it be you?So come visit Channel Islands National Park. So many ways to feel the pounding of your heart.

And isn’t that what life’s about?

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