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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Downtown LaGrange

An easygoing escape for families, couples and solo travelers, LaGrange’s charming downtown is home to local restaurants, coffee shops, unique boutiques, antique stores and Sweetland Amphitheater. The downtown area is expanding with new offerings and businesses. Nutwood Downtown, the second location of the popular Nutwood Winery, is slated to open in the fall and will offer delicious Georgia wines and culinary offerings in a beautiful setting. Its sister property, Nutwood Winery, is a few miles away, and is nestled within the rolling hills of the Georgia plains. The sprawling ten-acre farm features an expansive tasting room and café in a majestic setting. Live music, special events and outdoor games complement the beautiful space.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the great outdoors when walking, biking or running along the Thread, a 29-mile paved trail that provides a safe pathway for cyclists and pedestrians to explore LaGrange. The Thread connects Historic Downtown LaGrange, making a walkable way to experience everything it offers.

Events and Attractions

One of the area’s most popular attractions is LaGrange’s beloved Hills & Dales Estate where the vibrant colors of the fall season are especially stunning. The 13,000 square-foot Italian-inspired historic home of the Callaway Family stands among lush gardens and towering trees. Visitors can tour the grounds to see blooms of colorful spider lilies, camellias and begonias throughout the fall while learning about the rich history of the Estate.

Abbottsford Farms’s pumpkin patch and free fall-themed family activities take place through October. Visitors will enjoy exploring the farm, going on a hayride, indulging in fall treats and seeing the vast fields of sunflowers before taking home a pumpkin or two.

For a dose of Halloween-themed history, Strange LaGrange walking tour takes curious guests through Historic Downtown, the LaGrange Art Museum and City Hall. Visitors will discover fascinating stories from the city’s past while immersing themselves in the spooky spirit.

Sweetland Amphitheatre is as lively as ever, and concert lovers can enjoy national musical performances under the stars on the venue’s sprawling lawn and seating area.

A short walk away, Wild Leap Brew Co. will host festive events throughout the season, such as Oktoberfest, Halloween Party, the famed Grilled Cheese Showdown and a festive Turkey Eve Party. Pure Life House of Music in the burgeoning Hillside Neighborhood hosts regular performances in its intimate listening room.

Dining

LaGrange is home to a wide range of delicious dining options, from casual, family-friendly to upscale dining. Downtown restaurants such as C’Sons and Mare Sol offer seasonal menus, intimate surroundings and delicious cocktails, wines and local beers. Local favorite Taste of Lemon is housed in a historic church built in 1892 that has been restored to its former glory. The authentic, down-home country kitchen serves a rotating lunch menu of classic Southern favorites, including its famed Poppy Seed Chicken Pineapple Casserole, Buttermilk Pie and more. Since 1920,  Charlie Joseph’s  has been serving its popular menu of hot dogs, hamburgers, Brunswick Stew and Southern diner fare in a retro space decorated with memorabilia from its century-long tenure.

For more information about LaGrange, please visit www.visitlagrange.com. Follow @VisitLaGrange on Instagram and Twitter and connect on Facebook.com/VisitLaGrange for the latest news.

The post Explore the Charming Southern Town of LaGrange, Georgia appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

The city of Amarillo is cut from a different cloth. It’s been home to countless cowhands and ranchers who forged their futures out of the red soil and sage brush, but it also received the quirk and colorful personality Route 66 brought through America’s heartland. Today, you can still clearly see the Old West’s footprint, but a New West is carving its own path through town. It’s not here to replace the Old West, rather to come alongside it, to pick up the mantle and continue expanding the city’s horizons. This fusion of Old West and New West has made Amarillo a must visit destination.

Break from the highway and experience true horsepower on a horseback ride through the stunning landscapes of Palo Duro Canyon. The ride starts in the shortgrass prairies, and descends into the red walls of the canyon to reveal a unique environment filled with trees, cacti, and fascinating rock formations. If the beautiful surroundings spark your artistic inspiration, head to any of the countless murals and public art instillations around Amarillo to find vibrant backdrops for that social media post.

There’s nothing better than finding that perfect something to take home from a trip filled with memories. Gone are the days of tired souvenirs, and tchotchkes bound for the junk drawer. Amarillo is full of amazing local artists, craftspeople, curators, and boutique stores. While you could spend days bouncing from one shop to the next, swinging through from the 6th Collective is a great way to explore a collection of local talent in one place. Grab a beautifully designed Amarillo themed shirt, stickers for your Hydroflask, home decor that would make Shea McGee proud, or a new flat brim hat to complete your Western-Chic ensemble.

Amarillo’s food scene reaches much further than a grilled steak and baked potato, and it continues to blossom into a must visit foodie destination. Yes, you’ll find your favorite cut of steak seared to perfection at places like The Big Texan or mouthwatering Texas BBQ at Tyler Barbecue. But, don’t be surprised to see drink menus in Amarillo filled with world class wines, local craft beers, and unique cocktails. One of the most diverse menus in town resides at Crush, which serves up plate after plate of jaw dropping fusion dishes that will impress visitors from any major metro. This rooftop dining experience is located in downtown Amarillo, where local historical preservation groups are bringing back the beautiful retro neon signs and marquees that once lined the streets.

There are plenty of tired itineraries and over-tried trips – plan a road trip that is extraordinary. Amarillo’s rich culture shaped how the entire country thinks about the Wild West, and a new contingent of creators are reintroducing the next generation to the beauty and creativity this place inspires. So come lean in it, embrace the history that shaped the Old West, and explore the trails being blazed by the New West.

The post Amarillo – Where Old West Meets New appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Gilroy, California is a popular destination for foodies and wine lovers from around the world—and a great place to choose your own culinary adventure! Start your Gilroy getaway at the California Welcome Center Gilroy (conveniently located at Gilroy PremiumOutlets) to pick up helpful maps and brochures as well as fun souvenirs.

Follow Your Nose on the Road to Garlic – Of course, Gilroy is best known as the “Garlic Capital of the World,” and you can follow the Road to Garlic to find all the very best garlic shops, restaurants and experiences in town. If you’ve only got time for a quick stop, have lunch at Garlic City Café in historic downtown Gilroy and be sure to try the garlic soup (and garlic ice cream!). You can snap a selfie in front of the garlic mural on Monterey Street and take a stroll down the Gilroy Historic Paseo to learn more about the city’s long love affair with the “stinking rose.” If you’ve more time to explore, visit Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park to take a spin in the Garlic Twirl ride, have some genuine Gilroy garlic fries, and say hello to Gil and Roy, the park’s garlic bulb mascots. For dinner, you can visit this historic Milias Restaurant, whose chef Adam Sanchez launched his culinary career after winning the 2001 Great Garlic Cook-Off; or Mama Mia’s Ristorante Italiano, which features Gilroy Garlic Festival favorites on their menu all year long. Be sure to visit Garlic World and the Garlic Shoppe to stock up on gourmet goodies and garlic gifts to bring home!

Enjoy Authentic Mexican Food on the Gilroy Taco Trail – These days, foodies are flocking to town in quest of new culinary adventures along the Gilroy Taco Trail. If you’re hungry for tacos, burritos, enchiladas and other authentic Mexican fare, look for Gilroy Taco Trail decals in shop windows or pick up a Gilroy Taco Trail map to plan your taco tasting tour. The Gilroy Taco Trail includes over 25 different casual taquerias and sit-down restaurants located in downtown Gilroy, First Street, and other areas in the city. Some truly hardcore fans have even taken on the challenge of eating a taco at every stop in just one day for the ultimate Taco Trail triumph!

Taste Your Way Along the Wine Trail – Take a tasting tour along the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail to discover award-winning wines, scenic vineyard views, and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. The Santa Clara Valley is one of California’s oldest wine-growing regions and is now home to over 30 family-owned boutique wineries in and around Gilroy. Head out to Hecker Pass Highway to sample wines at Solis Winery, Fortino Winery, Sarah’s Vineyard, and Hecker Pass Winery, all conveniently located within a mile of each other. Continue your wine tour at Kirigin Cellars, which has been producing wines for over one hundred years. Stop by Clos La Chance to enjoy the grand, gorgeous views—and groove to live music in the grove. And head to the east side of town for a visit to Satori Cellars, which has bocce courts and a casual, friendly neighborhood vibe.

From garlic and tacos to wine and vineyard views, there’s far too much to experience in Gilroy in just one day! Book a budget-friendly hotel room and stay long enough so you can explore all three trails—and more. Plan your great Gilroy getaway at VisitGilroy.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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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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