As the days grow colder, the action starts to heat up at River Riders Family Adventure Park which transforms into Snow Riders in the winter months. This new snow tubing park features 12 lanes and is the longest tubing slope on the east coast at almost three football fields long. A modern Magic Carpet conveyor lift brings you and your tube quickly back to the top of the hill so you can relax and can tube down again!

At night, the party is just getting started. Snow Riders lights up the night with a multi-color LED disco light show. Enjoy the beat of the music and changing of the light as you slide down the slopes with your family and friends.

Even if there is no natural snow on the ground, the brand new and modern snow making machines have you covered! You can go snow tubing at Snow Riders even when the temperatures are above freezing!

After a day of snow-tubing or exploring, Jefferson Counties quaint and eclectic small towns offer an incredible mix of dining options. A great way to start your day is at Sibling Coffee Roasters, a small specialty coffee roasting company located in downtown Charles Town. Sample quality micro-lot single origin green coffee from all over the world and find the one you like the best.

If you want to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, then return to Charles Town for dinner at Alfredo’s Mediterranean Steakhouse & Grille. This family-owned local favorite has been preparing traditional and modern dishes featuring foods from Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Lebanon and Morocco for over 15 years.

Since 2013, Ortega’s Taco Shop has been famous for the “best taco in town.” Featuring locally sourced meats, cheeses, and produce, Ortega’s is a favorite stop for more than just tacos. Just a short walk down the street, discover Sumittra Thai Kitchen. Sumittra showcases authentic Thai flavors prepared with classic techniques. Shareable portions served in multiple courses allow diners to enjoy each dish hot out of the kitchen.

For a unique lunch or dinner, try Cocina Plantosaurus in downtown Charles Town. This Puertorican fusion restaurant is a 100% plant-based restaurant.

If a cold beer and pub food is more your style, look no further than Abolitionist Ale Works in downtown Charles Town for fun, flavorful and unique beers for every palate. Specialty pizzas, sandwiches, and appetizers complement the brews.

A brisk morning walk along the C & O Canal Towpath is the perfect way to kick off a day in Jefferson County. Enjoy beautiful views of the Potomac river as you follow the well-maintained path. Access the path by crossing the bridge in Shepherdstown into Maryland. If you stay at the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, the path is literally three minutes away.

After your morning work out, head downtown to Betty’s Restaurant for a hearty breakfast and some local color. This old-school favorite is the quintessential small town morning gathering spot for local news and great food.

After a relaxing and informative breakfast, head up the street to Four Seasons Books to find the perfect novel or “beach trash” to fill a lazy afternoon in front of a warm fire.

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

The post Jefferson County, WV – Quickly becoming an historic winter getaway. 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

The post Visit Gilroy – A Tale of Three Trails appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.