“We are thrilled to join the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Collection of luxury properties,” said Kimberly Wood, CEO and General Manager of Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge. “This affiliation underscores our unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled hospitality and memorable guest experiences.” Located in the stunning Santa Catalina foothills and surrounded by two renowned Tom Fazio-designed golf courses, the boutique lodge features 50 private, spacious suites, offering a tranquil southern Arizona retreat. As the property celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2024, it continues to welcome travelers from around the world to experience its unique blend of sophistication and warm, personal service.

All guests of Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge can now enroll in I Prefer Hotel Rewards, the brand’s points-based loyalty program with 5 million travelers enrolled globally. This complimentary program allows I Prefer members to earn points redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates, Elite status, and other special benefits upon eligible stays at nearly 600 participating hotels and resorts worldwide.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts provides strategic advantages to hotel owners, operators, and management companies through brand prestige and global operating scale. It supports the goals of its member hotels by offering strategic group, corporate, and leisure sales, integrated marketing solutions, comprehensive revenue management, global connectivity through reservation services, progressive distribution technology, and individualized guest support. Every property within the portfolio is required to maintain the high-quality standards and unparalleled service levels mandated by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. Through its four global collections – Legend, L.V.X., Lifestyle, and Preferred Residences – Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects discerning travelers to the singular luxury hospitality experience that aligns with their needs and lifestyle preferences for each occasion.

For reservations and more information about Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge, visit [VentanaCanyonClub.com](https://www.ventanacanyonclub.com). For more information about Preferred Hotels & Resorts, visit [PreferredHotels.com](https://www.preferredhotels.com).

SOURCE Ventana Canyon Club & Lodge

The post Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge Accepted into Membership of Preferred Hotels & Resorts appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

The Cousins Maine Lobster Summer Road Show is making its way through Wisconsin, led by the Chicago franchisees, Yunus Shahul and Thameem Shahul. The brothers, who joined Cousins Maine Lobster (CML) in 2018, have successfully expanded to sixteen CML food trucks across Illinois, Connecticut, New York, Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Florida, establishing themselves as top multi-unit franchise operators.

Founded in 2012 with a single food truck, CML gained significant traction after featuring on the fourth season of Shark Tank. There, co-founders Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis secured a deal with Shark Barbara Corcoran, propelling CML into the top five Shark Tank investments of all time. Today, the brand boasts 70 units across 27 states and aims to further its Midwest presence by attracting new franchise partners in new markets.

Co-Founder Jim Tselikis states, “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to leverage our incredible franchise partners, the Shahuls, to bring Cousins Maine Lobster on tour to new markets across Wisconsin. This is our second visit to Wisconsin this summer, and we have been overwhelmed by the positive response we’ve received from so many new and returning fans! We would love to serve our loyal customers more often. We have been actively seeking passionate entrepreneurs to join our family of franchisees in hopes of permanently expanding our reach across Milwaukee, Madison and LaCrosse markets.” Those interested in learning more may visit Cousins Maine Lobster or contact Lindsay Herberger, Director of Franchise Development, at lherberger@cousinsmainelobster.com.

Fans can follow the CML Wisconsin Road Show on Facebook at CML Food Truck Chicago, IL, for tour stop details.

Tour stops include:

– Monday, August 19th
Royal Wine & Spirits
12:00pm – 8:00pm
8930 W North Ave,
Wauwatosa, WI 53226

– Tuesday, August 20th
Royal Wine & Spirits
11:00am – 7:00pm
8930 W North Ave,
Wauwatosa, WI 53226

– Wednesday, August 21st
Lake Louie Brewing
12:00pm – 9:00pm
1079 American Way
Verona, WI 53593

– Thursday, August 22nd
608 Brewing Company
12:00pm – 9:00pm
83 Copeland Ave
La Crosse, WI 54603

– Thursday, August 29th
Kenosha – RightWay Auto Sales
11:00am – 7:00pm
4728 75th Street
Kenosha, WI 53142

– Friday, August 30th
Rock County Brewing Company
12:00pm – 8:00pm
10 N Parker Drive
Suite #160
Janesville, WI, 53545

_Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy a franchise. Any actual offer or solicitation can only be made through a Franchise Disclosure Document. If you reside in California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, or Wisconsin, we may not be able to offer you a franchise until it has been registered in your state._

SOURCE Cousins Maine Lobster

The post Cousins Maine Lobster Plans Food Truck Tour Across Wisconsin: Bringing a Taste of New England to the Badger State, and Seeking Local Franchise Partners appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

The event will cap off one of the most anticipated restaurant weeks in the U.S. and will run from Friday, Aug. 16 through Saturday, Aug. 17, with specific times at each restaurant. Diners and their canine companions will be treated to a specially curated experience. Four-legged guests can enjoy a unique menu featuring CESAR Mini-Pouch, CESAR® WHOLESOME BOWLS, and CESAR® SIMPLY CRAFTED, paired with complementary human food offerings, such as a steak for pet parents and CESAR Mini-Pouch Filet Mignon Flavor for dogs. Additionally, CESAR Restaurant Weekend staff will provide extra perks, including tableside belly rubs and doggy bags filled with bandanas, food bowls, and more, ensuring that furry friends are pampered from the moment they arrive.

Jean-Paul Jansen, Chief Marketing Officer of Mars Pet Nutrition North America, said, “We are dedicated to celebrating the special bond we have with our canine companions. Ultimately, they are more than just pets—they’re family. CESAR Restaurant Weekend offers dogs a chance to experience these cherished moments of togetherness alongside their owners.”

The event will be promoted by the Insta-famous “Maître d’og,” Dash from Dash & Lili The Corgis, along with their pet parents, to encourage New Yorkers to dine out with their dogs during CESAR Restaurant Weekend. Dash and Lili, a beloved NYC duo, are frequently seen sharing both grand and small adventures with their humans—whether exploring the city, attending local dog-friendly events like CESAR Restaurant Weekend, or creating playful chaos with their toys.

The launch of CESAR Restaurant Weekend is part of a broader partnership between Mars Petcare and Tripadvisor, announced earlier this year. According to Mars’ 2023 “Pets Connect Us” Report, only 20% of pet owners in the U.S. and Canada feel their neighborhoods offer pet-friendly dining options. This collaboration underscores CESAR’s dedication to enhancing travel, dining, and pet-friendly experiences for pet parents throughout their journey.

Participating restaurants (which were all identified leveraging the Tripadvisor platform) in CESAR Restaurant Weekend include:

• City Vineyard at Pier 26 in Hudson River Park
  • Friday: 12:00 – 4:00PM
  • Saturday: 12:00 – 4:00PM
• Torch & Crown in SoHo and Union Square
  • Friday: 5:00 – 8:00PM
  • Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00PM
• Miriam in Brooklyn
  • Friday: 11:00 – 3:00PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 – 2:00PM
• 1803 in Tribeca/Manhattan
  • Friday: 4:00 – 8:00PM
  • Saturday: 4:00 – 8:00PM

“It’s been so much fun working with the CESAR brand to create an event that offers pets and pet parents a menu inspired by the flavors of CESAR Canine Cuisine’s bold recipes for this special weekend,” added Michael Dorf, Owner/Founder of City Winery. “We’ve always tried to offer food that pairs well with wine – so why not find a way to pair our food with the flavors of our favorite companion’s food offerings. I’m excited to offer the CESAR Restaurant Weekend to my guests at City Vineyard at Pier 26 to help further connect people and their pets to bring them together over a shared dining experience!”

Pet parents can use the Tripadvisor Restaurant Guide to discover where to dine with their dogs during CESAR Restaurant Weekend. For more promotions and ideas on pet-friendly travel and dining, visit the Tripadvisor platform. If you’re a business interested in hosting a restaurant weekend in your own city, please reach out to us through our B2B hub for more information.

To learn more about the CESAR brand’s commitment to ‘Go Dog-Friendly’, visit CESAR.com, and follow the brand on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn.

¹ KRC Research online survey of 2,000 pet parents each from the U.S. and Canada conducted October 30 to November 6, 2023.

About CESAR^® Canine Cuisine

CESAR Canine Cuisine is a high-quality line of premium dry and wet dog food, and canine meal complements for small- to medium-sized dogs. The CESAR brand wants to transform mealtime into moments of shared joy by providing irresistible taste and varieties dogs love. The CESAR brand offers a wide variety of irresistible wet food flavors through their classic tray offerings, including the HOME DELIGHTS line that features comfort food favorites. The SIMPLY CRAFTED range is designed to give dogs a simple and tasty meal complement, while WHOLESOME BOWLS meals are a healthy and culinary inspired meal or dry kibble topper. The brand also offers three flavors in their dry food line. To learn more, visit www.cesar.com.

About Mars Petcare

Part of Mars, Incorporated, a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love, the 85,000 Associates across 50+ countries in Mars Petcare are dedicated to one purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. With 85 years of experience, our portfolio of almost 50 brands serves the health and nutrition needs of the world’s pets – including brands PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, ROYAL CANIN®, NUTRO, GREENIES, SHEBA®, CESAR®, IAMS and EUKANUBA, as well as the Waltham Petcare Science Institute that has advanced research in the nutrition and health of pets for over 50 years. Mars Petcare is also a leading veterinary health provider through an international network of over 2,000 pet hospitals and diagnostic services including BANFIELD, BLUEPEARL, VCA, Linnaeus, AniCura and Antech. We’re also active in innovation and technology for pets, with WISDOM PANEL genetic health screening and DNA testing for dogs, the WHISTLE GPS dog tracker, and LEAP VENTURE STUDIO accelerator and COMPANION FUND programs that drive innovation and disruption in the pet care industry. As a family business and guided by our principles, we are privileged with the flexibility to fight for what we believe in – and we choose to fight for our Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.

CONTACTS
Wes Bottoms
Mars Pet Nutrition North America
317-270-3283
wes.bottoms@effem.com

Jaime Castile
Weber Shandwick
314-368-6616
jcastile@webershandwick.com

SOURCE CESAR® Canine Cuisine

The post BRING YOUR DOG TO DINNER DURING THE FIRST-EVER CESAR® RESTAURANT WEEKEND appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Located in the newly renovated Red Jacket Beach Resort on the picturesque seaside of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the Re-Treat Suite is a whimsical immersion into the world of Rice Krispies Treats®. This charming suite evokes the nostalgia of summertime sleepovers, allowing fans to fully experience the delight of this classic snack.

The best part? This enchanting suite is free for families and fans – just gather your loved ones, head to the Cape, and start making unforgettable memories.

THIS SUITE IS SO SWEET

Tailored for endless fun and lasting memories, guests will experience their favorite snack in a whole new light. Begin your day with ocean views from a giant Rice Krispies Treats bed. Descend the slide from the top bunk of the double-stacked Treat bunkbeds. Construct a sprawling marshmallow-y pillow fort. Innovate a new flavor of Rice Krispies Treats at the in-room Treat Yourself bar. Enjoy a throwback movie marathon on a giant projector, nestled in marshmallow beanbags. Sample every flavor of Rice Krispies Treats from our fully-stocked snack cabinets, featuring all our fan-favorites: Original, Chocolate, Strawberry, Chocolatey Chip Cookie Dough, Rainbow, Chocolatey Peanut Butter, and more!

“While most families are gearing up for back-to-school routines and early bedtimes, we’re setting our sights on the Re-Treat Suite at this beloved beach destination,” said Danielle Rappoport, Brand Director for Rice Krispies Treats. “Our iconic snack has the magic to rekindle that sense of carefree fun. We hope the Re-Treat Suite inspires guests to indulge in one more magical vacation with their loved ones before the sun sets on summer.”

Cape Cod is the perfect place to relish an endless summer, and Red Jacket Beach Resort is a must-visit for travelers of all ages. Treasured for its coastal allure and myriad family-friendly activities, the Cape offers an idyllic August getaway for those seeking a quintessential summertime adventure. The Red Jacket Beach Resort, part of a multi-property resort group set along a nearly one-mile stretch of Atlantic shoreline, boasts a fresh, contemporary look. It features multiple pools, tennis and pickleball courts, kid-friendly activities, bike rentals, and more, ensuring endless fun for families to explore beyond the Re-Treat Suite.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR UNFORGETTABLE STAY

Families and fans can request one of five different two-night, three-day stays at the Re-Treat Suite by Rice Krispies Treats throughout August by visiting [RiceKrispiesTreatsReTreat.com](https://www.ricekrispiestreatsretreat.com) – all for the joyful cost of $0. The Suite accommodates up to six guests, offering a queen bed, a set of twin bunk beds, and two rollaway beds.

Set your alarms! Bookings will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and will open on a rolling schedule starting Monday, August 12 at 12 PM EST. The stays will be available as follows:

– Monday, August 12 at 12 PM ET: August 16-18
– Wednesday, August 14 at 12 PM ET: August 20-22
– Friday, August 16 at 12 PM ET: August 23-25
– Monday, August 19 at 12 PM ET: August 27-29
– Friday, August 23 at 12 PM ET: August 30-September 1

Looking to prolong the summer magic or host your own Rice Krispies Treats-themed sleepover at home? Follow @RiceKrispiesTreats on TikTok, @RiceKrispiesTreatsUS on Instagram, or find us on your favorite social media platform for more exciting ways to celebrate all month long.

The five 2-night stays are not a contest. Stays will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from the Re-Treat Suite by Rice Krispies Treats. Visit [RiceKrispiesTreatsReTreat.com](https://www.ricekrispiestreatsretreat.com) for complete details.

About Kellanova

Kellanova (NYSE: K) is a leading global snack company with a rich legacy of over 100 years. Home to distinguished brands such as Pringles®, Cheez-It®, Pop-Tarts®, Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies Treats®, RXBAR®, Eggo®, MorningStar Farms®, Special K®, Coco Pops®, and more, Kellanova aspires to be the world’s top-performing snacks powerhouse, unlocking the potential of our diverse brands and passionate team.

At Kellanova, our mission is to foster better days and ensure inclusivity through our trusted food brands. We are dedicated to advancing sustainable and equitable food access by addressing hunger, sustainability, wellbeing, and equity, diversity & inclusion. Our aim is to create Better Days for 4 billion people by 2030 (from a 2015 baseline). For more information on our commitments, strategies, and methodologies, please visit our website at [kellanova.com](https://www.kellanova.com).

About Red Jacket Resorts

Nestled on the Yarmouth shores of Cape Cod, the Red Jacket Resorts collection features five spectacular resorts catering to families, couples, private groups, and weddings. Spanning the shores of Mid Cape, the EOS Hospitality-owned properties include Red Jacket Beach Resort, Blue Water Resort, Riviera Beach Resort, Green Harbor Resort, and Blue Rock Resort. These hotels, welcoming guests for over 50 years, offer family-friendly accommodations and amenities, including private beaches, indoor/outdoor pools, summer programming, water activities, Kids Clubs, a rejuvenation spa, and a view of a championship par 3 golf course. With its proximity to the charming towns of Cape Cod, guests have easy access to local shops, trails, boating excursions, and more, providing endless opportunities for exploration in this popular summer and beyond destination.

The post A ONE-OF-A-KIND ‘RE-TREAT SUITE’ BY RICE KRISPIES TREATS IS HERE TO INSPIRE FANS TO TAKE ONE MORE SWEET VACATION THIS SUMMER appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

This past weekend, sculptors Jim Victor and Marie Pelton arrived with their tools and began the intricate process of crafting the annual sculpture, which will take about 11 days to complete on-site.

“Each year, the iconic butter sculpture shines a spotlight on our state’s dairy industry,” says John Chrisman, CEO of the American Dairy Association North East. “This remarkable attraction honors the hardworking dairy farmers of New York who dedicate themselves every day to sustainably and responsibly producing nutrient-rich milk.”

The butter used for the sculpture is provided by O-AT-KA Mik Products in Batavia, N.Y. It’s butter that doesn’t meet retail specifications for various reasons, so the American Dairy Association North East collaborates with the sculptors to transform it into a stunning work of art.

After its 13-day display at The Fair, the butter will be transported back to Western New York, where it will be recycled into renewable energy at Noblehurst Farms, a dairy farm in Pavilion, N.Y. Noblehurst Farms’ extensive recycling program converts over 500 tons of food waste from supermarkets, universities, and schools each month into enough energy to power the farm and more than 300 local homes. This recycling initiative not only reduces the farm’s carbon footprint but also diverts food waste from landfills, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions.

The American Dairy Association North East will unveil the 56th Annual Butter Sculpture to the media and live on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AmericanDairyNE/) on Tuesday, August 20th, the day before The Fair officially opens. The sculpture will then be on display in the Dairy Products Building for the entirety of The Fair.

The post ANNUAL BUTTER SCULPTURE TRADITION IN SYRACUSE CONTINUES WITH ARRIVAL OF 800 POUNDS OF BUTTER appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Here, recreation is more than an outing, it’s an adventure with incomparable beauty. Hikers and bikers can trek more than 180 miles of spectacular outdoor trails, golfers enjoy their pick of champion courses, and recreational options abound— with scenic day trips to the picturesque Zion National Park, Red Rock Canyon State Park and its historic rock formations, and last but not least, Lake Mead, home to the iconic Hoover Dam.

Begin your recreational feast with nine courses—golf courses, that is—which include the Jack Nicklaus-designed gem at Lake Las Vegas. An alluring backdrop for golf, the lake’s brilliant blue waters also offer a refreshing plunge into kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, flyboarding, and even yacht cruises. Back on land, hiking and biking trails stretch out across the City, ribbons of exploration threading through suburban streetscapes and through dramatic mountain and desert vistas. Take your pick from easy, intermediate, challenging and even equestrian trails.

The same is true for dining. In a City where food is a passion and every meal a celebration, diners enjoy a bountiful array of choices, from acclaimed chefs throughout Henderson and the City’s Water Street District – a historic street lined with breweries, retail and restaurants specializing in flaming fajitas to flavor-packed steaks, from robust and upscale Italian flavors to sports bar fare elevated to an art. You won’t want to miss the many picture-worthy and locally inspired murals while strolling Henderson’s original downtown.

A tasting tour of the Ethel M chocolate factory is another sweet treat, and in the aptly named Artisan Booze District, where spirits are indeed both an art and a craft, you can sip and savor your way through a brilliant lineup: Original brews in pubs like Crafthaus Brewing as well as handcrafted, small-batch wines at Vegas Valley Winery, where tours and a tasting room are special draws.

When you’re ready to relax, Henderson is home to many premier hotels such as the M Resort and Spa, Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa and Casino and lakeside hotels surrounding Lake Las Vegas, including Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa and The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa.

With diverse recreational options, exceptional dining experiences, and comfortable accommodations, visitors can custom tailor their visit to suit their needs and preferences. Whether you’re a family seeking a fun-filled getaway or a business traveler in need of a restful retreat, Henderson is the ideal destination for you.

Plan your trip at CityofHenderson.com

The post Discover Henderson Nevada appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Embark on the Neches River Rendezvous

The season’s centerpiece is the Neches River Rendezvous, an annual affair that beckons adventurers to paddle through the heart of the Piney Woods. This tranquil sojourn along the Neches River is a celebration of Lufkin’s pristine ecosystems and the simple joy of connecting with nature. With each stroke of the paddle, the waterway unfurls its treasures, from hidden coves to sun-dappled banks teeming with East Texas wildlife. If you want more information or would like to give it a paddle, visit Angelina Neches River Authorities at www.anra.org

A Symphony of Flavors

As the landscape reawakens, so does Lufkin’s local gastronomy. Spring heralds the arrival of vibrant farmer’s markets where the earth’s bounty is a palette for the senses. Here, culinary artisans transform fresh, local ingredients into masterpieces of flavor. The town’s eateries and breweries, like the charming downtown bistros and the rustic Rusty Axe & South First Grill , offer menus infused with the zest of the season.

Cultural Blossoms

Lufkin’s rich cultural fabric comes alive in the springtime. The town’s galleries and studios throw open their doors, inviting art enthusiasts to explore the local creativity that thrives under Lufkin’s canopy. The sounds of music festivals and live performances resonate through the streets, where the traditions of East Texas are celebrated and shared.

Family Escapades

Families find a special welcome in Lufkin, where the Ellen Trout Zoo and expansive city parks offer endless opportunities for discovery and play. Special events cater to the curious minds of young explorers, while interactive exhibits at the Naranjo Museum of Natural History offer a journey through time.

Spring Fest

SpringFest in Lufkin is the epitome of springtime joy, where the community and visitors alike come together to celebrate the season’s vibrant rebirth. Wander among stalls of local artisans and indulge in the region’s freshest flavors, while live music fills the air. It’s a place where kids laugh in bounce houses, and all can revel in the beauty of East Texas’s Piney Woods. Join us for a day of fun, food, and festivity at Lufkin’s SpringFest – where every moment is a memory in the making.

Adventure in the Heart of Lufkin

Lufkin’s essence is captured in the moments of connection—between people, nature, and history. It’s in the thrill of the river, the taste of a new dish, the applause at SpringFest, and the quiet reflection that can be formed from the “Locked With Love” tree. Adventure is not just an activity; it’s the heartbeat of Lufkin in spring.

So, come to Lufkin where “Adventure is Here” is not just a tagline—it’s a lived experience. It’s the laughter of children as they dance under the spring sun, the shared glances of couples strolling down blooming pathways, and the camaraderie of friends toasting to new discoveries. This spring, let Lufkin be your canvas for adventure, painting memories that will last a lifetime.

Plan your trip at VisitLufkin.com

The post Discover Lufkin, Texas in the Spring appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Looking for an even more adventurous getaway, the Len Foote Hike Inn is a must-visit. Located five miles north of Amicalola Falls, it is Georgia’s only backcountry lodge, accessible only by hiking a 5-mile trail through the Chattahoochee National Forest. The Hike Inn places an emphasis on conservation and sustainability, while providing rustic charm in a relaxed and beautiful setting that allows families to enjoy nature together. All you need is a change of clothes and a toothbrush, and they’ll handle the rest, even deliciously served family style meals.

Seeking a need for speed? Atlanta Motorsports Park is an F1 designed 2-mile road course that’s been voted one of the Top 10 Tracks in North America by Road and Track Magazine and Speed Sport’s 2023 Outstanding Facility of the Year, and for good reason. It offers the perfect setting to unleash your inner racer with the world’s most unique public kart racing track, race leagues, racing schools, a teen driving program, racing simulators and more. This is the perfect place to get behind the wheel and satisfy your need for speed.

Racing fans will also relish in a visit to the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, where you can explore the roots of stock car racing and discover how running moonshine during the prohibition era grew into the NASCAR of today! The Hall of Fame has exhibits celebrating the history of motorsports in the State and features memorabilia and trophies from Dawsonville’s own 2020 NASCAR Cup Champion, Chase Elliott and his dad, former champion Awesome Bill from Dawsonville. Speaking of moonshine, adjacent to the museum, Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Co. is a family owned and operated distillery specializing in high quality, small-batch spirits, including moonshine crafted from legendary Jack Mimm McClure’s perfected North Georgia recipe. And don’t forget to take a walk to the legendary Dawsonville Pool Room, known for their Bully Burgers and Fresh Cuts, where owner Gordon Pirkle displays racing memorabilia and has sounded the infamous si-reeen for every Elliott victory since the 1980s.

Finally, if you’re in need of a little retail therapy, look no further than the North Georgia Premium Outlets, Atlanta’s premier outlet shopping destination featuring 140+ stores with savings up to 65% off every day! Luxury retailers including Gucci, Versace, Jimmy Choo, Ferragamo, Stuart Weitzman, Armani and more. For a more unique experience, visit Around Back at Rocky’s Place, the South’s largest folk art gallery, featuring work from over 250 southern artists. Including the largest collection from sought-after folk artist, Cornbread.

There is something for everyone in Dawsonville and its surrounding areas. Embark on the adventure of a lifetime and experience all it has to offer.

Explore at DestinationDawsonville.com

The post Destination Dawsonville, Georgia appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Park Hop with No Lines and Fewer Crowds

Skip the crowds and lines of major theme parks, and enjoy a different kind of “park hopping” experience with just as many thrills. Three of California’s most beautiful national parks surround Fresno and Clovis. Only a short drive away, visitors can see three parks in one trip. A hidden gem, Kings Canyon National Park, is the deepest canyon in the United States. At 8,200 feet at its deepest points, Kings Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon and rewards hikers with incredible views of a glacial valley, roaring waterfalls, and giant sequoias. Stand beneath the General Sherman, the largest tree in the world, inside Sequoia National Park. Don’t miss the iconic El Capitan Mountain and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite requires reservations to enter the park from April through October.

Farm-Fresh, Year-Round

From luxury dining experiences to farm stands with fresh fruits, experience farm-fresh in the United State’s heartland of agriculture. It’s here you’ll discover California’s most underrated wine country. Not only does Fresno County produce a large sum of the state’s wine grapes, but wine lovers can also taste award-winning wines in an intimate setting at a reasonable price. Local wineries like Kings River Winery provide guided tours with the owner of the winery, taking you through the vineyards where their grapes are grown and the wine cellar to learn about their storing process. At Trelio Food & Wine in Clovis, the menu changes with the season and the chef utilizes locally grown ingredients to create high-end dishes. The restaurant’s sommeliers are trained to pair the best local wines to your taste and meal. Join the community in celebrating the spring harvest on the Fresno County Fruit Trail. Stop for fresh salsa and apricots at Sweet Girl Farms, juicy strawberries at Sunshine’s Farm, and a variety of fruits, dried nuts and old-fashioned sodas at Simonian Farms.

Take the Road Less Traveled

Explore the Forestiere Underground Gardens, an underground wonder carved by hand more than 100 years ago. The gardens have their own microclimate that makes the tunnels 10-20 degrees colder than the surface level. Take the family to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo to see more than 200 species within their interactive exhibits for a fraction of the cost of other nearby zoos. Join one of the behind-the-scenes experiences to help train sea otters, feed a giraffe, and touch a stingray. Thrill seekers can take a wild ride down the Kings River. Experienced tour guides will take you through twisting channels and chilled waters during a whitewater rafting trip hosted by the Kings River Expedition Class 3. The rafting season runs from late March through August. Take part in springtime events like the Clovis Rodeo, Kingsburg Swedish Festival, and the Wildflower Trail.

For more information go to visitfresnocounty.org

The post See Another Side of California in Fresno County appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

THE KITCHEN BAR AT CHEF & THE FARMER

In 2006, Chef & the Farmer helped create the farm-to-table movement which quickly spread across the country with fervor. For more than 15 years, Chef & the Farmer was the flagship of the movement.

In 2023, Chef & the Farmer reinvented itself as The Kitchen Bar, under the leadership of Chef Vivian Howard. Howard’s vision for Chef & The Farmer’s new methodology is to create an intimate experience one weekend a month. If you are lucky enough to get a table, Howard cooks the meal herself and 14 patrons get to experience a 7-course dinner and optional wine pairings, served right at the kitchen bar. The dedication to creating this experience is backed by Howard’s drive to locally source vegetables and meats, and a desire to interact with her patrons one-on-one.

KINGS BARBECUE

A legacy has been built here. King’s takes the same old fashion flavor perfected in 1936, and brings it into the present, right onto your plate. Picture this: Tender, pork barbecue painstakingly hand-chopped daily and slathered in our secret family sauce.

You can taste the family recipes and traditional Southern cooking methods in every morsel of their signature vinegar-based chopped pulled pork and Ribs. How good is it exactly? Well, King’s BBQ ribs were voted best in the country on the Drew Barrymore Show’s Battle of the Bites. So, nations’ best is pretty good.

SOCIAL HOUSE VODKA & PUMPHOUSE 1906

Social House Vodka is the place for vodka. It’s here that Social House has converted an old power station into a farm-to-flask distillery. Made in Kinston, this corn-based vodka is all locally sourced from North Carolina farmers. Their craft spirits are premiere in their flavor and presentation. Offering distillery tours by appointment, you can see the process of how Social House creates liquid gold from grain. The corn gives the Vodka a sweet, buttery, soft, subtle note suitable for sipping on the rocks or mixing into cocktails.

You can taste those cocktails at the PumpHouse 1906. The local speakeasy is owned and operated by Social House and it showcases small batch collections of craft spirits, infusions, syrups, and bitters. No one cocktail is quite like the other. Choose from their extensive menu options or ask one of their mixology specialists to create something special for you.
When you’re in Kinston, every meal has meaning. It’s about the experience of sitting at the table with friends and family. It’s about the sustainable practices that go into every sip. It’s about supporting local farmers. It’s about a culinary experience that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s not just food, but it’s memories. It’s not just southern, it’s southern with a kick. Consider yourself invited.•

Plan your trip today at VisitKinston.com

The post A Taste of Kinston, North Carolina appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.