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.

There are few places with the outdoor recreation opportunities that you find in Jefferson County. Miles of scenic hiking and biking trails are highlighted by the Appalachian Trail. The Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers are home to great fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking and tubing. An assortment of Professional outfitters can take care of all of the logistics and equipment for any adventure and guide you on a memorable adventure.

The legendary Appalachian Trail runs right through Harpers Ferry, near the headquarters and visitor center of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Pick up a guidebook or chat about your hiking plans at the conservancy’s visitor center, then get underway.

Also in Harpers Ferry, River Riders Family Adventure Resort has you covered for just about any adventure, from cycling to a treetop challenge course. But in this town defined by the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, you must get on the water. River & Trail Outfitters and River Riders’ whitewater rafting trips conquer class I-III rapids. You can even experience whitewater tubing on the Potomac river, which zips you over the river’s rapids alongside the historic town. Slow down with a Shenandoah float – a ride so mild, you can bring a picnic.

Harpers Ferry Outfitters is a must-stop for all kinds of travelers. Whether you are a cyclist, hiker, passing pedestrian, or tourist, you will likely be leaving with at least one item in hand. Find a filled inventory of gear, T-shirts, accessories and other clothing, freeze-dried foods, and snacks to prepare for your hike or biking excursion. One welcoming resource provided here is the water re-fill station which those stopping by town while on a long trek certainly appreciate.

After a day of adventure, explore the shopping and dining scene in and around Harpers Ferry. The historic rich streets of Harpers Ferry are home to a unique mix of shops and galleries. The Vintage Lady has been a favorite spot for visitors for over 20 years for unique gifts, art, and jewelry. Spoil your sweet tooth and True Treats Historic Candy, the nation’s only historic candy store, where visitors can shop over 500 historic teas, candies, and confections.  Tenfold Fair Trade Collection is a curated artisan market providing fair trade, hand-crafted, eco-conscious items for you and your home. Whether a student, teacher, hiker, historian, nature lover, or every day visitor, you will find something to remember your trip at the Harpers Ferry Park Association Bookstore.

When it is time to relax, have some great food and reminisce about your day, Harpers Ferry offers a variety of great options. Kelley Farm Kitchen is Harpers Ferry’s first vegan restaurant and provides mouth-watering meals that will be appreciated by vegans and non-vegans alike. Battle Grounds Bakery & Coffee is known for amazing sandwiches, great coffee, pastries and frozen custard. Wander to The Rabbit Hole Gastropub for a Blue Ridge Burger and a drink from its impressive craft beer selection, all enjoyed with a gorgeous view at one of its outdoor tables overlooking the river.

At the end of the evening, head to The Barn of Harpers Ferry for some live music and cold beer.

Bordering Harpers Ferry is the town of Bolivar. Stop in the Country Cafe for a good old-fashioned homemade breakfast. Nothing fancy, just delicious food like your grandmother used to make. Or find a range of fresh goods, including cinnamon rolls, biscuits, scones and West Virginia’s best pepperoni rolls at Bolivar Bread Bakery.

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

The post Jefferson County, WV – Spring into new adventures and tasty delights. appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Uptown Columbus (what locals call “downtown”) is the heart of the city. Positioned along the Chattahoochee River, Uptown is a great stop on the 15-mile RiverWalk and home to a collection of some of the newest, hippest hotels; a local restaurant scene that rivals that of much larger cities; Market Days on Broadway, which is a Saturday-morning street market with more than 200 vendors selling art items, local produce, baked goods, and countless cool local finds; a free concert series where you can bring your chair and unwind to the sounds of a wide variety of musical entertainment; local boutique shopping; exciting public art and sculpture displays; and much more!

Columbus offers epic outdoor adventure steps away from the ultra-cool Uptown. Adventure seekers can enjoy 2.5 miles of whitewater rafting and kayaking on the longest natural urban whitewater course in the world! For those who want a milder adventure, you can also tube and paddle board on the river. Another one-of-a-kind attraction is the zip line that sends you from Columbus over the Chattahoochee River to Alabama – and back! Those who enjoy even more leisurely pursuits can stroll or bike along the RiverWalk, which winds past historical monuments and sites like the National Civil War Naval Museum and the experiential National Infantry Museum.

Columbus is an epicenter for cultural experiences. Founded in 1953, The Columbus Museum is the second-largest museum in the southeast and is being reimagined and fashioned as the region’s cultural gathering place with newly designed galleries and gardens. The Columbus Collective Museums is home to the famous Lunch Box Museum (with the world’s largest collection of vintage lunchboxes) plus six more dazzling museums that showcase the area’s local industrial heritage and culture. The Coca-Cola Space Science Center features simulators, film screenings, and observation events appropriate for all ages. The Ma Rainey Home & Museum is a historical Columbus landmark honoring the legendary “Mother of Blues,” Ma Rainey. And The Bo Bartlett Center is an 18,500-square-foot interactive gallery in the Uptown campus of Columbus State University.

From ballet to Broadway, Columbus offers inspired performances and show-stopping events. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts is home to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra hosting Broadway shows as well as world-renowned performers and popular entertainers such as Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, The Moscow Boys Choir, and David Copperfield. The Springer Opera House is Georgia’s State Theater, the region’s premier professional theater, and annually produces over a dozen shows with talent from Los Angeles to New York.

Come and enjoy the vibrant artsy energy, the rich local history, epic outdoor adventures, and a thriving food scene (not to mention incredible photo opportunities for Insta!). It’s no wonder Columbus was named “Georgia’s Cool Cat City” by Forbes and one of the Best Trips of the Year by Explore Georgia. Couples, singles, and families alike will find what they need to plan an authentic, one-of-a-kind getaway by heading to VisitColumbusGA.com.

The post Discover Columbus, Georgia appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Cultural Heritage

Mobile’s close-knit relationship to its cultural history makes it more than just your average Instagram-able vacation spot. If you’re looking for a trip filled with impactful stories of cultural heritage, this is your must-experience destination. Following the discovery of America’s last slave ship, the Clotilda, in 2019, the Africatown community has gained national media attention. Descendants of the ship’s survivors have embraced and uplifted the stories of their ancestors, who were forcibly brought to the area. Named one of the top new museums of 2023 by USA Today, “Clotilda: The Exhibition” at Africatown Heritage House will impact you long after your visit.  Mobile’s “Remembering the Avenue” exhibit, found at the newly renovated Historic Avenue Cultural Center, adds a unique, deeply personal dimension to the area’s interconnection of past, present and future. The Cultural Center is located in the building which formerly housed the city’s segregation-era library, with plans to restore the area to a center of pride within the community.

Arts

Known as the city “born to celebrate,” Mobile has a knack for highlighting its local talent. The arts are celebrated year-round at ArtWalk. Every second Friday of the month, Mobilians and visitors flock to the family-friendly, block party style marketplace where local vendors sell their wares and musicians serenade the downtown streets. No two ArtWalks are the same! Every month features new themes and artwork to discover. The celebration pushes far outside of downtown as well. This year, the Mobile Museum of Art commemorates its 40th anniversary. Celebrating the history of art in Mobile, the “DECADES: Looking Back/Moving Forward” exhibit is being released in a series of installments. Each installment offers an immersive experience into the art and innovations of the past. You may feel your creativity flowing after this artsy getaway.

Mardi Gras

Home to the original Mardi Gras, Mobile’s Carnival season celebrations are simultaneously all the rage and wonderfully unexpected. If you didn’t know Mardi Gras originated in Mobile, just ask someone who lives there, and they will eagerly oblige you with the details! In fact, an entire day of the Mardi Gras season is dedicated to the man who brought Carnival to the U.S., Joseph Cain. While the rest of this festive holiday season features floats of mystic society members in flashy costumes, Joe Cain Day is revered as “The People’s Parade.” On this day, a society known as Joe Cain’s Merry Widows wail hysterically over his grave, their faces hidden by black veils, before kicking off a full day of parades of handmade floats, children and friends tossing beads and moon pies alongside a dramatically harmless falling-out with the Mistresses of Joe Cain.

Whether your soul is craving culture, creativity or Carnival, there is no shortage of experiences to be had in Mobile. Though the decision to visit is an easy one, one question remains: Which adventure will you choose?

Visit us at Mobile.org

The post 3 Off-menu Reasons to Visit Mobile, Alabama appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

A train, plane or car ride can easily transport you to Cambridge, which is located on the opposite bank of the Charles River from Boston and approximately six miles from Boston Logan Airport. Once here, get ready to experience Cambridge’s eclectic energy, world-class museums, historic sites, diverse restaurants, small boutiques plus an incredible live music scene all within our quaint neighborhoods and famous “Squares.” Cover all that with a blanket of snow from Mother Nature (if you’re lucky!), and Cambridge becomes an even more magical and curious destination to explore.

Home to over twenty hotels and the largest number of hotel rooms outside of Downtown Boston, Cambridge is ready to welcome you for a weekend, a week….or longer! If you’re planning a family vacation, Royal Sonesta Cambridge Boston is sure to be a favorite for all ages. The riverside hotel boasts one of the largest indoor pools around and is an eight minute walk from the Museum of Science. For those seeking a romantic getaway, The Charles Hotel and Kimpton Marlowe offer cozy bed and breakfast packages for two. Whatever winter getaway you envision, there is a Cambridge hotel for you!

Colder temperatures and a little snow won’t stop Cambridge; there are plenty of winter activities to enjoy. A few special experiences you will not want to miss are the Taste of Chocolate Weekend, Cambridge Crossing’s annual Aprés Cambridge event, the chance to dine riverside in a heated Igloo at the Royal Sonesta’s ArtBar, or the opportunity to show off your moves at the Canal District Kendall ice skating rink, open daily thru mid-March.

Kendal Canal Ice Skating Rink in Cambridge

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or searching for the perfect Valentine’s Day present, use the Cambridge Business Diversity Directory to find that unique gift that you’ve been looking for, while supporting small and minority-owned businesses throughout Cambridge!

Cambridge is also the birthplace of higher education in America, home to both Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), located just 2 miles apart. Both universities house renowned museum collections that are open to the public and make for a memorable winter afternoon activity.

Foodie? You’re in luck. Cambridge is famous for its eclectic mix of restaurants, with many featuring winter-inspired or seasonal dishes. Cambridge will spoil you with choices, from fresh and arty to elegant including fan favorites like Puritan & Company, Harvest, Alden & Harlow, Oleana, and Giulia. And if you have a sweet tooth, Toscanini’s ice cream is a hot spot that the New York Times once called “the best ice cream in the world” featuring hundreds of flavors that rotate throughout the year — well worth the risk of a mild brain freeze.

While some destinations hibernate as colder temperatures creep in, Cambridge, MA comes alive with indoor and outdoor events and activities for everyone. Make Cambridge your winter destination this year!

Visit CambridgeUSA.org

The post Discover Cambridge, Massachusetts appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

In the center of West Virginia is small-town Buckhannon. Small, as in the local population and how quickly you can get around, but not to be confused with a boring po-dunk town. To West Virginia, Buckhannon is known as a vibrant downtown with loads of atmosphere. There’s an emerging arts district with public art popping up in unexpected places and, surprisingly, a number of options for top-quality food joints.

Buckhannon’s Main Street pumps with atmosphere–downtown shoppes line the street with colorful flags, and window displays welcome you to walk in to the boutiques. Spring and summer time are highlights, seeing nearly every street corner overflowing with flowers. And while this town is the classic, charming USA MainStreets, one end of the town is quickly becoming the funky, artistic scene. Places like Trader’s Alley have murals and a painted walkway. Tucked around the corner is Lascaux Micro-Theater that premieres showings like the Manhattan Film Festival and other artistic cinema. The Blaxxmith Shop and The Infamous Art Gallery have interactive art exhibits and events each week. It’s common to see a gathering of artists on the corner, prepping for the town’s next event.

It’s easy to see how the arts are appreciated throughout the town–the local city purchased a Main Street building and restored it into the Colonial Arts Center–a hub for performances, theater, exhibition space and workshops. Recent productions include “Clue: Live On Stage”and“ A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol.”

Buckhannon’s creativity flows into the restaurants, too. Local–and yes, it’s all certainly local–as Laura Meadows, director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau says,“Buckhannon is proud to have our own people own the restaurants; we don’t have many chain restaurants and we like it that way.” Eating local means finding places like Fish Hawk Acres, that’s famous for Teresa’s biscuits, focaccia bread, and sunny windows. Fish Hawk serves more than meals–the downtown spot has first-class private dining experiences; the retail market, called The Coop, plus welcomes guests into the kitchen for some interactive cooking classes.

When a caffeine boost is needed, a favorite is Stone Tower Brews that has top selections of West Virginia craft beer on tap and creates specialty coffee blends. For one of the best burgers, the unassuming Whistle Stop Bar and Grill might not look like much, but serves up amazing burger creations like “The Caboose” and the “Almost Heaven.”

While Buckhannon is most known for its downtown vibes, the wild and wonderful side of West Virginia can be seen surrounding the town. Trail networks have become a priority for places like Upshur County Trails, with 10+ miles of trails for mountain bikers and hikers. Local trail makers like to say the wooded network is “made by mountain bikers, for mountain bikers.” More scenic trails and experiences are found at the West Virginia Wildlife Center. An immersive experience, guests can walk through the wooded forest of West Virginia to see the state’s native animals in natural enclosures. Overnight camp spots at Audra State Park are along the Middle Fork River, where the scenes and sounds of the flowing river can’t be beat.

West Virginia is an emerging top destination. The locals have long known the hidden gems–the scenic rolling hills, the winter mountains lined with ski slopes, the wide-open forests, and the small towns dotting the state with true Appalachian culture. In a time when everyone is searching for a new getaway, choosing Buckhannon is worth a shot.

The post Visit Upshur County, West Virginia appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Kansas – what comes to mind? Hills? In Kansas? Yes! Manhattan is in the beautiful Flint Hills. The Flint Hills stretch across twenty-two counties in the eastern part of the state, from Nebraska to Oklahoma. Our college town combines the vibrancy of youth with an ecologically unique environment, wonderful dining scene, and a flourishing downtown. As you begin your journey in Manhattan, make your first stop at the Flint Hills Discovery Center. Located in downtown, the Flint Hills Discovery Center will immerse you with the wonder and beauty of the Flint Hills. Find inspiration through a leisure drive along the Native Stone Scenic Byway or the National Flint Hills Scenic Byways. Manhattan is the gateway to the Flint Hills and home to Kansas State University. You will see why Manhattan, Kansas, has earned accolades such as “One of the 20 Best Places to Live in America” and “The Best College Town in America” by Livability.

Manhattan has many surprises to enjoy, from outdoors to shopping to culinary experiences. Hike the Konza Prairie, view the community from the Top of the World, or zipline at Wildwood Adventure to enjoy the Flint Hills in a new way. Be inspired with art featuring the Flint Hills in our art galleries and shops. Downtown Manhattan is abundant with vibrant dining as well as unique shops and boutiques filled with handcrafted items, home interior boutiques, and more. Aggieville, the oldest shopping district in Kansas, located directly across from Kansas State University, offers additional unique shopping, dining, and attractions. It is the place to celebrate Kansas State University Wildcat Victories!

Manhattan’s food-and-drink scene is studded with a multitude of vibrant, locally-owned-and-operated establishments. Throughout Manhattan you will find distinctive coffee shops, wineries and breweries, and unique restaurants for every palate. Enjoy great Kansas steaks and BBQ as well as authentic Mexican, Chinese, Thai, and Korean food. Many of its beloved establishments, most from humble beginnings, have commanded regional acclaim. One such collection is that of the One Egg Group, founded by husband-and-wife team Evan and Andrea Grier, and powered by a team of Manhattan’s best culinary and service professionals. Within each lively atmosphere at Bourbon & Baker, Tallgrass Tap House and Guilty Biscuit, a traveler’s quest for outstanding food and drink is complete. Bourbon & Baker’s menu, seasoned with Midwestern and Southern influences, offers culinary-driven small-plate dishes alongside a full-service bar with an expansive bourbon selection. Its drop-in bakery counter boasts of made-from-scratch treats, celebration cakes and specialty cookies. Tallgrass Tap House, an 11,000 square-foot full-service restaurant and microbrewery, is a long-time favorite respite for the local community and for Kansas State University alumna. Its 10-barrel brewhouse produces a rotating lineup of craft brews featured on tap. Enjoy comforting yet creative American fare from its regionally acclaimed Rooftop Bar as you enjoy a great brew and a great view of the Flint Hills. Guilty Biscuit is One Egg Group’s newer dining concept, featuring biscuit sandwiches, weekend breakfast specials, and lighter “Less Guilty” creations. Biscuits and gravy are a must, but it won’t be long until you have cravings such as The Guilty itself, a French-toast biscuit with fried chicken, cream gravy and pecan bacon.

Be sure to bring your appetite to Manhattan! You will be filled with the beauty of the Flint Hills and great local dining options. To learn more of Manhattan’s many offerings, go to www.visitmanhattanks.org.

The post Visit Manhattan, Kansas appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Nestled in the heart of Georgia, halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, is Eatonton, Georgia, a town with 221 miles of scenic, lake shoreline and a quaint downtown area. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or a fun adventure, Eatonton is the place to be. Enjoy incredible activities in the great outdoors, live music and entertainment, and unique dining options for an unforgettable trip.

AN EXCITING OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

A trip to Eatonton is sure to provide incredible time spent in the great outdoors. A favorite of outdoor enthusiasts is Rock Hawk Effigy, an outdoor classroom with hundreds of educational displays along 30 miles of trails. These trails wind through spectacular trees and foliage and are perfect for walking, running, or even cycling. Other activities include bird-watching of over 200 species of birds, archery, and camping. There’s nothing quite like a day on the lake. And with two lakes in Eatonton, Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee, there is ample opportunity to get out and explore on the water. Whether you’re zipping through on a boat or taking your time on a paddle board or kayak, the tree-lined water is such a beautiful sight, you’ll need to see it with your own eyes.

INCREDIBLE LAKES! WHAT ELSE?

Downtown Eatonton boasts an abundant arts-and-entertainment culture with ample opportunities for theater productions, live music, and local art galleries. Eatonton is home to The Plaza Arts Center, a unique entertainment center housed in a renovated school house built in 1916. The Plaza hosts incredible outdoor performances in the spring and summer on a beautiful lawn where concertgoers immerse themselves in great music and great weather. Inside, enjoy performances of a wide range of talent, including theater performances and comedy shows. At The Artisans Village, located in downtown Eatonton, explore the works of local artists, including paintings, woodcarvings, pottery, photography, watercolors, jewelry, fabrics, baskets-the talent showcased there is endless. You can also stop in and learn to make your own works of art at one of the many classes hosted by The Artisans Village.

DELECTABLE DINING

A day on the lake or exploring downtown Eatonton is sure to work up an appetite! Whether you’re looking for a lakeside bite to eat or a unique downtown dining experience, they’ve got plenty to choose from. “The Folks Art on South Jefferson: a Mercantile and Café” is a quirky restaurant and folk-art store in the downtown area with made-from-scratch, life-changing sandwiches and other wholesome dishes. Just down the street is Eat-A-Ton Café, a rustic and modern gem serving fresh, made-to-order salads, hearty sandwiches, soups and wings. Wash it all down with a specialty cocktail from their full bar. Out on the lake, Lake Oconee Bistro offers unique, comforting dishes and an incredible raw bar. Lake Oconee Bistro is a brunch favorite in Eatonton with a Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar and giant mimosa towers. Another notable culinary delight on the lake is The Silver Moon, an eclectic and intimate restaurant and bar serving remarkable steaks and seafood.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

These are only some of the incredible experiences that await you in Eatonton, Georgia. Go and see the sparkling lake views and bustling arts-and-entertainment culture for yourself – there’s nothing quite like it.

The post Visit Eatonton, Georgia appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Welcome to Burnsville, NC, where the air is fresh, the temperature is ideal, and the people are friendly. Established in 1834, Burnsville is the perfect small-town mountain getaway, just 40 minutes northeast of Asheville. Burnsville is home to expansive mountain views, a walkable Main Street, colorful street murals, and quaint art galleries. Our friendly, locally-owned brewery, eateries, and restaurants bring quality, one-of-a-kind dining experiences to locals and visitors. Wander historic downtown for the perfect gift, antique, fashion accessory, or the latest in home décor, jewelry, and more. No matter where you go in Yancey County, you’ll feel our warm hospitality.

Burnsville is home to Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet. Mount Mitchell State Park, one of the country’s first state parks, has an easily-accessible observation deck, concessions, a museum, camping facilities, and hiking trails that allow visitors to explore short hikes near the summit and challenging treks to adjacent wilderness areas. Access Mount Mitchell State Park’s unmatched views via the Blue Ridge Parkway, “America’s Favorite Drive” at milepost 355.4 in Yancey County.

With nearly 100 miles of hiking trails, there’s no better place to explore than in Yancey County. Chart your own course or partner with a local outfitter to explore the great outdoors. Find pristine forests, clean rivers, dramatic views, and cool waterfalls, including Crabtree Falls, Roaring Fork Falls, and Setrock Creek Falls. Discover endless opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, tubing, and cycling.

After an awe-inspiring day in the outdoors, come back into town to stay at one of our cozy cabins or local inns. Unwind at Mount Mitchell EcoRetreat, a former dude ranch turned mountain escape, or find yourself immersed in history at the newly restored Nu Wray Hotel, reopening in 2023. With high-speed internet in the Blue Ridge Mountains, catching up on work or disconnecting entirely while on your stay are both easily accessible.

Start your morning with an Appalachian-inspired breakfast at Pig & Grits, a local favorite, or grab a coffee at Appalachian Java. Be sure to save your appetite in the evening for a beer at Homeplace Beer Co., followed by dinner at Cast Iron Kitchen, where Chef Chris Hall insists on using only fresh ingredients to create a culinary experience.

Spend the day exploring town at local shops and galleries. Burnsville is home to hundreds of artists and crafters making unique, original objects in clay, glass, wood, metal, and fiber, as well as furniture and musical instruments. The annual Toe River Arts Studio Tour is a free, self-guided tour of artists’ studios and an opportunity to view their work, processes, and studio spaces. Be sure to check out the variety of other stores on Main Street, including Monkey Business, a local toy store that will make you feel like a kid again, no matter your age.

Peer into the night sky at Bare Dark Sky Observatory through the Southeast’s largest telescope dedicated to public use. View wonders of our galaxy and beyond at this certified International Dark Sky Park. Each two-hour stargazing session offers visitors a chance to soak up 360-degree views of the moon, planets, and stars. Take your stargazing adventure indoors at the newly opened Arthur Planetarium, connected to the observatory. View the world’s skies, experience places around the globe, and enjoy laser light shows in the 60-seat planetarium with a 36′ projection dome.

While honoring its deep roots in Appalachia, Burnsville’s pioneering spirit lives on through its diverse variety of experiences for visitors to enjoy.

The post Visit Burnsville, North Carolina appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Fargo has an up-and-coming entrepreneurial spirit in the community that you’ll notice right when you arrive. The metro area spans three cities (Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo) and two states separated by the Red River of the North. The heart of the city lies in Downtown Fargo. Broadway and Main mark the southernmost end of the district with boutiques, taprooms, pizza places with rooftop patios, and a train-car mural welcoming you. As you head up Broadway, adorable boutiques, ice cream shops, fun bars, and restaurants line the street. In the center of it all, Broadway Square is known as the “living room” of Downtown Fargo, with events nearly 300 days out of the year, a grassy area with a bandshell throughout the warmer months, and a transformation into a dreamy ice rink in the wintertime.

Art is a massive component of the Downtown area as well. There are many murals done by countless local and national artists. Even the electrical boxes are designed to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. For local performances, area restaurants, as well as the Fargo Theatre and the Spirit Room, have cozy spaces to catch a show and include local jazz artists, Fargo’s very own Symphony, Ballet, and Opera, as well as traveling artists. The largest accredited art museum between Minneapolis and Seattle is also located in the Downtown district. The Plains Art Museum has unique local and regional art exhibits that highlight various subjects, such as indigenous art. They bring in many local artists with an indigenous background and an art fair explicitly dedicated to the culture.

If food is a top priority during your travels, Fargo is bound to hit the spot. The Fargo metro area has over 200 locally owned and operated restaurants with nearly any kind of cuisine you can think of. Stand outs include Prairie Kitchen, an utterly Scandinavian menu and vibe that’s ultimately inviting and nods to our locals’ Norwegian history and culture. Another, Tati’s Mediterranean Saveur, has authentic Lebanese food like meat pies, hummus, and Kibbeh balls. For the perfect cocktail (or mocktail), Rosewild is the new kid on the block in the Jasper Hotel, with perfectly crafted drinks and an extensive wine list. BernBaum’s is another standout; this Jewish deli rivals those in New York City, with shakshuka, and bagels topped with lox on the menu.

Events in the area range from canoe parades, vintage markets in downtown streets, and even a winter festival dedicated to getting outdoors, even in the dead of winter. Whether you’re looking for live music, cultural and artistic, or beer-focused events, Fargo is a one-stop shop. In the fall, the Civic Center is transformed into a holiday wonderland for Christkindlmarkt. In June, the prominent heritage of the area is highlighted with the Scandinavian Festival. Then in the spring, the annual Woodlands & High PlainsPowwow takes the stage to celebrate the American Indian culture.

Whether it’s culture, beer, food, art, or music, Fargo does these things just a little differently. You’ll have to experience it for yourself to understand.

Experience North. North of Normal.

The post Experience North of Normal in Fargo appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.