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.

North Lake Tahoe is the perfect mix of lakeside adventure and on-mountain activities with experiences meant to refresh, recharge and reinvigorate your soul. From a scenic paddle to a picturesque hike, and from lounging on the beach to enjoying the local dining scene, there’s so much to do. North Lake Tahoe welcomes you to Summer’s Official Playground.

MESMERIZING VIEWS WITH MENUS WORTHY OF THE SCENERY

From lake views to mountain backdrops, North Lake Tahoe is home to some of the most enticing dining options in Northern California and Nevada. Take in a Tahoe sunset at Lone Eagle Grill in Incline Village, featuring upscale seasonal ingredients and dishes. The restaurant is steps away from a private beach, too. Speaking of amazing lakefront views, Gar Woods Grill and Pier in Carnelian Bay highlights classic Californian cuisine and unique cocktails. Enjoy both on their extraordinary deck.

For a relaxing time with the family, head to Za’s Lakefront Restaurant in Tahoe City where you can dine on elevated comfort food. Whitecaps Pizza in Kings Beach also features handcrafted pizzas along with great beer and cocktails. Wherever you land, the dining options in North Lake Tahoe are plentiful.

DINE AT THE SHORE

We can think of no better place to enjoy local food than with a view of the North Lake Tahoe shoreline. Adventurers can find public docks, benches, picnic tables and more to take in the sights and sounds of the tranquil, sapphire lake. You’re welcome to dine-in at any of their restaurants or, if you’d like to stroll along the shore, consider getting takeout. Options range from approachable grab-and-go meals to dazzling epicurean delights, but please make sure you throw away your to-go trash properly to keep the splendors of Lake Tahoe pristine.

HEAD TO THE MOUNTAIN

In North Lake Tahoe you can experience its sweeping meadows and breathtaking views with a winning variety of food choices ranging from barbecue platters and pizza slices to craft beers and wine. Choosing may prove difficult, but you’ll have a stunning mountain view wherever you go. Stroll across the cobbled walkways in resort Villages, soak in that alpine air and nosh on tasty bites from cafés along the way or visit a pub to sample a local brew. You may also enjoy roaming among the many charming shops with friends.

SO MANY OPTIONS. SO MUCH TO PLAN.

The variety of foodie havens in North Lake Tahoe offers visitors a wealth of unforgettable adventures that will delight all types of palates. Explore the mouthwatering world of North Lake Tahoe dining by choosing from over 150 restaurants and find your new favorite indulgence at GoTahoeNorth.com/Dine

TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY

The magic of Lake Tahoe lies in the culture of its communities and the natural beauty that surrounds it. When visiting North Lake Tahoe, we encourage you to make a clear difference by traveling responsibly. Summer tips include:

• Ensure you are adhering to posted signage and park legally.
• Respect the environment by disposing of any trash in trash receptacles.
• Ride a bike or use public transportation like TART to help get you to and from activities. TART Connect hosts special extended summer hours starting June 30th.
• Pack responsibly by bringing a hat, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.
• Sign up for county and state alerts for the latest on travel advisories, including potential wildfire activity.
• Be “Bear Aware” by removing any food from your car.
• Be fire safe by following proper burning guidelines. Additionally, fireworks are prohibited in the Tahoe Basin.

With so much for your tastebuds to explore and activities to experience in between, make sure to extend your stay through the week so that you can enjoy more open space and everything the region has to offer. Find the lodging perfect for you at GoTahoeNorth.com/lodging/

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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.

Before families could enjoy the bonding experience of drifting atop a pontoon all day, and before anglers could brag about their day’s catch of crappie and bass, the Cumberland River first needed to be shaped with the construction of Barkley Dam. Prior to World War II, the rural towns in the region were too acquainted with area flooding, which regularly caused damage to businesses, crops and homes. Fortunately today, Trigg County, the home of Lake Barkley, is known as a hub for lake life and outdoor activities.

At its core, Lake Barkley is a man-made reservoir made possible by the construction of Barkley Dam. The dam was built as part of a larger hydroelectric project in the Tennessee River Valley, constructed to harness the power of the river to generate electricity. The combination of the dam and water from the Cumberland River filling the massive pit excavated in the earth, Lake Barkley was born. Today, the lake spans over 57,000 acres and has over 1,000 miles of shoreline, making it a beloved destination for boating, fishing, swimming and a popular camping destination too. But Lake Barkley isn’t just a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lake Barkley is like a big playground for all kinds of plants and animals to live and thrive. There are many different types of creatures and greenery that call the lake and surrounding area their home. The lake and the adjacent Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (often referred to as “LBL”) provide habitats for numerous species of fish and wildlife. Photo enthusiasts love the region for its rich opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography. However, everyone can get a taste of experiencing wildlife in two particular attractions—LBL’s Elk and Bison Prairie and the Nature Station. While adventurers drive through the 3.5 mile loop to see wild elk and bison or experience up-close, the various native birds, snakes and wildlife at the Nature Station, some also venture to the more modestly sized Hematite Lake.

Kayak in Cadiz Kentucky

Hematite Lake is especially a gem for families with younger explorers who love hiking the 2.2 mile trail surrounding the lake. Those interested in a bit more rigorous trek can choose some of the trails that venture farther from the lake’s shoreline. Fishers can cast their lines from either a boat or the shore and catch bass, bluegill, or crappie. The lake is stocked regularly with fish, making it especially a great place for the novice angler. And boating is welcomed, so long as its the non-motorized kinds, such as kayaking, canoeing, and rowing.

And the well-informed kayakers and canoers enjoy riding the waters of a tributary that empties into Lake Barkley—Little River. This small river is known for its calm and clear waters and the winding scenic ride. Along the route, water-goers report spotting eagle’s nests, numerous rock bluffs, and dozens of caves between the upstream community of Hopkinsville and the Rt. 272 bridge.

From power generation to outdoor recreation and ecological conservation, just adding the waters of Lake Barkley has enriched the lives of many in this western Kentucky region. The next time you’re looking to “just add water” to your weekend plans, consider exploring the beauty and adventure of Lake Barkley and Land Between the Lakes.

Plan your trip at GoCadiz.com/Stay

The post Cadiz, Kentucky – Just Add Water 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.

Located in the Phoenix-Metro area, the city’s year-round sunny climate makes it the ideal place for outdoor recreation, and it abounds here! Surprise boasts one of the largest public tennis and racquet complexes in the Southwest including 25 tennis courts, two racquetball courts, a table tennis room, clubhouse and event space. If you prefer pickleball over tennis, there’s a place for that, too. Home to 16 dedicated pickleball courts – the Surprise Community Park – is a haven for pickleball fans. The Community Park also includes an urban fishing lake, basketball courts and a playground all nestled within a sprawling downtown park.

Surprise is also a golf aficionado’s dream destination with eight courses to choose from. Be sure to check out Surprise’s newest course, Sterling Grove Golf & Country Club. This world-class Nicklaus Design course draws inspiration from some of the world’s most famous courses. And there’s more than just 18 holes with grove-lined fairways – it’s also home to a state-of-the-art practice facility that includes an indoor golf simulator.

Surprise Stadium, ranked the #1 Spring Training Stadium in Arizona by USA Today, is the Spring Training home of Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers – 2023 World Series Champions! Baseball fans from all over the country travel to Surprise every Spring to experience the fun atmosphere of a spring game in the Arizona sunshine. With unique game viewing options, family entertainment, mouthwatering foodie favorites and craft brews, Surprise Spring Training is a can’t miss when traveling to Arizona.

If you are looking for outdoor adventure, the White Tank Mountain Regional Park, which rises from the border of Surprise offers hiking, biking, camping and a nature center. Maricopa County’s largest regional park is nearly 30,000 acres and provides endless options to fit every age, experience level and ability. There are approximately 30 miles of hiking trails at the park that offer breathtaking views of the mountains and panoramas of the valley below.

Surprise also has an emerging arts and culture scene with an array of public art, local galleries and performing arts venues. The Vista Center for the Arts is a state-of-the-art 1,300 seat performing arts center that hosts a variety of music acts, comedy shows and live performances. In addition, West Valley Arts HQ is an art gallery and cultural event center that holds exhibitions, performances and events.

As a growing city, Surprise’s retail and culinary scene continues to expand, showcasing everything from local hot spots to regional shopping centers. Local favorites include Saigon Kitchen, offering a traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern touch. For Mexican fare, Rio Mirage Café features Sonoran-style recipes handed down for generations including homemade tortillas, sizzling fajitas and delicious margaritas. Vogue Bistro is perfect for a date night out with an intimate setting, delicious French-American style dishes, designer martinis and an extensive wine list. Surprise also has great options if you are in the mood for a nice cold beer – locals love State 48 Brewery, Bonfire Craft Kitchen & Tap House and Irish Wolfhound.

And for the shopping enthusiasts, check out the Village at Prasada and Surprise Towne Center & Marketplace. These open-air malls are a perfect escape for a day of retail therapy!

There’s something for everyone in Surprise, Arizona. Find your game. Find your adventure. Find your retreat. Find your Surprise!

ExploreSurprise.com
SurpriseStadium.com

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Uptown Greenwood is a great example of a smaller city thinking big. It has emerged once again as a key economic driver for the city, despite the distinctive challenge of forging a sense of community from an area that was once divided by railroad tracks, and then hundreds of feet of blacktop. By modernizing the downtown (including free WiFi) while keeping an eye on the historic character of Main Street, Uptown Greenwood truly embodies its mission of “Embracing the future and preserving the past.” Over the last 15 years, Uptown has seen a huge increase in retail and dining options, including boutiques, craft breweries, and restaurants.

From upscale cuisine to good old-fashioned burgers, Greenwood has over 200 restaurants, including lakefront dining on Lake Greenwood. Greenwood’s most recent culinary campaign, A World of Flavor, highlights the diversity of cuisine across the area and allows visitors a “sneak peek” of dining options across the county. For the BBQ lover, Greenwood offers its annual SC Festival of Discovery featuring BBQ and blues during the second weekend each July.

Boating, swimming, skiing, fishing—all of the traditional water activities are in play at Lake Greenwood. Live music, nearby restaurants with casual waterfront dining, and July 4th fireworks. Sandy beaches for volleyball and swimming add to the fun. Boat rentals for leisurely cruises are also available and for those who’d like to sit back and let someone else do the driving, boat tours are available as well.

Fishermen flock there for catfish, bass, and crappie. Fishing tournaments are a frequent event. Lake Greenwood State Park provides water access and camping facilities. A three-mile walk and bike trail gives visitors a view from the land. The Lake Greenwood Blueway Trail, a 34-mile trail for paddling, has brought kayakers, canoers, and other water lovers to the area.
For the historian, Greenwood’s rich railroad history is chronicled with the Railroad Historical Center. Open throughout the spring and summer months, the center offers visitors a look at numerous locomotives, dining cars, sleeping cars, and even an executive car used to transport textile CEO’s and customers throughout the Southeast.

The Benjamin E. Mays Historic Preservation Site, located behind what once was the African American hospital for the community, offers visitors a peek at the early childhood and life of Dr. Benjamin E. Mays. Coming from impoverished, humbled beginnings, Dr. Mays rose to become one of the greatest international leaders of his generation. A lifelong educator, mentor to numerous presidents such as Kennedy and Carter, Dr. Mays retired as President of Morehouse College. The Mays Site serves as a reflection to those who seek success that education, determination, and hard work are the essential tools for breaking the walls of poverty and building the ladder to self-sufficiency.

As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, history abounds at the Ninety-Six National Historic Site. The site, which is a part of the National Park Service, documents key battles and skirmishes based at the “Star Fort”, the earthen fort built by soldiers for protection. The site also hails as one of the first areas to see a bloodshed battle in South Carolina during the beginning of the Revolutionary War.

For more information on Greenwood and its many offerings, visit www.discovergreenwood.com or contact Discover Greenwood at 864-953-2466.

The post Discover Greenwood, South Carolina appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Better yet, these waterfalls populate over 100,000 acres of public lands that are not just prime for waterfall hunting, but for every other conceivable outdoor adventure as well – hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, paddling, fly fishing, and canyoneering – just to name a few.

At the center of it all is the town of Brevard, named one of the “coolest small towns in America” by Budget Travel. How else would you explain a craft beer culture that supports five independent breweries, a live music scene embracing everything from bluegrass jams to Beethoven symphonies under the stars, and a colony of craftspeople and artists whose work is celebrated in galleries around the world?

An Unrivaled Adventure Destination

Between Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest, Gorges State Park, and Headwaters State Forest, more than 50% of Transylvania County’s landmass is public land. For our visitors, that means unrivaled access to world-class, single-track mountain bike trails, hundreds of miles of hiking and equestrian trails, prime trout fishing waters on one of America’s top 100 trout fishing rivers (the Davidson), and paddling opportunities on the 3rd oldest river in the world, the French Broad.

Even if you are not a hard-core outdoor adventurist, the opportunities for deep woods recreation are abundant. Sliding Rock, located in Pisgah National Forest, has delighted families for decades with its 80-foot, smooth granite slide into a natural, cold plunge pool. Nearby, the 6,500-acre Cradle of Forestry offers interpretive nature trails, a fascinating forestry museum, historic cabins, and a 1914 Climax logging train. And practically everywhere you turn, you’ll find waterfalls. In Gorges State Park, discover beautiful Rainbow Falls – and be sure to take in the park’s informative and engaging Visitor Center. Or venture into DuPont State Recreational Forest and experience the enduring wonder of Triple and High Falls.

The Perfect Recipe: Art, Culture, and Great Food

You can work up an appetite and a thirst exploring the great outdoors. Thankfully, Brevard and Transylvania County offer lots of flavorful options. Brevard boasts five stellar craft brewers along with a wide assortment of tap rooms, cafés, pubs, and restaurants where you can sample an array of one-of-a-kind drafts along with genuine North Carolina bar-b-que, piled-high burgers, and super-stuffed burritos. On the fancy side, there’s destination dining at our legendary inns and restaurants. Enjoy Carolina Mountain trout at a window table overlooking a lake. Or try a braised pork bourguignon in an al fresco setting in downtown Brevard. You’ll also find a wonderful constellation of dining choices in our charming smaller communities like Lake Toxaway and Cedar Mountain.

The soundtrack to your Brevard adventure is provided by a live music scene that is as dynamic and varied as you’ll find in any big city. The difference is an intimacy that puts you right in the middle of the music – whether it’s being performed on the street, around a fire pit at a local cantina, on a mini-stage in a local brewery, or lakeside in the open-air Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium at Brevard Music Center.

To learn more about our unforgettable mountain town, go to ExploreBrevard.com and start mapping your next great adventure.

The post Falling for Brevard, North Carolina appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Bedford has more mileage along the Blue Ridge Parkway than any county in Virginia. Exit the Parkway and explore wineries, orchards, historic attractions, local shopping and dining, and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The area boasts more than 130 holes of disc golf, in addition to more than 30 miles of mountain bike trails.

Set against a backdrop that includes breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge and a quintessential American home front community, the National D-Day Memorial tells the story of the Allied sacrifice of June 6, 1944. Among the hundreds of thousands of service members positioned off the shores of Normandy on that fateful morning, were 44 soldiers, sailors, and airmen from Bedford. By day’s end, Bedford’s D-Day fatalities totaled 20. In comparison with its wartime population of only 3,200, Bedford suffered the Nation’s highest known per capita D-Day loss, a somber distinction for this rural Virginia community.

Though designated a national monument, it is not part of the National Park Service and does not receive federal or state funding. A groundbreaking was held in 1997, and the National D-Day Memorial was dedicated on June 6, 2001 by President George W. Bush. The 50-acre outdoor site is open daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. In 2024, a special week of commemorative events will be held to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

After visiting the Memorial, take the short drive into historic downtown to the Bedford Boys Tribute Center. Located inside the historic Green’s Drugstore building, where in July 1944, the Western Union telegrams came informing families of the invasion casualties. Here you will find the personal effects of many of the Bedford Boys and learn the stories of these hometown soldiers that were lost on D-Day.

While in downtown Bedford, enjoy shopping for art, antiques, vintage treasures, culinary treats, home décor, and more. There are several restaurants within easy walking distance from each other in a charming atmosphere of 19th century buildings. One option is Beale’s, a craft brewery and full-service family friendly restaurant, featuring indoor and outdoor dining areas with special beer releases throughout the year.

Beale’s is also part of the new Bottled in Bedford Craft Beverage Trail! The trail is a great way to unwind in Bedford, all while sampling high-quality, small batch wine, beer, cider and even mead, the world’s oldest fermented beverage. With 11 stops on the trail, you’ll experience a unique vibe and personality at each place. Some have live music, food trucks, corn hole, disc golf, trivia, and other fun games, while others may be the perfect place to relax and watch the evening sunset.
Smith Mountain Lake makes up the southern border of Bedford and is among the most popular vacation and recreational spots on the East Coast! Enjoy water sports, fishing, and breathtaking sunsets. Smith Mountain Lake State Park offers a public beach, trails, cabins, and camping. Bedford’s only lakefront resort, Mariners Landing, features many amenities including unique restaurants and an 18-hole championship golf course.

While in Bedford, be sure to stop by the Bedford Area Welcome Center. The Welcome Center not only offers information about the area, but also a gift shop, firefighters’ gallery, RV hook-ups, electric car charging station, LOVE sign, and more.  The Center is open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

You will need more than a day to experience it all! Go to DestinationBedfordVA.com or call (540) 587-5681 to find out more.

The post Where Ordinary Ends, Bedford, Virginia, Begins appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Audra State Park:
Audra State Park is known for its picturesque scenery, including the Middle Fork River, rock outcroppings, and lush forests. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing, and picnicking.

Fish Hawk Acres:
For culinary enthusiasts, Fish Hawk Acres is a local farm and market offering fresh, locally sourced produce and gourmet foods. Visitors can explore the farm and enjoy farm-to-table experiences.

West Virginia Wildlife Center:
This wildlife education facility features native West Virginia wildlife in natural habitats. It’s an educational and family-friendly destination. And be sure to visit the gift shop while you are there to find unique WV gifts to remember your trip.

Civil War Trails:
Upshur County has historical significance from the Civil War era. With 5 landmark signs around the county, you can explore the Civil War Trails and visit the sites that played a role in this pivotal period of American history.

West Virginia Wesleyan College:
Explore the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College, a private liberal arts college founded in 1890. The campus is known for its historic architecture and beautiful surroundings.

Jawbone Park:
Whether it’s all decorated for the holidays, or filled with music and vendors during festival season, Jawbone Park is a favorite destination spot conveniently located in downtown Buckhannon. Jawbone is home to our annual events, such has The WV Strawberry Festival, Almost Heaven BBQ Bash, Festival Fridays, and more! Jawbone Park offers an abundance of green space, a playground, and a covered stage for a variety of entertainment year round.

Outdoor Recreation:
Upshur County offers plentiful river access for fishing, kayaking, swimming, and more. Upshur County is also home to an 8+mile (and growing) trail system for hiking, biking, running, or casually exploring our beautiful outdoors. You will also find areas for camping, hundreds of miles for off-road exploring, and lots of natural beauty in places like West Virginia State

Wildlife Center, the waterfalls at Fidler’s Mill, Pringle Tree Park, and so much more.
For travelers who prefer to travel by small plane, Upshur County Regional Airport (W22) is located just off Brushy Fork Road less than two miles from beautiful downtown Buckhannon. Airport patrons are greeted by a stunning view! Pilots and passengers can take advantage of available hangar space or aircraft tie downs, and use the airport’s courtesy car to attend a business meeting, grab lunch, or go see a wonderful show. Take advantage of our low Jet A and 100LL prices by letting our line staff fuel you while you are out. Freshen up and grab a cup of coffee in our terminal before taking off to your next destination.

Fly in, grab a bite to eat, catch an incredible play put on by the Buckhannon Community Theatre, before turning into to one of our many cozy cabins for the night. Come experience our Small Town Getaway with Big Time Charm! #visitupshur
Contact the Upshur County Convention & Visitor Bureau for more information on lodging, local attractions and upcoming events in our area. Find out more at VisitUpshur.org

The post Upshur County: West Virginia’s Hidden Treasure appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.