Hollywood’s Leading Man, Edward Quinn

Ingulfed by nature, history, outdoor adventure, and hospitality, Barnsley Resort is situated on the storybook site of an 1840s Southern estate. Sixty miles north of Atlanta and south of Chattanooga, these 3,000 acres of flawless wilderness resort with English inspired village accommodations, impeccable service and top-notch fine dining is bound to make your stay riveting. It is the idyllic getaway for a memorable experience with your loved one or the entire fam bam or friends. With an array of diverting activities, for nature lovers, history buffs, or shooting enthusiasts, you will never run out of choices. A stay at Barnsley Resort is the epitome of family fun, with amazing outdoor adventures, classes and amusive menu of activities for any age or taste bud. The views of 1800 acres of rolling hills and flat lands are a perfect location for a world class quail wind shooting hunting experience. With a personal guide, a private ride in a UTV and a clubhouse pavilion for a post-hunting unwind, you’ll want to return every hunting season for unmatched accommodations.

Once you worked up your appetite while horseback riding or hiking, get your gear ready straight to the Woodland Grill which offers Southern comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Enjoy a delicious cocktail or explore a private wine library for even more memorable dining experience. A “Garden-to-table” dining at the 19th-century restaurant, the Rice House includes a rotation of in-seasonal produce and homegrown cuisine.

Weekend fun includes opening up some “cold-ones” under the stars at the Beer Garden with accompanying American staple foods such as Smoked Pulled Pork, and Beer Can Chicken, a calm, cool, and collective casual dining experience.

A bit further down the hills, the Beretta Shooting Grounds by High Adventure Company at Barnsley Resort offers an exceptional world class bird hunting and clay shooting experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a master at clay shooting, with Beretta Shooting Ground’s 28 station course, and private instruction, you’re destined to become a pro in no time. However, if you’re looking to experience more than just bird hunting and clay shooting, Barnsley Resort continually innovates, searching for new immersive exhibits to showcase. Launched in 2021, the monthly Fire Kettle Cooking school offers an outdoor culinary extravaganza taught by Chef Lebas; a French executive chef with two decades worth of culinary experience in upscale restaurants and world-class resorts around the world. Barnsley offers to their guests the Supper Club Series – superb dining elevated, over-the-top culinary experiences led by Executive Chef Nicolas Lebas, along with select wine and culinary partners.

Fire Cooking School offers a full culinary immersion overseeing the preparation of Chef Lebas favorite seasonal recipes over open flame of a Sea Island Forge Fire Kettle, allowing each participant to enjoy an exquisite dining experience beginning with a starter salad, the featured dish paired with divine wines from International 5 Star Sommelier Heath Porter of Heathen Wine Tours and Winemaker Chad Melville.

Fire Kettle Cooking School launched in 2021, the new, monthly Fire Kettle Cooking Schools offer an open-air culinary exhibition where Chef Lebas prepares one of his favorite seasonal recipes over the open flame of a Sea Island Forge fire kettle. Each participant enjoys a starter salad, the featured dish with wine pairing, and a delectable dessert bite to finish. The main dish rotates each month depending on the ingredi-

ents most in-season at that time. The full recipe is shared with guests following the experience so that they can recreate the dish and relive the memory at home.

If you are a wine lover, plan a Winemakers Weekend at Barnsley. This included the Friday, fun, educational and interactive wine tasting to learn about the sense of place with International 5 Star Sommelier Heath Porter of Heathen Wine Tours and Winemaker Chad Melville, Co-Founder and Head Winegrower of Melville Winery in Sta. Rita Hills, California. On Saturday, this included the three-course menu paired with selections from Melville Winery of Lompoc, Sta. Rita Hills, California.

Each month, the feature dish rotates depending on the season that reflects which ingredients are most plentiful. Completing this immersive experience, the recipe is shared with participants to relive at home. The culinary excursion doesn’t end there, Barnsley Resort hosts Supper Club Series, a series of over-the-top culinary experiences led by Chef Lebas to maximize your adventurous palate. With interactive excursions like Winemakers Weekend, Barnsley Barbeque at the Legendary Manor House Ruins, and Swine and Wine Barbeque, you’re sure to have a full stomach alongside the discovery of a new favorite wine. No matter what adventure you expect to take next, Barnsley Resort offers a wide variety of activities for all ages and a freedom to experience North Georgia by indulging in the amazing immersive escapades to fulfill you yearn for adventure.

Barnsley Resort +1 770-773-7480 Elle Taylor

WHAT HAPPENS IN CURAÇAO, STAYS IN CURAÇAO

Photos ARE courtesy of Elle Taylor

Curacao is truly a hidden gem, with the colorful capital located at The Dutch Caribbean.

Curacao was discovered in 1499 by Alfonso de Ojeda. Willemstad, Curacaos’ capital city was first established in 1634 and it was built with a strong Dutch influence the biggest island of the former Netherlands Antilles with profound history and a mixture of cultures. Curaçao combines a perfect location, great weather all year round and the kindest people you will ever meet, Dushi indeed!

What makes the island special is that you have plenty of activities to choose from, delicious fusion cuisine, music, dancing, underwater sports in crystalline waters, an amazing nightlife, and many other pleasant surprises to explore!

The island is a dream for bloggers, photo addicts and social media gurus. The Dutch have always been very fond of colors; therefore, Curacao’s capital Willemstad has gorgeous, colorful buildings covered with this perfect sunlight and where colors blend with all shades of blue that reflects from the beautiful ocean. Curacao is very proud of its cultural inheritance and locals speak multiple languages: Spanish, English, Dutch, Papiamentu, and the local Creole. This kind of diversity is found throughout everything on the island, from the local cuisine to their fashion…

Curacao is known as a perfect island for all kinds of water sports and activities. Explore a boat dive tour at Watamula (derives its name from the Dutch word “Water Mollen” (Water Mill); name of the bordering National Park. Its pristine hard coral formations make this one of the top dive sites of the island. On either side of the hard coral field lay two sandy patches full of giant barrel sponges and soft corals. Curacao is also known for Knip Beach, which is one of the most beautiful beaches on earth. This is the local’s favorite beach spot. And don’t be shy to visit the west side of the island. Westpunt, or Bándabou in Papiamentu, is the rural, western part of the island. This is where you will find some of the most beautiful beaches on the island as well as the national park and various plantation houses. The best way to explore the island starting at Playa Piskadó for the jetski beach hopping giving by Tourrific Curaçao. Visit the treasures of this beautiful island by Jetsky, visiting Kenepa Grandi, Lagun and snorkel into the famous Blue Room. Kenepa Grandi Consistently rated Curaçao’s No. 1 beach, Playa Kenepa is located on the west side of the island in a less populated and quieter region. This is local’s favorite get away so trust the locals! Lagun is a beach that is mainly known for the beautiful underwater world. Many also call it like snorkeling in an aquarium, so clear. It is therefore a must to go to for snor-

keling and diving. Another highlight is The Blue Room Cave is a blue lit cave on the west. You can dive or snorkel in the cave in an almost surreal blue environment. It’s a cavern because you can ascend into it. The Blue Room is illuminated in this special way because the sunlight can only reach the inside of the cave through the clear blue water, via the underwater entrance.

And if you desire more than the beaches and water activities, I highly recommend Willemstad district tour with Curaçao Green Wheels. A very cool way to explore downtown on electric scooters. The historic city of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is must-see, as well as city’s four district’s Otrobanda, Punda, Scharloo & Pietermaai and see the city’s best sights including the Queen Emma Floating Bridge, Wilhelmina Plaza, the Governor’s Mansion, gorgeous art murals and so much more.

Let’s talk about my favorite accommodations, and where to stay on the Island.

Corendon Mangrove Beach Resort is the brand new 5-star resort on sunny Curaçao. The luxury beach resort is surrounded by a mangrove forest, a beautiful and protected nature reserve. On the fine private beach, you can enjoy the peace and warm tropical weather. Relax and lay back in The Don Cigar Lounge with a choice of exclusive Cuban and Dominican cigars. Both lounges can be visited for a fee. Water enthusiasts will have fun in the spectacular aqua park where the famous ‘King Cobra’ awaits!

Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino is another favorite, with ocean views to die for! This 237-room property in the heart of downtown Willemstad just completed an extensive renovation in December 2019. The inviting new lobby and restaurant evoke a nautical feel with sleek, airy, white interiors, rope-inspired details and touches of turquoise and sea foam green. The guest rooms follow suit with clean design lines, sky blue accent walls with wood detailing, geometric light fixtures, and modern bathrooms. Rounding out the updates is the new entrance to the 1,500-square foot Carnival Casino.

Pardon me, but I am a foodie, and I always talk about good food. BKLYN is a Gastro in the Pen Square area, where I enjoyed amazing quality eats and drinks together with relaxed and cool vibes. And let me tell you, they spread love, the Brooklyn way!

For breakfast, head over to the Nautilus restaurant. Treat yourself to delicious International and Caribbean dishes at our acclaimed on-site restaurant in Willemstad. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Nautilus offers a flavorful buffet and a la carte dining in relaxing indoor and outdoor settings.

Ohh and don’t miss lunch at Plasa Bieu (old market) located in the heart of Punda, in Willemstad. The place to find local food, a wide variety of local dishes. The ingredients are bought daily to ensure fresh, tasty meals. Some of the favorite dishes include braised salted pork street, bòkel (salted mackerel), kabes ku higra (cup and liver stew), kadushi (cactus soup), bonchi kòra (red bean bean soup), and iguana soup. Dishes are served with rice and beans, funchi (polenta), mashed potatoes or fries. Indulge in classic Curaçao cuisine. Another great

lunch spot is at the Bijblauw situated in Pietermaai, the most vibrant area of Curaçao. BijBlauw has an international kitchen where both Caribbean and European dishes are served. The combination between these kitchens makes for a nice mix, something for everyone! Every day the chef uses fresh products for delicious meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes.

Willemstad district tour with Curaçao Green Wheels. Curaçao Green Wheels is a young and innovative scooter rental specialized in high quality electric scooters. Today, your city tour will be done on these electronic scooters. The historic city of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is must-see. You’ll explore the city’s four district’s Otrobanda, Punda, Scharloo & Pietermaai and see the city’s best sights including the Queen Emma Floating Bridge, Wilhelmina Plaza, the Governor’s Mansion, the art murals and more. Painting workshop at Francis Sling Art Cave is a powerful in-between activity and a great way to get in touch with your creativity. In 2018 Francis Sling emigrated to Curaçao to the neighborhood of Scharloo. His colorful home, gallery and workplace became a main attraction to locals and tourist, and a perfect place for his famous paint workshops. Pre-Dinner Extravaganza is a visit to Cocktail Workshop at Ochenta Cocktail Bar. The newest addition in the trendy Pietermaai district, with knowledgeable and experienced bartenders serving cartful cocktails made with local brands and using the freshest ingredients. And then, head over for Dinner at the Bario Urban Street Food, prepared by Chef Heinrich Hortencia is a dream! Bario is a food market in Otrobanda that has multiple food options, a cocktail bar and a Snèk where guests can taste local food, experience history, music and art. Chef Heinrich is a talented young chef who has worked in several large restaurants including Shore. While living in the Netherlands, he worked in a Michelin star restaurant. At Bario, he creates amazing dishes using local inspirations to elevate Curaçao’s local dishes. You can truly taste his passion for food and personality in his dishes. Let’s do Brunch, Curaçao way, at Hofi Cas Cora. It is insanely cool “Farm to Table” experience. Hofi Cas Cora is a centrally located family farm on the island of Curaçao. Their house baked breads are out of this world, and they also serve egg dishes, waffles, sandwiches, salads, baked goods, with mostly home-grown or locally sourced produce. Do yourself a favor and explore the farm and its cutest animal kingdom. A visit to Den Paradera Herb Garden is a magical experience and a healthy one.

‘Den Paradera’ is Dinah Veeris’ home port in Curaçao. Many of the ingredients that are found in Dinah’s products originate from her garden. In addition to the fact that many medicinal and caring herbs grow for production, the garden also serves as an educational function on the island. Tourists, as well as school children, are welcome to gain knowledge and to be amazed about the use of medicinal herbs. A truly healing experience!

Bon Bini to Curaçao! What to Do in Curacao Corendon Mangrove Beach Resort BKLYN Breeze Restaurant Rif Fort Village Curaçao Green Wheels Plasa Bieu Francis Sling Art Cave Bario Urban Street Food Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino Shete Boka National Park Playa Piskadó / Blue Room / Tourrific Curaçao Blue View Sunset Restaurant Fish & Joy Nautilus Restaurant Den Paradera Herb Garden Bijblauw Ochenta Cocktail Bar Zanzibar BBQ Express Hofi Cas Cora