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About this section

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INSIDE

So many of us delayed travel plans because of COVID-19. But now, with vaccines opening up new possibilities every day, we're ready. Here are some of our travel writers' favorite destinations for getting some sun, eating well and seeing something amazing. Of course, before hitting the road, check with your destination for any COVID-19-related closures, and keep wearing your masks and social distancing.

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SURF & SUN • San Diego • North Carolina • Miami Beach • San Juan Islands • Nevada

FOOD & FUN • Las Vegas • Waco, Texas • Aspen • Sonoma Coast • Ohio Donut Trail • Mendocino • Kennebunkport • Paso Robles

SIGHTS & SOUNDS

• Utah • Tunica, Mississippi • Graceland • Huntsville, Alabama • Creole Nature Trail • Silver City, NM • Tallahassee • Blueberry Hill • Memphis

STAFF Lisa Glowinski Editor

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Tony Fernandez-Davila Art director ©2021 GANNETT CO. INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

COVER PHOTO A slot canyon in Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument, Utah. Unusual colorful sandstone formations in the state's deserts are popular destinations for hikers.

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Surf & sun

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Enjoy Sunny

SAN DIEGO The city’s outdoor attractions are must-see

The USS Midway Museum (center foreground) is docked at Navy Pier in downtown San Diego.

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an Diego is ideal for vacationing families. Theme parks, kids museums and 70 miles of beaches hold appeal for all ages. This locale is well suited for the active outdoor lifestyle and is blessed with dependable sunshine, typically 267 days a year.

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Night downtown in San Diego. [FREEPIK.COM]

The excitement builds aboard San Diego’s many bay cruises.

Frolicking sea lions living on bait barges entertain on the Hornblower Harbor Cruises.

As California’s second-largest city, it is filled with historic sights, botanical gardens and quick access to nearby beach towns. In addition to the city’s reputation as a mecca for the laidback and unhurried, San Diego has a deeper purpose. It is a nautical town with a strong Navy and military presence.

Historic ships, like the USS Midway, are permanently docked here. The city played a prominent role during World War II and produced 162 air-planes in one week after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Spectacular views of the waterfront and downtown can be seen from high atop the Cabrillo National Monument. The best way to discover a new city is on a citywide narrated tour.

The Old Town Trolley tours give an overview of 100 of the city’s key attractions. It goes on a 25 mile loop, visiting 10 neighborhoods with 10 destination stops. Visitors can hop on or off with frequent pickups at all stops. A walking tour around Old Town San Diego State Historic Park conveys a cultural connection to Mexico with authentic cuisine, crafts and architecture. Old Town was California’s original capital and San Diego the state’s first Spanish settlement, in 1769.

Balboa Park, crown jewel of San Diego, is the largest urban cultural park in the country. It offers art, music and performances year-round.

This vast cultural expanse is known for its red tile roofs and soaring towers. The park is almost a city within a city. It encompasses 1,400 acres, 19 gardens, 15,000 trees and 17 museums. The sweet Japanese Friendship Garden is serene and

elegant, enhanced by streams and bridges.

The San Diego Zoo, one of the world’s largest, is contained within the park. It has 3,700 animals, exhibiting some of Earth’s rarest species.

The Spreckels organ pavilion’s immense outdoor pipe organ is said to be the largest in the world. The excitement builds aboard San Diego’s many bay cruises. Frolicking sea lions living on bait barges entertain on the Hornblower Harbor Cruises. These have an environmental focus enhanced by onboard exhibits of bay marine life. One- or two-hour narrated cruises point to 50 landmarks and historic sites.

For lodging, the Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy is art- and culture-centric. The 190room boutique hotel has rotating art exhibits in the elevator and lobby as well as abstract art panels in the lounge. The hotel offers art classes and has an in-house art director.

San Diego’s culinary specialties are spotlighted at the Little Italy Food Hall, where six local vendors fill a 6,000-square-foot space.

Patrons can dine outside in the airy Piazza de lla Famigia with a view of the bay.

Morning Glory Restaurant, a millennial hangout, is known for its creative brunches and offbeat décor.

Vibrant pinks and greens spark an ’80s vibe, as does a 30-foot neon pink flower sculpture in the main dining room. Souffle pancakes and champagne vending machines are part of the charm.

San Diego is two hours south of Los Angeles and 30 minutes north of Tijuana, Mexico.

For more information, go to sandiego.org.

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Surf &turf Ride the waves and roam the trails in North Carolina

Be sure to check out the view on the Mountains to Sea Trail. [CR RAE PHOTOS]

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In Pender County, North Carolina, visitors will find an abundance of great outdoor activities to be explored.

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Hiking

Birding

With a variety of hiking trails that lead to scenic views, a plantation and, of course, the ocean, one that stands out is the Mountains to Sea Trail, which challenges hikers to a trek of 1,175 miles across North Carolina. Of course, you don’t need to do it all to enjoy the trail.

Hop on and off anywhere for a shorter hike that could take you through colonial towns, past weathered tobacco barns, through the countryside and to historic churches, streams, forests, sand dunes, lighthouses, the seashore and more. MountainsToSeaTrail.org has all the info.

Or try the East Coast Greenway Trail that runs through 15 states — 3,000 miles from Maine to Florida. NC visitors will find the trail running from Topsail Island to Surf City and into historic Wilmington. Visit greenway.org/ states/north-carolina.

A favorite walk of history buffs is the historic trail in Moores Creek National Battlefield in Currie. It is less than a mile and is mostly paved. Hikers will find the only monument dedicated to women of the Revolutionary War, details of the battle and the bridge over Moores Creek. The trail is also a part of the Mountains to Sea Trail.

For details go to nps.gov/mocr/index.htm.

Looking for birds? North Carolina is along the Atlantic Flyway. It is home to 466 species of birds and is considered a premier birding destination. The North Carolina Birding Trail travels along the Northeast Cape Fear River. ncbirdingtrail.org In addition, the Abbey Nature Preserve offers 67 acres of land that is undeveloped and makes for the perfect place for birdwatching. It is next to the Poplar Grove Plantation in Wilmington. Visit poplar grove.org/nature_trail for maps and information.

Offering 2.2 miles of concrete and asphalt loops around the town of Burgaw is the Osgood Canal Greenway and Urban Trail. Some areas of the trail are wooded, and some take visitors into historic downtown Burgaw. burgawnc.gov/302/ Osgood-Canal-Greenway-and-Urban-Trail.

Riding Take to the trails of a different kind and see the landscape from the back of a horse. Desperado Horse Farm and Trail Rides in Rocky Point is open seven days a week by appointment. They provide riding adventures for all ages and levels of experience. Riders can take a slow walk or kick it up a notch to gallop across the 500 acres of trails.

Visit desperadohorsefarm.com.

Surf City is named appropriately as it and Topsail Island are great places to catch a wave.

Water sports A visit to Pender County would not be complete without some sort of water interaction. The county has plenty of water to play in, including the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.

If kayaking is your thing and you have your own, a great place to launch is Moores Creek National Battlefield. If you need to rent a kayak, paddleboard or surfboard there are plenty of places to do so and guides are available along the ICW. Surf City is named appropriately as it and Topsail Island are great places to catch a wave. Lessons are available for those who have never surfed and those who want to improve. Visit surfcitysurfschool.com or onshoresurfshop.com.

Keeping with the water theme, Ecological Marine Adventures offers all ages beach adventures, lessons and virtual tours. Visit ecologicalmarineadventures.com.

Traveling the oceanside towns and historic cities of Pender County, visitors also will find golf, mini golf, great places to eat and stay, beaches, boating, fishing, charters, and the beauty and freedom of the great outdoors.

Go to visitpender.com

Explore the Intracoastal Waterway in Pender County by renting a kayak or paddleboard.

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See & do

Watersports, people watching and more in Miami Beach

An iconic colorful lifeguard tower on Miami’s South Beach. [MIAMI BEACH

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n Miami Beach, Florida, beautiful sandy beaches await to tempt sun seekers, and the radiant turquoise waters are warm and ready for activities.

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South Beach South Beach offers plenty of sun and fun. It is a place that is said to have nightlife all day long. Lined with unique cafes, the finest of dining and beautiful hotels, there is something to fill everyone’s vacation expectations.

South Beach is a place to people watch. The beaches are pristine, and often celebrities are spotted relaxing and having fun.

Take in the architecture that is a trademark of the beach area with an Art Deco tour. There are more than 800 buildings to see that date from the 1930s and ’40s, including boutique hotels and the Bass Museum, one of the most subtle examples of Art Deco. It was built in 1930 as a library and arts center and today is Miami Beach’s contemporary art museum. Visit thebass.org.

Southpoint Park and Pier Southpoint Park and Pier offers a spectacular view of the city, at the southernmost point of Miami Beach. The park has 17 acres and offers views of the huge cruise ships, yachts and watercraft leaving from the Port of Miami.

The swaying palm trees of the park make for the perfect picnic spot. A miniature splash water park is a great place for the kids. The park also offers a kids play area, a small café, restrooms, outdoor showers, walking trails and an observation deck. Southpoint Park visitors will find plenty of space for running, biking and yoga.

What better way to social distance and enjoy what the area has to offer than from the water? South Beach Kayak rents kayaks and paddleboards. Take a guided sunset cruise, kayak or paddleboard to enjoy a Miami sunset. South Beach Kayak works with those who have experience and those who have none.

Haulover Park Historic Haulover Park has been a staple of the area since 1935. It is a public beach with amenities. Activities include electribike rentals and fishing. This park is known as one of the best places for kite flying due to its wide-open spaces and gentle breezes. Kite flyers can find everything they need at Skyward Kites. Skateboarding is popular as well. Food trucks appear on Tuesdays to feed the beachgoers.

Miami Beach The Miami Beach Boardwalk offers beautiful scenic views. The boardwalk runs about 40 blocks from South Beach north. With plenty of stops offering food and drink along the way, walk as far or as little as you like. Most of the path south of 21st Street is

Parasailing is one of Miami Beach’s many watersports activities to enjoy.

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bike-friendly. There is access from the path to Lincoln Road, which offers shopping and sidewalk cafes — 10 blocks of fun.

Ocean Drive is a great place to spend a day or an evening, take a tour or just walk around and enjoy one of the many restaurants. Within 0.3 miles the area has more than 130 restaurants and 40 other things to do. The colorful buildings and scenery add to the experience.

Take to the water and go after those big fish. Therapy-IV gives visitors a true deep-sea fishing experience. Captain Stan and the crew are experts on the beautiful waters after spending more than 40 years providing fishing experiences. The waters are filled with tuna, grouper, sharks, sailfish, marlin, snapper, kingfish and more.

The fleet has two 58-foot boats that are fully equipped.

There is a spotting tower to find those biggest fish in the sea.

Yet, it has all the comforts of home with air conditioning, a big screen TV, movie theater and more. Not so sure about being way out on the water? Take an inshore and bay fishing trip. Visit therapy4.com to sign up for an adventure.

If flying is more your thing check out Miami Beach Ocean Watersports, where parasailing is are on the menu. Be entertained and relax while enjoying a catamaran trip, a sightseeing yacht tour in South Beach or a romantic night on a sunset cruise. They also offer plenty of family-oriented things to do such as excursions, Jet Skiing or taking an island adventure cruise. Being out on the water affords travelers a chance to see dolphins, manatees, pelicans and more.

Visit miamibeachoceanwatersports.com for information or to make a reservation.

Go to miamibeachvca.com for information on hotels, restaurants and more.

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Island getaway

Sunset at Lime Kiln Point State Park. [Mio Monasch]

Art, whales and more in the San Juans, off Washington’s coast

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s the ferry glides through the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington state, one can’t help but unwind. Tourists watch for bald eagles and listen to the spouts of orcas and humpback whales. Here you won’t find fast food, stoplights or jet skis. What you will find is a relaxed vibe and enclaves of creativity.

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The San Juan Islands are less than an hour’s plane ride from Seattle. The islands are between Seattle and Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. They are surrounded by the Salish Sea. Of the 172 named islands in the San Juans, three — Lopez, Orcas and San Juan — have lodging, attractions, parks and amenities for visitors.

The area is one of the most biologically diverse on the planet. It is world renowned for orca whale watching and kayaking. Visitors are captivated by the region’s natural beauty, expansive farms and fields, forests, hills and rocky shorelines. The topography is similar to the state of Maine.

The islands, with twice as much sunshine as Seattle, are a magnet for artists and chefs. Farmers markets, outdoor theatres, sunset sails, waterfront parks and wildlife cruises are part of the appeal.

• The most rural island, Lopez (population 2,500) has a bucolic charm and sense of community that confirms one has left the mainland behind. The landscape blends woods, farmlands and meadows. Lopez has an eclectic mix of artists, musicians, farmers and nature lovers.

• Art and agriculture flourish on Orcas Island, population 5,000, the largest of the San Juans. The main village of Eastbound and tiny hamlets showcase an array of shops, potteries and farm-to-table restaurants. The sweeping panorama from atop 2,409-foot Mount Constitution is a must for visitors. The pinnacle is accessible by driving. biking and hiking.

• San Juan Island — population 7,500 — is the most populous in the archipelago. Whale watching adventures and guided kayaking tours depart from Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor and Snug Harbor. Friday Harbor is a charming small town, lined with hanging

An orca swims off the coast of the San Juan Islands.

[Ken Rea]

flower baskets, galleries and boutiques.

Legend and lore are captured in island names such as Deadman Bay and Smugglers Cove. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with laid back residents who explain they are “on island time — no bridges or malls.”

The Whale Museum in Friday Harbor is dedicated to the interpretation of whales living in the wild. This historic building features full scale orca models and skeletons. The museum offers guided tours, children’s classes and a gift shop.

Another great attraction is Lime Kiln Point State Park. It is also known as Whale Watch Park, and it’s easy to see why. Orcas can be

seen from the shore and their calls heard over the park’s hydrophones. There are 18 picnic sites and 1.6 miles of hiking trails.

The San Juan Islands are considered an Arts Hot Spot by the Washington State Arts Commission. Orcas Island Artworks houses 45 artists in a remodeled strawberry barreling plant, also home to the Catkin Café.

The works of island artists are on display throughout the downstairs gallery; the loft displays the work of James Hardman.

One can lose track of time in the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park with its 20 acres of imaginative creations from more than 125 artists. The park has five marked trails for wandering and a serene pond. The Museum of Art has year-long rotating exhibits.

Roche Harbor Resort and Spa, built around 1886, is about l0 miles from Friday Harbor on the northwest side of the island in the historic seaside village of Roche Harbor.

President Teddy Roosevelt is rumored to have stayed at the resort. There is a full size marina and self guided walking tours.

San Juan Bistro, Cask & Schooner and Downriggers are favorite restaurants with locals.

Looking ahead, autumn’s Savor the San Juans heralds the Gourmet Archipelago, featuring Saturday farmers markets, farm tours, vineyards and breweries.

Visitors can bring their cars on the Washington State Ferry (takeaferry.com). Several regional flight options include seaplanes and wheeled planes from Seattle. Car rentals, guided tours and charters are available on the islands. Susie’s Mopeds has mopeds, scoot coupes and electric bikes.

For tourism updates, go to visitsanjuans. com or call 888-468-3701.

The San Juan Islands are less than an hour’s plane ride from Seattle. The islands are between Seattle and Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

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Nevada state park offers otherworldly views

The spires and buff-colored walls of the slot canyons in Cathedral Gorge State Park. [SYDNEY MARTINEZ]

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A shorter hike is the half-mile Nature Loop. It offers views of the basin and an up-close look at the amazing rock formations.

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athedral Gorge State Park in Nevada is known for its abundance of slot canyons.

The walls are buff-colored and change to deeper colors as the sun moves, allowing for different scenic views throughout a day. The siltstone canyons and cathedral-like spires have resulted from events occurring tens of millions of years ago.

This park has many hidden treasures, great walking trails that take visitors into the middle of the spires and caves to explore.

Alongside its natural beauty, the gorge has a deep history of early pioneers from the late 1800s. During the 1920s, once people owned automobiles, they came to explore

this unique area. It became a state park in 1935 and the Civilian Conservation Corps over time built stone fire pits, a shade ramada and picnicking facilities.

Today, visitors continue to come to the area to explore and enjoy the beauty of the landscape.

The gazebo constructed by the CCC offers today’s sunrise and sunset seekers a great place to enjoy the view at Miller Point Overlook. From there, hikers can continue on a trail that leads into the canyons. Walking through the park is often described as walking on a different planet.

Make a stop at the visitor’s center to map out your plan of what to see and do. It is at 111 Cathedral Gorge State Park Road in Panaca. If you love history, take the short trail to the cemetery that dates to the 1800s. It is close to the visitor’s center.

It takes a full day to take in the majority of the park, but if you are short on time there are two hikes that can offer nice slice of scenery in a short amount of time. The easiest hike for taking in the views is Eagle Point Trail, a 1.6-mile round trip. A shorter hike is the half-mile Nature Loop. It offers views of the basin and an up-close look at the amazing rock formations.

For a longer hike, Miller Point Trail is the one not to miss. It is a two-mile roundtrip hike that begins at the cave area and goes through the canyon. There is also a four-mile loop, the longest trail in the park, called Juniper Draw Loop. It offers great views of the park and includes some different landscape.

When exploring these formations and caves make sure you look up. It might surprise you as to how deep into the formations you are.

The park offers wildlife viewing with black tailed jackrabbits, cottontail rabbits, packrats, kangaroo rats, mice, gophers, mule deer, coyotes and kit foxes.

Cathedral Gorge is about two and a half hours northeast of Las Vegas on Highway 93, following Nevada’s Great Basin Highway.

Three towns are in the area: Pioche, Caliente and Panaca.

For places to stay and camping information, visit travelnevada.com/parksrecreational-areas. The cost to get into Cathedral Gorge State Park is $5 per vehicle.

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Food & fun V I S I T F O R A W E E K E N D O R S TAY F O R A L I F E T I M E

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ALL you

can EAT Vegas’ food scene has grown into a gourmet paradise

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Aesthetically speaking, Las Vegas is Disney World for grownups. Every possible foot of space sparkles in multicolored lights designed to dazzle its audience of gamblers and gamers, bachelors and bachelorettes, curious tourists and aficionados of glitzy stage shows.

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It had been almost 30 years since I last visited this electrified city, and it has since grown exponentially. Apparently, geographically as well. I spied the Eiffel Tower, a 30-story Egyptian temple, a medieval castle and a Venetian campanile tower, all built cheek by jowl along the famed Nevada thoroughfare known as the Vegas Strip.

What hasn’t changed is the countless head-swiveling moments that await those who stroll the length of the Strip. A bevvy of “showgirls,” for instance, sported glittery brassieres with orangefeathered wings on their backs, all to lure passersby to pose for souvenir photos (for a fee). Across the road, a man with a bullhorn recited Bible passages at top decibel. And around the corner, a woman had almost completely wrapped herself in an industrial-size roll of toilet paper.

Reeling from the extravaganza of visual and audio assaults, my companion and I reached our destination, the Bellagio Hotel & Casino. At its gate from the Strip, a troupe of towering water geysers “danced” to pop tunes by Lady Gaga while a large crowd pressed against the railings for snapshots and selfies of this unique display of musical hydraulics.

That evening, dining on the patio of the hotel’s signature chef-inspired restaurant, Spago At left, the Bellagio Hotel & Casino

by Wolfgang Puck, the founfountain. Above, Spago Lemon Curd tains danced directly in front Cake. [CHARLENE PETERS PHOTOS] of us to tunes from a different era. Think Sinatra, Bennett and Bassey. This is entertainment, Vegas style, and I’ll admit it absolutely added to the thrill of my glam and decadent dinner.

When I was last here, there wasn’t much of a gourmet food scene; all-you-can-eat buffets were the norm. In 2020, however, that had changed by 180 degrees, so my primary reason for visiting the city was to explore the food scene.

My high-roller dinner began with a bottle of vintage Chateauneuf-du-Pape and a platter of chilled shrimp and lobster with herbed lemon aioli. Next, handmade white truffle pasta was topped with an organic egg yolk and ParmigianoReggiano. Dessert was a masterpiece of lemon chiffon cake topped with 14-karat gold-flecked meringue teardrops.

I slept like a queen and awoke, astoundingly, thinking about food. I soon crossed the skywalk that stretches from the Bellagio

down the Strip to the ARIA Resort & Casino for breakfast at its casual Salt & Ivy Café and Patio Bar. This was one morning meal that will forever be embedded in my memory.

A smoothie made to order with a quartet of greens and honeydew melon was on the menu. I next tucked into avocado toast with pesto, seasonal veggies and chevre on homemade turmeric bread. And, oh why not sample the pretty Dutch Baby (a puffed pancake) filled with lemon curd and blueberries and served in a skillet? My companion was delighted with her Upside Down Blueberry Acai Parfait, layered with dragon fruit, strawberry, goji berries and mulberry granola presented in a cute Mason jar.

Soon enough, it was dinner time again, and we chose the newly opened Din Tai Fung, located in the ARIA. The menu highlight here is Kurobuta Pork Xiao Long Bao (steamed dumplings), whose painstaking hand production — each contains exactly 18 folds of dough around the filling — can be observed from the restaurant’s glass-walled entry. I found myself even more impressed, however,

by Din Tai Fung’s Pork Fried Rice, an ever-so-humble dish with fried egg and green onion that’s elevated to capital-G Gourmet by the use of sushi-grade rice and crisp, Shanghai-style pork cutlets. And the macadamia nut mai tais? Equally spectacular.

The Bellagio pulled out all the stops for the final dinner of my stay. At its white tablecloth Mayfair Supper Club, behind Palladian windows facing those iconic fountains, I dined on one of 10 entrees listed on its pricey menu, Classic Lobster Thermidor. Dancers (masked) and singers (unmasked) performed on the stage before me.

My takeaway? Vegas will always be Vegas for those who seek that kind of thrill. But these days, you can add worldclass dining to the many exhilarating experiences available here. The odds are good that if you sleep and eat at one of its numerous stunning hotels, you’ll end up a winner.

Charlene Peters is a travel writer and author of “Travel Makes Me Hungry: Tales of Tastes & Indigenous Recipes to Share.” Email siptripper@gmail.com.

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Home,

grown

Get your ‘Fixer Upper’ fix and more in Waco, Texas

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Residents of Waco, Texas, probably never imagined that the two abandoned cotton silos sitting in the middle of town would become a place that visitors would flock to by the thousands each week.

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The rust-spotted silos have become a mecca for fans of the popular “Fixer Upper” HGTV show with Chip and Joanna Gaines. Until 1958, the silos were part of the Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Mill.

The Gaineses repurposed the area into the popular Magnolia Market at the Silos. After outgrowing other retail space they purchased the cotton mill to expand their dream and brand of home décor.

The Silos offer a store loaded with Joanna’s merchandise for decorating our homes. On my visit I found a person could spend a lot of time just roaming around looking at the decorating ideas. There were Magnolia T-shirts and mugs in addition to the home goods.

One of the most popular places usually has a line outside its door to get in, even before social distancing mandates — Silos Baking Co. Oh, the cupcakes. I had the lemon lavender. Other wonderful flavors have names synonymous with construction such as “shiplap” and “nuts and bolts.” Betcha can’t eat just one.

Coffee and other beverages are available. Baking has been a passion of Joanna’s and it certainly shows in the bakery’s scrumptious chocolate cake, cookies, pies and much more.

Everyone can find something at Magnolia Market at the Silos.

Visitors can get their shopping fix on, play games, sit in the garden to enjoy a quick bite, and spend time in the Food Truck Park.

The garden is beautiful and filled with seasonal produce and flowers. This is where travelers will find Magnolia Seed & Supply. The shop sells kits for kids to do some flower growing, gardening tools, and unique and interesting items to plant.

Food trucks offering BBQ, Luna Juice and gourmet popcorn line the park area.

Just a short distance away is Magnolia Table. The popular restaurant serves breakfast and lunch using homegrown and fresh ingredients — good old-fashioned cooking with a twist.

Whether you are a French toast with strawberry butter and homemade tater tots or a farm eggs Benedict person, your taste buds will be delighted. Lunch includes choices like avocado toast, a delicious chicken salad sandwich and the Gaines Brothers Burger, topped with melted Havarti, arugula, heirloom tomato, bacon onion jam or jalapeno drip jam.

It is best to make a reservation. They can be made three weeks in advance and not within 24 hours of next available reservation date. Walkups are welcome every day and wait times can be long. To make a reservation, view the menu and for more information visit magnolia.com.

Throughout 2020 expansion of the Silos continued, adding more stores, and a historic 1894 church that had been boarded up for many years and has found new life at Magnolia. Also on the grounds is the original Katy Park, once home to minor league baseball team the Waco Pirates. This field has seen greats like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Now it is a place for families and friends to play, concession stand and all.

To see what all this Texas town has to offer I suggest taking a tour with Waco Tours. I did the classic tour.

Being with these unique tour guides was like being shown the city by friends. They made it interesting, fun and somehow could

Left inset: Fresh made biscuits at Magnolia Table. Also left: Silos Baking Co. offers a wide selection of pastries, breads and sweets. Above: One of the original cotton silos at the Magnolia Market. [CR RAE PHOTOS]

remember our names. They also treated us to coffee or ice cream.

This city on the Brazos River has a lot to offer Texas travelers, from its Texas Ranger roots to its modern design empire. For information on places to stay and COVID19 safety information visit wacoheartoftexas.com.

Oh, the cupcakes. I had the lemon lavender.

Other wonderful flavors have names synonymous with construction such as “shiplap” and “nuts and bolts.” Betcha can’t eat just one.

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Rocky

Mountain highs

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Aspen is peak ski resort luxury

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arely 10 miles from the Continental Divide and a spectacular 8,000 feet above sea level, my travel pal Maureen and I drove north along the Roaring Fork River, stunned by the breathtaking scenery as we passed trails of evergreens and spied numerous snow-dusted peaks.

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Left: Driving through the White River National Forest. Above: Chicken Piccata and a Rhone wine at Limelight Hotel in Aspen.

[CHARLENE PETERS PHOTOS]

Chilly winds during our last evening in Aspen brought us right back to The Limelight Lounge, where we gravitated to its blazing outdoor firepit. Ah, much better.

Aspen’s posh, you-have-arrived resort vibe is evident the minute you pull into town. It’s no wonder the place lures the well-heeled and often famous. This is clearly a town for all seasons, but not for all pocketbooks. The downtown shops are lined with storefronts that include Gucci, Prada, Dior and Ralph Lauren, but also available is regionally produced western wear for those who prefer high-end cowboy boots and animal hides.

We allotted an entire afternoon to take in the sights of beautiful Aspen, although one could easily spend several more. It wasn’t quite ski season, so we headed to the famed Maroon Bells mountain peaks, the most photographed in the country. Unfortunately, social distancing measures and mandatory pre-ordered tickets thwarted our efforts to stop in for a peek. Instead, we stopped to view the John Denver Sanctuary, a sweet tribute to the Aspen native.

The rest of the afternoon was spent strolling the downtown shopping scene. These walkable few blocks are nestled at the bottom of the ski mountains; one can watch the slope-side action from any viewpoint, and you can stop for sustenance at countless outdoor restaurants thoughtfully heated by propane heat lamps.

The French Alpine Bistro looked especially promising, with cozy shearling coverings on its outside chairs. Perusing the wine and beer list, we took a pass on the $1,300 bottle of Cristal and opted for a local microbrew. We split the signature Umami Bistro Burger, which was crowned with Alpine cheese and black truffle aioli but seemed somewhat meager in size, given its $32 price tag.

Our digs for these few days were at The Limelight, a spacious and welcoming hotel a few minutes’ walk

from the center of town and near the Aspen Art Museum. It’s petfriendly, has a roster of activities and amenities, and its expansive lobby is ideal for social distancing. Its sister property is in Ketchum, Idaho, but this location has a colorful history that began as a hangout for Wild West outlaws and ski buffs when it was known as the Ski and Spur Bar. It was purchased by folk singer Glenn Yarborough in 1950 and celebrity singers Judy Collins and The Smothers Brothers performed in its nightclub for the next dozen years. It was then sold to a family who lovingly grew and improved it over 50 years until it became part of a corporate family in the 21st century.

We settled ourselves on sofas set before a roaring fireplace and ordered cocktails and superb truffle fries that came with a mysteriously addictive dipping sauce.

When asked, “What’s in this magic elixir?” our server handily provided the recipe: simply garlic, chopped parsley, EVOO, salt and pepper.

Next, over a bottle of excellent Rhone wine, I delved into The Limelight’s unique version of chicken piccata with house-made pasta ribbons tossed with bite-sized chunks of chicken and delicately torn sheets of prosciutto — all under an avalanche of Parmesan cheese. There was a chill in the air, so a fresh baked cookie served in a miniature cast iron pan seemed an ideal dessert.

Chilly winds during our last evening in Aspen brought us right back to The Limelight Lounge, where we gravitated to its blazing outdoor firepit. Ah, much better.

After another local microbrew — did you know Colorado has 500 breweries, five of which are in Aspen? — we craved some food, and the Rosemary Margarita Pizza fresh out of the stone oven in the Limelight hit the spot.

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Peace

Out

Finding tranquility on California’s Sonoma Coast Charlene Peters More Content Now

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ike surfing a cloud. That’s the only way to describe the drive along Highway 1 on California’s famed Sonoma Coast. On one hand, the loops and bends as the road hugs the cliff’s edge can be anxiety-provoking. On the other, one is lulled by views of cascading cumulus clouds against a brilliant blue sky that almost seamlessly meets the Pacific Ocean.

Beniamino “Benny” Bufano’s Peace Statue at Salt Point State Park, next to the resort.

[CHARLENE PETERS PHOTOS]

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In Jenner, the rustic Timber Cove Resort appears as if out of nowhere — a forest merged with the sea, worthy of artists such as black-and-white photographer Ansel Adams, who loved to capture the wildness of this remote spot and just ... be. That was my intention as well.

The fusion of this majestic view, sense of space and clean salt air creates a gentle reminder that real peacefulness can still be found in America. In fact, peace is the main theme surrounding this resort. Located on a rocky promontory next door is a landmark obelisk referred to as The Peace Statue. It stands more than 90 feet tall inside Salt Point State Park, California’s second smallest, and towers over the cliffside as a symbol of beauty, spirit and tranquility.

Beniamino “Benny” Bufano, a San Francisco artist and sculptor, built this concrete totem pole in 1962 as a creative The halibut entree at response to protest the Cuban Missile Coast Kitchen.

Crisis. It took him over seven years to adorn the totem with mosaic tile, redwood and lead, resulting in a representation of the “Madonna and Child” and topped with a welcoming, sky-pointing carved human hand. In contemplation of this symbol of peace and harmony, Timber Cove Resort’s mission is clear: to embrace the art of doing nothing.

Timber Cove was built in 1963 as a place of meditation and tranquility. The architect — Richard Clements Jr. — credited Frank Lloyd Wright with his inspiration for its organic architectural design, an A-frame comprised primarily of redwood and stone.

Peaceful vistas made me hungry, so I took my grumbling stomach down to the outdoor patio at Coast Kitchen, the resort’s on-site restaurant. A martini and platter of briny West Coast oysters hit the spot.

Timber Cove’s Chef Seadon Shouse really knows how to season an ultra-fresh filet of halibut, which was my pick as an entree. He adds a coat of pesto and crushed almonds, a handful

of hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, and serves it over truffled mashed potatoes, the latter upon my request to substitute the farro risotto. I devoured it appreciatively and sent this work of art back to the kitchen as a clean plate.

Post-dinner, I headed across the lobby to the back of the resort, where seats at the firepit provide the ideal real estate for viewing the ocean and its canopy of countless stars. I continued this coziness on my guest room deck, where a gas fireplace proved a lovely amenity for cool nights and chilly sunrises.

Breakfast may be ordered in the main lobby of the resort, which is reminiscent of a hunting lodge, complete with a chandelier made from elk antlers and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace that provides the best ambiance. I recommend an after-breakfast walk along the oceanfront path on property.

Truth be told, there is scant to do here beyond gazing into far distance of the sea from the porch and dining on the resort’s exceptional food. As a hiker, I realize there are numerous and challenging trails at my disposal, but I’ve got my four-legged senior companion with me, so staying indoors to spin some groovy albums on the Crosley turntable was my best option for entertainment.

Mid-afternoon, I ventured out for a drive about 15 miles down the mountain into Jenner, where I headed for a clam chowder lunch at the takeout counter of Café Aquatica.

Next to the cafe is Tasting By The Sea, a tiny wine bar where oenophiles can order flights of more than 30 varieties of Sonoma County wine at a takeout window, grab an Adirondack chair on the deck, and sip to the sound of the water; the Russian River empties into the Pacific right here.

Let’s face it, on the Sonoma Coast, everything you do here is overshadowed by the extravagant views of cliffs leading to the ocean’s endless span. And that’s a good thing.

Truth be told, there is scant to do here beyond gazing into far distance of the sea from the porch and dining on the resort’s exceptional food.

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Follow

your nose You’ll have a sweet time on the Donut Trail in SW Ohio

A sample of sugary confections from Ross Bakery (above) and some mighty big glazed donuts at Oxford Donut Shoppe (right). [CR RAE PHOTOS]

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weetness permeates across Butler County, Ohio, in the wee hours of the morning as bakers prepare to receive visitors seeking unique, tasty pastries at 13 locations that are part of the first Donut Trail in the United States. The Butler County Donut Trail is all about following the path to the mom and pop shops that hold the sweet confections in this southwestern county of the Buckeye state, between Dayton and Cincinnati.

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Download the passport and trail map at BCDonutTrail.com or pick one up at any of the participating shops. Trail followers who get the passport stamped at each of the 13 stops will receive the official Donut Trail T-shirt. Hit the trail early; be on the road by 7 or 7:30 a.m. Some shops run out of doughnuts and close early. Consider spending a night or two. A good central location to stay is the city of Hamilton.

It takes no special training to prepare to follow the trail — just map out the stops on the 80-mile loop and make sweet memories. There is no timeline to complete this sweet mission — do a couple shops and come back to do more another day, or go for the golden fried delicacies all at once.

Check out these specialties: • Donut Spot, Fairfield: This shop opens at 3 a.m. and the cheesecake doughnut is what the early risers are looking for.

• Jupiter Coffee & Donuts, Fairfield: A great place to get a cup of coffee, they have their own brand. Alongside the selection of doughnuts are brownies, muffins, pastries and cookies. Try the Red Storm Roll, a signature doughnut — raspberry filled with cream cheese frosting.

• The Donut Hole by Milton’s Donuts, West Chester: Established in 1960 this shop has a specialty of fried cream cheese and blueberry- or strawberry-glazed donuts (flavors change).

The kids will love the Fruity Pebbles doughnuts.

• Stan the Donut Man, West Chester: You will know that Stan is the man once you bite into the signature pineapple fritter loaded with big bites of the tasty fruit.

Not a fan of pineapple? Check out the popular Davy Crockett, a cinnamon twist doughnut.

• Holtman’s Donuts, West Chester: A family-owned business using family recipes not written down but in the minds of the three generations of bakers. If you are early enough, watch the doughnuts being made. The Buckeye and maple bacon doughnuts are real hits.

• The Donut Dude, Liberty Township: The “dude” was in the woodworking business and decided he had a real interest in doughnuts.

Who doesn’t? He left the wood world and became the Donut Dude. His specialties include the fried crispy apple fritter and, for the kids, a S’mores doughnut.

• Oxford Doughnut Shoppe: Close to Miami University

sits this Oxford go-to for more than 50 years, where doughnut seekers will find the biggest round glazed creations. Also popular are the blueberry cake and red velvet doughnuts.

• Kelly’s Bakery, Hamilton: You might run into a line here, where glass cases are filled with a variety of sweet treats including pastries, cinnamon rolls, muffins, cookies, Danishes, doughnuts, fried croissants and apple fritters.

• Ross Bakery, Hamilton: Try the cheesecake doughnut topped with strawberries. Ross Bakery is known for cream horns, huge and delicious pretzel-shaped glazed doughnuts, and the Klunker.

• Mimi’s, Hamilton: Known for its peanut butter Reese’s cup doughnut, this shop was started by a retired police officer who knew her doughnuts. Try a PB&J or the small bite version of the peanut butter, a Mimi’s Bite.

• Martin’s Donuts, Trenton: Martin’s is home to the Twisted Sister, chocolate and regular doughnut dough twisted together and then glazed for a unique melt-in-the-mouth experience. Try the banana pudding, cronuts and apple fritters.

• Milton’s Donuts, Middletown: This family owned shop is a favorite of kids, as they love to sink their teeth into the Oreo doughnut — just one of Milton’s specialties. Don’t miss the fried cream cheese donuts; they sell out fast.

• Central Pastry Shop, Middletown: This 70-plus-year-old shop is known to keep sweets lovers coming back for more. It is home to the Ugly doughnut — glazed and crunchy on the outside, soft in the middle. The cinnamon squares are unique and delish.

In an effort to help travelers plan their adventure, the Butler County Donut Trail has added a “Donut Concierge” and the Extra Sweet Savings Pass to bring even more fun to the experience.

Trained experts now staff the Donut Concierge Desk, to assist in planning routes, suggesting iconic doughnuts and answering trail-related questions. Call 888-410-6994 Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern.

The Extra Sweet Savings Pass features more than 30 local businesses including attractions, restaurants, spas and hotels, offering discounts to customers wearing their Donut Trail T-shirt. The digital pass is complimentary to all and available at gettothebc. com/extra-sweet-savings-pass.

Visit gettothebc.com for more information on places to stay, eat, trail tips and things to do.

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Mesmerized

in Mendocino Taking the scenic route toward the California seaside

Sunset view from my room at Little River Inn, Mendocino, California. [CHARLENE PETERS PHOTOS]

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Charlene Peters More Content Now

eeking a mini-vacation with my four-legged BFF the last weekend of February, I left the suburban roads of Napa Valley behind and headed to California’s prized Mendocino Coast. It was a leisurely two-plus hours as I drove two-lane Highway 128 up and down the Mayacamas Mountains past countless vineyards.

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My recommendation: Take your time, breathe in the fresh air, and stop at a few tasting rooms. I stopped at the rustic Artevino-Maple Creek Winery, about half a mile off the main road in Yorkville, part of the Anderson Valley, where pinot noir grapes reign supreme.

You’ll also want to stop in the funky town of Boonville, the home of Pennyroyal Farm & Winery, where you can taste an Alsatian-style sauvignon blanc that fairly screams of crisp green apples.

Further along the road, in Philo, be sure to crack open your window and take a few deep breaths. Yes, those redwoods and sturdy oaks are present, yet you’re only 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean and the vague scent of salt now mingles with the ultrafresh mountain air. Amazing.

This is the home of Toulouse Vineyards & Winery, an organic and sustainable family operation that offers a wine and cheese pairing on the outside deck overlooking Handley Park and the Navarro River.

With wineries at practically every turn, I realized I’d never reach Mendocino, so I motored on, spotting cows, sheep and horses grazing in the pastures of the many small farms. When I reached the Navarro region, I entered a giant redwood forest where deep breaths beckon.

And then, suddenly, you turn a corner and the California coastline comes startlingly into view.

I’ve visited Mendocino twice in the past 12 months, and both times I’ve stayed at the Little River Inn — for two reasons. I love that it’s pet-friendly, with 23 of its 65 guest rooms accommodating dogs like my Freddie, who can accompany me in a separate dog-friendly dining room while I savor the inn’s delicious scallop and asparagus entrée.

The second reason is the inn’s location, just outside the Victorian town of Mendocino, perched on a bluff with

Ole’s Swedish Hot Cakes Serves 4 • 1 cup flour • 1 tsp sugar • ¼ tsp salt • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 1/2 cups milk • ½ cup half and half • 3 eggs • 2 tbsps butter, melted • Your favorite fruit for topping Mix the dry ingredients together. Combine milk and half and half with the dry ingredients. Separate egg whites from yolks. Beat egg whites until stiff. Beat yolks and add to batter. Fold in whites.

Add melted butter to batter.

Pour batter on non-stick pre-heated griddle. The hot cakes will be thin. Add your favorite fruit topping and enjoy.

For best results, make 12 to 24 hours before serving. Refrigerate.

an unparalleled view of the Pacific Ocean. At sunset, the sky becomes a hue I’ve deemed “oxidized citrus,” and its magic becalms the soul.

Down below, waves crash against the cliff with a mesmerizing sound.

Friends had instructed me not to miss the inn’s signature breakfast dish, Swedish Hot Cakes, so I ordered up a plate from room service on my first morning. Unlike its American counterpart, these hot cakes were paperthin and crepe-like, and I silently thanked Ole Hervilla, the inn’s founder (circa 1939) for bringing this unique Scandinavian recipe to California.

My pet-friendly adventure du jour was a stroll through Mendocino Coast

Botanical Gardens. Here, one’s senses are heightened by a kaleidoscope of blooming flowers against a backdrop of wind-swept waves crashing on top of boulders. (The gardens are temporarily closed now, but check gardenbythe sea.org for opening information.)

The next day, Freddie and I drove to nearby Fort Bragg for a ride on the renowned Skunk Train along the Mendocino Railway, built to carry lumber in 1885.

With one loud toot, the Skunk Train took off, and we passengers oooh’d and aaah’d as the tracks wended through majestic redwoods, over vintage bridges, through mountain tunnels and along the Noyo River.

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Plan

your escape Kennebunkport’s Hidden Pond offers luxurious seclusion

Wildflowers and butterflies on the grounds of Hidden Pond.

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[CHARLENE PETERS PHOTOS]

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Charlene Peters More Content Now

ecrets can be nearly impossible to contain, and such is the case with Hidden Pond Resort. After my visit to this secluded spot, tucked into a 60-acre pocket of Kennebunkport on the southern coast of Maine, wild horses couldn’t keep me from dishing about my discovery.

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Sure, I was already familiar with walkable downtown Kennebunkport. Its greenways and charming streets hold a special place in my heart. It feels like time travel to a town where people still stroll, couples walk hand in hand, and everyone greets each other.

I was shocked when my sister, Cheryl, who resides less than two hours south, confessed she’d never been there. In an instant, the idea to celebrate her upcoming birthday at Kennebunkport’s muchacclaimed Hidden Pond was hatched.

Check-in at Hidden Pond takes place in a building nestled in the depths of a birch tree forest that was part of an old estate. Here, we were given a map of the property and pointed to the road where we’d find our accommodations, aptly named The Stargazer. We were impressed with this bi-level, twobedroom, three bath cottage — and even more impressed by its interior, with its screened porch, full kitchen and dining room, fireplaced living room and outdoor shower.

The bedrooms were equally luxurious, no quibbling necessary. We left our luggage in our respective rooms and headed back out to locate The Tree Spa, where pre-scheduled aromatherapy massages were calling our names. The surrounding beauty of nature distracted us from following our map, however, and we walked straight past Earth, Hidden Pond’s critically raved-about restaurant. Once we backtracked our steps, we stopped inside the restaurant for direction. Inside, we admired its eclectic décor, and outside, the saltwater pool was inviting, and right behind the pool, voila — ­ the Tree Spa. Ensconced in treehouse-style massage rooms, we inhaled both the aroma of the pine trees outside and the lavender oil being expertly rubbed onto our skin.

Afterward, relaxed and rubbery, we called one of Hidden Pond’s complimentary shuttles, with the goal of hitting happy hour at Hidden Pond’s sister property, The Tides Beach Club.

The club’s unobstructed view of Goose Rocks Beach and

the crash of waves against the rocks mesmerized us as we sipped on a pair of watermelon Cosmos.

Could it get any better? Why yes, it could, I realized as I tucked into a best-of-my-life Maine lobster roll, paired perfectly with a glass (or two) of chilled Chablis.

The club’s bar scene was lively, and we met a few patrons who said they’d returned to Hidden Pond twice, thrice or four times.

This was not all that surprising.

Energized and not quite ready for the night to end, we stopped by the resort’s communal firepit and indulged in s’mores, with all the luxury makin’s ready for use, courtesy of Earth restaurant.

Above: The Lobster Roll My sister is an early bird, and at Tides Beach Club. Left: by the time I wandered downBrioche doughnut dessert stairs from my blissful night’s at Earth. sleep, she had already dug into the coffee and pastries conveniently left on our doorstep. This was a “light” breakfast, but a heartier version is available at Earth.

We had a game plan for Cheryl’s birthday and were soon on the road to Ricker Hill Orchards, a ninth-generation family farm about 60 minutes inland, to pick organic apples. Apple picking made us hungry, so we fueled up at Terry & Maxine’s in the town of Turner. Their turkey and Swiss Rachel sandwich hit the proverbial spot.

Next stop, downtown Kennebunkport. As I’d hoped would happen, Cheryl was enchanted by the town and its unique shops, eateries and art galleries lining the charming streets.

Back at Hidden Pond, we headed to its garden shed, where we were encouraged to grab a vase and clip an arrangement of local wildflowers to grace the table at our cottage.

As the climax to this birthday weekend, I had arranged dinner for us at Earth. Our farm-to-fork meal featured an innovative menu created by Hidden Pond’s Executive Chef Joe Schafer. It incorporated vegetables and herbs picked from Earth’s on-site organic farm, freshly caught seafood and meats sourced from local purveyors.

No late-night s’mores for us this evening; we simply rolled back to The Stargazer cottage, flicked a switch, and chilled out by the gas fireplace for a while.

We checked out the following morning, begrudgingly, as we longed to stay forever, hidden in the fold of Hidden Pond. Alas, it was time to return to real life.

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see

Sip

&

Enjoy unique wines and sights in Paso Robles

The view of Paso Robles from the rooftop of The Piccolo, at the bar Tetto. [CHARLENE PETERS]

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I'd read about it on social media, convinced it was an urban myth. But as I stood in front of it with a coveted gold token ready for insertion, I had to admit it was real: a vending machine filled with chilled splits of Moet & Chandon.

That little gold token is available to anyone who walks through the lobby of The Piccolo, a boutique hotel in the wine region of Paso Robles, California. The city is technically named El Paso de Robles, or, The Pass of the Oaks, but locals in this charming central valley simply call it Paso.

Why hadn't I taken the Paso exit off the highway before? This place is undoubtedly one of the loveliest in all of San Luis Obispo County, with its walkable downtown and abundance of shops, restaurants and tasting rooms.

The Piccolo is a four story, 23-room hotel that showcases architectural mastery. Interiors were designed by local artisans whose framed por-

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traits quirkily line the hallway. There's a bi-level room called the Somm Suite (industry slang for "sommelier"), and rooms are adorned with custom chandeliers of hand-forged metal by local blacksmith Hans Duus, and unique bedroom furniture by Janine Stone.

Spectacular sunsets of Paso Robles are best viewed with a craft cocktail in hand while cozily seated on a sofa or bar seat at the hotel's rooftop bar, Tetto. Look in one direction for a breathtaking view of Adelaide Peak, look in the other at the bustling city below. I opted for a glass of a local Rhone blend called Kukkula and congratulated myself for finally discovering this luscious wine country.

That little gold token was burning a hole in my pocket, so I used it to score a small bottle of champagne, which I sipped in the hotel's peaceful courtyard.

Then it was time for a leisurely stroll downtown to dinner at Les Petites Canailles, Paso's newest French restaurant. Here, the wine list is focused on bottles from the Paso Robles region, and the menu (created by a Michelin-starred chef) is focused on the blending of Moroccan flavors with French-inspired food. A whiff of anise wafted from a bowl of mussels (moules), and autumn carrots were sprinkled with a mix of warm Moroccan spices. But it was the clouds of a cauliflower "steak" resting on a puree of parsnips that won my heart.

I devoted most of my second day to exploring a few wineries within the valley. First stop: Tablas Creek. This important winery is the sister property to Beau Castel in France, in the Rhone region's renowned Chateauneuf du Pape appellate.

Transporting the rootstock of Beau Castel's exquisite Roussanne grapes to California took 14 years, due to a host of governmental quarantines, which means the vines planted at Paso Robles in 1994 began their journey in 1980!

I tasted a memorable red blend made from those well-traveled grapes, a 2016 Esprit de Tablas, and could not help but appreciate the effort it took to get them to America.

My next stop was at Castoro Cellars in the neighboring town of Templeton. This winery is owned by Niels and Bimmer Udsen, a couple who met as children in Denmark. The name Castoro is a humorous Italian translation of Niels' nickname, Beaver, and prompted the wine label's tagline: Dam Fine Wine.

Guests were tasting those wines on the Castoro outdoor patio with vineyard views, but I opted to stay inside to experience the ambiance within the tasting room. It was here where I noticed the option to play disc golf on the winery's nearby Whale Rock Vineyard. Played on a nine- or 18-target course, one tosses a Frisbee-like disc at a basket, with the lowest number of tosses winning.

It was a short ride back to The Piccolo, where I freshened up and took a stroll to explore the downtown area once more.

As darkness fell, I drove back to The Piccolo and undertook the short walk to dinner at The Steakhouse at the Paso Robles Inn, sister property to my hotel. Seated at one of several outdoor tables with a gas fireplace as the centerpiece, I gazed up at the stars and toasted the wanderlust that had at last brought me to Paso Robles, where I savored every last bite of my filet mignon and sip of local, claret-colored Rhone blend.

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PICTURE

PERFECT Utah’s Kodachrome Basin and surrounding parks glow with color

The red, yellow, white and brown layers of sediment of the chimney rocks. Below: When the weather is good, take in the desert’s scenic beauty on Cottonwood Canyon Road.

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ff the beaten path in Utah, visitors will discover the vibrant colors and peacefulness of Kodachrome Basin State Park. It does not take long for travelers to understand why the park is named Kodachrome as they view the red-tinted rock formations against the bold blue sky. It is the perfect photograph. National Geographic Society photographers, while on a photo expedition in 1948, named the area Kodachrome Flat. Originally the park was named Chimney Rock, and eventually the Kodak company gave permission to use the name of its film for the park.

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[CR RAE PHOTOS]

Kodachrome Basin is on the south side of Bryce Canyon National Park. The 20-mile trip between the parks offers unique scenic views in itself.

As Bryce is known for its hoodoos — thin, tall spires of rocks — Kodachrome is best known for its sand pipes, 67 of them, that shoot up from the desert landscape. Visitors will find these multi-colored monolithic chimneys rising up from the valley or the rocks. These formations surround the campground, making for a unique scenic experience.

It is thought that the sand pipes or chimney rocks are remnants of sediment from ancient geysers. The red, yellow, white and brown layers of sediment became the outer layers as the sandstone eroded. The sand pipes reach in height from 6 to 170 feet. The colors change with the light of the sun as it moves across the sky. Chimney Rock is the tallest of spires, measuring 170 feet.

Hiking, biking and equestrian trails are throughout the park.

An easy one-mile hike, Grand Parade Trail follows along the park road. There is a quarter-mile hike trail to Shakespeare Arch, and the half-mile walk to Angel’s Palace is a popular trail. A more challenging 0.75-mile trail takes visitors to Eagle’s View Overlook. For those who would like to take in the Ballerina Slipper formations there is a three-mile round trip trail, Panorama Trail, that offers an option to continue for another two miles on the Big Bear Geyser/Cool Cave Trail.

Surrounding Kodachrome is Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, with 2,240 acres to be explored. Visitors will not want to miss the Grosvenor Arch in Grand Staircase — a huge natural stone arch about 10 miles from Kodachrome.

Getting to the arch is half the fun. Cottonwood Canyon Road is an adventure: 47 miles of desert dirt road that is passable with all vehicles if the weather is and has been good. Otherwise it can be impassable by non-four-wheel drive vehicles. In the spring after heavy rains, it can become impassable for 4x4s as well.

The scenery is well worth the drive. Make sure your tank is full, bring snacks and water, and enjoy this Utah backroad. On this trek there are opportunities for photographs and hiking. At the Grosvenor stop-off, spectators can walk a short paved trail that will take them to the arch, which consists of two separate arches that tower from the same base, forming a spectacular pinnacle. Once you are standing below the arches you will not want to quit looking at the sky through the rock that defies gravity.

Kodachrome offers camping, guided horseback riding trips with Red Canyon Trail Rides, mountain biking, hiking and endless scenery. Bunkhouses are available for rent that offer amenities such as a grill, refrigerator, room for six, picnic table and more. At this time special events are cancelled; in normal conditions the park offers star parties, glow-in-the-dark disc golf and more.

The red, yellow, white and brown layers of sediment became the outer layers as the sandstone eroded. The sand pipes reach in height from 6 to 170 feet.

When the weather is good, take in the desert’s scenic beauty on Cottonwood Canyon Road.

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A historical marker outside the Gateway to the Blues Museum in Tunica commemorates Blues Highway 61. [CR RAE PHOTOS]

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Blues, food, gambling and golf in Tunica, Mississippi 32

CR Rae

unica, a Mississippi Delta town of just over 900 in population, offers championship golf, resorts, casinos, nightlife, and Delta and blues history.

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Tunica RiverPark and Museum on the banks of the Mississippi River.

The best place to begin a Tunica visit is at the Gateway to the Blues Museum. Record your own song and then email it to yourself to play for family and friends at home. More than 20 guitars are on display from artists in a variety of genres. Play a lap steel guitar and take in the many history galleries. The museum is on Blues Highway 61, which continues south through Mississippi highlighting historic sites related to blues music.

Continuing with the music theme visit the Hollywood Café, where musician Marc Cohn joined singer and schoolteacher Muriel Wilkens in singing “Amazing Grace” and other spirituals one night. He then wrote about it in his hit song “Walking in Memphis.” The café has a blues trail history and is known for deep-fried pickles and addictive pecan pie. Visit thehollywoodcafe.com for hours and menu.

Tunica RiverPark sits on the bank of the Mississippi River and offers visitors a chance to explore artifacts and history of the people of the delta, including Native Americans and Spanish explorers. Visit tunicariverpark.com for hours.

Don’t miss out on a meal at the Blue and White restaurant, established in 1924 in downtown Tunica. In 1937 it moved into what was the first full-service Pure Oil station in the Mississippi Delta. It also, at one time, included a newsstand and Greyhound bus station. The Blue and White is known for its traditional Southern cooking, a place for catfish, fried green tomatoes, homemade doughnuts (if you get there early) and pie. Visit blueandwhiterestaurant.com.

While on the Blues Highway stop off at the Tunica Museum and learn the history from those who live and breathe the Delta.

The museum began in 1997 by five townspeople who wanted to

preserve the town’s heritage. The museum follows the history from the Native Americans to the Civil War and through today. See how the casinos gave the town a one-of-a-kind culture. The museum is free. Visit tunicamuseum.com for hours.

Downtown Tunica offers boutiques, antique shops and Southern hospitality. Take the selfguided walking tour of the historic downtown area and Veterans Memorial at Rivergate Park.

Tunica is the perfect place for getaways, where history, shopping, outdoor activities, good food and casino action all come together within just a few miles of the Blues Highway and Blues Trail.

Golf and tennis are year-round in this delta county seat.

Casinos offer golf packages, and custom packages for golfing are also available at Tunica National Golf & Tennis, a 7,210yard par 72 championship course designed by Mark McCumber, and River Bend Links, a Scottish Links-style course.

Casino stays are affordable in Tunica. There are six casinos located in three areas: Along the strip are Hollywood Casino and Sam’s Town Casino and Resort, within walking distance of each other. Gold Strike and Horseshoe are next door to each other at Casino Center, and on the North End casinos are 1st Jackpot and Fitz Casino and Hotel. They are full-action casinos that offer slot machines, tables, sports wagering and entertainment.

Be sure to look online for deals and packages. At this time, casinos are requiring masks to be worn over your mouth and nose at all times. See the websites for all COVID-19 safety precautions.

Visit tunicatravel.com for updated COVID information, packages and information on hotels, restaurants and things to do.

Visit the Hollywood Café, where musician Marc Cohn joined singer and schoolteacher Muriel Wilkens in singing “Amazing Grace” and other spirituals one night. He then wrote about it in his hit song “Walking in Memphis.”

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The decorated exterior of Graceland.

AMAZING GRACELAND

Elvis’ home is something to see decked out for the holidays

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ome may agree with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, that last year we had a Blue Christmas. However in Memphis, Tennessee, at the Presley home, Graceland, the holidays continued to be bright.

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This mansion offers holiday Stamos named his character on visitors a special Christmas“Full House” Jesse as a tribute decorated look at what was the to the life Elvis’ stillborn twin Presley private residence. Elvis Jesse never got to live, as a way bought the property for $102,500 to honor his favorite musician. when he was 22 years old.

An overnight stay in the guest Daily tours are offered at this house at Graceland gives visitors special time with tour guides a taste of Southern hospitality leading the way and offering stomuch like Elvis provided for his ries of what it was like to spend guests. Today the property has Christmas at Graceland. These expanded to include museums tours are limited and tickets can that hold memorabilia includbe purchased at graceland.com. ing Elvis’ cars and airplanes, While traveling along Elvis and an entertainment complex.

Presley Boulevard, you will Visitors will find exhibits of know when you arrive at Elvis’ early years in his homethe famed mansion because town of Tupelo, Mississippi. you cannot miss the iconic His gold and platinum records More decorations and festive red drapes in the dining room. [CR RAE PHOTOS] gates. Decorated with musiare displayed as well as his cal notes, thought to be from jumpsuits, movie memorabilia the sheet music of “Jailhouse Rock,” they were installed along and more at the Entertainer Career Museum. This comthe walls surrounding Graceland in 1957, Behind the gates plex offers Elvis fans a chance to watch the King’s movvisitors will find what life was like when Elvis lived at this ies on the sound stage, and there are two restaurants. home during the holiday season. Blue lights line the drivePlan on spending the day at Graceland. There are way, and a large nativity scene sits at the front of the home. a variety of tours and things to do and see, even for The drapes in the living area are normally blue but at Christmas those who are not Elvis fans all year round. are changed to red, just as Elvis did. The ornaments on the ChristGraceland holds events throughout the year, mas trees are those that Elvis had on the trees. The tinsel is also and a list is available on the website. taken down each year and reused as it is original to the Elvis trees.

Bring a permanent marker to sign the famous GraceThe staircase is lined with bright red poinsettias that stand out land wall before you leave the King’s home. against the beautiful white carpet. The first Christmas Elvis spent Be sure to check out the ticket options before purat Graceland he purchased lawn art that continues to be dischasing, as there is a variety of things to do. played at the holidays; it reads “Merry Christmas to All — Elvis.”

Review the protocols set in place to provide a safe As time went on, he added the nativity scene that is still there. experience at Graceland at graceland.com.

Throughout the house are gifts he received from fans and friends.

Due to COVID-19 the capacity of the mansion has been decreased, but there are still many opportunities to walk where Elvis once did. Virtual and This complex offers augmented reality activities are now included while visiting.

Elvis fans a chance Take plenty of time to to watch the King’s explore what is behind those famous gates of Graceland. movies on the sound Many visitors enjoy the John stage, and there are Stamos-narrated self-guided tour. You will see the famous two restaurants.

Jungle Room, pool room, meditation garden and much more.

White Christmas tree with original ornaments in Graceland’s living room.

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Green Mountain park is a 72-acre oasis of tranquility in Huntsville. [Huntsville/Madison County CVB photos]

LOOKING

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n these times of wanting to escape from the confines of the house to find some space, Huntsville, Alabama has space in more ways than one.

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As home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command, Huntsville knows all about space. The city’s slogan is “we’ve got space.”

Fill up the tank and blast some tunes as you get on the road again.

You won’t want to miss what the Huntsville area has to offer.

• Roy B. Whitaker Preserve: This wildlife preserve offers visitors 323 acres of scenery to explore. Once a working farm, these acres of rolling pastures once were filled with cattle. This nature area is managed by the Nature Conservancy and is great for birding and hiking. Wildlife such as deer, snakes or coyotes are best spotted in the open fields.

Wildflower and bird species are plentiful. The preserve is free, and directions are available at nature.org; search “Whitaker.”

• Green Mountain: There is plenty to see from your trusty automobile. If you feel Ditto Landing offers water sports activities and views of the Tennessee River Greenway. the need to creep a little deeper into the explorers will also find national preserves, landscape, hiking trails are available in and soybeans. Continue to travel west or golf courses and ski resorts. Go to visitthis 72-acre park that offers quiet trannorth to find communities such as Grant, lookoutmountain.com for directions. quility. Free to the public. Directions New Hope, Triana, Belle Mina, Elkmont • Alabama’s Coast: Coastal Alabama is a available at madisoncountyal. and Harvest. Two-lane roads are endless to explore outside the city. gov; search “Green Mountain.” short distance from Huntsville and offers a • Historic Huntsville: Downtown • Ditto Landing: Located at the beautiful 130-mile drive. Wildlife seekers southernmost point of the city, streets in Old Town, Five Points will pass through preservations and prothis is the gateway to the Tenand Twickenham host quaint and tected lands with many species of plants, nessee River. There are plenty of picturesque antebellum homes. At birds and other animals. Opportunities water sports activities in this area, huntsvillehistorytours.org travare available to hop on a boat to take in the but for the Sunday drive elers will find a digital Gulf Coast or walk for a while and watch Mooresville’s streets walking tour, or enjoy the crowd it offers a stunan Alabama Coast sunset. Towns offer ning view of the Tennessee are lined with history from your car. overnight accommodations and interestRiver Greenway. Parking • Lookout Mountain Parking places to eat. Visit alabamascoastalcbeautiful homes. is available to take in the onnection.com for an interactive map. way: Although this scenic trail in this scenic area • Talladega Scenic Drive: Route 281 is a shorter Outside of town are drive spans three states, of Rocket City. Direcsome of the most beautidrive yet offers those on the road more historic farms and tions at dittolanding.org. ful parts are in Alabama. scenery and nature than imaginable while • Mooresville: Exit 2 off The 93-mile route through cruising through rural Alabama and viewrolling hills dotted I-565 takes travelers to the state takes road triping the mountains. Continue the drive to with sheep. this village, a great place pers past waterfalls, Cheaha State Park and eventually on top of to find history while on a vistas, fun and interestCheaha Mountain, the highest peak in Aladrive. Mooresville’s streets are lined with ing towns, canyons, parks and more. In bama. Visit alabamabyways.com for a map. beautiful homes. Outside of town are hisAugust, this highway is also part of the If you make your sweet home in Alabama toric farms and rolling hills dotted with World’s Longest Yard Sale, as more than or are planning a visit, take in some of the sheep. On the northern side of I-565 trav5,000 sales are set up along US 127 for beauty of state. For more information on elers will find fields upon fields of cotton 690 miles of bargains. Lookout Mountain the Huntsville area, visit huntsville.org.

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OH

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Gators, fish, birds and more await along the Creole Nature Trail

The Sabine National Wildlife Refuge Wetland Walkway.

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ouisiana’s Creole Nature Trail is not about lions, tigers and bears but, oh my, it is about alligators, birding, crabbing and shrimping. The trail, named an All-American Road by the U.S. Department of Transportation, is near Lake Charles, Louisiana. Known as Louisiana’s Outback, the area lends itself to providing a great wilderness adventure for all ages.

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The Creole Nature Trail has several walkways to explore the marshland and spot wildlife from raised platforms. A great place for photographers.

An alligator glides through the marsh. [VISIT LAKE CHARLES PHOTOS]

There are 28 species of mammals, 35 amphibians and reptiles, 132 species of fish and 400 kinds of birds. Thousands of beautiful migrating butterflies are seen in the spring and fall.

Before beginning this adventure make sure to have binoculars, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, a full gas tank and snacks, drinks or maybe some sandwiches for a picnic.

Adventure Point Start this experience at Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point, the western gateway to the trail. It is a free attraction. With hands-on displays, all ages can learn the best places to find alligators, migrating songbirds and wildlife in the bayous and marshes. Breathe in the aroma of Cajun/ Creole cooking and take the opportunity to play along with a band. Download an app on iTunes or Google Play by searching “Creole” to guide you on this Louisiana adventure.

The main loop of the Creole Nature Trail, 108 miles, takes about six to eight hours to cover. The entire trail is 180 miles long. Maps and information are available at Adventure Point.

Stretch Get out and stretch a bit on the handicap-accessible walking trails that take visitors over the marshes like Blue Goose Trail, the Wetland Walkway and the scenic overlook behind Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center. Bring along a bucket for collecting seashells. The area presents visitors with 26 miles of beautiful Gulf Coast beaches for shelling or taking a stroll.

The Creole Nature Trail has several walkways to explore the marshland and spot wildlife from raised platforms. A great place for photographers. The Sabine National Wildlife Refuge Wetland Walkway is 1.5 miles round trip and is a fully accessible boardwalk over saltwater marshes. Viewing scopes, observation decks and resting shelters are located along the path. Pintail Wildlife

Drive is a great place for spotting alligators with a half-mile (loop) boardwalk that provides an excellent view into the marsh.

Fishing and crabbing Lake Charles offers a program called Catch and Cook, which allows for visitors to catch fish and local restaurants will prepare it. Participating locations can be found at fishla.org/catch-and-cook.

Information on fishing regulations, a how-to on crabbing and where to go is available at visitlakecharles.org.

Self-guided Self-guided nature drives are available for those who want to take things at their own pace. Find Pintail Wildlife Drive, Price Lake Nature Drive and Lacassine Wildlife Drive on the Creole Nature Trail map.

Alligators Travelers are always seeking out the most popular wildlife — alligators. Trail travelers will, most likely, have sightings of the American alligator. It is not uncommon to find one to be 14 feet long. Alligators are most likely spotted drifting in a slow moving current or kicking back, resting on a sunny shore. To spot them in the water, watch for eyes peeking just above the surface.

Although these broad-faced predators seem docile at times, they can get a little hot under that snout if provoked. For your safety and theirs, do not feed, prod or tease them. Keep a good distance between yourself and the gator, treat them with respect and keep your pet on a leash. Note that even though they appear to be slow moving, a gator can run at about 11 mph and swim about 20 mph. They can run in short bursts at 30 to 35 mph.

Download the printable brochure of Louisiana’s Outback at visitlakecharles.org/creole-nature-trail/attractions.

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OLD

NEW MEXICO Nature, art and history are key in Silver City

Big Ditch Park sits 50 feet below the streets and sidewalks of Silver City.

[SILVER CITY MAINSTREET PROJECT PHOTOS]

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town of about 10,000 residents, Silver City, New Mexico, is known as the gateway to wilderness because of its location next to Gila National Forest, which offers 3.3 million acres of history and peacefulness.

This historic city was discovered by prospectors in 1870. What began as a single cabin grew to 80 buildings in 10 months, and today it’s a hub for artists in the southwestern corner of New Mexico between El Paso, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona.

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The silver mines caused the boom of the town in the late 1800s, and today it is the Red Dot area that entices visitors. The area offers a large variety of art and resident artists, that include styles from paintings to glassblowing and pottery to fiber arts and more.

Coffee shops are plentiful and offer residents and visitors a variety of quick bites, drinks and outdoor seating.

The Red Dot area is considered to be the most diverse art collective in New Mexico, and rightly so. As a visitor walking the quaint streets, you will find shop after shop, studio after studio of unique artists, gifts and handcrafted items, and the city of silver continues to grow with possibilities.

The area is named Red Dot because of the red dots placed on the sidewalks and windows that guide visitors to the galleries, studios and shops.

The downtown area is very walkable and, when your feet tire, stop in to one of the many restaurants for a bite to eat or check out the Pretty Sweet Emporium, which offers homemade artisanal flavors of the week, fudge and gifts. The culinary selection is amazing for any city but extraordinary for the size of Silver City.

The city was built to last. In 1880 an ordinance was passed that only masonry construction would be allowed for newer buildings. The results are a city filled with solid buildings for commercial use and beautiful brick Victorian homes.

Every city has issues at some time and Silver City is no different — it lost its Main Street and all but one building there to flooding from 1890 to 1910. However, what used to be Main Street is now Big Ditch Park. This area sits about 50 feet or so below the city streets and sidewalks.

What used to be a dump and sewer has become a green space enjoyed by residents and visitors to Silver City. Carved out by those flood waters, the Big Ditch now has walking trails and beautiful tree lined

paths where many are seen enjoying a book or sitting having a friendly conversation. Concerts and other programs are often held at the park.

Visitors to the city will most likely notice that the sidewalks are very high.

Elizabeth Warren, a prominent businesswoman and one of the first female building contractors in New Mexico, started a project to raise the sidewalks to protect residents and buildings from the floodwaters. Warren’s 1856 Victorian home is the only house left on Main Street and has been restored to its original beauty.

In sticking with the history of Silver City, consider a “step back in time” stay in the historic Murray Hotel. Opened in

The downtown area is very walkable and, when your feet tire, stop in to one of the many restaurants for a bite to eat or check out the Pretty Sweet Emporium, which offers homemade artisanal flavors of the week, fudge and gifts.

1938, its Art Deco design is interesting and unique. Whether you are a guest of the hotel or visiting the area, the hotel encourages visitors to take a tour and view its hallway artwork, which tells the story of this Silver City icon and the area surrounding it. The Murray is downtown, within easy walking distance to restaurants, breweries, shops, galleries, the Red Spot area and the Big Ditch.

The Murals of Silver City, more than 50 of them, are throughout the city.

There is a downloadable map at visitsilvercity.org. The art was painted by participants in the Mimbres Region Arts Council Youth Mural Project.

For more information on places to stay, eat and visit go to visitsilvercity. org or call 575-538-5555. They will have up-to-date information on COVID19-related closures and postponements.

The historic home museum of Elizabeth Warren, one of New Mexico’s first female contractors.

Explore the diverse collection of shops and galleries in the Red Dot area.

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The Goodwood Plantation was a 2,400-acre corn and cotton plantation dating back to the 1830s. The antebellum main house, now on 19 acres, is open to the public as a museum.

[VISIT TALLAHASSEE PHOTOS]

MUST-SEES IN

TALLAHASSEE

History, Southern charm abound in Florida’s capital city

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he word “Florida” typically conjures up images of sandy beaches and palm trees, but Tallahassee isn’t your average destination in the Sunshine State. Florida’s capital city is more Southern charm and less South Beach, from its personality and people to the landscape: This city is filled with forests, gardens, trails, springs and lakes.

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Explore Maclay Gardens State Park’s gardens, nature trails and lake.

Tallahassee is a walking city. The best place to begin a tour is at the visitors center on Jefferson Street. Then proceed to Florida’s Historic Capitol Museum, Supreme Court building and Vietnam Memorial. The city’s epicenter of power is at the juncture of South Adams and East Jefferson. All key government buildings are located here.

Several thousand people work downtown. Of the 70,000 students here, 43,000 are enrolled at Florida State University alone.

The vibe is football in the fall and The Goodwood Museum and legislation in the spring. Welcome Gardens are spectacular in the to the South: game day on Saturday and brunch on Sunday. spring, but are worth a visit Capital City Pedicabs offers a anytime of the year. Walking cool way to see the downtown around the grounds, one gets a in an open carriage ride through various arts districts and side feeling of Old Florida life and streets. They also have night splendor. rides around Cascades Park.

From downtown, check out to Railroad Square Art Park, a repurposed area with a laid back Key West atmosphere. There are funky art shows, studios, galleries, gardens and book shops. Nearby is hip CollegeTown, replete with student lodging, sports bars and boutiques.

Unlike some parts of Florida, Tallahassee is slower-paced. People wave and take time for each other. The past has caught up with the present in this city, and the future is in no hurry.

Development is carefully planned. Preservation of nostalgia and tradition is a cultural force here.

A drive down one of Tallahassee’s nine canopy roads captures the essence of this sleepy Southern capital as overhanging moss drapes from branches of stately Live Oak trees. Sweetgums, hickory trees and towering pines are iconic accents to the area’s charm and beauty.

Some of the more than 700 miles of trails for biking, hiking and exploring can be accessed at the area’s state parks. The 1,184-acre Maclay Gardens State Park is known for its stunning gardens, brick walkways, nature trails and lake. Brilliant purple, white and red azaleas fill the garden grounds. The park is truly a masterpiece of floral architecture. The visitors center has information on self guided tours and a downloadable map.

The Goodwood Museum and Gardens are spectacular in the spring, but are worth a visit anytime of the year. Walking around the grounds, one gets a feeling of Old Florida life and splendor.

The premises include the 1830s antique-filled main house, 16 historic outbuildings and extensive gardens sprawled over 20 acres. Heritage travelers enjoy tours of the antebellum house displaying frescoed ceilings and a vast collection of furniture, porcelain and art. A cafe features seasonal Southern-inspired cuisine.

In a nod to eco-tourism, a jungle boat cruise at Wakulla Springs State Park 14 miles south of the city is a popular activity for all ages. The park has one of the world’s deepest freshwater springs, and the riverboat tours offer glimpses of native wildlife. Graceful manatees and cagey alligators swim close to the water’s surface. Wakulla Springs was the filming spot for the 1954 “Creature of the Black Lagoon” and 1941 “Tarzan’s Secret Treasure.”

A big draw for kids is the Challenger Learning Center, a one-stop for education, entertainment and science. The center houses a planetarium and a space Mission Simulator with a NASA-inspired Mission Control room.

Tallahassee is known as the Festival City. But due to the spread of the coronavirus, several events have been cancelled or postponed. For updates on closures and information on attractions and events, go to visittallahassee.com Tallahassee is in the heart of the Florida Panhandle in the northwest part of the state.

The city is a 4.5-hour drive from Atlanta.

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THRILLS ON

BLUEBERRY HILL St. Louis neighborhood formed around iconic song, cafe

The landmark Blueberry Hill Café. [EXPLORE ST. LOUIS PHOTOS]

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t might be a topic for conversation around the dinner table one night — is there really a Blueberry Hill? There is — one in Texas and one in Alaska — but the one that most relates to the song and is named after it is the Blueberry Hill Café in St. Louis, home to rock ‘n roll legend Chuck Berry.

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A legendary venue Blueberry Hill Café is in the Delmar Loop in St. Louis and was one of Berry’s favorite places to perform. This area is a place where visitors can still find a thrill or two.

Across the street from the famous café is a statue of Berry with guitar in hand. He is known as the father of rock ‘n roll, and St. Louis refers to the small red brick home where he lived from 1950 to 1958 as “the birthplace of modern rock ‘n roll” because of what Berry accomplished while living at 3137 Whittier St. Berry wrote some of his most famous hits there, including “Johnny B. Goode,” “Sweet Little Sixteen,” “Roll Over Beethoven” and “Maybelline.”

The Blueberry Hill Café is a landmark in northern St. Louis. It opened in 1972 when there was basically nothing in the area. The intent behind the café was to have a place that was all about music, with pop culture memorabilia and great food. The café began with a hot dog machine, beer and beer nuts. Eventually, they expanded the kitchen to allow for a grill and they became famous for their burgers.

The idea of having a music theme was evident from the beginning; an important item in the café was a jukebox. People came from far away to hear songs from its 30,000 records rotated in and out.

The café continued to expand when the Elvis Room was opened in 1985, which allowed for live music to be performed. Today, the Blueberry also has the Duck Room that hosts live music. Berry inaugurated the room and played more than 200 monthly concerts there.

The Blueberry Hill Café is also known for its large collection of celebrity photos and keepsakes. Basically, if you can name a musician or actor, they are most likely on the wall, from Beyonce to Taylor Swift, Bob Dylan and Frosty the Snowman. Everyone will find something in the cafe’s more than 100 showcases: “Howdy Doody” dolls and figures from “South Park,” “Lord of the Rings” and “Hopalong Cassidy” to name a few.

Around the loop The once desolate area of Delmar Loop is now a revitalized neighborhood of six blocks.

Visitors can take a 2.2-mile trolley ride from one end of the district to the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park, with 10 stops

The neon lights of Pin-Up Bowl.

in between. The loop area offers visitors 140 specialty shops, 60 multinational restaurants, 10 galleries, 40 boutique/gift shops and 12 entertainment venues. The street is also filled with a variety of live music options.

Just down the street is the Moonrise Hotel, where visitors will find a 3,000-pound moon in the rooftop bar. It is the world’s largest manmade moon. A variety of moon treasures can also be found in the hotel lobby display cases.

The stars come out at the St. Louis Walk of Fame, which honors more than 150 celebrities from the city. A brass star with information about each is placed in the sidewalk. The names include Miles Davis, Harry Caray, Stan Musial, Vincent Price, and Ike and Tina Turner.

After you have eaten, enjoyed the live music, shopped, seen the stars and had fun, don’t forget to snap a photo with the Chuck Berry statue.

Then, just as the day begins to turn to night, visitors will see the district turn to neon. A neon man and woman are lighted as though they are bowling on the roof of Pin-Up Bowl, where travelers will also find the world’s oldest bowling balls.

For more information, go to visittheloop. com and explorestlouis.com for more hotel, food and entertainment information.

A statue of Blueberry Hill resident and rock ‘n roll legend Chuck Berry.

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A family enjoys paddle boating at Shelby Farms Park.

[THE TRAVELING CHILD/MEMPHIS TOURISM]

NIGHT &

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Known for nightlife, Memphis wants you to explore its sunnier side outdoors

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emphis, Tennessee, has more than 300 beautiful miles of offand on-road paths just waiting for you to explore. Shelby Farms Greenline is an urban trail that is just over 10.5 miles. The trail is paved and presents bike riders and walkers with a beautiful trip through Shelby Farms Park to Cordova, just east of Memphis.

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Feeding a giraffe at the

Hanging outside with the animals would be a great social distancing thing to do.

Why not visit the Memphis Zoo? It is one of just four zoos in the U.S. where visitors can see giant pandas.

This rails-to-trails path begins at TillMemphis Zoo. [Kristin man Street and Walnut Grove Road in Luna/Memphis Tourism] Midtown and has a variety of access points along the way to the Cordova Depot. Bring your own bike or visit Greenline Bike Rentals to rent one. If you are in need of repairs along the way there is a free bike repair station at the 0.0-mile marker, at the corner of Farm and Mullins Station roads.

The Wolf River Greenway connects communities along the Wolf River. It includes a paved path for non-motorized transportation. It is being built in sections and will be 36 miles long, connecting 22 neighborhoods when complete, as soon as later this year.

Follow along the Mississippi River on the Riverwalk and Big River Crossing.

It is about a three-mile loop. This trail can run free at the dog park, and the kids can offers scenery and is convenient to hop on at differwork off some energy at the Woodland Discovent downtown locations. For a bit longer trip, get on ery Playground. Find where the herd of bison roam the pedestrian path alongside the Harahan Bridge or play some frisbee golf. For the horse lover in crossing the river. It is about one mile to Arkansas. the family, gallop to the stables to take a ride.

Visit memphisadventures.com for more.

Fauna and flora On the water Hanging outside with the animals would be a Getting on the water is a fun and interestgreat social distancing thing to do. Why not visit ing way to explore this city known for its blues the Memphis Zoo? It is one of just four zoos in the music and ribs. The Mighty Mississippi should not U.S. where visitors can see giant pandas. There are be missed, but there are also two other rivers to 3,500 animals to visit in this 70-plus-acre zoo. explore, the Ghost and Wolf rivers. A great way At Dixon Gallery & Gardens or the Memphis Botanic to explore is by kayak or canoe, which are availGarden, flower people will find plenty of blooms, able for rent. Also, kayaking tours are available. plants and landscape design. The Dixon Gallery has Want to sit back and leave the paddling to someone eight to 10 exhibitions each year and the Botanic else? Take a Memphis Riverboat ride. Here you can Garden has 96 acres of beautiful displays including relax and grab a drink as the guide tells interesting 31 specialty gardens. The kids will love My Big Backstories about the city. Visit memphisriverboats.net yard, a family garden that is a place to splash, dig, for the offered cruises. jump, create and discover the fun of the outdoors.

Shelby Farms Park is Just outside the city is Meeman-Shelby Forest State one of America’s largPark, with more than 20 miles of hiking trails. ChickaBikers going across Big River Crossing. [BIG RIVER est urban parks — it’s saw Bluff Trail is the most popular. It winds through CROSSING/MEMPHIS TOURISM] five times the size of a wooded area, is about eight miles long and has a New York City’s Central loop that overlooks Poplar Tree Lake. There is also a Park. If you want to get four-mile hike, Pioneer Springs Trail; a 3.5-mile hike, off your feet, zip through Woodland Trail; and other options that are shorter. the trees on the zipline Polish your boots, get your best walking shoes adventures at Go Ape. shined and be ready to explore the big outdoors of this Not a fan of heights? Rent Home of the Blues city along the mighty Mississippi a kayak or paddleboard River. Visit memphistravel.com for places to stay, and get out on Hyde eat, available tours and to find the best of the blues.

Lake. This is a place your furry family member Contact CR at crraetravel@gmail.com.

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