Western States

Every year more than 8,000 people turn the Kenai Peninsula village of Ninilchik into a city as families and friends fill the region with encampments full of music, food, fish and love.

Over the three day weekend many of Alaskas top food, crafts, art and brews are available throughout the grounds and a family friendly atmosphere, including a daily childrens program is part of the four stage extravaganza that includes at least 50 acts.

Salmonfest is a hub that supports all salmon-related causes and then some, according to their website. Salmon is known generally as the iconic species of Alaska and while protecting Bristol Bay has been our primary focus over the years, we also support many causes year round. Since 2015, Salmonfest has donated over $150,000 to salmon and related initiatives. One of Salmonfest’s best features is the Salmon Causeway which allows our guests to learn, engage and take action on any of the many issues facing Alaska and the world at large. Moreover, Salmonfest strives to be a Zero Waste event where all discarded materials are designed to become resources for others to use. Salmonfest also uses steel pints in our beer tents, and locally sourced goods, and services whenever possible. Scheduled music performers include Sarah Jarosz,Con Brio,Lindsay Lou, the LowDown Brass Band,The Burroughs, and Tim Easton. Tickets start at $158.50 andare available on eventbrite.com For schedule updates and more information about this festival, visit https:// salmonfestalaska.org/

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SCOTTSDALE - This family-owned candy company is number one on the list of tasty treats from Arizona to try. The Mother-Daughter duo of GoodyTwos Toffee Company joyfully blends traditional small batch recipes with a twist of fun. Doubly Inspired Toffees is the result. Their delicious handmade family-recipe toffees are beyond mouth watering. With a variety of more than 12 flavors it is definitely going to be hard to pick which treat to try. They are all delicious and popularwithcustomers, but an absolute favorite is the traditional toffee with its decadent, rich, buttery Madagascar bourbon vanilla, dark and milk chocolate and of course almonds.

GLENDALE - This chocolate candy company has been around for over 40 years. You can watch handmade goodies being made at the factory; how fun and cool! I have tried the fudge from the factory and let me tell you, you’re not going to want to share. Talk about Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory; this place is fantastic!

PHOENIX- Now, who doesn’t love a great breakfast joint? I sure do! When I first tried Matt’s Big Breakfast there was a line wrapped around the building. At first, I thought it was to good too be true, but the food and drinks speak for themselves! I ordered the Belgian waffle which is made from scratch with delicious REAL maple syrup with two hefty slices of bacon. I also ordered their fresh squeezed honey berry lemonade... Delicious!

LITCHFIELD PARK - This local Sonoran Mexican restaurant is nestled in old town Litchfield Park, and it’s known for its family recipes. This cafe/pub dishes out great Mexican food, provides great service and even has live entertainment - just make sure to check their schedule! They have a great outdoor patio that truly embraces the atmosphere of gorgeous old town Litchfield Park.

SCOTTSDALE - Family owned and operated, this custom cake shop is well known in the San Tan Valley and Gilbert area of Arizona. Known for their family recipes and handmade delicates, Caketini is one of my favorite places to grab a cupcake! With truffles, cakes and cupcakes it’s hard to pick. I highly recommend the salted caramel cupcake. Yummy!

It’s as varied at the scenery. From a simple seaside shack to a lavish style restaurant, you’ll still find fresh “catch-of-the day” seafood items on each menu. The delicious flavors and ocean views blend together for a topnotch dining experience. Here are our picks:

Got a boat? That’s the only way you’ll get a better view of San Diego’s waterfront skyline and twinkling bridges than the one you get from Coasterra Modern Mexican on the city’s Harbor Island. The menu offers creative twists on Mexican classics: ceviche with bay shrimp and blue crab, or freshshucked oysters with fire-roasted cocktail sauce. It’s easy to get distracted from your food: Every table has a view that will have you Instagramming throughout your meal, especially at sunset.

This acclaimed San Diego restaurant is actually three dining destinations in one. The centerpiece is the fine-dining spot California Modern, with its spacious, contemporary interior, combined with Chef Trey Foshee’s award-winning, locally sourced fare. Upstairs, relax with handcrafted cocktails and vistas of turquoise-blue La Jolla Cove at the Level2 bar. Or take in panoramic ocean views while digging into spicy, marinated grilled fish tacos at George’s rooftop Ocean Terrace, once named one of the world’s “hottest rooftop restaurants.”

High tide meets haute cuisine at La Jolla’s beachfront Marine Room, where you can witness spectacular surf outside the restaurant’s panoramic windows—a dramatic accompaniment to executive chef Bernard Guillas’ imaginative global cuisine. Not surprisingly, local seafood is the star of the menu, like the lilikoi-lacquered pompano with green tea noodles, or the monkfish wrapped in heirloom bacon. Meat options include free-range veal tenderloin and a lamb osso buco. The restaurant also hosts lobster nights and special winter high-tide breakfasts, when you can dine as waves splash against the glass.

Ocean views, architecture, and California-inspired French cuisine all come together at Studio, perched atop an oceanfront bluff at Orange County’s Montage Laguna Beach resort. Witness this modern Craftsman-style beach cottage with elegant wood details, vaulted ceiling, and windows opening to the Pacific Ocean. Fresh seafood is the centerpiece, but the menu also highlights organic produce from local farms and the restaurant’s own gardens and fruit trees. Struggling to choose wich to order?

Indulge in the tasting menu and sample it all.