https://azbigmedia.com/lifestyle/westside-concepts-debuts-four-corners-taphouse-in-peoria/
Author: Jane Simon Ammeson
Jane Simon Ammeson is a freelance writer who specializes in travel, food and personalities. She writes frequently for The Times of Northwest Indiana, Mexico Connect, Long Weekends magazine, Edible Michiana, Lakeland Boating, Food Wine Travel magazine , Lee Publications, and the Herald Palladium where she writes a weekly food column. Her TouchScreenTravels include Indiana's Best. She also writes a weekly book review column for The Times of Northwest Indiana as well as food and travel, has authored 16 books including Lincoln Road Trip: The Back-road Guide to America's Favorite President, a winner of the Lowell Thomas Journalism Award in Travel Books, Third Place and also a Finalist for the 2019 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards in the Travel category. Her latest books are America's Femme Fatale: The Story of Serial Killer Belle Gunness and Classic Restaurants of Northwest Indiana.
Her other books include How to Murder Your Wealthy Lovers and Get Away with It, A Jazz Age Murder in Northwest Indiana and Murders That Made Headlines: Crimes of Indiana, all historic true crime as well Hauntings of the Underground Railroad: Ghosts of the Midwest, Brown County, Indiana and East Chicago. Jane’s base camp is Stevensville, Michigan on the shores of Lake Michigan. Follow Jane at facebook.com/janesimonammeson; twitter.com/hpammeson; https://twitter.com/janeammeson1; twitter.com/travelfoodin, instagram.com/janeammeson/ and on her travel and food blog janeammeson.com and book blog: shelflife.blog/
JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION® ANNOUNCES 2025 MEDIA AWARD WINNERS
The James Beard Foundation® is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 James Beard Media Awards, presented by Capital One, honoring the nation’s top food authors, broadcast producers, hosts, journalists, podcasters, and social media content creators. The full list of winners, which includes Book, Broadcast Media, and Journalism, can be found below and on the James Beard Foundation website.
James Beard Award winner®, Emmy-nominated producer, TV host, and New York Times best-selling author Padma Lakshmi hosted the 2025 Media Awards ceremony on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Columbia College Chicago. Presenters also included luminary food media personalities such as Nyesha Arrington, Molly Baz, Rose Levy Beranbaum, Dr. Jessica B. Harris, Francis Lam, Adam Richman, Alexander Smalls, Andrew Zimmern, and others.
“Congratulations to the 2025 Media Award winners, whose compelling narratives shape our food culture and set the standard of excellence in culinary storytelling and reporting,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO, James Beard Foundation. “We’re honored to celebrate phenomenal work that will surely impact how people cook, think about food, and engage with our shared culinary landscape for years to come.”
2025 marks a notable milestone: the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Awards. This year’s ceremonies commemorate the transformative role the Awards have played in recognizing excellence and shaping the evolution of American food culture, while reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to leading and supporting the industry for years to come.
“The Media Awards celebrate all those who expand our understanding of food through exceptional storytelling that educates, entertains, and inspires,” said Dawn Padmore, VP of Awards, James Beard Foundation. “A heartfelt thanks to our subcommittee members and judges for their dedication and the thoughtful consideration they put into these awards. Their time and expertise are deeply appreciated.”
BOOK AWARDS
The James Beard Foundation began honoring excellence in food media more than 30 years ago, with the first Book Awards presented in 1990. This year’s Book Awards recognize cookbooks and other nonfiction food- or beverage-related books that were published in the U.S. in 2024. Books from foreign publishers must bear a 2024 U.S. copyright date and/or must have been distributed in the U.S. during 2024.
“Congratulations to this year’s winners, who have taken us on journeys through kitchens and communities worldwide,” said Genevieve Villamora, chair of the James Beard Foundation’s Book Awards program. “From technical mastery to cultural storytelling and preservation—these books represent the very best in culinary publishing, proving that great food writing comes in many forms.”
The 2025 James Beard Book Award winners are:
Baking and Desserts: Books with recipes focused on the art and craft of baking, pastries, and desserts, both sweet and savory items, including ingredients, techniques, equipment, and traditions
Sift: The Elements of Great Baking by Nicola Lamb (Clarkson Potter)
Beverage with Recipes: Books with recipes focused on beverages, such as cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, or juices.
The Bartender’s Pantry: A Beverage Handbook for the Universal Bar by Emma Janzen, Jim Meehan, and Bart Sasso (Ten Speed Press)
Beverage without Recipes: Books without recipes that focus on beverages, such as cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, or juices; or books that cover these subject areas where recipes are not the focus of cooking, not just a single topic, technique, or region.
Sake: The Art and Craft of Japan’s National Drink by Yoshiko Ueno-Müller (Prestel)
Bread: Books with recipes focused on the art and craft of making bread, including ingredients, techniques, equipment, and traditions.
Richard Hart Bread: Intuitive Sourdough Baking by Richard Hart, Henrietta Lovell, and Laurie Woolever (Clarkson Potter)
Food Issues and Advocacy: Books that focus on investigative journalism, food policy, food advocacy, deep dives, and critical analysis of the changing social landscape around food.
Ruin Their Crops on the Ground: The Politics of Food in the United States, from the Trail of Tears to School Lunch by Andrea Freeman (Metropolitan Books)
General: Books with recipes that address a broad scope of cooking, not just a single topic, technique, or region, and are accessible to a general audience.
Pass the Plate: 100 Delicious, Highly Shareable, Everyday Recipes: A Cookbook, Carolina Gelen, (Clarkson Potter)
International: Books with recipes focused on presenting cuisines of the world in their cultural context: their history, distinctive characteristics, and techniques.
The Balkan Kitchen: Recipes and Stories from the Heart of the Balkans, Irina Janakievska (Quadrille)
Literary Writing: Narrative nonfiction books, including memoirs, culinary travel, culinary tourism, biography, reflections on food in a cultural context, and personal essays.
Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves by Nicola Twilley (Penguin Press)
Professional and Restaurant: Books written by a culinary professional or restaurant chef with recipes that may include advanced cooking techniques, the use of specialty ingredients and professional equipment, including culinary arts textbooks.
Convivir: Modern Mexican Cuisine in California’s Wine Country by Rogelio Garcia and Andréa Lawson Gray (Abrams)
Reference, History, and Scholarship: Includes manuals, guides, encyclopedias, and books that present research related to food or foodways.
McAtlas: A Global Guide to the Golden Arches by Gary He (Self-published)
Single Subject: Books with recipes focused on a single ingredient, dish, or method of cooking
Jang: The Soul of Korean Cooking (More than 60 Recipes Featuring Gochujang, Doenjang, and Ganjang) by Nadia Cho, Mingoo Kang, and Joshua David Stein (Artisan)
U.S. Foodways: Books with recipes focused on the cooking or foodways of regions or communities located within the United States.
Our South: Black Food Through My Lens by Ashleigh Shanti (Union Square & Co.)
Vegetable-Focused Cooking: Books on vegetable cookery with recipes that are meatless, vegetarian, or vegan.
Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking: Vegan Recipes, Tips, and Techniques by Joe Yonan (Ten Speed Press)
Visuals: Books on food or beverage with exceptional graphic design, art, or photography.
McAtlas: A Global Guide to the Golden Arches by Gary He (Self-published)
More information about the Book Awards eligibility and criteria can be viewed here.
BROADCAST MEDIA AWARDS
The Broadcast Media Awards were established in 1993 to recognize nonfiction works in English that exemplify excellence and keep with the mission and values of the James Beard Foundation. This year’s winners spotlight food and beverage topics appearing widely for the first time in the U.S. in 2024 across digital and terrestrial media—including radio, television broadcasts, podcasts, documentaries, online sites, and social media.
“We’re honored to recognize those whose thoughtful production and authentic storytelling bring our dynamic food culture to life,” said Cynthia Graubart, chair of the James Beard Foundation’s Broadcast Media Awards program. “Congratulations to the 2025 winners for offering a unique lens into the people, trends, and traditions that shape how we experience food and dining.”
The 2025 James Beard Broadcast Media Award winners are:
Audio Programming: This award recognizes excellence in a food- or beverage-related radio or podcast program.
Loading Dock Talks with Chef Preeti Mistry
“Cream Pie with Telly Justice” Airs on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms
Audio Reporting: This award recognizes excellence in reporting and narratives about food and/or food issues in radio or podcasts. This work is issue or deadline-driven, investigative, topical, or timely in nature.
Post Reports
“Bacon: The Best-Kept Secret in Washington” Airs on: Post Reports
Commercial Media: This award recognizes excellence in food- or beverage-related media including video production, audio programming, or other media that is clearly developed and marketed with prominent visual branding, is sponsored or commercially funded, and/or contains paid advertising. It may be broadcast, streamed, accessed online, or through an app.
La Mera Mera Tamalera, Airs on: YouTube
Documentary Visual Media: This award recognizes excellence in a food- or beverage-related documentary that is at least 15 minutes long.
MARCELLA, Airs on: PBS American Masters
Docuseries Visual Media: This award recognizes excellence in a food- or beverage-related docuseries.
World Eats Bread, Airs on: National Geographic Channel
Instructional Visual Media: This award recognizes excellence in a food- or beverage-related video production with instruction and/or education as its primary intent, whether broadcast, streamed, accessed online, or through an app.
G.O.A.T., Airs on: MasterClass
Lifestyle Visual Media: New in 2025, this category honors excellence in food-centric talk shows and lifestyle programs that explore food or beverage alongside broader societal and cultural themes. Entries can range from interview-based shows featuring chefs and food personalities to those that delve into food history, science, and culture. This year, submissions to the Competition Visual Media category were included for consideration within the Lifestyle Visual Media category.
Relish, Airs on: PBS, Passport, TPT, TPT-2 and YouTube
Social Media Account: This award recognizes excellence in a food- or beverage-related social media account or platform.
Little Fat Boy, Airs on: Instagram, TikTok, Substack and YouTube
Travel Visual Media: New in 2025, this category celebrates excellence in food- or beverage-focused travel shows. Entries should showcase the unique culinary culture and traditions of a specific region or country, highlighting the connection between people, food, regions, and communities.
Drink: A Look Inside the Glass, Airs on: Apple TV, Prime Video, Tubi, and Roku
More information about Broadcast Media Awards eligibility and criteria can be viewed here.
JOURNALISM AWARDS
The Journalism Awards were established by the James Beard Foundation in 1992. This year’s Journalism Awards recognize works in English and cover food- or drink-related content which were published—or self-published—in 2024 in any medium.
“The reporting by the 2025 Journalism Award winners shows so poignantly how food plays an integral role in every aspect of our lives,” said Rochelle Oliver, chair of the James Beard Foundation’s Journalism Awards program. “Thank you to these journalists for their dedication to deepening the conversation around culture, history, community, and sense of identity from a culinary lens.”
The 2025 James Beard Journalism Award winners are:
Beverage: This award recognizes distinctive style, thorough knowledge, plainspoken prose, and innovative approach in a single article on alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.
“Want to Make Spirits in Thailand? Good Luck.” by Craig Sauers, Punch
Columns and Newsletters: This award recognizes the work of an individual or team/group that demonstrates thought-provoking opinion and a compelling style on food- or drink-related topics.
“The farm bill hall of shame”; “The essential workers missing from the farm bill”; “Tribal nations want more control over their food supply” by Teresa Cotsirilos, Bridget Huber, and Claire Kelloway, Food & Environment Reporting Network and Mother Jones
Craig Claiborne Distinguished Criticism Award: This award recognizes discerning criticism or commentary that contributes to the larger discourse on food, drink, and related topics. An entry consists of three pieces that can include restaurant reviews, cultural critiques, or analyses that demonstrate thought-provoking opinion and compelling style.
“New tasting menu dinners at Honeysuckle Provisions are provocative and delicious”; “The enduring, confusing, and always delicious Octopus Cart is still puffing along after 34 years”; “Loch Bar, a new high-end seafood spot on Broad, swings big and misses” by Craig LaBan, Philadelphia Inquirer
Dining and Travel: This award recognizes exemplary and comprehensive service journalism that relies on both critical voice and thorough research to bring a variety of dining options into perspective, whether in a single city, a region, or a country.
“Gastro Obscura’s Feast” by Anne Ewbank, Diana Hubbell, and Sam O’Brien, Gastro Obscura
Feature Reporting: This award recognizes excellence for engaging writing and in-depth reporting in food and/or drink features.
“We Need to Talk About Trader Joe’s” by Adam Reiner
TASTE
Food Coverage in a General Interest Publication: This award recognizes excellence in food and/or drink writing, reporting, and presentation in a general interest site or print publication. Judges evaluate each entry for overall breadth and depth of coverage.
The Bitter Southerner
Foodways: This award recognizes the importance of culture and history in food journalism. Entries in this category explore the connection between what we eat and who we are, with an emphasis on reporting.
“As Detroit sees a future in urban agriculture, some pushback harkens to a dark past” by Lyndsay C. Green, Detroit Free Press
Health and Wellness: This award recognizes excellence in food- and/or drink-related health and wellness coverage. Entries explore a variety of topics that may include (but are not limited to) addiction, aging, chronic disease, diet, mental health, mind-body connection, nutrition, and reproductive health.
“Florida Banned Farmworker Heat Protections. A Groundbreaking Partnership Offers a Solution.” Grey Moran. Civil Eats
Home Cooking: This award recognizes excellence in service journalism with a practical focus for the home cook. The award honors imaginative and substantive entries that use fresh, innovative approaches—both written and visual—to illuminate cooking methods, ingredients, and recipes.
“The Art and Science of Kimchi” by Andrea Geary, Cook’s Illustrated
Investigative Reporting: This award recognizes excellence in investigative reporting on environmental, political, business, or policy issues regarding food and/or drink.
“The North Koreans behind global seafood”; “The Whistleblower” by Ian Urbina and the Staff of The Outlaw Ocean Project, The Outlaw Ocean Project and The New Yorker
Jonathan Gold Local Voice Award: This award recognizes the work of an individual who engages readers through enterprising food and dining coverage in a specific region, which also displays versatility in form, including reviews, profiles, cooking, quick hits, and hard news reporting.
“Etta’s Five Bankruptcies Have Left a Collective Mess”; “White Sox Fans Came for the Losses, Stayed for the Milkshakes”; “Namasteak, USA” by Ashok Selvam, Eater Chicago
MFK Fisher Distinguished Writing Award: This award recognizes a single article of exceptional literary merit on the subject of food and/or drink published in any medium.
“The City that Rice Built” by Jeff Gordinier and George McCalman, Food & Wine
Narrative Photography: New in 2025, this award recognizes exemplary storytelling through the use of photography within food culture. An entry is composed of images from one published piece that captures a visual narrative with skill, perspective, and style.
“The Only Constant is Chuck’s” by Rory Doyle (Self-published)
WKDQ 99.5: Indiana Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurant Now Among the Best in the US
Medieval Cities: A Step Back in Time
Forget the Big Cities—These 12 Medieval Towns Are Europe’s True Gems https://worldwildschooling.com/these-12-medieval-towns-are-europes-true-gems/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=travelers/magazine/The+Travel+Exchange
Actor Ronnie Marmo returns to Chicago with ‘Bill W. and Dr. Bob’
By Eloise Marie Valadez, guest blogger.
An important story about the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous is unfolding on stage at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.
“Bill W. and Dr. Bob” continues to June 8 at the theater. The show stars Ronnie Marmo as Bill W. and Rick Yaconis as Dr. Bob, the founders of AA. Marmo also directs the show, which is produced by Theatre 68, with locations in Los Angeles and New York. Actor Marmo is also the artistic director of Theatre 68.
The theatrical production offers a candid look at the lives of New York stockbroker Wilson and Ohio surgeon Dr. Bob and how they teamed together to form the organization. The show also focuses on their wives, who founded Al-Anon, a support group for family and friends of alcoholics.
“Bill W. and Dr. Bob” was first performed in Chicago in 2024 where it enjoyed an 11-week run at The Biograph Theatre. Also starring in the show are Katherine Wetterman, Elizabeth Rude, Phil Aman and Maria Seidell.
In a past interview, Marmo said working on this play was important to him. He’s been sober for three decades and said AA saved his life.
The theatrical production, which also has a good dose of humor in it, was written by Samuel Shem and Janet Surrey.
In addition to touring with this show, Marmo also stars in “I’m Not A Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce,” which he frequently takes on tour.
FYI: “Bill W. and Dr. Bob” runs to June 8 at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Tickets start at $69. Visit billwanddrbobonstage.com.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
Classic Restaurants of Michiana Book Signing June 11th
The members of the Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church Book/Movie Discussion Group have invited me to speak this Wednesday, June 11th at 6:30 p.m. If you have the time and are interested in the history of restaurants in Michiana, please come. The church is lovely, located in a beautiful country setting at 51841 Leach Rd, Dowagiac, Michigan. The event itself is next door in the Parish Hall.
Here is the flyer that Terri Moore sent out:
Over the centuries, residents of Michiana have never wanted for superb dining choices. Award-winning author Jane Simon Ammeson will lead us on a culinary road trip through Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan.
Once a stagecoach stop, The Old Tavern Inn has been open since the time of President Andrew Jackson. Tosi’s is known for its gorgeous starlit garden and gastronomic traditions stretching back almost a century, and The Volcano was amongst the first pizzerias in the country.
These restaurants and other classic eateries remain part of the thriving local food scene. But the doors of others have long been closed. Some like Mead’s Chicken Nook and Robertson’s Tea Room linger in memories while The Owl Saloon, O. A. Clark’s Lunch Rooms, and Lobster Lounge are long lost to time.
Jane Simon Ammeson is a food and travel columnist who has authored seventeen books, including Classic Restaurants of Northwest Indiana. Always willing to travel for food, she blogs about her experiences at janeammeson.com.
Light refreshments will be served
For more information contact:
Terri Moore, 269-782-6925, t2sewmoore@outlook.com
Announcing Basha’s 10th Donut Flavor Craze Winners
PARADISE VALLEY TEENAGER AND GILBERT GROWN-UP ARE NAMED WINNERS OF BASHAS’ 10TH ANNUAL DONUT FLAVOR CRAZE CONTEST
Winning donuts will be available in Bashas’ bakeries across the state for a limited timestarting this Friday, June 6 (National Donut Day)
The donuts have been tasted, the ballots have been counted, and the results are now in for Bashas’ 10th-annual Donut Flavor Craze contest.
Thanks to the culinary creativity of a Paradise Valley teenager and a Gilbert grown-up, two new donut flavors will soon be available in Bashas’ bakery cases across the state – just in time for National Donut Day this Friday, June 6.
Miele K., a 13-year-old from Paradise Valley, won first place in the youth category for her Desert Campfire Smore donut, which is a Long John donut with chocolate icing, drizzled with marshmallow crème and topped with graham cracker crumbs and mini marshmallows.
Elizabeth Bouck, a grown-up from Gilbert, submitted the winning donut in the adult category. Her Donoli donut is a frosted vanilla donut filled with cinnamon cream cheese icing, sprinkled with crushed cannoli chips and chocolate chips and then drizzled with chocolate icing.
If Bouck’s name sounds familiar, it’s for good reason: she took first place in last year’s youth category.
As part of its annual competition, Bashas’ invited kids and grown-ups across the state to dream up the best donut flavors for the grocer’s bakery cases. People could submit their ideas for a donut from any of the themes from the previous nine years. They were: Pop Culture, Wacky Donut Flavors, Sweet & Savory, Arizona Themed, Guilty Pleasure, Carnival Flavors, Global Flavors and Retro vs. Future.
A panel of local celebrity judges helped Bashas’ to select the winning donut flavors.
The two winning donuts will be available for purchase in Bashas’ bakery cases across the state starting this Friday, June 6. Also on National Donut Day, Bashas’ will donate 10% of its donut sales on Friday, June 6, 2025, to The Salvation Army, which established National Donut Day in June 1938 to honor volunteers who served the sweet treats to soldiers on the frontlines. Additionally, you’ll receive 18 donuts when you purchase two Don Francisco’s coffee pods or bags.
In addition to being named Bashas’ Official Donut Ambassadors for 2025, Miele and Elizabeth will each receive one dozen donuts every month for a year from Bashas’ bakery, and $500 worth of prizes, including a Bashas’ gift card.
The youth category runner-up is 13-year-old Audrey S. from Tucson; she will receive a $50 Bashas’ gift card for her A Latte Sugar donut, a buttercream filled donut topped with chocolate-coffee frosting drizzled with caramel and a ganache of espresso beans.
The adult category runner-up is Sheryl Keeme from Tempe; she will receive a $50 Bashas’ gift card for her The Salty White Turtle submission. It is a vanilla donut dipped in white ganache, drizzled with caramel and topped with broken pecans and sea salt.
The three honorable mentions in the youth category went to 9-year-old Creedence M. from Buckeye for her Island Kiss Donut; 13-year-old Charlee Y. from Scottsdale for The “Wicked” I Donut of Bashas’ and 16-year-old Braxton B. from Queen Creek for the Chocolate Covered Pretzel donut. The three honorable mentions in the adult category are Shaunna Serfin from Glendale for the Peach Cobbler Crunch submission, Janet Gunderson from Flagstaff for her Cookies and Milk for Santa donut, and Maya Gordon from Chandler for her Coco Mocha Monkey Banana donut. All six will each receive a $20 Bashas’ gift card.
About National Donut Day
National Donut Day was originally established to honor The Salvation Army’s service to soldiers during World War I. Around 250 volunteers traveled overseas to provide emotional and spiritual support, sweet treats, clothes, and supplies to troops. These women, known as “Donut Lassies,” made and hand-delivered donuts to the front lines and are often credited with popularizing the donut in the United States when the troops returned home from war.
About Bashas’ Family of Stores
Bashas’ Family of Stores is a division of The Raley’s Companies. The grocer operates in Arizona, New Mexico, and four Tribal Nations under five well-known brands including Bashas’, Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods, Eddie’s Country Store, and Bashas’ Diné supermarkets. Founded in 1932, the grocer has a rich history of serving families with quality products and great customer service. With more than 100 supermarkets in Arizona, Bashas’ is one of the largest employers in the state and one of the Best Places to Work. Bashas’ has given back more than $100 million to the communities it serves. For more information, visit bashas.com.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army ranks No. 6 on Forbes’ latest list of America’s Top 100 Charities and has helped more than 360,000 Arizonans last year through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry; shelter; and clothing for people experiencing homelessness, along with rent and utilities assistance, disaster relief, respite from extreme weather conditions, senior activity and outreach, adult rehabilitation, opportunities for under-resourced children, holiday assistance, and emotional and spiritual support, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at more than 40 units across the state. Around 83 cents of every dollar donated to The Salvation Army nationally go directly to fund programs to help people who need it most. For more information about The Salvation Army, visit SalvationArmySouthwest.org and follow SalvationArmySW on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. #DoingTheMostGood #SalArmyLoveBeyond.
Delving Into the Stories of Some of America’s Greatest Caves
National Caves and Karst Day Is June 6 … and Here’s Where to Celebrate
In a country that has a day for everything, of course there’s one set aside to pay tribute to caves. June 6 denotes National Caves and Karst Day, a celebration of those mysterious pits that humans have been exploring for generations … though not always with great success.
This year seems like a particularly good one to acknowledge America’s caves, considering that the story of what happened to one cave explorer has made it all the way to a Broadway stage in 2025. “Floyd Collins: The Musical” shares the story of the man who got trapped in a Kentucky cave in 1925 and created a media frenzy, and the show has been nominated for six Tony awards. Though things didn’t work out so well for Floyd, what happened to him prompted the National Park Service to take control of the country’s biggest cave. But more on that later …
Though today we’re fully focused on caves, it helps to understand what “karst” is, too. That’s the type of topography that’s created when rocks dissolve, and it results in features like natural bridges and sinkholes … and, of course, caves.
MBPR proudly represents destinations in two of the most “karst-y” places in the entire country, western Kentucky and the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Each location is home to a variety of caves, and we’re proud to work with three that are especially fascinating. We encourage you to visit them and learn what’s going on under the earth, then emerge to discover some incredible attributes outside the caves, too.
261 Caverns Road, Quicksburg
These caverns are located within the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, a region that’s incredibly rich in limestone. There are plenty of caves to explore up and down the valley, but we’re particularly fond of Shenandoah Caverns. For starters, it’s the only cave in the state of Virginia to offer elevator service, which means it provides a chance for more people to get inside a cavern and look around. The paths are very wide and most of the ceilings are quite tall. This makes it much more “user-friendly” than caves that feature lots of steps or winding paths.
Something else that sets Shenandoah Caverns apart from most other caves in this region and around the country is the fact that it was formed by both underground rivers and seismic activity. Caves are usually formed by one of those elements or the other, not by both. And a little surprise that’s probably the caverns’ most popular feature is the presence of “cave bacon,” unique formations that looks like everyone’s favorite breakfast meat.
The caverns also just added a new display on June 1. Two years ago, researchers found skulls belonging to a prehistoric animal called the Mylohyus fossilis, or long-nosed peccary (a type of wild pig), in a remote passage in the caverns. They were able to excavate the skulls, which are now being studied, but models have been created so visitors can see what sort of creatures used to live here.
The same limestone that forms the caves also makes the Shenandoah Valley an incredible agricultural region. This part of the United States was once covered by an ancient ocean, and the remains of marine life formed the limestone. The rich soil here is perfect for growing hay, apples and grapes. And you know what comes with grapes … wine! Shenandoah County is home to eight wineries. Of these, Third Hill at DeMello Winery is closest to the caverns, but the others are located anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes away.
2818 Nashville Road, Bowling Green
Lost River Cave is the only natural underground boat tour in all of Kentucky, which is a big bragging right in a state that’s home to at least 5,000 documented caves. That means that to see inside this cave, you board a boat and take a 25-minute ride through a natural wonder.
The boat is equipped for riders of all types of mobility, so even babes in arms can get their first-ever peek at the interior of a cave.
Besides the cool boat ride and the fact that Lost River runs underneath the third largest city in Kentucky, this cave is known for its famous blue hole, which gets its color from – you guessed it – all the limestone in the area. The cave also has plenty of folklore around it … some stories true, some not so much. It has served as a hunting ground for Native Americans (true), a Civil War camp for both Union and Confederate soldiers (yep), a hideout for the outlaw Jesse James (hmmm… has it?), and the area’s most unusual nightclub (fun fact).
The singers from back in the 1930s can attest to the cave’s dramatic acoustics.
The boat tour is only a portion of what your admission ticket gets you. There’s also a complete above-ground experience that shows off the beauty of the land. There’s an array of trails and a geocaching adventure, and from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the cave’s staff also operates the Charlie Miller Butterfly Habitat.
Town of Mammoth Cave
This isn’t just an example of good marketing … the cave earned its “Mammoth” name because it’s the longest cave system in the entire world. So far, more than 400 miles have been explored, and there’s no telling what lies beyond that. Back in the early 1900s, people popped in and out of this area’s caves with reckless abandon. But an accident in the winter of 1925 at a neighboring cave – a news event referred to as the “entrapment of Floyd Collins” – led to the National Park Service taking over Mammoth Cave and putting incredible safety measures into place. That set the tone for new ways of exploring Kentucky’s “Cave Country.”
These days, Mammoth offers a variety of guided tours, ranging from those that are pretty mild (you can travel in a wheelchair) to some that are kind of wild … perhaps exploring by lantern-light or squeezing through on your hands or knees. Mammoth is an incredibly popular cave, so making a plan and booking your tour early is essential, especially in the summer months. It’s important to note that these days, everyone who enters the cave comes back out again safely, so there’s no fear of someone’s adventure turning into a Broadway musical 100 years from now.
A fun part of any cave tour is experiencing a natural wonder in the dark … but the bonus here is that you don’t have to be underground at Mammoth to do that. This national park is also an official “Dark Sky” park, meaning that the absence of city light results in some incredible stargazing.
In honor of National Caves and Karst Day, make plans to get out there – and get UNDER there – and do some exploring!
Janet Davies stars in Dunes Summer Arts Theatre’s season opener ‘Misery’
Post by Eloise Marie Valadez, Guest Blogger
Television journalist Janet Davies is showcasing her talents as an actress in the latest play at Dunes Summer Arts Theatre in Michigan City.
Davies said she has long been interested in theater and live performance, as well as what they bring to an audience.
“What I like about theater is hearing a reaction to what you’re doing on stage, whether it’s a gasp, a laugh or a chuckle. You know you’re touching someone,” Davies said.
Davies added the immediacy you get in the theater is great and nothing is ever exactly the same twice.
“You can’t get that on television,” she said.
Davies stars alongside actor Kevin Giese in “Misery,” The play, directed by John Hancock, continues to June 15 at Dunes Summer Arts Theatre. “Misery,” based on the book by Stephen King, is a thriller which recounts the story of writer Paul Sheldon who is held hostage in the home of his deranged number one fan Annie Wilkes after his car crashes near her house.
About the production “Misery,” Davies said it’s “very emotional.” It’s also a production with highly dramatic ups and downs and “blood and guts,” she added.
Davies said she admired Kathy Bates work in the hit film version of “Misery,” which she’s seen once.
Working with Dunes Summer Arts Theatre on this show, Davies said, is a real honor.
She said she wanted to give a “shoutout” to her “Misery” costar Giese, as well as director Hancock who are both terrific to work with.
Davies, who has been retired from television broadcasting for the past five years, lives in southwestern Michigan. She is heavily involved in the arts and theatrical community and serves as board chair for Acorn Center for The Performing Arts in Three Oaks, Michigan.
Throughout her career, Davies was a TV journalist in Chicago, Philadelphia and Cincinnati. She spent 37 years as a reporter, host and executive producer at ABC-7 Chicago.
Davies said she entered the field of broadcast journalism when she was in her twenties.
“There weren’t a lot of women in it (then) and I didn’t have a lot of competition.”
Davies said she’s enjoying her stage stint at Dunes Summer Arts Theatre and wouldn’t mind doing future work with the organization.
FYI: “Misery” continues through June 15 at Dunes Summer Arts Theatre, 288 Shady Oak Drive, Michigan City. Tickets range from $30 to $35. Visit dunearts.org.
Cover photo: Kevin Giese and Janet Davies are pictured in a scene from “Misery.” Photo by Tony V. Martin
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
Summer Fun in the City: Chicago’s Festival Season Has Just Begun
- Chicago Pride Fest (June 21-22, 2025) – Each year, more than 100,000 revelers flock to the historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood of Northalsted to take part in the festivities, including three stages with live music, more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, food from local restaurants, drag shows, dance performances, a high-heel race, and more. This year’s headlining artists include Natasha Bedingfield, JoJo Siwa, Sapphira Cristál, Bob the Drag Queen, Amber Riley, and more across two stages.
- Argyle Night Market (Every Thursday from July 3 – August 28, 2025) – Started in 2013 by Uptown United, the Argyle Night Market is an annual event that features food from local Argyle restaurants plus live cultural and musical performances on Thursday evenings each summer. This vibrant and award-winning event is located on Argyle, the city’s first shared street, which prioritizes pedestrians, celebrates green infrastructure, and encourages community engagement.
- Windy City Smokeout (July 10-13, 2025) – The nation’s premier outdoor country music and BBQ festival returns to Chicago’s iconic United Center for its 12th year. The star-studded weekend will feature country music’s biggest names, including Kane Brown, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Bailey Zimmerman, and Megan Moroney, along with an impressive roster of up-and-coming talent and over 25 of the best BBQ teams from across the country. In addition to the top performer in country music, the festival offers a selection of curated events, such as the “Biggest Happy Hour of the Summer” on Friday, July 11 and an epic “BBQ Brunch” on Sunday, July 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The bottomless BBQ Brunch will include a variety of dishes from the Windy City Smokeout’s Pitmaster Buffet, featuring a special Bacon Bar. Guests can also sip on mimosas and build their own Bloody Marys with all the fixings at the Bloody Mary Bar.
- Chinatown Summer Fair (July 26-27, 2025) – This iconic event is one of the most ethnically unique outdoor events in Chicago and the Midwest. Attracting more than 50,000 people from throughout the region, Chinatown Summer Fair is a true celebration of Far East beauty and culture including food, art, and music. This neighborhood street festival will open with a lion dance procession, followed by Asian performances; kung fu demonstrations; samplings from Chinatown’s restaurants and unique gift shops; arts & crafts exhibits; street vendors with an array of merchandise; and a children’s area.
- Lollapalooza (July 31 – August 3, 2025) – One of Chicago’s most highly anticipated summer events, this genre-defying lineup is packed with the music industry’s biggest names, along with local favorites and emerging artists.The full Lollapalooza lineup features more than 170 musical acts across nine stages, with headliners such as Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, the Creator, Sabrina Carpenter, Rüfüs du Sol, Luke Combs, A$AP Rocky, Gracie Abrams and Doechii
- Chicago Air and Water Show (August 16-17, 2025) – The Chicago Air and Water Show has been an iconic Chicago event since 1959. The annual summer spectacle is the largest and oldest free-admission air and water exhibition in the United States. The two-day event draws an audience of over one million to the city’s stunning lakefront to see pilots perform astonishing stunts above the waters of Lake Michigan.
- Chicago House Music Festival and Conference (August 22-23, 2025) – The Chicago House Music Festival is an annual celebration of the Chicago-born genre that has revolutionized dance music globally. Held in Millennium Park every summer, this joyous event attracts house fans from across the globe to hear today’s top DJs and up-and-coming talent.
- Chicago Jazz Festival (August 28-31, 2025) – The Chicago Jazz Festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition that promotes all forms of jazz through free, high-quality music programming at Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park. The festival showcases Chicago’s local talent alongside national and international artists to raise awareness and appreciation for one of the city’s most beloved art forms.
