Dine Local, Support Local: Louisville’s Restaurant Week Offers Community Support for Area Non-Profit
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Dining out locally and helping an area charity will go hand-in-hand with the return of Louisville Restaurant Week, February 24 to March 2, 2025.
Agave & Rye
This dining-out-focused week will encourage locals to experience Louisville’s lively culinary scene with a prix-fixe three-course menu for $26, $36, $46, and $56 at participating restaurants. In addition, one dollar of every meal purchased during Louisville Restaurant Week will be donated to Feed Louisville.
The Melting Pot
Feed Louisville’s kitchen diverts food from being thrown away and repurposes it into meals to send out to the homeless and food-insecure community. Their Food Rescue Program allows restaurants, caterers and other licensed food producers to donate viable, safely held food that we incorporate into our daily production of hundreds of hot and hearty meals. These meals go directly to the streets or people experiencing food insecurity each day.
The Fat Lamb
“Participating in Louisville’s Restaurant Week offers locals a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy our diverse culinary scene. By dining at participating restaurants, residents contribute to our independent restaurants and the local economy, support small businesses, and help sustain jobs within our community,” said Cleo Battle, President and CEO of Louisville Tourism. “We are also proud to partner with Feed Louisville, a vital resource to our community, making Louisville Restaurant Week a win-win for everyone involved.”
Mesh
Louisville Restaurant Week is an excellent opportunity for local foodies to get out and experience firsthand why Travel + Leisure proclaimed Bourbon City one of “The Best Food Cities in the U.S.” and Southern Living named Louisville one of the “South’s Best Food Cities.”
610 Magnolia
A preview of participating restaurants includes: Agave & Rye, All Thai’d Up, Brasserie Provence, Ciao Ristorante, Four Pegs Smokehouse & Bar, High Steaks Rooftop Bar & Grill, Lou Lou on Market, Louvino, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Oliver’s Chophouse & Bourbon Bar, Osteria, Perso, Sarino, SideBar at Whiskey Row, The Eagle Food & Beer Hall, The Fat Lamb, The Melting Pot, and Vincenzo’s. For more information about Louisville Restaurant Week, visit www.louisvillerestaurantweek.com.
The historic hotel celebrates connections to the novel ahead of 100th anniversary
Louisville’s oldest operating hotel is celebrating its rich history with a newly unveiled Great Gatsby suite ahead of the novel’s centenary this April. Opened in 1905, the Seelbach Hotel has a storied past with a guest list that includes former U.S. Presidents, Academy Award winners, and famous musicians. F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of the classic American novel The Great Gatsby, is said to have frequented the hotel to imbibe in its infamous Rathskeller while on break from Louisville’s Camp Taylor, where he was stationed in 1918 during World War I.
In honor of The Great Gatsby’s 100th anniversary on April 10, 2025, the Seelbach Hilton Hotel has unveiled a newly renovated two-room suite embellished with Art Deco décor reflecting the opulence, bold colors, and glamour of the era. Designed by Louisville native Terra B. Nelson, founder of boutique consulting firm T.B. Nelson Hospitality Design, the two rooms of the suite were designed to highlight the dichotomy between The Great Gatsby characters Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchannan.
In the Daisy-inspired bedroom, guests will find the look of established old money of Tom and Daisy: lavish but delicate. The room features a pair of gold peacock table lamps, a 1920s Victorian settee, and a vintage phone covered in a string of pearls. In the connected Gatsby Lounge, guests will get the feel of new money, with over-the-top design, plush velvet armchairs, and an Art Deco dresser turned mini bar. The first thing that will catch guests’ eye when entering the lounge is the gold luxurious textile adorning the ceiling, which converges at the center of the room on a three-tiered crystal chandelier.
“In order to get people talking, you have to give them something to talk about, and one of the best ways to do that is by creating spaces that go beyond functionality and aesthetics to offer vivid and unforgettable experiences,” said Terra B. Nelson, designer, and Founder of T.B. Nelson Hospitality Design. “We were able to add some really nice vintage pieces, a few sourced from my personal collection, and others sourced from local antique dealers. One of my favorite features that brings the rooms together is the vintage green light that hangs by the door leading into the Daisy bedroom. The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock is a recurring theme in the book, always calling Gatsby to her.”
Other Easter eggs that The Great Gatsby fans may notice can be found throughout the suite. Find hints of the book’s characters and places on the walls, featuring photos of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tom Buchannan, and Jay Gatsby, as well as coastal art representing the fictional towns of East and West Egg. A pearl necklace draped over a vintage telephone pays homage to the incessant always-ringing phone that recurs in the book and films. Guests will also find a variety of Art Deco design books and, of course, copies of The Great Gatsby.
The Seelbach’s Great Gatsby Suite will officially be available to book on the hotel’s website beginning February 1. For guests who want to experience more of the hotel’s opulent history, the Hilton property provides free hotel tours at 4:30pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The tour includes facts about the hotel’s120-year history, with stops in the Oakroom, where Al Capone was said to have played cards, The Grand Ballroom, which Fitzgerald penned as the location of Tom and Daisy’s lavish June wedding, and the Rathskellar, a one-of-a-kind historic space that was a USO during World War I and where Fitzgerald is to said have imbibed during his time off.
To make reservations for the Seelbach Hilton Hotel’s Great Gatsby Suite, or for more information on the hotel’s history, visit www.seelbachhilton.com. For information on upcoming The Great Gatsby-themed events, tours, and other information on Gatsby’s Guide to Louisville,
Rediscover your #LouisvilleLove with the return of the Hometown Tourist Celebration next month. The event invites residents to rediscover downtown Louisville by providing a discounted admission fee for well-loved or new-to-them attractions and venues.
The Downtown Hometown Tourist Celebration will take place February 1 – 10, 2025. During this time, individuals with a valid Kentucky or Indiana ID, local college ID, or military ID will receive half-off admission to participating Downtown venues.
21c Museum Hotel. Photo by Steve Grider.
“This event is for our entire state to enjoy Louisville’s attractions and venues, because our downtown is your downtown,” said Rebecca Fleischaker, executive director of LDP. “Normally a slow time of year for our attractions, this celebration gives locals an added benefit of saving money as well as supporting and promoting the incredible range of attractions, venues, and hotels that make our city unique.”
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.
Participating attractions and venues include:
Angel’s Envy Distillery
Angles Selfie Museum
Bardstown Bourbon Company
Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
Frazier History Museum
Good Bounce’s Downtown location
KMAC Contemporary Art Museum
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Muhammad Ali Center
SAR Genealogical Library
Whiskey Row.
Downtown hotels are also participating with various discounts and package deals, offering a special rate for the duration of the celebration. Participating hotels include the 21c Hotel; Embassy Suites; the Galt House; Omni Louisville Hotel; Seelbach Hilton; and the Tempo by Hilton Louisville.
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (Photo by Marty Pearl/Special to the LCVB)
“Hometown Tourist Week is a vital initiative that encourages our residents to explore and appreciate the incredible attractions and experiences right here in Louisville,” said Cleo Battle, Louisville Tourism President & CEO. “By being tourists in our own city, we not only support local businesses and attractions but also foster a deeper connection to our community. This celebration highlights the strength and diversity of our city’s offerings and reinforces the unique charm and hospitality that makes Louisville a top destination.”
Frazier History Museum.
Additional Downtown venues offering varying discounts during the celebration include the Belle of Louisville Riverboats; Corner Flavors of Kentucky; Derby City Gaming; Goodwood Brewing & Spirits; Porch Kitchen & Bar; and the Waterfront Botanical Gardens.
Tickets for admission can be purchased online by individual location or multiple days and locations together. Walk-ins are welcome, but reserving tickets in advance is recommended. Tickets and hotel bookings can be made in advance and can be viewed on LDP’s website.
Fairbanks, Alaska, is a land of captivating contrasts, offering truly unforgettable experiences. Chase the aurora borealis, celebrate the summer solstice under 24 hours of daylight, and explore the rugged beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. Discover 25 compelling reasons to visit Fairbanks in 2025, from relaxing in a natural hot spring to embarking on epic dog mushing adventures and much more.
1. Mesmerizing Northern Lights Watch in awe as the northern lights dance across Fairbanks’ clear, dark skies. From August 21 to April 21, during Aurora Season, this natural phenomenon creates an unforgettable experience. Fairbanks’ location under the Auroral Oval offers prime viewing opportunities, making it a world-renowned destination for aurora seekers.
2. Amazing Alaska Native Events Immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of Alaska Native peoples. Participate in cultural events, witness traditional dances, and learn about the unique heritage of Interior Alaska’s first inhabitants.
3. Rich Gold Rush History Step into the gold rush era in Fairbanks! Pan for gold and keep your treasures. Or join the community during the annual Golden Days, a vibrant celebration of the city’s gold rush heritage.
4. Easy Access via Air, Road, Rail and Cruise Fairbanks is easily accessible by air through Fairbanks International Airport including new summer seasonal routes from Salt Lake City and Portland, by road, by rail on the Alaska Railroad, and via cruise ship tours that include land excursions to Fairbanks.
5. An Iconic Historic Park Visit the centrally located Pioneer Park to experience museums, historic buildings and family-friendly attractions. Take a leisurely walk through Alaska’s colorful history, all in one location.
6. Alaska’s State Sport of Dog Mushing Visit a dog kennel, learn about the training of these incredible athletes, and perhaps even take a dog sled ride. Cheer on mushers and their dog teams as they race across challenging snowy terrain. These world-renowned sled dog races showcase the spirit and endurance of Alaska’s dog sledding tradition.
7. Relaxing Natural Hot Springs Unwind in the soothing waters of Chena Hot Springs. These mineral-rich waters offer a rejuvenating retreat from your adventures. Relax and rejuvenate surrounded by stunning natural scenery, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the northern lights while you soak.
8. Locally Made Art and Gifts Find unique treasures and support local artists by exploring Fairbanks’ art galleries, markets and shops that feature Alaskan-made goods. Discover handcrafted jewelry, pottery, paintings, housewares and other Alaskan-made goods.
9. It’s Christmas All Year Visit nearby North Pole, where the spirit of Christmas lives year-round. Explore the Santa Claus House to browse holiday-inspired gifts, snap a photo with Santa and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Explore Silver Bell Square, a new multi-use plaza next to the store.
10. A Vibrant Downtown Explore Fairbanks’ revitalized downtown, with its unique shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. Discover local art, enjoy delicious cuisine and experience the friendly atmosphere of this northern city.
11. A Chance to Cross the Arctic Circle Fairbanks provides easy access to Alaska’s Arctic. Journey by road or air to stand at this symbolic boundary. Capture a photo at the Arctic Circle sign and experience the unique landscapes and phenomena of the far north.
12. Abundant Local Flavors and Libations Savor the unique flavors of Fairbanks at local eateries, breweries and distilleries. From restaurants using locally sourced ingredients to a variety of small-batch breweries and distilleries, enjoy a taste of Alaska’s culinary delights.
13. Stellar Solstice Celebrations Celebrate the summer and winter solstices in Fairbanks. The Summer Solstice is a time of festivals and revelry under the Midnight Sun, while the Winter Solstice marks the return of the light.
14. Larger Than Life Ice Sculptures Experience the magic of ice art, from delicate carvings to towering structures. Be amazed by elaborate sculptures and frozen masterpieces at the annual World Ice Art Championships held in Fairbanks. Explore two ice museums open year-round.
15. Historic Sites and Museums Delve into Fairbanks’ history at various museums and historic sites. Learn about the area’s natural history, cultural heritage and the stories of the people who shaped this unique region.
16. Endless Daylight Experience the magic of Midnight Sun Season, when the sun barely dips below the horizon. For 70 straight days between mid-May and late July, the skies in Fairbanks don’t truly get dark. Take advantage of the extended days to explore, adventure, and soak up the midnight sun.
17. A New Home for Alaska’s Transportation History The Fountainhead Transportation Museum, opening in fall 2025, is a state-of-the-art museum celebrating Alaska’s history of innovation with over 135 vintage cars, rare aircraft, and cultural treasures. Explore immersive exhibits and stunning restorations in a must-see destination for history and transportation enthusiasts that will combine the existing Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum and Pioneer Air Museum into one new location.
18. Festivals, Fairs and Events Galore Fairbanks is home to numerous festivals and events throughout the year, from rousing street fairs that take over downtown to week-long celebrations and everything in between. Experience the vibrant community spirit and enjoy a variety of entertainment.
19. Unforgettable Adventures to Denali Fairbanks serves as the basecamp to Denali National Park. Enjoy ranger-led programs, hiking trails for all skill levels and scenic bus tours into the heart of the park. Witness the grandeur of Denali and immerse yourself in the pristine Alaskan wilderness.
20. Pristine Waterways for Fishing and Floating Explore the clear waters of local rivers and lakes. Dip a line for fishing in the summer or ice fishing in the winter. Take a scenic riverboat trip, a leisurely float or paddle a kayak and immerse yourself in the natural beauty.
21. Epic Outdoor Winter Adventures Embrace the winter wonderland with exciting outdoor activities. Enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, dog mushing and other thrilling winter adventures in the Fairbanks area. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, the serene landscapes provide the perfect backdrop.
22. Beautiful Flora and Fauna Discover the diverse plant and animal life of Interior Alaska. Observe wildlife such as moose, caribou and cranes, and explore the ecosystems of the boreal forest and tundra. Explore the stunning variety of plants and flowers at a local botanical garden.
23. Reindeer Make Great Friends Get up close with reindeer and learn about their unique adaptations to Arctic life. These enchanting animals offer a memorable connection to Alaska’s wildlife and culture. From quick meet and greets to walks through the boreal forest, spending time with reindeer is a must on your Fairbanks visit!
24. A Tranquil Refuge on the Edge of Town Wander trails through forests and wetlands at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. Located just minutes from downtown, stroll through the boreal forest while keeping an eye out for migratory birds and other local wildlife in their natural habitat.
25. Robust Performing Arts Scene Enjoy a variety of performances, from theater productions to musical concerts. Performing arts venues in Fairbanks range from traditional theaters and concert halls to an open-air venue in a meadow and everything in between.
Explore Fairbanks is a non-profit marketing and management organization whose mission is to be an economic driver in the Fairbanks region by marketing to potential visitors, optimizing the visitor experience, and advocating for a thriving year-round visitor industry. Explore Fairbanks markets Fairbanks as a year-round destination by promoting local events, attractions and activities to independent travelers, group tour operators, travel agents, meeting planners and the media as well as by developing public policy and infrastructure to achieve marketing objectives. Find out more at explorefairbanks.com.
Extensive collection of national outlets name Louisville a top place to visit
As fans of Bourbon City raise a glass to mark the end of 2024, it’s time to recap and celebrate a momentous year in the city’s dynamic tourism industry.Louisville was frequently in the winner’s circle over the past 365 days, earning top travel accolades from national travel media heavyweights such as TripAdvisor, Travel + Leisure, and Airbnb, among others.
Louisville started out 2024 on a high note, being named to Travel + Leisure’s list of ‘50 Best Places to Travel to in 2024.’ Contributing to Louisville’s historic year was the back-to-back hosting of the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby and the 106th PGA Championship, helping Louisville earn a spot on Travel Pulse, Condé Nast Traveler, and The Manual’s lists of ‘Best Places to Travel to in May.’ Both TripAdvisor and Airbnb marked Louisville as a top “trending destination” in the United States, with the online platforms using reviews and booking data to affix Louisville to the prestigious lists.
Throughout 2024, Bourbon City upheld its status with an outpouring of accolades for its vibrant culinary and cocktail scene. Louisville’s restaurant reputation is sizzling, with Travel + Leisure highlighting it as one of the ‘Best Food Cities in the U.S.’ and Cheapism proclaiming it as one of ‘America’s Best Food Cities.’ The hip and artsy NuLu neighborhood earned recognition from AFAR magazine as one of the ‘Best Food Neighborhoods in the USA,’ with numerous NuLu restaurants also receiving individual accolades.
The LEE Initiative, co-founded by Top Chef contestant and recent ‘Culinary Class Wars’ competitor Edward Lee, received a James Beard Humanitarian award, marking the Louisvillian’s second James Beard Award win. Lee also received a shout for his Butchertown restaurant Nami, which was named to USA Today’s ‘2024 Restaurants of the Year’.
Several of Louisville’s beer and bourbon festivals were also recognized nationally. The sixth annual Bourbon & Beyond music festival hada record attendance of 210,000 attendees over the four-day weekend, including 60,000 on a single day. This marked the festival’s highest single-day attendance ever.
Fort Nelson Distillery. Photo Jane Simon Ammeson.
Garden & Gun magazine highlighted festivals Bourbon & Beyond, Garden & Gun Distilled and the Bourbon Boule as three of the ‘Seven Standout Southern Bourbon Festivals,’ while Tailspin Ale Fest captured a spot on USA Today’s 10Best ‘Beer Festivals in the US.’
Louisville’s powerful reputation as a convention destination was also widely recognized with a trifecta of awards including winning the Groups Today Readers’ Choice U.S. ‘Destination of the Year,’ a MeetingsToday’s ‘Best Destination Marketing Organizations in the South,’ and a ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Award.
Some of Louisville’s top national accolades for 2024 include:
“Best Places to Travel in 2024” – Travel + Leisure
“Best Places to Go in 2024” (Kentucky) – Frommer’s
“The World’s Best Travel Destinations in 2024” – Culture.org
“The South’s Best Cities 2024” – Southern Living
“Trending Destinations – United States” – TripAdvisor
“Top Trending Destinations Locals Love” – Airbnb
“Most Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in the U.S.” (Butchertown) – TravelMag
“Best Places to Travel in The South This April” – Southern Living
“Best Places to Travel in May” – Conde Nast Traveler
“Where to Travel in May 2024” (Churchill Downs) – Travel Pulse
“Best Places to Visit in May”– The Manual
“Best Places to Honor Black History in 2024” – U.S. News
“These 10 Destinations Elevate Black Culture Year-Round” – The Points Guy
“Awesome and Unique Bachelorette Party Destinations” – Purewow
“Best Vacations in the U.S. to Explore America’s Adventure Capitals” – Men’s Journal
“2024 Readers’ Choice Awards” (Destination of the Year) – Groups Today
Visit the city’s official tourism website for the complete list of Louisville-based accolades received in 2024, including those for hotels, restaurants, and festivals.
As we approach the end of the year, it is clear that 2025 will mark a significant evolution in how luxury travelers experience destinations worldwide. Luxury travel company Zicasso analyzed data from approximately 100,000 trip requests, mined thousands of verified Zicasso reviews, and performed a detailed survey of its key in-country travel specialists to determine next year’s biggest trends for planning and booking travel, as well as top interests, activities, and destinations.
Tajines in a pottery shop in Morocco. Courtesy of Wikimedia. Eb0la.
From observing how luxury travelers are pioneering new approaches to destination immersion to seeing the transformation of traditional seasonal travel patterns globally, Zicasso has identified how sophisticated travelers are reshaping the luxury travel landscape.
Topline conclusions from Zicasso’s 2025 report include:
The Global Shift to Spring Travel
Spring has emerged as the new peak travel season, with May leading the charge as the most requested month worldwide. Nearly half (49.3%) of 2025 bookings are now concentrated in spring, signaling a significant shift away from traditional travel timing.
Deep Cultural Immersion Defines Luxury
Luxury travelers are fundamentally changing how they explore destinations, with single-destination immersion becoming the primary approach worldwide. This trend is evidenced by longer average stays of 13.5 days and an average booking window of 188 days. The emphasis on cultural authenticity has become a key driver of booking success, with 76.3% of travel specialists reporting it as a priority for successful trips.
Extended Seasons and Regional Evolution
Traditional travel seasons are transforming across the globe. From Croatia extending its season through October to Thailand seeing increased bookings in September and October, and demand for year-round African safaris over the traditional seasonal behaviors, destinations are adapting to the shifting preferences of sophisticated travelers. This change demonstrates luxury travelers are increasingly seeking optimized experiences over conventional timing.
Authentic Experiences Drive Destination Choice
From private wine tastings in Europe to artisan workshops in Asia, luxury travel is increasingly defined by authentic, hands-on experiences. This trend underscores a desire for meaningful, culturally rich moments—reflected in the 76.3% of bookings prioritizing authentic experiences.
Next up we have Dortmunder Weihnachtsmarkt, situated in the beautiful city of Dortmund. Being one of the markets on the list that has more than one hashtag variation, this popular market is one of the largest in Germany. With the opportunity to ice skate hand in hand or watch a spectacular live performance with your loved one, this market serves the perfect romantic scene. It would be a disservice not to speak on the market’s most famous feature—its dazzling Christmas tree. It stands more than 45 meters tall and is coined as one of the largest in the world, making a stunning proposal spot.
Frankfurt’s Christmas Market attracts more than 3 million visitors per year, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. It is a traditional winter market full of festivities, with Christmas carols and church bells ringing, located in the scenic old town centre, decorated with thousands of lights, ribbons, and bells. For a perfect proposal, the balcony of St. Nicholas Church overlooking the market is ideal—offering breathtaking views of the festive lights and perfect for those looking for a more private, intimate setting to pop the question with it being outside the market.
Up next is Cranger Weihnachtszauber, situated in Herne. The market spans across 30,000 metres of land and is home to more than 100 attractions, shows, and live acts, so it’s safe to say you’re in for a treat no matter what day you go. For those looking to propose, why not take it on the ice? With a beautifully illuminated ice rink, it creates the perfect magical backdrop, and one your loved one will definitely not forget.
Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt takes place during Advent in the Hauptmarkt, the central square in Nuremberg’s old town. Reaped with history and activities for all, from live performances to adventure tours, it’s perfect for families, couples, and friends. The perfect proposal spot here is the balcony of the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). This balcony overlooks the market and exudes timeless historical charm.
“This year, people seem to have gotten a jump on hauling out the holly and decorating everything that’s not moving,” writes my friend Mindy Bianca, owner of Mindy Bianca Public Relations. “But we suggest taking that holiday spirit on the road and having a few experiences that could result in the best gift of the season: memories made with family and friends. From reindeer prancing through Kentucky to a gingerbread display that hits it out of the park in New York, there’s no shortage of merry and bright adventures waiting in some of MBPR’s client destinations. Get ready to unwrap some one-of-a-kind happenings that will make your season extra bright this year.”
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to embrace the magic than spending time with Santa’s favorite critters? This hands-on farm experience lets you get close to a team of more than eight not-so-tiny reindeer, plus you can take a ride on a festive sleigh, stroll through holiday-themed displays and ice sculptures, and spend time with the jolly guy himself. New this year, the farm just added a zipline, so if the sight of these creatures playing reindeer games inspires YOU to really know how to fly … have at it!
“Let it snow” might not be the theme of a Louisiana Christmas, but that doesn’t mean the holiday season is any less jolly here. At Houmas House Estate and Gardens, the Southern Christmas vibe is strong, with majestic oak trees draped in twinkling lights and a grand historic home decked out like something straight out of a classic holiday movie. Guests can stroll the beautifully lit gardens, have a cup of cheer and enjoy delicious culinary offerings.
Frostburg, located on the Mountain Side of Maryland, is home to the nationally recognized Storybook Holiday event, complete with the ever-popular Elf Olympics, kid’s activities, a Christmas market, shops, a featured children’s author and a parade led by none other than Jack Frost himself. Fitting for a town named “Frost”-burg, Mr. Frost closes out the day’s activities by hosting a town-wide snowball fight. The 21st annual Storybook Holiday is scheduled for Saturday, December 7. Even if you can’t make it to town on that particular day, Frostburg is one of the most charmingly decorated holiday towns on the East Coast throughout the season.
They say there’s no place like home for the holidays, but what if you could enjoy all the cozy vibes without the food prep and dirty dishes, laborious set-up and take-down of decorations, and the ensuing stress? Have yourself a merrier little Christmas at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa or Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Cozy accommodations, carolers and holiday-themed packages (including one featuring a tree in your room) will make your stay as sweet as sugar plums. And just in case your holiday barometer measures in this way: This part of east Tennessee was the set for a bonafide Hallmark movie, “Christmas at Dollywood,” back in 2019.
The Otesaga Resort Hotel is the place to stay during a visit to Cooperstown, home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum. Each year, The Otesaga’s culinary team pulls out all the stops to create an amazing gingerbread creation that’s proudly displayed throughout the holiday season. This time they’ve hit a home run by building a gingerbread replica of historic Doubleday Field. For nearly 100 years, this celebrated baseball stadium has seen everyone from Hall of Famers to lucky kids play America’s pastime here in the village. Now it’s been transformed into gingerbread and royal icing.
Photo courtesy of the Dollywood Company.
If you’re dreaming of a merry and bright holiday season, gather your loved ones, pack your favorite holiday sweaters (ugly or not) and get ready to make memories that will last way longer than the extra pounds you pick up during this festive time of year.
