Uncategorized Archives : Page 16 of 27 : TRAVEL/FOOD

Michigan Brewers Guild Releases “Great Beer State” in Honor of 25th Anniversary

In honor of its 25 Anniversary, the Michigan Brewers Guild has announced the release of its Great Beer State Documentary which draws from more than 60 interviews gathered over four years. Building on the work from the 2019 book A Rising Tide – The Story of the Michigan Brewers Guild and Michigan’s Great Beer State Podcast which was launched in 2020, the film was produced by The Beervangelist, Fred Bueltmann, author of A Rising Tide and co-host of the Guild’s podcast.

“Besides celebrating 25 years, this film shows stark differences between then and now, when it comes to locally brewed beer and its contribution to community culture. From before the Michigan Brewers Guild in the mid-eighties, to the formation of the Guild in 1997 and up until the present day, there has been a cultural transformation,” stated Bueltmann. “The storyline is loosely held, shared through stories and observations from dozens of brewery folks who have been a part of the brewing scene; past, present, and future.”

The documentary premiered at the Michigan Summer Beer Festival in Ypsilanti last weekend with a private viewing for brewery members on Friday evening and a VIP screening for Enthusiast Members on Saturday morning. A series of public viewings is being organized across the state at member breweries, Allied Member locations and community friends of Michigan beer. The schedule will be posted on MiBeer.com and shared via the Guild’s Facebook page. This is an essential element in the 25th Anniversary campaign which will culminate in a “Wrap Party” on October 22 following the Detroit Fall Beer Festival at Eastern Market (the actual 25th Anniversary of the Guild).

“The film is a fun and engaging look inside the Michigan beer community,” says Scott Graham, the Guild’s executive director. “After 25 years local beer is truly part of our culture and fabric; it is part of what makes Michigan great.”

It was October 22, 1997 when a surprising collection of 49 people representing 30 operating breweries gathered at a pub in Saginaw to discuss how they could collectively promote Michigan-made beer. A consensus arose out of that meeting that a formal association of Michigan brewers should be organized and on December 3, 1997, the Michigan Brewers Guild was officially formed.

The Michigan Brewers Guild is the network of innovative and passionate brewers that serves as the recognized advocate for the Michigan craft beer industry. The mission of the Guild is to promote and protect the Michigan craft beer industry with an overarching goal to help craft beer acquire 20% of the market by 2025.

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry conservatively contributes more than $144 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $600 million. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #6 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

Formed in 1997, the Michigan Brewers Guild held its first festival in July 1998. Today, it hosts five festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan beer produced by its nearly 300 member breweries (a number that increases on a monthly basis). Within the state, and beyond, Michigan is referred to as “The Great Beer State” ranking #6 nationally for the number of breweries.

NORTHERN LIGHTS IN STYLE & COMFORT

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Skip the Expedition – Enjoy the Comfort of a Private Tour and Lodge with a Glass-Fronted Sauna

The new five-day/four-night A Polar Night adventure takes you close to the North Pole with a private tour and stay in comfort and isolation at the Juva Cabin in Svalbard, Norway. Launched by specialist travel company Off the Map Travel, the exclusive program brings adventurous travelers in search of the Northern Lights to a remote area with 24-hour darkness and a complete absence of light pollution where chances to see the Aurora are strongest. Only accessible in the snow during the winter months, Juva Cabin is the most remote comfort-oriented tourist accommodation in Svalbard.

The secluded cabin is positioned strategically to deliver the best possible views of Svalbard’s wild, pristine scenery, and optimal viewing of the Aurora. Equipped with cushy beds, a fireplace, a Scandinavian-styled lounge room, kitchen, and a barrel-shaped standalone wood sauna, the Juva Cabin allows for comfort in an Arctic experience.

Customized by Aurora Experts

Designed by Off the Map Travel’s Aurora experts, A Polar Night takes travelers to a remote location marked by a dark, clear sky. Optimizing the possibility of witnessing the colorful Northern Lights, the program offers guests a comfortable experience, different from that of a traditional Arctic expedition. Beginning in Oslo, the program travels North to Svalbard, an archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole.

“To have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights you need a polar sky. Where the sun never rises, going as far north as possible, there’s greater possibility of viewing the brilliant colors,” noted Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel.

Priced from £2699 ($3252.54 USD per person at the time of this writing), based on two people travelling, the program is available from January to May and includes all meals, one night’s lodging in Oslo’s boutique Amerikalinjen Hotel, two night’s lodging in Funken Lodge in Longyearbyen, one night in Juva Cabin in Svalbard, transfers, and all activities. Flights are additional.

Program Summary

After a night in Oslo’s premier boutique hotel, the Arctic portion begins with a night at Funken Lodge, a luxury accommodation located in Longyearbyen, a small coal-mining town on Spitsbergen Island overlooking the Lars- and Longyear glaciers. The evening kicks off the Northern Lights search with a panoramic ice-and-snow filled tour on a snowcat.

From Funken Lodge, guests meet a dog sled team that will take them to the Juva Cabin in Svalbard. Once there, guests can cozy up by the fire or head to the barrel-shaped, glass-fronted sauna which offers panoramic views of the mountains.

Following breakfast, guests will mush their way back to the dog kennels before returning for a final night at Funken Lodge and dinner at the lodge’s international-cuisine Funktionaermessen Restaurant. The restaurant’s onsite Champagne cellar is a special attraction.

As with any itinerary from Off the Map Travel, the program can be customized to fit the wishes and requirements of the guest.

For more information visit www.offthemap.travel, call 1-646-701-0041 or email info@offthemap.travel

Full itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Oslo and make your way to the city center to your centrally located hotel, Amerikalinjen. Check into your superior room and get settled before heading out for dinner at one of the city’s many restaurants.

Day 2

Check out for your flight north to Svalbard. On arrival into Longyearbyen, you will meet your private transfer who will take you to the luxurious Scandinavian-designed Funken Lodge. Check in before heading out to explore the city. This evening you will head out on a panoramic snowcat tour to the viewpoint of ‘Linken’ on the side of the mountain ‘Hiorthfjellet’ on the other side of Adventdalen to take in the views of Longyearbyen.

Day 3

Today, after breakfast, you will meet your guide who will drive you to the kennels to meet your dog sled team. You will set off with the dogs and follow the riverbed that heads into Bolterdalen, surrounded by mountains. As you travel through the valley you will find a place to stop for lunch and after an enjoyable day behind the sleds, you will arrive at the new Juva Cabin in the heart of the wilderness, equipped with electricity, bedrooms, lounge room and kitchen. January offers the possibility of 24-hour Northern Lights searching. In February, March, April and May, the light is particularly magical, with limited hours of daylight. Unharness and feed the dogs, before enjoying your dinner in your comfortable cabin where you can relax and warm up in front of the fire. For more viewing in a warm, secure setting, the outside barrel-shaped sauna offers large glass windows facing the night sky.

Day 4

After breakfast, it’s time to get the dogs ready to head back to Longyearbyen. You will head west and mush your way into Helvetiadalen before you make your way back towards Bolterdalen. Relax in Longyearbyen prior to dinner at Funken Lodge’s own restaurant, or opt for a reservation at a town restaurant such as Huset.

Day 5

Check out for your private transfer to the airport.

OFF THE MAP TRAVEL

The team at Off the Map Travel works with experiences and destinations that allow people to explore hidden wonders of our planet. Specializing in Soft Adventure OTMT creates tailor-made holiday itineraries offering authentic experiences not offered by many larger travel companies. For more information on Off the Map Travel itineraries visit www.offthemap.travel; call 1-646-701-0041; email info@offthemap.travel or join in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or Pinterest.

Cruising River St. Joe

Boating, Lake Michigan, Uncategorized

Located at Eagle Point Marina in St. Joseph, Michigan, Nia’s Pontoon Rentals offers boating opportunities on both the St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan. Available for full or half day rentals, in certain cases animals are welcomed aboard.

The St. Joseph River is a great place to cruise with sightings of bald eagles, herons, seagulls, deer, squirrels, and even, very rarely, beavers.

Pack a lunch or dock at one of the restaurants located on the river including Plank’s.

Head out into Lake Michigan past the century-plus old lighthouse, Silver and Tiscornia beaches, and downtown St. Joseph.

2351 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Michigan. For more information contact Nia at 269-932-2070.

Explore Norway’s Senja Island From Air, Land and Sea

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A new autumn adventure has launched in northern Norway, providing an exclusive opportunity to experience the Arctic from three perspectives — from the air in a private helicopter, on land while hiking and e-biking across dramatic coastal mountaintops, and on the water and under water to meet Arctic aquatic life.

The five-day Senja Autumn Adventure has been created by specialist travel company Off the Map Travel for an exclusive holiday of relaxation and unusual experiences including snorkeling by the fjords.

Senja is Norway’s second largest island and a revelation to travelers to the Arctic. The itinerary has been specially curated for the autumn temperate weather to combine a variety of activities and excursions to showcase Senja in multiple ways. And maybe offer a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

A mountainous island blessed with dramatic topography, Senja is Norway’s jewel when it comes to views, especially in autumn when it presents a palette of dark browns and greens from the mountains and sparkling turquoise from the sea.

The program begins in Trømso, dubbed “the Paris of the North” for its fashion, food and culture. Then the true adventure begins with a helicopter ride to Senja traveling above the island’s mountains and plateaus before landing in the small fishing village of Mefjordvaer on the Northwest coast.

“Senja is one of those unknown areas of the world, an unspoiled part of Norway, bursting with color and dramatic scenery,” commented Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel. “This is a special chance to experience Senja from multiple sensory angles. Our program is designed to consider every traveler’s wish and maybe even provide a glimpse of early Northern Lights.”

All meals are included with North Norwegian favorites like reindeer shank and Skreigrunn cod. Accommodations are at Mefjord Brygge, a resort village with hotel rooms, apartments and cabins, a location favored by nature lovers, adventure seekers, photographers and hikers. Guests have access to a wellness area with sauna, outdoor hot tub and solarium, an idyllic area for relaxing and soaking up the 360 degree views. A private pier overlooks a fjord that attracts local wildlife and has even more views of the rugged mountains on every side.

Water-based activities include a private boat trip to explore the island and search out seals playing beneath the surf, a visit to view salmon shoals, and an Off the Map Travel “exclusive experience” — snorkeling in some of Senja’s crystal clear bays and inlets with the opportunity to explore Røst Reef, a cold-water coral reef and home to many distinctive species of fish.

As well as being a wild fauna and flora sanctuary, Senja is a paradise for bird watchers with a mix of marine birds, sea eagles, falcons and golden eagles.

Guests will also enjoy an e-bike tour through the mountains, accessing jaw-dropping viewpoints from the cliff edge and taking in the changing shades of the water along the coast before arriving at a secluded beach for a private-dining, chef-created experience of locally sourced seafood and ingredients.

The five-day, four-night Senja Autumn Adventure itinerary is priced from £5499 per person ($7149 USD at the time of this writing), based on double occupancy, including all activities, all meals, private chef for the secluded beach meal only, transfers, one night’s hotel accommodation in Trømso and three nights’ accommodation in Senja. Flights are additional.

Itinerary Detail

Day 1: Arrive in Trømso for the first night and spend the evening exploring the city. Take a short walk to the stunning viewpoints looking down over the city and maybe watch the sun before dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants on offer. Depending when you arrive, there may be the option of an excursion or boat trip, too.

Day 2: After checking out, a short transfer to the airport will take you to your helicopter to take you across the stunning landscape to Senja. If helicopters aren’t your thing, your Adventure Artist can arrange alternative transport. In Senja, relax and settle into your accommodation before setting out on foot to explore Mefjordvaer, a small fishing village. Enjoy a leisurely dinner with beautiful views.

Day 3: After breakfast, gear up for a day trip on your own private boat to explore this beautiful island from the ocean. You’ll have your own crew and the option to head out in the morning or evening for three hours. Then it’s time to relax and enjoy your surroundings and another delicious dinner.

Day 4: For your final day in Senja, there is a special day planned for you with an activity exclusive to Off the Map Travel. You will be picked up by private boat transfer after breakfast and taken to Torsken, a rugged area on the west coast of Senja. Upon arrival you will experience an ‘underwater fjord tour’ in various bays and water inlets, a snorkeling experience giving you the opportunity to explore Senja’s crystal-clear waters. You will see a variety of sea anemones and flowers, and explore shallow coral reefs that are home to fish and starfish. You can then head up river to see salmon and visit a larger bay where you may even see seals playing beneath the surf. You are likely to see sea eagles too. Once finished, you can enjoy lunch before setting out on a beautiful e-bike tour through the fjords to a secluded beach for a private dinner prepared by your own, personal chef.

Day 5: After breakfast, transfer to Trømso via air, land or sea, taking in the beautiful landscape as you go. If you’re not ready for the adventure to end, speak to one of the team to see how they can tailor the trip for you.

OFF THE MAP TRAVEL

For more information visit www.offthemap.travel, call 1-646-701-0041 or email info@offthemap.travel

Dolly Parton’s Retired Tour Bus Now Premium Lodging at Dollywood

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For those who want a glimpse into the life of a legend, Dollywood is introducing the “Suite 1986” Tour Bus Experience. Today, guests can begin booking stays on the Prevost tour bus that was Dolly Parton’s favorite home away from home for 15 years. The bus was recently acquired by Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and has been transformed into the property’s ultimate suite, now situated on a permanent parking pad just behind the hotel.

Guests of Suite 1986 will not only have the most interesting accommodations in Dollywood’s history, but they’ll also get the opportunity to enjoy some special amenities. The suite features dedicated concierge service for the entire length of stay, the chance to sample one-of-a-kind food offerings created by the resort’s award-winning culinary team, and customized keepsakes to take home as souvenirs. The tour bus sleeps two guests, but each reservation also includes a room at DreamMore Resort, which can accommodate up to four additional guests.

There’s a two-night minimum stay for Suite 1986 and a starting rate of $10,000. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Dollywood Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dolly’s enterprises. In part, it funds Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which gifts free books to children from birth to age 5 as part of an ongoing effort to instill in everyone a passion for reading. So far, more than 2 million children have benefitted from the program.

Dolly herself loves to read, and she’s a writer at heart. In fact, she wrote her “Backwoods Barbie” album as well as “9 to 5 the Musical” in the comfort of the bus, plus some books and scripts for television shows and movies.

Though Dolly is a free-spirted traveler, she doesn’t enjoy flying and much prefers to have her own space, food and belongings rather than staying in a hotel. Her tour bus served as a rolling sanctuary that was customized to ensure that she and her companions traveled in comfort and ease no matter how far the journey. And it was specially adapted and upgraded so Dolly could do two of her favorite things – writing and cooking – from any locale.

She enjoyed making meals in the kitchenette and sharing them with her best friend and personal assistant, Judy Ogle, who traveled with her most of the time, and driver Tim Dunlap, who was responsible for the vehicle and its passengers during its length of service. To install a full-size refrigerator in place of the smaller size that comes standard in most vehicles of this type, the bus’s windshield had to be removed and then replaced.

Those who are curious about Dolly’s incredible wardrobe may be interested to learn that three of the bus’s six standard bunk beds were removed and replaced with a special closet that could accommodate all the glitter and rhinestones. When Dolly has welcomed visitors onto the bus, she’s taken great delight in showing off her wig cabinet, which probably isn’t something you’d find on any other tour bus. It’s a truly “Dolly” touch.

Guests may not need the wig closet, but they might appreciate the custom bathtub and electric doors that were added to the vehicle to transform it into a luxury suite on wheels. “I have homes all over the United States,” Dolly once said. “But my favorite place is the bus because that way I can just feel those wheels rolling.”

In addition to providing a unique glimpse into the icon’s life, the bus affords its guests beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains, where Dolly grew up. It also provides easy access to Dollywood, the theme park she established here in 1986 (hence, the bus’s new name) to provide both a source of employment for residents and a spark of joy and inspiration for the millions of visitors who are drawn to the region.

For more information about this once-in-a-lifetime experience in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, please visit www.Dollywood.com/Suite1986.

Looking to the future of lodging in the area, Dolly was in Pigeon Forge this morning to visit the construction site of Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, her second hotel in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. The 302-room property is slated to open in late 2023.

Tucked away in a beautiful cove in the rolling foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort will welcome the outdoors in with high ceilings, exposed beams and natural layered textures. The resort will offer lodging options for multi-generational families and couples, including spacious family suites and bunk rooms that will feature touches inspired by the beauty of the Smokies. Many of the rooms will include balconies that provide sweeping views of the vast resort property.

For more information about anything connected to “Destination Dollywood,” please visit Dollywood.com.

Great Lakes Lighthouses and Keepers’ Manitou Windjammer Cruise

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One of the most unique hands-on Pure Michigan experiences is to spend several days sailing the freshwaters aboard a dual-masted tall ship. You’re invited to board one of the largest sailing vessels in the Great Lakes during one of these autumn windjammer cruises aboard the Tall Ship Manitou with the Traverse Tall Ship Company. Coming up September 13-17 is a four-day excursion focused on the hundreds of historic lighthouses throughout the Great Lakes region with best-selling author and freelance travel writer, Dianna Stampfler.

“We introduced this themed cruise last year and it was a sell-out success,” notes Stampfler, who has been researching and writing about Michigan’s nearly 130 lighthouses and their heroic keepers for close to 25 years. “There was something really special about projecting images on a canopy aboard the tall ship after dark and sharing spooky stories from my first book, Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses. This year, I’m excited to also add tales from my newly released title Death and Lighthouses on the Great Lakes. A third presentation, “Ladies of the Lights” will focus on the many female keepers who served in the state.”

Each passenger will receive an autographed copy of one of Stampfler’s books (with an option to purchase additional copies). The tour also includes a special tour of the 1852 Grand Traverse Lighthouse in Northport, inside Leelanau State Park at the end of the Leelanau Peninsula.

“Last year it was great to just sit around and share stories about Michigan with all the passengers,” says Stampfler. “Today, we all seem so busy running around that we don’t often find the time to relax and just get to know people in a casual and serene environment — the Manitou provides the perfect opportunity. The backdrop of Grand Traverse Bay is also inspiring for would-be writers and I welcome guests to bring their projects with them. If there is interest, I’ll offer guidance on how to get things moving along for those who aspire to become authors or published writers.”

Chuck and Brenda Marshall – creators of the lifestyle blog Life in Michigan – posted a detailed account of their experience (along with dozens of photos) after the 2021 Lighthouse Cruise: https://www.lifeinmichigan.com/tall-ship-manitou-life-in-michigans-sailing-adventure/.

“Each evening, I’ll be presenting for about an hour on the deck of the Manitou, sharing stories from my two books as well as the fascinating tales of our female keepers here in Michigan,” said Stampfler. “The setting really is unparalleled…as the sun sets around 7:45 (and I present around 8pm, so it is twilight). It is something special to be on the tall ship after having sailed all day – from Traverse City up to Suttons Bay and Northport. It’s also a little challenging as when we aren’t docked and hooked up to power, we’re drawing from the battery for an hour to run my laptop and the projector! It definitely is the most unique venue I’ve ever presented in. Not only do we get a chance to tour Grand Traverse Lighthouse, but we get within camera view of Old Mission Point Lighthouse. I think several people were planning to visit that light on their way home, or to travel down the coastline to Point Betsie near Frankfort.”

Guided by the passionate, skilled and entertaining crew, this voyage sets sail out of Grand Traverse Bay aboard a replication of an 1800s “coasting” cargo schooner. A traditional two-masted, gaff rigged, topsail schooner, Manitou measures 114 feet in length with more than 3,000 square feet of sail. Passengers are free to leave the sailing to the experienced crew, but it’s much more fun to lend a hand and learn the arts of the sailor.

“It’s also pretty cool to see people lounging around the boat during the day reading your book while sipping on a cold beverage,” said Stampfler.

The exact course of the trip cannot be determined in advance, as the captain and crew rely on the winds to guide the path of the ship. Yet, no matter what the route, the sights, sounds and stories meld together for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. There is plenty of space for sitting and moving around Manitou’s deck while under sail on the freshwaters of Michigan’s inland seas.

This trip is limited to 22 individuals, with accommodations provided in 11 double-bunk cabins. Fare includes lodging, all meals and sailing activities. Boarding takes place on the first day between 6-8pm, with a return in mid-afternoon on the final day. To make reservations, call 800-678-0383 or order tickets online at www.TallShipSailing. Gift certificates are also available.

Traverse Tall Ship Company is located at 13258 S.W. Bay Shore Drive (M22) in Traverse City.

9 things you didn’t know about Pioneer Playhouse

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By Special Guest Blogger Kathy Witt.

In 1950, Kentucky’s legendary Pioneer Playhouse in charming Danville, KY, debuted its first season, opening at the Darnell State Hospital, now Northpoint Prison. On June 10, 2022, Kentucky’s oldest outdoor theater – also one of the oldest in the country – opened its 73rd season with “Dracula Bites,” a kooky spin on Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Theater History

More than seven decades of history have been written on the page and the stage of this Kentucky Historic Landmark, a time capsule of 1950s summer stock theater that was the dream of its visionary founder, Col. Eben Henson, who wanted to bring Broadway to the Bluegrass. And boy, did he ever!

At Pioneer Playhouse, an evening of theater under the stars begins with the ringing of the Old Danville Firehouse Bell to announce dinner – a Kentucky farm-fresh menu that is served on a covered patio and accompanied by live music. It is followed by outstanding professional theater and a chance to explore moments and memorabilia on the Playhouse’s timeline as well as browse the gift shop.

Here are nine things you may not know about the Pioneer Playhouse:

The actor best known for his roles in “Pulp Fiction,” “Saturday Night Live” and “Grease” got his start at Pioneer Playhouse. John Travolta was a 15-year-old kid from New Jersey when he made his theatre debut here in 1969. The show was “The Ephraim McDowell Story,” an original play about a nineteenth-century Kentucky surgeon. (Visitors to Danville can tour the former home and office of this pioneering surgeon, considered “The Father of Abdominal Surgery,” at the McDowell House Museum and Apothecary.

After serving in WWII, founder Eben Henson studied acting in New York City on the GI Bill with such promising up-and-comers as Harry Belafonte, Tony Curtis and Bea Arthur.

You know him as the “Six Million Dollar Man,” but back in the day, he was Harvey Yeary – a name he changed immediately to Lee Majors upon his arrival in Hollywood direct from the Playhouse. His first show? The TV western, “The Big Valley,” starring Barbara Stanwyck.

Eben’s wife, Charlotte Henson, has been singing for Playhouse dinner guests for over 50 years. The great Kentucky composer and collector of ballads, John Jacob Niles, called Charlotte’s voice one of the purest he had ever heard. Want to hear for yourself? Buy a CD of Charlotte’s record from the early 1970s at the Playhouse gift shop.

The Pioneer Playhouse box office is the original train station from the 1957 MGM classic, “Raintree County,” starring Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift. Eben Henson moved the train station to its current location and used it as an anchor for the Playhouse complex, which includes the theater, Antiques Alley, gift shop, patio dining, indoor exhibits and campground.

Charlotte and Eben Henson raised four children on Playhouse grounds, with the kids helping out behind the scenes and sometimes acting. The late Holly Henson was a nationally known stand-up comedian. Robby Henson has made acclaimed movies with such stars as Kris Kristofferson, Chris Cooper, Patricia Clarkson and Billy Bob Thornton. Eben Henson has a successful sign and design company and is also a drummer for many local bands. Heather Henson is a nationally recognized, award-winning author of children’s books.

July 18, 2017, Pioneer Playhouse, Danville, KY “Guarded” – July 11-22, 2017

Speaking of books, Heather’s most recent book is a novel for teens called Wrecked, a contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, set in Kentucky against the gritty backdrop of the opioid crisis. Her most well-known book is That Book Woman, which celebrates the work of the Pack Horse Librarians of Eastern Kentucky and has become a classic of children’s literature. It is published in many countries around the world and is part of the fifth grade curriculum in South Korea. Heather’s books are available in the Playhouse gift shop.

Holly Henson was artistic director for many years following the death of Eben Henson in 2004. She lost her battle with breast cancer in 2012. Robby and Heather returned from Los Aneles and NYC respectively to help keep Pioneer Playhouse going after Holly’s untimely death, and Charlotte, at 91, remains the backbone of the theatre – and still sings for dinner guests.

Pioneer Playhouse has been managing a NEA (National Endowment for the Arts)-funded, life-changing outreach program for 12 years called “Voices Inside at Northpoint Prison,” so in a sense they’ve come full circle. Playhouse Artistic Director Robby Henson teaches playwriting to inmates and works with a New York City theatre to bring inmate-authored plays to NYC each year. Several participants of the program have won the PEN Award for Best Inmate Play in America.

Celebrating Almost Three-Quarters of a Century

The Pioneer Playhouse’s 73rd season runs now through August 6 with these shows: “Dracula Bites,” “Southern Fried Nuptials” and “Cockeyed.” On Aug. 12 and 13, the Playhouse presents “Elvis and Patsy Cline Together Under the Stars!” and on Aug. 19, Music Weekend complete with food trucks and bar. See show details here. Performances are nightly, Tuesday through Saturday. Dinner and Show: 7 p.m.; show only: 8:30 p.m.

Plan a Danville theater getaway: Book an overnight with the Hampton Inn Danville or Holiday Inn Express & Suites and receive a discount when you mention “Pioneer Playhouse.”

Tickets may be purchased online at www.pioneerplayhouse.csstix.com. For more information, visit www.pioneerplayhouse.com or call 859-236-2747.

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Pioneer Playhouse

Kathy Witt is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer who writes a monthly syndicated travel column for Tribune News Service, is a regular contributor to Kentucky Living, Georgia and Travel Goods magazines and RealFoodTraveler.com as well as other outlets like County. She is the author of several books, including Cincinnati Scavenger (Fall 2022) Secret Cincinnati and The Secret of the Belles, and is working on another travel-themed book for Fall 2023 release. Kathy is a member of SATW (Society of American Travel Writers), Authors Guild and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Kathy has a new interactive Cincinnati-themed book arriving summer 2022!

Follow Kathy on Instagram, Facebook , and Linkedin.

From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg’s Kitchen

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Whether he’s in the hood or in an international city, Snoop Dogg says he’s got to eat and over three decades of performing around the globe, the famous rapper has learned to adapt dishes from what he grew up eating as well as recipes he’s discovered on the road. He shares these in his cookbook, Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg’s Kitchen.

Interestingly, the book, released in 2018 is again topping the charts spurred by his ultra-cool appearance and performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show as well as his current Corona Beer commercials. According to a recent article in Rolling Stone magazine, the book hit the Top Ten of Amazon’s bestsellers list, was Number One on Amazon’s celebrity cookbooks list, topping even newer releases from the likes of Rachael Ray, Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski and the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten.

Billionaire’s Bacon from Snoop Dogg’s From Crook to Cook

Plus, we love how he hangs with Martha Stewart, appearing on her show Martha Knows Best as well as the co-hosting the long running TV series Martha and Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party.

Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg. Courtesy of VHI

As Snoop Dogg, who by the way has 44 million Facebook followers and 74 million on Instagram, says “You know it’s blazin’ up in my kitchen. I’m takin’ the cookbook game higher with a dipped and whipped collection of my favorite recipes, ya dig?”

OG Fried Bologna Sandwich

SERVES 1

3 slices bologna
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 slices white bread
1 tsp yellow mustard
3 slices American cheese
Barbecue potato chips, as many as you want

Place the bologna on a cutting board and cut one slit from the middle to the edge of each slice.

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Swirl the skillet to cover the bottom

completely. When the skillet is hot and the foam has subsided, add the bread. Lightly toast for about 2

minutes per side, or until golden. Transfer to a cutting board and spread the mustard on one slice of

bread.

Return the skillet to the heat and add the bologna in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until

the edges are golden and crisp. Flip the bologna and top each slice with the American cheese. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, or until the cheese starts to melt.

Place the fried bologna and cheese on the toasted bread slice without mustard and top with as many

chips as you and your sandwich can handle.

Close the sandwich, placing the other bread slice, mustard-side down, on top. Go to town.

Billionaire’s Bacon

SERVES 4

½ cup packed light brown sugar
1 tsp cracked black pepper
1 tsp red pepper flakes
8 slices thick-cut bacon

Preheat the oven to 400°F, with a rack in the top third of the oven. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, place a wire rack on top of the foil, and set aside.

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Lay the bacon slices on the rack. Spread the brown sugar mixture evenly over the bacon.

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. The bacon is done when it’s crispy and glazed.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and cool the bacon for 5 minutes on the rack. Serve warm.

Reprinted from Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg’s Kitchen by Snoop Dogg with permission from Chronicle Books, 2018. Photographs © Antonis Achilleos and Heather Gildroy.

Cheesey Recipes for National Cheese Day

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Celebrate National Cheese Day this June 4 with some great—and easy recipes—from Bob Evans.

Bob Evans Farms offers a variety of cheesy staple items for breakfast, dinner, or a snack such as their sausage, egg and cheese croissants, creamy macaroni and cheese, and hearty homestyle broccoli and cheese. They also make a good starting point for the recipes below.

Cincinnati Inspired Mac and Cheese Burger

The “Cincinnati Inspired Mac and Cheese Burger,” is a hamburger topped with Bob Evans Macaroni and Cheese, Skyline chili and finished with shredded cheese.

1 lb. Bob Evans Original Roll Sausage
1 lb. Ground Beef
1 pkg. Bob Evans Macaroni and Cheese
1 pkg. Hamburger Buns (8 needed)
1 can Skyline Prepared Chili
1 pkg. Shredded Cheddar Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, blend together ground beef, Bob Evans Original Sausage and ½ c. of Prepared Skyline Chili and divide into 8 patties.

Over medium heat on grill, cook burgers on each side until done (no longer pink in the center) and internal temperature reaches 160 F. About 15 minutes.

Heat Bob Evans Macaroni and Cheese per package instructions.

Heat Prepared Chili per package instructions.

Place patties on bun and top with ¼ c. Bob Evans Macaroni and Cheese, 2 tsp. Skyline Chili and sprinkle with cheese.

Nutritional Information

Calories 550
Total Fat 31 g
Saturated Fat 12 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 80 mg
Cholesterol 80 mg
Sodium 1050 mg
Total Carbohydrate 34 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 6 g

The action values may vary due to portion size, preparation of product, additional condiments and substitution of ingredients.

Macaroni and Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

Serves: Serves 4 – 6

Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 50 mins

1 cup Bob Evans Macaroni and Cheese
1 1/4 lbs. lean ground beef
1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1/2 cup finely diced onion
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup Honey BBQ Sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 9×13” casserole dish with non-stick spray and set aside.

Combine the lean ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic powder, parsley, salt, pepper and honey BBQ sauce in a large bowl, kneading the mixture until fully combined.

Take half of the meat mixture and shape it into about an 8”x4” loaf in the center of the casserole dish. Gently press down in the center of the loaf, creating a small cavity in the middle, leaving the sides about 1 inch thick.

In a separate bowl mix together the Bob Evan’s macaroni and cheese with the mozzarella cheese, then pour into the small cavity in the meat mixture. Use the remaining meat mixture to top the loaf, making sure to enclose the macaroni and cheese by pinching the sides closed.

Bake for 40 minutes then remove from oven and increase temperature to 400 degrees.

In a new small dish combine the topping ingredients and then pour/brush over the top of the meatloaf. Return to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until meatloaf is cooked through and topping is bubbly.

Let meatloaf stand for at least 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and enjoying.

Nutritional Information

Calories 500
Total Fat 17 g
Saturated Fat 7 g
Cholesterol 140 mg
Sodium 2120 mg
Total Carbs 54 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Protein 33 g

The action values may vary due to portion size, preparation of product, additional condiments and substitution of ingredients.

Macaroni Corn Pudding Casserole

1 pkg. Bob Evans Macaroni and Cheese
1 box cornbread mix
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 can creamed corn
2 large eggs
8 tbsp. butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup Marbled Cheddar, shredded

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13″ casserole dish with non-stick spray and set aside.

In a large bowl whisk together the cornbread mix, corn, creamed corn, eggs, butter and salt until mixed.

Gently fold in the macaroni and cheese, sour cream and shredded cheese. Pour into the prepared casserole dish.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the center is set. Let cool slightly before enjoying.

Allergen Information

Different products may contain allergens such as milk, wheat, egg, soy, peanuts tree nuts, fish and shellfish. If you are sensitive to allergens, always check the labels before use.

In 2022, the Cultural City of Dresden Hosts Special Exhibitions in Saxony’s State of the Arts

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Celebrate arts and culture in Dresden in 2022.

Special exhibitions include Gerhard Richter at 90 with selections by the artist and Bernardo Bellotto, at 300, with his extraordinary cityscapes. Dresden also celebrates the father of its classical music lineage: Heinrich Schütz.

Baroque Spendor

Restored now to its original baroque splendor, Dresden’s gleaming buildings, including the Royal Palace, the cathedral, the opera, the Brühlsche Terrasse among others, along the banks of the Elbe are a sight to behold. And, inside these buildings are arguably some of the world’s finest treasures. There are many exhibitions in 2022 and Dresden artists, Gerhard Richter and Bernardo Bellotto, lead the way.

Starting off the year with a contemporary flare, is the Gerhard Richter exhibition celebrating the 90^th birthday of this special Dresden citizen. Not only was Richter born in Dresden but he also has a special professional connection to the city as his archive is housed at the Dresden State Art Collections. The exhibition, “GERHARD RICHTER. Portraits. Glass. Abstractions” will run from February 5 to May 1 in three rooms of the upper floor of the Albertinum, also a part of the Dresden State Art Collections. Richter picked the pieces for the exhibition from his private collection as well as from the archive while additional of his works are lent by other international institutions.

Bernardo Bellotto’s 300th Birthday

Next up is the exhibition on Bernardo Bellotto, the nephew of the Canaletto, and often referred to as Canaletto the Younger or also just Canaletto. His 300^th birthday is an enormous cause célèbre in the Elbe city as he painted extraordinary landscapes that depicted Dresden as it was in its golden age in the mid1700s.

From May 21 to August 28, the Dresden State Art Collections will be showing the exhibition “Enchantingly Real: Bernardo Bellotto at the Court of Saxony” where there will be paintings from the Dresden State Art Collections as well as from other institutions. Bellotto became famous as the court painter for the elector of Saxony, Frederick Augustus II. His famous works are breath- taking depictions of the city and its environs, most measuring over eight feet in width. Dresden and the nearby Pirna will be celebrating the anniversary especially during the Dresden City Festival from August 19 to 21.

Dresden: Musical City

Dresden is also a musical city and one of the most important musicians in setting this foundation is Heinrich Schütz, the royal organist and music director of the Royal Palace in the mid1600s. His work will be celebrated and played at the ‘Barock.Musik.Fest’ from May 2 to May 8 in the Royal Palace as well as from October 7 to 17 during the eponymous festival dedicated to the musician. Schütz is known for writing vocal solos, duets and choir works with and without instruments. He was strongly influenced by Italian composers of the time and yet created a strong German choral tradition that is still lively in the city today.

German Hygiene Museum Dresden

A daring exhibition will take place at the German Hygiene Museum Dresden from April 2, 2022 to January 2, 2023: ‘Artful Intelligence. Machine Learning Human Dreams’ highlights the extent that artificial intelligence can be used in our lives even in such intimate topics about how to realize whether a person is lying, even to him or herself, and what criteria AI is using to make decisions.

Pillnitz Castle

“Plant Fever” is a multifaceted exhibition that will be displayed in Pillnitz Castle, the erstwhile summer palace of Augustus the Strong. Pillnitz is only 20 minutes from Dresden by a very pleasant river boat ride that will take you past beautiful villas and palaces from the 1700s. Designers, scientists, technology experts and plant enthusiasts will be interested in this project that will showcase 50 international projects from April 29 to November 6.

Meissen Porcelain

Blick auf die Albrechtsburg / Dom zu Meißen. Foto Tommy Halfter (DML-BY) // View of Albrechtsburg Castle / Meissen Cathedral! Photo: Tommy Halfter (DML-BY)

Close by will be the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory and showroom with some of the most beautiful porcelain pieces in the world. A special exhibition, called “Johann,” after Johann Boettger, the alchemist who was after gold but ended up with porcelain, or white gold, will be located in the Albrechtsburg (fortress close to the manufactory) for people interested in international and contemporary porcelain. It will run from April 16 to July 2022.

Celebrate the Outdoors

If you are planning a trip to Dresden for spring and summer especially, Dresden has many outdoor cultural events, including film nights on the banks of the Elbe, daily classes at the Japanese Palace, walking and bicycle tours throughout the city and the region. One special way to enjoy and experience the Elbe region is to ride along the Elbe Wine Road from Pirna to Dirnbar-Seusslitz. August 27 and 28 and September 23 and 25 are the local wine festivals in Radebeul and Meissen respectively. Although it is technically Germany’s smallest and most northern wine region, the wines are popular while the landscape and wineries are beautiful places to visit and enjoy a meal.

Dramatic History Comes Alive

In the past year, two excellent permanent exhibitions, the “Zwinger Xperience,” and the “Festung Xperience,” were created to make Dresden’s dramatic history come alive. These 3-D presentations show battles, art, and the people of Dresden’s past. You stand inside Dresden’s fortress underground and in the Zwinger Museum while images and films are projected against the walls and tell deeds of conquests, battles and romance.

State Arts Collection Dresden

Die Prager Straße Dresden. Foto: Tommy Halfter (DML-BY)

There are a number of other exhibitions at the State Art Collections Dresden as well as in the region that are worth visiting throughout the year. Dresden is a cultural jewel on the Elbe so make sure when you come to arrange for walking tours to see the architectures and the landscapes as well as to secure tickets for the museums and the collections. You will be overjoyed at the cultural wealth at every corner at all times of the day.

For further information, please contact Victoria Larson, USA Press Representative, State Tourist Board of Saxony at Victoria@vklarsoncommunications.com