Designed as a seasonal companion to the year-round Official Fairbanks Visitors Guide, the Winter Guide highlights the unique winter experiences that make Fairbanks an outstanding destination. It showcases key attractions such as the awe-inspiring aurora borealis, thrilling dog mushing adventures, and intricate ice sculptures.
Ice Art Joust Sculpted by Craig Cheledinas, Kevin Roscoe and Steve Brice (Photo by Craig Cheledinas)
The guide offers expert tips for experiencing the northern lights and provides comprehensive information on a wide range of winter activities and events, including skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, hiking, curling and ice hockey.
In addition to outdoor adventures, the guide addresses the diverse interests of visitors by featuring numerous indoor attractions including museums, art galleries, shops specializing in Alaskan-made products, and inviting cafes, breweries, and distilleries.
For a free copy of the Fairbanks Winter Guide, contact Explore Fairbanks at 1-800-327-5774 or (907) 456-5774. You can also order the guide or view it interactively online at www.explorefairbanks.com/guide.
This fall,Visit Baja California Sur invites travelers to embrace a season of restoration with two thoughtfully curated wellness festivals set against the region’s striking coastal landscapes. The Todos Santos Wellness Fest returns first, taking placefrom October 31 to November 2, followed by the debut of the Loreto Live Well Experiencefrom November 7 to 9. Both events celebrate the growing global desire for meaningful, tech-free escapes, pairing movement, mindfulness, and connection with the natural beauty and cultural richness of Baja California Sur.
“Baja California Sur offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural depth that makes it the ideal place for wellness travelers seeking more than just a getaway,”says Jesus Ordoñez, General Director of Visit Baja California Sur.“These festivals, set in two of the region’s most naturally inspiring towns, are designed to help guests reconnect with themselves and the environment in a way that feels authentic and restorative.”
Known for its robust wellness community, the picturesque beach town of Todos Santos—located on the peninsula’s Pacific Coast—provides the perfect backdrop for a transformative weekend of yoga, meditation, and live music during theTodos Santos Wellness Fest. Taking place from October 31 to November 2, the festival coincides with Día de los Muertos, adding an additional layer of reflection and cultural connection to the experience.
Participants can join sessions led by instructors such as CEO of the Mexican Institute of Yoga Ana Paula Domínguez, movement artist Annie Parr, Master of Yoga Beni Falcon,and acclaimed yoga photographer Robert Sturman. Private, ticketed workshops and immersive experiences will take place at Jardín La Barca, while Casa de la Cultura will host select public sessions open to all. Attendees can engage in practices like Kundalini Yoga, Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow, and sensory exploration, culminating in a closing DJ set that blends movement and sound for a holistic experience.
Making its debut as Loreto’s first wellness festival of its kind, the Loreto Live Well Experience runs from November 7 to 9. Nestled where desert meets sea, this historic Pueblo Magico, renowned for its charm, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural surroundings, invites guests to rejuvenate with family-friendly yoga, mindful fitness, longevity-focused Qigong, breathwork, and meditation.
Led by esteemed instructors including Mexican actor Luis de la Rosa, musician Lady Gang, senior yoga trainer Jimena Patiño, healing artist Matt Pesendian, yoga teacher Ana Ponzo, and photographer Citlali Chalvignac, the festival offers a diverse range of practices designed to awaken and nourish body, mind, and spirit amid the breathtaking beauty that earned Loreto its Pueblo Mágico designation.
While many of the workshops and sessions will be ticketed and held at Hotel Oasis, a serene retreat blending modern comfort with traditional Baja style, lush gardens, and sweeping views of the UNESCO World Heritage Loreto Marine Park, there will also be select public events on Saturday, November 8 hosted in the town’s central plaza, welcoming the broader community to join in the celebration of wellness.
Loreto is accessible via the Loreto International Airport (LTO), which offers direct flights from Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX), and Dallas (DFW), making it an easy destination for wellness travelers. Alternatively, both Loreto and Todos Santos can be reached through Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), with Todos Santos located about a 1.5-hour drive north of the airport and Loreto approximately 3.5 hours to the northeast. For those looking to explore both festivals, Todos Santos and Loreto are roughly a three-hour drive apart, offering a scenic route through Baja California Sur’s diverse landscapes.
Early Bird tickets for the Todos Santos Wellness Fest are now available and start at $2,590 MXN (roughly $140 USD) providing access to all classes and events while the Loreto Live Well Experience offers early bird tickets beginning at $1,680 MXN (roughly $90 USD). For more information and ticket purchases, travelers can visit the official festival websites: https://tswellnessfest.mx/en/ and https://loretolivewell.com.
About Baja California Sur
Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, the state of Baja California Sur encompasses the southern half of the Baja Peninsula. The climate is perfect for fishing, boating, surfing, and diving, making the destination an adventurer and thrill-seeker’s dream. The state features breathtaking scenery from the windswept ocean beaches on the west to the tranquil, turquoise waters on the east. In between are canyons, desertscapes and lush oasis ripe for exploration.
Known for its extraordinary marine life, whale watching is one of the area’s most well-known tourist attractions along with sportfishing, kayaking and bird watching. For more information on Baja California Sur: Visit Baja Sur.
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.
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Pride Festival
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.
Photo courtesy of Windy City Smokeout
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.
Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago
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
Photo courtesy of Lollapalooza
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.
Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago
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.
This stunning state on Mexico’s Pacific Coast offers a captivating blend of pristine beaches, vibrant cultural experiences, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered, making it the ultimate fall and winter escape.
Endless Sunshine and Stunning Beaches
Nayarit boasts over 200 miles of Pacific coastline, with golden beaches, turquoise waters, and lush mountain backdrops. And no matter the season, the state’s year-round warm climate is a dream come true. Destinations like Sayulita, Punta Mita, and San Blas provide the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, offering everything from world-class surfing and paddleboarding to sun-soaked afternoons under swaying palm trees.
San Blas
Sayulita, a bohemian surf town, charms with its colorful streets, artisanal shops, and beachfront bars. Punta Mita, on the other hand, is the epitome of luxury with its high-end resorts, championship golf courses, and stunning sunset views over the Pacific. San Blas, a quieter and more traditional town, is known for its historic fort, serene estuaries, and birdwatching—a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Riviera Nayarit – Polo La Patrona – San Pancho
Explore Nayarit’s Magical Towns
Nayarit’s magic extends beyond its beaches. This year, the state has expanded its roster of “Pueblos Mágicos” (Magical Towns) to include Amatlán de Cañas, Ixtlán del Río, and Ahuacatlán, adding to the allure of established favorites like Compostela, Jala, and Mexcaltitan. These towns are recognized for their rich heritage, vibrant traditions, and warm hospitality, making them must-visit destinations for travelers looking to experience the heart of Mexico.
Compostela’s cobblestone streets, historic churches, and vibrant plazas offer a glimpse into Nayarit’s colonial past, while Jala, known for its giant corn, boasts one of the most beautiful baroque churches in the region. Mexcaltitan, often referred to as the “Venice of Mexico,” is an island town known for its unique canals and rich pre-Hispanic history, providing an unforgettable experience.
Culinary Delights and Authentic Mexican Flavors
Nayarit’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscapes. The state is famous for its fresh seafood, particularly ceviche, aguachile, and grilled fish, best enjoyed at a beachfront palapa with toes in the sand. Visitors can savor local specialties such as zarandeado fish, a traditional dish marinated and grilled to perfection, and try lesser-known delights like tlaxtihuille, a pre-Hispanic dish made from corn and shrimp.
For a more immersive experience, travelers can explore Nayarit’s local food markets, where they can sample tropical fruits, handmade tamales, and regional cheeses, or take a culinary class to learn how to prepare traditional dishes from local chefs.
Outdoor Adventures for Every Traveler
From adrenaline-pumping activities to serene escapes, Nayarit offers endless outdoor adventures. Fall and winter are prime times for whale watching, as humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Banderas Bay. Eco-tours provide the chance to see these majestic creatures up close, along with playful dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of marine life.
Photo of Nayarit’s Marietas Islands by Christian Frausto Bernal (Wikimedia Commons)
Adventurers can also explore the Sierra Madre Mountains through guided hikes, horseback riding, or ATV tours, immersing themselves in lush jungles, waterfalls, and panoramic vistas. For those seeking underwater adventures, Nayarit’s Marietas Islands are a snorkeling and diving paradise, home to vibrant coral reefs and the famous Hidden Beach.
Luxury Accommodations and Wellness Retreats
Nayarit’s wide array of accommodations cater to every type of traveler, from boutique hotels and beachfront bungalows to luxurious resorts with all-inclusive amenities. Wellness seekers will find rejuvenation at the state’s many wellness retreats and spa resorts, which offer yoga classes, spa treatments, and holistic therapies inspired by indigenous traditions.
Punta Mita’s luxury resorts, including the renowned Four Seasons and St. Regis, provide a blend of elegance, seclusion, and top-notch service, perfect for couples and families looking for an elevated experience. For a more intimate stay, Nayarit’s eco-friendly lodges and boutique hotels offer personalized service and a deeper connection to nature.
Cultural Festivals and Vibrant Traditions
Fall and winter in Nayarit are marked by lively festivals and cultural celebrations that showcase the state’s rich traditions. Visitors can experience Day of the Dead festivities in the Magical Towns, attend the colorful patron saint festivals, or explore traditional Huichol art and crafts. The vibrant music, dance, and colorful costumes create an immersive cultural experience that adds a unique layer to any visit.
Discover Nayarit in 2025
Whether you’re chasing endless sunshine, exploring charming villages, indulging in fresh local cuisine, or seeking adventure in nature, Nayarit offers a diverse and unforgettable escape. As one of the best places to visit in 2025, this hidden gem on Mexico’s Pacific Coast invites travelers to explore its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and welcoming spirit.
About Nayarit Tourism
Nayarit Tourism promotes the state’s diverse destinations, offering visitors a unique blend of coastal beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. For more information on travel itineraries, accommodations, and experiences, visit Nayarit Tourism.
Dana Point’s most anticipated wine weekend is almost here! California Wine Festival brings two days of premier wine tasting, gourmet food, ocean views, and live entertainment back to Orange County. The two-day festival will take place on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and the Sea Terrace Park, set above the picturesque Dana Point Harbor.
Event Details
Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting
Friday, April 25 | 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
Guests will enjoy a sunset wine-tasting experience featuring rare and reserve wines from top producers across California. The evening includes a sparkling wine reception, gourmet pairings, live music by Adam Lasher, and a charity auction benefiting Sandy Feet Initiative.
The signature outdoor tasting event features wines from 60+ California wineries, bites from top OC restaurants, and a Caribbean soundtrack from steel drum band Upstream.
Festival Highlights
Participating Restaurants: Aquamar, Bluewater Grill, Brio Tuscany Grille, Butterfly Brittles, Chipz Happen, Cookie Stop, Farm Fresh Home Foods, Gemmell’s Restaurant, Glasspar Restaurant, Gino Angelini Authentic Italian Sauces, Goufrais Southern California – Cocoa Confection, Horizon Sales, Icelandic Glacial, IMURAYA, Inferno Woodfired Pizza Kitchen, Jars-Sweets 7 Things, Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern, Kerrygold USA, Krave Asian Fusion, Lantern’s Edge @ Laguna Cliffs Marriott, Lunaolivo,, p.o.p. candy co., Savory Bites, Seven Barrels Olive Oils and Aged Italian Balsamics, Sundried Tomato Bistro and Catering, The Real Empanada, Waterloo Sparkling Water, Wild Fork Foods and Zood.
Featured Wineries: Adobe Road Winery, Archer Roose Wines, Arden, Ascension Cellars, Atlas Peak, Austin Hope Winery, Banshee, Bellante Family Winery, Beri, Bezel from the Cakebread Family, Bianchi Winery, BONDLE Wines, Burtech Family Vineyard, Carol Shelton Wines, Chalk Hill, Chateau St. Jean, Cuvaison, Don Tomas Vinedo, Double Bond Wine, Ehret Winery, Familia Hicks Wines, Foley Family Wines & Spirits, Frisby Winery & Brewery, Goldschmidt Vineyards, Harvey and Harriet, Hawk and Horse Vineyards, High Flyer Wines, Juliet Wine, King Frosch, Kubani Wines, Le Vigne Winery, Lorenzi Estate Winery, Michael Mondavi Family Wines, Mizel Estate Wines, Navarro Vineyards, New Zealand Wine Navigator, Norso, Pascual Toso, Pasmosa Sangria, Priest Ranch, PRP Wine International, Puppy Love & Compassion, Quench + Temper, Ramona Valley Vineyards, Rombauer Vineyards, San Simeon, Stoller Wine Company, Tara Bella Winery, The Vinho, Vinera Wine Society, Wine Guy & Wine Gal, Ysidro.
Sponsors: Wine Spectator, Sommsation, Icelandic Water, Wild Fork Foods, Piper Sonoma, Renewal by Andersen,Hilton Garden Inn Dana Point Doheny Beach and Realm.
California Wine Festival is a 21+ event. Tickets for California Wine Festival Dana Point are available for pre-sale here. For more information, please visit CaliforniaWineFestival.com.
About California Wine Festival
California Wine Festival celebrates the fine wines and culinary offerings of California. A nationally recognized event series, it aims to showcase the beautiful wines, foods and landscapes of California. Founded in 2004 in Santa Barbara, the California Wine Festival has grown to become one of the largest outdoor wine festivals in the state. Committed to sustainability, 90% of the waste from the festivals was diverted from the landfill in 2024. The festival has also raised funds for local charities across California, including the Foodbank of Santa Barbara, Sandy Feet Initiative and more. Join us at our four coastal festivals in Dana Point, Carlsbad, Santa Barbara and Huntington Beach:
With summer fast approaching, peak festival season in Chicago will soon be upon us. See below for a list of some of the most exciting programs returning in 2022 (many of them free) along with a few new surprises!
June 2022
Grant Park Orchestra and Chrous. Photo credit Norman Timonera.
Chicago Gospel Music Experience (June 4, 2022): This outdoor festival at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, celebrating the Chicago-born genre, brings together traditional choirs, contemporary urban gospel artists, and more. FREE
Chicago Blues Festival (June 9-12, 2022): With a diverse lineup in Millennium Park celebrating the blues’ past, present and future, the Chicago Blues Festival, the largest free blues festival in the world, shares the great Chicago-born music tradition while shining a spotlight on the genre’s contributions to soul, R&B, gospel, rock, hip hop and more. FREE
Andersonville Midsommarfest(June 10-12, 2022): For more than 50 years, this summer festival has celebrated Andersonville’s Swedish heritage, LGBTQ+ pride, and vibrant local business community. For three nights and two days, this vibrant and diverse community will bring together over 75,000 people to celebrate a proud Swedish summer tradition with eclectic music, great vendors, food and free kids’ activities. Suggested donation of $10, as well as proceeds from beer sales, benefit the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, along with several local non-profit organizations.
Grant Park Music Festival(June 15 – August 20, 2022): For more than 80 years, the Grant Park Music Festival has been Chicago’s summer musical sensation, demonstrating that classical music, performed by a world-class orchestra and chorus, can have a transformative impact on the city. This year will offer a thrilling lineup of music at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion with a mix of contemporary compositions and classical favorites such as Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty and Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Plus there’s plenty of family fun with the Independence Day Salute, Lights on Broadway, and Cirque Goes to Hollywood featuring live aerialists soaring above the stage. FREE
The Summer Smash Festival(June 17-19, 2022): SPKRBX presents The Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash Festival, the premier Hip-Hop music festival in the Midwest. For three days, on three stages, some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop will perform, including Post Malone and Wiz Khalifa. Tickets range from a 3-Day $275 General Admission Pass, to a $449 VIP Pass.
Chicago Pride Fest(June 17-19, 2022): Celebrate Pride in Northalsted, the country’s oldest official gay neighborhood at this lively fest, featuring live music, dance queens, local food, and more. The following weekend the Chicago Pride Parade (June 26, 2022), one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world, marches through the neighborhood. Suggested donation of $15 for Chicago Pride Fest.
Millennium Park Summer Music Series(June 20 – August 18, 2022, Mondays & Thursdays): With the backing of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), this outdoor program features a wide variety of music from established and emerging artists at the iconic Jay Pritzker Pavilion. FREE
Pride in the Park (June 25-26,2022): An annual outdoor music festival held downtown in Chicago’s Grant Park at the end of June features LGBTQ+ performers, artists, vendors and more. 2-Day General Admission Passes to Pride in the Park start at $100.
Sail Grand Prix
Chicago has been chosen to host the United States Sail Grand Prix (SailGP) at Navy Pier (June 18-19, 2022). If you are not familiar, SailGP is one of the fastest emerging properties in world sports featuring exciting, up-close action as teams race identical F50 catamarans – a highly-technical, hydro foiling race boat that boasts highway speeds – in an annual global championship held in some of the most iconic cities around the world. Ten national teams will compete, comprising the best athletes in the sport representing the United States, Great Britain, France, Denmark, Spain, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, plus two new franchises from Canada and Switzerland. In June, the F50s will race on Lake Michigan directly in front of the Chicago skyline, marking the first time the championship has ever competed on fresh water! Tickets for single-day waterfront viewing access begin at around $40.
Ravenswood On Tap(June 18-19, 2022): Sip your way through Ravenswood, one of Chicago’s top craft beer neighborhoods and home to many small craft producers. Malt Row is one of the most prolific craft brewing communities in the country – and it’s right in Ravenswood! Enjoy brews from Malt Row, KOVAL Distillery cocktails, plus ax throwing, live music and some of Chicago’s favorite restaurants and food trucks. Suggested donations and proceeds from this event benefit the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, Ravenswood Community Council, and several other community organizations.
July 2022
Chicago SummerDance(July 6–September 17, 2022, select dates): The beloved series returns this summer at parks throughout the city this summer. Dancers of all ages and skill levels are invited to take part in introductory dance lessons by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing. FREE
Taste of Chicago (July 8-10, 2022): A bite-sized version of the classic lakefront extravaganza will take place over three days in July — showcasing an estimated 30–40 eateries and food trucks each day, and three mainstage evening concerts. Prior to the main event, a series of Taste of Chicago pop-ups will return this year with food and music events in three Chicago neighborhoods in June. FREE admission; tickets for food and beverages are sold in strips of 14 for $10.
Southport Art & Music Fest (July 9-10, 2022): Chicago’s iconic Southport Corridor blooms to life when Southport Art Fest takes over Waveland and Southport in July. Festival fans will visit the beautiful tree-lined streets of the picturesque neighborhood. Just steps away from the friendly margins of Wrigley Field, the two-day festival will showcase some of the city’s best and most diverse artists. FREE admission; all donations and proceeds benefit the Southport Neighbors Association.
Millennium Park Summer Film Series(July 12–August 30, 2022, Tuesdays): Guests may take a seat at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or lounge on the Great Lawn as crowd-pleasing movies are presented on the state-of- the-art, 40-foot LED screen. FREE
Pitchfork Music Festival(July 15-17, 2022): Since 2006, the Pitchfork Music Festival has consistently proven to be one of the most welcoming, comfortable, reasonably priced, and rewarding weekends of music around. Hosting 60,000 attendees of all ages from all 50 states and dozens of countries, Pitchfork Music Festival showcases the best up-and-coming music from around the world, as well as special performances from touring stalwarts and legends alike. Featuring diverse vendors, as well as specialty record, poster, and craft fairs, the festival works to support local businesses while promoting the Chicago arts and food communities as a whole. Single day General Admission tickets start at $99 while the 3-Day, General Admission pass is $200.
Wicker Park Fest (July 22-24, 2022): As one of Chicago’s most anticipated summer festivals, and dubbed “Chicago’s Best Street Festival of the Summer ” by the Chicago Tribune, Wicker Park Fest is one of Chicago’s top-drawing festivals, attracting visitors from across Chicagoland and the country with its fantastic music line-up. Building on the area’s unique character, the weekend celebrates the neighborhood with eclectic music, great local food, arts and crafts, and retail vendors. Suggested donation of $10 and all proceeds benefit the local Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce.
Pizza City Fest(July 23-24, 2022): Steve Dolinsky – a 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter, currently “The Food Guy” at NBC 5 – is creating a pizza festival unlike anything that’s ever been done, over two days in the West Loop. Pizza City Fest: Chicago brings together 39 of the region’s best pizza makers (and one out-of-town guest) for two days of pizza making and appreciation, all in one location – Plumbers Union Hall in the West Loop. Thanks to 10 PizzaMaster ovens on-site, guests will be able to see each pizza maker create, bake and serve up their remarkable pies in the massive parking lot at the Hall. There will also be live music, pizza-themed art, merchandise and a few special treats. Attendees will also be able to take in a series of highly curated seminars and panel discussions with some of the country’s greatest pizza makers in attendance. General Admission 1-Day tickets start at $59 and 2-Day tickets at $89.
Sundays on State (July 24–September 4, 2022, select Sundays): After its enormously successful debut in 2021, Sundays on State, presented by the Chicago Loop Alliance, will return for Summer 2022, with portions of Chicago’s most iconic street, State Street, closing to vehicular traffic again for select Sundays this summer. Join neighbors from every Chicago community and beyond for this free, interactive block party, while safely enjoying art, culture, active recreation, food, drinks, shopping, and local attractions in the heart of everyone’s neighborhood. FREE
August 2022
Windy City Smokeout(August 4-7, 2022): It’s like a weekend-long tailgate at this popular country music festival, known for drawing in the industry’s top names. The 2022 festival lineup includes some of the biggest names in the industry, including Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Sam Hunt, Willie Nelson, and more. Along with today’s hottest country acts, the lineup also includes some of the world’s best pitmasters. Barbecue pros from all over the country will be serving up ribs, brisket, smoked meats and more, highlighting styles from Kentucky, Nashville, Missouri, and Chicago. Local barbecue vendors include Bub City, Lillie’s Q, and Pearl’s Southern Comfort. Ticket prices range from $45 for a 1-Day Sunday General Admission ticket to $185 for a 4-Day pass.
Northalsted Market Days(August 6-7, 2022): The 40th Northalsted Market Days is a weekend long live music street festival celebrating community in Chicago’s landmark Northalsted/Lakeview district. The 1/2 mile long festival features all-day lineups of live music on 6 stages, 250+ unique vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink, DJ’s and dancing, sponsor booths, and more! Estimated attendance of 120,000 people from near and far, representing all colors of the rainbow! Suggested donation of $15, as well as proceeds from festival support local nonprofits, and fund community projects like the Chicago Pride Crosswalks.
Chicago Air and Water Show (August 20-21, 2022): The largest free show of its kind in the country, this waterfront show features stunning aerial displays above Lake Michigan. The show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point. FREE
Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city and its member business community. For more information, visit ChooseChicago.com. Follow @ChooseChicago on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. #CaptureChicagoExcitement
There was a time when I would visit several county fairs each summer, taking in the delights of fair food, visiting the Home Economics buildings where pies, cakes, cookies, and all manner of sweets were on display along with jars filled with pickled veggies, fruits, and even meats, and freshly picked fruits and vegetables. It was in short, entire rooms filled with the cooking and farming traditions that date back centuries.
The county fair tradition is woven into the fabric of nearly every American community across every small town. However, the all-American state and county fair tradition is not all carnies, corn dogs, cotton candy, and apple pie. The fair is a place for communities to come together and share some of the most meaningful moments in life that can evoke affection and nostalgia.
Best-selling author and winner of the Gourmand Cookbook Award (2018), Liza Gershman captures this long held tradition in her newest book — County Fair: Nostalgic Blue Ribbon Recipes from America’s Small Towns Listed as one of the Top Ten Best Books About Foodin 2021 by Smithsonian Magazine, Gershman’s book is a visual feast that is jam-packed with the images, stories, and voices of the folks in the tightly knit communities who celebrate this unique slice of Americana each year.
In partnership withImages Publishing, Gershman beautifully illustrates the county fairs throughout the book with stunning color photographs of food, vintage, and retro ephemera. Highlighted here are close to 80 Blue Ribbon–winning recipes from across America’s heartland as well as interviews, from tastemakers behind each region.
From homemade pies and cakes to jams, jellies, pickles, preserves, sweets, to the classic apple pie, chip chocolate chipper, lemon meringue to unique snickerdoodles and chokecherry jelly, Gershman brings us prize-winning regional specialties from all 50 states, as well as ample 4H and FFA livestock events — secret tips for stocking your pantry, and recipes that embodies the legacy of an American institution.
“Fairs have always been a passion, and imagery of carnival games and Americana decorate my mind,” says Gershman. “The cacophony of the Big Top and the midway –packed full with myriad colorfully themed games, amusement rides, and food booths–entice visitors; the scents from the farm overwhelm; the sweetest pink cotton candy aromas wafting through the air. Certainly, I’ve fallen in love at the fair, been amazed and awestruck by crafts, and delicacies, and community coming together as one.
“This book was made with love during the pandemic. It took a village, as best projects do, and I was so fortunate to have the help of many friends and family lending a hand to this book. Pages include my mother’s watercolors, award-winning recipes from loved ones, and portraits of many of my wonderful growing fairy-godchildren.”
Let County Fair be your travel guide, state by state, sharing the most-loved recipe from each region. This book is not only recipes though; the photographs capture the energy of the carnival games and rides we all know and love.
About the author
Best-selling author and Winner of the Gourmand Cookbook Award (2018), with a master’s degree in English & American Literature and a photography degree, Liza has nearly two decades of industry experience working in all facets of commercial and editorial photography and writing. Liza’s 19 published books and hundreds of newspaper and magazine stories have enhanced her storytelling abilities in her extensive professional background, which includes Creative Direction, Art Direction, Producing, Event Production, Wardrobe, Prop and Set Styling.
A storyteller in all mediums, Liza specializes in Lifestyle, Food, and Travel. Her passion for people, culture, and cuisine has taken her to more than 55 countries and 47 U.S. states during her career. Liza’s 12th book, Cuban Flavor, garnered numerous accolades, and has been touted on CBS and in National Geographic, Travel & Leisure, Budget Travel, NPR, and many additional local and national publications and radio shows. Liza was honored to speak for Talks At Google, and on the prestigious campuses of Twitter, Oracle, and Disney, among others.
As a photographer and art director, Liza teaches, writes, and presents for such celebrated companies as Creative Live and Canon USA. She was honored to be selected to nationally launch the 6D for Canon, and the T6. Prior to that, she worked as the in-house Senior Digital Photographer for Williams-Sonoma and continues to freelance for clients such as Goldman Sachs, Hyatt Hotels, Restoration Hardware, Safeway, Party City, Getty Images, Airbnb, and Visa. In 2010, Liza was Governor Jerry Brown’s campaign photographer, and in 2014 was a photographer for the RedBull Youth America’s Cup.
Lisa was a regular contributor to the San Francisco Chronicle Travel Section, writing tips on top destinations for a monthly column called “5 Places” She continues to write about travel, food, and culture in articles and book form. Many of Liza’s notable clients include celebrity chefs, restaurants, wineries, beverage brands, fashion brands, spas, and hotels.
Recipes
The following recipes are courtesy of Liza Gershman’s County Fair.
Whiskey Sour Cocktail Jelly
Terry Sennett, Blue Ribbon Prize
Duchess County Fair, New York State
6 tablespoons bottled lemon juice
6 tablespoons bottled lime juice
4 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup bourbon
4 to 6 ounce package boiled liquid fruit pectin
5 five maraschino cherries with stems
5 fresh orange slices
In a heavy pot stir together the juices, sugar, and bourbon. Cook over high heat until the mixture comes to full rolling boil, stirring constantly.
Quickly stir in the pectin. Return to a full rolling boil and boil hard for one minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, quickly skim off foam with a metal spoon. Place one cherry and one orange slice into each hot sterilized jar.
Ladle hot jelly into jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe jars and rims, adjust lids, and screw bands. Process filled jars in a boiling water canner for five minutes.
Buttery Peach Toffee Pie
Inspired by Emily Sibthorpe-Trittschler, Blue Ribbon Pie
Michigan State Fair
Graham cracker crust see recipe below
5 cups sliced Peaches
3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons quick cooking tapioca
1tablespoon butter flavor
16 toffee candies
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
To make the filling combine peaches, sugar, flour, tapioca, and butter flavor.
Grind the candies thoroughly in a food processor until crumbs. Stir crumbed crumbled candy into peach mixture.
Line the bottom pie crust with mixture. Add top pie crust and seal. Cut vents and top crust. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
Graham cracker crust
Simply double this recipe for a double pie crust
1 3/4 cup Graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup on salted butter, melted
Mix ingredients together until mixture has the consistency of wet sand. Press into a 9 inch pie dish or tart pan, using the back of a flat measuring cup or drinking glass to ensure a flat and even bottom. Bake at 375 degrees for seven minutes before filling.
Zucchini Cream Pie
From Suzanne Heiser’s mother’s recipe box via Norma Malaby, a favorite cousin from Kokomo Indiana.
Indiana State Fair Indiana
Graham cracker crust (see recipe above)
1 cup cooked zucchinis
1 cup sugar
1 cup evaporated milk
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon or nutmeg to sprinkle on top
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Puree zucchini and continue with other ingredients except sprinkle spices. Poor in an unbaked pie shell and sprinkle top with cinnamon or nutmeg. Bake 20 minutes at 425 degrees then reduce oven heat to 350 degrees and continue to bake until done and the filling is set.
Apple Cake
inspired by Kathy McInnis, Blackwood New Jersey.
County 4H Fair New Jersey
3 cups flour, unsifted
2 cup sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/4 cup orange or pineapple juice
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 teaspoons baking powder
3 to 4 apples, sliced
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon divided in half
8 teaspoons sugar divided in half
Place flour sugar oil eggs juice vanilla and baking powder into a bowl in order given, beat until smooth.
Place half the batter into a well-greased pan. Arrange some apple slices on top of batter. Sprinkle with cinnamon and additional sugar. Pour in the rest of the batter and repeat apple slices and cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 325 degrees for about 90 minutes. Cool in pan.
For those who have never been, the San Juans, an archipelago of islands off the coast of Washington State and easily accessible by ferry, are a magical combo of natural beauty, nature’s bounty found in farms, orchards, wineries, a cultural dedication to sustainability, land stewardship, and small food producers as well as delightfully charming small towns and villages set against the backdrop of Puget Sound.
Now, after a year of pandemic and social distancing, it’s time to celebrate to return to the island and experience in real time the food and farm culture of Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan islands, the largest of archipelago’s 170 islands.
And what better time to do so than during the 14th Annual Savor the San Juans? It’s a fine time to taste and tour with so many special events going on such as harvest dinners, film festivals, farm tours, wine tastings, demonstrations, and more. And of course, there’s plenty to explore on your own as well.
Can’t make it this year, then bring a little of the island into your kitchen with the following recipe.
Cook Like a Coho Restaurant Chef: Roasted Garlic, Pear, and Goat Cheese Flatbread
Ingredients for Flatbread Dough
1 tsp active dry or instant yeast 1 tsp granulated sugar 3/4 c warm water 2 c (250g) all-purpose flour or bread flour 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus 1 tsp for brushing the dough 1 tsp salt
How to Make Flatbread Dough
Mix the ingredients together by hand or use the dough hook of a stand mixer.
If making by hand, place dry ingredients in a large bowl, make a well in the middle, and add wet ingredients. Incorporate the wet with the dry and knead for ten minutes. If using an electric mixer, place all ingredients in the bowl and beat for five minutes, until all the ingredients come together into a smooth ball.
Place dough in a greased mixing bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 45 minutes.
Punch down the dough and separate in half. Form each half of the dough into rounds. Sprinkle the countertop with flour.
Take your rounds and roll them out to a football shape and length. Press your fingers lightly into the dough and dimple. This helps prevent any large air bubbles. Brush with olive oil to keep the crust crisp.
For best results, especially if this is your first time making flatbread, bake the flatbread before topping it. Transfer dough to a baking sheet. There is no need for parchment paper with this dough.
Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
Top with goat cheese, garlic, and pear. Bake for another 5 minutes.
Top with arugula and balsamic reduction.
Balsamic Reduction
1 cup balsamic vinegar
How to Reduce Vinegar
Pour balsamic vinegar in a shallow pot over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Let reduce until your balsamic is a thick consistency and coats the back of your spoon.
Roasted Garlic
4 cloves of garlic
How to Roast Garlic
Peel four cloves of garlic and place in oil until submerged, cover with aluminum foil and roast at 450°F for fifteen minutes or until golden brown. You will be able to smell the garlic when it’s ready.
Whipped Goat Cheese
1/3 cup goat cheese 2 tsp water
How to Whip Goat Cheese
Place goat cheese and water in a blender or food processor. Blend for two minutes until it is smooth and easy to spread.
Saxony Engages Travelers with Compelling Microsite www.saxonytraveldreams.com is the new microsite from Saxony Germany where lovers of history, castles, classical music, art museums and charming towns can experience Saxony at its most beautiful. A perfect antidote to the stay at home corona virus regulations, this microsite takes you there, to Saxony, creating an immersive visual and audio experience.
” We are making sure that memories of Saxony are kept alive in the minds of our international guests,” says TMGS managing director Veronika Hiebl.Whether you love history, castles, wine, charming towns and palaces, classical music or art museums, Saxony has it all so you don’t have to choose.
The land of Luther and Bach brings its charm and talents to the fore in the new #saxonytraveldreams campaign. Stocked with beautiful videos and photographs, visitors get a taste of the beauty and creativity that is alive in Saxony today. Although you may not be able to hop on a plane and travel there, this eastern state in Germany is a bastion for the arts and music and you can get a sense of these treasurers from your own home. The videos from journalists, bloggers and influencers are outstanding and objectively showcase Saxony at its most beautiful.
Two times per week the music city of Leipzig, broadcasts live stream performances from the world-famous Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. Broadcasts start every Thursday and Friday at 12 pm (Europe time) and are then available for 24 hours. In Dresden, the landmark Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady) that rose from the GDR ashes produces a short“musical greetings”on the church’s YouTube channel or visitors can choose to go on a 360-degree tour. Jan Vogler, the director of the Dresden Music Festival has organized an online music festival to replace the recently cancelled Dresden Music Festival.
The spa town of Bad Elster, a hidden gem in southern Saxony, goes digital with its philharmonic and presents a range of live recordings every Wednesday and Saturday at 7.30 pm (Europe time) plus special music performances by individual orchestra members. But it’s not just music, there is art and incredible towns to explore. From the movie town of Görlitz, where The Grand Budapest Hotel among many other movies was filmed, to Radebeul, Leipzig and Torgau: Saxony’s enchanting towns and cities delight with unique architecture, fascinating history, interesting museums and character.
Truly there are many undiscovered gems and places that are not crowded and worth every penny to visit. Also, many of Saxony’s castles are off the beaten track and in this site, you will visit some of them and receive two very special immersive experiences created by local students built around famous palaces and castles in Dresden. Two sites which have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status impressively underline Saxony’s reputation as the number one cultural tourist destination in Germany: “Muskauer Park/Park Muzakowski”, a joint Polish-German site, and the “Ore Mountains/Krusnohori Mining Region” site of German/Czech cultural heritage. You can take 360 tours of these beautiful areas.
For example, known as Saxony’s “silver town”, 800-year-old Freiberg at the foot of the “Ore Mountains has beautiful patrician townhouses, reflecting the wealth derived from the once thriving mining industry, and features a fascinating cathedral – discover the town on a 360-degree tour. These are only a few of the highlights that Saxony has to offer and they will whet your appetite for when you are able to travel again.
Ignore the snow outside because inside Timothy’s Restaurant in Union Pier, Michigan, it’s New Orleans during Mardi Gras season, purple, green and yellow beads and all.
As he does every year, owner/executive chef Timothy Sizer kicks it up several notches, does a few Emeril “bams” and goes all out for this Louisiana celebration. He mixes up the menu each year but there are always such staples as gumbo, etouffee and jambalaya.
This year the menu also includes Fried Louisiana Oysters, Red Beans and Rice, Fried Green Tomatoes with Crawfish Sauté and Cajun Remoulade, Blackened Red Fish Meunier served with Pecan Butter and, my new favorite, Warm Crawfish Cheese Dish. Regarding the latter, our server told us they all wait eagerly for this time of year so they can eat it up. There’s also a selection of desserts such as King Cake, pecan pie and beignets all served with house made praline ice cream.
Tim, who is originally from St. Joseph, moved to Florida after graduating from Johnson & Wales University College of Culinary Arts in Rhode Island and worked at several Florida restaurants and owned one as well, specializing on fish and Cajun/Creole cuisine. When I asked him why he returned about 15 years ago—it was really cold out that night and Florida sounded very good—he said it was the pull of being back home.
Lucky for us.
Timothy’s Mardi Gras celebration ends on February 23.
The following recipes are courtesy of Timothy’s Restaurant.
Sazerac
Yield 2 cocktails
2 ounces cognac
2 ounces Rye whiskey
Juice of ½ lemon, fresh
1 ounce Pernod
Lemon peel for garnish
2 large square or round ice cubes
Mix cognac, rye, lemon juice and Pernod. Place ice cube in each glass, Pour drink mixture evenly. Garnish each glass with lemon peel.
Crawfish Dip
3 ribs celery, diced
1 onion, diced
1 tomato, diced
1 tablespoon, minced
2 cups olive oil
8 ounces cheddar cheese
8 ounces sour cream
1 ounce Worcestershire sauce
2 ounces horseradish sauce
2 teaspoons cayenne
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 ounce salt
8 ounces crawfish tail meat
Heat skillet add olive oil and sauté garlic and vegetables. Add cheese, cream, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, cayenne, black pepper and salt and cook for ten minutes on low heat. Blend and then add crawfish tail meat.
Serve with buttered toast points seasoned with Paul Prudhomme Blackening Seasoning.
Etouffee
Serves 6
16 ounces fish stock (can substitute vegetable or chicken stock)
½ teaspoon or more, to taste for each: cayenne, black pepper, thyme and salt
1 bay leaf
Can use cooked shrimp (21/25 grade), crawfish (one pound package frozen) or chicken (2 large chicken breasts, diced and sautéed until not longer pink but not thoroughly cooked)
Parsley, for garnish
3 to 4 cups cooked rice.
Sauté vegetables in olive oil until vegetables are soft. Dust all ingredients with flour, add sherry and stock.
Add cayenne, black pepper, basil, thyme, bay leaf and salt. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Add shrimp and crawfish or chicken if using instead. Next line place rice in the middle of each serving bowl. Add etouffee. Garnish with parsley.
Jane Ammeson can be contacted via email at janeammeson@gmail.com .
