The members of the Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic ChurchBook/Movie Discussion Group have invited me to speak this Wednesday, June 11th at 6:30 p.m. If you have the time and are interested in the history of restaurants in Michiana, please come. The church is lovely, located in a beautiful country setting at 51841 Leach Rd, Dowagiac, Michigan. The event itself is next door in the Parish Hall.
Mary’s City of David Vegetarian Cafe in Benton Harbor, which opened in 1931 and closed in 1975, specialized in farm-to-table meals.
Here is the flyer that Terri Moore sent out:
Over the centuries, residents of Michiana have never wanted for superb dining choices. Award-winning author Jane Simon Ammeson will lead us on a culinary road trip through Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan.
A cigarette girl at the posh House of David motor lodge and restaurant/nightclub called the Vista Grande
Once a stagecoach stop, The Old Tavern Inn has been open since the time of President Andrew Jackson. Tosi’s is known for its gorgeous starlit garden and gastronomic traditions stretching back almost a century, and The Volcano was amongst the first pizzerias in the country.
One of the earliest hotels in St. Joseph, the Perkins house, built in 1840, stood on the corner of State and Ship Streets. Note the side entrance for the saloon which was, of course, given the times, for men only.
These restaurants and other classic eateries remain part of the thriving local food scene. But the doors of others have long been closed. Some like Mead’s Chicken Nook and Robertson’s Tea Room linger in memories while The Owl Saloon, O. A. Clark’s Lunch Rooms, and Lobster Lounge are long lost to time.
The restaurant is still open at the Barbee, it was a fav of Al Capone. However, when he arrived, all the other guests had to leave.
Jane Simon Ammeson is a food and travel columnist who has authored seventeen books, including Classic Restaurants of Northwest Indiana. Always willing to travel for food, she blogs about her experiences at janeammeson.com.
At one time, the lakeside towns of southwesterern Berrien County had a large Swedish population. The Swedish Coffee Pot was just one of several. Only the Swedish Bakery remains.
PARADISE VALLEY TEENAGER AND GILBERT GROWN-UP ARE NAMED WINNERS OF BASHAS’ 10TH ANNUAL DONUT FLAVOR CRAZE CONTEST
Winning donuts will be available in Bashas’ bakeries across the state for a limited timestarting this Friday, June 6 (National Donut Day)
The donuts have been tasted, the ballots have been counted, and the results are now in for Bashas’ 10th-annual Donut Flavor Craze contest.
Thanks to the culinary creativity of a Paradise Valley teenager and a Gilbert grown-up, two new donut flavors will soon be available in Bashas’ bakery cases across the state – just in time for National Donut Day this Friday, June 6.
Miele K., a 13-year-old from Paradise Valley, won first place in the youth category for her Desert Campfire Smore donut, which is a Long John donut with chocolate icing, drizzled with marshmallow crème and topped with graham cracker crumbs and mini marshmallows.
Elizabeth Bouck, a grown-up from Gilbert, submitted the winning donut in the adult category. Her Donoli donut is a frosted vanilla donut filled with cinnamon cream cheese icing, sprinkled with crushed cannoli chips and chocolate chips and then drizzled with chocolate icing.
If Bouck’s name sounds familiar, it’s for good reason: she took first place in last year’s youth category.
As part of its annual competition, Bashas’ invited kids and grown-ups across the state to dream up the best donut flavors for the grocer’s bakery cases. People could submit their ideas for a donut from any of the themes from the previous nine years. They were: Pop Culture, Wacky Donut Flavors, Sweet & Savory, Arizona Themed, Guilty Pleasure, Carnival Flavors, Global Flavors and Retro vs. Future.
A panel of local celebrity judges helped Bashas’ to select the winning donut flavors.
The two winning donuts will be available for purchase in Bashas’ bakery cases across the state starting this Friday, June 6. Also on National Donut Day, Bashas’ will donate 10% of its donut sales on Friday, June 6, 2025, to The Salvation Army, which established National Donut Day in June 1938 to honor volunteers who served the sweet treats to soldiers on the frontlines. Additionally, you’ll receive 18 donuts when you purchase two Don Francisco’s coffee pods or bags.
In addition to being named Bashas’ Official Donut Ambassadors for 2025, Miele and Elizabeth will each receive one dozen donuts every month for a year from Bashas’ bakery, and $500 worth of prizes, including a Bashas’ gift card.
The youth category runner-up is 13-year-old Audrey S. from Tucson; she will receive a $50 Bashas’ gift card for her A Latte Sugar donut, a buttercream filled donut topped with chocolate-coffee frosting drizzled with caramel and a ganache of espresso beans.
The adult category runner-up is Sheryl Keeme from Tempe; she will receive a $50 Bashas’ gift card for her The Salty White Turtle submission. It is a vanilla donut dipped in white ganache, drizzled with caramel and topped with broken pecans and sea salt.
The three honorable mentions in the youth category went to 9-year-old Creedence M. from Buckeye for her Island Kiss Donut; 13-year-old Charlee Y. from Scottsdale for The “Wicked” I Donut of Bashas’ and 16-year-old Braxton B. from Queen Creek for the Chocolate Covered Pretzel donut. The three honorable mentions in the adult category are Shaunna Serfin from Glendale for the Peach Cobbler Crunch submission, Janet Gunderson from Flagstaff for her Cookies and Milk for Santa donut, and Maya Gordon from Chandler for her Coco Mocha Monkey Banana donut. All six will each receive a $20 Bashas’ gift card.
About National Donut Day
National Donut Day was originally established to honor The Salvation Army’s service to soldiers during World War I. Around 250 volunteers traveled overseas to provide emotional and spiritual support, sweet treats, clothes, and supplies to troops. These women, known as “Donut Lassies,” made and hand-delivered donuts to the front lines and are often credited with popularizing the donut in the United States when the troops returned home from war.
About Bashas’ Family of Stores
Bashas’ Family of Stores is a division of The Raley’s Companies. The grocer operates in Arizona, New Mexico, and four Tribal Nations under five well-known brands including Bashas’, Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods, Eddie’s Country Store, and Bashas’ Diné supermarkets. Founded in 1932, the grocer has a rich history of serving families with quality products and great customer service. With more than 100 supermarkets in Arizona, Bashas’ is one of the largest employers in the state and one of the Best Places to Work. Bashas’ has given back more than $100 million to the communities it serves. For more information, visit bashas.com.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army ranks No. 6 on Forbes’ latest list of America’s Top 100 Charities and has helped more than 360,000 Arizonans last year through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry; shelter; and clothing for people experiencing homelessness, along with rent and utilities assistance, disaster relief, respite from extreme weather conditions, senior activity and outreach, adult rehabilitation, opportunities for under-resourced children, holiday assistance, and emotional and spiritual support, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at more than 40 units across the state. Around 83 cents of every dollar donated to The Salvation Army nationally go directly to fund programs to help people who need it most. For more information about The Salvation Army, visit SalvationArmySouthwest.org and follow SalvationArmySW on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. #DoingTheMostGood #SalArmyLoveBeyond.
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.
Dolly Parton’s East Tennessee theme park, Dollywood is recognized for its live entertainment, world-class rides, incredible guest service, and tributes to the traditions and culture of the Great Smoky Mountains. As part of that commitment to heritage, the park showcases Southern and Appalachian cuisine. Instead of simply offering traditional amusement park fare, Dollywood makes an extra effort to serve high-quality options that range from family-style comfort foods to unique items created especially for its various seasonal festivals. As part of its ongoing commitment to bringing guests the best dining experiences, Dollywood has debuted a new restaurant this spring for its 40th anniversary season. Guests can feast on their favorites and try the new offerings as well.
Guests who visit the park during Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival from now through June 8 can indulge in Southern-inspired springtime foods that can be enjoyed individually or by using the Flower & Food Festival Tasting Pass. Those with the tasting pass can sample up to five festival items, including new creations like loaded street fries, pesto caprese paninis, Smoky Mountain grilled corn, blueberry pie milkshakes, wild berry cream cheese funnel cakes and a Salad of Many Colors (named for Dolly’s beloved song, “Coat of Many Colors”). The pass can be purchased in the park or online for $42.99 plus tax.
Dollywood will introduce its newest dining venue, Wilderness Pass Restaurant, during the festival. Opening in early May, the restaurant is set to serve a variety of smoked meats along with Southern classics like hush puppies and mac and cheese. Wilderness Pass will also debut a brand-new menu item for the park: rotisserie chicken. The restaurant, which features both indoor and patio seating, can accommodate 400 people and will allow guests to order their food in line before choosing their table.
Dollywood has also become famous for some iconic foods that are offered all season long. For generations, park-goers have flocked to the Grist Mill to devour Dollywood’s world-famous cinnamon bread, which can be enjoyed “naked” or with a side of icing and/or apple butter. The theme park’s original restaurant, Aunt Granny’s (named for what Dolly’s nieces and nephews call her), is consistently named among the best theme park restaurants in the country and serves Southern favorites like fried chicken and pot roast. Spotlight Bakery, located right near the park’s entrance and exit – making it a great first or last stop of the day – provides an array of desserts, including a 25-pound apple pie that’s baked in a specially made, huge cast-iron skillet.
Dollywood’s culinary team acknowledges the food allergies and avoidances that park guests have. With that in mind, they developed a Start Fresh program that ensures vegetarian and gluten-free items are available throughout the park. And when guests inform the culinary team about food sensitivities or allergies, the team ensures that foods are prepared without any cross-contamination.
For more information about Dollywood’s culinary offerings and to plan a trip during its 40th anniversary season, please visit Dollywood.com.
About Dollywood Parks & Resorts
A highly awarded and widely recognized leader in the amusement industry, Dollywood Parks & Resorts – which celebrates its 40th anniversary season in 2025 – consists of the 165-acre Dollywood theme park; the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country; and two award-winning resort properties: Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. As unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the 2010 Applause Award winner, the theme park industry’s highest accolade; winner of 64 Golden Ticket Awards; and recipient of 28 Brass Ring Awards for Live Entertainment.
The park is located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park and earned the Golden Ticket Award for the Best Park in the world in 2023. In 2022 and 2024, Dollywood was named by Tripadvisor as the #1 theme park in the country based on actual guest reviews. It also has been recognized as a top U.S. theme park by USA Today on multiple occasions.
Dollywood is open mid-March through early January and offers rides and attractions, shows and crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. Dollywood’s Splash Country, recognized by the Travel Channel and Tripadvisor as one of the country’s most beautiful water parks, operates from mid-May to mid-September.
The team at Journeyman, the award-winning craft distillery based in Three Oaks, Michigan, and Valparaiso, Indiana, have been busy planning some super fun events ranging from afree-to-attend children’s camp, a bartending competition featuring some of Harbor Country’s top drinks pros, a chef-driven rooftop dinner, and much more.
SUMMER MUSIC LIVE SERIES
WHERE: The American Factory, 258 South Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385
DATE: Every Friday beginning June 6th
TIME: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. CT
PRICE: Free to attend
DETAILS: Journeyman’s free summer music series is back for its second year at the American Factory. Every Friday through August, head to the courtyard with the whole family and soak up live music from local artists under the sky. Make it a full evening with dinner and drinks at Union Hall restaurant. More information can be found here.
DIRTY BOOTS LINE DANCING COUNTRY NIGHT
WHERE: The American Factory, 258 South Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385
DATE: Saturday, June 7
TIME: 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. CT, doors open at 6:30 p.m. CT
PRICE: $25/person, must be 21+
TICKETS: Available here
DETAILS: Journeyman’s Dirty Boots Night is back at the American Factory for an evening of live music, dancing, and unapologetically Southern energy. Pull on your cowboy boots and brush up on footwork with line dance lessons from Fred Astaire Dance Studios—all set to live country tunes from Steel Country. Tickets are $25 per person and include access to the event, line dancing lessons, and a welcome cocktail to kick off the night. Additional drink tickets will be available for purchase in advance and on-site. Must be 21 or older to attend.
BARCRAFT COMPETITION
WHERE: The Featherbone Factory, 109 Generations Dr. Three Oaks, MI 49128
DETAILS: Calling all cocktail enthusiasts! Journeyman Distillery is bringing together some of the most creative bartending pros from across the Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana regions for its first annual Barcraft Competition. Each bartender will present an original cocktail creation that showcases their unique craft and personality, and guests will be invited to cast their votes for who should take home the title of Best Bartender.
The winner will receive a donation to a charity of their choice. Tickets are $50 each and include cocktail samples, food, and a ballot to help decide the winner. Must be 21+ to attend.
FATHER’S DAY BRUNCH
WHERE: The Featherbone Factory, 109 Generations Dr. Three Oaks, MI 49128 AND The American Factory, 258 South Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385
DATE: Sunday, June 15
TIME: Three Oaks: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. ET, Valparaiso: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. CT
PRICE: $45 for adults, $20 for children 3-12, free for children under 3
RESERVATIONS: Three Oaks reservations here, Valparaiso reservations here
DETAILS: Toast Dad with fine whiskey and delicious breakfast favorites at Journeyman’s Father’s Day brunch! Taking place at both locations, the team is whipping up a brunch spread complete with a carving station featuring meaty offerings like prime rib, OCG roast turkey breast, and baby back ribs served with Journeyman’s bourbon BBQ sauce. Guests can also look forward to a buffet of comforting classics, including biscuits and pork sausage gravy, French toast, scrambled eggs, cinnamon sugar donut holes, and more. To help the adults unwind, a selection of craft cocktails made with Journeyman’s artisanal spirits will be available for purchase by the glass or by the pitcher.
CHEF’S DINNER: CHAR No. 3
WHERE: The American Factory, 258 South Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385
DETAILS: Back for its second year in 2025, Journeyman’s rooftop dining experience is returning to the American Factory this summer. Executive Chef Amanda Salas and her team are preparing a four-course dinner centered around smoked flavors, paired with cocktails and whiskey, perfect for enjoying in an open-air setting at dusk. Expect dishes like smoked pork shoulder with bourbon berry barbecue sauce, roasted salmon with barbecue baked lentils and pickled green beans, charred asparagus with piquillo pepper relish, and more. The full menu and ticketing information can be found here.
JOURNEYMAN’S KIDS CLUB
WHERE: The American Factory, 258 South Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385
DATE: Every Wednesday beginning June 25th
TIME: 11 a.m. – noon CT
PRICE: Free to attend, reservations required
DETAILS: Calling all parents with kiddos! Journeyman’s free-to-attend Kid’s Club is back this summer at the American Factory. Every Wednesday at 11 a.m., kids can participate in a new, fun and creative one-hour activity. The full lineup of activities will be announced soon, and reservations are required. More information can be found here.
The definition of a good wine is as simple as this: Do you like it well enough to pour another glass?
Let us help you find your favorite at the Indiana Wine Fair, a day-long event in historic Story, Indiana. Sample the best of Indiana’s wines while enjoying live music and perusing the arts and crafts of Hoosier and regional artisans and the offerings of local food vendors.
Featured wineries offer 1-oz samples but also sell glass pours, merch, and bottles for carry out. Some wineries claim to sell so much to become unable to open their own shops until their inventory is replenished.
That’s why it’s a privilege to continue the tradition, as experts tell us the event is directly responsible for the market growth of Indiana wines.
Each guest receives a Story Inn keepsake wine glass, tote bag, and sample pours all afternoon. $30 presale tickets and more information are available at Indianwinefair.com
Free parking is available at Story. Free parking with free shuttle service is also available at Range 46 Wine Co in Gnaw Bone, with pickup/drop off at the Brown County CVB on Washington Street in Nashville. Shuttles run from 11am – 8pm.
Trust us, this is so true: Indiana Wines Rock
Photo Jane Simon Ammeson
Contrary to popular belief, wine is not only made in California or France. In blind tastings, Indiana wines compete with the best because of our diverse geographic regions, climate, and soils. Decades ago, Purdue University genetically engineered grapes to thrive in harder clay soils, which have found root on the Story hillside. Tour the orchard, vineyard, and nature trail on your next visit!
Stay Late and Laugh
Indiana Wine Fair 12-6pm; Comedy Show 8:30-10pm
Wine Fair guests receive admission to the monthly comedy show Saturday May 31 evening from 8:30-10pm. Enjoy the afternoon wine, live music, and support local arts, crafts, and food vendors. Plan to stay for the evening comedy show/fundraiser sponsored by 812 Farms.
Indiana Wine Fair founder Rick Hofstetter (on left) and friends. Photo Jane Simon Ammeson.
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.
Buffalo Trace Distillery continues to make great strides towards resuming normal operations after historic flooding caused damage throughout Frankfort. Campus-wide cleanup efforts are now complete, and restoration has ramped up inside buildings affected by flood waters. The successful re-opening of the Distillery’s modified visitor experience has allowed teams to scale up visitor offerings.
“Welcoming visitors back to Buffalo Trace Distillery is more than encouraging, it’s an overwhelming joy we share with fans who visit us,” said Jake Wenz, Sazerac & Buffalo Trace Distillery CEO and President. “The support of the community has provided strength to our teams, and I am so proud of our team members’ hard work and dedication these past few weeks. As our teams and contractors make essential repairs, we are close to resuming normal operations.”
Starting Tuesday, April 22, Buffalo Trace Distillery has moved its limited retail experience to the second floor of the Visitors Center.
This move allows for regular check-in processes to resume inside the Freehouse building and provides guests with expanded retail and tasting options. Though cleanup has allowed further resumption of the guest experience, restoration efforts continue campus-wide and those visiting will be limited to the Visitors Center.
The Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse in summer at Buffalo Trace Distillery.
We apologize, but no walk-up retail or tour experiences are currently being offered at this time. To check reservation availability, please visit reservations.buffalotracedistillery.com. In anticipation of Derby week, one of the Distillery’s busiest weeks, teams are working hard to ensure the Distillery can accommodate increased visitation. The Distillery will be closed on Monday, April 28 to allow for retail operations to further expand into the first floor of the Visitors Center. Please note, for the coming weeks reservations are required for all guests visiting the Distillery.
Flood cleanup and restoration efforts have also progressed throughout Franklin County, with many businesses in downtown Frankfort now open for businesses. Additionally, many throughout the state are recovering from tornadoes caused by storms that hit Kentucky just before the flooding. Buffalo Trace Distillery will soon be announcing details of an online charity auction featuring some of the Distillery’s most sought-after bourbons to aid in statewide relief efforts for those facing the difficult road of recovery coming off these spring storms.
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.
Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies.
Its William Larue Weller and Stagg were named Best of Show at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition and its Traveller Whiskey is the Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here.
