Historic Archives : TRAVEL/FOOD

Where We’re Traveling: Zicasso’s 2026 Luxury Travel Trends Report

Adventure, African safaris, Asian cooking, Authentic travel, Ireland, Luxury, Train rides, Trains, Vintage Trains, Zicasso

The 2026 travel landscape demonstrates a fundamental shift in how luxury travelers approach international exploration. No longer content with the obvious choice, today’s sophisticated travelers diversify their destinations, seek authentic experiences beyond traditional tourism centers, and optimize their itineraries for meaningful engagement rather than simple duration.

At Zicasso, travel experts have analyzed data from over 100,000 trip requests for 2026 departures to identify trends across global regions. From observing how travelers are moving beyond South Africa to discover Zimbabwe’s wildlife corridors, to seeing them bypass popular Greek islands for Ireland’s cultural heritage, we have identified how discerning travelers are reshaping the international travel landscape.

The following results of Zicasso’s 2026 Travel Trends Report show what we expect luxury travel to look like in the coming year.

Discovering Regional Alternatives to Traditional Favorites

Safari travelers are exploring beyond South Africa’s well-trodden game reserves to discover the wildlife-rich landscapes of neighboring countries. Island seekers are trading Greece’s popular summer corners for Ireland’s coastal drama and Celtic heritage. Across every major travel region, our data reveals a sophisticated shift: travelers now research multiple destinations within a region, choosing based on their specific interests rather than simply booking the most famous name.

The result benefits both travelers and destinations: visitors enjoy more authentic experiences while the positive impact of tourism spreads across multiple countries, supporting broader conservation efforts.

Regional Redistribution Highlights:

South Africa safari bookings: Declined from 36.3% to 26.6% of regional share
Tanzania: Rose to 21.9%
Zimbabwe: Increased to 16.3%
Botswana: Grew to 10.2%
Greece: Declined 4.8 percentage points as Ireland entered Europe’s top five

This pattern appears across Asia, where Thailand declined 6.7 percentage points while Japan expanded its dominance, and in the South Pacific, where New Zealand and Australia demonstrate a pendulum pattern as travelers alternate between the two countries in consecutive years.

The common thread: travelers make intentional choices based on what each destination uniquely offers.

Eastern and Northern Europe Capture Growing Interest

Beyond the established favorites of Italy, France, and Spain, European travel is expanding north and east. Travelers seek the same elements that make Western Europe appealing, such as rich history, distinctive architecture, and culinary traditions, but with a better value in mind, and the excitement of destinations still in their discovery phase.

Poland’s historic cities, like Krakow, offer an authentic and accessible European atmosphere. Wales delivers dramatic coastlines and medieval castles at a density unmatched anywhere else. Sweden attracts those drawn to Scandinavian design, sustainable travel practices, and Nordic natural beauty. These destinations now provide the infrastructure and luxury hospitality that once distinguished only Western European classics, while maintaining an authenticity that comes before tourism saturation.

Fastest-Growing European Destinations:

Poland: +229%
Wales: +226%
Sweden: +143%
Czechia: +94%
Norway: +82%

The appeal extends beyond individual countries to how they connect. Scenic trains between Prague and Krakow, short flights linking Scandinavian capitals, and scenic drives through Alpine passes allow travelers to experience multiple cultures within a single trip. This compact geography aligns perfectly with the trend toward multi-destination efficiency, letting you explore three distinct European countries in the time traditional itineraries devoted to one.

Japan Continues Its Rise as a Premier Asian Destination

Japan demonstrates how the right combination of factors can drive sustained growth rather than the typical boom-and-plateau pattern. The country rose from rank 9 globally to rank 6, capturing more than one-third of all Asian luxury travel. Rather than showing signs of saturation, Japan’s appeal continues to expand as more travelers discover its depth.

Japan’s cultural richness and natural beauty within a compact, highly efficient geography drive the interest. Bullet trains connect Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka in under three hours. You can experience imperial palaces, mountain hot springs, and coastal villages without the extended ground transportation that complicates other Asia itineraries.

Japan’s Growth Trajectory:

Global ranking: Rose from rank 9 (2025) to rank 6 (2026)
Regional dominance: Commands 34.1% of Asia luxury travel
Year-over-year acceleration: 4.4 percentage-point growth

Japan also rewards repeat visits. First-time travelers explore iconic sites like Kyoto’s temples and Tokyo’s neighborhoods. Return visitors discover regional experiences: Hokkaido’s winter landscapes, Okinawa’s subtropical islands, rural onsen towns, and regional culinary specialties from kaiseki cuisine to local sake breweries.

Where You Stay Matters

Accommodations jumped into the top 10 travel priorities for the first time, rising from rank 13 to rank 8. This shift appeared simultaneously across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the South Pacific signaling that travelers everywhere now view where they stay as integral to their destination experience rather than simply a place to sleep.

When trips become shorter and more intentional, every element gains importance. Morning rituals in a Japanese ryokan, evenings on the terrace of a Tuscan villa, nights under canvas in the African bush: these are essential components of cultural immersion.

Accommodation Priority Shift:

Previous ranking: 13th (2025)
Current ranking: 8th (2026)
Regional consistency: Entered top 10 simultaneously in Europe, Africa, Asia, and South Pacific
Movement: +5 positions year-over-year

This elevation of accommodations complements other 2026 trends. As travelers combine multiple destinations into efficient itineraries, the quality of each element matters more. Where you rest and recharge becomes as thoughtfully curated as the experiences filling your days.

Planning Your 2026 Journey

Luxury travel in 2026 rewards those who approach planning with intention and insight. Whether you’re drawn to Eastern Europe’s emerging destinations, seeking regional alternatives to traditional favorites, or looking for efficient multi-country itineraries that maximize your time, understanding these trends helps you craft journeys that reflect an evolved approach to travel.

A full version of the report can be found in their comprehensive PDF document.

If you’re ready to explore how these trends might shape your travel plans, or looking for inspiration for your next adventure, our travel specialists can help create a custom experience tailored to your interests, needs, and travel goals. Contact Zicasso to begin planning your next extraordinary journey.

Chicago Holiday Hotel Dinners & Special Events

Chicago restaurants, Christmas, Holiday, Holiday dining, Holiday events, Holiday Travel, Hotels, Thanksgiving

Chicago, with its numerous holiday happenings and millions of holiday lights, is a magical destination. Wondering where to stay and what to do? Here are some ideas for you.

Gather at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago this Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 27, 12:00PM – 6:00PM) for Adorn Bar & Restaurant’s heartwarming Thanksgiving Grand Feast Experience. Celebrate the season in style with an abundant spread of gourmet stations, decadent dishes, and irresistible sweets. Whether you’re making new memories or honoring cherished traditions, Adorn invites you to savor every bite—and every moment—with warmth, joy, and festive flavor.

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.

Savor the season with a playful twist on a timeless tradition. Delight in an elegant afternoon of festive indulgence at the Teddy Bear Tea, featuring artfully crafted tea sandwiches, exquisite desserts, and a thoughtfully curated selection of fine teas. Toast the occasion at our sparkling mimosa station, while little ones are enchanted by whimsical holiday entertainment and receive a charming teddy bear keepsake to treasure.

Saturdays and Sundays, November 29 & 30, December 7, 13*, 20, 27 & 28
1st Seating: 10:00 AM; 2nd Seating: 1:00 PM; *10 AM Seating Only
$185 per adult / $65 per child (6-12 years old)
Children 5 and under are complimentary

Treat your loved ones to an unforgettable Christmas Day Feast at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago (Thursday, December 25,12:00PM – 6:00PM) . Delight in festive fare from chef-attended action stations and an elaborate chocolate buffet, while little ones enjoy holiday-themed activities designed just for them. A live band sets the scene with cheerful sounds of the season, and our decadent hot chocolate station—complete with a “Spike Your Cocoa” option—adds a playful, grown-up twist. A memorable experience for guests of all ages, wrapped in the magic of the holidays.

$285 per adult / $95 per child (6-12 years old), Adult pricing includes one glass of champagne (Pricing is exclusive of Tax & Gratuity)

Ring in the New Year with an opulent New Year’s Eve Dinner at Adorn (Wednesday, December 31, seatings at 7:00PM and 9:00PM). Indulge in a luxurious five-course journey. Savor every moment with decadent canapés, artfully prepared appetizers, and a choice of exquisite entrée, culminating in a show-stopping dessert.

$225 Per Person exclusive of tax and gratuity

the Albert, the Italian-American restaurant located at the luxury boutique Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection, welcomes the festive season with an exciting lineup of dining experiences. Under the direction of acclaimed Chef Steve Chiappetti, the Albert’s menus and events honor his Calabrian heritage while embracing Chicago’s culinary vibrancy. Guests can look forward to special offerings, holiday feasts, a charitable book drive, an early New Year’s Eve party, and interactive wine and cocktail classes — all designed to joyfully gather loved ones around the table.

Thanksgiving Chef Hotline – Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Turkey emergency? Stuffing disaster? Chef Chiappetti is back in 2025 and just a phone call away with The Albert’s Thanksgiving Chef Hotline. From troubleshooting to expert tips, Chicagoans can count on his culinary guidance to present their holiday meals without breaking a sweat! Call 1-833-THX-CHEF (1-833-849-2433).

Holiday Book Drive: Share a Story, Light the Season – November 19-December 31, 2025

Hotel EMC2 invites guests to celebrate the spirit of giving through Share a Story, Light the Season in partnership with Books4Cause, a Chicago-based social venture dedicated to expanding access to books and education worldwide. From November 18 through December 31, guests who bring a gently used book to donate at the Albert, will receive a complimentary glass of wine in return. Guests are invited to place their books beneath the hotel’s striking holiday tree while enjoying canapés, cocktails, and the warmth of the season. Each book donated supports Books4Cause’s mission to recirculate books into the hands of new readers, helping to build libraries and empower communities both locally and abroad. At Hotel EMC2, where art and science live in harmony, the initiative is a reflection of the property’s belief that curiosity, creativity, and compassion are all part of a story worth sharing. 21+. Limit one per guest, per visit. Available during service hours only.

Thanksgiving All-Day Buffet – Thursday, November 27, 2025 | 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
$65 per person (excludes beverages, tax, and gratuity)
Give thanks with Chef Chiappetti’s festive buffet featuring roasted turkey with cranberry stuffing, honey glazed ham, cheese tortellini, Sicilian mushrooms, shaved salumi and Italian cheeses, roasted vegetables, Italian frittata, and tables laden with housemade pies and other sweet treats.

Christmas Eve Dinner

Wednesday, December 24, 2025 – 5 p.m. to close

$60 per person, including a glass of rosé prosecco (excludes additional beverages, tax, and gratuity)

Let the night before Christmas be a decadent culinary occasion with a pre-fix menu featuring:

Choice of Crostini: Prosciutto, ricotta, and honey, or Confit chicken, pesto, and ricotta, or Sicilian mushroom, ricotta, and chili
Main Course: Lobster ravioli, roasted red pepper sauce, or Beef Wellington, or Dover Sole, shrimp soufflé
Dessert: Nonna’s Tiramisu

Christmas Day Buffet

Thursday, December 25, 2025 – 11:30 a.m.
$70 per person with a glass of Champagne (excludes other beverages, tax and gratuity)

Wake up and feast on a bountiful buffet and special menu selections featuring both Italian and classic American dishes. Guests can tour the antipasti buffet, choose their entree and then cap off the celebration with sweets upon sweets at the 20-foot dessert table.

Antipasti Buffet: Roasted mint carrots, Sicilian mushrooms, asparagus with aged balsamic, Italian olives, Shaved salumi, Italian cheeses, fig jam, crackers, nuts, Frittata, spiral ham, cheese tortellini with fresh basil tomato sauce and more.
Entree Selections: Eggs Benedict, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Roasted Turkey, Herb Crusted Prime Ribeye, Gnocchi, Seared Pacific Coast Salmon, Grilled Lamb Chops
The 20-Foot Dessert Buffet: Assorted Cakes, Pies, Cannoli, Dark Chocolate Brownies, Butter Cookies, and more

Rockin’ Italian Style New Year’s Celebration

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 4 to 7 p.m.
$55 per person (excludes tax and gratuity)

For those who wish to celebrate early and watch the ball drop at home, all are invited to enjoy live music as the clock strikes midnight in Italy. They will have the chance to honor the grape-eating tradition that accompanies the holiday in Italy, all while delighting in a beverage bar featuring rosé prosecco and espresso martinis and a Sicilian pizza bar including favorites like potato, rosemary, goat cheese, duck prosciutto, pinenuts, mushroom, provolone, soprasata, sweet peppers, pesto, four cheese, and white truffle cream. A homemade pasta bar will dole out the traditional Casarece pasta with shrimp, spinach and lobster cream sauce. Unlimited servings of Nonna’s Tiramisu will start the New Year on a high note!

New Year’s Eve Dinner

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 5 p.m. to close
$90 per person
End the year with an extraordinary prix fixe tasting menu featuring:

1st Course: Smoked Duck Consommé and black truffle puff crust, or Hamachi crudo, black garlic, and tomato jus
2nd Course: Choice Of Risotto with shrimp, saffron broth and peas, or Garginelle with lamb sausage and fennel dust
3rd Course: Choice Of Roasted rack of lamb stuffed with pesto, or Snapper, fresh crab crust, and prosecco sauce
4th Course: Chocolate Decadence

Photo courtesy of Staypineapple The Loop.

Staypineapple The Loop is offering the following meal packages:

Holiday Tea at Atwood – Available November 1, 2025 through January 10, 2026, Atwood will offer a festive Holiday Tea menu with a selection of aromatic teas, savory sandwiches and decadent sweets, available daily from 11 AM-5 PM by reservation, $55 per person. (Menu and photos)

Atwood’s Theatre Prix Fixe – To celebrate the fall and winter theatre season, starting October 1, 2026, Atwood, located in the heart of the theatre district, is offering a prix fixe menu, perfect for pre- or post-show dining. The three courses feature seasonal flavors in main dishes such as Pumpkin Risotto, Pork Shoulder Ragout and Pan-Roasted Chicken. Available daily 11 AM-9 PM, no reservation required, $52 per person.(Menu and photos)

The Pendry Chicago’s special holiday events include:

Holiday Lights & Festive Kick-Off: Festival of Lights Champagne & Hot Chocolate Toast (Nov. 22 | 4 – 5:30 pm | Lobby) – Celebration of Chicago’s official holiday season kick-off with champagne and hot chocolate before the lighting ceremony.

Letters to Santa (Nov. 22 – Dec. 25 | 10 am – 7 pm) in Lobby – Kids can visit the Concierge to write their letter to Santa and send it to the North Pole.

Myles Hayes Holiday Music (Nov. 22 – Dec. 31 | Saturdays, 4 – 6 pm) at Bar Pendry – Live holiday-inspired performances by Chicago Jazz artist Myles Hayes.

Festive Boozy Tea (Dec. 7 – Dec. 28 | Sundays, 11 am – 3 pm) at Bar Pendry – Bar Pendry puts a festive spin on Sunday afternoon tea with Festive Boozy Tea, pairing tea-based cocktails with a three-tiered tower of sweet and savory bites accompanied by live music from Chicago musicians. Guests can enjoy holiday delicacies such as Lobster Quiche with Parmesan Royale and Black Truffle and Gingerbread Profiteroles with White Russian Crème. $100 per person inclusive of tax & gratuity. View menu here.

For more information about where to stay and what to do in the city, visit Choose Chicago.

Fall is the Adventure Season at the National Parks

Adventure, Colorado, Cycling, Montana, National Parks, Ranch, Soft Adventure

Forget the summer gridlock. The real story of America’s national parks is in September and October, during the “secret season.” It’s the time when the crowds disappear, the weather is perfect and the landscapes transform into a palette of brilliant autumn colors.

With schools back in session, parks like Zion, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon are no longer at peak capacity, creating a more intimate and enjoyable experience. Think crisp, cool air, no crowds, and golden sunshine. Wildlife also tends to be more active in the cooler temperatures, providing fantastic viewing opportunities.

Here are a few ideas of where to go this fall.

Saddle and Paddle Yellowstone: Flying Pig Adventures’ three-night Yellowstone tour gives guests the opportunity to experience the park like never before. The thrill of witnessing one of nature’s most iconic environments, tackling rough terrain on horseback, and battling class III rapids in a raft cannot be found anywhere else. From fly fishing to horseback rides and Yellowstone whitewater, guests will be talking about this unique experience for years to come.

Cycle Glacier National Park: The Big Sky meets six days of big smiles on Escape Adventures’ epic Going-to-the-Sun Road bike trip in Glacier National Park. Based in Montana’s 1,583-square-mile Glacier National Park, with its 375 historic properties and six historic landmarks, riders will cycle into some of North America’s most breathtaking landscapes, including Going-to-the-Sun Road. At each stop, each slow pass, guests will learn a little more about the ”Crown of the Continent” ecosystem.

Alaska Fjord Explorer: On Adventure Life’s Kenai Explorer tour, spend seven days amid the breathtaking landscape and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park and Seward, Alaska. Enjoy nature walks and paddling from a beachfront lodge with glacier views, keeping an eye out for wildlife like whales, Steller sea lions, otters, puffins and more, then visit the coastal town of Seward and go dogsledding or step on nearby Exit Glacier. Finish with an Alaska Rail ride to Anchorage.

Wyoming Cowboy Retreat: At Ranchlands’ 80,000-acre Paintrock Canyon Ranch, guests will immerse themselves in ranch life, explore the surrounding areas on horseback, fly fish, hike and experience the unique landscape of Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains. Accommodations are designed to bring guests as close to nature as possible, while still offering all the comforts of home. Large, safari-style tents are stylishly furnished with full-sized beds, bedside tables, dressers and chairs. Meals are prepared by a private chef and incorporate Ranchlands’ beef, local produce and dairy whenever possible. The ranch makes a great basecamp for a Yellowstone National Park adventure.

Zion National Park. Photo Jane Simon Ammeson.

Bryce & Zion by MTB: Soaring red spires and ancient citadels of rich Navajo sandstone give way to haunting hoodoos and curving rock arches – a geologist’s dream and a mountain biker’s paradise.

The rides on this six-day Escape Adventures tour offer swift lines that wind through deep alpine meadows and aspen forests only to spill out onto wide mesas and buttes. The world-famous trails of Red Canyon’s Thunder Mountain, Cassidy and Casto Canyon symbolize but a few of this tour’s many highlights.

Grand Teton Glamping: Fireside Resort offers luxuriously outfitted tiny house rental units designed by Wheelhaus, a short distance from Grand Teton National Park, making it the perfect basecamp for summer adventures. Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting, enjoy beautiful scenery and wildlife while hiking through the Tetons or revel in the wonder of Yellowstone National Park’s geothermal features.

White Stallion Ranch. Photo Jane Simon Ammeson.

Arizona Ranch Getaway: Step back in time at White Stallion Ranch, outside Tucson, Arizona, on the edge of Saguaro National Park. Originally built in the 1900s as a cattle ranch, the True family has been welcoming guests to White Stallion for 60 years. While there, enjoy horseback riding, hiking, fat-tire biking, shooting, archery, a weekly rodeo, charming accommodations, Southwestern dining and more with the towering cactuses of the Sonoran Desert as the backdrop.

Top photo: White Stallion Ranch at Night. Jane Simon Ammeson.

Colorado National Parks Road Trip: AdventureGenie is the ultimate co-pilot for planning a perfect road trip to Colorado national parks. As the world’s first AI-powered, end-to-end road trip planner, AdventureGenie makes it easier and more exciting than ever to discover the Centennial State. Colorado is more than just the Rocky Mountains – the state is richly diverse with deep canyons, rolling sand dunes, glistening rivers and expansive rolling plains. From accessible trails to hikes of various distances and difficulties and amazing scenic drives, these five Colorado national parks are full of geographical marvels and prehistoric wonders.

Grand Canyon’s North Rim: Escape Adventures invites adventurers and families to discover the cool, high-altitude sanctuary of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim on an unforgettable five-day mountain biking and camping expedition. Revered by hikers and cyclists for its breathtaking vistas and gently rolling, lung-expanding terrain, the North Rim offers a unique and less-crowded perspective of this natural wonder.

Big Sky Luxury Adventure: In Big Sky, Montana, The Wilson Hotel serves as a home base for adventure year-round. In fall, golden aspens and cottonwoods light up the mountainsides and river bottoms, and there are opportunities to hike, bike, fish or watch for wildlife in the forestlands near town and Yellowstone National Park. At the end of the day, The Wilson offers accommodations that blend modern comfort with Montana style just steps from dining at Block 3 Kitchen & Bar and more in Big Sky Town Center.

E-Bike Tour of Canyonlands: Utah’s 100-mile White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park comes on like a natural rollercoaster, looping in and out of a multicolored spires, arches, buttes and mesas carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers. A primitive trail framed by blooming cactuses below and snowcapped mountains above, the White Rim Trail loops around and below the Island in the Sky mesa and provides expansive views of the surrounding area. Guests will spend the majority of this four-day mountain biking and camping tour riding the famous off-road route, while detouring to admire secret passages, hidden slot canyons, natural rock arches and ancient Puebloan ruins.

Utah Hut-to-Hut Adventure: Discover the Aquarius Trail Hut System, an unparalleled e-bike adventure in Utah’s stunning color country. This unique trail stretches from Brian Head Peak through picturesque locations like Panguitch, Bryce and Escalante. Along the way, modern huts provide essential amenities, including solar-powered kitchens, comfortable sleeping arrangements and bike repair tools, ensuring a perfect blend of rugged exploration and convenient comfort.

Expect Racing Thrills and Can’t-Miss Experiences at the Churchill Downs September Meet

Churchill Downs, Horse racing, Louisville

Churchill Downs is welcoming guests for its 13th annual September Meet, running from today through Sunday, Sept. 28. Beyond the thrill of live horse racing, the meet features a vibrant lineup of themed events that make it a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike.

Twilight Thursdays: Thursday, Sept. 18 and 25: For three Thursday evenings, Churchill Downs transforms into a lively social hub with Twilight Thursdays in the Paddock Plaza. Guests can enjoy live music from regional artists like Piper Madison, Ben Bernhard, and Kevin Neihoff, alongside a rotating selection of food trucks offering everything from Thai cuisine and Mexican to gourmet grilled cheese and hot dogs. Yard games and a festive atmosphere make this a perfect outing for friends and families.

College Day – Saturday, Sept. 13: College students are invited to a special day featuring scholarship giveaways, meet-and-greets with the Bellarmine University basketball team, and interactive activities with local equine education programs. Students can explore career paths in the horse racing industry and enjoy exclusive discounts and giveaways.

Stakes Room Brunch – Sundays: Each Sunday, guests can indulge in a Stakes Room Brunch, offering a wide array of Southern-inspired dishes in an elegant setting overlooking the track. It’s a perfect way to combine gourmet dining with the excitement of race day.

Senior Day – Friday, Sept. 19: Churchill Downs honors its senior guests with a dedicated Senior Day, featuring lunch and racing in the luxurious Millionaires Row. It’s a relaxed and social way to enjoy the historic venue.

Thoroughbred Aftercare Day – Saturday, Sept. 27: This special day celebrates retired racehorses and the organizations that care for them. Visitors can meet Golden Strike, the dam of 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, and learn about her life after racing. Eight aftercare organizations will be on-site to share their missions and offer interactive experiences.

To help with planning a trip to Louisville for the fall meet, fans can download a copy of Louisville Tourism’s annual Visitor Guide to see the city’s top attractions and bourbon distilleries.

About Louisville Tourism

As one of the oldest official Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO) in the country, Louisville Tourism’s mission is to enhance the city’s economy through tourism. It works to raise awareness of Bourbon City’s brand worldwide to inspire inbound travel which reached 19 million visitors in 2024. As the third largest industry in Louisville, tourism supports nearly 70,000 local tourism-related jobs and contributes an estimated $4.2 billion to the economy. Tourism also creates $247M in state and local tax revenue, saving each household in Louisville an average of $800 on its state and local tax bill. From the city’s world-renowned global events like the Kentucky Derby to a vibrant culinary scene and a rich Bourbon cultural heritage, Louisville offers a unique experience for all who visit.

A Magical Time to be had in Nayarit’s Pueblos Mágicos

Adventure, Beaches, Nayarit, Pueblos Magicos, Restaurants, Riviera Nayarit, San Blas Nayarit, Seaside, Uncategorized, Yachting

Mexico’s Pacific state of Nayarit is one whose culture, traditions, and gastronomy have put it in the tourist spotlight. One of the best ways to discover the magic of Nayarit is to immerse yourself in its small towns and villages, especially the ones that are renowned for their authenticity, heritage, and culture.

In Mexico, towns that live up to these standards earn a government designation of Pueblo Magico, or Magical Town. Nayarit is blessed with nine Pueblos Magicos — Sayulita, Compostela, Jala, San Blas, Ahuacatlán, Amatlán de Cañas, Ixtlán del Río, Puerto Balleto and Mexcaltitan. Each of these stunning, charming towns is totally unique, with something different to offer every style of traveler.

Sayulita is one of the original Pueblos Magicos of Mexico. Bohemian travelers, surfers, artists, and wellness seekers have been flocking to the sun-drenched shores of Sayulita for decades. Since the early days of Sayulita’s tourism scene, the small, once-sleepy backpacking town has blossomed into a boutique haven, complete with designer hotels, open-air restaurants, artist galleries, clothing shops, and much more. It has a thriving beach scene, too, complete with palapa-topped restaurants, toes-in-the-sand bars, and a pervasive laid-back culture.

Sayulita also happens to be one of the wellness capitals of Nayarit, with yoga retreats, day spas, spiritual centers, holistic and New Age shops. And surfers and surfers-in-training will feel right at home in Sayulita, as the beaches have ideal waves year-round. The best season for surfing in Sayulita is December to April and the village is the backdrop for various surf tournaments, like the Children’s and Youth Surf Tournament, the Pacific Music Festival Open Surf Tournament, and the Annual Long Table and Rowing Surf Tournament.

Then there is Jala. Tucked at the base of El Ceboruco Volcano, Jala is a perfect example of a Spanish-influenced town surrounded by nature. Here visitors can wander the cobblestone streets and admire mansions from the 18th and 19th centuries. Just four miles from Jala is the El Salto Waterfall, which springs to life during the rainy season from June to September from a height of nearly 100 feet.

Jala, Nayarit

The historic center of Jala is spectacular, particularly the streets of Mexico, Zaragoza, and Hidalgo, all of which have been given historical heritage designations by the government. The stunning Lateran Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption wears a face of pink and green stone. Inside, Ionic and Corinthian columns wreath an impressive dome.

Jala is the jumping off point from which to explore El Ceboruco and dive deep into the adventurous side of Nayarit. The crater of the volcano has a valley veined with trails for cycling and hiking, as well as designated sites for camping.

Tradition and history flow from the streets of Compostela, a city founded in 1530 as the first capital of the Kingdom of New Galicia. This Spanish territory comprised what is now Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, Aguascalientes, Sinaloa, Zacatecos, and San Luis Potosi. As such, Compostela was a vitally important hub for trade and commerce.

The architecture in Compostela is a must, from the Temple of Mercy of San Santiago Apostol, to the Regional Museum, which houses archaeological pieces from the region. The old Train Station, built on the trunk line of the Southern Pacific Railroad of Mexico, is also a fascinating piece of history.

One of the most important industries in Compostela is its coffee industry, as it is one of the most important for Mexico in terms of coffee bean production. Visitors can tour the coffee plantations and sample some of the finest high altitude coffee in the world.

Finally, Mexcaltitan, the newest of Nayarit’s Pueblos Magicos, is another beachfront destination with a fascinating history. This mythical destination is an island just off the coast of Riviera Nayarit. The tiny enclave is so small that it can be covered on foot in a day, though you’ll likely be covering the streets of Mexcaltitan by boat.

That’s right — by boat. Because of the low elevation of the island, the streets often flood during the rainy season, turning the island into “The Mexican Venice.” Tourists and residents get around the streets and alleyways with the assistance of boats.

Be sure to visit the Museum “El Origen,” an archaeological museum located in the central square in front of the church of San Pedro y San Pablo. Here, a variety of pieces from Mesoamerican cultures is on display.

Mexcaltitan is also known for its gastronomy, particularly its pre-Hispanic recipes made with shrimp. Visitors can try everything from the shrimp meatballs and shrimp-filled tamales, to the shrimp soaked in lemon sauce, shrimp pate, and shrimp aguachile. Of course, you’ll also find oysters, a variety of tacos, and grilled fish.

Nature is also a prime reason to visit Mexcaltitan, especially its Great Lagoon, which is teeming with birds that soar in and out of its mangrove forests. In fact, you’ll have to take a boat ride through the lagoon in order to reach downtown. It’s one of the more magical experiences to have in Nayarit, and one fewer tourists take the time to visit.

Long a hotspot for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts along the Riviera Nayarit, San Blas is a Pacific Coast jewel. The sleepy seaside community is along the northern coast of the state, featuring four miles of fine sand beaches. San Blas is rich in natural beauty, from its navigable canals and mangrove forests to the small islands offshore that welcome more than 300 migratory bird species every year.

San Blas dates back to the 17th century when it was developed as a shipyard and departure point for the Spanish Crown. It was here that the first maritime customs house on the Pacific was established. Today, visitors can tour the Contaduria stronghold, as well as the ruins of the Nuestra Señora del Rosario Temple.

San Blas is also the jumping-off point from which to explore another new Magical Town Puerto Balleto. Puerto Balleto is the gateway to Nayarit’s Islas Marias, a former prison colony turned center for tourism and wildlife viewing. In the early 20th century, Islas Marias were developed as the Islas Marias Federal Penal Colony. The prison remained in use until 2019 when it closed and the land rehabilitated into a place for recreation. The islands include Maria Madre, Maria Magdalena, Maria Cleofas, and San Juanito. Today the group of islands is considered a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to protect the more than 1,500 species of flora and fauna.

To access Islas Marias, visitors take a ferry from San Blas to Puerto Balleto on Isla Maria Madres. Puerto Balleto is where visitors will find accommodations for Islas Marias, as well as the Plaza Juarez, which is the town center home to the Guadalupe Temple and the Muros de Agua Jose Revueltas Auditorium. The auditorium is plastered with murals created by the former prisoners. The island is a haven for outdoor adventure, as well, from hiking and biking to bird watching.

Heading south in Nayarit, Amatlán de Cañas is another Magical Town that is deeply rooted in history. Its name comes from Nahuatl, meaning “place where Amate y Papel trees abound.” Later, the word cañas was added due to the sugar cane industry in the region. Today, visitors to Amatlán de Cañas will find historic cobblestone streets, adobe homes with red-tile roofs, and a community steeped in history, culture, and tradition.

Amatlán de Cañas is known for its Temple of Jesus Nazareno in the Centro Historico, a church built in the 18th century. The Municipal Palace is another important building that visitors will find in the Centro Historico. Amatlán de Cañas is also known for the bubbling natural hot springs in the surrounding mountains. Foodies can sample the rich and flavorful local delicacies, like lamb birria, tamales, and various locally made sweets.

Located up in the mountains at more than 3,000 feet above sea level, Ahuacatlán also takes its name from the Nahuatl words that translate to “the place with avocados.” Today the community is still known for its agricultural industries, including avocado, sugarcane, and maize. It’s also known for its tequila production.

About an hour outside of Nayarit’s capital, Tepic, Ixtlán del Río is a gateway to pre-Hispanic Mexico, thanks to its proximity to Los Toriles, an important archaeological site in the region. In fact, Los Toriles is the only pre-Hispanic archaeological zone in the state of Nayarit. It features 93 mounds, as well as a series of gorgeous petroglyphs.

But visitors do not have to leave Ixtlán del Río to absorb its history. The famous La Casa de Cultura Museum has exhibition rooms dedicated to archaeology, paintings, and photography. One of the standout features of Ixtlán del Río is the Cerrito de Cristo Rey, the Hill of Christ the King, a scenic viewpoint with a massive white statue of Christ overlooking the city.

To introduce these new Magical Towns, there is now a Magical Towns corridor in the southern part of Nayarit, creating a route that connects Jala, Ixtlan del Rio, Ahuacatlan, Compostela, and Amatlan de Cañas, showcasing the customs, culture, and cuisine of this fascinating region.

One if By Sea: Sail Away to Dinner

British Virgin Islands, Croatia, Dream Yacht, Elegant dining, Greece, Italian Cuisine, Resorts, Restaurants, Sailing, Seaside, Seychelles, Tahiti, U.S. Virgin Islands, Uncategorized, Yachting

Waterfront dining takes on a whole new meaning for those arriving at restaurants often accessible only by boat. And what’s even better, you don’t even have to own a yacht or know how to captain one.

Seychelles. Photo courtesy of Dream Yacht Worldwide.

Dream Yacht Worldwide, a global leader in sailing vacations, is sharing some of its favorite boat-access-only dining spots—each offering a unique taste of local culture and cuisine. And with skippers doing the work, food lovers can skip the crowded roads and enjoy unforgettable meals in places most of us never find.

Here’s a taste – all of which are available on various DYW itineraries:

Konoba Tratinska (From Šibenik, Croatia)
Nestled in a secluded bay, this dining spot offers authentic Dalmatian dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Accessible primarily by boat, diners can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional recipes while taking in stunning views of the coastline.

La Lampara (From Naples, Italy)
Known for its fresh pasta and seafood, La Lampara’s waterfront location means that arriving by boat allows guests to avoid crowded roads.

Erimitis Bar and Restaurant. Photo courtesy of Facebook.

Erimitis Bar and Restaurant (From Corfu, Greece)
Located on a cliff with stunning views, Erimitis offers an authentic taste of Corfu while providing diners with a peaceful waterfront setting away from the hustle and bustle.

Tholos Restaurant. Photo courtesy of Facebook.

Tholos Restaurant (From Kos, Greece)
Famous for its Symi shrimp and accessible mainy by sea, this picturesque restaurant offers diners fresh seafood with stunning harbor views.

Le Nautique Waterfront (From Praslin, Seychelles)

Freshly caught fish, island-style curries, and sunset cocktails, all just steps from the dock.

Bloody Mary’s. Photo courtesy of Facebook.

Bloody Mary’s (From Tahiti)

Iconic thatched-roof restaurant serving seafood platters and tropical drinks in a sand-floored dining room.

Snack Mahana. Photo courtesy of Facebook.

Snack Mahana (From Tahiti)

Home-style Polynesian cooking with a front-row view of turquoise waters.

The Big Beach BBQ. Photo courtesy of Facebook.

The Big Beach BBQ at Foxy’s Tamarind (From Jost Van Dyke, BVI)
This lively spot offers a vibrant atmosphere with a delicious BBQ feast on Fridays and Saturdays. Accessible by boat, it’s the perfect place for sailors to enjoy great food and live music on the beach.

Saba Rock Restaurant. Photo courtesy of Facebook.

Saba Rock Restaurant (From BVI)
A culinary oasis in the Caribbean, Saba Rock features fresh seafood and local dishes. Its boat-accessible location makes it a favorite stop for sailors and travelers looking for a laid-back dining experience surrounded by breathtaking views.

Lime Out VI Floating Taco Bar. Photo courtesy of Facebook.

Lime Out VI Floating Taco Bar (From USVI)
The ultimate dining experience on the water, Lime Out VI serves delicious tacos and refreshing drinks right from the water. Accessible only by boat, it’s a fun and unique way for travelers to enjoy a meal.

Tholos Restaurant. Photo courtesy of Facebook.

About Dream Yacht Worldwide

Dream Yacht Worldwide has more ways to sail than anyone else from bareboat charters for avid sailors to skippered, fully crewed and cabin charters – with no sailing experience required. The company offers the most diverse yacht fleet in terms of models and manufacturers in the world, making experiences at sea accessible to all.

Seychelles. Photo courtesy of Dream Yacht Worldwide.

Founded by Loïc Bonnet in 2000 as a six-yacht company based in the Seychelles, Dream Yacht Worldwide is now one of the world’s leading sea vacation companies, offering 30+ stunning sailing grounds. The group employs team members in more than 30 countries around the globe. www.dreamyachtcharter.com.

Sam’s Caribbean Kitchen: A Taste of the Islands

Caribbean, cooking, Historic foodways, Uncategorized

Born and raised in Linstead, St. Catherine Parish, Jamaica, Andrew Morris was the ‘washbelly’ of eight children (a Jamaican term for the youngest child) and heavily involved in church life, believing he was destined to become a priest. It didn’t turn out that way.

Immigrating to the U.S. in 1979, Morris endured the typical culture shock of a young man from a small island landing in New York City. But he settled into the rhythm of the big city, graduating from college and working his way up from proofreader and copy editor to associate editor at a publishing company. From there, he earned an MBA at Columbia University.

“It was a grueling but life-changing experience,” says Morris, who used this blend of creativity and business savvy to start, with his wife Jean, Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace in West Hempstead, New York, from the ground up, after noticing there were no real Caribbean-owned stores where he lived on Long Island. “I thought to myself, ‘Somebody’s got to supply these customers properly.’ Caribbean folks deserve a place where people actually know the products, use the products, and can explain the difference between, say, a scotch bonnet pepper and a habanero.”

Following is a Q&A with Morris, who, 30 years later, is still very hands-on, steering the store’s strategic vision, overseeing operations, and “making sure we never lose that heart and authenticity that’s been part of Sam’s since day one.”

Q.) What has been your favorite memory working for the company so far?

When we made $500 in a single day for the first time, we popped a champagne bottle — and left a dent in the ceiling that’s still there. We needed $800 a day just to break even back then, so $500 felt like a mountain climbed. We celebrated every small win in those early days because we knew how hard it was just to keep the lights on.

Q.) What are the company’s core products and features?

At Sam’s, we’re proud to offer over 1,000 authentic Caribbean products. We’re talking about everything from Haitian Djon Djon Mushrooms, Excelsior Water Crackers, and St. Mary’s Banana Chips as well as the herbs and spices you need for a proper Sunday dinner. We also offer prepared meals of such island favorites as Jamaican beef patties, braised oxtails, curried chicken, jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, and curried goat.

These aren’t just items on a shelf — these are the flavors we grew up with. They’re pieces of home. And now, thanks to the upgrades we’ve made to our website, sams24-7.com, and our door-to-door grocery delivery service to Jamaica, customers across the U.S. and beyond can enjoy them, too.

Q.) What are some of the challenges you encountered and how did you overcome those challenges?

We’ve had to roll with the punches from the very beginning. Right before we were set to open, someone from the building department came and said, ‘You don’t have a permit.’ I said, ‘Of course we do.’ Turns out, the permit had been rescinded after a last-minute zoning change.. I still remember them telling us it would be $250 per day if we opened anyway.

We fought hard, worked with the mayor, and eventually got through it. But it delayed us by months and almost cost us the business before we even got started.

Today, the battles are different. Competing with big-box retailers and e-commerce giants has been no small task. But we’ve adapted — we modernized our operations, relaunched our website, and even rolled out Predictive AI Delivery (PAID), allowing same-day and scheduled deliveries for customers within 100 miles. As I always say: sometimes coffee, sometimes tea — you take what you get and you keep going.

Q.) How has the company’s technology evolved since launching?

When we first launched a website 20 years ago, it was a miracle we got anything done. I built it myself on a Windows platform. You couldn’t even keep a photo in place! But even back then, the day after we launched, we got two orders.

Now, fast-forward to today — we have a fully upgraded e-commerce platform, real-time order tracking, and same-day delivery systems.

“Technology isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore — it’s essential for how we stay connected to our customers, no matter where they are.”

Q.) Can you share any specific customer success stories?

One that touched me recently was a woman who called and said she and her husband were both homebound in wheelchairs. She used our same-day delivery to order dinner, and she said it made her feel connected again to her Caribbean roots.

Moments like that remind me why we do what we do. It’s not just about food — it’s about bringing a little piece of home to someone who really needs it.

Q.) Can you discuss funding and/or revenue metrics?

Sam’s was originally funded through a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, which helped us secure our first retail space. Our early online business once brought in around $400,000 annually at its peak. Today, I can share that we are targeting a return to — and beyond — those earlier numbers through strategic online growth.

Q:) What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing?

Our core audience consists of the 4.4 million Caribbean-Americans who are living in the United States, and anyone who loves Caribbean food and culture. But honestly, our reach is global. With improved shipping and technology, we now serve customers not just across the U.S., but in places as far as Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean itself.

Q.) What differentiates the company from its competition?

Simple: authenticity and expertise. We’re Caribbean-owned. We grew up with these products. When you shop at Sam’s, you’re not just buying groceries — you’re getting a piece of our story, our culture, our love.

Other big-box stores can sell you coconut water. We can tell you which coconut water tastes like the ones you drank as a kid.

Q.) What are some of the company’s future goals?

Our dream is for Sam’s to become the go-to Caribbean grocery destination, both online and on the ground.

When people think of Caribbean groceries, we want Sam’s to be the first name that comes to mind — whether they’re in New York, California, or wherever. We’re also working to grow our Predictive AI Delivery service and expand same-day options even further.

Q.) Any other topics you would like to discuss?

I just want to say a big thank you to our hardworking employees who make all of this possible. Thanks also to our faithful customers. Some have been with us for decades. Sam’s isn’t just a store — it’s a meeting place, a memory, a home away from home. And we intend to keep it that way.

As we continue to grow and innovate, our heart remains the same: honoring our Caribbean roots and serving our community with love, integrity, and passion.

I joke that I never woke up thinking I’d run a Caribbean store — but here we are, over 30 years later.

Photos courtesy of Sam’s Caribbean Kitchen and Wikimedia Commons. The video is courtesy of Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery.

Meissen – A Place of History, Legacy, and Europe’s First Porcelain

manufakTOUR, Meissen, Saxony

The Porcelain Disease – Maladie de Porcelaine

As early as the 13th century, porcelain was a highly coveted item at the royal courts of Europe and was imported from China at extravagant prices. Attempts were made starting from the early 18th century to reproduce the “White Gold” in Europe, with alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger finding success in Dresden in 1708 under commission from Saxony’s royal court.

A close up of Augustus the Strong in the Procession of the Princes which is mural that runs the entire length of the stable yard of the royal palace and is composed completely of porcelain tiles. c. Saxony Tourism

That discovery marked the beginning of a legend that was sealed two years later with the founding of the manufactory by Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony, who claimed to have Maladie de Porcelaine, or porcelain sickness, as he was so addicted to collecting beautiful pieces. From 2014 to 2024, an international team of experts researched and catalogued the comprehensive, extant royal holdings of Augustus the Strong comprising around 8000 East Asian porcelain objects.

Saxon Service Plate given to the Duke of Wellington by the King of Saxony made by the Meissen Porcelain Factory Berlin 1818-1819 porcelain-Apsley House-London UK. Wikimedia Commons.

The results are published on ‘The Royal Dresden Porcelain Collection’, an innovative digital platform that not only showcases the objects but also focusses on the history of the collection.

Special Exhibition on Meissen Porcelain during the East German Period

From September 20 to February 22, 2026, there is a special exhibition at the Japanese Palace of the Meissen Porcelain during the East German period. The Japanese Palace—the porcelain palace built by Augustus the Strong just for his collection—offers an exciting yet fitting setting. Despite all the contradictions of the socialist system of government, the great Baroque tradition of Europe’s first porcelain manufactory remained influential.

Monumental murals for the Palace of the Republic and other central buildings of the GDR, state gifts, and a medal that Sigmund Jähn carried with him on his space flight testify to the unfailingly high prestige value of Meissen porcelain as a luxury item. Design sketches, theater costumes, film excerpts, illustrated magazines, and much more provide insight into the art and cultural-historical context of Meissen porcelain during the GDR era.

The exhibition also explores the identity-forming role of the world-renowned manufactory from the perspective of citizens in both East and West Germany, where a large portion of Meissen porcelain was exported in exchange for foreign currency. What remained in the home country, and what significance did Meissen have in everyday life and collective memory on both sides of the Wall? Artistically sophisticated photo series from the 1950s and late 1980s, as well as interviews with contemporary witnesses, tell of everyday working life in Europe’s largest porcelain manufactory.

Experiencing MEISSEN in Meissen

The quality of Meissen porcelain has its beginnings in the manufactory’s own mine near the city of Meissen, where the purest kaolin is sourced day after day. This white clay is the key to the striking radiance of Meissen porcelain.

Hard at work shaping the beautiful clay that will become a precious object at MEISSEN.
MEISSEN Tourismus Marketing

The precise blending of kaolin with native feldspar and quartz has been refined in Meissen over the past 300 years and is still completed by hand to this day. The in-house training to become a painter or shaper lasts over three years, while achieving the level of Master takes many years more. A piece created for the “Limited Masterworks” collection requires months of elaborate handicraft, learned over decades of exacting training.

Artists at Work at the MEISSEN Manufactory. You can visit and explore, paint, and observe. Photo by Iona Dutz c. MEISSEN Marketing Tourismus

Each piece of Meissen porcelain has its beginnings in the manufactory’s archives, the oldest and largest treasury of models and molds anywhere in the world. Each new piece that bears the Meissen name is a modern interpretation of European art and cultural history. Artists from a variety of disciplines frequently collaborate with Meissen artisans on contemporary pieces, pushing the manufactory to the highest echelons of artistic accomplishment. And there are lines of beautifully designed items, including jewelry, household goods, fine art,and decorations.

There are a number of fun and experiential ways to visit the Meissen manufactory. With the “manufakTOUR” you can experience the artisanal creation of porcelain live. Our show workshop also brings the world-famous Meissen porcelain to life in 14 languages! You can ask experienced porcelain makers detailed questions about the production process.

In the creative workshops, you can learn the techniques required to design porcelain by hand and create your own work of art or fer paint your very own MEISSEN mug and create a very special souvenir of your visit. On a tour of the Meissen Porcelain Foundation Museum, you will discover a multitude of exhibits from all eras of Europe’s first porcelain manufactory. A selection of 2,000 porcelain objects and over 300 years of porcelain history await you from around 33,000 historical porcelains. And, last but not least, you can really shop! The gift store at the MEISSEN headquarters is literally mouthwatering.

Photo courtesy of the Meiseen Porcelain Foundation Museum

The exhibition at the Meissen Porcelain Foundation Museum: “Maladie 2.0. Ten Years of the Meissen Porcelain Foundation” will be showcased until February 22, 2026. The Foundation preserves Meissen porcelain as a cultural asset, including looking after the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory’s historical collection.The exhibition sheds light on the Foundation’s work whilst also showcasing Meissen porcelains given over to the subject of collecting.

For further information, please contact Victoria Larson at victoria@vklarsoncommunications.com

Top Photo: One wing of the Zwinger Palace of the Dresden State Art Collection was designed by architect and designer Peter Marino just for the museum’s porcelain collection. c.WGaertner

Actor Ronnie Marmo returns to Chicago with ‘Bill W. and Dr. Bob’

Entertainment, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Theater, Uncategorized

By Eloise Marie Valadez, guest blogger.

An important story about the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous is unfolding on stage at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.

“Bill W. and Dr. Bob” continues to June 8 at the theater. The show stars Ronnie Marmo as Bill W. and Rick Yaconis as Dr. Bob, the founders of AA. Marmo also directs the show, which is produced by Theatre 68, with locations in Los Angeles and New York. Actor Marmo is also the artistic director of Theatre 68.

The theatrical production offers a candid look at the lives of New York stockbroker Wilson and Ohio surgeon Dr. Bob and how they teamed together to form the organization. The show also focuses on their wives, who founded Al-Anon, a support group for family and friends of alcoholics.

“Bill W. and Dr. Bob” was first performed in Chicago in 2024 where it enjoyed an 11-week run at The Biograph Theatre. Also starring in the show are Katherine Wetterman, Elizabeth Rude, Phil Aman and Maria Seidell.

In a past interview, Marmo said working on this play was important to him. He’s been sober for three decades and said AA saved his life.

The theatrical production, which also has a good dose of humor in it, was written by Samuel Shem and Janet Surrey.

In addition to touring with this show, Marmo also stars in “I’m Not A Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce,” which he frequently takes on tour.

FYI: “Bill W. and Dr. Bob” runs to June 8 at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Tickets start at $69. Visit billwanddrbobonstage.com.

About Eloise Marie Valadez

Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.

Classic Restaurants of Michiana Book Signing June 11th

Book events, Book signings, Historic Restaurants, Michiana, Northern Indiana, Restaurants, South Bend

The members of the Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church Book/Movie Discussion Group have invited me to speak this Wednesday, June 11th at 6:30 p.m. If you have the time and are interested in the history of restaurants in Michiana, please come. The church is lovely, located in a beautiful country setting at 51841 Leach Rd, Dowagiac, Michigan. The event itself is next door in the Parish Hall.

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.