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Discover Oxmoor Bourbon Company, now an official partner of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®

Cultural Immersion, Distilleries, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Louisville

Oxmoor Bourbon Co. recently announced that they are now an official partner of the world-renowned Kentucky Bourbon Trail® program, offering a new opportunity to explore where Kentucky’s Bourbon history began. A great option for those looking for something beyond the typical distillery tour — and perfect for history buffs — Oxmoor Bourbon Co. in Louisville interprets the story of a Kentucky farm as it transformed along with the state, striving to tell the story of all the people who lived and worked on the land through preservation and education. For more information, visit https://oxmoorbourbon.com/.

“After two decades in the spirits business, I thought I had seen it all — but a place with such rich, undiscovered history in the category, so carefully maintained in its place in Kentucky and American history was unimaginable to me,” said general manager Rosser Lomax. “Oxmoor Bourbon Company is tied to the very origin of bourbon and how it came to be, and being part of something that actively works to preserve and share that history is an honor of the highest order. Building the Oxmoor Bourbon Company has been such an exciting journey, and we are so excited to share this wonderful history and incredible space with friends old and new, near and far.”

During the immersive experience, visitors stroll through three centuries of architecture and learn about the five generations of legal scholars who have called Oxmoor home, the “why” and “how” behind the rules of bourbon told on every distillery tour and the almost-forgotten people who codified those rules into law to protect the good name of America’s only native spirit.

Visitors can also explore the beautiful gardens designed in 1911 by one of the country’s first female landscape architects and the largest collection of preserved outbuildings in the region.

Each tour concludes with a tasting of the exclusive Oxmoor Bourbon Private Label — a private stock bottling in the family tradition, awarded a gold medal by the prestigious John Barleycorn Society. Bottles of the bourbon are available for sale following the tour. Guests also have the option to enjoy a selection of cocktails in the breathtaking family library and gardens following tours.

Tours are offered Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Guests must be 21+ to participate. Space is limited on each tour, so reservations are required — to reserve a tour, visit here.

Oxmoor Bourbon Company also welcomes inquiries regarding private event bookings and corporate events and is excited to host a variety of special events and private tastings throughout 2025.

“Visiting Oxmoor Bourbon Company is a rare and fascinating opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the history of bourbon and of Kentucky, while also supporting the preservation and the advancement of both,” said Cordell Lawrence, CEO of Eastern Light Distilling and advisor to Oxmoor Bourbon Company. “With my extensive background in the bourbon industry, I’ve experienced countless bourbon tourism offerings, and I can confidently say that the tour offered by Oxmoor Bourbon Company is unlike any other. It’s been a thrill to help bring this experience to life and I’m eager to see more Kentuckians and tourists alike explore all that Oxmoor has to offer as the latest addition to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.”

Last June, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail celebrated its 25th anniversary, welcoming millions of visitors a year to more than 60 experiences across the state. According to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, more than 80% of all Kentucky Bourbon Trail visitors come from outside Kentucky. Bourbon is a $9 billion economic and tourism powerhouse for Kentucky, generating more than 23,100 jobs with $2.2 billion in salaries and benefits.

About Oxmoor Bourbon:

Step back in time with Oxmoor Bourbon and explore where Kentucky’s Bourbon history began. This first-of-its-kind historical tour and tasting experience takes place at Oxmoor, with buildings constructed before the Commonwealth of Kentucky had a constitution. Learn about the five generations of legal scholars who have called Oxmoor home, the “why” and “how” behind the rules of bourbon told on every distillery tour and the almost-forgotten figures who codified those rules into law to protect the good name of America’s only native spirit. Guests see the home’s three sections, constructed in 1791, 1829, and 1928, with furniture and family belongings as the family left them.

Visitors can also explore the beautiful gardens designed in 1911 by one of the country’s first female landscape architects and the largest collection of preserved outbuildings in the region. The tour includes a tasting of the exclusive Oxmoor Bourbon Private Label and the option to enjoy a selection of cocktails in the breathtaking family library. The site interprets the story of a Kentucky farm that has transformed alongside the state and strives to tell the story of all the people who lived and worked on the land through preservation and education. Multiple tour times offered Tuesdays through Saturdays; must be 21+ to participate.

Visit oxmoorbourbon.com for information or to book.

The Way We Used to Travel

Maryland, National Road, Uncategorized

Let’s turn on the time machine and travel back 219 years and a few days to March 29, 1806. That’s when Congress approved the concept of a “National Road.” Signed into law by President Thomas Jefferson, the National Road as it still is known today, was America’s first federally funded highway, designed to connect the Potomac and Ohio rivers and serve as the major path westward for countless settlers eager to discover the opportunities they hoped awaited them on the American frontier.

It took five years after approval for the road to be constructed, but it was a big deal when completed. People, animals and covered wagons assembled in Cumberland, Maryland, ready to head west on trails that had long been traveled by the region’s Indigenous Peoples and by a young George Washington in the 1740s in his early career as a surveyor.

After more than two decades of construction (as with modern transportation projects, there were plenty of problems and delays), the road ultimately stretched about 620 miles, from Maryland to Illinois, passing through Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Indiana along the way. The idea of this first “road trip” – which, let’s face it, was a lot less fun and way more dangerous 200 years ago than it is today – all began in Cumberland, in the scenic region known as “The Mountain Side of Maryland.”

A bustling place back then, Cumberland, after undergoing a $17.2 million renovation/restoration last fall, is again a premier destination, offering visitors both outdoor and urban adventures coupled with early American history as well. Stops to see include “Mile Marker 0” monument at Canal Place National Heritage Park, the incredible Allegany Museum with its stellar “Crossroads of America” exhibit that tells the story of the region’s role in America’s early westward expansion, as well as the small towns that played major roles in American history. For more information, take a peek at MDMountainside.com.

And if you’d like to follow a “road trip” itinerary along America’s first federally funded highway, here’s a starting point: America’s First Road Trip.

Theater goers learn about female Titanic survivor during a special show in Munster.

Northwest Indiana, Theater

By Guest Blogger Eloise Valadez.

Titanic play takes the stage at Theatre at the Center where a new survivor is discovered during a special show in Munster, Indiana.

Actress Leslie Goddard relays the story of Violet Jessop, a cabin maid crew member on the Titanic, in the one-woman show “Violet Jessop: Titanic Survivor” at Theatre at the Center. The play runs through March 30.

Jessop, who died in 1971, also survived the sinking of the HHMS Britannic. She was one of the passengers who obtained a lifeboat seat. Goddard has been portraying interesting and pioneering women on stage through the years such as Jackie Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, Julia Child and Amelia Earhart.

Image courtesy of Theatre in the Middle.

During the play, Goddard talks about both the Titanic and Britannic tragedies as well as other aspects of the cabin maid’s life. During a past interview, Goddard said she enjoys researching the lives of strong, creative, and influential women.

Video courtesy of Blue Star Line

Goddard, who took an interest in theater as a child, has undergraduate and master’s degrees in theatre as well as a PHD in history. The actress previously brought her shows on Amelia Earhart and Julia Child to Theatre at the Center.

In addition to the performance, theater goers can make a reservation for a Titanic-themed meal created by 10Forty Banquets. The meal is inspired by the final meal served on the Titanic. Cost for the meal is an additional $30.

FYI: “Violet Jessop: Titanic Survivor” runs to March 30 at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. Tickets are $40. Call 219-836-3255 or TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

Top photo courtesy of Theatre at the Center.

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.

Discover the Beauty of Machu Picchu on a Women-Only Apaca Expedition

Adventure, Authentic travel, Cultural Immersion, Historic foodways, Peru, Sustainable travell, Travel trends, Uncategorized

As part of their commitment to empowering women through exploration and cultural immersion, Alpaca Expeditions, a Peru-based travel organization, offers the Women-Only Salkantay & Sacred Valley, a 7-Day Tour to Machu Picchu. This multi-day hiking experience, led by only female guides and porters, is limited to women travelers as it follows the Salkantay.

It’s an off the beaten trek through an ever-changing landscape of stunning panoramic vistas of valleys, mountain peaks, waterfalls, and streams, stopping at places such as Pisac, a town on the Urubamba River known for having one of the best archaeological complexes in Peru and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu. This unique mix of culture, scenery, glamping, and experiences centered on Perusivan traditions also includes Peruvian wine tasting, a cooking class, the weaving women’s collective, and a coffee tour.

It’s an alternative trek, and participants won’t see many other hikers or groups on the trail, adding to the intimacy of the experience in the vastness of the Andes mountains.

The trip is a mix of glamping and tent camping. Guests will enjoy two nights in glass cabañas with stunning views of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain range. For a unique experience, one night is spent in the Lord of the Rings-inspired Hobbit Houses exclusive to Alpaca Expeditions. Hot tubs, showers, and a nearby glacial-fed river complement the mystical Hobbit House experience.

Two nights are tent camping, one within the Salkantay Mountains and the second at an exclusive campsite overlooking the ruins of Machu Picchu at Llactapata. The final night is at a hotel in the mountain village of Aguas Calientes (Spanish for hot springs), at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Sacred Vally and Salkantay Ultimate Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu–7 days is $995 per person. Group size is 8-12. Custom tours with groups of 6 or more are available. Dates are available May – October 2025.

For more information and a day-by-day itinerary, visit Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Only Women.

All photos courtesy of Alpaca Expeditions.

The Hebridean Baker: The Scottish Cookbook

Book events, Book signings, cooking, Uncategorized

Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridian Baker, will be in Chicago on Saturday, March 1st at 2 p.m.- at The Book Stall, Winnetka, IL, to talk about his latest book, The Scottish Cookbook. And yes, he will be wearing a kilt.

Tickets: https://www.thebookstall.com/book-stall-welcomes-coinneach-macleod-hebridean-baker

Chocolate and Gingerbread Bundt Cake

For the bundt tin:

A little butter, melted
Cocoa powder for dusting

For the cake:

6 1/4 ounces butter
8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
5 oz light muscovado sugar
2 tablespoons black treacle
3 tablespoons golden syrup
2 balls of stem ginger and syrup, finely chopped and drained
Four large eggs, lightly beaten
Four and a quarter ounces self-rising flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon mixed spice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of salt

Brush your bundt tin evenly with melted butter and lightly dust with cocoa powder. Next line in a large pan, melt the butter along with the chocolate, sugar black treacle and golden syrup. Stir until smooth then allow the mixture to cool slightly.

Preheat the oven to 340°F.

Add the chopped stem ginger and beaten eggs to the chocolate mixture, stirring thoroughly until combined.

Stir the flour, baking powder, mixed spice, ground cinnamon, ground ginger and a pinch of salt into the chocolate mixture. Fold in gently.

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt tin and bake for 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra treat, serve with cream or ice cream.

Spain: The Cookbook by Simone And Inés Ortega

cooking

“In this book, Simone and Inés Ortega offer us a wealth of gastronomic experience and wisdom and it will quickly transport you to the heart of Spain,” writes Ferran Adrià, former head chef of the legendary El Bulli restauranthttp://www.elbulli.info/ who is considered one of the best chefs in the world, in the introduction to Spain: The Cookbook (Phaidon Press). “This is a timeless book. When you read it, you suddenly realize the glories of the food in front of you, those that, until now, you’ve not fully appreciated. Ours is a splendid cuisine, born out of the pleasure of eating, and it is also one that is perfect for those who have little time to cook., but who don’t want to give up the enjoyment of eating well and, thus, of feeding their souls as well as their stomachs.”

A huge and wonderful door-stopper of a book with almost 1000 pages, much of which are recipes, drawings, and photos, this is the definitive book on Spanish cookery. It’s hard to imagine a recipe or one similar that can’t be found within the pages. Because the information contained here is so voluminous, finding what you want is made easy in the way the recipes are divided into such chapters as “Cold Plate Suggestions,” “Fried Dishes, Savory Tartlets, Little Turnovers and Mousses,” and “Eggs, Flans and Souffles.”

In the chapter, “Menus from Celebrated Spanish Chefs,” there are recipes from chef/restauranteur José Andrés who has restaurants in Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York, and Las Vegas, José Manuel Pizarro, restauranteur and author of such cookbooks as Spanish Home Kitchen, and Carme Ruscalleda, the chef-owner of Carme Ruscalleda near Barcelona. Among the recipes she shares are those for her Apricot Sponge and Quick Prawn Soup.

Lively sketches by Javier Mariscal, some 500 in all, accompany full-color food photos and illustrate not only such dishes as Caviar canapes and roasted mixed vegetables but also how to cut up an octopus or de-fin a fish.

The 1080 recipes vary in complexity though many are exceedingly accessible. Sausages in Cloaks (Salchichas Encapotadas) and Eggs en Cocotte with Mushrooms both have only five ingredients and Soft Cheese and Paprika Canapes just three. Some of the dishes won’t be familiar to most American home chefs such as Hare with Chestnuts, Woodcock with Cognac, and Lambs’ Feet with Tomato. But even if we’re not going to cook such fare, it takes us further into our exploration and understanding of Spanish cuisine.

Originally published over 40 years ago under the title 1080 Recetas de Cocina, millions of copies have been sold and it’s easy to understand why. The cookbook is both compelling—a page-turner as the authors take us into the home kitchens of their country—and informative with menu plans, cooking tips, and a glossary.

Author Simone Ortega was considered to be one of the foremost authorities on traditional Spanish cooking and had a career in food writing that spanned more than half a century. Her daughter, Inés Ortega, is also a food writer and collaborated with her mother on subsequent editions of the cookbook.

It’s easy to see why the popularity of this cookbook, which is said to be found in almost every home in Spain, endures. Its recipes and illustrations beckon us to expand our skills in Spanish cuisine.

The following recipes are from Spain: The Cookbook published by Phaidon Press.

Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin (Coles de Bruselas Gratinadas)

2 1/2 to ¾ pounds Brussels sprouts
1 classic Bechamel sauce (see recipe below)
3/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese

Preheat the oven to 350°F

Bring a pan of salted water to a boil and drop the Brussel sprouts into the water, cooking until tender but not falling apart. Remove from heat, rinse in cold water.

Make Bechamel sauce.

Place Brussels sprouts in an oven-proof dish. Sprinkle with the cheese.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes and the cheese has melted. Serve immediately straight from the dish.

Classic Bechamel Sauce (Salsa Bechamel Corriente)

2 ounces butter
2 tablespoons sunflower oil
2 tablespoons plain all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
Salt

Melt the butter with the oil in a pan and stir in the flour. Gradually stirring the milk, a little at a time and bring to a boil stirring constantly. Add salt to taste and simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly for eight to 10 minutes.

If a thinner sauce is needed, add more milk. If the bechamel needs to be thicker, simmer the sauce longer until it reaches the required consistency.

Bechamel’s Tricks

To prevent lumps forming when making bechamel, remove the pan from the heat when stirring in the flour. Stir briefly with a wooden spoon, return the pan to the heat and proceed as normal.

Cover the surface with a disc of wax paper lightly greased with butter to avoid skin forming on top of the bechamel sauce prepared in advance. Bechamel sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen.

To reheat, put into a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water oops come on

Raw Mushroom Salad

1 pound 10 ounces mushrooms
6 tablespoons sunflower oil
Juice of two lemons
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Salt and pepper

Separate the mushroom caps and stalks. Slice the stalks and caps and put into a bowl. Pour in the oil and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper and mix well. Sprinkle with the parsley and shell in the refrigerator for two hours 24 servings.

Sazerac Offers the Chance to Win Pappy Van Winkles and Eagle Rare 25

Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Kentucky Bourbon Classic, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Pappy Van Winkle, Sazerac Company

Sazerac is hosting a California wildfire charity program to raise funds for those affected by the wildfires, with proceeds benefiting World Central Kitchen and Another Round Another Rally.

Sazerac is offering the opportunity to purchase:

– A single barrel of Pappy Van Winkle 15YO (for the first time ever!)

– A full set of the Pappy Van Winkle Collection (all 6 bottles!)

– One bottle of Eagle Rare 25 (ultra-rare offering!)

Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Bottle. Photo courtesy of Buffalo Trace.

Offerings include the first-ever single barrel of Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old, a complete set of the Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Collection, and a bottle of Eagle Rare 25 with 100% of proceeds benefitting World Central Kitchen and Another Round Another Rally charities.

Sazerac Company is hosting a first-of-its-kind fundraiser in support of California wildfire relief efforts, offering consumers the chance to purchase three ultra-rare prize packages featuring some of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s most sought-after bourbons.

One hundred percent of funds raised through Sazerac’s California Wildfire Relief Fundraiser will go toward two non-profit organizations committed to ongoing relief efforts in the state: World Central Kitchen (WCK), which is working with restaurant and food truck partners in Southern California to provide meals to those in need; and Another Round Another Rally, which is collecting funds for real-time financial support for hospitality workers impacted by the wildfires.

“Our hearts break for those who have been impacted by the devastating wildfires that have swept across California this year,” said Jake Wenz, President and CEO of Sazerac. “The fires have caused immense destruction, and the toll on the Los Angeles community is profound. Through this program we hope, humbly, to offer a small bit of aid to World Central Kitchen and Another Round Another Rally as they continue their much-needed support of the California community during this difficult time.”

Buffalo Trace Distillery Aerial View. Photo courtesy of Buffalo Trace.

Offerings available through the Sazerac California Wildfire Relief Fundraiser include:

1. Auction*: the first-ever single barrel of Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old will be available for auction as part of the initiative. This is the first single barrel of Pappy Van Winkle ever made available for purchase. The barrel was specially selected from the heart of the aging warehouses at Buffalo Trace Distillery for this auction. On average, a single barrel yields approximately 125 bottles of bourbon.

Funds raised via auction will be evenly split between WCK and Another Round Another Rally

Sweepstakes 1**: a complete bottle set of the Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Collection

The very rare, limited-edition Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Collection features six unique bourbons, each reflective of a craft that blends generational knowledge dating back to the late 1800s. This highly coveted collection features Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year, Pappy Van Winkle 12 Year, Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year, Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year, Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year, and Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year.

Funds raised by the Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Collection sweepstakes will benefit WCK

Sweepstakes 2**: one bottle of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s ultra-rare Eagle Rare 25

At 25 years old, Eagle Rare 25 marks the oldest expression ever released from the Eagle Rare portfolio and defies existing perception of ultra-aged bourbon with its smooth, complex flavor profile. Eagle Rare 25 is the first bourbon aged in Warehouse P, a purpose-built, state-of-the-art warehouse, constructed to test if it was possible to extend favorably both the aging and maturation processes typical for American whiskey and bourbon.

Funds raised by the Eagle Rare 25 sweepstakes will benefit Another Round Another Rally

In early January, wildfires broke out in the Palisades and Eaton communities of Los Angeles and quickly spread to neighboring communities. It is estimated more than 50,000 acres have burned, with the wildfires destroying more than 16,000 structures and killing at least 28 people. From the beginning, both WCK and ARAR have been on the frontlines in Los Angeles helping the communities hardest hit.

WCK’s Relief Team mobilized immediately in Southern California to support first responders and families impacted by the wildfires. In collaboration with 80+ restaurant and food truck partners, WCK is distributing free hot meals to those in need at several locations throughout Southern California. Since the wildfires began in early January, WCK has served more than 600,000 meals to those affected by the wildfires.

As the fire’s devastation began to overtake Los Angeles and surrounding areas, Another Round Another Rally jumped into action immediately knowing bar and restaurant workers would face an uphill battle with regard to loss of businesses and loss of income opportunities. Their Disaster Relief Fund enables the organization to provide real-time financial support to hospitality workers impacted by California’s wildfires. In the month since the fires started, Another Round Another Rally has given out over $100k in financial assistance to bar and restaurant workers affected by the disaster.

How to Win

Those looking to support the Sazerac California Wildfire Relief Fundraiser can participate in multiple ways:

For the Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year-Old single barrel auction, bidding will begin at $10,000 and those interested can bid as many times as they wish. Bidding will increase in increments of $1,000. The auction winner will receive a monetary prize equal to the value of the lot, which may be used to purchase the bottles yielded from the barrel as well as the empty barrel.

Link to bid: www.sazeracgivesback.com

For both the Pappy Van Winkle Collection and Eagle Rare 25 sweepstakes, entrants will receive one entry for every $50 donation made through the registration site. There is no cap on the amount a person can donate. The winners of each sweepstakes will receive a monetary prize equal to the value of the bottle they won, which may be used to purchase the bottles.

Link to donate and enter: www.sazeracgivesback.com

The Sazerac California Wildfire Relief Fundraiser started on Tuesday, February 11 at 12pm noon EST. To enter and make a donation, and to view the full official rules, visit www.sazeracgivesback.com. All entries must be received by 11:59PM EST on Sunday, February 23. One winner for each prize package will be randomly drawn and notified via phone and email the week of March 3.

About Sazerac Company

With over 400 years of history, Sazerac is one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies. Now in the fourth generation of the current family ownership, Sazerac strives each day to bring the finest spirits to consumers around the world.

The Sazerac House exterior. Photo courtesy of Sazerac Company.

Over 500 of the world’s most extraordinary brands are part of the Sazerac portfolio, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Weller, The Last Drop Distillers, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Southern Comfort, Wheatley Vodka, Meyers’s Rum, White X Cognac, Sazerac de Forge Cognac, Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, and many more.

Sazerac is also the steward of many fine distilleries internationally, including Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, United States; Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac in Cognac, France; Paul John Distillery in Goa, India; and Lough Gill Distillery in County Sligo, Ireland. Additional impressive locations can be found in New Orleans, Montréal, London, Cork and Sydney, to name a few.

To learn more visit www.sazerac.com.

About World Central Kitchen

Founded in 2010 by Chef Joseì Andreìs, World Central Kitchen (WCK) is a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines providing fresh meals in response to crises. Applying our model of quick action, leveraging local resources, and adapting in real time, WCK has served more than 450 million nourishing meals throughout the world.

When disaster strikes, WCK’s Relief Team mobilizes with the urgency of now to start cooking and serving meals to people in need. By partnering with organizations on the ground and activating a network of local restaurants, food trucks, and emergency kitchens, WCK serves comforting meals to survivors of disasters quickly and effectively. To support regional economies, WCK prioritizes purchasing local ingredients to cook with or distribute directly to families in need.

We know that good food provides not only nourishment, but also comfort and hope, especially in times of crisis. Learn more at wck.org.

About Another Round Another Rally

Another Round Another Rally is a nonprofit financial and educational resource for the hospitality industry. They provide professional development resources and immersive educational scholarships to further the education of historically excluded voices in the community, and supply emergency assistance to those employed in restaurants, bars, and hotels who have fallen on unexpected hardship.

*To win the available online silent auction, you must be the highest bidder at the end of the registration period. **No purchase or donation necessary to enter or win. Purchasing a product will not improve your chances of winning. Must be legal resident of 50 U.S. or D.C, excluding NY, age 21 or older. Registration begins at 12:00pm ET 2/11/2025 and ends at 11:59pm ET 2/23/2025. To enter, and for complete official rules including eligibility, prize descriptions and ARV, visit www.SazeracGivesBack.com. Odds of winning one of the available sweepstakes are based upon number of eligible entries received to each sweepstakes. No alcoholic beverage is part of any prize award. Void wherever prohibited or restricted by law. SPONSOR: Sazerac Company, Inc., Louisville, KY.

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Exploring the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail and Save

Michigan Wines, Northern Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula, Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail, winery

Experience the Old Mission Peninsula wineries and save with the annual Winter Wine Pass. Explore the rolling hills, bay views, and wineries of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail as they sparkle with a touch of white winter wonder. The $65 Winter Wine Pass (valued at $150+) offers exclusive tastings, discounts and specials at participating Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail wineries.

Black Star Winery. Photo courtesy of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail.

“The Winter Wine Pass is an amazing way for visitors to explore our wine trail while saving money,” commented Bonnie Hardin, Marketing & Sales Coordinator at Mari Vineyards, a member of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail. “A slower and more intimate time of year, winter offers our guests the chance to explore the trail at their own pace. The Wine Pass is also a unique date opportunity, perfect for Valentine’s Day if you have a wine lover in your life!”

Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery. Photo courtesy of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail.

The Winter Wine Pass includes one complimentary wine flight, bar tasting, or glass of wine at all 9 participating Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail wineries (available offers vary by location), as well as additional discounts and specials at each winery. Complimentary wine offerings may be redeemed once per winery anytime before the Winter Wine Pass expiration (March 31st, 2025).

Purchase a Wine Pass online and pick it up in person at any of the 9 wineries. Participating wineries include 2 Lads, Black Star Farms on Old Mission Peninsula, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, Chateau Chantal, Chateau Grand Traverse, Hawthorne Vineyards, Peninsula Cellars, and Mari Vineyards.

Mari Vineyards. Photo courtesy of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail.

Please note individual winery hours vary during the winter months. Check operating hours at each winery before hitting the trail. Some wineries also require a reservation, please contact each winery for information on reservation requirements. Gratuity is not included in the price of the Winter Wine Pass or booking fees. If you enjoy your experience at each winery, feel free to show your appreciation to your server.

For additional information on the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail visit OMPWineTrail.com.

Top photo courtesy of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail.

See the Movie “Paddington in Peru”

Authentic travel, Film, Movies, Peru

Paddington, the beloved bear from Peru, returns to the big screen after six years on Friday, February 14. In the newest Paddington movie, “Paddington in Peru”, he travels to Peru to learn more about his origins and showcase Peru to the world.

PROMPERÚ, the official tourism board of Peru, created this website highlighting travel destinations found in the movie and also features helpful tips on traveling to Peru and deals to book a Peruvian adventure.

In “Paddington in Peru”, Paddington travels to Peru with the Brown family to visit his dear Aunt Lucy, who now lives in the home for retired bears. What begins as an emotional visit soon turns into a thrilling journey, where the characters find themselves wrapped in a mystery that takes them from the lush Amazon rainforest to the breathtaking peaks of the Peruvian Andes.

Among the locations chosen for filming are the Historic Center of Lima, the Plaza Mayor, nearby streets and the Miraflores district in Lima. You can also see the wonder of the modern world, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and the town of Machu Picchu.

Filmed in Peru assisted in filming in the regions of Lima and Cusco. In recent years, Film In Peru has supported international audiovisual productions such as Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Street Food Latin America, Down to Earth with Zac Efron, La Reina del Sur, among others.

Looking Good: Dolly Parton’s wardrobe exhibit now open at Dollywood’s Heartsong Lodge & Resort

Dollywood, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, Tennessee

Fashion choices always make headlines during awards season, and since the 1960s, Dolly Parton’s iconic looks are frequently in the spotlight. For a limited time, some of her signature styles will be on display at Dollywood Resorts, giving guests an up-close look at her rhinestones, fringes, metallics, and more.

Overnight guests, diners, and spa-goers at Dolly’s two resorts in the Great Smoky Mountains (Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort) can explore a curated selection of wardrobe pieces from album and book covers, music videos, concerts, television and films, interviews, and award shows spanning her nearly 60-year career.

The display is part of Dolly Parton’s Wardrobe Exhibit at Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, which was curated by Dolly’s niece and archivist, Rebecca Seaver. The Exhibit is on display now through March 12 and is complimentary to overnight guests and patrons of the resorts. So even if you don’t stay overnight, you can get an entry voucher by dining at one of the resort’s restaurants or visiting the spa.

The Dolly Parton Wardrobe Exhibit is just one of many special happenings at Dollywood Resorts and Parks, which this year is celebrating the 40^th anniversary season of Dollywood theme park, the 25^th anniversary of Dollywood’s Splash Country water park and the 10^th anniversary of Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa.

All photos courtesy The Dollywood Company.