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Table of Contents:
Product Reviews Places to Go Editor - Sheeree Oney Orlando for Thanksgiving Things to Do Editor - Kandy Derden Let the Holidays Begin! People to See Editor - Lisa Garcia David Nail
P. 6 P. 8
P.10 P. 9
Interview with Matthew Knowles By Allison Kugel P.12
Festive Fall Activities in Florida
P. 18
Grab a Turkey - Georgia
P. 21
Culinary Trip Mississippi
P.22
People to See at Billy Bobs Texas
P.24
Solvang Julefest - California
P.26
1st Thanksgiving in Florida By Kathy Barnett P.16
Yellowstone Winter Safari Wyoming
P. 30
James Fenimore Cooper History in Cooperstown, New York By Mindy Bianca P.34 Thanksgiving in Albany, New York Pennsylvania Indiana Iowa Michigan
P40 P42 P46 P48
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Missouri Ohio Wisconsin Tennessee
P. 39 P50 P54 P62 P64
Road Trip Through Montana
P.28
The Weekender Extended Magazine is Published by BarnettPRO Graphics and Publishing Corporation P.O. Box 96, Shiloh, OH 44878 Branch office: 1515 W. 3rd, Sedalia, Mo 65301 PHONE; 419-687-0002 Email: info@barnettpro.com Publisher - Michael D. Arnold mike@barnettpro.com Editor-in-chief- Kathy Barnett kathy@barnettpro.com Places to Go Editor: Sheeree Oney Things to Do Editor: Kandy Derden People to See Editor: Lisa Garcia Social Media Editor: Norman Reed Places to Go Team: Duane Duschaene Rebecca Embry Samantha Bradley Things to Do Team:Geremy Sowash Lisa Brant Kelley Ramsey People to See Team: Bethany Cantrell Angie Offenburger Mike Arnold editor@weekenderextended.com Technical Director - Norman Reed Norm@weekenderextended.com Visit our Website for event coverage between regular issues at www.WeekenderExtended.com Subscriptions are FREE! Submit name and email address HERE and also be entered in our drawing for a FREE weekend getaway! Copyright 2021 by BarnettPRO Publishing All rights reserved. Reproductions of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher. Advertisements in this publication do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the publishing company.
Cover Photo:
Want a cute new centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table this year? This turkey driving a red pickup truck with swirling glitter, and headlights lighting up when turned on is available at Lighted Water Lanterns.com
Up Close: From the Editor
All I want to do today is say “thank you.” Truly, so much. Think about what you have been through - what we’ve all been through, especially over the last 18 months. It is more than anyone should have asked. The sleepless nights. The unpaid days and days of work handling refunds, revisions, the round-the-clock fielding of questions that nobody had a good answer to, being unsteady, unsure how to about how to go forward. But, you stuck it out. You stayed strong, You believed. You put one foot in front of the other. You took time to learn. You asked questions. We laughed together, we cried together on our calls to friends, family, and loved ones, and we got through it. Now, we’re on a different side, we’re out moving again more meaningfully and differently and we’re rebuilding in such a refreshing way. If you ever have a moment where you have a single doubt, look back at what you did. It’s amazing. Let’s keep going. This is a time of year that so many cherish, and after last year’s isolation, to be able to share it with our loved ones makes these holidays even more meaningful. Maybe this should be the year we blend our holiday with that much needed extended weekend getaway. Do something different! Be daring; be bold. Todays issue contains several suggestions along with traditional favorites. And since we are past ready to get up and out to go, see, do, there are several pre-Christmas events previewed because they are getting scheduled earlier in the season. But that’s perfectly ok. We’ve waited long enough. So whatever you choose to do this year for the holidays, started it with saying “Thank You” to those who have earned it and have a very
Happy Thanksgiving!
Kathy Barnett, Managing Editor November, 2021 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -5-
Product Reviews: For t Lali Non-Alcoholic Wine
The personal alarm that’s recommended by the police: Medical emergencies, accidents or allergic reactions. Smart Siren is the only “non-violent-option that provides safety, proceaion, and peace of mind to women in any situation. It can be aaivated in)ust a fraction of a second, and it’s designed to help avoid accidental false alarms. This would be a great stocking stuffer for any loved one! Price: $29 https://smartsirenshop.com/
TripTech
The product that will make your life easier this holiday season! This sleek device adheres to the back of your phone and is equipped with four different ways to stand or position it so you can watch movies hands-free on airplanes, easily follow an online recipe, navigate your GPS in the car, take a selfie, & more without fumbling or losing your grip. TripTech also makes a great gift for anyone with a phone! Price $19.99 https://www.triptechgear.com and Amazon
Thinking Putty
This is a great stress reliever. Nervouse when flying or another person is driving. This fits conveniently in your purse or a pocket. Commonly known as quicksilver, mercury is the only metallic element that is a liquid at room temperature. It’s a heavy, silver-colored metal that has been historically used for temperature gauges and electrical applications because of its conductive properties. Just like its namesake, Quicksilver Thinking Putty® is a saturated silver color with dark streaks throughout. Use the included magnet to discover the unique properties of this putty for yourself. Materialss made of non-toxic silicone and never dry out. For ages 8+ Price: $15.00 https://crazyaarons.com/ -6- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ November, 2021
the Upcoming Holidays
t
Ideas featured for everyone on your list including the best cookies to order for Santa! (Order some for you,too) The cover photo is the Managing editor’s first great-granddaughter, Kylah, taken by her mother, Kaitlyn Be sure to enter for the grand prize of Santa’s bag full of toys - Inside front cover/P. 2. Value more than $300!
Mozy
For your holiday home decor, spruce up your home & impress your guests with the beautiful products from Tea + Linen! Their globally inspired line of home goods and decor feature bold textures and eye-catching patterns that are begging to upgrade your coffee station in time for the holidays. Better yet? Start checking off your gift-giving list ahead of time with these fabulous finds. Tons of options to choose from! Starting Price Starting at $3.95 https://www.teaandlinen.com November, 2021 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -7-
Places to Go:
By Sheeree Oney Places to Go Editor
Orlando For Thanksgiving Dinner
If you don’t want to cook and prefer an extended weekend getaway, flights are currently affordable to Orlando. From chef inspired feasts to takeout offerings, Orlando’s restaurants are cooking up delicious offerings for visitors planning a Thanksgiving weekend getaway:
Cityworks Eatery & Pourhouse Disney Springs
Near the theme parks
• Cityworks Eatery & Pourhouse at Disney Springs will offer special dinner offerings including Thanksgiving-day favorites such as herb roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes and more. • The Capital Grille will offer in-person and to-go offerings, including a Chef’s exceptional turkey and classic sides, starting at $43 per adult and $15 for children. • Rodizio Grill will offer an expanded holiday menu featuring traditional Thanksgiving favorites including turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes and more, starting at $49.99 per person. Each guest will also receive a special coupon offer for a free meal in 2022 • At Universal Orlando Resort, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel will offer a Thanksgiving Day Buffet in Trattoria del Porto, plus Holiday Harbor Nights on the Harbor Piazza featuring live music and a tree lighting ceremony on November 26. Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando will feature a Thanksgiving Day Buffet in The Kitchen and Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando will include a Thanksgiving Day Buffet in Islands Dining Room.
Local Neighborhoods
Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse International Drive
• The Alfond Inn will offer a chef inspired ThanksAurora at the Celeste giving feast featuring selections such as roasted whole turkey, braised short rib, grilled swordfish, herb crusted chicken and more. The buffet offerings start at $69 per adult and $29 per child. • Aurora at the Celeste will offer a three-course Thanksgiving menu featuring Thanksgiving favorites along with vegetarian-friendly dishes at $40 per adult. The menu will also feature a white chocolate version of their signature Supernova dessert. Additional information on Thanksgiving dining options in Orlando can be found at https://www.visitorlando.com/blog/post/thanksgiving-dining-orlando/
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People to See:
By Lisa Garcia People to See Editor
Country Artist David Nail David Nail has announced to fans’ delight a brand new EP titled Bootheel 2021 will be released Friday, Nov. 5. The project is a continuation of his previously released Bootheel 2020 that came out in December of last year. This new collection of songs showcases his love and admiration for his hometown and family as you can hear special contributions from twins -- daughter, Lilli Cate, and son, Lawson -- in the prelude and postlude. The word “bootheel” holds a ton of meaning to David as it is often used to describe the region of Missouri that he grew up in and so fondly writes and sings about. Pre-save Bootheel 2021 here. “I’ve always been baffled by those who have this ‘can’t wait to get the hell outta here’ attitude about growing up in small towns,” said Nail. “It was so hard leaving Kennett, Missouri at 18 and then again at 20. It was so much a part of me and still is today! It’s amazing how often I sit down to write and all those memories flood out into a song.” “The Missouri native muses beautifully in this enchanting ballad about love and loss, using his state’s most iconic city as a memory trigger. I have always been a major fan of this guy, and this indicates that he still has the goods. The gentle, echoey, super tasteful production is a major plus, too,” said Robert K. Oermann in MusicRow of the already released single, “St. Louis.”
As the solo writer of this EP and many of the songs in his catalog, Bootheel 2021 showcases his creative talents in all of the right ways. This project was self-produced by Nail with the help of Reed Pittman. Bootheel 2021 Track 1. Prelude feat. Lilli Cate Nail 2. Comeback History 3. St. Louis 4. Raising You 5. Postlude feat. Lawson Nail (Performed for his Great Grandaddy Lawson Brent’s Funeral
Be sure to catch David on the road through the end of the year playing his classic hits and new music during the “Bootheel 2021 Tour.” For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit davidnail.com. “Bootheel 2021 Tour” Dates: Nov. 4 - Springfield, Mo. - Midnight Rodeo* Nov. 5 - Lincoln, Neb. - The Royal Grove Nov. 6 - Grant, Okla. - Stage 271 at Choctaw Casino & Resort Nov. 11 - Kansas City, Mo. - Knuckleheads Saloon Nov. 12 - Columbia, Mo. - The Blue Note Nov. 13 - Pella, Iowa - Pella Opera House Nov. 19 - Denver, Colo. - Grizzly Rose* Nov. 20 - Grand Junction, Colo. - Mesa Theater* Dec. 9 - Franklin, Tenn. - The Franklin Theatre* *with special guest Karissa Ella
November, 2021 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -9-
Let the Holidays B Autumn is flying by and winter will soon be here. Do you know what this means? Exactly! The holidays are coming up – soon! Are you ready? Do you have your menu selected and all the ingredients on hand for making your favorites? Are the guest rooms ready? Do you have plenty of games, puzzles or activities planned to keep the younger generation busy? That last question got added to my pre-holiday check list twenty-five years ago. After we survived Thanksgiving weekend. With five families. Under one roof. My roof. As hostess, a majority of the work fell on my shoulders. I was okay with that because kitchen clean-up got me out of the noisy confusion in the living room. However, when I was looking through a set of pictures which were taken during the day, I found out what I had missed. That was the year we had relatives from both sides of the family present. As a result, there were three cousins together for the first time. Their birthdays were each two weeks apart. It was the year they were two. My piano bench was the perfect size for them to sit, side by side by side. I must admit, they were really cute. And noisy! The first photo was a candid shot showing all three playing the piano with abandon and grinning from ear to ear. The second shot, showed all three, still at the piano with their hands in their laps and all eyes
-10- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ November, 2021
looking up at whoever was speaking. A picture really is worth a thousand words. I don’t know who had told them to be quiet, but all eyes were looking particularly sad. Fast forward seven years. You guessed it. My turn again. Something about that piano kept calling to those same three youngsters, now aged nine. It wasn’t hard to get a good candid shot of the three of them lined up on the bench making . . . well, if not music, at least memories. None of them remember the first holiday together but we had a lot of fun showing them the picture which captured the second one. We even snuck in a copy of their previous ‘concert’ to prove how history really does repeat itself. The looks on their faces said it all, “Who is this?” “Is that you?” “Hey, that’s me!” Sadly, none of them pursued a career in music, but I’m still hopeful because they are now parents and the next generation is already being drawn toward that big piece of furniture which makes lots of noise. As I recall, that was the year when I discovered a time-saving shortcut. You see, children in general don’t care so much for pie. They will opt for cookies almost every time. But somehow,
that just doesn’t seem right for Thanksgiving with the abundance of Christmas cookies coming their way very, very soon. Cake, brownies or bar cookies to the rescue! Any of these are faster to prepare and a bit easier for portion control. This one is also a healthier option because it is loaded with bananas. BANANA SQUARES 1 ½ cups bananas, very ripe 2 tsp. lemon juice 3 c. flour 1 ½ tsp. baking soda ¼ tsp. salt
Begin!
¾ c butter or margarine, soft 2 c. sugar 3 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla 1 ½ c. buttermilk Preheat oven to 275 degrees. (No that is not a misprint. It really is 275 degrees.) Spray a lasagna pan or cookie sheet with sides then sprinkle with sugar. Shake to spread evenly and tap out excess. Mash bananas and mix with lemon juice. Set aside. Combine dry ingredients and set aside. Cream butter and sugar. While mixing, add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
By Kandy Derden Things to Do Editor
Beat in flour mixture alternately with buttermilk. Stir in bananas. Pour batter into pan. Bake for 6070 minutes. Adjust time as needed depending on depth of your baking pan. This is the most unusual instruction I have ever seen for any baking, but it works. Transfer the pan from the oven directly to the freezer, uncovered for 45 minutes. Remove from freezer and spread your favorite cream cheese icing on top. Cut into bars or squares. These bars look like banana bread, but they have a firm texture which enables you to eat it with your fingers like brownies. However, they are so moist, they can easily be eaten like cake. Simply bake in a regular cake pan for a thicker, delicious cake-like treat. So, there you have it, one more thing for which you can be particulary thankful: something which can be done in advance and crossed off your list. Family? Check! Friends? Check! Food? Check! Check, check and check! Piano? Check! Earplugs? Double check! It looks like we’re ready to make some Music & Memories. I am always thankful for both of those.
When she’d not teaching school, cooking or baking, playing keyboard for church, or directing a kitchen team for Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, or organizing “things to do” articles, Ms. Derden is busy writing books. Her first two in our Let’s Go series, below, are available on Amazon or order from us at editor@barnettpro.com
$6.95 Each or both for $12.
Let the holidays begin! November, 2021 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -11-
People to See
Matthew Knowles Talks Be By Allison Kugel Music Executive, artist manager, entrepreneur, activist, lecturer, author and cancer survivor, Mathew Knowles brought the world multiplatinum selling girl group Destiny’s Child, singer-songwriter Solange, and multi-hyphenate megastar Beyonce. He’s worked with music legends, Chaka Kahn, the O’Jays, Earth and Wind & Fire, and sold more than 450 million albums, worldwide. A devoted academic who earned his MBA in Strategic Planning and Organizational Culture and his Ph.D. in Business Administration, Knowles currently mentors and teaches emerging entrepreneurs and artists with courses like his most recent, The Music Industry in the Digital Age, through Point Blank Music School where he holds a professorship; Knowles additionally holds professorships at University of Houston, Prairie View A&M University, and The Art Institute. Most urgently, Mathew Knowles is on a mission to help get more Americans in underserved communities vaccinated against Covid-19 alongside the National Minority Health Association’s Flex For Checks program, which can be learned about at thenmha.org and flexforchecks.com. Allison: What is the National Minority Health Association, and how did you get involved with their Flex for Checks initiative? Mathew: The National Minority Health Association is working with brown and Black communities on various health initiatives. For example, when we look at Black men and we look at the percentage of Black men in America, we lead in mortalities in every category, Allison, except for breast cancer and suicide. Black women lead in mortality rates for breast cancer. Why is that? Because of a lack of awareness in our communities. It’s about lack of early detection. The National Minority Health -12- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ November, 2021
Association’s specific program, Flex For Checks, is about increasing awareness about getting vaccinated [against COVID-19]. You register, you get a shot, and once you’ve proven that you’ve gotten the vaccination, you then receive $50. Allison: That is once you’ve gotten your complete vaccination, meaning two shots, with the exception of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is a single shot? Mathew: Every time you get a shot, regardless of if it’s one, two, or the booster, you will receive $50. Allison: At this point in time, you can pretty
eyonce, Racism, Getting Vaxxe much walk into any CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, any clinic or vaccination site, and get your COVID-19 vaccine. You don’t have to pay for the vaccine, it’s free for all Americans, and readily available. So, when you say “lack of access” or “underserved communities,” is it more about getting people the correct information regarding the vaccine? Mathew: It’s both. We are almost there with 70% of the U.S. [vaccinated], but there is still that 30% [that is not vaccinated]. So, what do we have to do to convince and incentivize that 30%, of which there is a high minority rate? We are giving a financial incentive. I know it sounds sort of absurd that I have to give you a financial incentive to save your life, but if that is what it takes, then that is what the National Minority Health Association is willing to do, with a grant they have received. It’s to incentivize people to go and get vaccinated. Allison: How do people get the financial compensation after they have gotten vaccinated? How does the process work? Mathew: You can register for the program by calling 877-770-NMHA, or you can go to flexforchecks. com. Registering is the first step. Then you get the shot at one of the many locations in your community, and we identify those for you. You then upload proof of your vaccination to your Flex For 36cination, we will automatically mail you a check. It’s that easy. Allison: Perfect. I’d like to go into some of your personal history. You grew up in Alabama in the 1950s and 1960s. I would imagine you lived through your fair share of racial discrimination. What was your first-hand experience? Mathew: I’ve written five books, and one of those is Racism from the Eyes of a Child. My mother went to high school in a small town in Alabama, with Coretta Scott King. Also in that class was Andrew Young’s wife. My mother then moved to a larg-
er town in Alabama, and she took up the torch of desegregation. Imagine, I was born in 1952, so from 1958 to 1972 I went to all white schools. Think about that. Allison: All white schools, meaning you were in the significant minority… Mathew: In my junior high school, there were 6 Blacks and 1,000 Whites. In my high school, there were maybe 20 Blacks and 3,000 whites. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga had 14,000 whites and maybe 50 Blacks. Then I transferred to an HBCU, Fisk University in Nashville, which was my first experience in a Black educational environment. I was one of the first [students] with desegregation. I had been beaten, I’ve been electrically prodded, I’ve been spit on, I’ve been humiliated, all sorts of trauma. I had to go to years of therapy to overcome it, no different than for a woman who has been sexually assaulted. Racial trauma is the same. It just doesn’t get the attention that it should. It’s unfortunate that a woman can speak of being sexually traumatized 30 or 40 years ago, but you can’t be Black and say that. Allison Any recent stories regarding racial discrimination? Mathew: I always love what Michelle Obama once said about President Obama. They asked her, “Are you frightened that your husband is going to get assassinated?” She said, “You know, my fear is that my husband could get shot by the police, pumping some gas.” The point she was making is that when you are Black there is no determination that says, “Hey, I’m the president,” you know? For example, with me, if you are in your neighborhood and you’re dressed normal, when you’re Black everyone doesn’t know who your daughter is, nor do they care. Just recently, I’m on a plane putting my bag up in first class. The flight attendant comes over and says, “I’m sorry, sir. You need to put your bags in the back, in coach.” I said, “Do you say that to all of your passengers?” November, 2021 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -13-
She says, “Yes, I say that to all of my coach passengers.” I said, “So you just assume I’m flying coach, huh?” Those types of things still happen today. Allison Kugel: How did you eventually make your way to Houston? And do you think the success that your daughters, Beyoncé and Solange, have had in the music industry, and the success you’ve had on the business side of the music industry, do you think that could have been possible had you stayed in Alabama? Or would there have been no ladder to climb up? Mathew Knowles: It was more from my educational path, from getting a proper education. I was in Nashville, Tennessee and I chose Houston because of all the industry. At the time, you had affirmative action and you had quotas that these major oil companies and all the other companies that were successful because of the oil initiative in Houston, had to fulfill. So at that time in Houston, it was very easy being Black and getting a really good job. That is why I went to Houston, Texas from Nashville. I grew up in Gadsden, Alabama, where we had a Goodyear plant and we had a public steel plant, real blue collar. Chances are I would have ended up working at one of those types of facilities had I stayed in Gadsden. My parents had encouraged me and my vision was much broader than that, so I wanted to go and get the academic knowledge, and then I got 20 years of corporate experience. Allison Kugel: You’re working in Corporate America for Xerox. What gave you the power of belief to make the leap from a stable corporate job to pursuing the music industry, with Destiny’s Child and Beyoncé, and then for Solange? Was it blind faith? Mathew Knowles: I call that the “Jedi Mind Trick,” Allison. Unfortunately, that is the story that the media has painted and it’s not accurate. It’s not even close to being accurate. I worked at Xerox Corporation for ten years. Eight of those years I worked at Xerox Medical Systems. We sold diagnostic imaging for breast cancer detection. Because of my success, being the number one sales rep worldwide for three years in that division, I was able to then go with Phillips Medical Systems to sell CT and MRI scanners. After 6 years of having success, I had headhunters calling and I went to Johnson & Johnson as a neurosurgical specialist. Then because -14- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ November, 2021
of managed care, I was told by a neurosurgeon that he couldn’t use my instruments because of the cost associated with them. It was a defining moment and I had to decide what career path I wanted. As a kid I did things like deejay for my parents, I was in a boy band, and I had this passionate love of music. There was this young man in Houston who had asked me a couple of times to manage him. The first artist that I got a major record deal for was not Beyoncé. It was not Solange. It was a rapper named Lil’ O. MCA records was the number one urban record label at the time with Puffy, Mary J. Blige, and Jodeci, so you see how inaccurate that story is? Allison Kugel: Yes, you did. I don’t know if anyone has ever asked you this before, but did Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé, Solange, or you for that matter, ever experience any racism within the music industry? Mathew Knowles: Yes, absolutely. In the ‘90s, record labels had their urban division, or sometimes it was called the Black music division. There was segregation inside of these major record labels. Because I also managed white artists, I got to see all of the budgets. There was a great difference in a Black artist’s or “urban division’s” marketing budget from that of a white artist’s budget and the regular pop music division’s budget. Allison Kugel: What is the best advice you have ever received? Mathew Knowles: When you live your passion, you never work a day in your life. Find that thing that motivates and inspires you. Find what adds fuel to your excitement. That is the thing we should be working towards. Not what our parents want us to be, or what society wants us to be, or what our husbands or wives want us to be. It should be that thing inside of us that we are passionate about. Normally, that gives us success, not overnight success, but over time. If you follow your passion, every day you wake up you will be excited. Allison Kugel: What do you think you came into this life to learn, and what do you think you came here to teach? Mathew Knowles: It would be to educate and motivate people. I grew up poor, yet I never knew I was poor until I was in my mid 20s. My parents were such great parents that they never made me feel less fed than any other kid. I had wonderful parents
that motivated me and supported me. I come from a family of entrepreneurs on both sides of my family, so I had that foundation. I have always wanted to educate and motivate people. That’s why I think I always did so well in sales and marketing, because I understood how to motivate and educate with knowledge. I love coming from a place of knowledge. I don’t shoot from the hip. My dad made $30 a day driving a produce truck and convinced the company he worked for to let him keep the truck. He would then go tear down old houses and he would sell all the copper and metals. He would buy old cars that were abandoned and sell all the parts. My mother was a maid and she made $3 a day. She convinced the white woman she worked for and the woman’s white girlfriends to give her all their hand-me-downs, and on the weekends, she would make these beautiful quilts with two of her own girlfriends. My parents made six to ten times more on their second jobs than they did on their day jobs, and so I watched that. I watched them being entrepreneurs and thinking outside the box. Allison Kugel: Aside from the Flex for Checks initiative, in what other ways is the National Minority Health Association reaching out to communities of color to help people look out for their own health? Mathew Knowles: All of the things we are talking about today. They are less than a year old and they have just gotten their funding, which takes a while to get. They are now ready and geared towards early detection and health information, especially in the Black and brown community. A lot of our challenges are just because we simply don’t know, and also the mental health that people don’t want to talk about, especially in the Black and brown community, and the effects of mental health, or the lack thereof, on our overall health. Allison Kugel: Do you think cultural competency among healthcare providers is an important ingredient when it comes to healthcare, whether it is mental health, early detection screenings, or getting the COVID-19 vaccine? Mathew Knowles: I think that falls into the entire gamut of society. If we were able to see more doctors and more nurses that look like us, if we were able to see more police that look like us in our communities; I think we can even take that to corporations. Yes, absolutely. This is my second year going to Har-
vard for the summers. I took this summer [course], Cultural Intelligence. We just don’t want to talk about the differences in our cultures. Black people are culturally different than white people. That is not saying one is right or one is wrong. That simply says that the way I might approach a problem could be different than the way you approach a problem, based on my culture and my background. I just think we need to understand cultural intelligence, understand how we are different, and accept that rather than thinking that everybody has to be the same. Well, no, we don’t have to be the same. Allison Kugel: Let’s talk race versus socio-economic status, and healthcare. As a person moves up the economic ladder, do you think race is still a major factor in the healthcare someone receives? Mathew Knowles: There is a bill that is about to come in the next six months in the House of Representatives from a California Congressman that is going to address just that, race in the medical system. Quantitative research with doctors and with hospitals makes it very clear that race does matter in terms of those going into emergency rooms, and who gets to get the diagnostics like the CT scans, the MRIs, and the extra care. Race does matter. Allison Kugel: Even as you move up the economic ladder? Mathew Knowles: I think it’s certainly reduced as you go up the economic ladder, because what happens is, as you go up the economic ladder, normally, your new knowledge base also goes up. As your knowledge base goes up, you begin to understand that this doctor who I looked up to as God, instead it’s the knowledge that you are going to see a physician and as a patient you have the right to say, “I want this procedure done,” or “I have the right to do that, because I’ve researched and I want you to perform that test or that procedure.” I think as you move up economically your knowledge progresses.
Listen to the full, extended interview with Mathew Knowles on the Allison Interviews Podcast at Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Follow Allison Kugel on Instagram @theallisonkugel and at allisoninterviews.com. November, 2021 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -15-
Location of the Very Firs Traditional stories of English Pilgrims and Indians place them togeter in sharing their first meal of Thanksgiving in 1621. Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts is the setting for this celebration. However, when visiting the historic St. Augustine, you will learn it has been documented that colonists shared a feast of thanksgiving with Native Americans 55 years prior to Plymouth Rock. The date was Sept. 8, 1565 when the very first Catholic Mass was held by a Father Francisco López. The story of that original ceremony originates fromFather Francisco López, the fleet chaplain, coming ashore ahead of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, the leader of the founding expedition. He held a cross as he went forward to meet Menéndez who came on land, knelt down and kissed cross. Following the religious service, the Spaniards shared a communal meal with the local native tribe. Since the Spanish had only just arrived in St. Augustine, they did not have the benefit of having raised crops for a year as the English Pilgrims did more than half a century later. The Spanish had to do the best they could with leftovers from their long voyage. The menu was said to be a stew of salted pork and garbanzo beans, accompanied with ship’s bread and red wine. Hosting the actual first Thanksgiving celebration, in what would become the United States, is one of many “firsts” for the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in America, founded 451 years ago. When the Spaniards founded St. Augustine, they proceeded to found our nation’s first city government, first school, first hospital, first city plan, first Parrish church, and first mission to the native populations. You can still see some of these firsts today when you walk down St. George Street. Considered the first main pathway of the historic section, the original city gate proudly stands guard at the North end. -16- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ November, 2021
It is made from coquina stone, a sedimentary rock comprised of compressed shells. You will find other numerous locations where coquina stone was used. The pedestrian-only walkway is lined with gift shops, art galleries, and restaurants, among historic buildings like the oldest wooden schoolhouse. The Colonial Quarter is known for its small shop, restaurant, and outdoor venue where you can listen
st Thanksgiving
to free live music on occasion. Across the San Marco Ave toward the Matanzas River and waterway to the Atlantic Ocean is the original fort built to protect St. Augustine. Built by the Spanish in St. Augustine to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States and interprets more than 450
By Kathy Barnett Managing Editor
years of cultural intersections. A little further north across the river is another monument you can easily see. In 1965, when several projects to help celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the city, a 208 feet tall cross was erected on the site of the first religious service and thanksgiving feast in North America. The stainless steel structure is the largest freestanding cross in the Western Hemisphere. Every year, the September 8, 1565 landing of Menéndez and the Catholic Mass that followed is reenacted in St. Augustine with dignitaries from around the world in attendance. Today, visitors to the first permanent European settlement in North America can see a statue of Father Francisco López in front of the Great Cross. Also made of the coquina stone in the 1950s, the statue is placed on the approximate site where Father López held the first Catholic Mass in the city, which was attended by Native Americans. Following the service, the European settlers and the native people shared a meal of thanksgiving. When visiting St. Augustine, stay at the Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel. It is convenient and within walking distance to many of the historic destinations of the city. Just opened in September, this four-star hotel is luxuriously designed with all the needed amenities at a very affordable rate. The Victorian architecture is reminiscent of the gilded era, paying homage to the iconic Hotel San Marco. Schedule at least one meal at their adjoining Castillo Craft Bar and Kitchen. You won’t be sorry. To peak at the menu, click here. For more articles on Florida
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Go, Do, See: The Space Coast . . .
Festive Fall Activities
T
he Space Coast is best known for being the only beach that doubles as a launch pad, but there’s so much more than space and sand to be discovered. This Fall, experience rocket launches, natural wonders, local history and cuisine, the arts, and classic seasonal activities for the whole family. From harvest festivals and -18- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ November, 2021
haunted airboat tours to Boo at the Zoo and so much more, the Space Coast has the perfect recipe to blast you into the autumnal season—all without a single change in foliage. 1. Catch a launch – Four launch attempts are scheduled on the Space Coast between October and November, including SpaceX Crew-3.
2. Get Spooky –Take a haunted airboat tour with Camp Holly, go on a Spooky Sip-N-Stroll at Rockledge Gardens, trick-or-treat at Brevard Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo, or get a scare at Green Gables’ House on Foggy Bluff. 3. Feast on the Space Coast – Fall is for Foodies! Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosts two Taste of Space events this
Festival while you’re here. For film lovers, head to the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival. 5. Take a Hike or Run – The weather’s perfect for enjoying one of our many walking and biking trails. Three major trails converge in Titusville, an official Florida Trail Town. Runners can also enjoy events, including the Cocoa Beach 10k, the Space Coast Marathon & Half-Marathon, and the Cocoa Beach Turkey Trot. 6. Immerse yourself in History and Culture –Take time to enjoy the 13th Annual Native Rhythms Festival celebrating Native American Heritage Month. Visit Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum for their Veteran’s Day Weekend Open House or head to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for the 2021 US Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction. 7. Get Started on Holiday Shopping – Stroll through one of our historic downtowns to find something truly unique for a loved one. If you prefer to give experiences, you can get gift certificates to Space Coast classics, including Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex, Brevard Zoo, and more. 8. Enjoy Nature –The weather is beautiful for bird watching, and the Space Coast has more than 40 sites on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. It’s still warm enough to enjoy water activities like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or even surfing.
year. Explore new dishes at Viera’s Fall Food Truck “Feast”-ival or take a stroll through Downtown Melbourne’s Food and Wine Festival. Follow along on our social media as we highlight local restaurants, breweries, and more. 4. Celebrate the Arts – From the Cocoa Beach Art Show and Melbourne Arts & Craft Expo to countless theatre productions and community orchestra concerts, there’s always something to enrich your visit to the Space Coast this Fall. Enjoy Brevard Zoo’s Jazzoo or the Space Coast Music
Florida’s Space Coast is home to Orlando’s Closest Beach and Kennedy Space Center. Come visit World Famous Ron Jon Surf Shop on Cocoa Beach, kayak past enclosures at Brevard Zoo or cruise from the 2nd busiest port in the world, Port Canaveral. For more information, visit www.visitspacecoast. com.
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Things to Do:
Grab a Turkey? Grab My Bag! vention services. Ana Varela, Director, I Care Atlanta, Inc. said, “We are totally excited to be working with Grab My Bag for Grab-A-Turkey! The distribution of ATLANTA/PRNewsmeals to families wire/ -- As the holiday in need is such an season approaches, important cause many travelers are and Grab-A-Turready to take their key is not only long-awaited vacain line with our tions, the ones they organization’s miswere unable to take sion, but it’s a great last year. But this holiway for travelers to give back to those less fortunate day season, taking a flight to see family and friends, without having to add another thing to their to do and then lightening your own load by having your list. Book-A-Flight, Book-A-Grab, and then we get to luggage delivered to you from the airport baggage Grab-A-Turkey for a family that needs it. claim, by Grab My Bag, has charitable perks. Emory Reignz, CEO/Founder, Grab My Bag said, Grab My Bag has launched its mission to help fam“There’s nothing like sitting down for a good meal ilies in need of holiday meals this season, through with someone you love. So, for the families that are their initiative titled “GRAB-A-Turkey.” From November 1, 2021 to November 15, 2021, for every cus- still struggling to recover from the after effects of the tomer that books a 3-4 Bag GRAB package or higher, pandemic, or for those that just need a helping hand this year, we’re happy, with the help of our customto have Grab My Bag deliver their checked luggage to them from baggage claim when they land, instead ers of course, to provide a small piece of a meal that we hope will bring families joy this year.” of waiting at the crowded baggage claim carousels Meals will be distributed by the Dunwoody and for their bags, Grab My Bag will donate a turkey to Chamblee Police Dept. Nov.18 and Doraville Police I Care Atlanta, Inc. on their behalf, for a family in Department on Nov. 19. Families will be providneed. The travelers’ actual trip can take place anyed with a turkey 15-20lbs, greens, yams, and other time in the future. Not affiliated with the airports or airlines, Grab My canned good items to prepare their holiday meal. https:// Bag works on behalf of the traveler to lighten their www.grabloads, ease minds, and offer convenience, during the mybag. com, baggage claim process. I Care Atlanta, Inc. (formerly My Brother’s Keepers Reaching Out, Inc) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization devoted to stabilizing lives and preventing homelessness by feeding the food insecure through the provision of groceries, cooked foods and conFor more on Georgia necting clients to resources and emergency assistance. They provide these services through mobile > Click Here and in-house distribution, and emergency/crisis preGrab My Bag has launched “Grab-A-Turkey,” donating turkeys this Thanksgiving to I Care Atlanta, Inc., to help families in need.
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A culinary trip through filled with flavor and mor When you visit the Mississippi Delta, be sure to come hungry. You won’t regret it. There is, of course, the classic Southern comfort food that is a staple here. It’s in abundance. But while slow-smoked barbecue, farmraised catfish and Delta-grown rice may be traditions here, they each offer a surprising new spin. That barbecue is being served up by the likes of a seven-time world barbecue champion. And she–yes, she–has her own way of doing things. Chef and cookbook author Melissa Cookston is well-known as not just a Southern chef but as one of the county’s preeminent pit masters.
And the catfish? It’s being raised by family farmers who are employing amazing technology to ensure the highest of standards for both sustainability and flavor. Simmons Farm Raised Catfish(2628 Erickson Road, Yazoo City, MS 39194), for example, fills man-made ponds with fresh water pumped from wells supplied by aquifers 100 feet below the rich alluvial soil of the Mississippi Delta. The resulting flavor is amazing and can be enjoyed in numerous Delta restaurants, proud to serve their local fare.
Another local crop you’ll find on menus might surprise you, as well. Rice. This is not your average rice! Generations of farmers like those at Two Brooks Farm (404 East Court Street, Sumner, MS 38957) and Delta Blues Rice (3731 Highway 8 East, Ruleville, MS 38771) are not only growing a whole slate of high quality rice varietals, they are doing it by the highest of standards. They are taking care to reduce negative impact on the land and ensure positive impact for consumers. Even what classifies as “traditional foods” here is surprising to some. As the agriculture industry blossomed, a diverse population moved into the Delta as a result of the need for farm workers. Mexicans and Italians were among the most common and in the 1960s the Delta was said to have the largest Chinese community in the South. As they moved here, their traditional foods came with them. Of these, tamales may be best known. Throughout the Delta, tamales can be found on the menus of fine restaurants and at street side tamale shacks.
Tamales are such a staple here, there is even a festival centered around them. The Hot Tamale Festival, held each October in Greenville, brings artists, musicians and, of course, chefs and foodies together for three days of entertainment, art and tamale-tasting fun.
Another traditional surprise can be found in restaurants like Mai Little China (617 W Park Ave, Greenwood, MS 38930). Here, Matthew and Cathy Mai, serve up Chinese dishes, based on Matthew’s traditional training along with 10 years of Southern cooking experience. The fusion-filled menu is a blend of the best of both worlds. Foodie fans and traditionalists, as well, are impressed with the innovative concepts chef Cole Ellis is employing at the Delta Meat Market (118 North Sharpe Avenue, Cleveland, MS 38732) in Cleveland. An old school meat market, the freshest of local crops and his creative culinary talents combine for a unique dining experience. Throughout the region, there are also plenty of classic Delta restaurants for the not-to-be-missed list.
the Mississippi Delta is re than a few surprises which is made from diced, stale bread and stuffed into the turkey. No Southern Thanksgiving meal is complete without cornbread dressing.
For years, visitors have found their way to iconic stops such as Hollywood Café (1585 Old Commerce Road, Robinsonville, MS 38664) outside Tunica, the original Doe’s Eat Place (502 Nelson Street, Greenville, MS 38701) in Greenville and Rusty’s Riverfront Café (901 Washington Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180) in historic downtown Vicksburg. So yes, this region is steeped in tradition. Culinary tradition is no exception. It may, however, be a richer, more flavorful tradition than one might expect. And of course, in the Delta they expect you to mind your manners and try it all. Dig in! You won’t be disappointed. When the table happens to be set for Thanksgiving, expect an unforgettable feast. Here’s a few of our favorite Turkey Day dishes filled with Mississippi flare: 1. Cornbread dressing Unless you are prepared for a heated debate or lengthy lecture, don’t dare mistake the cornbread dressing as its Northern counterpart, stuffing. Made with baked, stale and crumbled cornbread, dressing is served alongside the Thanksgiving turkey and is decidedly different from stuffing,
2. Fried Turkey Mississippi cooks save prized oven space and enjoy a deliciously moist turkey by frying their poultry whole. In what is often a communal event the morning of the holiday, family and friends gather outdoors to dunk turkeys into a vat of bubbling oil. Turkeys for multiple gatherings can be fried one after the other using the same oil, making for an economical excuse to spend Thanksgiving morning with loved ones. 3. Pecan pie With trees found in backyards across the South, pecans are easy to come by and pair well with sweet corn syrup, butter, vanilla and eggs. Served warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, this classic dessert is part of nearly every Mississippi Thanksgiving spread.
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4. Sweet Potato Pie Home to the “Sweet Potato Capital of the World” in Vardaman, Mississippi, sweet potato pie is a much loved part of Mississippi feasts. Resembling pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie balances the sweet and savory flavors of the root vegetable. 5. Venison Hunting is a favorite pastime for many Mississippi families, and what better day to enjoy the spoils of the hunt than Thanksgiving. Tender deer meat or deer sausage is typically grilled as a side dish or as an appetizer like deer medallions wrapped in bacon. 6. Mississippi State Cheese Family, fellowship and food may come first on Thanksgiving Day, but a close second is football. The Egg Bowl, an annual showdown between Mississippi State University and Ole Miss, always takes place over the Thanksgiving holiday. Numerous MSU Bulldog fans gear up for the game by serving Mississippi State cheese, made at the University in Starkville, as an appetizer on Turkey Day. 7. Toasted pecans “Leave no pecan behind,” is the mantra of quite a few Mississippi chefs. Pecans leftover from pecan pie preparation are toasted with butter and spices and served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for the feast. November, 2021 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -23-
People to See:
At the World’s Largest Through the Holiday S
Billy Bob’s Texas Hosts the 2021 Texas Country Music Awards Sunday, Nov. 14 with Headliner Aaron Watson U.S. Navy Singer-Songwriter Zach Bryan to Play Sold Out Show FORT WORTH, Texas - As the weather gets colder, Billy Bob’s Texas only gets hotter. The iconic Texas venue continues to bring the action this November with exciting events, traditions, and the biggest names in music including Grammy Award winner Robert
Cray and wildly popular rapper Nelly. Visitors from all over the world become fully absorbed in the country lifestyle upon stepping foot in “The World’s Largest Honky-tonk,” from being greeted by a history video of George Strait, to matching their hands with legends such as Garth Brooks and Willie Nelson on the Wall of Fame, to line dancing lessons on the dance floor, authentic Western cuisine and much more! The stars are sure to align when the 2021 Texas Country Music Awards come to town on November 14th. Every year the TCMA honors the state’s top country artists. Aaron Watson will headline the show with special performances from Sundance Head, Curtis Grimes, Brandon Rhyder, and more. From the walks down the red carpet to the star-studded
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performances, it’ll be a night you don’t want to miss! November’s lineup is certainly one to be thankful for. Robert Cray (November 5) will have every guest feeling anything but the blues, and then all eyes will be on Jon Langston (November 6), who is sure to bring the house down. Aaron Lewis (November 7) will end the jam-packed weekend with a full acoustic show that’s sure to close things out with a twang. Jon Wolfe (November 12) will make sure there are plenty of “boots on a dance floor”, then Grammy award-winning La Mafia (November 13) will keep ‘em on their feet with their legendary Latin style. Nelly (November 18) will bring a “lil bit” of everything with his one-of-a-kind performance with friends Blanco Brown and Harper Grace. Country music superstar Riley Green (November
Honky Tonk Season
19) is sure to bring the party with his new music and fan favorites, paving the way for Texas native Tracy Byrd (November 20) who will have guests dosey-doeing all night. Pecos & the Rooftops (November 24) will undoubtedly touch every heart in the room, while Zach Bryan (November 26) will be “heading south” since serving his country in the U.S. Navy for a sold-out show! November is ending on a high note with a double feature with Danielle Nicole Band (November 27) taking the stage at The 81 Club as Granger Smith (November 27) will close out the month later on the main stage. The unbeatable lineup of live music, delicious food, fun activities at Billy Bob’s Texas this month makes it the place to be! Concert Lineup: NOV 05 - Robert Cray NOV 06 - Jon Langston
NOV 07 - Aaron Lewis NOV 12 - Jon Wolfe NOV 13 - La Mafia NOV 14 - 2021 Texas Country Music Awards NOV 18 - Nelly w/ Blanco Brown & Harper Grace NOV 19 - Riley Green NOV 20 - Tracy Byrd NOV 24 - Pecos & The Rooftops NOV 26 - Zach Bryan (SOLD OUT) NOV 27 - Granger Smith NOV 27 - Danielle Nicole @ the 81 Club More shows have just been announced on Billy Bob’s concert calendar. Tickets are on sale NOW for the following concerts: DEC 03 - Sammy Hagar DEC 04 - Stoney LaRue DEC 09 - Ryan Bingham DEC 10 - Charley Crockett DEC 11 - Scotty McCreery DEC 16 - Hayes Carll
DEC 17 - Chris Cagle DEC 18 Flatland Cavalry DEC 23 - Kevin Fowler DEC 25 - Dylan Wheeler DEC 30 - Toadies DEC 31 - Tracy Lawrence For the full concert calendar, special event, and visitor information, please go to billybobstexas. com Historic Fort Worth Stockyards 2520 Rodeo Plaza Fort Worth, Texas 76164
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P
reliminary plans are in store for this year’s Solvang Julefest, the Santa Ynez Valley wine country town’s annual celebration of all things “holidays”.
The holiday season event will be Nov. 27 through Jan. 1, 2022 and entail multiple holiday happenings within the walkable California Central Coast destination, recently named by Oprah Daily as one of the “Most Magical Christmas Towns and Villages Across the World”. “Solvang’s Julefest festivities are making a triumphant return this year, after last year’s highly modified version of the beloved annual event. We will still have some slight modifications in place this year to accommodate the ongoing pandemic, but we will also be introducing some new Julefest elements for the enjoyment of our locals and visitors,” said Scott Shuemake, President of IDK Events, planners and organizers of Solvang Julefest 2021. As one of the nation’s most Christmasy towns, Solvang will present a refreshed line-up of Julefest offerings and extra holiday cheer in the form of new illuminated displays, celebratory scenescapes and settings, in an effort to enhance the “hygge” holiday ambiance already native to the atmospheric city. Plans are in place for the return of the Solvang Julefest Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 3 in Solvang Park, including ballerinas encircling the tree, live entertainment, and caroling. A parade is also in the works for Dec. 4. During Solvang Julefest, the
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Find Nisse (The D village will once again host its now-annual Nisse Adventure, where participants join in a citywide hunt for the mysterious Solvang Nisse (Christmas elves) which will have hidden themselves throughout downtown Solvang. Elf-trackers may visit http://www.NisseAdventure.com, where they will find animated videos containing clues to the various hiding spots which the Nisse frequents. Once guests find each Nisse they scan a QR code to continue along the adventure, earning a special prize at completion. Saturdays throughout the Julefest stretch, town-wide Solvang Food Tours will be led by the foodie – and photo – experts at Eat This, Shoot That!, and the popular evening Candlelight Tours will return select Saturday nights (November 27; December 4, 11, 18), tickets for which include holiday-themed refreshments and a VIP Santa meet and greet expe-
rience. Either tour option presents a unique, educational, and entertaining way to explore the history-filled village on foot during the most festive of Solvang’s seasons. Shuemake continued, “Solvang Julefest is an iconic holiday season ‘thing’ along California’s Central Coast. It shines a twinkly light on Solvang’s Danish heritage. We’re so excited to be able to bring it back this year, for everyone looking for a little bit of a European holiday in Southern California.” Certain Solvang Julefest 2021 components will take shape as COVID regulations allow, like this year’s “Nordpolen” in Solvang Park, where Santa will greet guests select Saturday afternoons during Julefest in the park’s Gazebo-turned-Santa’s-Workshop. Solvang, known for its Danish-American roots, architecture and design details, pastries, bakeries and plentiful wine tasting options, also boasts dozens upon
Danish Elf) dozens of unique boutiques, restaurants and gourmet food purveyors. Carefully-curated indie bookstores, high-end stationers and home goods suppliers, mingle with fairy tale-like children’s boutiques and museum gift shops. Solvang’s numerous foodie havens offer up everything from elevated street cuisine – like locally-sourced fish tacos on handmade tortillas, and comforting ramen noodles – to European-style pretzels and sausages, to Italian standbys or iconic Danish dishes, to elevated new-Californian fare in the form of Michelin-honored
menus, to heritage grain sourdough loaves or limited edition cheese releases, to small-batch, locally-roasted coffee, exotic and familiar hand-bottled spice blends, to Tiki cocktails and craft beers, all forming an indulgent holiday shopping and playing escape. Dog-friendly and ideal for kids, Solvang Julefest promotes family fun and adventure through traditional holiday-favorite activities, with the addition of more-adult, wine country entertainment. Further event information will be made over the course of the next two months. Solvang Julefest 2021 is produced by the City of Solvang (http://www.CityofSolvang. com) and IDK Events, in creative partnership with Cogs & Marvel (http://www. CogsandMarvel. com). All Solvang Julefest events are open to the public with either free or paid admission. More information will be available at http:// www.SolvangJulefest. org. Event updates will also be posted to the SolvangUSA Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts: @SolvangUSA, facebook.com/SolvangUSA, and twitter.com/SolvangUSA. A new, preliminary promo video for Solvang Julefest 2021 may be viewed here: https://youtu.
be/0I3DMAlg9LY Questions, media requests for interviews and/or photos, may be directed to Anna Ferguson-Sparks, Stiletto Marketing, at 1.877.327.2656 or solvang [at] stilettomarketing [dot] com. About the City of Solvang: Known as the “Danish Capital of America”, the City of Solvang is located in the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County, California. Founded by a group of Danish-Americans in 1911 and later incorporated in 1985, Solvang is home to a number of bakeries, restaurants, and merchants offering a taste of Denmark in Southern California. Sleek, Scandinavian design meets Old World charm in Solvang’s numerous interior courtyards, cozy communal spaces and open-air venues, where vacation itineraries for all, unfold. The walkable town offers plentiful free parking options for locals and day-trippers, and more than 20 lodging options for staycation-ers, weekenders and mid-week travelers, at all vacation budget levels. For more information, including travel itinerary ideas and inspiration for things to do, where to eat and drink, and places to stay, follow our adventures on Instagram: @SolvangUSA. http://www.SolvangJulefest. org;
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November, 2021 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -27-
Father-Daughter Road T Zac Titus produced and stars in the new movie, “Two Yellow Line” alongside his daughter, Alexis Titus. Distributed by David Glasser’s 101 Studios and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, this cross-country drama will be released Nov. 9. Writer/director Derek Bauer’s directorial debut stars Zac Titus (For All Mankind), and introduces his real-life daughter Alexis Titus in her first on-screen role; Grant Show (Dynasty, Devious Maids), Bre Blair (S.W.A.T.), Grant Harvey (Animal Kingdom, Emancipation) and Frank Collison (O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU; Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman). The film is a labor of love, personal experience and inspiration, exploring the on-the-road relationship between a father seeking redemption alongside his teenage daughter. TWO YELLOW LINES’ story is informed in part by the real-life challenges of lead actor Zac Titus; having lost his sister on 9/11, Titus developed PTSD and went to Montana to grieve and find solace. His character, a veteran smokejumper, starts the film similarly, after the tragedy of losing his unit in a fire in the Montana wilderness. His struggles with PTSD and survivor’s guilt leave Jack estranged from his family, until, after four years without contact, Jack receives a phone call from his ex-wife asking him to pick up their daughter from camp in Wyoming. Once reunited, Jack and Hanna (Alexis Titus) embark
on their journey home, battling as they ride across the remote Montana landscape trying to understand and come to terms with each other’s trauma.
The film’s personal inspirations extend to the whole cast and crew. Zac was motivated to develop the story of a motorcycle road trip after his own daughter Alexis’ joyful experience traveling cross-country with her grandfather. Bauer, having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, shares Zac’s appreciation and love of the outdoors, and the loss of his own father at age fourteen to early-onset Alzheimer’s made developing the story uniquely personal. Thirteen year-old Hanna’s character, who is struggling to understand her own sense of loss and abandonment, resonated deeply with Bauer’s memories of his own childhood and this film is an expression of those years. It’s about how small shifts in our lives can lead to big changes when we face the past, learn to forgive, and find a way to move forward.” “One of our goals was to treat the landscape as an additional force, or even a character, that would continually influence and support our actors along their journey,” said Bauer, who also served as the director of photography. Bauer and his team did a phenomenal job capturing the
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beauty and majesty of Montana, following Jack and Hanna aboard Jack’s Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide as they ride through the Tetons, Yellowstone, and the Rocky Mountain West. The film will transport audiences to the Montana wilderness, allowing them to experience the wide vistas of Big Sky country from their home, journeying with Jack and Hanna as they embark on their odyssey. Bauer concludes, “Teaming up with four friends: Zac, producer Billy Zeb Smith, Jake Olson and me—we are all fathers of daughters—we brought this film to life for you, the audience. With a small, passionate crew in tow, we
Trip Featured in Movie stuffed everything into an old RV, followed by an older truck towing a trailer of newer gear, and together, we chased a thirty-yearold Harley across the Western United States.” With the purchase of TWO YELLOW LINES on digital, fans can earn points towards special rewards via the Universal All-Access Rewards program. Members can redeem their points for digital movies, signed collectables, box sets, win exclusive prizes and more! For FREE registration and details please visit www.MyUniversalRewards.com. TWO YELLOW LINES will be available on 4K Ultra HD Digital. 4K Ultra HD delivers the ultimate movie watching experience. Featuring the combination of 4K resolution, the color brilliance of High Dynamic Range (HDR) and HDR10+, which delivers incredible brightness and contrast for each scene and immersive audio for a multidimensional sound experience. Digital lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devic-
es. Users can instantly stream or download.
MOVIES ANYWHERE is the digital app that simplifies and enhances the digital movie collection and viewing experience by allowing consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place when purchased or redeemed through participating digital retailers. Consumers can also redeem digital copy codes found in eligible Blu-rayTM and DVD disc packages from participating studios and stream or download them through Movies Anywhere. Movies Anywhere is only available in the United States. For more information, visit https://moviesanywhere.com. 101 Studios is a global entertainment company dedicated to the acquisition, financing, development, production and distribution of high-caliber, creator-driven storytelling. Founded by David Glasser, Chief Executive Officer, and David Hutkin, Chief Operating Officer, the studio empowers content creators through first-class collaboration and in-
novation. On the television side, 101 produces Taylor Sheridan’s Emmy nominated series Yellowstone, as well as Sheridan’s upcoming series Mayor of Kingstown and Yellowstone prequel 1883. Additionally, 101 Studios oversees and manages the newly formed Sports Illustrated Studios (SI Studios), a content platform based on the most compelling stories, characters and moments in sports past, present and future. Upcoming projects include PARADISE FOUND based on the true story of high school football coach Rick Prinz; a docuseries about the sexual abuse and cover-up at Ohio State University, co-produced by George Clooney and Grant Heslov’s Smokehouse Pictures; and the docuseries Covers, a behind-the-scenes look at Sports Illustrated’s top cover stories of all time. SI Studios has also exclusively partnered with iHeartMedia to create and distribute original podcasts through the iHeartPodcast network. On the film side, past releases include THE CURRENT WAR: DIRECTOR’S CUT, the Sundance Audience award winner BURDEN as well as the family comedy THE WAR WITH GRANDPA.
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November, 2021 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -29-
Yellowstone Winter Safari Wildlife Expeditions’ private snow coach tours through Yellowstone National Park’s rarely traveled winter landscape are a top-10 pick from Men’s Journal magazine for places in the U.S. to “Take a Walk on the Wild Side.” Wildlife Expeditions’ nonprofit parent, Teton Science Schools, brings remarkable expertise to the guides’ ability to scout wolves and other wildlife while offering a deep dive into the context of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for the Jackson Hole wildlife safari company’s exclusive winter adventures.
JACKSON HOLE/PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- “There’s a reason Yellowstone National Park is known as ‘America’s Serengeti,’” writes Men’s Journal, recommending the winter snow coach -30- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ November, 2021
safaris from Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools as one of its top 10 picks for “awesome wildlife-centric trips waiting to be discovered throughout the U.S.” Encouraging readers to “Take a Walk on the Wild Side,” the mag-
azine notes Yellowstone’s 3,500 square miles as home to the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states – including the elusive wolf – and calls out the Wildlife Expeditions tours based out of Jackson, “to find these apex
i with Wildlife Expeditions
predators on the hunt in their snowy natural habitat.” Wolf tracking in Yellowstone is at its height during winter months and peaks in February during breeding season across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. As Jackson Hole’s original
safari tour provider, Wildlife Expeditions has a well-earned reputation of more than 20 years of wildlife spotting expertise, so guests are in the right place at the right time for viewing creatures in the wild. At the same time, adventures are grounded in the nu-
anced scientific approach of the tour company’s nonprofit parent, Teton Science Schools, creating exceptional “edu-vacational” experiences that take a deep dive into the context of the remarkable Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Please turn to next page
November, 2021 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -31-
While wolves are a winter favorite for wildlife viewing, Wildlife Expeditions’ expert guides know best viewing spots for a variety of animal sightings, which in winter may include bison, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, coyotes, trumpeter swans, eagles and more. Guides also share information about Yellowstone’s famed, scenic thermal features, including Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin and West Thumb Geyser Basin. Uniquely with the arrival of winter, park roads close to the public and only a special few can witness Yellowstone in its snowy winter splendor, where the wildlife outnumber the people. Guests ride comfortably in Mercedes-Benz snow coaches specially designed with rubberized Mattracks® for extraordinary traction to comfortably navigate the park’s snow-packed roads, and large roof hatches are customized for wildlife spotting and photography. Guests also enjoy use of provided binoculars, high-quality spotting scopes and adult and kid guidebooks, as well as YakTrax traction devices and walking poles for opportunities to explore
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on foot. See Yellowstone’s wonders as so few have, cloaked in its dramatic winter mantle, with Wildlife Expeditions Private Yellowstone Snow Coach Tour. The full-day (12-hour) private adventure is $2,500 for up to 4 people; $2,900 for 5 up to a maximum of 9 guests. Closer to Jackson, Wildlife Expeditions’ winter experiences include the Private Grand Teton Winter Wildlife Tour through Grand Teton National Park, surrounding National Forest lands, and the National Elk Refuge, where thousands of the magnificent animals over-winter annually. The full-day (8-hour) experience is the safari company’s “signature tour for avid wildlife viewers with a love for natural history, cultural history, and interpretive learning.” Price is $1,000 for up to 4 people; $1,350 for 5-9. New for 2021-22, Wildlife Expeditions is offering a Private Winter Wildlife, Art & Sleigh Tour. The indoor-outdoor fullday (8-hour) excursion includes a morning wildlife tour in Grand Teton National Park, lunch, admission to the renowned National Museum of Wildlife Art, and a sleigh ride on the National Elk Refuge (price is $1,250 for up to 4 people; $1,750 for 5-9). And perfect for families, the new Private Winter Grand Teton Family Adventure takes a kid-friendly approach with a shorter, 6-hour day that includes wildlife tracking and viewing and immersive activities, along with snacks, beverages and regular breaks (price is $1,000 for up to 4; $1,350 for 5-9). All Wildlife Expeditions’ winter safaris are offered December 15, 2021 – March 31, 2022, with special holiday rates available December 18, 2021, to January 2, 2022.
About Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools: With a mission of inspiring curiosity, engagement and leadership through transformative educational travel experiences, Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools has a well-earned reputation of leading exceptional safari tours and locating wild animals in the wilderness in and around Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Jackson Hole, Wyoming’s premier and original safari provider, Wildlife Expeditions offers family-friendly educational tours year-round in a stunning natural environment. The wildlife tour company has been featured in Conde Nast Traveler, as a bucket-list destination by the Travel Channel.com, as one of “10 Amazing Adventures” worldwide by USA Today and is a TripAdvisor 2020 Travelers’ Choice winner. Wildlife Expeditions is just one of many program areas of Teton Science
Schools, a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization based around place-based education. Follow Wildlife Expeditions on Instagram @wildlifeexpeditions and on Facebook @wildlifeexpeditionstss. For more information or to book a tour, visit http:// www.tetonscience.org.
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Go, Do, See
American Author James Fenimore C By Mindy Bianca MBPR
Cooperstown, New York, Was Both Home and Inspiration to American Author James Fenimore Cooper You know you can always count on the team at MBPR to draw your attention to those random holidays that probably don’t show up on anyone’s calendars but ours. That’s why we’re telling you that November 1 is National Author’s Day. In 1949, the U.S. Department of Commerce set aside that day to celebrate American authors.
Irving; Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; Sir Walter Scott; William Shakespeare; Robert Louis Stevenson; Alfred, Lord Tennyson; and Mark Twain.
The one author in the deck whose works never appeared on my school reading lists or in my stack of library books was James Fenimore Cooper. And that’s a little ironic, considering that today my PR agency represents the town named for his family. This is the guy who’s considered by many critics to have written the first-ever “Great American Novel,” The Last of the Mohicans, and I knew remarkably little about him until a few years ago. So, today I’m going to hit you with the knowledge I’ve gained during my time working with “his” town.
I’m going When I was a to preface kid, one of my this entire very favorite article by games was “Ausaying that thors.” It was a there’s a legit card game much reason why like “Go Fish,” Cooper’s only you were novels aren’t collecting cards as widethat bore the picly read or ture of a famous taught these James Fenimore Cooper has a permanent perch near the National American or BritBaseball Hall of Fame and Museum. days. The auish author. Each Photo by: Chip Henderson thor has been of the 11 writers widely critappeared on four icized for his stereotypical portrayals of indigenous cards, and each card was marked with the name of people, and we want to acknowledge that here – and one of their most famous works. Your goal was to not appear to be champions of it. That said, here’s collect all four works from each writer. The authors what I now know about James Fenimore Cooper: were Louisa May Alcott; James Fenimore Cooper; Charles Dickens; Nathaniel Hawthorne; Washington William Cooper was a politician and judge who -34- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ November, 2021
Cooper
moved his family to a little village in New York state back in 1790, when his son James was just a year old. The town was ultimately named for the family, and though James -the eleventh of the dozen children born to William and his wife Elizabeth (whose maiden name was Fenimore) – was born in Burlington, New Jersey, and lived in New York City and Europe during his adult life, he ultimately returned to Cooperstown and lived his final years there. It was forever his home … and his inspiration. Though Cooper wrote dozens of novels about various topics, you’re probably most familiar with James Fenimore Cooper in his younger the five-part collection he called “The Leatheryears. The portrait is on display at Fenimore stocking Tales.” He began penning that series in Art Museum. 1823, just three years after he became an author. It follows the life and adventures of Natty Bumppo, a drew inspiration from its favorite author, as eviwhite American frontiersman who forges a kinship denced by the names of sites all around the village. with the Native Americans who live nearby. The Here’s a rundown: series jumps back and forth through time, starting with The Pioneers, when Natty – affectionately • James Fenimore Cooper Statue: Since 1940 called both “Leatherstocking” and “Hawkeye” – is – 150 years after the author arrived in town as a todan old man. The novel met with such success that Cooper kept the character and visited him at differ- dler – a giant bronze statue of Cooper has been the ent times in his life in the series’ other novels, which focal point of Cooper Grounds, just steps away from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. were (confusingly) not written in chronological The statue was sculpted by Victor Salvatore, who order. lived in the nearby village of Springfield Center. The small model Salvatore used in the design proMany of the physical details of the land that cess is on display at Fenimore Art Museum. Natty explores in “The Leatherstocking Tales” are pulled from Cooper’s own memories of growing up in the early years of Cooperstown, when it was a woodsy frontier full of adventure. People believe that Natty himself is based on a man named David Shipman, a veteran of the Revolutionary War and local hunter whom Cooper would have known because he provided venison and other food to families in the village. (The author’s own father even showed up in The Pioneers as Judge Temple.)
So, Cooper drew inspiration from his hometown and its residents. And as it turns out, Cooperstown
• Fenimore Art Museum: If you’re interested in Cooper’s life and accomplishments, head to this museum – located on the site of his former homestead – and check out “The Coopers of Cooperstown,” a permanent exhibit that celebrates the author and his family. The museum also houses impressive collections of American folk art and American fine art, photography, and The Thaw Collection of American Indian Art. More than 850 objects that celebrate American Indian culture have a home here at Cooper’s former property. Please turn to P.60 November, 2021 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -35-
The Otesaga Resort Hotel is located on prime real estate … right on the shores of Otsego Lake.
• Leatherstocking Golf Course: You’ll find this legendary course right next door to the art museum. Named for Cooper’s famed book series and designed in 1909 by prolific golf course architect Devereux Emmet, this is considered one of the East Coast’s most challenging resort golf courses. The 72par, championship golf course challenges golfers of all skill levels and features 18 holes of rolling terrain and elevation changes. It finishes along the shoreline of Otsego Lake and is famous for its 18th hole. The golf course is part of The Otesaga Resort Hotel. • The Otesaga Resort Hotel: You’ll find both Hawkeye Bar & Grill and Hawkeye Spa at this resort, which for more than 100 years has been one of the most celebrated hotels in the Northeast. It sits on some of the best real estate in town, on the shores of Otsego Lake, which Cooper nicknamed “Glimmerglass” and references repeatedly in “The Leatherstocking Tales.” Indeed, the surface of the lake acts as nature’s mirror, beautifully reflecting the trees around it and the sky above. The dining room where -36- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ November, 2021
The Otesaga’s famed breakfast is served is called Glimmerglass. • Glimmerglass Festival: Also bearing the lake’s nickname, this celebration of the arts is a huge draw for summertime visitors. Though it used to offer opera only, in recent years it has expanded to encompass a wide variety of live performances, which take place in a 918-seat theater whose side walls can be slid open so the audience can enjoy the beauty and fresh air of the region. The festival’s campus is located at the extreme northern end of the nine-mile Otsego Lake. • Glimmerglass State Park: That stunning lake is the major draw at this park, whose water and woods are home to a variety of plants and animals, including New York’s state mammal, the beaver. The Beaver Pond Nature Trail is a popular hike, and other highlights include a covered bridge (the oldest existing covered bridge in America) and Hyde Hall Mansion, a historic home that’s open for tours. (Halloween alert: It’s also reported to be haunted.)
The park is stunning all year long, including in the winter months, when visitors can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating or ice fishing. • The Glimmerglass Queen: This seasonal boat tour, which departs from the dock at the end of Fair Street, takes guests on a scenic cruise around Otsego Lake, giving them the chance to see both natural and manmade wonders along the way. A boat is the only (legal) way for visitors to catch a glimpse of the famed Kingfisher Tower, a 60-foot Gothic structure erected in 1876. It’s located on private property, so approaching by land is a no-no … but it makes a great backdrop for photos taken during this cruise, which departs daily during warmer seasons. • Cooperstown Distillery: The only distillery in Otsego County takes pride in its hometown, naming its products for things with meaningful ties to this village … and that includes the game of baseball and the area’s favorite author. The distillery’s Glimmerglass Vodka is as clear as Cooper’s favorite lake; it’s distilled six times and charcoal-filtered twice, resulting in an incredibly smooth drink. Meanwhile, Fenimore Gin incorporates 14 different botanicals – from the expected juniper berry to the surprising lilac (New York’s state bush) – to create a gin that appeals to fans of both traditional and non-traditional gins. The distillery itself is on Railroad Avenue and open daily, or you can do a tasting at the Cooperstown Beverage Exchange on Main Street in the heart of the village. • Natty Bumppo’s: This casual restaurant and bar on Hoffman Street is a quick walk from the National Baseball Hall of Fame. It’s decorated with a Fenimore Gin is just one of the Cooperstown Distillery products that pay tribute to the author and his works.
mural of Otsego Lake and plenty of antique fishing gear and other artifacts inside, but it also offers an outdoor deck. The menu is focused on Latin American cuisine and craft beers and cocktails. • Natty Bumppo Marker: On Route 26, in the village of Fly Creek (just beyond Cooperstown), you can find a sign marking the burial site of David Shipman, the local hunter who shared stories of his abundant adventures – including encounters with wild animals and plenty of battles – when he visited the Cooper home. He was known to wear leather stockings and deer hide, just as “Hawkeye” does in the novels. He died in 1813 but lives on in Cooper’s novels. • James Fenimore Cooper’s Grave: The author himself is buried in a family plot at the cemetery at Christ Church, the Episcopal church on River Street in the village. His tombstone bears the simple inscription of the dates of his birth and death; ironically, he died just one day before his 62nd birthday. Other members of the Cooper family – including his father William – are buried near the author. Cooper’s wife, Susan, who died just a few months after he did, is buried next to him. It should also be noted that an impressive number of children and dogs in the village are named “Cooper.” So, if you’re walking down the street and hear someone shout the name, they may be talking about the author … or maybe just another member of their family. For more on Cooperstown, visit www.thisiscooperstown.com In case this has inspired you to check out other sites tied to American authors, here’s a listing that my colleague Mallory pulled together. We limited the geography to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic so you could potentially make an interesting road trip out of it … and visit a lot of sites tied to the other American authors who were acknowledged in that old card game. >CLICK HERE Mindy Biana is owner and founder of Mindy Bianca Public Relations (mbpr!)
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Three Albany Places to Gobble Up Thanksgiving Dinner Are you excited to gobble ‘til you wobble?
ALBANY - If you don’t want to spend Thanksgiving in the kitchen, plan to feast at one of Albany’s local restaurants instead, such as Jack’s Oyster House or The Century House. Looking to dine at home, but leave the cooking to the experts? Check out Thanksgiving packages from Mazzone. You’ll want to make your reservations early to take advantage of their Thanksgiving specials.
offers a feast to-go option that will feed 6-8 guests for $230. Reservations available for Thanksgiving dine-in on November 25 from noon to 7:00 PM and November 26 from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The 3-course prix fixe menu is $68.
The Century House
Jack’s Oyster House
Jack’s Oyster House is an iconic Albany restaurant serving up a threecourse prix fixe Thanksgiving menu. It is the perfect spot to bring your outof-town relatives to celebrate the holiday with a touch of throwback Albany flair. For the first course, dine on local crispy goat salad, Oysters Rockefeller, lobster bisque and more. The second course features roasted turkey Ballotine, signature dry aged prime rib, Australian lamb rack, diver scallops or eggplant cestini. Cap off the meal with Jack’s cheesecake, pumpkin pie, white sangria granita or bonbons and berries. The legendary restaurant also
Thanksgiving at the Century House in Latham will be full of colonial charm, mouthwatering dishes and decadent desserts. It is a great spot for creating a new family tradition with one of the restaurant’s options for Thanksgiving dinner. Enjoy a harvest meal in a private dining room, dine on a four-course prix fix dinner menu, or order a complete dinner to-go. Whichever option you choose, your family and friends will not be disappointed! Book a private room by emailing marge@thecenturyhouse.com ($63/ adult & $28/per child). Reservations are required for the $55/person 4-course prix fixe dine-in for a 2.5 hour seating. Family meals to-go are available online only and vary in price depending on size.
Mazzone Catering
Order a Thanksgiving feast from the
experts at Mazzone this year! Mazzone’s Thanksgiving at Home packages offer a full dinner for 10 or 18 guests. Enjoy appetizing items such as roasted turkey, herbed stuffing, green bean & cheddar cheese casserole, roasted butternut squash, cranberry-orange sauce, apple pie, pumpkin pie and more. Completely eliminate the fuss and add a Thanksgiving centerpiece to your order! Offered in three sizes, the beautiful display features berries, roses, wheat, seeded eucalyptus, gourds, and autumn leaves in a whitewashed container. Order online through November 22 for pickup on Thanksgiving Day from 9:00 AM to noon at Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia, The Hall of Springs in Saratoga, or at the Mazzone headquarters in Clifton Park. Dinner for 10 is $280 and dinner for 18 is $380.
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Peddler’s Village Will Simp
LAHASKA - This countryside shopping, dining, lodging, and family entertainment destination will celebrate the holiday season with a millionlights on display. You are invited to join in the village holiday shopping, a Holly Jolly Weekend featuring a parade led by Santa, breakfasts with Santa, a gingerbread house competition and display, and more. With its notable tradition of elaborate decorations and festivities, the 59-year-old attraction is one of Pennsylvania’s most popular holiday destinations. Peddler’s Village is a 42-acre shopping, dining, lodging and family entertainment destination in Bucks County that features graceful 18th-century-style buildings, lush gardens, and winding brickwalkways. The site, which was created by Earl Jamison in 1962, is one of Pennsylvania’s premierattractions, drawing more than two million visitors each year. Its historical storybook setting includes 60-plus distinctive retail shops, six restaurants, the 66-room Golden Plough Inn, and the Giggleberry Fair indoor family fun center.
Starting on the evening of Nov. 19, the Village will be aglow with one million colorful lights. Santa will mark his first appearance this year at the Village that evening at 6:30 p.m., when he will be entertaining guests by the Gazebo and strolling through the Village. The holiday lights will be on display through Jan. 12, 2022. Nov. 19 also marks the opening of the Gingerbread Competition and Display, which this year is sponsored by NJM Insurance and will be held in the spacious Red Barn on Street Road Green. The free event will include more than 70 creative entries and will be on view through Jan. 8, 2022. (closed on Christmas Day.) From Nov. 15-21, the Village will host a Merchants Open House, during which the 65 specialty shops and boutiques will welcome guests for gift-giving ideas and the opportunity to enjoy warm, personal service as part of their holiday shopping experience. More than 95% of the shops at Peddler’s Village are small businesses and/ or locall owned. Because of this, Peddler’s Village is -40- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ November, 2021
an ideal destination to celebrate Small Business Saturday,which occurs this year on Nov. 27. Two restaurants at Peddler’s Village will be serving special dinners on Thanksgiving Day: Cock ‘n Bull is presenting an expansive buffet from 11 am to 6 pm, and Earl’s New American will be presenting Thanksgiving specials along with its regular menu. Buttonwood Grill will be open for breakfast from 8-10 a.m. Guests can run, jog, or simply walk during the Holiday Hustle on Thursday, Dec. 2. The eveningevent, presented in partnership with Scoogie Events, is designed so that participants can enjoy the holiday lights as well as outdoor exercise and socializing. Participation is limited to 1,000 people; online registration is available. The holiday season celebrations at Peddler’s Village culminate with the Holly Jolly Weekend Dec.
ply “Glow” for the Holidays Join us for Thanksgiving!
Enjoy the Annual Cock ‘n Bull Harvest Buffet, featuring multiple stations of family favorites as well as á la carte Thanksgiving specials at Earl’s New American. (Buttonwood Grill will be open for breakfast only.) Online reservations are encouraged. You can also make reservations by calling the restaurants directly. Cock ‘n Bull Harvest Buffet Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. $46.95 adults/$19.95 children (6-9; 5 & under are free)
4/5, which includes among other happenings a Santa Parade through the Village bothdays at 1:30 p.m. For more holiday festivities, including Santa photos at Giggleberry Fair, holiday breakfasts with Santa at the Cock ‘n Bull restaurant, and live weekend entertainment throughout the season, visit PeddlersVillage.com Peddler’s Village will also be hosting a special New Year’s Eve murder mystery dinner—”Murder Vegas-Style”—that includes passed and stationary hors d’oeuvres, a three-course dinner with entrée options, and a champagne toast. From Nov. 26 to Jan. 9, shopping hours are extended to 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday - Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Peddler’s Village hosts numerous year-round festivals and seasonal events for the public, and is a popular site for weddings, corporate events, reunions, picnics, birthdays, and holiday parties.
Please note: A credit card number is required when making reservations this year. Guests who do not cancel reservations by Sunday, November 21 will be charged $10 for each vacant seat. We appreciate your understanding in this matter. Groups of seven or more will likely be seated upstairs in our Cock ‘n Bull banquet rooms. Online reservations are strongly encouraged. You can also make reservations by calling 215794-4010. Peddler’s Village is located in the heart of Bucks County in Lahaska, Pennsylvania, just five miles west of New Hope, 40 miles north of Philadelphia, and 80 miles southwest of New York City. For more information, visit PeddlersVillage.com or call 215-794-4000.
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Go, Do, See
What’s Happening This Year at the Christmas Gift+HobbySHOW
Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss the opportunity to attend the great Indianapolis Christmas Gift and Hobby Show scheduled Nov. 10-14 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Several new items have been added to the agenda along with the traditional favorites this year. First and foremost, Santa will be at the Christmas Gift & Hobby Show to greet visitors and children alike. So be sure and make your list and check it twice to take with you. Be sure to check out the North Pole Express, a new feature by landscape architect Bill Brown. This display offers a glimpse of what a ride on the Polar Express might be like. Watch the miniature train make its way through darkened tunnels and over snowcapped mountains on its journey to the North Pole. Photo opportunities will be at the Pixie Gypsy Camper, a full-remodeled camper turned into a mobile photo booth. -44- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ November, 2021
There are several guest to see, surprises to discover, special discounts offered from vendors and giveaways to enter for a chance to win. Enter to win an exterior home makeover or a $500 Visa Gift Card. Merry Money is back — with a twist! All show attendees get the chance to register to win Merry Money at the Show Information Booth. A winner will be drawn every hour throughout the show — all five days of the show — to receive $25 in Merry Money to use at any one vendor of your choice at the Christmas Gift + Hobby Show! Plus, be on the lookout for some surprise elves handing out bonus Merry Money for those showing off their best festive outfits! See Cherie Lowe, the Queen of Free featured on WTHR-TV to learn new ways to “save” your money. Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” with actress Karolyn Grimes and her new cookbook inspired
by the film. She is best known for her role as Zuzu Bailey in the classic 1946 Frank Capra film. She also appeared in 18 movies including Debby Brougham in the 1947 film “The Bishop’s Wife. Carolyn wrote the holiday cookbook with recipes interspersed with pictures and stories of her time on the set of the movie. https://christmasgiftandhobbyshow.com/
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Thanksgiving Traditions DES MOINES - This year’s holiday calendar is filling fast with celebrations like never before. With health and safety rules in place, even the most cautous are finding ways to get together with family, friends and loved ones. Here are some of the events we think will be the most popular. FRIENDSGIVING At the District Nov. 6/11 a.m. - 3p.m. A great way to spend time with your Ankeny community and embrace the fall spirit. Big sreens w/football games; acoustic musicians, Thanksgiving Fare cuisines by talented chefs, kids activities, and more. Tickets are $25. TURKEY BOXCAR DRIVE-IN Ankeny Library Nov. 9/6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Pick up your box and supplies from the library from Oct 28th through November 8th! Take your box and supplies home and decorate it however you like! Bring back your decorated box on November 9th and sit in it while you watch a short movie or two and enjoy a snack! HOLIDAY TURKEY SHOOT Walnut Creek YMCA Nov. 11/ 7 pm – 8 pm. A wonderful holiday event for children and adults. Teams will consist of
an adult and child. Each team will get 20 free throws (10 per person). High score in each age group wins a turkey. Age groups for boys and girls will be available. To register call the Walnut Creek YMCA @ 224-1888. FREE! THE CAKE Stoner Theater Nov. 12-21/7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Matinees) By Bekah Brunstetter Jen’s dreamed of her wedding day her whole life. She finally found the one and returns to her North Carolina hometown to ask Della, the best friend of her deceased mother, to bake her wedding cake. Della refuses because Jen is marrying a woman. Mix in a baking reality show and a dormant marriage and things get very, very interesting. Tickets are available at https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/the-cake-istc/ NOVEMBURRRR FAMILY GLOW BOWLING PARTY Warrior Lanes Nov. 14/12 pm – 2 pm. Join Warrior Lanes for another popular family-glow bowling parties! $55 per lane for up to 5 bowlers. 2 hours of glow bowling, shoe rental, 1 large 1 topping pizza and a pitcher of pop! This is a family friendly, alcohol free event with MOM-Approved music and a tolerable noise level! Deadline to reserve your lane is 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12. Payment is non-refundable. LIVING HISTORY FARMS RACE Living History Farms Nov.19/ 9 am -The 38th annual Living History Farms Race, put on
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by Fitness Sports, raises funds for Living History Farms and others. You will again be challenged by the world’s richest farm land as you wade through creeks, dodge animals and claw your way to the top of gullies with 7500 (limit) other runners of questionable senses. It’s a great way to end the racing season and experience running stories to re-live and re-tell throughout the winter. Stay for the “Outdoors in November” post race lunch, door
s Prevail In Central Iowa Nov. 20th/1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Come enjoy a vigorous hike on the trails of beautiful Brown’s Woods. Polk County Conservation will talk about turkeys and how animals are preparing for winter all while burning some calories. Registration is required. JOLLY HOLIDAY LIGHTS Adventureland Park Nov. 26– Jan. 2 / 5:30 – 10 pm. Jolly Holiday Lights is back and at a new location! Come out and celebrate the holiday lights at Adventureland! Bundle up the family and enjoy a 2.5 mile ride through more than 100 magical light displays. 100% of admission fees go directly to MakeA-Wish® Iowa! Jolly Holiday Lights is a drive-through holiday light display that is set up annually by Make-AWish Iowa at Adventureland. $25 per car (purchase online for $20 at https://makeawishiowa.ticketspice. com/jolly-holiday-lights-2021). You can also get your picture taken with Santa for $10 and enjoy a cookie and cocoa at Santa’s Wish Shop! 38th FESTIVAL OF TREES AND LIGHTS Veteran’s Memorial Community THANKSGIVING STORY TIME Choice Credit Union Urbandale Public Library Nov. 26th-28th. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. at Nov. 19/10:30 am - Families with the Iowa Events Center. Festival of kids age 3 years to 6 years are invited Trees & Lights is usually a five-day to explore Thanksgiving with stories, public event that is the main fundactivities, and a craft. No registration required. Check the program calendar raiser for Blank Children’s Hospifor updates. https://www.urbandaleli- tal. Thisyear, the 3-day-only event features beautifully decorated trees, brary.org/programs/kids-programs/ entertainment, children’s activities, food, shopping and more! For more TURKEY TREK information, visit https://www. Browns Woods prizes and awards ceremony.
unitypoint.org/blankchildrens/festival-of-trees-attend.aspx DISNEY ON ICE: Mickey’s Search Party. November 24-28 at the Wells Fargo Arena. The Disney cast will be making an appearance at the Iowa Events Center! Do not miss seeing your favorite characters. Tickets for each performants may be purchases at https://www.disneyonice.com/tickets DES MOINES TURKEY TROT Nov. 24th/ 9 a.m. The Second Annual Des Moines Turkey Trot is a great way to experience downtown Des Moines, or show it off to your visiting family and friends. Runners will start their Thanksgiving run near the Des Moines Courthouse. From there both 5K and 5 mile runners will make their way across the Des Moines River and through the center of the Historic East Village. DES MOINES HUNGRY TURKEY HALF MARATHON & 5 K Nov. 27th /8:30 a.m. Burn off all the big meals during this event.This year, fly solo or with your family flock on your own course!
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Go Do See:
Dine at the World-Famous Zehnder’s Restaurant in Frankenmuth Tradition of good taste began more than 160 years ago when the Exchange Hotel opened its doors in 1856. The Zehnder family purchased the hotel in 1928 beginning our tradition of good food and hospitality that continues to this day. Since then, the Zehnder’s Experience has been enjoyed by millions of guests from all over the world. The Thnksgiving Feast Dinner includes their World Famous All-You-Can-Eat Family-Style Chicken Dinner with the addition of Breaded Jumbo Shrimp, Slow Roasted Turkey, and Pumpkin Pie for dessert. Adult price is $38.95. Children prices are $7.95-$16.95, depending on age. For more information, visit https://www.zehnders.com/zehnders-thanksgiving-menu/ -48- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ November, 2021
A Letter from Al Zehnder CEO of Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth It’s easy to look back on the events of the past 18 months and wonder; for what do I have to be thankful? Thanksgiving 2021 will be the 92nd year in a row that Zehnder’s has been serving Thanksgiving dinners to families from around the nation. It also marks 175 years that our family has been in Frankenmuth. We are blessed and thankful to be in a great nation and wonderful community. We are blessed with not only a great team but wonderful guests and the support of our vendors. All four generations of our family stand ready to make your Thanksgiving celebration memorable. You have my name on it! Hospitably Yours, Al Zehnder, CEO
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Thanksgiving Weekend in Zehnders of Frankmuth Much has been happening company wide in an effort to get back on schedule with planned improvements to our properties and equipment that were put on hold due to Covid. I’m getting so sick of using Covid as an excuse or a reason. While work is going on in each of our departments and divisions, much of our effort is focused on Splash Village. Begun nearly a month ago the existing building material on our north and west wall, will be or has been removed to accommodate new glass wall panels. About 30% of that work is done and it will certainly transform our orig-
inal waterpark, Splash Park, into a whole new product. It’s quite a dramatic change. The play structure in Splash Park, featuring the Dumping Bucket, has been completely dismantled and shipped to Wisconsin for a complete rebuild. Dumping thousands of gallons of water on thousands of our guests over 16 years has really taken a toll and it’s time for a refresh. We anticipate the glassing of the north and west wall and the refresh of the play structure to be complete by late October or early November. Starting in early November we have a plan to completely up-
date the Tower Pool located in the southeast corner of our hotel. New floor and wall tile, new and updated bathrooms, lighting, and small retractable roof panels will give the pool a fresh more sophisticated feel. The Tower Pool, originally built in 1992, has been primarily used for swim lessons, water aerobics and a quiet respite for our guests from the waterparks. I’ll keep you posted on the progress. We’re looking forward to their completion. I’m sure you’ll see the difference. For more information, visit https://www.zehnders.com/ November, 2021 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -49-
Things to Do
Go On A Polar Express Train Ride THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride will return to St. Louis Union Station with daily trips to and from the North Pole! Dates for this ride are scheduled from November 19th - December 30th, 2021
extra special!? Enhance your family’s holiday experience by spending the night at St. Louis Union Station Hotel, a Curio Collection by Hilton with one of their hotel packages. Enjoy a unique
The adventure comes to life when the train departs for a round-trip journey to the North Pole led by a cast of talented actors. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a Forty-Five Minute trip to meet Santa. Once on board, the conductor will work his way through the coach and punch golden tickets before hot chocolate and a delicious cookie are served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, THE POLAR EXPRESS™, by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas. During the trip, characters on each car lead fantastic onboard entertainment – just like in the film! Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell and souvenir golden ticket in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip. Just like the kids in the book, families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride! Book your tickets to the North Pole today at https://www. stlthepolarexpressride.com/ Want to make your experience
holiday experience with tickets to THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride and a luxury room to relax in after your visit to the North Pole. Decorated Suite Packages are also available again this year! For more information and to make reservations, visit https:// www.stlthepolarexpressride. com/hotel-packages/
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Dine at Lodge of Four Seasons
Don’t want to cook? Don’t want to clean? No worries. The Lodge of 4 Seasons Resort at the Lake of the Ozards is open and invites you to come dine with them! Thanksgiving at The Lodge is always a time for celebrating love, family, friends, food and nature. Join in the fun and atmosphere of their spectacular lakeside setting (for which we are always grateful!) for a delicious meal fromtheir special Thanksgiving Buffet. It is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make your day even better by spending the night as well and add in activities to
work off dinner! We suggest a walk by the lake or a round or two of golf. Bringing family and friends? The more, the merrier! Adults: $39.00, children 5-12: $17.00, children 4 and under eat free. SEE THE MENU for items on the buffet at https:// 4seasonsresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/thanksgiving-dinner-2021. jpg Make an extended weekend getaway out of the occasion and make reservations to stay at the lodge. For more information, visit https://4seasonsresort.com/activity/ lake-of-the-ozarks-thanksgiving-feast/
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on Missouri
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Things to Do:
You Are Invited to a Thanksgiving Feast
L
andoll’s Mohican Castle invites you to its Thanksgiving Feast, Nov. 26, served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended. Call 419994-3427 ext. 0 for reservations This year give thanks for not
having to do the dishes! Gather together to give thanks with your friends and family at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. Enjoy an upscale, yet traditional, Thanksgiving Dinner with all your Turkey Day Favorites in a unique atmosphere. MENU: Iced tea or soft drink
Rolls with Nanny’s blueberry jam Fall harvest salad Sliced herb roasted turkey breast Sliced honey baked ham Cranberry-Sourdough dressing Brown butter mashed potatoes Collard greens with pancetta Turkey Demi glace Sweet butternut hash Slice of pumpkin or pecan pie PRICING & DETAILS Adults: $34.99 Children 4-12: $19.99 3 years and under: Free Sliced turkey or ham, mac n cheese, and mashed potatoes For more informaiton, visit https://landollsmohicancastle. com/
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Things to Do:
Shop In Hocking Hills
Avoid the malls and shop in leisure as you search for hidden treasure along the way. It’s a win-win situation. Enjoy the beauty of Hocking Hills and the magic of holiday cheer all while shopping at locally-owned stores in the region!
sists of two nights in a cabin for four, canopy tours, canoe tours, adventure golf, candle-making, lunch and dinner — all for four people. For more on the prizes available at the participating stores, head to our Hocking Hills Holiday Treasure Hunt homepage.
Embark on the 7th Annual Holiday Treasure Hunt while buying that special gift by collecting stamps for any six of the 29 participating stores. You can then drop off or mail your completed entry form to the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center in Logan. By doing so, you will then be entered to win any one of the numerous prizes offered by the stores. There will be gift certificates, candles, pumpkins, gift baskets, and more given away. In addition, you could win the grand prize of a weekend getaway in Hocking Hills for four people.
The promotion runs through Dec. 12. Winners will be selected at random after the 5 p.m. deadline and all prize winners will be notified.
That whopper of a grand prize con-
A map and list of participants, official entry form and official rules are available online at the following: https://www.explorehockinghills. com/media/rrznmwkn/treasure-huntletter-size.pdf Make an extended weekend getaway of your trip and reserve one of the many cabins available in the Hocking Hills Region. It is known as Ohio’s premiere outdoor adventure
destination. More than 10,000 acres of breathtaking unbroken forests provide a variety of activities that make it an ideal destination for the ultimate eco-adventure vacation. The region is world-renowned for incredible hiking, but that’s just the beginning. Other Hocking Hills attractions include rock climbing, rappelling, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, disc golf, archery and bird watching. Trails at all Hocking Hills State Park sites have been modified for safety.
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Places to Go:
Dickens Victorian Village Take a trip back in time and experience old world England as historic downtown Cambridge, Ohio is charmingly transformed into a Dickens Victorian Village each holiday season. From November through December each year, visitors are invited to stroll amidst over 92 scenes of 180 lifelike figures representing classic scenes from the Victorian era. This innovative public art exhibition is enjoyed by families, couples, and groups alike - an experience that engages the senses as you explore the charming streetscape, striking historic architecture, and eclectic shops and eateries of Cambridge. The Dickens scenes are stationed along Wheeling Avenue at each antique lamppost and bench, between 6th and 11th Streets, in windows on street level, and in second story windows. Wheeling Avenue is also the historic National Road/ Route 40, and features an outstanding streetscape of original buildings from the 1800s. The Dickens Victorian Village scenes are comprised of life sized and hand-made mannequins wearing real vintage clothing. The faces for each character are individually sculpted and painted by local artists. The displays include engaging depictions of classic Dickens-era scenes and figures such as Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim, the town crier, groups of carolers, a bucket brigade, lamplighters, school children, street peddlers, and Father Christmas, all posed in active scenes that appear frozen in time. As our project continues to grow and expand, we encourage visitors and residents alike to share their experiences with their friends, family and associates. Together we have created the “Most Unique Holiday Destination in the Midwest!”. -58- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ November, 2021
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Gary Allen July 25
Dustin Lynch July 11
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Door County Shares Their Thankfullnes With Guests
With fall in full swing, Thanksgiving and the holiday season are right around the corner. That means it’s the perfect time to start slowing down, reflecting on the previous year, and thinking about how the next one could be even better.
ists and creatives of all disciplines have called Door County home over the years or visited regularly to exhibit their art, teach classes, collaborate with other artists, and find creative inspiration. So many outdoor adventures, right outside our doors: In Door County, we live and work among the forests, parks, and nature spaces of the region. So for many of us, the next adventure is always just beyond our backyards—often
In Door County, we’re lucky to have an abundance of things to be grateful for—from beautiful natural scenery to our tight-knit and supportive communities to our slower-paced and nature-filled lifestyle. From the stunning scenery and cozy commu-
owned restaurants and shopping at small businesses support the local economy and can be one part of a larger individual sustainability plan. A beautiful place to call home: Nature and natural scenery are constants in the background of our day-to-day lives. This scenic, storied beauty of the region and the history of travelers coming here to see it is well documented, but it continues to be one of the greatest perks of living here.
A huge number of nonprofits and a community that gives back: Door Counnities to a vibrant and supportive business ty is lucky to have an scene, we have a lot to be thankful for in Door abundance of nonprofit Here are 10 things County this year. organizations—as well about Door County to CVB staff at Door County as caring and generous be thankful for, whethresidents—that work er you live in the heart hard to keep Door County a special literally. of the peninsula or you’re getting place for everyone. The Door Counexcited for your very first visit. ty Foundation is a great example: its Local food and specialty goods: mission is to inspire people who love With a large network of farmers, An abundance of arts and culDoor County to protect what makes it ture opportunities: The arts scene growers, and producers, Door Coungreat and donate to the region’s more ty is a hotspot for artisan foods and here has been going strong since the earliest days of tourism. Artother local products. Eating at locally than 350 arts, history, recreation, and
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environmental charities. Epic sunrises and sunsets, especially in winter: The county’s 300 miles of shoreline and numerous parks and overlooks make it an unusually great place for catching a photo-worthy sunrise or sunset. The crisp, clean air found up here in fall and winter make for particularly stunning light shows for those willing to brave the elements. The success of Care for Door County: Early in 2021, we launched Care for Door County and The Pledge to spread awareness of the environmental burden the region has faced in recent decades. Since then, more than 3,500 people (and counting) have signed it and committed to embracing sustainable-travel practices when they visit. This was just the start of a movement, but we’re thankful for all the support and enthusiasm we’ve received so far.
Collective love and support for small businesses: Locally owned shops, restaurants and bars, lodgings, and other businesses, large and small, make up the fabric of our communities. They’re a huge part of what draws people to Door County and an even larger part of what sustains it in the long run. Our rich history that continues to
get richer: It’s rare to find a place that takes as much pride in its history and cultural heritage as Door County. From the architecture and historic fish boils to the food and drink inspired by our ancestors’ homelands, history is all around us up here. A calmer and slower way of life: We’re a little less rushed around here—meals move slower, sunsets linger longer, and afternoons on the water or in the woods seem to last forever. Door County is a place where you can slow down, relax, and take in the view. The next time you’re here, try out some of the principles of slow travel and watch your experience improve. https://www.doorcounty.com/
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Get Ready for the Holi
By Mindy Bianca MBPR Let’s face it: 2021 has been a year. And it came on the heels of 2020, which was also a year. It’s been non-stop drama for so long now, but we think we may have -64- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ November, 2021
a cure for what ails us: We need a little Christmas. Dollywood has come to our rescue, delivering a heavy dose of Christmas just when we need it most.
PLACES TO GO
All we want for Christmas is you … to visit one of the best
Christmas locations in America. In the spirit of our favorite songstress, we’re going to tell our story in carols. Dolly Parton’s theme park and its neighboring resort and attractions have created a Christmas destination unto themselves, warranting a multi-day visit to
t m o
t t a l t
idays with “Dolly-days” THINGS TO DO
• Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is a cherished tradition for visitors to the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. The event has been encouraging visitors to have yourself a merry little Christmas for more than 30 years. • In answer to the question, “Do they know it’s Christmas?” we’ve got a resounding YES! There’s no mistaking which season you’re in when you’re here. • You can have every imaginable wonderful Christmastime experience here, from walking through lighted displays to enjoying holiday meals and from humming along to your favorite Christmas songs to getting a peek at Santa. • Check this calendar link for the full schedule of dates and times that the park is open, but in
Destination Dollywood, Christmastime is here every day in November and December. • Several nights also offer a dazzling fireworks show called “Merry & Bright!,” a colorful and energetic display that features contemporary holiday songs and brings joy to the world. •“Glacier Ridge” is a brilliant, walk-through light display. A highlight of the journey is guests’ arrival at a 50-foot-tall, animated O, Christmas tree that comes to life via a synchronized light show throughout the evening. •Do you hear what I hear? The park’s many theaters and other venues host more than 40 different Christmas performances throughout the season.
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take it all in. In fact, you might need all twelve days of Christmas to do it justice. Dollywood is completely transformed into a winter wonderland, coming aglow as more than 5 million gleaming lights sparkle throughout the park. November, 2021 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -65-
Dolly-days Continued
• Oh, yeah … this is a theme park, so there are plenty of rides to enjoy, too! This is a magical time to experience roller coasters and other rides, racing through the night sky while millions of twinkling lights sparkle below. It must be what Santa feels like when he takes his famous sleigh ride on Christmas Eve. PEOPLE TO SEE: SANTA CLAUSE • Is it any surprise that Santa and Dolly are pals? He maintains a proper Smoky Mountain cabin because he, too, knows that this area is a great place to escape everyday pressures. His cabin is right here inside Dollywood, so we really mean it when we say, “Santa Claus is comin’ to town.” • Kids can peek inside the cabin and watch jolly old St. Nicholas as he reviews his list and determines who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. It’s a memorable yet socially distanced way for kids to interact with Santa this season. • Young guests can write letters to Santa with the help of his elves. They can drop those letters in a special red mailbox at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, and its contents are delivered
to Santa’s Smoky Mountain cabin at Dollywood. WHAT’S ON THE MENU? • There’s no hard candy Christmas here (even though that’s a classic holiday song from Dolly herself). Dollywood takes the concept of “theme park food” to entirely new levels, offering proper holiday meals with all the trimmings. • Christmas is all about the cookies and other sweets, right? After all, it’s a marshmallow world. There’s no shortage of sweet treats here! (Including some of the best cocoa you’ll ever enjoy.) • Dolly also owns a dinner theater, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, which transforms into a Christmas show for November and December. Because around here, we’re all about making it a Holly DOLLY Christmas. There’s so much to see and do – and eat – here that one day is never enough. You need an “Extended Weekend Getaway! Dollywood has its own hotel, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, which loves to deck the halls and is always ready to welcome
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overnight guests. In case you’re looking for a place to call your home for Christmas, the resort has you covered. • Whether or not you’re staying at the resort, you can make reservations to enjoy Christmas Eve dinner (on the night before Christmas) or Christmas Day brunch at the resort’s restaurant, Song & Hearth: A Southern Eatery. Get ready for honey-glazed pit ham with pineapple cherry chutney, apple and cranberry cornbread stuffing, bacon-wrapped meatloaf with tomato jam, and caramel bread pudding with bourbon glaze. For more information or reservations, be sure to visit https:// www.dollywood.com/
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