Extended Weekends Magazine - July 2021

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -1-

2 | W

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -3-

Table of Contents Click on any of the areas on the map above or pages below and the link will take you directly to that page.

Ohio - Ghostly Manor Activities Florida - Wild Airboats/Safari Up Close - From the Editor Summer Product Review Happy Birthday Harry Potter Win his Wand!

P. 2 Western States

P. 3 Gilroy Garlic Festival P. 5 Places to Go Editor/Sheeree Oney P. 6 Beautiful Colorado P. 8 Things to Do Editor/Kandy Derden

P.29 P.32 P.34

Northeastern States P.47

People to See - Chef G.W. Chew P. 9

Lisa Garcia/ People to See Editor Midcentral States P.58 Southeastern States P.10

P.79 Best Dining in the South

P.10 MideasternStates Kathleen Walls/American Roads &

Global Highways

-4- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

The Weekender Extended Magazine is Published Monthly by BarnettPRO Publishing Corp. 15 East Main St., Shiloh, OH 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 Places to Go Team: Rebecca Embry Samantha Bradley Kelley Ramsey Things to Do Editor: Kandy Derden Things to Do Team: Geremy Sowash Lisa Brant Jake McFarlin People to See Editor: Lisa Garcia People to See Team: Bethany Cantrell Angie Offenburger editor@weekenderextended.com Technical Director - Norman Reed Norm@weekenderextended.com Social Media Editor: Geremy Sowash 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 2020 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:

When in Kokomo, Indiana for the Sprint Car Races or other Summer events, be sure to check out the Foxes Trail for a delicious steak or seafood meal You can dine outdoors or near the bar inside. P. 59

Up Close: From the Editor

Let’s face it. I’m just never ever going to be thin again - especially after taste - testing all the scrumptious food featured in this issue.

I must admit, when my places to go editor and I take off on an adventure together, the first places we search for is the nearby dining establishments close our hotel accommodations. If we are flying and arrive in the middle of the night, it doesn’t matter. We get in our rental car and still map out the best (and quickest) routes to where we want to eat first. We may not even be hungry at the moment. But, nevertheless, we have to know what is available and how to get there. Then (and only then) can we head to the hotel for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Many of my favorite travel memories involve dining.

There were all those wonderful dinner shows where we were supplied with entertainent with our meal. Be sure to check out Pges. 65, 68, & 83 for some new ones.

There are all those informative business meetings we attended. Where did we meet? You guessed it..an eating establishment. What is a camping weekend without a luscious picnic including BBQ from the grill?

Of course, all the fairs and festivals and art/craft shows are great family adventures to include in your summer The treats from the food vendors always make it worthwhile to attend. How many food items on a stick have your tried? See p.64.

So with more than 140 different dining destinations listed in this issue, we’d better get busy. Let’s Go!!

Kathy Barnett Editor-in-Chief

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -5-

Product Reviews: CleanWell Botanical Disinfecting Wipes

As restrictions are lifted, more people are emerging from lockdown, packing their suitcases, and travelling the world, making up for time lost at home. That’s not to say safety isn’t going to be the continued focus, making disinfecting wipes a carry-on essential. These wipes state they kill more than 99.9% of household germs using a plant-derived Thymol-based formula. They are listed on the EPA’s “List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2.”, meaning that tray tables or any other airport and airplane surface can be wiped instantly, without the need to rinse off with soap and water after (like many conventional disinfectants require). https://cleanwelltoday.com/

MYMEDIC MYFAC

Emergency prepared packs that are great to keep handy in the car, take hiking, for travel, etc! Everything from bee sting remedies, bandages, sunscreen, hydration and more, MyMedic is a compact pack with over 45 essentials that is ready to treat headaches, sprains, injuries, and more.

Compact kit is small, water resistant and lightweight to easily carry.

Price: $120.00 https://mymedic.com/

-6- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

For Summer Fun Beachglow Ball

Light up the night with this stylish-fun LED Glow Beach Ball. Whether you’re taking it to the beach, throwing it in your pool, or just need some colorful backyard ambiance, these color-changing LED beach balls are great for fun and style. There are multiple color options and 11 different levels of brightness. Use the included remote to change the color of the beach ball, or set the beach ball to transition between colors on a timer to create the perfect light show. You can control the look and feel from anywhere, even while lounging in a beach chair or laying in the pool.

Price: 2/$49.98 https://beachglowgear.com/

BERGHOFF TABLETOP BBQ, 13.75”

This grill is the perfect centerpiece for your next barbecue night, beach hangout, tailgating event or family picnic. The sturdy steel grates are perfect for grilling hamburgers, quesadillas, grilled sandwiches, chicken breasts or your favorite veggies.

Convenient carrying straps hold the grill in place as you move around, making it easy to take anywhere.

Price: $229.95 https://www.surlatable.com/bbq-tabletop-white

Smith & Cult Lip Lacquer

Perfectly pigmented and gloriously glossy, this lip lacquer is here to deliver all the shade and all the shine. Super moisturizing, non-sticky, and subtly sweet, this lip lacquer is deliciously addictive. Paraben & gluten-free so all you need to do is be beautiful instead of worrying about questionable ingredients. So many beautiful colors from which to choose!

Price: $229.95 /www.smithandcult.com/collections/lip-gloss July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -7-

People to See:

At Harry Potter’s Birthday Bash

How do we celebrate the birthday of someone who is entirely fictional? Pack your wand, hop on your broomstick and join us on e. We are exploring the inspiration behind the magical world of Harry Potter, one of the world’s most beloved characters.

Author J.K. Rowling, who set this whole universe in motion with the release of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” in 1997, also — if you can believe it — shares the same birthday as Harry himself. Richard Griffiths, who played Vernon Dursley in the films, was also born on July 31 Coincidence? We don’t think so.

Harry turns 41 on July 31st. We want to make sure you are ready to celebrate the chosen one’s big day with his most beloved treasures.

The Noble Collection is the longest standing and leading licensor of Harry Potter goods and specializes in high end props and movie replicas. Explore the Wizarding World and celebrate like a true Potterhead.

Enter your favorite Harry Potter book/or movie on the form below for a chance to win one of the collection items pictures in this article...

It’s time to enunciate and practice those spells with your very own, hand painted to perfection, authentic Harry Potter wand recreation. The wand comes with its very own collector box and Harry Potter name clip. ($35 USD)

The Hogwarts Journal is an exclusive replica from the Harry Potter films. The journal is set with a diecast metal hand enameled emblem and is hardbound with gilded edges and it’s perfect for writing down those tricky spells and even trickier birthday reminders. ($29.95 USD)

This Toyllectible™️ line of figures with highly- detailed sculpts in a bendable form are perfect for posing or playing. Harry’s birthday celebration would not be the same without your very own Harry Potter™️. These

> Enter Here

-8- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

Bendyfigs feature a fabric cloak and include a miniature wand. ($14.99 USD)

People to See:

By Lisa Garcia People to See Editor

Vegan Chef GW Chew Aka Chef Chew, this award-winning, plant-based vegan chef and entrepreneur is the Founder and CEO of Something Better Foods Inc., a minority owned food manufacturing company. He is single-handedly changing the food landscape with his budding Better Chew food empire of plant-based protein solutions featuring a taste, texture and appearance to satisfy a craving for meat.

With celebrity fans ranging from rapper T-Pain to comedian Tony Baker, a $500,000 equity investment from ICA, and Better Chew products available in WHOLE FOODS, Chef Chew is on a mission to bring better food to food desert communities nationwide and is destined to be the next big plant-based sensation.

A vegan food inventor/restaurateur for over 15 years, he believes he was born with a mission and purpose to change lives for the better, one chew at a time. Chef Chew grew up in Southern Maryland amongst a family of very heavy meat eaters and noticed over time that a lot of different diseases, from diabetes to cancer, plagued them. He later discovered many of those same diseases have been linked to poor diet and overconsumption of animal meat.

Inspired to begin living a healthy lifestyle, Chef Chew switched to a plant-based diet in 2001 and started experimenting with creating vegan food products in 2004. He painstakingly invented the Better Chew proteins—featuring beef, chicken and seafood substitutes that mimic

America’s most popular comfort and ethnic foods such as shredded steak, beefy ribs/brisket, friend chicken and shredded chicken. As part of his mission to democratize the access of healthy food, Chef Chew most recently created the Better Chew Box to deliver healthy and affordable plant-based protein SOLUTIONS directly to your community.

In 2008 he became a restauranteur with his first vegan restaurant and people loved the food. For years he ran restaurants in Arkansas, in Maryland and celebrity hotspot The Veg Hub in Oakland, California. His mission was to go into communities that were designated specifically as food deserts to bring something better to the community and change a generation with better food. Soon thereafter he also began his motivational speaking, championing his motto to “give you something to Chew on.”

The company’s mission statement is simply to “change lives one ‘chew’ at a time.”

In 2017 he set out to acquire his first manufacturing facility and raised capital in one of the fastest growing industries in the world, ultimately to bring Better Chew to the home chef and make home cooking, especially vegan home cooking, more versatile. Better Chew launched into the Northern California Region of Whole Foods in August 2019 and they provide their proteins to several of the top Bay-Area vegan restaurants through food service.

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -9-

Go, Do, See:

Best Dining in I recently returned from a road trip where I sampled some of the best dining n the South. Here are a few must-dine places:

Macon, Georgia

Oliver’s Corner Bistro is a popular downtown dining place with all fresh ingredients. I had the Steak Quesadillas and a side order of Sweet Potato Fries. Delicious and just the right portion size.

The Rookery in downtown Macon began about the time Jimmy Carter was running for president and the Allman Brothers Band was beginning to make Capricorn Records famous and Macon the home of Southern Rock. It’s décor and Allman Burgers and Jimmy Carter shakes reflect the era. I had the Pot Roast. Very tasty.

Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen combines beer and food in a unique way. I had their famous Smoked Wings and for dessert one of their rotating kinds of home made cheesecakes. The day I was there, it was Lemon Cheesecake.

Blairsville, Georgia

Hole in the Wall on the Square is a Blairsville institution since 1931 mainly famous for their huge breakfast served all day long. This time I had lunch and it was equally tasty. I have had the breakfasts in the past and heartily recommend them but come -10- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

very hungry. Note: they do not take credit cards.

Downtown Pizza Company is a great lunch choice. They offer a variety of pizza on the buffet all hot and delicious. They include a dessert pizza and will make specials if you ask. There’s a salad bar so you can get a healthy veggie fix.

You’ve got to have something to drink along with the great food. Why not a moonshine cocktail at Granddaddy Mimm’s Distilling Company?

You can ask for a tour. If you’re lucky, owner, Tommy Townsend who played with Waylon Jennings, may be singing or playing his guitar.

If yoou’re staying at the 1842 Bed and Breakfast, choose the French Toast with cream cheese filling and strawberry topping for breakfast. It’s one of the best I ever ate.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

The perfect stop for early or late dining. City Café Diner is open 24 hours and offers some of the best banana Pecan Waffles.

Even if you aren’t staying at Hotel Indigo, stop in and enjoy great food at the Wanderer Restaurant in the lobby. I had a delicious omelet there when I checked in.

the South

By Kathleen Walls Publisher of AmericanRoads.net

For something unique, stop in at Naughty Cat Café, Chattanooga’s only cat café, and share a cup of coffee or tea with some friendly cats looking for a forever home.

Pluckett’s Grocery is another great choice for a down home breakfast. I enjoyed their Biscuits and Gravy.

They offer lunch choices as well in an old country store atmosphere.

Old Gilman’s Grill used to be a paint store back in 1910. In 2018 it became an American dining experience with a French twist. I sampled the Bacon Wrapped Dates with applewood smoked bacon, reggiano parmesan, 12-year aged balsamic vinegar. So unique and delicious. For dessert, try the Flourless Chocolate Torte with raspberry coulis and topped with vanilla ice cream.

After you visit Rock City and Ruby Falls, stop at

The Purple Daisy in St. Elmo at the foot of Lookout Mountain for a quick snack. Lots of hot dog choices here. Or you could go with barbeque or deli style foods.

Tony’s is the perfect spot when you are browsing the Bluff View Art District. You can do a pick and choose pasta. I picked the fettuccini with Alfredo sauce and sausage. Huge portions will provide a dinner later.

If you are looking for something more upscale, try Stir Restaurant in the Chattanooga Choo Choo. I had their Spicy Chicken Samosas.

Florence

Big Bad Breakfast in downtown Florence lives up to its name. Food is delicious and hearty. The owner, Chef John Currence, was born and raised in New Orleans, my original hometown, which is probably why my breakfast of biscuits and gravy felt so homemade. His first restaurant was City Grocery in Oxford, Mississippi. I ate there several years ago and loved it. In 2005, he was nominated for his first James Beard Award for Best Chef South, and again each year before winning in 2009. He now had eight Big Bad Breakfasts around the South.

Rosie’s Mexican Cantina specializes in handmade Tex-Mex food. Portions are large and tasty. I had the Polo Loco, Char-grilled Chicken breast on a bed of Mexican rice with queso blanco. I think that translates to “Crazy Chicken” but you’d have to be crazy not to love it. The décor with Mexican art objects and old-time signs make you feel like you are in old Mexico.

Marriott Shoals Hotel has a great dining choice, July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -11-

Swampers Bar and Grille. I ate there twice. I had the Shrimp and Grits for lunch and a Strawberry Cheesecake for dessert. Sunday evenings there is a buffet. Very tasty and many choices including dessert. There is live music and the room is decorated to represent the Muscle Shoals Sound with guitars and photos of the Swampers and other musicians.

Montgomery

I was not hosted in Montgomery and was staying at a nearby campground so I ate most of my meals at my campsite but there was one restaurant I had to try. Christopher Anastasios “Mr. Chris” Katechis, a Greek immigrant, opened Chris’ Hotdogs on May 1st, 1917. It’s the oldest

-12- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

family owned and operated restaurant in Montgomery and located on Dexter Avenue where so much of America’s Civil Rights history began.

Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Presidents Bush 41 & 43, Jimmy Stewart, Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Clark Gable, Tallulah Bankhead, F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda who was a native of Montgomery were regular customers and every Alabama Governor since 1917 have eaten one of Chris’s famous hoit dogs. Could I do any less? It was tasty especially the chili sauce.

Carrabelle

Since the most delicious oysters in the world come from Appalachola Bay, I had to have some.

Even more so since now harvesting of wild oysters is shut down untill 2025 so now all are farm raised. I found Fathom’s Steam Room and Raw Bar where I could do a sample platter of several different kinds of roasted oysters. Delicious!

The outdoor seating right on the water with live music is reminiscent of Key West places I have visited.

If you want more sophisticated dining, try The Crooked River Grill at St. James Bay Golf Club.

I was there for breakfast and had Two Buttermilk Biscuits with Gravy & Sausage.

They also serve lunch and dinner. They also have spirits and both local and seasonal craft beers.

Carrabelle Junction is a step back to the days of old fashioned café diners. Is is a local favorite.

They serve ricream sodas, malts and homemade soups and sandwiches. Prices are very reasonable. Imagine getting a freshly made cup of tea for .75 nowadays. The menu is small but delicious

and freshly made. I had the bacon, tomato, and melted cheddar cheese on an English muffin. The walls are filled with old time coke, pepsi, and other vintage signs and cute items.

Note: they do not take credit cards.

Eastpoint

The Red Pirate Family Grill and Oyster Bar is another family owned Forgotten Coast restaurant with a Key West vibe. I had the southwest egg rolls with a peg-leg sauce that was unique and very good. They naturally serve seafood, sandwiches, and burgers.

Remember part of traveling is sampling the local food. Never be afrain to try a place the locval sfavoe. Usually it is better than more fancy dining spots.

Nashville

The local Farmers Market offers all sorts of ethnic food. I tried the BBQ. Very tasty.

Barlines at Omni Nashville Hotel is a good place for a quick snack if you are waiting for a timed visit to the County Music Hall of Fame.

It’s just a few feet away. I had their Pretzel with a cheese beer dip. Pretzel and sauce were both warm and fresh.

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -13-

Things to Do

Try White BBQ Sauce

There’s no denying that Southern states are known for barbecue: vinegar-based sauce on pork in North Carolina (or with a vinegar-ketchup mix Lexington style if you’re in the western part of the state), all things brisket in Texas, and a sweet molasses-based sauce on ribs in Kansas City. Deep in the heart of the South in Alabama, however, there’s a regional barbecue style that gets a lot less love from out-of-state barbecue fans: chicken drenched in Alabama white sauce.

Many of the most popular barbecue sauces are made for beef or pork. Alabama white sauce started as explicitly a chicken sauce — though few would complain about turkey, pork, fish, coleslaw, or potato salad smothered in the mix.

Depending on who you ask, it’s also the perfect dip for all manner of fried foods, and some even use it as a condiment for burgers.

Alabama white sauce is, as the name suggests white, which immediately sets it apart from the more common vinegar, mustard, or tomato-based sauces. Recipes vary by who’s doing the cooking, but it always starts with a mayonnaise base and has apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and black pepper thrown in the mix.

According to legend, it was created by Big Bob Gibson -14- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

in 1925 in Decatur, Alabama. He needed a way to keep his barbecue chicken moist as it cooked for hours in a handdug pit during home cookouts. Mayo was the answer.

Gibson’s cooking became so popular that he left his job working with a railroad company and opened a barbecue joint that served pork and his famous chicken with Alabama white sauce.

Gibson’s children, then grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren have kept the tradition alive over the past century along with a few other purveyors in the state.

Even after all these years, Alabama and its signature sauce lacks the recognition that other barbecue sauces and styles get. Yet for barbecue chicken fans, there are few better condiments to season on your slow-cooked bird.

The sauce has taken on a few modifications over the years, though the key characteristics remain: “It needs to be thin and creamy with a tangy bite,” Michael Kimball, the test kitchen manager at Savory Spice, says, adding that “mayo and vinegar are the essential ingredients.”

For more on Alabama, >CLICK HERE

For more on Alabama, >CLICK HERE July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -15-

-16- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

Places to Go:

Bluegrass & Fried Chicken Festival The Bluegrass & Fried Chicken Festival is Aug. 6-7 at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View. The music festival will feature an extended show on Friday night, a Saturday matinee, and a Saturday evening show. The new event, which is sponsored by Stone Bank and the Arkansas Arts Council, features local, regional, and nationally touring bluegrass bands at the Ozark Highlands Theater, the park’s 1,000-seat indoor music venue. Then feast on delicious Southern fried chicken at The Skillet Restaurant, also located on-site at the park.

Headliners include The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys and Fast Track.

These two bands are growing in popularity among a new generation of bluegrass fans. Both Fast Track and The Po’ Ramblin Boys are scheduled to perform two sets during the Friday and Saturday event.

The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, a hard-driving traditional bluegrass band from East Tennessee, first caught national attention in 2018 when they won the award for “Emerging Artist of the Year” at the International Bluegrass Music Awards (IBMA). They became known to a wider audience when their debut release for Rounder Records “Toil, Tears & Trouble” received a Grammy nomination for “Best Bluegrass Album” in 2019. The band received the Song of the

Year award at the 2020 SPGMA Awards Fast Track released their first album last year and drew tremendous interest among the bluegrass community. Although they are technically a new band, its members should be familiar faces to most bluegrass fans.

Altogether, individual members of the group have earned more than two dozen IBMA Awards, countless SPGMA Awards, four Grammy nominations, and have performed with Ricky Skaggs, Doyle Lawson, The Bluegrass Cardinals, Alison Krauss, and Bill Monroe.

Several youth bands from the “Folk Music Capital” of Mountain View will perform, The lineup includes Sylamore Special, a young up-and-coming group who won first place at the Youth

in Bluegrass Contest in Branson, MO. Ozark Legacy is a group featuring 16-year-old multi-state fiddle champion, Mary Parker, and 17-year-old National Banjo Champion, Lillyanne McCool, who was nominated for Young Artist of the Year at the Arkansas Country Music Awards.

Concert tickets are $25 for Friday and $35 for Saturday. To reserve, visit OzarkFolkCenter.

Ticketleap.com. The famouse fried chicken buffet will be sold separately at The Skillet Restaurant, Relax and enjoy your stay at one of our 53 cabins nestled in the woods. More at https://www. arkansasstateparks.com/parks/ ozark-folk-center-state-park

For more on Arkansas, >Click Here July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -17-

Go, Do, See:

Tasty Treasur

Local foods, from veggies and seafood to honey and beer, are tasty treasures

NORTWEST FLORIDA–Country stores, farmers markets, downtown tastings and agriculture tours all offer opportunities to touch, taste, experience and enjoy local Northwest Florida treasures.

This region stretches from east of Pensacola westward toward Tallahassee, along scenic US Highway 90 (and Interstate 10) and beyond.

The diverse landscape and enduring sense of place make it a joy to visit for travelers with myriad interests. Beachgoers, paddlers and divers have long sung the praises of both inland and coastal outdoor fun here. But those in search of an authentic local experience, -18- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

whether on a road trip through the region or a day trip from the beach, will find just what they are looking for.

Charming downtowns and rural rolling fields are the setting for discovering the homegrown goodness of Northwest Florida.

Farmers markets offer easy access to locally grown and made specialties.

Farmers markets

On U.S. Highway 331 in Freeport, the Cypress Cattle Farmers Market (16564 U.S. Highway 331 South Freeport, Florida 32439) features fresh produce from the local, family-owned Cypress Cattle Company as well as from other growers throughout the region and across the state. Beef and dairy products as well as the

freshest seasonal vegetables can be found here.

The Market at St. Andrews (1201 Beck Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401) began as a community activity in 2004 and has grown to be one of the best in the region, even recognized nationally

by American Farmland Trust.

In Chipley, the Main Street Market (1251 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, Florida 32428) and the seasonal Chipley Farmer’s Market (685 7th Street, Chipley, Florida 32428) offer fresh vegetables and fruits from local farmers. Just out of town K & L Farms (1567 Piney Grove Road, Chipley, Florida 32428-4058) is a great spot, as well, to choose some Washington County goodness to take home to your table.

res in the Panhandle There is definitely a focus at The Peanut Shack (4128 U.S.-231, Marianna, Florida 32446) but this favorite spot for travelers has gained a reputation for an impressive mix of other local produce in addition to its famed peanuts, which can be purchased fresh, roasted or boiled.

“Eat Fresh. Buy Local” is the theme at the Marianna City Farmers’ Market (2844 Madison Street, Marianna, Florida 32446) where growers and sellers of local fruits and vegetables, honey, dairy products and meats sell their goods. Jams and jellies, baked goods, crafts and flowers can be found here, too.

Seafood markets

Of course, there is fresh seafood, from the nearby Gulf of Mexico. Local favorites include the following: At Tarpon Dock Seafood Market (234 E Beach Drive, Panama City, Florida 32401), boats unload their fresh catch daily and oysters and regional favorites are brought in fresh.

Bonifay Seafood Market (1007 North Waukesha Street, Bonifay, Florida 32425) brings the tastes of the Gulf inland, offering seafood, spices and seasonings.

13 Mile Seafood Market (227 Water Street, Apalachicola, Florida) in Apalachicola brings in seafood from the bay on its own boats, as well as from area fishermen, each day.

Lynn’s Quality Oysters & Raw Bar (402 High-

way 98, Eastpoint, Florida 32328) is known not only for its retail seafood but as a favorite lunch spot, as well. Of course, oysters are a favorite here.

At Millender & Sons Seafood Co. (607 Southeast Avenue B, Carrabelle, Florida 32322), generations have offered the freshest of seafood to retail and wholesale customers.

Specialty shops and tastings

Southern Craft Creamery (2884 Jefferson Street, Marianna, Florida 32446) serves up the regionally popular ice cream (and other dairy products) from local Cindale Farms (3958 Old U.S. Road, Marianna, FL 32446).

Green Gate Olive Grove (3754 Annie Road, Marianna, Florida 32446), the first olive grove in Florida, offers tastings of their house-made products, including olive oils, infused vinegars, sauces, spices and rubs. They also host and cater other special events.

Tupelo honey is a true local product. Wewahitchka is the only place this famed sweetness is harvested. Many local apiaries offer samples and sales of more than a dozen varieties of raw honey.

There is so much to savor across this Northwest Florida destination, filled with thriving communities and a wealth of local fare.

It offers visitors a getaway that will feed the soul and the body! The online resource at ExploreNWFlorida.com highlights the unique destinations of Northwest Florida and additional activities and attractions.

For More on Florida, >Click Here July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -19-

Go, Do, See:

Dining with V While the Theme Park Capital of the World celebrates the return of Disney fireworks on July 1, there are other opportunities to enjoy sights of these nighttime illuminations while toasting over a delicious evening dinner.

NEW! illume: Situated on the 9th floor of the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa, this meticulously designed rooftop restaurant – newly opened this spring – serves contemporary Japanese cuisine and inspired cocktails with impressive panoramic views of the Bonnet Creek Preserve and nightly theme park fireworks displays.

Capa: This 17th-floor rooftop steakhouse and bar inside the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World boasts the best of Spanish-influenced cuisine in a romantic setting. An open kitchen and wood-burning grill offer an up-close experience with all the culinary action, while the outdoor patio offers views of the nightly Disney fireworks.

California Grill: Diners ascend to the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort discovering exquisite panoramic views of the shimmering lagoon, Floridian woodland and Magic Kingdom fireworks over Cinderella Castle while enjoying global flavors prepared in deliciously inventive new ways. Insider Tip: Music is piped into the restaurant during the fireworks and guests with reservations before the fireworks can gain reentry with their receipt to view the show from the lounge or the observation deck.

-20- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera: With sweeping rooftop views of sunsets and nightly fireworks, this Disney’s Riviera Resort restaurant – inspired by the cliffside eateries of France and Italy – serves an elegant combination of French and Italian cuisines and offers an impressive wine collection sourced from the Mediterranean coast.

Views of Fireworks

Disney Springs offers multiple opportunities to dine and sip at rooftop restaurants and lounges throughout the property. Coca-Cola Store’s rooftop bar offers soda enthusiasts the chance sip on an array of cold, frozen or specialty adult drinks and catch a glimpse of the fireworks display of Magic Kingdom Park.

Paddlefish – the iconic paddleboat anchored

at Disney Springs boasting an impressive menu of fresh seafood and savory steaks – offers a scenic glimpse of evening theme park fireworks from its rooftop bar.

For More on Florida, >Click Here July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -21-

Go, Do, See

Alfresco With Altitude BLUE RIDGE- Outside dining on patios, decks and balconies is a draw for visitors enjoying year-round comfortable temps, crisp evenings, amazing views and the refreshing 1,800-foot altitude. Here are some best bets for alfresco dining. Many offer live music and welcome furry friends.

Black Sheep features a locally sourced, chef-inspired New Americana menu and a Wine Spectator-recognized wine list. Sit on the patio under the 200-year-old oak tree in the shadows of the historic residence. Favorites include Fried Calamari, Cold Water Oysters, Ribeye and Lamb Lollipop Chops, as well as desserts and cocktails featuring house-produced moonshine.

Masseria Kitchen & Bar embodies a Mediterranean concept with a nod toward Southern Appalachian ingredients. Patio dining includes fresh vegetables, roasted chicken and seafood, handmade pastas and pizza, along with cocktails featuring crafted syrups.

Try the Tuscan Braised Flank Steak with red wine demi-glaze, roasted vegetables and fingerling potatoes.

Harvest on Main serves Southern-inspired global cuisine, including locally sourced grass-fed beef, seasonal vegetables, local craft beers and an extensive wine collection. Try the Bramlett Farms Rainbow Trout served with Blackened Charred Corn, Lima Bean Stew and Yukon Gold Potatoes.

The bin322 Wine and Tapas Bar offers charcuterie plates, a wide variety of tapas including Duck Rillete, Pintxos (skewered tomato, roasted poblano, mojo chicken) and more-familiar varieties. Among the entrees are Mojo Chicken, Crab Cakes and Shrimp Calabria. Wine dispensers enable guests to sample a taste or a glass. Wines are also available by -22- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

the bottle with a meal or to take home.

The Vine and Eatery is Blue Ridge’s original wine bar, serving cheese plates, flatbreads, sandwiches and pours, tastings and bottles to go.

The dog-friendly patio, along with a selection of craft beers and even wine slushies, make this Blue Ridge’s go-to place for unwinding.

Patrons rave over the Black and Blue flatbread.

Open seasonally, Lake Blue Ridge Marina, provides rentals for canoes, kayaks or motor-craft, giving visitors a unique option for exploring the mountain-reflecting waters along with a takeout picnic for pre- or post-dockside dining. Boat Dock Bar and Grill offers a festive atmosphere and lakeside fun food, including Fried Grouper or Fried Shrimp Tacos, Craft Blend Hamburgers, wraps, wings, tenders, wine, beers and specialty cocktails.

Take a scenic mountain drive just 15 minutes southeast of Blue Ridge to Toccoa Riverside Restaurant in the Aska Road Adventure area, surrounded by forest. With a dock and steps up from the river, it’s possible to take a kayak and even the dog for lunch. Choose from 12 appetizers, a respectable beer and wine menu and plenty of entrees and desserts, but don’t pass up the specialty: North Georgia trout served eight ways, including smoked and crab-stuffed.

With a plethora of independently owned restaurants, don’t waste part of the getaway agonizing over the choices. To do justice to the palate, an extended stay in Blue Ridge is a must.

For more on Georgia >

Click Here

Places to Go:

It’s All About the Cheese Submitted by MindyBiancaPR

ural gelatin, and then seasoning it well. Sorry ... you didn’t ask, so I probably shouldn’t have told you.

But since the 1700s, this has been a staple in these parts. It’s served cold or at room temperature, often as an appetizer or with cold cuts on a sandwich.

Locals love it smothered on crackers, and die-hards will tell you it’s perfect on a classic po-boy.

Flaming Fried Cheese Duman Pizza Artisan Kitchen

Mardi Gras Cheesecake/Cypi’s Cake

LAKE CHARLES - As you know if you read my colleague Sara’s MBPR message earlier in the week, we’re heading toward Mardi Gras on February 16 and that means it’s time for king cake. I love what so many restaurants and bakeries do at this time of year, finding clever ways to provide their own delicious take on a classic Louisiana delicacy. Cypi’s Cake Box, a bakery in Southwest Louisiana, has its own spin on the traditional favorite, transforming it into a cheesecake. Slightly larger than a cupcake, this individual serving is a mini version of the standard cheesecake. It sits on a bed of cream cheese and is then topped with even more cream cheese, cinnamon sugar, and purple, green and gold sprinkles. To place order please call 337 478-0269

Hogshead Cheese/Cajun Meat Market

HOUMA - Yeah, our clever friends in Louisiana’s Bayou Country tried to get one by us ... and you!

They submitted hogshead cheese for this list, but those in the know will tell you that hogshead isn’t even cheese. But it’s definitely hog – and head – and about as meaty as meat can get. It’s technically a “meat jelly” that’s made by boiling a pig’s head, tossing in that little piggy’s feet to create a nat-

MANDEVILLE - The husband-and-wife team of Bulent and Ozgur (Ozzy) Duman have made pizza together for 10 years. In 2016 they opened their chicbut-casual restaurant in charming Old Mandeville, a lakefront town in the part of the state called “Louisiana Northshore.” This pyrotechnic masterpiece is simply a slab of cheese that’s fried, then lit on fire as it’s served ... thanks to a little dose of cognac. That gives it a distinct flavor, as does a bit of lemon juice.

Smear the melty cheese on fresh baked bread and you’ll be transported to culinary heaven.

Alligator and Andouille Cheesecake Cinclare Southern Bistro

THIBODAUX - Moving in the opposite direction on the taste spectrum, who says that cheesecake has to be sweet?

This savory blend is the top-selling appetizer at Cinclare, a favorite spot for drinks and dinner in downtown Thibodaux. I heard locals singing the praises of “alligator cheesecake” but wasn’t fully convinced until I tasted it myself. And now, if we’re being honest and I had the skill set, I’d probably write a love song or poem about it. It’s THAT good. The cheesecake has alligator and andouille sausage baked right in, so there’s a little bit of “bite” to it, and then it’s topped with crawfish cream sauce, parsley and chives. It doesn’t get much more Louisianan – or richer -- than this!

For more on Louisiana

>Click Here

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -23-

-24- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

Things to Do:

Outdoor Dining

CORINTH - Outdoor dining, or just enjoying a nightcap under the downtown sky, is a great way to enjoy Corinth. There are a host of outstanding parks and picnic spots for setting up a take-out feast from one of the fine local eateries.

For a more traditional restaurant experience, the following destinations have outdoor options to make any visit more memorable.

Pizza Grocery (800 Cruise

Street, Corinth, Mississippi 38834; 662-287-3200) is a local favorite for pizza, subs, pasta, calzones and more. There are indoor and outdoor options for enjoying the diverse menu and Southern hospitality. A special lineup of singer/songwriters will perfor eac Saturday in July presented by Farmhouse Studios.

cocktails and is a favorite local gathering place.

V Taco (512 Cruise Street,

Corinth, Mississippi 38834; 662872-3313) features a rooftop deck where tacos and margaritas are the favorites. The menu also includes great burritos, quesadillas and salads made from the freshest ingredients.

Smith, located in the heart of

Conservatory by Vicari (401

Fillmore Street, Corinth, Mississippi 38834; 662-594-8657) opened in 2020 by the owners of Corinth favorite, Vicari Italian Grill (514 Cruise Street, Corinth, Mississippi 38834; 662-287-4760). Here, lunch is served along with an all-afternoon Gelato Bar. A beautiful rooftop patio complements the 3rd floor dining room and is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy an evening with wine and other after-dinner beverages from a select menu.

downtown, (603 North Fillmore Street, Corinth Mississippi 38834; 662-594-1925) is an upscale dining experience with a casual atmosphere. Local and regional favorites include traditional dishes with a modern spin.

The upstairs bar, For more with open air balcony, features craft beer and specialty

on Mississippi,

>CLICK HERE

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -25-

-26- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

Places to Go:

Lakefest Boat Races

MARBLE FALLS, PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- After a three-year-long hiatus, Lakefest Boat Races returns August 7th & 8th. In partnership with the Southern Drag Boat Association, Lakefest provides spectators the rush of adrenalin as drag boats race along Lake Marble Falls at 200 MPH. To start the competition, visitors and locals will have free entry to the popular “Show & Shine” where they will get an insider look at the extreme sport. Drag boats will be on display and attendees will be able to meet the drivers in Johnson Park Friday night from 5-8 p.m. Qualifying races begin Saturday morning at 9 a.m. and will continue into the afternoon. Elimination rounds will begin Sunday morning and awards will be given to the winners Sunday night in Johnson Park. All gates will open at 7a.m.

Single day admission for adults

begins at $20 per day and children ages 7-12 begin at $10. Limited beach seating packages come with six twoday admission tickets, with the ability to bring a 10’ X 10’ tent for $400.

Reserved grass area seating is available for $60 for a two-day admission to guarantee a great view with front row seating at the water edge. qMarbleFallsLakefest.com. To enjoy a full weekend of fun, 2-day tickets include a FREE Lakefest T-shirt when purchasing online before July 5th.

Coolers will be allowed at the event for a $20 cooler fee each day. Attendees can purchase the Cooler Passes online, or at the gate. This is a BringYour-Own-Beverage event; organizers will not be selling any alcohol. Food trucks and vendors will be available inside the gate for non-alcoholic beverages and food.

Craft makers, bakers, and style cre-

ators from around the Hill Country will be situated outside the gate for free entry, so attendees will be able to explore these vendors for great gifts and treats on Saturday from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Attendees can purchase the Top Eliminator Package, which includes two-day admission; full weekend access to the Lakeside Pavilion Lounge with A/C, breakfast, lunch, and three drink tickets (21+); and an event T-shirt for $150. For children between the ages of 6-12, tickets are $60.

The racing will take place in Lakeside Park and the Show & Shine and the awards ceremony will be in Johnson Park Tickets and a full schedule of events can be found on http://www.

MarbleFallsLakefest.com.

For more on Texas

> Click Here July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -27-

People to See:

At Billy Bob’s

Mike Ryan

Lady A

Josh Weathers

FORT WORTH, Texas – Billy Bob’s Texas has been a prominent venue located in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District since they first opened their doors in 1981. Billy Bob’s continues to be a popular destination amongst tourists and locals alike, hosting some of the most well-known artists from all genres throughout the year. With almost 17 million visitors from across the world, Billy Bob’s is a must-see attraction in Fort Worth, Texas. The atmosphere of the distinctive venue is unmatched, allowing guests to embrace their inner cowboy with line dancing classes, live bull riding, live music, and even armadillo racing!

options. Billy Bob’s has it all. For the past 40 years, Billy Bob’s Texas has created a country music scene for all kinds of music lovers by bringing in the most popular names within country music and also incorporating some rock and roll legends.

er-before-seen look into The World’s Largest Honky Tonk. The result is a collection that explores the rich history and larger-than-life stories of Billy Bob’s Texas.

Their Honky Tonk Kitchen serves a wide variety of finger-licking authentic Texas Cuisine with options for every type of eater, ranging from burgers and BBQ, to Chicken Fried Steak and Ribeyes and vegetarian -28- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

Billy Bob’s Texas recently announced shows in July which include Gabby Barrett (July 1), The Summerland Tour featuring Everclear, Living Colour, Hoobastank and Wheatus (July 9) and two shows with Lady A (July 16 & 17).

Billy Bob’s Texas has released a book titled, “Billy Bob’s Texas: 40 Years at the World’s Largest Honky Tonk.” The book features everything from Billy Bob’s Texas and includes historical documents, vintage photography, and personal anecdotes.

The Billy Bob’s Texas 40th Anniversary coffee table book takes a nev-

With such a wide variety of live music, delicious menu, fun activities, and friendly atmosphere, Billy Bob’s Texas is the place to be!

JUL 09 - Summerland Tour: Everclear, Living Colour, Hoobastank and Wheatus JUL 10 - Mike Ryan JUL 16 & 17- Lady A JUL 23 & 24- Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen JUL 30 - Josh Weathers AUG 6 - Cheap Trick AUG 27 & 28 - Kid Rock AUG 28 - Kid Rock

For more on Texas

> Click Here

Go, Do, See

Salmon Fest

S

almon fest Alaska is a Music Festival that takes place at Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds August 6-8 this year.

Every year more than 8,000 people turn the Kenai Peninsula village of Ninilchik into a city as families and friends fill the region with encampments full of music, food, fish and love.

Over the three day weekend many of Alaskas top food, crafts, art and brews are available throughout the grounds and a family friendly atmosphere, including a daily childrens program is part of the four stage extravaganza that includes at least 50 acts.

Salmonfest is a hub that supports all salmon-related causes and then some, according to their website. Salmon is known generally as the iconic species of Alaska and while protecting Bristol Bay has been our prima-

ry focus over the years, we also support many causes year round. Since 2015, Salmonfest has donated over $150,000 to salmon and related initiatives. One of Salmonfest’s best features is the Salmon Causeway which allows our guests to learn, engage and take action on any of the many issues facing Alaska and the world at large. Moreover, Salmonfest strives to be a Zero Waste event where all discarded materials are designed to become resources for others to use. Salmonfest also uses steel pints in our beer tents, and locally sourced goods, and services whenever possible.

Scheduled music performers include Sarah Jarosz,Con Brio,Lindsay Lou, the LowDown Brass Band,The Burroughs, and Tim Easton. Tickets start at $158.50 andare available on eventbrite.com For schedule updates and more information about this festival, visit https:// salmonfestalaska.org/

For More On Alaska, > CLICK HERE July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -29-

Go, Do, See GOODYTWOS TOFFEE

Tasty Treats

tory and let me tell you, you’re not going to want to share. Talk about Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory; this place is fantastic!

MATT’S BIG BREAKFAST

SCOTTSDALE - This family-owned candy company is number one on the list of tasty treats from Arizona to try.

The Mother-Daughter duo of GoodyTwos Toffee Company joyfully blends traditional small batch recipes with a twist of fun. Doubly Inspired Toffees is the result. Their delicious handmade family-recipe toffees are beyond mouth watering.

With a variety of more than 12 flavors it is definitely going to be hard to pick which treat to try. They are all delicious and popularwithcustomers, but an absolute favorite is the traditional toffee with its decadent, rich, buttery Madagascar bourbon vanilla, dark and milk chocolate and of course almonds.

CERRETA CANDY CO GLENDALE - This chocolate candy company has been around for over 40 years. You can watch handmade goodies being made at the factory; how fun and cool! I have tried the fudge from the fac-30- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

is nestled in old town Litchfield Park, and it’s known for its family recipes. This cafe/pub dishes out great Mexican food, provides great service and even has live entertainment - just make sure to check their schedule! They have a great outdoor patio that truly embraces the atmosphere of gorgeous old town Litchfield Park.

CAKETINI

PHOENIX- Now, who doesn’t love a great breakfast joint? I sure do! When I first tried Matt’s Big Breakfast there was a line wrapped around the building. At first, I thought it was to good too be true, but the food and drinks speak for themselves! I ordered the Belgian waffle which is made from scratch with delicious REAL maple syrup with two hefty slices of bacon. I also ordered their fresh squeezed honey berry lemonade... Delicious!

OLD PUEBLO CAFE

LITCHFIELD PARK - This local Sonoran Mexican restaurant

SCOTTSDALE - Family owned and operated, this custom cake shop is well known in the San Tan Valley and Gilbert area of Arizona.

Known for their family recipes and handmade delicates, Caketini is one of my favorite places to grab a cupcake! With truffles, cakes and cupcakes it’s hard to pick. I highly recommend the salted caramel cupcake. Yummy!

For more on Arizona > Click Here

Go, Do, See:

Waterfront Dining

It’s as varied at the scenery.

From a simple seaside shack to a lavish style restaurant, you’ll still find fresh “catch-of-the day” seafood items on each menu. The delicious flavors and ocean views blend together for a topnotch dining experience. Here are our picks: Coasterra, San Diego Got a boat? That’s the only way you’ll get a better view of San Diego’s waterfront skyline and twinkling bridges than the one you get from Coasterra Modern Mexican on the city’s Harbor Island. The menu offers creative twists on Mexican classics: ceviche with bay shrimp and blue crab, or freshshucked oysters with fire-roasted cocktail sauce. It’s easy to get distracted from your food: Every table has a view that will have you Instagramming throughout your meal, especially at sunset.

George’s At The Cove, La Jolla This acclaimed San Diego restaurant is actually three dining destinations in one. The centerpiece is the fine-dining

spot California Modern, with its spacious, contemporary interior, combined with Chef Trey Foshee’s award-winning, locally sourced fare. Upstairs, relax with handcrafted cocktails and vistas of turquoise-blue La Jolla Cove at the Level2 bar. Or take in panoramic ocean views while digging into spicy, marinated grilled fish tacos at George’s rooftop Ocean Terrace, once named one of the world’s “hottest rooftop restaurants.”

The Marine Room, La Jolla High tide meets haute cuisine at La Jolla’s beachfront Marine Room, where you can witness spectacular surf outside the restaurant’s panoramic windows—a dramatic accompaniment to executive chef Bernard Guillas’ imaginative global cuisine.

Not surprisingly, local seafood is the star of the menu, like the lilikoi-lacquered pompano with green tea noodles, or the monkfish wrapped in heirloom bacon.

Meat options include free-range veal tenderloin and a lamb osso

buco. The restaurant also hosts lobster nights and special winter high-tide breakfasts, when you can dine as waves splash against the glass.

Studio, Laguna Beach Ocean views, architecture, and California-inspired French cuisine all come together at Studio, perched atop an oceanfront bluff at Orange County’s Montage Laguna Beach resort. Witness this modern Craftsman-style beach cottage with elegant wood details, vaulted ceiling, and windows opening to the Pacific Ocean.

Fresh seafood is the centerpiece, but the menu also highlights organic produce from local farms and the restaurant’s own gardens and fruit trees. Struggling to choose wich to order?

Indulge in the tasting menu and sample it all.

For More Information on California,

>CLICK HERE

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -31-

Places to Go:

By Sheeree Oney Places to Go Editor

-32- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

For More Information on California,

>CLICK HERE

Places to Go:

Extended Dining Weekend VAIL/PRNewswire/ -- This summer, events are in full swing at this iconic mountain destination with new outdoor dining options, a hip hotel debut and so much more.

Vail welcome guests to explore its wide open spaces, paddle its rivers, climb mountains and wind down trails on two wheels. Experience this Rocky Mountain playground on your next extendedweekend getaway.

Gravity Haus opens with 22 newly renovated, luxurious guest rooms. The boutique hotel features the 18,000 square foot Dryland Fitness, the Spa at Dryland Fitness and Unravel Coffee, which serves house-roasted coffee from zero-emissions Bellweather Roaster. Guests can dine in the Slope Room, one of the hottest new restaurants to debut in Vail. The cozy, sexy Old West-themed restaurant features locally-sourced meat and produce from Rocky Mountain farmers and ranchers on its new American and steakhouse menu.

Barrio Social, a new high-end tapas bar, offers a sleek interior design that flows outside onto the patio for optimal people watching and outdoor summer dining. Created by the owners of Vail’s popular La Bottega restaurant, Barrio Social’s design, menu and drinks are inspired by travels through the Iberian Peninsula. Spanish and Portuguese wines, ciders, sherry’s and portos complement the pintxos, tapas and planchas dishes.

Sonnenalp Hotel opens Treff Café a European street bar with authentic German fare, coffee, fresh pastries, wine, creative cocktails and more. Vail’s iconic high-end retailer, also opened Gorsuch Ski Café at the top of Bridge Street for Illy brewed coffee, grab and go breakfast items,

sandwiches and an aprés, happy hour menu. The Café also serves specialty coffee drinks, wine, beer and craft-house cocktails and classic European Schnapps.

For a new late night option, Vail offers the Bad Kitty Lounge. The speak-easy inspired basement lounge features mixologists who specialize in unique twists to classic cocktails.

In addition to signature events such as GoPro Mountain Games, Bravo! Vail music festival and Vail Dance Festival returning in person this summer, Vail will offer live, pop-up musical entertainment in the streets throughout the summer. New events include the Vail Wine Classic Aug. 12-15 where master winemakers and enthusiasts sample some of the best wines and the North American Van Show, Sept. 24-26 which is a mobile adventure showcase, Art in Public Places (AIPP) is commissioning two new public art installations.

Vail recently received recertification as a Sustainable Destination under the Mountain IDEAL standard. This coveted achievement builds upon the initial certification in 2017 when Vail became the first Certified Sustainable Destination in the United States. The Mountain IDEAL Standard is an internationally recognized set of destination stewardship best practices for resort, rural, recreation and gateway communities. Lodging rates begin at $159 this summer. For more information, visit https://DiscoverVail.com.

For More on Colorado

>CLICK HERE

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -33-

Go, Do, See Welcome to Beau Welcome to beautiful Colorado!

The only thing is, some of it isn’t so picturesque any more.

Recently, I was given the opportunity to see firsthand the devastation from the forest fire which ravaged portions of a once scenic area. I expected to see some parched ground and scorched trees. I did not anticipate miles and miles of barren nothingness.

Why would anyone go sightseeing in such an area? I have absolutely no idea, but having seen it, I can now understand the hopelessness being felt by landowners.

Lest that sound like a bit of hypocrisy, allow me to explain why we were there.

Sightseeing was not our purpose.

I was with a Southern Baptist Disaster Relief team assembled specifically to help property owners with their clean up efforts.

“Many hands make light work” is a quote which was proven once again to be oh-so true, especially in this situation.

I didn’t know what to expect. Many times during my life, I listened to the story of the day my grandparent’s home burned. As the story goes, my grandmother had been washing dishes so she took her wedding ring off and laid it in a little dish in the window sill over the sink. She forgot to put it -34- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

back on before they went to town for supplies.

Someone in town told them the news of their home burning. By the time they returned, it was a total loss. But since she knew where to look, they poked around in the ashes until they found her diamonds encased in the now melted dish.

I never cared for the motif of her new wedding set, but the story of how it was designed to include her original stone makes it especially sentimental to the family.

For this reason, I am able to empathize with those who have lost everything. Each has been given the opportunity to list any items which they would hope to have recovered. That’s where we come in.

Our volunteers sifted through an entire lifetime of accumulated memories in the form of momentos, decorations and collections. There was rejoicing and

By Kandy Derden Things to Do Editor

utiful Colorado!

celebration each time we found something salvageable, even if for the sole purpose of sentimental attachment rather than any monetary value.

Yes, clean-up efforts are under way, but it is still going to take time for nature to recover from such widespread damage.

Alas, Beautiful Colorado isn’t attractive anymore.

Or is it?

While in the area, we took a brief side trip to the

Rocky Mountain National Park. From what little I was able to see, it is still a monument to God’s artistic flair during the Earth’s creation. Even in summer, snow still covers the magnificent mountain peaks creating some gorgeous waterfalls and mountain streams. Wildlife has a sanctuary there because there is a diverse assortment of foliage providing a lush habitat.

There was plenty of foot traffic within the areas where restaurants, shops and hotels were located.

Tourism is alive and well in the area in spite of natural disasters.

Our team didn’t have much time to explore the many unique local shops or restaurants. However, I did find time to check out one business idea I would love to see catch on. In the midst of all the tourist attractions, we found a breakfast/lunch counter which was also a book store, book exchange and reading library. Bookshelves were strategically located everywhere plus tables were laden with stacks of books and reading material. I loved it!

If none of the above options are of interest to you, check out the YMCA. For years I had an image in my head of YMCA buildings.

The only information I had to draw upon was from television where the Y is a non-descript gray building in a deteriorating area of the city. A cot could be rented by the day for single men with limited means and if you were lucky, they had an indoor pool.

Nothing could be further from the truth at the Snow Mountain Ranch, known as YMCA of the Rockies located near Granby, Colorado. Thousands of acres are home to numerous lodges for rent, suitJuly, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -35-

Colorado _ Continued able for large group gatherings such as retreats, family reunions, vacations or as in our case, a place to call home while working with a recovery unit. If it hadn’t been for our schedule, we might have been able to take advantage of hiking, rock climbing, biking, camping, day camp for children, miniature golf, crafts, therapeutic horseback riding, indoor swimming or a rodeo. The list goes on and on. We observed antelope, fox, elk and moose all from the comfort of our lodge.

For those of you interested in such a place, be aware of one thing. You know that handy dandy little catch phrase we used to describe stadium seats which are way in the back, up high? They are called the nosebleed section for a reason.

Expect thin and dry air associated with the altitude. If you plan on any physical exertion, be prepared with a can of oxygen (available in most locations). Sometimes, one quick breath of pure oxygen is all it takes to get you going again.

The population of this tourist area fluctuates greatly. I was surprised, though I shouldn’t have been, to discover how many people move there to live and work for the season, then return to their permanent place of residence.

Locals are resilient although still traumatized by their losses. We found some who are rebuild-36- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

ing, some who are still living in very temporary quarters, and others who are doing all they can to help their neighbors (or former neighbors) bounce back. Sadly, there is a percentage who will never have the means to recover completely. My heart goes out to them. Even though I have experienced losses from a housefire, tornado and a break in, we have always managed to recover.

Although this is not my primary reason for being a Disaster Relief volunteer, it is something which helps me have compassion for those who are affected by a disaster which caused damage from which they cannot recover without assistance.

Additional teams of trained Southern Baptist Disaster Relief workers will be rotating in and out throughout the summer providing help, hope and healing.

Please don’t ignore the travel and vacation possibilities which are available.

Not to worry, Colorado residents still welcome visitors with a smile and a greeting:

“Welcome to Beautiful Colorado!”

Kandy Derden may be reached at editor@weekenderextended.com

Things to Do:

A Disney Breakfast

Enjoy a dinner or a Disney Character Breakfast at Makahiki, a restaurant at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii.

Treat your family to “Aunty’s Breakfast Celebration at the Makahiki,” a lively Disney Character Breakfast now offered daily!

You can also enjoy a casual family-friendly preset 3-course breakfast featuring fresh local ingredients and chef-inspired dishes Or the buffet is loaded with family-friendly breakfast foods as you interact with some of your favorite Disney Characters.

BREAKFAST BUFFET The buffet includes a selection of delicious choices like pancakes, waffles, French toast, island fruits, traditional Asian offerings, housebaked pastries, daily specialties and a build-your-own omelet station.

DISNEY CHARACTERS Mickey Mouse and some of your other favorite Disney Characters are available for photos, fun interactions and a few very special surprises that your family will never forget!

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS Chefs at this restaurant can often substitute different ingredients and offer alternative food options for Guests with special dietary requests.

Please tell us about your food allergies and dietary requirements when you make dining reservations.

At this time, you can make online reservations for a party of up to 10 Guests. For larger parties, please call (808) 674-6330 to reserve a space that accommodates your group.

This casual, family-friendly restaurant is named for the Makahiki season, the traditional Hawaiian cele-

bration of the harvest. Here, the spirit of Makahiki is celebrated through delectable cuisine and local artwork.

Satisfy your appetite with fresh, local foods and international flavors in a vibrant setting. Throughout the restaurant, you’ll find elegant glass designs and jewel-toned murals that depict the story of the Makahiki season. And as day turns to night, the restaurant’s lighting gradually turns from rose to indigo with the setting of the sun.

Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily. Reservations should bemadeonline at https://www.disneyaulani.com/dining/reservation/

For more on Hawaii

> Click Here

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -37-

Go, Do, See BOISE - Whether you’re an Idaho native or just passing through on your extendedweekend getaway, be sure to reserve enough time to try out all the “BEST” ranking places to grab a bite or a drink. The following dining options are sure to fill your hungar pains from travels:

Best of the Best

Best Airport Restaurant Parilla Grill at the Boise Airport.

Order fresh and grilled marinated meats and vegetables accompanied by delicious salsas, sauces, and dressings made in-house and served in steamed tortillas.

nese-American dish you can dream of, the restaurant also recently added a hibachi grill as well as a full-service sushi bar, which would easily be worth the price of admission alone: Eight bucks for lunch, and $11.25 for dinner.

Best Brunch (and Fried Chicken) Fork....

Best Burger Bittercreek Ale House in Boise It’s made with 100 percent grass-fed, house-ground chuck and brisket and served on locally baked potato buns.

You can have yours topped with cheese or bacon (or both), or you can opt for the popular Huntsman burger, topped with English Cheddar, Stilton, pickles, lettuce, onions, bacon, and special sauce.

Best Food Truck The Kilted Kod Fish and chips is a simple dish consisting of only fried fish and french fries, but this means there’s no sauce, topping, or bun to cover up any misstep.

The Kilted Kod has perfected this dish, which is why Yelp reviewers are absolutely raving about the perfectly crisp pieces of fried cod and shoestring fries.

The batter is a bit spicy, and the whole platter is served with house-made tartar sauce and a few glugs of malt vinegar.

Best Buffet Restaurant All-U-Can-Eat China Grand Buffet Going strong for more than 10 years, this beloved Boise institution serves all the Chinese and Japanese classics, more than 200 items in total.

Along with just about every Chi-38- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

from local farmers markets. Start with a trip to the Bloody Mary bar, and follow that up with a house-baked cinnamon roll. As many items as there are listed on their menu, they alway take the honor of having the “best” fried chicken also.

Tuesdays are the days to go, when the cast-iron buttermilk fried chicken and cheddar waffle are on the menu.

Drizzled with balsamic-infused maple syrup and local honey-orange butter, it’s a true masterpiece, but be there early: It’s only available while supplies last.

This farm-to-table Boise hotspot is run by a husband-and-wife duo, Cameron and Amanda Lumsden. Much of the ingredients are sourced from local Boise and Northwest farmers, ranchers, bakers, producers, and cheese makers, and the end result is a brunch menu that highlights fresh ingredients

Best Ice Cream Stand Goody’s Soda Fountain and Candy An old-fashioned Idaho soda fountain serving up comforting classics like banana splits, waffle bowls, and handmade chocolate and fudge.

For more on Idaho

> Click Here

Go, Do, See

Delicious in Montana

Hootdogs

“It was a wild hair idea,” laughs Rita Hofer, a King Colony Hutterite woman who on a whim skewered a hot dog, swaddled it in fry-bread dough, then dunked it in a vat of boiling oil. Voila: the Hootdog! Hofer serves her creation with a side of ketchup and mustard at the Lewistown Farmers Market on Saturdays from June through early October. Hofer had fun incorporating the word Hoot, a slang term some Montanans use when referring to a member of her Anabaptist-descended religious colony, the Hutterites.

Huckleberry Swirls

“The whole reason we moved to Montana 23 years ago was because of my husband’s mistress: the Montana huckleberry,” jokes Paulette Njirich, who owns the Libby Cafe with spouse Jim. Each year, the Njiriches purchase more than 1,700 pounds of plump, purple berries from local pickers to feature in items like Huckleberry Flapjacks drenched in homemade huckleberry syrup.

“They’re not a pancake; they’re not a crepe,” explains Jim (who inadvertently invented them one day by adding huckleberries to potato flapjack

batter), when describing the flapjacks’ texture. “And they’re loaded with huckleberries,” adds Paulette, who crafts from-scratch Huckleberry Swirls. “I dust [the dough] with finely ground walnuts, sugar and lemon and really pile on the berries. Then I roll them up and bake before topping them with huckleberry cream frosting.”

Fry Bread

If you’re not lucky enough to have a grandmother or special auntie who makes fry bread, then head to Crow Fair the third weekend in August. Held on Montana’s Crow Reservation, the annual event celebrates Native American culture, and reunites family groups with a traditional powwow, dances and Indian horse races. At the center of “Teepee Capital of the World” is a dance arbor surrounded by vendors selling all sorts of carnival fare — including fry bread and Indian tacos (fry bread with taco toppings). Locals eat theirs unembellished, slathered in honey, or sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.

For more on Montana

> Click Here

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -39-

Places to Go

The thoughtfully restored landmark celebrates heritage, original design and one-of-a-kind experiences in a spectacular natural setting Bordering on 1.5 million acres of Santa Fe National Forest, Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection is now open, just minutes from the city’s historic plaza.

Dating back to the 1860s, when Santa Fe’s first archbishop built a chapel and lodge on the property, the resort pays homage to the past, while celebrating Santa Fe’s vibrant cultural, art and culinary scenes and the spirit of adventure that epitomizes the Rocky Mountains. The first luxury offering of its kind in Santa Fe, Bishop’s Lodge provides state-of-the-art accommodations, a destination restaurant conceived by Chef Dean Fearing, an array of outdoor adventures and transformative wellness experiences set against one of the most starkly beautiful backdrops in the Southwest.

The beating heart of the resort is The Lodge, home to SkyFire, the signature restaurant of Bishop’s Lodge, a bar lounge, living room and expansive outdoor decks with fire pits and breathtaking sunset views. Artworks -40- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

from the property’s original collection dating back to the 1940s adorn the walls and the centerpiece attraction is an oversized alfresco Kiva fireplace, where guests can gather in the evenings to toast the setting sun.

Located beneath the Main Lodge is NATHALIE at Bishop’s Lodge, a boutique curated by former French Vogue fashion editor Nathalie Kent. NATHALIE’s boasts a bespoke collection of turquoise jewelry, cowboy boots and western wear alongside handpicked Southwest objects and one-of-a-kind treasures from around the world.

Adjacent is the Gerald Peters Gallery, which displays an array of local artwork and a collection of historic Navajo rugs and artifacts while also hosting a visiting artist program.

Bold Southwestern Flavors Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection offers three distinct dining destinations. Drawing inspiration from the diverse ingredients and rich textures of New Mexico, the resort’s signature restaurant, SkyFire, was conceptualized by Chef Dean Fearing, the “Godfather of Southwestern Cuisine.” Featuring breathtaking views, it offers both indoor and outdoor settings and the unique services of a Chile Host to curate peppers and chili oil pairings based on each guest’s palette. The element of fire is present throughout, informing the ambiance and menu as the wood-fired piñon and cedar grill imparts complexity to bright, vibrant fare.

The Bar is the atelier of SkyFire,

boasting its own private terrace and open fireplace. The menu features inspired mixology creations such as smoky craft mezcal cocktails, as well as elevated Southwestern bar snacks.

The hotel’s casual eatery, Two Dogs Café, is a bright and relaxed cafe offering artisanal coffees, homemade pastries, hearty sandwiches, fresh salads and cold-pressed juices, as well as a small selection of curated general store retail goods.

With the resort’s picnic offering, dining extends beyond the property’s 317 acres and into the foothills of New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The guest rooms, suites and casitas at Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection have a distinct yet modern Santa Fe aesthetic. Each of the resort’s 83 guest rooms has its own private terrace and Kiva fireplace, as do the freestanding suites. These include six junior suites, three one-bedroom suites, one two-bedroom suite and three signature Kiva Suites. The latter is located atop one of the most scenic overlooks on the property and features outdoor soaking tubs, stone rain showers and indoor and outdoor kiva fireplaces. The Casitas are three- and four-bedroom abodes with ensuite bathrooms, living and dining rooms, a full kitchen and an expansive patio with an outdoor grill and lounge seating.

For more information: aubergeresorts.com/bishopslodge/

For more on New Mexico

> Click Here

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -41-

Go, Do, See

The Best Casino Buffet LAS VEGAS - The no-limits spread initially known as a “chuck wagon buffet” has evolved far beyond the handcarved prime rib station and rows of chafing dishes from the original mid-century spreads. These days, for quality, variety and sheer excess, it’s hard to beat Caesars Palace’s Bacchanal Buffet.

Redesigned in 2012 to offer more than 500 daily items through nine different kitchens, the Las Vegas buffet included enough to satisfy pretty much any appetite. It included

belly, made-to-order crepes and dazzling desserts. Today, this over-the-top buffet features 600-items. Particularly mouthwatering is the roast suckling pig on the holiday menu. The meat is slow-roasted until perfectly tender, then finished over an open flame to ensure a satisfyingly crispy exterior.

Now, raising the bar on vegas buffet, the newly-renovated Bacchanal Buffet, you’ll explore dozens of cuisines and hundreds of perfectly prepared offerings from specialty chefs. With food prepared right in front of guests in open kitchens, it’s like having your pick of nine high-end restaurants in one location. You will find American quisine, seafood, sushi, Mediterranean, dim sum and even more. Explore their many vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

As hard as it will be with all the deliciou choice, be sure to save room for dessert. Bacchanal’s bitesized gourmet desserts are perfect for sampling. Have some cake on a stick or shoot your favorite dessert from a single serving cup.

For More on Nevada,

> CLICK HERE!

-42- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

king crab legs, smoked pork

Things to Do: Take a Bite out of

The Oregon Coast

From Astoria, Seaside and Cannon Beach, and through the Tillamook Coast, this region is ripe for culinary exploration. Enter an area of unmatched beauty and adventure—defined by fresh flavors, natural bounty and a variety of unique food experiences. The North Coast Food Trail inspires you to explore with your senses as you travel along Oregon’s north coast. Take a journey with us...

A partnership between three regions of Oregon’s shoreline, the Food Trail brings together the best of the tasty and rugged (and tastefully rugged) food-related fun from Cannon Beach, the Tillamook Coast and Lincoln City.

The Food Trail can be a great experience for kids, grandparents—and everyone in between. Check with our participating businesses for more details on safety and accommodations for small children, the elderly, or anyone in your party who has a special need. Plan your itinerary accordingly, and get ready for a fun family trip!

Traveling along the Food Trail itself is free. Meals and lodging will vary in price and individual stops may have an entry fee. Check with participating businesses to learn more about their rates.

The Food Trail is designed to be flexible to the kind of adventures you want to take, how much time you have

and where you’re coming from. Choose the activities that speak to you.

A great way to experience the food trail is by train.

Make reservations on the Sunset Diner Train or th Oregon Coastal Exursion at the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad.

The 1.5-hour excursion along the scenic Tillamook Bay and the Oregon Coast between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach is pulled by one of the historic steam or diesel locomotives. You can board at either Rockaway Beach or Garibaldi. It is open year-round with scheduled dinner trains. See https://northcoastfoodtrail.com/ for more information.

Another option is a Farm2Fork tour. Celebrate local, sustainably-grown, farm-fresh food. learn about Oregon’s artisan food production, sustainable farming, and local flavors through a unique and memorable culinary food tour experience! ​Each Farm 2 Fork tour is an exclusive opportunity to witness how your food is grown as well as taste the seasonal offering. Learn first hand from the farmers and fishermen as we connect visitors and the local community with the people that grow and craft their food.

For more information, see https://www.farm2forktours. com/

For more on Oregon

>CLICK HERE

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -43-

Things to Do:

Taste Of Utah

TOOLE - This year is the Utah Motorsports Campus’ (UMC) inaugural Taste of Utah Festival. They are sponsoring a fast funpacked day of things local to Utah from noon to 8 p.m on July 10.

After a long 2020 and a slow start to 2021; we’re ready to party!

Taste of Utah Festival is here to help support local Utah businesses as well as get all our wonderful Utah residents out of the house.

On-site we’ll have vendors, craft beer, tons of food options & food trucks, a car show, live racing, -44- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

go-karting, archery tag, nerf gun wars, dodgeball, and more!

So come join us at Taste of Utah Festival at UMC and support this great state and it’s people! Attendance is free with a FREE ticket registration. YOU MUST HAVE A FREE TICKET TO ENTER - NO EXCEPTIONS. Parking is $10/per vehicle (motorcycles included). Please register online at eventbrite.com. For updates and more information visitonline at https://utahmotorsportscampus.com/taste-of-utahfestival/ This family-friendly festival is about all things UTAH! After more than a year of an unfortunate pandemic that severely impacted business

around the state, the sponsorsdecided to create Taste of Utah! What better way to kick of this festival than with Utah’s very own SkyDive Utah! Don’t miss it!

A festival that celebrates this great state, its people, and its businesses!

Businesses from all around Utah have been invited to participate and represent their county here at UMC. On top of this there will be a food contest, to find the best eats in Utah! The winner will be decided by the public, so come out and vote!

Come and enjoy the car show, sing with the musicians, and more, as we all come together to celebrate Utah.

For more on Utah

> Click Here

For More on Washington

>CLICK HEre For more on Washington,

> Click Here July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -45-

People to See: The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) will return with its exclusive Last Cowboy Standing series July 26 & 27, and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo (July 24 - August 1) will return to the arena in 2021.

Tthe 125th annual “Daddy of ‘em All®” will feature nine days of PRCA professional rodeo that will culminate in Championship Sunday where champions are crowned and legends are made. For two nights, the Top-40 stars of the PBR will return to attempt to conquer the sport’s rankest bulls on the historic Wyoming dirt at Cheyenne Frontier Days, strapping in for their shot to make the buzzer. A rider must stay on his bull for 8 seconds to advance. If he gets bucked off, he is out of the competition. The grueling match between man and beast continues until one prevails and is crowned the Last Cowboy Standing.

There will be hundreds of vendors, a full carnival, artists, food, and music that celebrate the history and culture of the American West.

Tickets are available at www.cfdrodeo.com, and by calling (307) 778-7222.

Concert ticket prices range from $49 – $94, rooftop starts at $150. Daily rodeo tickets range from $18 – $35.

A $3 discount is offered on rodeo tickets and $5 discount on concert tickets purchased before July 1. PBR tickets range from $25 – $105 with special Elite Seating and V.I.P. tickets also available at various prices.

Fans can upgrade to a Frontier Nights® Fast Pass for early admission to the Party Zone, a voucher for best-available same-day rodeo tickets, and a souvenir rodeo program.

For a full events schedule and profiles of musical acts, go to www.cfdrodeo.com.

2021 Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Entertainment Schedule July 23: Garth Brooks with Ned LeDoux July 24: Thomas Rhett with Rhett Akins July 25: Cody Johnson with Aaron Watson July 26-27: Professional Bull Riders – Last Cowboy Standing July 28: Maren Morris with TBA July 29: Eric Church with Ashley McBryde July 30: Kane Brown with Restless Road July 31: Blake Shelton with John King July 24–Aug. 1: PRCA Rodeo Action

For more on Wyoming

> Click Here

-46- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

Places to Go:

New Food Fest CLINTON - Work up an appetite while shopping at the 70+ outlet stores in Clinton Premium Outlets as it hosts a brand new two-day family-friendly food festival. On July 24 and 25, taste a great selection of mouth-watering entrees from more than 25 of the area’s top food trucks! Sit and enjoy a craft brew while listening to the live music provided by the Houston Bernard Band at the spacious beer garden Saturday and AM Gold Yacht Rock performing Sunday.

This is Middlesex County’s newest, most exciting, Food Truck & Music Festival titled The First Annual Clinton Food Festival!

Hours will be noon to 9 p.m. Saturday andnoon to 7 p.m. Sunday.

While participating, you will be eating for a great cause! A portion of proceeds from the Clinton Food Festival will benefit the Simon Youth Foundation. SYF is committed to helping students graduate.

SYF believes that all youth, no matter their personal circumstances, should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams through education.

General Admission for the entire weekend of the Clinton Food Fest is $10 in advance and $15 on event day. Individual day tickets are$7. Kids 10 & under are free with a paying adult. Advance tickets are available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ clinton-food-festival-2021-tickets-155748021525. Free parking will be available.

For More on Connecticut,

>Click Here

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -47-

Places to Go:

Constitution Yards

If you want live entertainment, a festive outdoor atmosphere, and unique adventure with your dining experience, you have come to the right place.

Located on the Christina Riverfront, Constitution Yards Beer Garden provides all of the above.

Classic handcrafted BBQ fare from 10th Street Barbecue compliments an ever changing rotation of craft beers, seasonal specialty cocktails, and wine. Eat, drink and relax while you listen to the live music provided on Friday and Saturday or watch your favorite sports team on the big screen.

If it’s adventure or friendly competition you are looking for, get into the action at Wilmo Axe. Experience the thrill of throwing a real axe at targets - bring your friends for a night out, or take your corporate event to the next level! Wilmo Axes is offered hourly for small groups, as well as -48- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

private lane rentals for a more exclusive experience.

Several special performers are on the schedule on July weekends during the dining hours of 6-9 p.m. Kick Back will be on stage July 9 The Peter McCarthy Group will perform July 10. The next weekend is the Jared Lashbrook Trio and Just Because. See Lyric Drive July 23 and Bucket of ot on July 30. Weekend performances are scheduled through September 25 and details may be found online at http://www.constitutionyards.com/summer-schedule.

For More on Delaware

>Click Here

Places to Go

Am Island Getaway PORTLAND - Tucked away on Great Diamond Island in Casco Bay, The Inn at Diamond Cove offers a Maine Island getaway that’s free from crowds and full of outdoor fun. Just a 30-minute ferry or water taxi ride from Portland’s Old Port district, the historic Inn is the centerpiece of Diamond Cove, a small car-free private island community that was once the site of Fort McKinley.

Steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty, The Inn at Diamond Cove offers luxury island condominiums including spacious suites with kitchens, a heated swimming pool with hot tub and cabana bar, and recreational amenities including tennis courts, an indoor basketball court, and game room with duckpin bowling, pool table, and arcade games. Guests will also enjoy secluded beaches, miles of hiking trails, kayaking, paddle boarding and other activities perfect for families and couples looking for a summer escape off the beaten path.

Great Diamond Island is not accessible from the mainland by car and primary modes of transportation are golf carts and bicycles.

Visitors arrive by ferry, water taxi, or private boat and have access to a full-service marina. Guests will be picked up at the marina in golf carts upon arrival. There is a minimum three-night-stay. Longer term stays are welcome.

Café breakfast is served at the Inn featuring Starbucks coffee and beverages, lunch is grab-n-

go, and a Bar menu is available in the evenings. Guests are invited to experience waterfront dining at Diamond’s Edge featuring a dinner menu of Rooted Coastal Cuisine.

Housed in the former Quartermaster’s storehouse overlooking Diamond Cove (“Cocktail Cove” as the locals call it), Diamond’s Edge offers waterfront dining for a relaxing dinner featuring local seafood, New England favorites, and amazing views. Guests may choose to dine in the dining room or on the deck or lawn, when the weather is right. Diamond’s Edge Restaurant is located steps away from the full-service marina accommodating large sailboats and motor boats. For reservations

call 207.766.5850 or visit diamondsedgerestaurantandmarina.com.

The Inn at Diamond Cove is managed by Colwen Hotels. Colwen’s portfolio features over 35 successful hotels and resorts in the states of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Georgia, and Florida. Colwen strategically develops properties in emerging markets and mixed-use redevelopments. The company is committed to local communities and charities, LEED- certified sustainability,

For more on Maine,

>CLICK HERE July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -49-

Go,Do,See:

Asian, Korean, Japanese, Fusion

LAVALE - Ginger’s Asian Kitchen serves delicious Korean and Japanese cuisine in the heart of Western Maryland.

Ginger’s uses only the freshest ingredients to prepare your meal. Lunch and dinner menus include Rice Bowls, Entrees, Bento Box Combinations, Wok Fried Noodles, Udon Soup Noodles and a list of extras. Catering and take out are available.

Ginger’s Asian kitchen is a family-owned and operated restaurant located in the “narrows” of beautiful LaVale.

Ginger’s Asian Kitchen is the creation of Daniel and Jane Rhee. They fell in love with Cumberland when visiting in 2004, it’s lush green landscape reminded them of home.

Their son-in-law Mike, craving their food, convinced them that a Japenese-Korean restaurant was just what Allegany County needed.

The Rhees immigrated to the US in 1977 and settled in Portland, Oregon. Their family has been in restaurant -50- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

business for over 30 years, owning a Mongolian grill, sushi bar, Korean restaurant, hamburger joint, and a pizza shop.

All of their restaurants are still in operation today.

Ginger’s Asian Kitchen is commited to using only natural and fresh ingredients. Over the years, they have perfected their sauces and marinades and every cut of meat is handtrimmed by Daniel. The teriyaki sauce is slow-brewed for 7 hours and their famous salad dressing is made in-house.

The Rhees take pride in sharing their families dishes with you and look forward to the years to come.

Ginger’s menu is also available “TO GO.” Enjoy a meal at Ginger’s, and experience why people come back again and again.

For more on Maryland

>CLICK HERE

Places to Go:

SPRINGFIELD - This landmark since 1935 began as a bar and booth area with approximately 20 beer steins on the wall.

The dining room was added in 1946 and a young gentleman named Rupprecht Scherff began working at there in 1949. After he became the owner in 1961, Rupprecht became the heart and soul of the restaurant until his death in 1996, During that time the Student Prince and Fort Restaurant became a local institution and the stein collection grew to be one of the largest in the United States. The Scherff family continued to operate the restaurant until 2014.

Over the years, the Student Prince has represented different things to different people. It has been a hub for business and politics, a spot for power lunches, fundraisers and deal making.

For many families, it’s a long-stand-

ing tradition associated with Thanksgiving, Christmas, graduations and other special occasions.

No matter what their history with the restaurant, the Student Prince has always occupied a special place in the hearts of its customers.

In 2014, Rudi Scherff announced that he was closing the legendary restaurant. A group of local business owners, led by Peter Picknelly, stepped up to save it. With the blessing and participation of the Scherff family, they made some upgrades and improvements while still honoring its proud legacy and hope the tradition of the Student Prince will continue for generations to come.

Today, under the leadership of Executive Chef Orlando Carrasquillo and general manager, Bill Porter, enjoy live music during the Sommer Festival on Fort Street. Fred Marion will perform July 7 and Kyle Langlois will perform July 8. Both concerts will

last from 6-9 p.m.

Indoor or outdoor service for delectable, made-from-scratch German fare. is available daily starting at 11 a.m. Enjoy Nuremberg Sausage, Potato Pancakes, Vichyssoise Soup, Schnitzel, Stuffed Veal Steak, Hungarian Goulash, Bratwurst, Filet Mignon Rossini, Lamb Shanks, Broiled Boston Scrod and Chicken Paprika. All entrees are served with a choice of two sides, which is a difficult choice when your options are German Potato Salad, French Fries, Mashed Potatoes, Red Cabbage, Sauerkraut, salads and more. Gluten free and vegetarian entrees are also available. For more information, visit https://www.studentprince.com/ http://www.studentprince.com/

For More on Massachusetts

> CLICK HERE! July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -51-

Places to Go:

21st Annual Chocolate Fest

It is everything you have ever wanted. Enjoy an evening of chocolate temptations in Town Square accompanied by a free outdoor concert as the sun sets!

Pack a picnic or just bring a bottle of your favorite red or white libation and enjoy an indulgent evening in the square, on a blanket, or with your toes in the sand!

This year’s event is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. on July 31 at the Waterville Valley Town Square. The Michael Vincent Band will hit the Gazebo stage in Town Square for some great live entertainment during the festival.

Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, is a four-season resort set in the White Mountain National Forest, just 2 hours north of Boston. In summer, Waterville Valley

offers award-winning clay tennis courts, historic 9-hole golf course, miles of mountain bike trails, road cycling, arts and cultural activities, an indoor ice arena, boating, and a skateboard park. There is a pond for swimming and fishing, and activities and programs for children and the whole family at the Curious George Cottage and Town’s Recreation Center. Waterville Valley is home to the nation’s first network of hiking trails. Discover 19 peaks, 57 natural features and 48 trails covering 125 miles of White Mountains terrain. Lodging choices include traditional inns and all-suite hotels, and dining options range from family-friendly favorites to elegant eateries.

For more information call 800-468-2553 or visit www. waterville.com.

For More on New Hampshire,

> CLICK HERE!

-52- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

Go, Do,See

The New Jersey State Barbecue Championship SM is slated for July 9-11 at the 2nd & Olde New Jersey Avenues in the North Wildwood Entertainment District.. It is an openair festival featuring championship barbecue competition; live cooking demonstrations, special displays, and food and beverage vendors to satisfy every taste and appetite.

Indulge in mouthwatering ribs, chicken, brisket and pork while enjoying some of the best Blues music at the Jersey Shore The Anglesea Blues Festival SM features both national and regional blues musicians and is held in conjunction with the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship SM .

Throughout the weekend, free live entertainment is featured on the outdoor main stage,

as well as additional acts in neighboring establishments.

On Saturday, hours are 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. and will include an open air market, a kids-Q and best desserts contest The championship competition is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS), the world’s largest association of barbecue enthusiasts. Over $10,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. The competition is officiated by representatives of KCBS and a panel of volunteer judges, certified in the art and science of judging competitive barbecue. The Grand Champion of the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship SM is eligible to compete in the invitation only world championship, the American Royale, held annually in Kansas City, MO. In addition, the New Jersey

State Barbecue Championship is one of an elite group of qualifying events for the World Food Championships, entitling our Grand Champion to compete in the World Food Championships where the total prize purse is $300,000.

Bring the whole family and enjoy the nearby Historic Hereford Inlet Lighthouse and the free beach at Anglesea Inlet, in the heart of the Anglesea Entertainment District.

The New Jersey State Barbecue Championship SM and the Anglesea Blues Festival SM benefits the Anglesea Volunteer Fire Company, serving the community since 1897.

Admission is free. visit www.njbbq.com or www.angleseablues.com.

For more on New Jersey >CLICK HERE! July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -53-

Things to Do:

Eat a Hot Dog In 1916, Nathan Handwerker started his nickel hot dog stand on Coney Island, with a $300 loan and his wife’s secret recipe. At the time, he had no idea how famous those hot dogs would be. He had no idea that millions around the globe would tune in to see how many of those hot dogs could be consumed in 10 minutes, or that they would be available to consumers around the world in retail and restaurants.

To settle an argument over who was the most patriotic, legend has it that four immigrants held a hot dog eating contest at the Nathan’s Famous Coney Island stand.

In 1972, Nathan’s Famous held the first major and recorded hot dog eating contest on the Fourth of July. Jason Schechter (USA) won by eating 14 hot dogs and buns.

Fast forward to today as Nathan’s Famous has embarked on a new path. It is one that pays homage to its New York roots, and famous food, but changes everything you know about the brand. They have added savory burgers featuring fresh Angus beef, chicken sandwiches, tenders and onion rings, and New York cheesesteak by Pat LaFrieda. Premium milkshake flavors have also been updated.

Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog-Eating Contest will again be held July 4 on Coney Island, New York. The men and women will compete separately for the title of Men’s Hot Dog Eating World Champion and Women’s Hot Dog Eating World Champion, as well as a $20,000 cash purse for each division.

More than 40,000 fans come to the free event, -54- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

arriving several hours in advance.

Joey Chestnt is the champion to beat as he has one 13 times and broke his own world record last year by eating 75 hot dogs in 10 minutes. His secret is: besides training year round in various eating contests, he fasts for two to three days before the Coney Island showdown.

For the women, the force to be reckoned with is Miki Sudo. She is a seven time in-arow Nathan’s champion. She holds the world record for eating 48.5 hot dogs in 10 minutes. She also holds women’s world records in Kimchi, hotdish and ice cream.

For these fans, Nathan’s Famous produces a pre-show beginning at 10 a.m. that will include a death-defying performance by the Coney Island Strongman and several live bands.

Nathan’s Famous will also provide a jumbotron to increase visual access for fans. Attendance is estimated to be around 40,000.

Do you have what it takes to compete in the Hot Dog Eating Contest? Find qualifying events around the country and see who’s qualified for the Main Event. For more information, visit https://www.nathansfamous.com/

For more on New York >CLICK HERE!

Places to Go:

Blueberry Festival BETHLEHEM - It’s the 34th Annual Blueberry Festival where tongues turn blue! Again this year, in a safe visitor format, The Blueberry To Go Market is a 9-day market open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. to visit onsite the weekends of July 17-18 and 24-25 at Burnside Plantation.

Bring the family out to visit Bethlehem’s “farmin-the-city” at Burnside Plantation.

Admission for a 90-minute time slot is $3 for adults and $3 for children, including a take home craft bag with Moravian Paper Dolls, Burnside Butterflies, Cheerio Birdfeeders, and a word search and eyespy activity. Parties of up to 5 people can reserve a picnic spot in the Apple Orchard or Lower Meadow by the Willow trees for $10. Picnic spots are first come, first serve. Ticket purchasers will receive exclusive access to our Heritage Trail mobile app that previews the Monocacy Link portion of the Heritage Trail.

Visitors can browse and shop items from the blueberry festival PA’s variety of hand-picked crafters and gourmet food vendors, and enjoy individually packaged blueberries pies. Individuals 21 and older can enjoy cans of beer from Fegley’s Brew Works includ-

ing Blueberry Belch, local wines from Black River Farms, and a Blueberry Lemonade Crush from Xplorer Spirits produced by Kilimanjaro Distillery in Allentown.

Want to bring even more blueberries home? Shop the Blueberry Shoppe, and pick up your favorite blueberry treats including salsas, jams, shrubs, jerky, syrup, coffee,

pancake mix, whipped honey, vinaigrette, and more.

Weekend visitors will enjoy the tunes of local acoustic musicians throughout the grounds, including The Druckenmillers, The Old Time Jam, and Young at Heart Boys, demonstrations by Neverland K-9 Institute, outdoor games: cornhole, can jam, chess, take the Barn Tour, see colonial farm equipment, and visit the award-winning Colonial Gar-

den and Pollinator Garden at the Burnside Plantation.

Weekend parking will be located for free at St. Luke’s Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Center, 1441 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem, PA 18018 with additional metered parking available on West Union Boulevard, adjacent to the entrance of the Monocacy Greenway. Entrance to Burnside Plantation is also bike friendly. All proceeds from this event help Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites to maintain 20 historic landmarks in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites operates this festival.

The Burnside Plantation is a 6.5-acre plantation in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. It is also known as the James Burnside Plantation and Lerch Farm. The plantation is located 0.2 miles southeast of the intersection with Eaton Road, on Schoenersville Road.

For more on Pennsylvania

>CLICK HERE July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -55-

Places to Go:

Newport Foodies Stroll

NEWPORT - Looking for something fun, new, and delicious to do? Welcome to Newport Foodies Stroll! We are Newport’s first food tour and newest attraction. Owners and founders, Susan and Thomas Maxwell, invite you to come Experience Newport, “One Stroll at a Time.”

After experiencing a particularly memorable food tour in Savannah, the light bulb went off.

“We could do this, too!” the couple thought. The plan became a reality in 2018. They offer tours on Wednesday through Saturday from April to November. Then tours are offered only on Friday and Saturday during the winter time.

Come taste the best from local eateries and learn the rich history of Newport while strolling the historic streets. Their Newport Foodies Stroll will take you to five restaurants focusing on a variety of gourmet delights. Some of the -56- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

local restaurants featured are Midtown Oyster, Knot Norm’s, Karma Pizza, and O’Brien’s Pub! Wear comfortable shoes as you can expect to walk approximately 1 1/2 to 2 miles during the tour. Tours begin at 11:30am and noon and last 2.5-3 hours. These tours are small and intimate to make sure that each guest can receie a personalized experience, according to the Maxwells Ticket prices start at $75. ($95 for winter tours.)

For more information, visit newportfoodiesstroll.com.

For more on Rhode island

>CLICK HERE

Go, Do, See

Chocolate &Cheese

Treat yourself to the indulgent comfort of Vermont’s rich flavors.

From smoky cheddar cheese to artisanal chocolate and mint bonbons, the Green Mountain State takes great pride in its gourmet offerings. Plan an epic road trip following the state’s chocolate and beer trails, taste the dessert treat that is ice wine, and sample a delectable combo of saucisson-style mortadella with pistachios and dark chocolate for some of the most delicious food experiences to have in Vermont Try world-class artisanal bonbons and chocolate charcuterie While Vermont is famous for its maple syrup, the state also has a vibrant chocolate-making industry. Small bonbons crafted by hand, dark chocolate bars, chocolate-covered figs — you name it, Vermont has it.

Tavernier Chocolates is one of the state’s oldest and most notable chocolate makers. The family-run venture traces its origins back to France where they ran a number of confectionaries in Paris, Calais, and Bourges. The family matriarch, Dar Tavernier was a passionate traveler who globe-trotted whenever the opportunity arose, tasting diverse flavors along the way.

It only makes sense that the shop is named after her.

The production process at Tavernier is simple. Each small batch follows strict quality control guidelines to make sure that every bonbon meets the standard for taste and quality.

Here, you won’t find any artificial or sweeteners. What you will find is a mix of local dried fruits and herbs, spice blends, and charcuterie bonded

room bonbon collection.

You can also try chocolate charcuterie pairings such as the hand-rolled dark chocolate ganache log made with local dairy and served along with saucisson-style mortadella, a cardamom King Arthur Flour shortbread, pistachios, and dried Medjool dates dusted with cocoa powder.

Cheese-making is not only a culinary trade in Vermont but also an art form. With more than 45 cheesemakers statewide, the options are plenty. You can choose from 150 cheese varieties made from local milk. Make sure to get your hands on some cheddar, alpine, and blue cheese. What’s unique about some local cheeses is that they have a hint of basil due to the fact that quite a few cheesemakers feed the aromatic plant to by the full taste of chocolate. their cows.

Follow along the Vermont Cheese Tavernier’s chocolate collection is Trail and hit up Shelburne Farms for inspired by the local surroundings its cheddar, Nothin’ but Curd to eat and always uses seasonal ingredients. your weight’s worth of buffalo cheese At the shop you’ll see chocolate tablets curds, and Cabot Creamery. Offering with dried rose, hibiscus, and lavendozens of flavors, Cabot Creamery der; maple macaroons; white chocspecializes in clothbound cheddar, olate with strawberries, raspberries, classic cheddars, and cheddar preand blueberries; and “nibby milk” bars pared according to a 101-year-old that combine dark milk chocolate, ca- tradition. cao nibs, and black Hawaiian sea salt.

Some of Tavernier’s more unexpected For more on Vermont, flavors include the total eclipse black >CLICK HERE garlic bonbons and the forage mush-

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -57-

Things to Do: Summer in the City

New Menu at Mesler The Restaurant at SOPHY® Hyde Park has inventive cocktails, creative comfort food & Alfresco seating.

CHICAGO – Summer in the city has arrived and Mesler Chicago at SOPHY® Hyde Park is launching a sizzling new menu and fun ways to experience food and drink at one of Hyde Park’s coolest spots. The popular Happy Hour is back and fresh, new lunch and dinner offerings have been added to the seasonal menu, while the neighborhood’s beloved brunch at Mesler remains a favorite for leisurely South Side weekends.

Welcoming summer means embracing the return of Mesler where guests can enjoy cocktails and light fare in the alfresco, shaded Sanctuary Lounge. They can sip on aptly named cocktails like the 53rd Street Old Fashion, concocted with Old Forester 100 proof bourbon, rosemary maple syrup, old fashioned bitters, and orange bitters. Or a Hyde Park Gin & Tonic, made with Botanist Gin, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, cucumber, and mint.

Mesler Chicago offers a trendy 60-seat dining space that was imagined to evoke an author’s dining room, with bookshelves carved into columns to partition seating areas.

Walls feature a gallery of book covers and original pieces by local artists inspired by the literature of Hyde Park as well as selected art works from Hyde Park Academy High School. An indoor private dining room welcomes up to 14 guests and has its own outdoor patio and fire pit. Mesler Chicago is easing back into full-service mode this summer.

Lunch and Dinner are being served Tuesday through Sunday. Starting this month, Brunch is offered from Thursday – Sunday, 9 - 2.

Executive Chef Alejandro Arreola, previously Chef de Cuisine at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago and The Ritz-Carlton, has been with the restaurant team since it opened. His decades of culinary experience helped him craft the menu for a very diverse guest list and neighborhood clientele for the signature restaurant in Hyde Park’s first boutique hotel.

The menu The menu is everchanging with this summer featuring Casarece Pasta served with shrimp & ricotta, served with freshly made spicy San Marzano tomato sauce, shrimp, basil, spicy bread crumbs, and ricotta.

-58- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

For more on Illinois

> Click Here

Places to Go:

Race to Kokomo KOKOMO— USAC Racing has a week in July across the entire state of Indiana known as Indiana Sprint Week. Indiana Sprint Week consists of seven races & tracks across nine nights, and will play host to some of the best race car drivers in the discipline.

Indiana Sprint Week is a championship within the larger AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship.

Indiana Sprint Week will be celebrated July 24 at the Kokomo Speedway featuring USAC National Sprint cars and thunder cars. Event classes to be held are the Non Wing 410 Sprints. For race day information, please call the track phone at 765459-3877.

The 10th Annual Sprint Car Smackdown is scheduled for Aug. 2628. It will be the biggest and best yet with an increased share of $15,000 for the winner of the final night along with increased payouts throughout the field for the three-night event.

Preliminary events Thursday and Friday will feature complete programs for the USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship, culminating in 30-lap feature races each night. The final night will be a 40-lap feature preceded by heat races and “King of the Hill” two-car races. Call 815-468-8690 for tickets.

The Howard County Historical Society invites families to come enjoy a free Automotive Scavenger Hunt on the front lawn of the mansion July 9 from 4-8pm; and July 10 from 10 am-2 pm.

Challenge and expand your automotive knowledge and appreciation. Contrast and compare historic cars with a brand new Ford from Brad Howell Ford.

What does a Model T have that a VW Bug does not?

By completing each station, children (6-12) will collect the parts to build their own tiny car for the final test! After conquering the Scavenger Hunt, everyone can enjoy an ice cream or sweet snack on the lawn with their family.The Automotive Scavenger Hunt will encourage participants to compare early automobiles to today’s models. What special function should cars have in the future?

• Try your hand at identifying some obscure and curious automotive objects that our curators have brought out from the Historical Society’s collection.

• Discover what famous VIP from the car industry enjoyed dinner at the Seiberling in the 1920s.

• Build a car with simple materials and see if you can get it to go across the finish line.

Ice cream treats, baked goods and bottled water will be on sale. For more information, visit www. howardcountymuseum.org.

Plan your next extended weekend getaway in Kokomo. There is so much to do and see, the July Calendar is full! >SEE MORE HERE>

For more on Indiana,

>CLICK HERE

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -59-

Go, Do, See

Circus City Festival

Photo by Kathy Barnett/Managing Editor Youth Members of the Amateur Circus to be held at the Circus City Festival are shown above at a rehearsal for their acrobat performances scheduled July 18-24.

On the trapeze ropes from left to right are: Briahna Gree, Megan Levill, and Brooke Baser.

-60- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

Ladies and Gentlemen, Children of All Ages, Welcome to Peru, Indiana, the Circus Capital of the World and home to the Peru Amateur Circus!

During the 61st Annual Circus Festival, scheduled this year from July 17-24, ten circus performances will be presented by approximately 200 Miami County, Indiana youth. These circus enthusiasts between the ages of 7 to 21 have been training all summer to bring topnotch entertainment and their most perfected skills to the show. It will be hard to believe they are considered amateurs.

Many will continue to pursue a circus career. In the past, performers have competed in the Premiere Rampe, an international circus competition. Their awards are now displayed in the circus museum with other articfacts, such as costumes, photos and memorabilia. The museum and a gift shop are both locted in the same building as the comfortable air‑conditioned three‑ring circus arena. They are open year-round.

Other attractions include rides, food, games and a Circus City parade on the main streets of Peru. Music will be provided by the CCFI Band under the direction of Diane Haley, Scott Thompson, Jarrod Ellis and Mike Keller. Miss Circus City and her court preside at all circus performances and participate in the Circus Parade.

Advance tickets are available on eventbrite. For more information, visit online at https://www.perucircus. com/

For more information on Indiana,

>CLICK HERE

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -61-

Go, Do, See

Pennsy Trail Art

More than 50 artists and food vendors will gather together once again to show and demonstrate their wares at the annual Pennsy Trail Art Fair and Msic Festival. The live entertainment will be presented throughout the day on the Courthouse Plaza from da .m. to 5 p.m.

The Drumming Ninjas will kick off the fun at 9 a.m. and perform until 9:30 a.m., followed by the Hearts Ablaze Cloggers.

Returning from last here by popular request, Highway 234 takes the stage at 10 a.m. followed by Jess Jones at 11:30 a.m.

Next is the Occasional Blues Band from 1-3 p.m. and Zach Kissick from 3-5 p.m.

Don’t miss the ducky derby raffle scheduled at 2 p.m.

Admission is free. All proceeds from the art fair will benefit the Menal Health Partners of Hancock County, who is sponsoring the fair and festival again this year. For more information, please visit online at http://www.mentalhealthpartnershc.com. The non-profit event was created to link the arts, the local community, and local social service needs.

For more information on Indiana,

>CLICK HERE

-62- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -63-

Go,Do,See:

Fair Food on a Stick Food is one of the main attractions at the Iowa State Fair! The Fair boasts nearly 200 food stands and over 60 delectable items available on a stick. The Iowa State Fair is famous for mobile food on a stick. The saying “If you can find it at the Fair, you can find it on a stick” is true. Get hungry for this year’s food on a stick!

Did you know 70% of Fairgoers come to the Fair for the food? There’s so much to try at the Iowa State Fair!

Here are some amazing foods to try while visiting the fair: 1.Apple Pie On A Stick 2.Bacon Cheddar Cheese On A Stick 3.Bacon Wrapped Deep Fried Italian Sausage On A Stick 4.Bacon Wrapped Riblet 5.Bologna On A Stick 6.Breakfast Sausage In A Waffle 7.Brownie Deep Fried, On A Stick 8.Caprese Salad On A Stick 9.Caramel Dipped Pecan Pie On A Stick 10.Carmel Apple 11.Carmellows 12.Cheese On A Stick 13.Cheese-On A Stick (Mozzarella, Cheddar, Jalapenos) 14.Cherry Pie (Deep Fried, On A Stick) 15.Chicken Corn Dog 16.Chicken In A Waffle On A Stick 17.Chicken-Cajun, On A Stick 18.Chocolate Covered Key Lime On A Stick 19.Chocolate Covered New York Cheesecake On A Stick -64- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

20.Combo Meal-Sandwich Or Shrimp Corn Dog, Fries And A Drink 21.Cookie Dough In A Waffle On A Stick 22.Corn Brats On A Stick 23.Corn Brats-(Cheddar) On A Stick 24.Corn Brats-(Spicy) On A Stick 25.Corn Brats-(Stadium) On A Stick 26.Corn Dog 27.Cotton Candy 28.Crazy Tater On A Stick 29.Crazy Tater On A Stick W/ Cheese And Chili 30.Crazy Tater On A Stick W/ Cheese Or Chili 31.Deep Fried Sweet Corn - Corn Dog 32.Deep Fried Twinkies 33.Double Bacon Wrapped Corn Dog 34.Dutch Letters 35.Frisalino On A Stick 36.Fruit Kabob - Peach, Strawberry, Grapes, Pineapple, Topped

With Chocolate & Nuts 37.Fruit Kabob-Strawberries, Pineapple & Peaches Deep Fried On A Stick 38.Fruit On A Stick 39.Funnel Cake On A Stick 40.Grilled Turkey Tenderloin 41.Hot Dog 42.Ice Cream On A Stick 43.Jalapeno Corn Dog 44.Jumbo Plumper Footlong Corn Dog 45.Loaded Tators On A Stick 46.Mexican Grilled Corn On The Cob 47.Milky In A Waffle 48.Monkey Tail 49.Mushrooms On A Stick 50.Peanut Butter And Jelly On A Stick 51.Pecan Pie (Deep Fried, On A Stick, Topped With Caramel & Bacon Bits) 52.Pickle On A Stick 53.Polish Sausage Corn Dog 54.Popcorn Balls On A Stick 55.Popcorn Balls On A Stick With M&Ms 56.Pork Belly On A Stick 57.Pork Chop On A Stick 58.Pork On A Stick (3) 59.Pretzel-Soft, Salted, Almonds, Dipped In Chocolate On A Stick 60.Salad On A Stick 61.Sausage-Lamb, On A Stick 62.Shrimp Corn Dog 63.Slopper, Footlong Hot Dog 64.Small Corn Dog 65.Smoothie On A Stick

For more on Iowa

>Click Here

People to see:

At New Theatre OVERLAND PARK - After many long months of waiting, the doors will finally reopen for business on July 6.

The big, rockin’, Vegas-style production of THE KING IN CONCERT featuring Jerry Lee Lewis and of course, Elvis was originally scheduled before COVID19 struck and the New Theatre & Restaurant had to temporarily close.

New Theatre is thrilled to have Victor Trevino Jr. share his worldwide acclaimed tribute performance of Elvis on their stage. His Elvis is enthusiastically sanctioned by the Presley estate. Rated as one of the top Elvis Tribute Artists in the world, Victor Trevino Jr. has sold out concerts in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and across Europe. Victor was selected for the ELVIS LIVES tour, and is frequently featured in LEGENDS IN CONCERT, the longest running show on the Las Vegas strip.

Anyone lucky enough to have seen Dominique Scott in our 2017 run of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET saw him become Jerry Lee Lewis! All the antics, the acrobatics and keyboard- pounding talent of the original Killer, Dominique has starred in National Tours of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET and ROCK OF AGES among others.

Dominique has also toured nationally with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

The dinner menu consists of a buffet style service featuring southern fried chicken, golden ried basa, and grilled steak with various sides including steamed broccoli, glazed baby carrots and soy glazed green beans.

The salad is served tableside. The streetside bakery provides assorted breads baked fresh daily. However, be sure to save room for dessert because there are so many listed, it’s hard to choose which to indulge in. For example, the featured summer dessert listed is Fresh Strawberry Napoleon. It is layered with lightly sweetened fresh strawberries,

Tahitian vanilla bean whipped cream, and is a tender-flaky puff pastry.

Individual tickets for THE KING IN CONCERT on sale now. All other shows will go on sale August 2nd. Prices start at $45.50 per person.

Phone lines are open Monday thru Friday 9am to 5:30pm. This show will be featured through September 12.

For more information, visit online at https:// newtheatre.com/ New Theatre Restaurant is the largest and most successful theatre restaurant facility in the United States, averaging more than a quarter million in attendance annually, including 25,000 season ticket holders. We produce five shows annually, each running between nine and thirteen weeks.

For more information on Kansas,

>CLICK HERE July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -65-

Things to Do:

Try 3 New R estaurants

The city of Ludington welcomes summer vistors with new attractions as well as THREE new restaurants. A new Sandcastles Children’s Museum is now open to gests. Enjoy sunset beach bonfires July 22 and Aug. 26. Attend a special West Shore Bank Rythm and Dunes concert on July 24 & 31. When the hunger pains strike, try the following: Crown and Cork, 502 W. Loomis St. – Opened Memorial Day Weekend 2021. Located in the former P.M. Steamers restaurant overlooking Pere Marquette Lake, Crown and Cork is a trendy new restaurant with a relaxed vibe, boasting a oneof-a-kind waterfront view and unique menu items like beer battered cauliflower; salt-roasted beets with fresh honeycomb, -66- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

goat cheese, and arugula; and jumbo shrimp & grits. The restaurant will serve lunch, dinner and happy hour. The restaurant also will feature live music, from dueling piano players to jazz. www.crownncork.com.

Keeper’s Fish Shack, 106 N. James St. – Opened in mid-June 2021. Located at the new Legacy Plaza, this “food truck without wheels” will feature fish and seafood options from fresh and salty waters, serving Great lakes perch and walleye, plus salmon, shrimp, calamari, North Atlantic cod, mahi-mahi and other specials. Customers will place their orders inside and pick up at the outside takeout window. Most fish can be grilled, blackened or deep-fried. A grab-and-go station will feature fish/seafood

dips, pita chips/breadsticks, and salmon jerky. The restaurant will sell pop and water, and it is pursuing a license to sell beer and wine. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily except Wednesday.

Stix Bar & Park Lanes, 1963 N. Lakeshore Dr. – Opening fall 2021. This iconic bowling alley and restaurant is being refurbished and expanded at its current location, reconstructed as a two-story building that will seat 160 people. A mezzanine is designed so people on the second floor, which also will have a bar, can see a live band on the first floor. facebook.com/Stixbarforlife

For more information on Michigan,

>CLICK HERE

Go, See, Do:

Ice Cream Adventure Ice cream is the cherry on top of a perfect summer day.

You’re invited to join The Minnesota Scoop, a deliciously rewarding ice cream adventure.

Nearly 100 amazing ice cream shops across Minnesota have crafted their own take on an #OnlyinMN treat. All you need to do is pick up a punch card at any participating shop. Then: • Enjoy your favorite flavor or their unique #OnlyinMN creation.

• Get your punch card stamped • Repeat at the same or five other amazing locations • Upload an image of your completed punch card below • Get one sweet t-shirt and a chance to win grand prize travel packages and other weekly giveaways.

• Start your Tour de Treat today!

You’ll find these participating ice cream shops sprinkled all across the state.

WHAT CAN YOU WIN? Eat ice cream. Get rewarded. While enjoying well-crafted ice cream is its own reward, we’ve sweetened the pot.

Once you’ve completed your Minnesota Scoop punch card, submit your entry below for a free Minnesota Scoop t-shirt*. But that’s not all, you can also enter for a chance to win grand prize travel packages all across the state. From hotel stays in the Twin Cities to the Iron Range, museum tickets and restaurant gift cards, you could wrap up your summer enjoying a weekend away that’s uniquely Minnesota.

Few things go better together than summer vacation and a trip to the

local ice cream shop.

Whether they make their own flavors or add a special touch (like a jelly bean at the bottom of every cone), it’s hard to beat a cold scoop on a hot day.

Here’s a sampling of some popular ice cream shops in Minnesota for whenever your next craving hits.

ELMA’S ICE CREAM PARLOR, AFTON This classic ice cream shop has been a popular destination for many years in this quaint village in the St. Croix River Valley. **TWO SCOOPS, ANOKA** This downtown shop features super premium ice cream in a wide array of imaginative flavors (try the Fat Elvis), which change weekly, plus malts and sundaes.

MABEL’S ICE CREAM, BAYPORT Blocks from the scenic St. Croix River, this adorable downtown shop serves two-dozen flavors of Cedar

Crest ice cream, made just across the border in Wisconsin.

BIG DIPPER CREAMERY, BLAINE & NORTH OAKS More than 50 handcrafted flavors ranging from classic chocolate chip to s’mores and salty caramel make this family-owned shop a local favorite.

And if you happen to stop by when it’s closed, fear not: The ice cream vending machine is open 24/7. **WHAT’S THE SCOOP?, BUFFALO** New to downtown Buffalo, this family-owned shop serves 40 flavors of Cedar Crest ice cream, perfect for bringing to the nearby splash pad or Buffalo Lake. https://www.exploreminnesota. com/list/43-must-visit-minnesota-icecream-shops For more on Minnesota

> Click Here

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -67-

t

Go, Do See: At the Playhouse Dinner Theatre this summer Shepherd of the Hills, Branson

t

NEW! Funny Farm Dinner Feud

The Whodunnit Showdown For more on Missouri

>CLICK HERE

-68- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

Things to Do:

Pizza Outdoors

Summer is best enjoyed outdoors. If you love farm-to-table dishes and dreamy outdoor views, Sycamore Creek Family Ranch in Branson is serving up wood-fired pizzas every Thursday night from now until August 12. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., guests are welcome to the Shiloh Ridge venue for delicious pizza, live music, and sunset views over Lake Taneycomo.

Each week, Sycamore Creek will serve two basic pizza options (cheese and pepperoni), and two specialty pizza options that are ever-changing and will rotate every few weeks. Don’t worry about leaving hungry. It’s all-you-can-eat pizza for every guest! The pizza comes out hot and fresh from the Sycamore Creek Pizza truck served on individual plates by the slice. Bottled water is free, and beer, wine, and sodas are available for purchase.

People with gluten sensitivities or those looking for a healthy option can choose a cauliflower crust. Please be sure to select this when purchasing your ticket. Dine with friends, play a few lawn games, listen to music, and enjoy the gorgeous views from your seat. To purchase tickets, head to their pizza night page for upcoming dates and tickets at https://www.sycamorecreekfamilyranch.com/pizza-nights

For more on Missouri

>CLICK HERE July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -69-

-70- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

For more on Nebraska

>Click Here

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -71-

Places to Go:

For more on North Dakota -72- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

>CLICK HERE!

Things To Do:

Best Mexican Dining

By Kathy Barnett Managing Editor WILLARD - Hands down, this is undoubtedly the best Mexican food anywhere, according to me!

Let me explain. I have been to several Mexican restaurants in search of just the right ingredients to make up that topnotch special meal that can not be matched anywhere else.

The Willard location won a Grand Restaurant Idol award in 2012 when the Ohio Weekender (original publication) sponsored a contest by way of customer votes and secret judge visits. Through the process of counting votes and points by judges, participating dining establishments were eliminated one by one until the last one standing was La Campesina.

There is not one entree on the menu that I have tried and not liked. I do have a couple of favorites, however. I am a seafood lover; so when the new item “Platillo Del Mar” was added to the menu, I was eager to try it. A tilapia fillet and grilled shrimp is blended with sauteed broccoli, carrots, and zucchini. It is then served over a bed of rice. My other favorite is the Taquito, offering a choice of shredded beef or chicken rolled into a corn tortilla and fried.

Yum! The most ordered in either location is the Chimichanga with rice and beans. Another favorite is the Chory Pollo, grilled chicken strips topped with chorizo sausage and served with the ever-popular rice, beens, and cheese. All meals are served with salsa and chips while making your choices from the menue.

I’ve been told by many, the delicious taste of the food is why they return to a restaurant. Others insist on top quality fast and courteous service.

The founder and owner, Maria DeLopaz takes

pride in making sure you receive both at all times at LaCampasina. She has the help of her son Juan and his wife Christina in the restaurant. Now, with two locations - one in Willard and and the other in Shelby, La Campesina Mexican restaurant is the perfect place to eat the best Mexican food and have memorable moments added to the mix. See more at https://lacampesinaohio.com/ menu/

For more on Ohio >Click

here

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -73-

Things to do:

Try A Polish Boy

CLEVELAND- What’s widely considered the city’s signature sandwich — yes, sandwich — is really a dressed-up hot dog made with kielbasa, french fries, coleslaw, and a smother of hot sauce.

That Polish smoked sausage is used as the sandwich’s foundation explains its name: the Polish Boy. To confuse matters more, that name might have once referred to any large kielbasa dog served in Cleveland. But ask for a Polish Boy today, and you’ll receive a very specific taste of the city’s food scene.

The exact origins of the Polish Boy are unclear. It owes its base ingredient to Cleveland’s early Polish community, which first took root in the Berea suburb in the 1860s. Yet, the first name commonly associated with the sandwich is not a Polish one. It belongs to restaurateur Virgil Whitmore, a Texas native whose historic barbecue joint in Cleveland’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood became one of the city’s first Black-owned -74- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

sit-in restaurants when it opened in 1942. The Whitemore family now owns and operates two locations, the flagship Mt. Pleasant Bar-B-Q and Whitmore’s BarB-Q in Cleveland’s Warrensville Heights suburb.

Despite their family’s help in propelling the Polish Boy to icon status, however, the younger Whitmores are skeptical of the credit Virgil Sr. gets for slapping together the sandwich’s ingredients for the first time. In 2019, Virgil Whitmore III told Cleveland Magazine that there were other neighborhood vendors making what would become known as Polish Boys before his grandfather began slinging them, while that same year, Vanessa Whitmore told the Gries Center Gazette that her grandfather got the idea from the owner of the Epic Nightclub across the street.

For variety: Beckham’s B&M Bar-BQue – Family-owned B&M has supplied Clevelanders with some of their

favorite barbecue since 1958. Here, diners have their pick of Polish Boys and Girls, which can be made with beef, turkey, or spicy sausage. The restaurant also offers a Polish Man topped with extra beef brisket, as well as a Polish Boy combo that comes with wings and more fries.

For a gut-busting combo: Battiste & Dupree Cajun Grill – Despite its Cajun roots, Battiste & Dupree makes a pretty classic Polish Boy, assuming you don’t mistake it for the Po Boy on the menu. Try the “Fun in a Box” if you’re extra hungry, which includes a Polish Boy, six wings, and a side of steak fries.

For a gut-busting combo: Battiste & Dupree Cajun Grill – Despite its Cajun roots, Battiste & Dupree makes a pretty classic Polish Boy, assuming you don’t mistake it for the Po Boy on the menu. Try the “Fun in a Box” if you’re extra hungry, which includes a Polish Boy, six wings, and a side of steak fries.

For more on Ohio

>CLICK HERE

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -75-

People to See:

Marlow Rosado

CANTON– Gervasi Vineyard will feature two-time Grammy-winning artist, producer and writer, Marlow Rosado, as part of the winery resort’s summer concert series on Sunday, August 1, 2021.

Rosado is a native of Puerto Rico where he fell in love with Latin tropical dance music. He grew up listening to his salsa heroes on the radio and taught himself to play piano by listening to his favorite artists. Rosado has successfully written, played and produced hits in a variety of musical styles. Rosado earned a Master’s degree in Jazz Education, and is continually sought out by Latin Artists for his arrangement skills. He has performed and worked with a diverse repertoire of artists including Celia Cruz, Tejana singer Selena, Larry Harlow, Tomy Olivencia, Marc Anthony, and Ricky Martin, among others.

Some of Rosado’s most notable work includes the five driving rock tracks he co-wrote on Alejandra Guzman’s album “Lipstick”, nominated for Best Rock Album of the Year by the American and Latin Grammys. It is not uncommon to see Rosado’s name on album notes whether as a pianist, producer, songwriter, or musical director. Rosado’s music has evolved from the sounds of salsa to Latin jazz, and 2021 brought the release of two new albums. He is a driving force in the tropical music industry.

The Marlow Rosado concert is one of several in Gervasi Vineyard’s summer concert series. This series will be held -76- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

in Gervasi’s beautiful covered Pavilion, nestled between a sparkling lake and lush vineyard. The concert series will kick-off on June 17 and will continue through September 16. Artists include the Rat Pack, Helen Welch, Marlow Rosado, and Bob James. Concert goers can enjoy dinner at any of Gervasi’s restaurants before the show.

The Rat Pack features timeless hits from country to Motown. Helen Welch will get the crowd swinging to her warm alto tones à la Karen Carpenter along with soul and oodles of cheeky British humor. Bob James, a two-time Grammy Award winner will round out the series with his smooth, classic and fusion jazz.

“We are pleased to kick off the season with our summer concert series. As life begins to return to normal, we know our guests are looking for opportunities to get out and enjoy themselves in a safe environment. We’re excited to host two Grammy-winning artists this year, and we are hopeful the concerts will be a great success,” said Scott Swaldo, CEO/General Manager for Gervasi Vineyard.

Tickets are available online at gervasivineyard.com.

Rosado’s show will feature two concerts beginning at 4pm and 7pm. Premium tickets are $57 per person and located in the front/center section of the Pavilion. General tickets are $47 per person and located in the back/side section of the Pavilion and could have an obstructed view. Tickets include a trio of appetizer bites and a mojito cocktail.

Go, Do, See

Deadwood

Don’t let the name fool you! Deadwood is still very much alive with adventure, attractions, and excitement!

For more than a century, the legendary Old Style Saloon No.10 has defined the historic town of Deadwood. Thousands of artifacts and antiques grace the walls and ceiling. The faces of history live in hundreds of historical photographs of Deadwood’s most famous and infamous characters. It remains the “go to” experience for locals and visitors alike to step back into Deadwood’s colorful past.

Complimenting all this living museum has to offer, don’t miss the historical re-enactments, live nightly music, unique whimsacal shopping, live action gambling, and South Dakota’s largest whiskey selection, offering over 250 Bourbons, Scotchs and Whiskeys.

Truly deserving of its new branding as an American Whiskey Bar. Upstairs is home to the Deadwood Social Club and Top of the Ten Wine & Martini Bar. This Northern Italian Steakhouse, with new American farm-to-table influences, also features Tuscan pastas as well as South Dakota Buffalo and Heritage Ranch Beef products. It is widely known for

a menu packed full of flavor and an atmosphere that is bursting with the sounds of friends and family gathering for some social fun and great food. There is also a children’s menu. End your evening out on the roof top patio sitting around a roaring fire and sipping on your favorite cocktail.

So, join us, kick back and relax and take it all in. Legend refers to the No.10 as “the only museum in the world with a bar” but this is your chance to discover, it’s where it all started and where it all still happens. See www. deadwood.com “Live” music is in Deadwood all summer, too. The open air concert series continues through Labor Day. More information at www.outlawsquare.com/

Gary Allen July 25

Dustin Lynch July 11

For more on South Dakota

> Click Here July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -77-

Places to Go:

Streateries in Madison MADISON - Last summer, the city launchedthis new program to allow restaurants and taverns to expand outdoor seating. Restaurants’ tables and chairs could spill out onto the streets, sidewalks and parking lots, providing more outdoor seating than ever before.

It gave extra space to allow guests to observe the required six-foot social distancing requirements.

The practice turned out to be quite popular and several dining spots have joined the practice of offering the outdoor option. Here are a few of our favorites: ANCORA CAFE & BAKERY Ancora Café & Bakery on King Street serves up sweet and savory selections all day. Enjoy an egg sammie or churro French toast on their parking-turned-streatery patio, with a prime view of the State Capitol.

steaks aged in-house and sommelier-guided wine selections, you’re sure to enjoy a premier dining experience.

BELAIR CANTINA

It’s always Taco Tuesday at BelAir Cantina. Their sunny patio is the perfect spot to enjoy BelAir’s Californian-style Mexican food— amazing tacos, burritos and a trio of salsas. Try their weekday happy hour, $2 tacos Tuesday and Thursday and extended weekend brunch menu.

BANZO

MONTY’S BLUE PLATE DINER Breakfast all day, every day. If that’s your motto, Monty’s Blue Plate Diner is the place for you. The retro, repurposed gas station also serves up burgers, sandwiches, salads, vegetarian and vegan selections. Cool off on the patio with a sundae, shake or ice cream cocktail. Small patio with plenty of action on Atwood Street.

RARE STEAKHOUSE Looking for a classic American steakhouse with a local twist?

Try the spacious, semi-covered patio at Rare Steakhouse. With an unbeatable happy hour (halfpriced bar menu), USDA Prime -78- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

Sometimes all you need are good friends and falafel. Make Banzo your next meet-up, where you can enjoy award-winning falafel and freshly made Mediterranean dishes on the spacious patio. Their brightly colored building is hard to miss!

THE LONE GIRL BREWING CO. Enjoy a craft beer and delicious pub food on the expansive rooftop deck of The Lone Girl Brewing Co. in Waunakee. Friday nights during the summer mean live music, with firepits if it gets chilly. And for Sunday Fundays, it’s bingo, brunch cocktails, and beer.

DAISY CAFE & CUPCAKERY An east side favorite, Daisy Cafe and Cupcakery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (and of course, cupcakes!) all day. Their large parking lot has been replaced with patio tables, and plenty of space for all – including your favorite furry pal. Dogs on the patio get free bacon, so as you’re enjoying a fresh-baked cupcake, you don’t have to be the only one with the treat.

GARVER FEED MILL

Grab a spot on the Garver Feed Mill patio any time of day. Located behind Olbrich Gardens and along the Capital City Trail, Garver is home to local producers like Ian’s Pizza and Ledger Coffee Roasters. Outdoor live music.

For more on Wisconsin

> Click Here

For more on Kentucky

>Click Here

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -79-

Places to Go:

Onslow County Tastes

M

enus include the freshest of coastal flavor as well as the bounty of rich farmlands. Whether with an ocean view and white tablecloth service or family-style dinner on the farm, you’ll find fresh ingredients and local specialties served with a smile.

On the central North Carolina coast, Onslow is located off I-95, north of Wilmington and east of Raleigh and I-40. Seafood is a favorite here and shrimp is king. This is the shrimp capital of North Carolina and restaurateurs keep this local delicacy on menus year-round. In fact, a variety of local seafood holds a featured place on many menus. It can be found along-side hand-cut steaks at the unique Riverside Steak and Seafood, Swansboro, the Southern-style specialties of the long-favorite Riverview Café, Sneads Ferry, and many, many more.

-80- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

The more adventurous may choose to go after their own fresh catch. Heading out with one of the experienced charter fishing captains is a great way to land the very freshest fish of the day for dinner. On a trip with Reel Livin’ Fishing Charters, Sneads Ferry, families enjoy netting shrimp and crab and can haul their bounty home for a feast. If you’d rather others do the catching, markets like Clyde Phillips Seafood, Swansboro, offer fresh, local seafood to take home and enjoy.

The bounty extends beyond the waters here. In downtown Swansboro, Yana’s is known for fresh fruit fritters and the Boro boasts an eclectic menu with both regional and international flavors. Inland, Rick’s Restaurant & Sports Bar, Sneads Ferry, is a Sneads Ferry favorite with an extensive menu and local atmosphere. Nearby, Mike’s Farm, Beulavilleserves dow n home cooking in heaping help-

ings, family-style. Next door, the bakery features some of the bestloved North Carolina sweets.

An unexpected spot for sweet treats can be found in Jacksonville.

For the past five years, Jacksonville has been home to one of very few authentic Colombian restaurants in the region. This one has been touted as one of the best!

Liliana’s Colombian Restaurant & Bakery, Jacksonville, serves authentic Colombian dishes and, from the appetizer empanadas to the sweet treats of the bakery, the flavors are amazing. Other ethnic specialties, including Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, can be found throughout the county, as well.

The native North Carolina barbeque is a must during any visit.

Visit www.OnlyinOnslow.com

For more on North Carolina

>CLICK HERE!

People to See:

Chefs Heading to World Food Championship

Seven notable chefs are headed to World Food Championships’ “Ultimate Food Fight” in Dallas, Texas CAPITAL CITY/LAKE MURRAY COUNTRY—The World Food Championships (WFC) just completed the South Carolina Super Regional Qualifier and selected seven area chefs to make up the first-ever “Team Lake Murray Country,” a competitive culinary team that will represent the Palmetto State at the 9th Annual Ultimate Food Fight, scheduled for November 5-9, 2021, in Dallas, Texas. This is the first time a team from Lake Murray Country has ever been selected.

The qualifier was integrated into the Taste of Lake Murray, a food event that benefits the Lake Murray July 4th Fireworks Show.

In addition to impressing WFC representatives, 15 chefs from the region were tasked with producing their best samples for almost

600 guests, all of whom got to vote on their favorite dishes of the night to create Team Lake Murray Country through a “people’s choice” process.

The seven chefs to go head-tohead against the world’s best for a chance at WFC’s $350,000 prize purse are: Kevin Schwab of Bistro on the Boulevard, New American cuisine by way of Texas and the Southeast in a relaxed, casual ambiance with fine-dining service and quality ingredients, nightly specials and an award-winning wine list. Irmo.

Henry Griffin of Griffin Chophouse, a classic steakhouse, burger and barbecue joint with a butcher shop, The Royal Butcher, next door, Lexington.

Arif Rizvi of RF’s Corner Grill, a “modern classic” with touches of Eastern influence and favorites like Duck Fat Fries, tacos and more, Lexington.

Brandon Velie of Juniper, locally sourced, in-season Southern

ingredients, national reviews in a hidden-gem location. Ridge Spring.

John Worthington of Figaro the Dining Room, fine dining with an eclectic Southern twist in a historic bank building; the vault is the wine cellar, Newberry.

Jon Cooper of Alodia’s Cucina Italiana, authentic home-style Italian restaurant using generations-old family recipes. Lexington.

Eric Crissey of Columbo’s Restaurant, at the Doubletree by Hilton, American contemporary and fusion cuisine that belies its chain-hotel location, Columbia.

More than 450 teams from 40 states and 10 countries are expected to participate in this year’s tournament, which will feature 10 categories of food and be filmed for a special TV show.

For more on South Carolina

> Click Here

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -81-

Go, Do, See:

Big Kahuna Wing Festival

This year, the 8th annual Big Kahuna Wing Festival celebrates the creation of the “Buffalo Wing”, which has become a national food icon. Invented in 1964 at the world famous Anchor Bar by Teresa Bellisimo, the popularity of the chicken wing has made it America’s #1 appetizer. Last year alone over 20 billion wings were consumed by Americans, 1.25 billion on Super Bowl weekend alone.

One of Knoxville’s most anticipated food events, the Big Kahuna Wing Festival, is back and has been named a Super Regional Qualifier for the world’s largest Food Sport event, World Food Championships (WFC).

Through this regional gateway program, the event will qualify five local Knoxville cooks to compete at WFC’s 9th Annual Main Event, November 5-7, in Dallas, Texas, where more than $300,000 in prize money is up for grabs.

“The Big Kahuna Festival is personally one of my favorite events to attend annually, and we’re happy to be able to welcome them back as a regional qualifier for cooks and chefs who want to compete on a global stage,” said Mike McCloud, WFC President and CEO. “These strategic qualifiers not only highlight the great local cuisine from America’s diverse regions, but they end up giving passionate cooks a chance at WFC to develop life-long friends who share the

same passion and purpose of food through competition.”

The Sept. 5th Big Kahuna Wing Festival is expected to fill Downtown Knoxville with its flavorful and alluring aroma of hot wings on the barbie. The festival will feature over 15,000 pounds of wings to be enjoyed by attendees and then ranked

by WFC’s E.A.T.™ certified judges.

Any E.A.T.™ certified foodie who is interested in putting his or her taste buds to the tests and judging some of the best wings in the South can apply here. If you’re not E.A.T.™ certified yet, simply take WFC’s online certification course at www.wfcfoodjudge.com to become eligible.

The WFC 2021 qualifying event –– which will be held at

-82- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

the World’s Fair Park Performance Lawn located between the Sunsphere and 11th Street –– is currently accepting cooking team applications here. Participating teams will be whipping up their best wing recipes for a chance to take home the event’s $10,000 prize purse and “Tennessee’s Best Wings-2021” bragging rights.

Tickets are available at https://www.bkwfestival.com/ ticket-info/. Advance Tickets are $20 and will be available from August 5th through September 4th. Tickets will be $30 at the gate.

Children under 8 are free.

Includes admission along with 10 complimentary wings.

For more on Tennessee >CLICK HERE

Go, Do, See:

Dolly’s Dinner Theatres When most people hear the names Hatfield and McCoy, what comes to mind first are those two quarreling families from Kentucky and West Virginia several generations back. But what folks don’t know about this famous feud is the lesser-known saga between a branch of the family tree that fought most about who was better in certain aspects of entertainment and ended up with their own dinner show in the Great Smoky Mountains – the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee!

Here’s how it all happened for those of you that didn’t realize the “other” history of the Hatfields and McCoys! A decade ago, way back in 2011, Pa Hatfield decided it was time for a fresh start somewhere new – but most importantly, somewhere far away from those crazy neighbors, the McCoy family. So he packed up all his belongings and convinced his three pretty daughters to move to the Great Smoky Mountains to seek fame and fortune with their talents for clogging and music.

They say smart minds think alike, so that same spring, Ma McCoy had the same idea – although it may have just been a country-minded coincidence instead of actual smarts!

She told the rest of the McCoys that her three boys and their musical talents on the banjo, fiddle, bass and who knows what else had outgrown their current situation and they were starting over somewhere their entertainment talents would be really appreciated. So Ma loaded up the truck and headed to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to make a fresh start. She figured since that’s where Dolly’s Dollywood was, it had to be the best option for her family’s many talents!

The new start in the Smokies was going just fine for the Hatfields and McCoys until the Mayor Timothy P. O’Reilly figured out who these two infamous families were, and he likes nothing better than to

stir things up, especially when feudin’ neighbors are concerned! He got the new sheriff, Duley Neal, involved, too, and the shenanigans commenced with competitions between these two clans of folks including clogging (the Hatfields have an edge here) and playing a variety of instruments (the McCoys’ talent here is top-notch).

The two families ended up realizing that together, their talents are enough to fill up a show – what with the Hatfield girls’ dancing up a storm, especially paired up with those McCoy brothers, the splash they make at the Swimming Hole with their fancy dives, diving dogs, duets between Pa Hatfield and Ma McCoy, side-splitting comedy capers, and playing tricks on that new Sheriff.

So in April 2011, they made it official and opened up a show in Pigeon Forge and then told anyone who would listen – or that they could drag in – that they should buy to ticket. To really make it worthwhile, they looked into their grandma’s old recipe book and told folks if they’d come see the show, they’d get served up a mountain feast before the show started. Did we mention it’s all you can eat? They did that so you are so full that you won’t be able to get up and leave your table and have to stay for the show!

These two mountain clans plan on continuing their feudin’ and fun and mix together their country cookin’, cloggin’ and crazy capers all together for years to come. They even do a merrier version during the holidays with the Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Disaster! So if you think your family acts a little bit crazier than other folks, just come check out the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner For more on Tennessee Feud on your next >CLICK HERE trip to the Smokies.

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -83-

Places to Go:

Tasty Abington

ABINGDON –Dining here offers an experience unmatched by most destinations. Set in the beauty of Southwest Blue Ridge Mountains, Abingdon is known for its outdoor recreation and diverse arts community. It’s the more than 30 independently owned local restaurants that have put this destination on the map for gourmets, as well. It’s been recognized as the number one “Best Small Town Food Scene” two years in a row. An easy drive from the region’s metro areas, its amazing dining options, alone, make the trip a pleasure for the senses.

The historic downtown’s charm adds to any visit.

After a ride along the world-class Virginia Creeper Trail or before a performance at the legendary Barter Theatre, start with a casual outdoor option. Another choice is an elegant, white tablecloth dining room and setting filled with history and legend.

While new places in town are drawing attention, the old favorites are always popular. An evening at The Tavern is a tradition for many. Located in Abingdon’s oldest building, built in 1779, the atmosphere both inside and the courtyard, are unique. The diverse menu, extensive beer and wine list and full bar offer something for everyone. Another local favorite, Rain is an eclectic spot with an extensive menu and artsy atmosphere. From soups, seafood and steaks to -84- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021

distinctive drinks and desserts, the menu is creative.

Another one-of-a-kind spot is Bone Fire Smokehouse & Musictorium. It is popular for both outstanding food and amazing music. This smokehouse and restaurant, located in an old hardware store, serves succulent smoked meats and “Southern high country sides” and showcases original music from local and regional artists. Luke’s Café features fresh food in an art-and-music-inspired, casual setting.

The menu is filled with salads, sandwiches and a full dinner menu, all with an artistic flair.

The Girl & The Raven is a new addition to the local food scene. The café features dishes created from regionally sourced ingredients, paired with premium craft coffees roasted in small batches, using ethically sourced beans. At 128 Pecan (128 Pecan Street SE, Abingdon, Virginia 24210), they pride themselves on both taste and service. They serve unique twists on popular sandwiches, special dinner entrees and house-made desserts, all in a friendly, quirky atmosphere.There is so much to explore and enjoy in Abingdon and the culinary scene is a vital part of the experience.

For more information on Virginia

>CLICK HERE

For more information on West Virginia

> Click Here

July, 2021 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -85-

Weekender Extended P.O. Box 96 Shiloh, OH 44875

-86- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2021