Wine Tasting

Megan Viecelli and photojournalist Jeremy Erickson take you to Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery on Old Mission Peninsula to discover a beautiful secret the winery has been keeping for five years.

“We are sort of a dual destination and we do have our Secret Garden as well, so this is an area of the property that is a low bowl, where all the cold air drained and we couldn’t grow grapes. So we said, ‘What can we do with this spot?’ and so what you see is lavender,” said Patrick Brys, the Operations Manager of Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery.

6,000 plants from nine different varieties, Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery planted the field of fragrant flowers five years ago, after getting inspiration from a trip to France.

“My mom and my sister had been to France and saw lavender growing alongside vineyards and said, ‘We should be able to do that in northern Michigan,’ and here we are today. So we really encourage guests to come out and see the sea of purple. It is just a beautiful thing to see, to witness, take pictures, take some selfies, grab an ice cream, grab a lemonade, grab some cookies, grab something from the gift shop,” said Brys.

The beautiful lavender blooms are at their peak right now and so is attendance at the winery.

“So we definitely recommend, you know, if you’re coming to visit the winery, go online, get a reservation. We do table reservations. This year, we also have our lawn bar if you don’t have a reservation. Come and check that out. You can always just grab a picnic table on the lawn, enjoy your favorite glass of Brys Estate wine,” said Brys.

Whether you are visiting the tasting room or the Secret Garden, Brys is offering a special Brewvine discount at both of their venues.

“We want to make sure that guests know that they have their Brewvine Passport, obviously works to the winery, get you some great discounts up there, but down here, we’re offering 20% off your purchase if you show your Brewvine Passport,” said Brys.

From wine tasting to wandering through the lavender fields, Brys Estate is the perfect spot to spend a relaxing summer afternoon.

“I think people just want to get out of their house and, you know, go somewhere where they can experience some beauty and just kind of take a moment for themselves. So whether it’s at the

winery or dining in the garden, I think that people can find something here at Brys Estate,” said Brys.

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FAQ: Michigan vacations

When is the best time to visit Michigan? 

Michigan is a great place to vacation year-round. Summer is popular for hiking and biking, in addition to water sports and lounging on the lakefront beaches.

Michigan is also known for its beautiful autumns when the foliage changes to vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds from September through October. This is also a popular season for wine tours, particularly throughout the Traverse Wine Coast, which has about 40 wineries.

In the winter, many enjoy snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice fishing, in addition to visiting the many wineries, breweries, and restaurants the state is known for. 

What are the best towns to stay in? 

The optimal town to stay in will depend on your interests and the attractions you’d like to see. If you’re looking for a lake experience, but don’t want to break the bank, renting a cabin on an inland lake is the best option.

If you like the best of what the outdoors and the city have to offer, Traverse City, Leland, and Holland are great places to explore. Glen Arbor, Empire, and Leland are close to Sleeping Bear Dunes and Munising and Grand Marais are great towns to stay in if you’re interested in exploring Pictured Rocks. 

What are the best lake towns in Michigan?

No matter what region of Michigan you plan on visiting, there are plenty of lake towns with top-notch beaches, outdoor activities, and unique attractions, which makes it difficult to choose the best. I always recommend visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks, which have some of the most picturesque beaches and views, along with Traverse City, which has both the beauty and the proximity to wineries, breweries, and excellent restaurants.

These, however, can come with a price tag, which is why I also recommend selecting a small inland lake to stay on, and then taking day trips to other towns.

I grew up going to a cabin on Big Star Lake in Baldwin, and some of my most memorable experiences are being able to enjoy the small-town lakehouses and forests, while also taking day trips further north to hike, swim, and explore the larger cities.

Are there beaches in Michigan?

Home to the five Great Lakes, Michigan has thousands of miles of lakeshore with a variety of sandy beaches on the coast of the mitten-shaped state. Most towns along Lake Michigan Lake Superior have several public beaches with amenities like bathrooms and vendors. From the dunes of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore to Grand Haven State Park and Saugatuck’s Oval Beach, there’s plenty of beaches to explore.

If you prefer a smaller lakehouse experience, there are thousands of small inland lakes across the state, many surrounded by small, private beaches and secluded forests. Many of these also include small sections of public beaches, as well as boat launches.

Is it safe to stay in a vacation rental?

According to the CDC, it’s safe for vaccinated individuals to travel in the US. Experts also say that Airbnbs can be safer than hotels. All of the Airbnbs follow an enhanced cleaning protocol and you can find the cleaning process for each Vrbo rental on its listing page.

Each of these listings is for the entire home, which allows for safe social distancing and limited interactions with others. While any travel can pose a risk, we recommend following CDC guidelines for safety.

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Graycliff (Photo by Matthew Digati of Buffalo Homes/provided by Graycliff)

Submitted

Wed, Jul 14th 2021 05:15 pm

Event coordinated by Paradise Wines will feature Erica Sigler of Rosenthal Wine Merchant

This August, Graycliff will present an evening fundraising event in collaboration with Buffalo-based boutique wine store Paradise Wine. Erica Sigler of Rosenthal Wine Merchant is coming to town for the occasion of presenting five wines to the guests of this special tasting event.

“Tour de France: Wine Tasting at Graycliff With Erica Sigler of Rosenthal Wine Merchant” will include an evening of wine tasting on Graycliff’s historic grounds with wine curated by Paradise Wine. Each ticket includes the wine tasting, an individually packaged gourmet light meal inspired by French cuisine by Osteria 166 (vegetarian option is available), and a tour coupon to come back on another occasion and have an extended tour of Graycliff.

All proceeds will benefit Graycliff Conservancy. The event is planned for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4, with a rain date of Thursday, Aug. 5. It will be limited to 40 guests. Each ticket is $150 (Graycliff members save $25). Tickets can be purchased through this link: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35730/production/1071031, or call 716-947-9217 to book.

More information at Rosenthal Wine Merchant can be found at madrose.com. Paradise Wine Buffalo is online at www.paradisewinebuffalo.com.

The nonprofit Graycliff Conservancy, a 501(c)(3), is dedicated to the preservation of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structures and grounds, along with the Ellen Biddle Shipman-designed gardens and landscape, that comprise Graycliff, the summer retreat of Isabelle and Darwin Martin of Buffalo (designed in in 1926 and built between 1927 and 1931). The restored historic site is a New York State Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is located at 6472 Old Lakeshore Road, Derby. Graycliff is now open for tours daily with options for both vaccinated and nonvaccinated guests. To book a tour, visit www.experiencegraycliff.org, or call 716-947-9217.

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PROVIDENCE, RI – 10/24/2017: Museum of Art, Rhode Island School Of Design (David L Ryan/Globe Staff ) SECTION: METRO TOPIC stand alone photoDavid L. Ryan/Globe Staff/file 2017

1. Visit a museum

Explore the state’s multi-cultural history in a family-friendly way at the Providence Children’s Museum. The Rhode Island School of Design’s museum has reopened to the public, but advance ticket purchase is required. Newport’s Rough Point Museum offers a combination of the Gilded Age tastes, such as French and continental furniture and other decorative arts also from the 18th-century, 16th-century Flemish tapestries, and Chinese ceramics.

The Clouds Hill Museum in Warwick prides itself as a “portal of the past,” but plan carefully as is only open on certain days. The largest collection of original artworks from the Golden Age of American Illustration can be viewed at the National Museum of American Illustration and Frederick Law Olmsted Park along Newport’s Bellevue Avenue.

While Newport’s mansions are grand, the John Brown House Museum in Providence was home to a businessman, patriot, politician, and China trade pioneer who participated in the debates that shaped the new nation. This Bristol, Rhode Island museum and hall of fame presents the story of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and the America’s Cup competition displays a collection of 60 original Herreshoff boats, steam engines, artifacts, and photographs from the “golden age of yachting.”

The Tomaquag Indigenous Memorial Museum in Exeter displays artifacts about local Native American groups, but is only open Wednesdays and Saturdays by appointment only.

2. Decode an escape room

The Great Escape Room in Providence is an award-winning escape room with some themes that have a less than 20 percent success rate. Ocean State Escape in Johnston has appropriately themed rooms for locals like “Nonna’s House,” where you discover your grandmother’s gambling habit at the local casino.

Lock & Clue in Pawtucket has one room where you act as a professional thief and have to steal a priceless artifact locked in a vault in a nearby factory. And the Riddle Room has two locations; one in Warwick and the other in East Greenwich.

3. Climb (indoors)

Try out 36-foot climbing walls, 100 rope stations, fitness equipment, professional yoga classes, and summer camps at Central Rock Gym in Warwick. Rock Spot Climbing has three locations in Rhode Island (Providence, South Kingstown, and Lincoln).

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks with Secretary of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo as they visit Books on the Square bookstore Wednesday, May 5, 2021, in Providence, R.I.Andrew Harnik/Associated Press

4. Read a book

Rhode Island has a slew of bookstores throughout the state. In Providence alone, there’s Symposium Books, Books on the Square, Paper Nautilus Books, Riffraff Bookstore and Bar, Lovecraft Arts & Sciences, Twenty Stories, among many others.

Along County Road, Barrington Books, which was voted Best Independent Bookstore by Rhode Island Monthly, is open seven days a week; Books on the Pond is laid out on more than two acres in Charlestown; and Island Books in Middletown has been locally owned since 1993.

There’s also Ink Fish Books in Warren, Wakefield Books, and Savoy Bookshop & Café in Westerly (with a sister location in Mystic, Connecticut right over the border).

Explore walls of used books and rare collectables at Cellar Stories in downtown Providence or Twice Told Tales in Cranston.

The Breakers mansion, seen through it’s ornate wrought iron fence.Tlumacki, John Globe Staff

5. Peak inside Newport Mansions

The Breakers, the mansion of all mansions, is the symbol of the Vanderbilt family’s social and financial wealth in turn-of-the-century America. It was their summer cottage in the late 19th century, and is now a top destination for self-guided tours for many Newport visitors.

The 13-acre grounds of the Breakers once included landscape designed by Ernest W. Bowditch, who was a leader in evolution of landscape architecture. But by the late 1900s, it was in need of repair — a project which the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission started in December 2018. The project is expected to be completed sometime in 2023, and is an investment of “several million dollars.”

Then there’s the Marble House, which has 500,000 cubic feet of marble worth $7 million.

Ever wonder where ”The Great Gatsby” was shot? Or “True Lies,” “27 Dresses,” or “Amistad?” Look no further than Rosecliff, which was completed in 1902 at a reported cost of $2.5 million at the time.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind of Philadelphia and New York made their fortune in the coal industry, and the Elms was their summer residence.

A small group of beer lovers enjoy a beer on the patio of Long Live Beerworks in Providence, Rhode Island.Matthew Healey/Matthew Healey for The Boston Globe

6. Grab an IPA …

There are more than 30 breweries in Rhode Island to choose from to enjoy pints with a crew. Take refuge from the rain inside Warwick’s Apponaug Brewing Company’s taproom for a glass of their “Uncommon Pursuit,” a 6% ABV IPA, or their “Kilter” which is a 5.8% ABV oatmeal stout. Bravo Brewing in Pascoag is open Thursday through Sunday for dry hopped, crisp ales like their “Anthem American Pale Ale;” “You’re Killing Me, Smalls,” which is a s’mores porter with layers of graham cracker and marshmallow on the finish; and fruited sours of either peach and mango or raspberry and passionfruit.

Cranston’s Buttonwoods Brewery has a new indoor tasting room open Tuesday through Sunday, where you can sample sophisticated lagers and barrel-aged beers.

For indoor dining, test out Long Live Beerworks, Moniker Brewery, Trinity Brewhouse, and Union Station Brewery — all in Providence.

On the Connecticut border? Head to Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island in Westerly.

The tank room at Newport Vineyards in Middletown, Rhode Island. Marianne Lee Photography

7. … or a glass of rosé!

Newport Vineyards is situated on more than 100 acres of preserved farmland where you can enjoy a wine tasting and have a bite filled with locally sourced ingredients (if you’re bringing along someone who doesn’t drink wine, the winery also offers fresh craft beer through Taproot Brewing Co., which the vineyard owns).

Greenvale Vineyards is a sixth-generation farm producing small quantities of wine along the Sakonnet River in Portsmouth. Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton offers tasting flights, wine by the bottle, grab-and-go food items, and a lawn (with umbrellas) to sip through their collection that looks to closely resemble varietals of northern France.

Gooseneck Vineyards in Wickford sources elements of their wines from around the world (be sure to try the Heritage Red, which is a blend of alfrocheiro, aragonez, touriga nacional, and alicante bouschet). Test out Leyden Farm Vineyard & Winery in West Greenwich while eyeing their three-generation Christmas tree farm.

8. Indoor go-karting, axe throwing, arcades, and more

Experience the thrill of racing at 45 miles per hour indoors at R1 Indoor Karting in Lincoln, then stay to go axe throwing or play ping-pong at the arcade. Just over the Massachusetts border, in Fall River, there’s also Stumpy’s Hatchet House for more axe-throwing activities.

For an innovative arcade, there’s Base Station VR Lounge in Johnston. And to pelt your friends with paintballs, Airsoft guns, lasers, and more, check out Battlegroundz in Lincoln, which is New England’s largest indoor Airsoft field at 20,000 square feet. There’s also Providence Indoor Paintball in the South Elmwood neighborhood.

9. Puff on a cigar

Sinking into a leather chair and puffing on a Cohiba Robusto Cuban or a Diamond Crown Julius Caesar shouldn’t only be for the Don Drapers of the world. In Rhode Island, there’s plenty of lounges to enjoy a stogie — and maybe a glass of scotch, too (two ice cubes, please).

Ale House Cigar Bar in downtown offers 17-foot ceilings, original brickwork, and a comfortable lounge in the former Haley’s Brewing, which was in full operation in the early 1900s. Tel Aviv Waterfront offers riverside views, two floors of patios and indoor dining, and an expansive choice of cigars for both first-time smokers and aficionados alike. And Federal Hill’s Tammany Hall along Atwells Avenue is known to have a few politician sightings.

Alexa Gagosz can be reached at alexa.gagosz@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @alexagagosz.

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You don’t have to go far for good wine.

Northern California may get all the credit for great wine in this state, but there are incredible wine experiences much closer to Los Angeles, especially in and around Santa Barbara. An area mostly known for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County also makes surprisingly noteworthy Rhone and Bordeaux varietals at many of its 283 wineries, and at price points that are much more affordable compared to Norcal’s wine country.  

The other great thing about wine tasting in Santa Barbara County is that you can take two approaches: hop between tasting rooms in the Funk Zone and the Presidio in Santa Barbara, or explore the region’s vineyards. In Santa Ynez Valley alone, there are 110 of them, clustered around the tiny towns of Los Olivos, Los Alamos, Ballard, Santa Ynez, Buellton, and Solvang. The valley also has a growing culinary scene that’s starting to get recognition on a national scale, with restaurants like Bell’s in Los Alamos and Coast Range’s Vaquero Bar. Here are nine wineries across Santa Barbara County that are worth making the drive up from LA:

Blair Fox Cellars

Los Olivos
Santa Barbara native Blair Fox is the winemaker for Fess Parker Winery and its other labels, Epiphany and The Bubble Shack. All three are worth a taste, but Fox and his wife Sarah have something special happening at Blair Fox Cellars, their ultra-boutique label that focuses on some of the best Syrah coming out of Santa Barbara County, as well as Vermentino and a small amount of Viognier. Some of which are made from grapes on their own private family vineyard. 
How to book: Reservations are not required, but are recommended on weekends. Tastings available Thursday-Monday 12–5 pm.

Los Alamos
This winery is in the newly designated Alisos Canyon AVA, defined by its high elevation and sandy soil perfect for growing Rhone varietals. The estate-grown reds at this small-production winery truly shine, made even better by the scenery of the ranch: grapes ripening on the vine, horses grazing just beyond, and the mountains rising up all around. 
How to book: Tastings are by reservation only, available daily until 5 pm. Book online or call Kristen at 805-570-0443.

Rideau Vineyard

Solvang
Opened in 1996 by Iris Rideau, the first Creole-American woman to own and operate a winery in the U.S., Rideau Vineyard pays tribute to Iris’s New Orleans roots through the music and decor in the tasting room, and through some of the winery’s vintages, like The Brassman Malbec and The French Countess Sauvignon Blanc. The tasting room is nestled in a historic adobe building on a 14-acre, organically farmed estate vineyard. Book a tasting with lunch and you’ll experience a perfectly paired menu, too. Virtual tastings can also be arranged, including six wines in convenient two-ounce vials shipped directly to your doorstep, followed by a one-on-one tasting over Zoom. 
How to book: Tastings are available 11am-4pm daily on a reservation-only basis. Book here.

Santa Ynez
Crown Point, named for its perch in Happy Canyon, isn’t just making the best Cabernet in Santa Barbara County — it’s making some of the best Cab and Bordeaux blends coming out of California, full stop. Experiencing them at the vineyard, sitting atop some of the most beautiful scenery on the Central Coast, is going to cost you, but it’s absolutely worth the splurge. 
How to book: Tastings with cheese pairings on the private estate are available Monday through Saturday. All tastings are private, require a two-bottle minimum purchase and must be booked in advance here.

A Tribute to Grace Wine Company

Los Alamos
A Tribute to Grace’s winemaker Angela Osborne left her native New Zealand in search of a climate more friendly to growing Grenache. Now, she works only with those grapes, making single-vineyard vintages of sparkling, rose, and many different expressions of red Grenache that, with Osborne’s finesse, somehow all manage to taste completely unique. Their coyly named Space of Grace tasting room opened just before the pandemic in February 2020 and has nine different Grenache bottlings on offer. 
How to book: Tastings are available Thursday through Monday. Reservations not required.

Santa Barbara
Happy Canyon Vineyard’s gorgeous location in the easternmost part of Santa Ynez Valley only offers private, by-appointment tastings for their impeccable Bordeaux blends. The winery also has a tasting room in Santa Barbara’s Presidio, as part of the Wine Collection of El Paseo, a collection of close-by tasting rooms that basically allow you to sit in a picturesque courtyard all day, just moving from winery to winery. 
How to book: Tastings available in Santa Barbara daily 12–6 pm. Reservations are encouraged (and required for groups of six or more). Email winetasting@happycanyonvineyard.com or call 805-203-0749.

Los Olivos
Owners and winemakers Amy Christine and Peter Hunken have a fresh approach to winemaking—all you need to do is check out Amy’s Tasting Room Diaries on Instagram to appreciate the humor they have about what they do—which also comes across in their bright, cool-climate Syrahs they produce under their Holus Bolus and The Joy Fantastic labels. 
How to book: Tastings are available Friday–Sunday 12 pm–5 pm by appointment only. Book here.

SB Wine Collective

Santa Barbara
Wine tasting in Santa Barbara is both very easy and more than a little overwhelming, just from the sheer volume of choices of tasting rooms in the Funk Zone. Simplify your decision-making process at this collaborative, which offers curated tastings from wineries throughout Santa Barbara County’s six AVAs, like Fess Parker, Stolpman, Pence and Notary Public, without having to drive anywhere.
How to book: Open daily 12-7pm. Reservations not required.

Solvang
High Roller Tiki Lounge is one of Solvang’s few cocktail bars, but specializes in wine-based tiki cocktails made with their own wines, which are also available to taste sans-mixers. Owner Michael Cobb was a longtime cast member at Disney, and there are plenty of tongue-in-cheek nods to the Mouse, including Jungle Cruise-inspired “Backside of Water” Grenache Rose and “Walt on Main St.” Cabernet wines, and hidden Mickeys inside the bar.
How to book: Open daily 1-6pm. Reservations not required.

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Julie Tremaine is a contributor for Thrillist.

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California has long been hailed as one of the greatest states, and this is why you can experience a little bit of each country within its state lines.

California has to be one of America’s most spectacular states. It is so diverse and busting with different things to see and do. California seems to have a piece of so many countries all rolled into one. California stretches from the sun-baked deserts of Death Valley through to rainforest and the coastal Red Woods.

California is a very ethnically diverse state with only around a third of the population being non-Hispanic white. It is the most populated state in America and has a population greater than that of all of Canada.

Tip: Be Prepared For Higher Gasoline Prices In California

In the main cities, you can find all sorts of communities from all over the world. Los Angles, for example, has one of the largest expat Armenian communities, and here you can easily enjoy authentic Caucasian food (and it’s delicious). While up the coast in the Bay Area around San Fransico you will find one of the largest Vietnamese communities – along with the accompanying Southeast Asian cuisine. Go to Calexico and it feels as Mexican as any part of Mexico.

Around a quarter of the population of California identifies as of Mexican origin, so the Mexican food you find here is some of the very best in the country.

Related: This Is What It’s Like To Spend A Day On The Napa Valley Wine Train

Central Valley

The Central Valley and hills around the Bay Area feel a lot like South Australia. You can feel like you are in the wine-growing Barossa Valley of Australia or in the hills surrounding Alediade. The Central Valley used to be an inland sea in the past.

Things To Do In The Central Valley

Vineyards: Go Wine Tasting In The Many Wineries

Orchids: Buy Plenty Of The Fresh Central Valley Fruit

Fun Fact: The Central Valley Used To Be Home To An Extinct Species Of Walrus – The Pliopedia Pacifica

Northern California feels uniquely North American and here you can climb up Mt Shasta. Or you can camp under its imposing auspices. If you are in this region be sure to check out the many lava tube caves that run for miles underground.

Tip: Don’t Forget To Bring A Flashlight To The Lava Caves (Head Lamp Is Even Better)

Slab City

For a truly unique and trippy experience visit “Slab City” in Southern California. Slab City is located just off of the disappearing Salton Sea and 190 miles out of Los Angles into the desert. Here is a different side of America. Slab City is made up of a unique breed of folk who really do want an alternative way of life and to really get away from it all. This settlement is mostly RVs and various other very artistic sorts of constructions with distinctive rock art.

One could say that Slab City is more a gateway to another world (a world more akin to Max Max Fury Road) than another country!

National Parks

California is home to some of America’s most famous national parks and they too capture the sheer geographic and climatic diversity of this Western State. The national parks in California include; Yosemite National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Death Valley National Park, Sequoia National Park, Pinnacles National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, And The Channel Islands National Park.

If you go to California you should certainly check out some of these national parks and it will become very apparent why they are national parks. In addition to the National Parks, California has many stunning state parks to see and explore. These are the best places to camp during your summer vacation.

Bodie State Park

Located in the high desert on the border with Nevada, Bodie is one of America’s best-preserved ghost towns and a total must-see for anyone passing through the area. Situated where it is denuded of trees, one wonders how they managed to source the wood to build the houses. And being at a high elevation it has been known to hail in the height of summer. This is an eerie experience as when the mine closed people just left and often left stuff inside their homes. You can still see homes with abandoned belongings in them. Palm Springs is a gateway to another time.

• Elevation: 8,379 Feet
• Peak Population: Around 10,000
• Status: State Park And Ghost Town
• Summer Hours: 9.00-6.00
• Admission Fee: $8 Per Adult

Palm Springs

One of the unique places in California is Palm Springs. This is a very unusual resort town just out of Los Angles in the desert. It is a winter snowbird destination for those Americans seeking to escape the cold of the northern climes. Today despite only having a population of less than 50,000, it receives around 1.6 million visitors every year. From Palm Springs it’s an easy drive to check out the Slab City. The contrast between these two places could not be greater.

Fun Fact #1: Over 10% Of Households In Palm Springs Belong To Same-Sex Couples

Fun Fact #2: Palm Springs Area Boasts More Than 100 Golf Courses

In short, it’s hard to overrate California as a stunning destination. Both culturally and geographically.

Next: This Sleepy Town Is Home To One Of The Most Underrated Beaches In Southern California

Don’t Be A Rookie: Avoid Making These (Easy) Mistakes During Your Caribbean Vacay

About The Author

Aaron Spray
(24 Articles Published)

Aaron is a first-hand traveler who has visited more than 70 countries around the world. He is passionate about traveling and opening up the world for other intrepid explorers.

More From Aaron Spray

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Events

GAVIOTA, Calif.- The Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program has been a supporting organization for challenged children and adults for 30 years.

On Saturday, the program held a fundraiser at Folded Hills Ranch Winery and Homestead to benefit those involved in therapeutic riding.

It has been a helpful choice of therapy for 70 students each week and 300 annually.

Its mission is to provide quality equine-assisted activities to those with physical, cognitive, emotional, or other life challenges.

The event contained wine tasting, a polo match, silent auction and tailgate contest.

Community / Lifestyle / Santa Barbara – South County

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I don’t know about you, but when I got vaccinated, it was a sigh of relief and I got so excited for summer 2021. My husband and I planned a vacation and started venturing out to places to finally enjoy ourselves. I think the same goes for a lot of people.

I know people are always looking for day date ideas or date night ideas and if you’re a wine lover, Washington Crossing Historic Park just announced on their Facebook page that their Wine on the Waterfront event is back for this year.

It’s taking place Saturday August 21st from 3-7pm at Washington Crossing Historic Park at 112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA.

The list of wineries that will be at Wine on the Waterfront are listed below. The event’s page says there will be even more coming.

• Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery
• Cardinal Hollow Winery
• Crossing Vineyards & Winery
• Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery
• Rebel Hive Meadery
• Sand Castle Winery

Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased here. Everyone needs a ticket, even if they aren’t drinking. There is $15 designated driver ticket to purchase. Children, even newborns are not allowed as well as dogs. You can get answers to some questions you may have by clicking here or emailing info@washingtoncrossingpark.org.

In addition to wine tasting, there will also be wine for purchase by the bottle and case. There will be food and entertainment. You are encouraged to bring your own blankets and chairs and you can even bring your own food even though there will be some there. That was always the best thing to me when I go to a wine festival I like my own snacks.

Sounds like a great time.

LOOK: Here are the 50 best beach towns in America

Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which got us thinking about what makes a beach town the best one to live in. To find out, Stacker consulted data from WalletHub, released June 17, 2020, that compares U.S. beach towns. Ratings are based on six categories: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of life. The cities ranged in population from 10,000 to 150,000, but they had to have at least one local beach listed on TripAdvisor. Read the full methodology here. From those rankings, we selected the top 50. Readers who live in California and Florida will be unsurprised to learn that many of towns featured here are in one of those two states.

Keep reading to see if your favorite beach town made the cut.

 

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It’s time for a change of scenery.

This deep into the summer, you’re undoubtedly eyeing your next escape from Atlanta. Considering that you have probably tried to fight the heat this summer by visiting Savannah and/or one of the many great beach cities in the Southeast, it’s time for a drastically different change in scenery. Luckily for us Atlantans, there are countless travel destinations around Georgia, and most—if not all—are accessible by car. One of those must-visit destinations is Helen, a mountain town in northeast Georgia that attracts families, beer enthusiasts, and lovebirds all-year round. From it basically being a mini-Germany hiding at the top of Georgia to its plethora of fun water attractions, this unique, Bavarian-style town definitely proves that you don’t have to vacay at the beach in order to have a good time during the summer. Yet, if you still need a little bit more convincing, we understand. Here are over 50 compelling reasons you should make that drive to Helen, Georgia.

Courtesy of The Heidelberg German Restaurant, Bar & Music Hall – Helen, GA

Taste German cuisine without leaving Georgia

One of the most fascinating aspects about Helen is that it’s a picturesque replica of a Bavarian Alpine village in Germany. Towards the end of the 20th century, Helen was redesigned to bring some classic German flair to North Georgia, and in addition to its quaint visual aesthetic, the European influence is also present in the mountain town’s eateries. In Helen, there are several restaurants where you can go to enjoy an authentic German dining experience, including The Heidelberg German Restaurant, Pub & Music Hall, The Troll Tavern & Restaurant, Bodensee, Hofer’s Bakery and Cafe, Hofbrauhaus Restaurant & Pub, Cafe International, and Village Crepe Haus. Plus, there are still several great spots that serve Southern staples and American classics for the not so adventurous travelers, including Cowboys & Angels, Paul’s Steakhouse, Bigg Daddys Restaurant & Tavern, Nacoochee Village Tavern & Pizzeria, and Betty’s Country Store.

Courtesy of Tallulah Gorge State Park Page

Get some fresh air while visiting nature sites and historical landmarks

In addition to the great food options in Helen, the area is riddled with gorgeous nature trails and historical landmarks for you to explore during your visit. The one-mile trail Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail is an ADA accessible scenic route that connects the Hardman Farm State Historic Site to Alpine Helen, and Smithgall Woods State Park and Raven Cliffs Trailhead are two other peaceful hiking locations that are close to Helen. History buffs can enjoy quick trips to both the Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound and the Stovall Mill Covered Bridge, and for those who don’t mind driving a bit longer for some mind-blowing nature sites, both Brasstown Bald—aka the highest point in Georgia—and Tallulah Gorge State Park are within 30 miles of Helen. However, if all else fails and you find yourself with not enough time to check out all of the wondrous outdoor areas in and around Helen, visiting Anna Ruby Falls is a must. Whether you take the novice-friendly 0.4-mile trail or the challenging 4.6-mile hike to the base of the waterfalls, you’ll be absolutely blown away by the beautiful twin falls.

Courtesy of Bear Creek Lodge and Cabins Helen GA

Unwind in a cabin

During the summer, you probably imagine your dream vacation as a getaway at a beachside resort or lakefront villa, but spending time in the mountains can be just as refreshing, especially with the vast assortment of cabins in Helen. By using cabin rental platforms like Cabin Rentals of Helen, Georgia Mountain Rentals, and Pinnacle Cabin Rentals, visitors can find the perfect cabin for their trip to the Appalachian Mountains, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with booking one with Bear Creek Lodge and Cabins. From cozy treehouse cabins that sleep five people to riverside cabins that are especially designed for those who love to fish, Bear Creek Lodge and Cabins has an excellent variety of cabins available. And similar to other great travel destinations, the Airbnbs in the area are absolutely stunning as well, so whether you’re looking for a romantic cabin about six miles outside of Helen or a Bavarian-style condo that’s walking distance from Downtown Helen, you’ll have even more great lodging options to choose from.

Courtesy of Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures At Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge

Cool off with high-altitude attractions

So far, we’ve covered all of the relaxing and peaceful aspects about Helen that make it such a great nearby town to visit this summer, but there are plenty of exciting and blood-rushing activities to take part in as well. Thrill-seekers who often spend their summers at Six Flags will be surprised that Helen has a rollercoaster of its own—the tiny, yet electrifying, self-controlled Georgia Mountain Coaster. You can also beat the heat by getting wet at the Helen Tubing & Waterpark or by shooting down the Chattahoochee with Cool River Tubing, and if you’re a really great swimmer who doesn’t mind driving an hour or so for an exceptionally thrilling experience, Wildwater Rafting offers various white water rafting trips down the Chattooga River. For those who are looking to have a blast without getting wet, you can go ziplining at Nacoochee Adventures or the Unicoi Zipline & Aerial Adventure Park, and the Alpine Fun Factory has everything else you could possibly think of, from indoor go-karts and laser tag to an arcade and a skating rink.

Experience Downtown Helen’s Bavarian charm for yourself

As previously mentioned, part of what makes Helen one of Georgia’s most popular tourist locations is its captivating Alpine aesthetic, so when you’re not zipping through the sky or tubing down the Chattahoochee River, make it a point to explore the downtown Helen area. Museum attractions and activities like Alpine Mini Golf, Outpost Gold & Gem Mining Co., Charlemagne’s Kingdom, Helen Arts & Heritage Center offer fun for visitors of all ages, and there are a lot of shops to check out ass well, including The Glassblowing Shop, the Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen, and the Nacoochee Village Antique Mall.

Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art. | Courtesy of Explore Georgia

Explore nearby North Georgia towns

One of the benefits of visiting Helen is that you’ll be closer than ever to numerous natural landmarks and must-visit towns in northeast Georgia. Thus, if you’ll be staying in Helen for a while and don’t mind hitting the road for 30- to 45-minute stretches, there is plenty to explore in the nearby area. About 21 miles north, there’s Hiawassee—which boasts the waterfall-riddled High Shoals Falls, the Hiawassee Antique Mall, and the Hightower Creek Vineyards. You can also head closer to the Georgia-South Carolina border to see the Toccoa Falls—the highest single-drop waterfall east of the Mississippi—in person. Helen is also within 30 miles of both Dahlonega and Blairsville, so you can either head southwest for your fill of wineries or head northwest for some peaceful outdoor recreation.

Courtesy of Yonah Mountain Vineyards

Hit up a bunch of breweries and wineries

If you’re looking to have an even more spirited trip to Helen, you have to take advantage of the bevy of wineries, breweries, vineyards, and bars. For starters, whether you stay there or not, having a drink atop the Valhalla Resort Hotel Sky Bar is damn-near an essential Helen experience. Then there’s the wineries. Sweet Acre Farms Winery Tasting Room is a great family-owned winery in Helen, and for an even more extensive wine-tasting experience, take a trip on the Unicoi Wine Trail. The trail is essentially a Northeast Georgia wine crawl that features six locally owned vineyards and wineries, including Yonah Mountain Vineyards, Habersham Winery, Serenity Cellars, The Cottage Vineyard, Sylvan Valley Lodge & Winery, and CeNita Vineyards & Winery. And of course, if you’re simply looking for some good local brews, Alpine Brew Deck and Tantrum Brewing Company are two must-visit destinations for beer enthusiasts.

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Joshua Robinson is an Atlanta-based entertainment critic and lifestyle writer for Thrillist. Follow him on Instagram at @roshrisky.

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It’s a fortunate coincidence that both America and France celebrate their independence in July. Quite different in style, both occasions revolve around food.

While grilled dogs and burgers washed down with cold beer define our tradition, the French (as you would expect in a nation famous for its food) aim for a higher, if no less relaxed, level of cuisine.

Bastille Day, July 14, is the national day of France, marking the storming of the infamous Bastille fortress to liberate the political prisoners held there. Like our holiday celebrating independence from royal tyranny, Bastille Day commemorates the end of the French monarchy and a turning point in the French revolution.

The day is filled with parades, fireworks and parties, along with lots of food and drink — just like here. Reporting on the 1879 festivities, the newspaper Le Figaro wrote, “people feasted much, to honour the storming of the Bastille.” It hasn’t changed a lot since then.

French restaurants in our area maintain the Bastille Day tradition with special menus and events, so we can celebrate along with them.

Ridgefield has long been a formidable enclave of French dining covering a full range of styles. Bernards offers classic white-tablecloth dining along with the more casual Sarah’s Wine Bar; Luc’s Cafe is a beloved and authentic bistro; and Sucre Sale serves up a full range of buckwheat crepes, quiche and French favorites. All are hosting Bastille Day celebrations.

Bernards famous Bastille Day dinner is on July 18 this year. It’s an extravagant sit down dinner and wine tasting in the best French tradition. Francophiles have gathered at Bernard’s for the past 22 years for the occasion.

“It’s lots of fun,” co-owner Sarah Bouissou told me. “Some of the guests come every year.” The party also marks Bernard and Sarah’s July 14 wedding anniversary.

The menu includes pates, terrines, rillettes, and Bernard’s famous cassoulet plus live gypsy jazz. There is the very-French cheese course, and then dessert. Excellent wines with each course are included for $125 per person. Reservations are essential — call 203-438-8282.

In true bistro style, Luc’s Cafe will offer a modified menu served all day on July 14, games of Petanque on their boules court, and live music. No reservations are taken. Get there early.

At Sucre Salée chef/owner Frank Bonnaudet has been enthusiastically celebrating Bastille Day since 2015.

“People love it,” he said. “It’s a chance for the many fans of French life and culture to gather.”

This year the holiday falls on a Wednesday, mussel night at the restaurant. For $28 you get a glass of wine and unlimited moules prepared either marinieres, a la moutarde, orientales, or guinguette, all accompanied by live music. Reservations are suggested.

Bruxelles in SoNo is not strictly a French restaurant, but it’s French enough to have some Bastille Day festivities. Chef Roland Olah’s menu of specials will start on July 9 and run through the July 14 holiday for an extended celebration.

In addition to regular menu items like escargot, beef bourguignon, nicoise salad and croque monsieur, the Bastille Day menu will include French onion soup, mussels Provencal, bouillabaisse, and a French apple tart for dessert. A signature “Gin Bowl” cocktail made with Nouaison French gin and flavored with ginger, mint, and lemon is just the thing.

If you want to celebrate at home, go see Ken Skovron at Darien Cheese. He’s been helping the local chapter of the Chevalier du Tastevin with the menu for their big Bastille Day affair for years. The club honors the great wine and traditional food of Burgundy by drinking and eating at elaborate banquets and intimate dinners.

For Bastille Day, Ken says, “You can’t go wrong with a traditional onion soup topped with a crouton and melted Comte cheese. … Bastille Day is a festive excuse to enjoy the best foods and wine.”

A spread of artisanal cheese, pate, and cornichons accompanied by crusty bread and a fine wine completes the menu.

Skovron recommends a range of cheeses for the feast. After all, France is a country with hundreds of beloved varieties. His Comte from the Jura comes to the shop after 18 months and then rests for another six, perfect for the onion soup. On the cheese platter, he’d like to see a mild washed rind cheese like Affidelice that is washed with Chablis, a rich, buttery Beaufort Alpage gruyere made from summer milk into a 90 pound wheel, and a cinder-coated Chevre. He’s always eager to talk cheese and recommend what’s best in the shop for any occasion.

Bastille Day is a national holiday in France, but for us it’s an opportunity to indulge in French food and wine while raising a glass to our fellow revolutionaries.

Frank Whitman can be reached at NotBreadAloneFW@gmail.com.

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