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Travel News and Advice – March 15, 2026

by Melanie Votaw | Top Stories, Travel Advice/News/Products

Global Entry in the U.S. has been reinstated after it was suspended for a few weeks.

Travel and the Iran war. The war in Iran is causing problems with lots of air travel, whether or not you’re heading to the Middle East. That’s because the airspace over these countries (some of which are now closed) is needed to travel to other parts of the world, such as Asia and Australia. With reduced available airspace, there are bound to be delays, and from what I’ve read, airlines and travel insurance might not compensate you for this loss. So tread carefully. The other issue is that oil availability is reduced while oil prices are increasing, which will probably make flights more expensive.

Skip the coffee and tea on the plane. According to the Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity’s 2026 Airline Water Study, the water used on airplanes to make tea and coffee might not be safe. American Airlines and JetBlue came out the worst, while only Delta and Frontier had fairly clean water.

A flight attendant serves coffee to a passenger. Stock photo.

Polio alerts. The CDC has issued an alert for travelers to the following countries because of an upsurge in cases of polio. If you haven’t been vaccinated, please do it! There is no cure for polio, which causes paralysis, lifelong disabilities, and early death, but it can be prevented through the vaccine. Some of the countries on the list will surprise you: United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Finland, Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gaza, Ghana, Guinea, Israel, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Yemen, and Zimbabwe.

European carry-on rules. European airlines can no longer charge fees for under-seat bags and carry-ons after a vote by European Parliament. But personal items must be no larger than 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches, while carry-on bags in the overhead bin must be about 40 inches (combining all sides added together) and no heavier than 15 pounds.

Are you a member of CLEAR? If so, the new app for the service will provide some new perks. It will tell you what time to leave home in order to get to your gate on time, allow you to reserve Uber rides, store your travel documents, and sign up for a VIP experience with CLEAR Concierge. In the latter case, an “Ambassador” will meet you at the curb and guide you through the airport.

Barcelona tax increase. Starting next month, the much-beloved city in Spain will double its tourist tax on accommodations to $14 on holiday rentals and to $11-$17 per night for hotel guests. Cruise passengers won’t pay more, as their tax will stay at $7.

Detail of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Photo by Melanie Votaw.

Sagrada Familia construction. Speaking of Barcelona, exterior construction of the famous Sagrada Familia church by Gaudi has finally been completed after 144 years. When Gaudi died, only 25% of the church was finished, and interior work remains to be done. But it’s now the world’s tallest church at 566 feet.

Passenger removed from Southwest flight. On March 6th, a passenger was removed from a Southwest Airlines flight because of a security threat that was later cleared. The flight left Nashville for Fort Lauderdale and had to be diverted to Atlanta because of the security scare.

Robbery at the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas. A couple from Michigan is suing the Ritz-Carlton after they experienced an armed robbery on the hotel’s property in St. Thomas that ended in a loss of $425,000 worth of luxury goods.

Cherry blossoms at Ashikaga Flower Park in Japan. Photo by Melanie Votaw.

Washington, D.C. cherry blossoms. While there’s no way to predict with 100% accuracy, the National Park Service expects the cherry blossoms in D.C. to reach their peak between March 29th and April 1st.

New airport lounges. LAX has a new Korean Air lounge in Terminal B, and word is it’s quite beautiful. If you get to check it out, please report back! American Express also just opened a speakeasy-inspired Centurion Lounge in Concourse D at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

Speaking of LAX. The airport’s LAX/Metro Transit Center opened in the middle of last year, giving passengers a rail connection, but it won’t be complete until the Automated People Mover (APM) is finished. Originally supposed to be finished in 2023, it’s now slated for the end of 2026. It will connect the Transmit Center with terminals and allow travelers to bypass car traffic in the airport. (If you’ve ever driven in LA, you’ll know what a blessing this will be!)

Black sand beach in Iceland. Photo by Melanie Votaw.

Famous Iceland beach changed. Reynisfjara Black Beach in Mýrdalur has been altered by powerful currents. People used to be able to walk right up to the beach’s famed basalt columns and cave, but now, the water reaches those areas, making them impassable.

Flooding in Australia. Floods in the Northern Territory and northern Queensland in Australia have necessitated the evacuation of an entire town, and the flood waters are filled with crocodiles.

America at 250: Where To Soak in the History

by Melanie Votaw | Destinations, Museums, Entertainment, North America, Top Stories

If you want to visit some sites rich in early American history during our 250th year, below are some places and experiences that fit the bill.

Quincy, Massachusetts

Quincy played an outsized role in shaping the ideas, leadership, and institutions that defined the American Revolution and the early Republic. In the decades leading up to 1776, the town was a center of civic debate and political engagement. Historians note that this kind of civic culture was essential to the Revolution’s success.

From this environment emerged the Adams family, whose influence on American history is difficult to overstate. John Adams, a leading advocate for independence, served in the Continental Congress, helped draft foundational revolutionary documents, and later secured critical European alliances as a diplomat.

The extensive correspondence of Abigail Adams, who wrote from Quincy while managing family and property during wartime, offers one of the most detailed accounts of Revolutionary America. In 1776, she famously urged her husband to “Remember the Ladies,” articulating an early warning that democracy built on exclusion would remain incomplete.

United First Parish Church in Quincy. Stock photo.

Both John Adams and John Quincy Adams are buried in Quincy at United First Parish Church, often called the Church of the Presidents.

Quincy’s revolutionary story also intersects with John Hancock, one of the most visible figures of the era. His famously bold signature was intended as an unmistakable act of defiance. Hancock had significant ties to Quincy, owning land in the area and worshiping at the same church as the Adams family.

At a time when democratic institutions face renewed stress, Quincy’s history serves as a reminder that the American Revolution was not only an event, but a practice – one that continues to demand attention, effort, and renewal.

Sites in Quincy include Adams National Historical Park, United First Parish Church, Dorothy Quincy Homestead, Hancock Cemetery, Adams Academy, John Winthrop Jr. Iron Furnace Site, Moswetuset Hummock, Granite Railway Incline, and Quincy House.

The Flavor of 1776: Davio’s Restaurant 250th Menu

Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse locations in Boston, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and Reston, Virginia are offering a delicious way to bring history to life – by showcasing the foods Americans ate in 1776 that we still enjoy today, reimagined through a modern, chef-driven lens.

Ingredients featured include beef, chicken, seafood, potatoes, beans, apples, bread, and herbs – staples of early American cooking that remain central to today’s dining culture. Wine and beverage servings reflect both heritage and modern hospitality.

Davio’s in Reston, Virginia. Photo courtesy of Davio’s.

Boston, of course, is a hotbed of early American history. King of Prussia in Pennsylvania is just miles from Valley Forge, where Washington led his troops through one of the most pivotal winters of the Revolutionary War.

Virginia is a state often called “the birthplace of presidents.” It was home to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe.

The Paul Revere case at the Massachusetts Historical Society. Photo courtesy of MHS.

Two New Massachusetts Historical Society Exhibits Bring the American Revolution to Life in Boston

“The Road to Revolution: Massachusetts and the Independence Movement” opened February 10th at the Old State House in Boston with partner Revolutionary Spaces. It pairs the Old State House’s historic setting with the Massachusetts Historical Society’s unparalleled collection, creating a powerful experience that connects place and primary sources in telling the story of the American Revolution.

It explores the escalating tensions, pivotal choices, and far-reaching consequences of events in 1775 and early 1776. Through the voices of Massachusetts merchants, soldiers, politicians, and families, it reveals how the revolution was debated, resisted, and ultimately embraced.

Boston Old State House building. Stock photo.

On view at the Old State House will be extraordinary documents and objects, including Paul Revere’s 1775 deposition, his own written account of his ride to Lexington to warn Samual Adams and John Hancock that the British were coming to arrest them; a Lexington cannonball; correspondence from Samuel Adams; the diary of Boston merchant William Cheever chronicling the British siege of the city; and a sword believed to have belonged to General Joseph Warren.

A letter from Abigail Adams to John Adams at the Massachusetts Historical Society. Photo courtesy of MHS.

“1776: Declaring Independence” opened at the Massachusetts Historical Society on March 6th. It explores how the Declaration of Independence was written, printed, and shared, and examines its impact on a divided nation. At the heart of the exhibition is a single, world-changing question: how did the 13 colonies declare independence to the world?

The exhibit traces the drafting, printing, and dissemination of the Declaration of Independence, as well as the document’s lasting impact. John and Abigail Adams emerge as central figures, guiding visitors through debates over liberty, loyalty, governance, and the meaning of independence.

Highlights include personal, handwritten copies of the Declaration by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, early printings of the document, including a rare Dunlap broadside, and Abigail Adams’s personal belongings.

Taken together, these exhibits offer a local and personal account of the turbulent years that preceded American independence. Private correspondence, diary entries, and rare artifacts preserved by the Massachusetts Historical Society for more than two centuries reveal how individuals experienced the revolution.

Exhibition Galleries at MHS are open Monday, and Wednesday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. (galleries and library open at noon the second Tuesday of the month); and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Old State House is open daily from 10am-5pm. To learn more visit, www.masshist.org.

The Charleston Museum. Photo courtesy of the Charleston Museum.

The Charleston Museum: America’s First Museum

“Ringleaders of Rebellion: Charleston in Revolt, 1775–1783” is a major exhibition at the Charleston Museum that explores how Charleston, South Carolina became both a strategic prize and a site of internal division where loyalty, rebellion, and survival collided.

With traveling exhibits like a logbook from the HMS Bristol and one of the first printed copies of the Declaration of Independence, Revolutionary War era weapons, clothes, and more, it’s designed to engage today’s audiences with questions that feel strikingly contemporary: Who gets to define freedom? What does resistance look like? And how do revolutions reshape everyday life?

Carl Borick’s book. Photo courtesy of the Charleston Museum.

The Museum’s director, Carl Borick, is the author of the forthcoming book, Backcountry Resistance: South Carolina’s Militia and the Fight for Independence (March 24 release), which shifts focus away from famous battlefields and founding figures to examine how local militias and ordinary citizens shaped the course of the war. Together, the exhibition and the book underscore how America’s independence was contested, uneven, and deeply local.

Beyond the gallery, the Museum’s America250 work includes public programs, lectures, and partnerships that connect local history to the national narrative, offering a model for how communities across the country can approach the semiquincentennial.

The Concord Museum Exhibit: “Revolutionary Legacies”

The Concord Museum in Concord, Massachusetts was named a USA Today 10 BEST Reader’s Choice Award Winner for Best Small Town Museum for the second year in a row. The special exhibition, “Revolutionary Legacies” opens March 27th and traces how the legacy of April 19, 1775 has been remembered and reinterpreted over 250 years, spotlighting the evolving meanings of liberty, community, and identity.

Highlights include the original lantern used during Paul Revere’s famed Midnight Ride and objects that illuminate everyday life during the Revolutionary Era and beyond. As part of its ongoing semiquincentennial commemorations, the Museum is offering an expanded slate of exhibitions and public programs.

Paul Revere’s lantern at the Concord Museum. Photo courtesy of the Concord Museum.

These include an immersive gallery experience featuring objects that witnessed the opening day of the Revolution and a forum series including an evening with historian Jill Lepore on the U.S. Constitution; “The American Revolution and the Fate of the World” with Historian Rick Bell; and “Revolutionary Legacies: Between the Lines” with Poet Bonney Hartley and the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians.

A special event on May 16th will be a scenic ride through Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Bedford, and Carlisle, passing historic sites including the North Bridge, Lexington Green, and the Paul Revere Capture Site. Proceeds will support the Museum’s education programs serving more than 15,000 schoolchildren each year.

Another special event will happen on Patriots’ Day, April 20th. Visitors to the Concord Museum on the anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord will enjoy free admission and be welcomed to the day’s family activities. The grounds of the Museum will be buzzing with a minutemen encampment with the Billerica Colonial Minutemen and Acton Minutemen, and family activities.

Dance Review: Gala Flamenca at New York City Center

by Barbara Angelakis | Museums, Entertainment, Top Stories

Every year as a prelude to the end of winter, New York City is gifted with the return of the Flamenco Festival. A joyous celebration of what’s old … what’s new …. and what’s eternal in Flamenco that draws adoring admirers to various venues around the city to applaud flashing feet and swirling skirts.

On the 25th anniversary of this occasion, New York City Center hosted many of the events, and it was a walk down memory lane for me to return to that gloriously ornate neo-Moorish hall for Gala Flamenca.

New York City Center. Photo by Barbara Angelakis.

New York City Center is dear to my heart, and every visit reminds me of my early days in New York when as a student, visits to the upper reaches of this massive auditorium introduced me to a world of culture sadly missing from my childhood. Once I climbed up the seemingly endless flights of stairs to where the affordable (euphemism for cheap) seats were and caught my breath, I was transfixed by the endless parade of live entertainment available to me for a few dollars.

City Center was, after all, Manhattan’s first performing arts center founded in 1943 when the Shriner’s flamboyant temple was saved from demolition by Mayor Fiorello La Guardia’s intervention. The stated raison d’être was to provide culture to the masses at an affordable cost, and City Center lived up to its mission beautifully then and still does today.

Gala Flamenca. Photo by Christopher Duggan and courtesy of New York City Center.

Flamenco is a total art form: it’s a melding of instruments – mostly guitar but also drums – with singing in a loud, throaty, mournful wail, along with a pounding of feet, posturing of body, clapping of hands, and snapping of fingers (or castanets). Like any good dance form, Flamenco tells a story, mostly of love and loss, but also of a people who passed down their trials and tribulations through this art form specific to them.

I must admit that Gala Flamenca was a different experience for me that was not the usual Flamenco performance I have enjoyed in the past both in Spain and in New York. Gala Flamenca is a gathering together of four extraordinary dancers and seven singer/musicians in a showcase of explosive performance directed by award-winning transformational dancer Manuel Liñán.

Manuel Liñán in Gala Flamenca. Photo by Marcos G. Punto and courtesy of New York City Center.

Liñán is brilliant in both of his dual male/female aspects. Regardless of his gender-specific costume, his expressive posturing and dancing feet brought shouts of olé from the appreciative audience.

Liñán has brought to this performance a cultural authenticity, pairing the singers and dancers in a competitive repartee showcasing each other’s talents and giving the singers a starring role equal to the dancers. It was point and counterpoint: two artists expressing in their own genre as one sang his story and the other danced it.

Juan Tomás De La Molía. Photo by Manuel Naranjo Martell and courtesy of New York City Center.

Juan Tomás De La Molía, the youngest of the dancers, is “considered one of the most exciting new talents in contemporary Flamenco.” His energy, exuberance, and humor shine through and pairs well with Antonio Fernández Montoya “El Farru” of the legendary Farruco dynasty. “El Farru” continues the radiant performance tradition set by his grandfather, the great Farruco, and his father and mother, La Farruca and El Moreno.

El Farru in Gala Flamenca. Photo by Cylla Von Tiedemann and courtesy of New York City Center.

The sole female dancer, award-winning choreographer/dancer and nationally acclaimed artist, Eva Yerbabuena, is in a class all her own. Her passion and mastery of the dance was spellbinding. The three male singers – Manuel De Ginés, Juan De La María, and Sebastián Sánchez – along with the musicians – Paco Jarana, Francisco Vinuesa, and Daniel Suárez – were outstanding.

Eva Yerabuena in Gala Flamenca. Photo by Matthew Karas and courtesy of New York City Center.

I would be remiss without a special shoutout to singer/dancer Mara Rey, who dazzled us with her heartfelt song and rambunctious dancing.

Flamenco Festival began in 2001 by Miguel Marin, who, although Spanish born, fell in love with Flamenco in New York City as a student in his 20s. The festival has evolved over the years, developing into a cultural event unparalleled in a city that could be called the capital of culture.

This year’s Flamenco Festival season at New York City Center ran from February 26 to March 8. While it might be too late to catch this year, watch for it in the future and treat yourself to an unforgettable experience. Of course, if you aren’t on City Center’s mailing list for its offerings throughout the year, be sure to rectify that. It provides a host of wonderful dance, music, and theater productions to the city.

Elephant Green Chili Chutney

by Melanie Votaw | Asia, Food, Wine, Spirits, Top Stories

Recently, I’ve been into trying recipes from Southeast Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East. So when I received an invitation to try a sample of Elephant Green Chili Chutney™, I gratefully accepted.

The chutney was developed by mother-daughter business partners, Cashmira Sethna (Cashu) and Tanzie Turel (Tan), who spent more than a decade perfecting their recipe. I’m always happy to champion a woman-run business!

Elephant Green Chili Chutney. Photo courtesy of Elephant Green Chili Chutney™.

Cashu is a former recipe columnist for the Indian Express in New York, a culinary enthusiast, and ho me chef. She was born in Mumbai and was a contestant in The Favorite Chef competition, where she placed second in her group in support of the James Beard Foundation. Her daughter, Tan, is an economics-driven foodie.

The two of them say, “We believe food is more than just sustenance—it’s a way to express love, celebrate life, and connect with one another.”

Elephant Green Chili Chutney on the table. Photo courtesy of Elephant Green Chili Chutney™.

The chutney was a finalist in the 2026 Soft Awards in the best condiments category. The jury blindly sampled 1,200 products during the contest. Made in Connecticut, the chutney is now available in 36 specialty stores in the northeastern U.S., including Williams Sonoma in Columbus Circle, NYC.

Naturally vegan, Kosher, and gluten-free, the chutney contains just six ingredients: green chili, dried coconut, cilantro, vinegar, Kosher salt, and sugar.

Elephant Green Chili Chutney on roasted chicken. Photo courtesy of Elephant Green Chili Chutney™.

What did I think of the sweet and sour sauce? It’s very tasty, and definitely has a kick! I tried it with frozen samosas for a fast and easy meal, but it would taste great with salmon, chicken, steak, eggs. crackers, and sharp cheddar.

Hamar: A Norwegian Escape

by Sebastian Price | Destinations, Europe, Top Stories

The soft, silent tread of my snowshoes across open fields felt like a rhythmic pulse against the snow-covered earth. Above me, a tall evergreen spruce forest stood like silent sentinels, its branches heavy with cotton-like bundles of heavy, drooping snow.

In that crisp, invigorating air, I felt a stillness – a comforting quiet that seemed to fix a pleasant moment in time, shielding me temporarily from the frantic pace of the everyday world I had just left behind.

Hamar, Norway. Photo by Stine Karset Broen.

I arrived in Hamar, a town tucked along the shores of Lake Mjøsa, just a 90-minute journey from the bustle of Oslo, via the Vy train. My base was the Scandic Hamar, a centrally located hotel that serves as a perfect jumping-off point for the region’s vast trail network.

It’s there I met my guide, Stine Karset Broen of Karset Activity Farm, a local whose friendly chatter eventually gave way to deeper insights into the Norwegian psyche. She spoke of friluftsliv – the “outdoor life” – not as a hobby, but as a necessity for the inner being.

Stine Karset Broen of Karset Activity Farm. Photo by Sebastian Price.

Later, as we moved deeper into the forest together, the snow revealed delicate, soft tracks of white hares and the purposeful, linear prints of a small fox on the hunt. This quiet frozen expanse instilled a feeling of uplifting connectedness with nature and a contemplative sense of joy.

However, the true heart of my journey lay in Norway’s “national sport”: cross-country skiing. Before this trip, I have to admit my skill level was only “beginner-novice.” The prospect of balancing on two narrow fiberglass strips while navigating undulating terrain felt daunting. Fortunately, I was paired with Amund Hagen Kristiansen, an instructor and guide, who embodies the Norwegian passion for the outdoors.

Ski instructor Amund Hagen Kristiansen. Photo by Sebastian Price.

On my first day, we traveled to a premier ski location near Hamar with miles of perfectly groomed trails. My instructor didn’t just teach me mechanics. He taught me the economy of motion. He provided constructive insights into my posture, correcting my tendency to lean too far back, and offered constant, generous support.

“Think of your skis as a firm connection with the underlying terrain,” he told me. Within hours, the hesitant, unsure movements of a beginner began to take on a sense of purpose and the desire to reach the next stage in mastering this outdoor sport. The encouragement I received that first day became the fuel I needed to tackle the more demanding trails the following day.

On the second day, we moved to a new location that was clearly a local favorite. The atmosphere felt electric with the energy of families with children. As I cautiously surveyed the new terrain, children as young as five, in their carefree and uninhibited way, flew past me at breakneck speed.

Young skiers in Hamar. Photo by Sebastian Price.

Their mastery was humbling. They didn’t think about preconceived personal challenges. They simply overcame any feelings of hesitancy.

Among those gathered to ski, I noticed a group of Ukrainian refugees who had come to learn the sport as well. Watching them, I was struck by the power of the outdoor sporting landscape to act as a neutral ground for healing. They seemed unrestricted and free, if only for those few hours.

While undoubtedly the profound sense of dislocation that follows the horrors of war can be a constant burden that no temporary diversion can fully lift, the rhythmic “kick-and-glide” of the skis seemed to offer them a timely distraction. In the shared struggle of learning to balance on snow, the barriers between “local” and “refugee” appeared to dissolve into a common human experience.

Hamar, Norway. Photo by Sebastian Price.

The physical exertion of cross-country skiing – engaging every muscle group from the core to the calves – demands a significant caloric reward. After our session, we retreated to the dining facilities next to the seasonal rental cabins. During lunchtime, with a warm, cozy fire at our backs, we enjoyed this time shared with a friendly crowd of locals.

We later visited the local downhill ski center, where the air filled with the laughter of parents and children having fun. It was here I realized that Hamar isn’t a place you observe; it’s a place you participate in.

The evenings provided a different kind of relaxation. Returning to the Scandic Hamar restaurant on most evenings, I enjoyed consistently high culinary standards. The kitchen’s dedication to fresh, local produce was evident in every dish.

I still recall the poached fish and grilled scallops – each cooked with a precision that highlighted the quality of the produce. Paired with a selection from their surprisingly deep wine selection, these meals were the perfect bookend to days spent in the fresh outdoor air.

Reflecting on my time in Hamar, I found more than just a winter destination. I found a community that views the inviting outdoor sporting pursuits not as an adversary, but as a welcoming companion. The people there are genuinely friendly and eager to share their varied outdoor pleasures.

They offered me a brand of hospitality that felt authentic rather than manufactured for tourism. For anyone looking to escape the sanitized experience of a traditional ski resort, the trails of Hamar offer a raw, real experience.

The author received some complimentary services during this trip, but as always, we are dedicated to providing our readers with unbiased accounts of our experiences.

Dark Sky Tourism: Traveling to See the Stars and Lights

by Melanie Votaw | Destinations, Top Stories

During the last few years, the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis have been more in the news, as the lights have been more prominent, frequent, and even showing up in the southern U.S. This has increased the interest in “skywatching” travel or “astrotourism.” I have to admit that I’ve become more interested and even ventured to arctic Norway in 2022 to see the Aurora. It did not disappoint!

Multicolored northern lights (Aurora borealis) in Iceland. Stock photo.

I have been lucky enough to happen upon some great skywatching during my travels. I saw an incredibly large moon rise above a mountain on the island of St. John in the Caribbean with Venus hanging down from it like a pendant. I saw the Milky Way and a myriad of stars in a dark sky location on the western cape of South Africa.

But I’m now becoming more interested in visiting places specifically for their dark sky, which makes for a better opportunity to see celestial wonders. At the top of my list is the Atacama Desert of Chile, which is considered one of the best places on the planet for stargazing. The caveat is that it’s at a high elevation and one of the driest places on earth as well. Still, I hope to get there within the next few years.

A rainbow on Rapa Nui at the Nayara Resort. Photo by Melanie Votaw.

Nayara Resorts have a property in the Atacama Desert. I stayed at their resort in Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and loved it, so when I go, I plan to stay at Nayara. Rapa Nui, incidentally, offered some pretty good stargazing as well.

I visited Churchill, Manitoba, Canada recently, and while I didn’t see any northern lights while I was there, it’s a prime location for the aurora.

Dark Sky Reserves

There are even dark sky reserves around the world named by DarkSky International. Below are some of the places recommended by the organization:

Westhavelland International Dark Sky Reserve is in Germany and just 100 kilometers from Berlin. In autumn, large migrating birds add to the experience, and it’s supposed to be a great place to see the Milky Way.

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is on the South Island of New Zealand. It’s another good place to see the Milky Way, but best when the moon is not full.

The Milky Way over the Atacama Desert in Chile. Stock photo.

Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve is on the Iveragh Peninsula of Ireland. On clear nights, you can see the Andromeda Galaxy here, along with nebulae and meteors.

Pic du midi International Dark Sky Reserve is in the French Pyrenees. The largest telescope in France is in this location, and a visit can be combined with skiing.

Brecon Beacons (or Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park in Wales can be reached by train or bus from Cardiff. You might see Mars and Jupiter here, and there are ruins and villages nearby.

Exmoor National Park in England might show you as many as 3,000 stars on a clear night, and the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona in the U.S. is also a terrific spot for stargazing. Other prime spots in the U.S. include Death Valley National Park in California, Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah, and Big Bend National Park in Texas. Check the DarkSky International website for places close to you, as the mentions in this article are just the tip of the global iceberg.

Dark Sky Festivals

There are even astronomy events throughout the year:

Great Orion Dark Sky Festival in California, March 19-22, 2026

Texas Star Party in Texas, May 10-17, 2026

Grand Canyon Star Party in Arizona, June 6-13, 2026

Queensland Astrofest in Australia, July 10-19, 2026

Dalby Forest StarFest in England, August 13-27, 2026

Starfest in Ontario, Canada, August 13-16, 2026

Stellafane Convention in Vermont, August 13-16, 2026

Great Basin Astronomy Festival in Nevada, September 10-12, 2026

Canada’s Top Stargazing Locations

I also want to highlight some spots in Canada in particular, however, where the best time to visit is between October and March.

Kerry Manley, Head of Marketing at Journeyscape, has commented on Canadian stargazing trends and offered advice on how travellers can boost their chances of spotting the northern lights: “Many places in Canada are primed for spotting the northern lights, but to increase your chances, plan your visit around the equinoxes in March and September. To increase your chances of seeing these, download an aurora tracking app, and aim for nights with KP index* of five or higher.”

The best places to see the stars in Canada. Photo courtesy of Journeyscape.

To help determine the best Canadian destinations for a stargazing trip, the travel experts at North American holiday operator Journeyscape have analyzed various factors, including brightness levels, air quality, precipitation, and more.

The 10 best places to see the stars in Canada are: Waterton Glacier International Peace Park, Wood Buffalo National Park, and Jasper National Park in Alberta; Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia; Grasslands National Park and Fort Walsh National Historic Site in Saskatchewan; Manitoulin Eco Park, Four Corners Algonquin, Killarney Provincial Park, and Bruce Peninsula National Park in Ontario.

Jasper National Park comes in first place with an astrotourism score of 9.92. As the second largest dark-sky preserve in the world, Jasper National Park boasts pitch-black skies (0.18 mcd/m²) framed by the rugged Rockies. Its high mountain altitude reduces atmospheric interference, offering a crystal-clear view of celestial wonders like the Orion Nebula.

Stargazing in Canada. Photo courtesy of Journeyscape.

Bruce Peninsula National Park ranks second with a score of 8.92, and is a fantastic place to spot constellations. Stargazing becomes even more magical in the summer months thanks to the free Bayside Astronomy nights, run by the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association. Kerry suggests enhancing your experience with stargazing apps: “Once you’re under the night sky in Canada, apps like Sky Guide, Night Sky, and Stellarium let you point your phone at the sky and identify stars and planets in real-time with augmented reality.”

Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario, takes third place, closely behind Bruce Peninsula, with a score of 8.75. Tucked away on the northern shore of Georgian Bay in Ontario, Killarney Provincial Park is Canada’s ultimate celestial destination. This spot has the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion, as it’s an hour’s drive from the nearest big town, Sudbury.

To maximize visibility of the stars, Kerry recommends visitors to “plan your visit here around major meteor showers. Perseids (occurring mid-July to mid-August) are often named the best meteor shower of the year, so they’re definitely one you wouldn’t want to miss!”

You can view the full research by Journeyscape here.

Have you seen a great sky show somewhere in the world? If so, please enlighten us in the comments!

Restaurant Review: Azurmendi, Larrabetzu, Spain

by Manos Angelakis | Europe, Food, Wine, Spirits, Top Stories

Eneko Atxa is a chef who is deeply rooted in the regional traditions of classic Basque cookery. His culinary inspiration were the dishes of his mother and grandmother, yet his current dishes reveal an inventiveness and imagination that go well beyond any constraints of regional or even national gastronomy.

Chef Eneko Atxa plating a dish. Photo by Manos Angelakis.

The three Michelin stars garnered by his main restaurant Azurmendi, and the single star given to his less formal one called ENEKO in the same location, are given for a very good reason: they both deliver exceptional cuisine that is well worth a special journey. His restaurant in Lisbon, also called ENEKO, earned a Michelin star as well.

The exterior of Azurmendi. Photo by Manos Angelakis.

The restaurants in Spain, located atop a hill in Larrabetzu just 10 minutes outside Bilbao, are in a standalone glass-walled building with a garden on the upper level. This is where most of their vegetables and aromatics used in the kitchens are grown, surrounded by plants and grapevines. There is also a txakoli (white Basque wine) winery on the premises.

Egg yolk at Azurmendi. Photo by Manos Angelakis.

The experience begins the moment you enter the spacious indoor garden. The food at Azurmendi is honest, unique, and sublime. It’s an experience offering cutting-edge creativity in a unique bioclimatic building. Sustainability seems to be as important to this chef as quality ingredients and seasonal/regional specialties.

Red mullet at Azurmendi. Photo by Manos Angelakis.

I have dined at Elkano, Berasategui, Can Roca, 11 Madison-Park, Noma, Ciel Bleu, and many other 3-Michelin starred restaurants and have never experienced a meal quite like what I have experienced at Azurmendi. The kitchen is ENEKO’s laboratory, and the results prove to me that gastronomy can be spirit-elevating as well as nutritional. At Azurmendi, eating well is no trivial matter.

Fried oysters on the half shell at Azurmendi. Photo by Manos Angelakis.

Each plate becomes an empty canvas where tasty and visually inventive masterpieces are created. As far as I’m concerned, Azurmendi is at the top of the European restaurant firmament and certainly one among the very best in the world. And Chef Atxa is the Willem de Kooning or Joan Miró of the Spanish culinary world.

Oxtail at Azurmendi. Photo by Manos Angelakis.

I usually met Chef Atxa during the annual Gastronomika conferences in San Sebastián, where all of the top Spanish chefs participate. He always had new dishes to offer, as well as informed opinions and ideas as to where Spanish gastronomy is headed and why. But eating in his restaurant reveals much more about his thinking, knowledge, and passion for food and great ingredients than a short interview would ever reveal.

Oyster small plate at Azurmendi. Photo by Manos Angelakis.

If I seem to be gushing – yes, I am! Every meal at Azurmendi has turned out to be an exploration of unchartered culinary territory – a journey in time to tomorrow.

Black pudding at Azurmendi. Photo by Manos Angelakis.

Chef Atxa’s tasting menus revealed to me an authentic conviction that there can be a better, more sustainable world, teaching us to differentiate the natural from the absurd and be appreciative of the fact that science doesn’t have to be at odds with common sense.

Travel News and Advice – February 28, 2026

by Melanie Votaw | Top Stories, Travel Advice/News/Products

Flights cancelled in Middle East. After the U.S. attacked Iran this morning, many flights across the Middle East have been cancelled, and airspace has been shut down. If you’re planning any trips to the area, check with your airline before going to the airport.

Unrest in Mexico. After the Mexican army killed the leader of the New Generation Cartel in Jalisco, Mexico, violence broke out, and more than 20 inmates escaped from prison. To date, tourists in Puerto Vallarta and nearby towns have been advised to shelter in place.

A Puerto Vallarta, Mexico sign. Stock photo.

Flights to Cuba suspended. After the U.S. instituted a blockade against oil shipments to Cuba from Venezuela, the island began to suffer a fuel shortage. Several international airlines have stopped flying there, and Canada and the UK have advised their citizens not to travel there. Planes can no longer refuel in the country, which means international flights are precarious.

California avalanche. On February 17, 2026, an avalanche in the town of Truckee, California killed 9 skiers. It’s the deadliest avalanche in California in many years.

Protester loses TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Minnesota resident Nicole Cleland was stripped of her PreCheck and Global Entry privileges after an encounter with an ICE agent.

Speaking of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry… The U.S. suspended both briefly because of the government shutdown and then quickly reversed on PreCheck. But to date, Global Entry remains suspended.

UK ETA program finally in place. After several delays, U.S. passengers and those of 84 other countries will need to apply using the UK ETA app for 16 British pounds. You can’t enter the UK without it. But it covers you for two years or until your passport expires.

Don’t use your hotel’s coffeemaker. An influencer on TikTok went viral for suggesting that travelers wash their underwear in their hotel’s coffeemaker, evoking a lot of “ewww” comments in response. She apparently learned it from a flight attendant, but experts say boiling water isn’t enough to disinfect a coffeemaker. So I recommend never using these things again! Holy moly.

Split has had enough of drinking. Split, Croatia will enforce a nightly alcohol sales ban in its most touristed areas from 8pm to 6am starting in September of this year. They’ve had enough of bad behavior from their tourists. Can’t say I blame them.

Beware AI scams. Christopher Elliott reports that travel scams using AI are becoming more sophisticated. They might use deep fake voices, pretend to be your hotel contacting you on WhatsApp about a problem, or create websites that look exactly like the real thing. ALWAYS make sure you go to the correct website (don’t even trust Google) – check the URL – and never give your information to someone on WhatsApp. If you receive a call, always verify it by calling the hotel or airline back yourself, double-checking that you have the right phone number. Be careful out there!

Airline and hotel pricing. Christopher Elliott also reports that airlines and hotels are tracking our browsing habits and creating profiles on us as individuals to help them determine the highest price we’d be willing to pay for flights and rooms. Currently, there are no U.S. regulations to prevent this practice. Yikes!

No more free breakfast? Meanwhile, it looks like a lot of hotels are deciding to stop serving complimentary breakfast. This is true of Hyatt Place and Holiday Inn already, so check carefully if you expect that buffet in the morning without having to shell out more bucks.

Hyatt Hotels news. Thomas J. Pritzer, Chairman of Hyatt Hotels, is retiring under duress due to his presence in the Epstein files.

Plane passenger arrested. A 40-year-old woman on a 15-hour Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi to Washington D.C. on February 13th was arrested after she kicked, pushed, and slapped flight attendants. Officials say she could serve 20 years in prison.

New lounge at LaGuardia. Capital One has opened a new lounge at LaGuardia Airport, which features Spanish-inspired tapas by famed Chef José Andrés. If you try it out, please report back!

The Louvre again? The Louvre has discovered that a long-term ticket scam has cost them $12 million over the course of a decade. Nine people were arrested recently. What next?

Want to rent the Heated Rivalry cottage? Well, now you can. The Canadian home is on Airbnb: https://news.airbnb.com/barlochancottage/,

Airport sleep rooms. I stayed in an airport sleep room during a layover in Tokyo, but these types of rooms are also now available in Toronto, Miami, and Bogota. Check them out: https://www.waitnrest.com/en/.

Yosemite National Park. Photo by Melanie Votaw.

Yosemite National Park. Yosemite no longer requires reservations, which might at first sound like a good thing. But the word is that it’s made the park very crowded and has created traffic jams. If you go, give yourself extra time, and try to go during the week.

Private jet issues. Frommers reports that private jets are causing congestion at busy airports, and they also produce about 45 times the carbon footprint of the average airliner. Grrr…

The World’s Riskiest Country for Solo Travelers. According to data analyzed by Squaremouth travel insurance company, Venezuela is the most dangerous country for solo travelers. Peru ranks #2, and Gabon ranks #3. Others in the top 10 are Colombia, Bolivia, Jamaica, Guyana, Ecuador, Trinidad and Tobago, and South Africa. Incidentally, Mexico is #16 on the list, and the U.S. is #37.

Power bank issues. Many of us have traveled with extra power banks to make sure our phones always have juice, but lithium batteries have been catching fire on airplanes and causing problems. This has led to power bank restrictions in some countries. Japan is banning power bank use on board planes starting in April, and the U.S. no longer allows them in checked bags. The advice I’m seeing is to pack no more than two power banks with batteries that don’t exceed 160Wh each.

2026 James Beard Awards Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists

by Melanie Votaw | Food, Wine, Spirits, Top Stories

Looking for the next great place to eat out? These choices by the James Beard Awards can give you great ideas in your home or vacation locale. (The finalists will be announced March 31, 2026.)

Outstanding Restaurateur

Elizabeth Blau, Blau + Associates (Buddy V’s and Honeysalt), Las Vegas, NV

Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski, Atomic Workshop (The Anchovy Bar, The Progress, and State Bird Provisions), San Francisco, CA

Mike Brown, Bob Gerken, and James Winberg, Travail Collective (Travail Kitchen & Amusements, ie by Travail, and Dream Creamery), Robbinsdale, MN

Frank Callero, Joe Flamm, and Steven Zaleski, Day Off Group (Rose Mary, il Carciofo, and BLVD Steakhouse), Chicago, IL

Rachel Cope, 84 Hospitality (Elisabetta, Gorō Ramen, and Burger Punk), Oklahoma City, OK

Scott Drewno and Danny Lee, Fried Rice Collective (Anju, Chiko, and I Egg You), Washington, D.C.

Brett Evje and Michael Ochsner (PLONK Bozeman, J.W. Heist Steakhouse, and PLONK Missoula), Bozeman, MT

Holly Fox and Adam Weisblatt, Last Word Hospitality (Found Oyster, Rasarumah, and The Copper Room), Los Angeles, CA

Srijith Gopinathan and Ayesha Thapar (Ettan, Copra, and Eylan), Palo Alto, San Francisco, Los Altos, and Menlo Park, CA

Meherwan Irani and Molly Irani, Chai Pani Restaurant Group (Chai Pani and Botiwalla), Asheville, NC

Simon Kim, Gracious Hospitality (COTE, Undercote, and COQODAQ), New York, NY

Tommy Lee (Uncle, Hop Alley, and Molino Chido), Denver, CO

Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski, Link Restaurant Group (Pêche Seafood Grill, Herbsaint, Cochon, and others), New Orleans, LA

Tom Main (Freeland’s and Tinker Street), Indianapolis, IN

Leslie McCrorey Wells (Pizzeria Verità, Trattoria Delia, Sotto Enoteca, and others), Burlington, VT

Peter Merriman (Merriman’s, Monkeypod, and others), O’ahu, Maui, and Big Island, HI

Hugo Ortega and Tracy Vaught, H-Town Restaurant Group (Hugo’s, Xochi, Urbe, and others), Houston, TX

Dana Street (Fore Street, Scales, Standard Baking Co., and others), Portland, ME

Greg Vernick, Vernick Philadelphia (Vernick Food & Drink, Vernick Fish, and Vernick Coffee Bar), Philadelphia, PA

Jennifer Vitagliano and Nicole Vitagliano, Elizabeth Street Hospitality (The Musket Room, Raf’s, and Cafe Zaffri), New York, NY

Outstanding Chef

Ann Ahmed, Khâluna, Minneapolis, MN

Charleen Badman, FnB, Scottsdale, AZ

Gilberto Cetina, Holbox, Los Angeles, CA

Diana Davila, Mi Tocaya Antojeria, Chicago, IL

Zachary Engel, Galit, Chicago, IL

Manabu Horiuchi, Katami, Houston, TX

David Kirkland and Ernest Servantes, Burnt Bean Co., Seguin, TX

Gabriel Kreuther, Gabriel Kreuther, New York, NY

Joseph Lenn, J.C. Holdway, Knoxville, TN

Rob McDaniel, Bayonet, Birmingham, AL

Niki Nakayama, n/naka, Los Angeles, CA

Dean Neff, Seabird, Wilmington, NC

Josh Niernberg, Bin 707 Foodbar, Grand Junction, CO

Kwame Onwuachi, Tatiana, New York, NY

Peter Pastan, 2 Amy’s, Washington, D.C.

Missy Robbins, Lilia, Brooklyn, NY

Alex Roberts, Alma, Minneapolis, MN

David Standridge, The Shipwright’s Daughter, Mystic, CT

Michael Tusk, Quince, San Francisco, CA

Aaron Verzosa, Archipelago, Seattle, WA

Outstanding Restaurant presented by Acqua Panna® Natural Spring Water

Antico Nuovo, Los Angeles, CA

Bar La Grassa, Minneapolis, MN

Blackbird Kitchen, Bozeman, MT

The Catbird Seat, Nashville, TN

Centrolina, Washington, D.C.

Chubby Fish, Charleston, SC

EL Ideas, Chicago, IL

FarmBar, Tulsa, OK

Foreign Cinema, San Francisco, CA

The Four Horsemen, Brooklyn, NY

Kalaya, Philadelphia, PA

Kasama, Chicago, IL

Le Pigeon, Portland, OR

Mixtli, San Antonio, TX

Nonesuch, Oklahoma City, OK

O Ya, Boston, MA

Oberlin, Providence, RI

Via Carota, New York, NY

Vianda, San Juan, PR

Vicia, St. Louis, MO

Emerging Chef presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water

Hector Garate, Palmira Barbecue, Charleston, SC

Anthony Jones, Marcus DC, Washington, D.C.

Steve Joo, Joodooboo, Oakland, CA

Fátima Juárez, Komal, Los Angeles, CA

E.J. Lagasse, Emeril’s, New Orleans, LA

Max Lappé and Jacques Varon, Baso, Houston, TX

Sunny Lee, Sunn’s, New York, NY

Kyle Lussier, The Pines, Grand Rapids, MN

Nicolai Mlodinow, Class Act, Chicago, IL

Ellie Parker, Main Street Provisions, Las Vegas, NV

Rasheeda Purdie, Ramen by Rā, New York, NY

Frankie Ramirez, Amá, Philadelphia, PA

José Olmedo Carles Rojas, Si! Mon, Venice, CA

Vanessa Rose, Mother’s, Milwaukee, WI

Ahmed Suliman, Cafe Suliman, Seattle, WA

Bailey Sullivan, Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio, Chicago, IL

Pao Thampitak, Gaaeng Supper Club, Boston, MA

Adrian Torres, Maximo, West University Place, TX

Bao Tran, Giovedi, Honolulu, HI

Jasmine Watson, Audette, Newport, RI

Best New Restaurant

1033 Omakase, Milwaukee, WI

Agnes and Sherman, Houston, TX

Anacacho Coffee & Cantina, San Antonio, TX

Anjin, Kansas City, MO

Bong, New York, NY

Café Monette, St. Albans, VT

Claudine, Providence, RI

Echelon Kitchen & Bar, Ann Arbor, MI

Emmett, Philadelphia, PA

Evviva, New Orleans, LA

Far-Out, Dallas, TX

The Happy Crane, San Francisco, CA

Indibar, Scottsdale, AZ

Junah, Salt Lake City, UT

Kabawa, New York, NY

Ki, Los Angeles, CA

Kizaki, Denver, CO

Lei, New York, NY

Little Beast Ballard, Seattle, WA

Maison Bar à Vins, Washington, DC

Merci, Charleston, SC

Nadu, Chicago, IL

Nic & Junior’s, Chicago, IL

Peregrine, Raleigh, NC

Robin, St. Louis, MO

ROLi, New Haven, CT

RVR, Venice, CA

Saint Claire, New Orleans, LA

Tamba, Las Vegas, NV

The Wayland Mill, Seattle, WA

Outstanding Bakery

Bánh by Lauren, New York, NY

Born & Bread Bakehouse, Lakeland, FL

The Burque Bakehouse, Albuquerque, NM

Bywater Bakery, New Orleans, LA

Café Dear Leon, Baltimore, MD

Cultured, Sister Bay, WI

Dan The Baker, Columbus, OH

DeLuxe Cakes and Pastries, Iowa City, IA

Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop, Anchorage, AK

Gusto Bread, Long Beach, CA

Librae, New York, NY

The Local General Store, Honolulu, HI

Mercado Sin Nombre, Austin, TX

Niedlov’s Bakery Cafe, Knoxville, TN

Night Moves Bread, South Portland, ME

Poulette Bakeshop, Parker, CO

Starship Bagel, Dallas, TX

Super Secret Ice Cream, Bethlehem, NH

Weltons Tiny Bakeshop, Charleston, SC

Wild Crumb, Bozeman, MT

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

Renata Ameni, Birdee, Brooklyn, NY

Neale Asato, Asato Family Shop, Honolulu, HI

Susan Bae, Moon Rabbit, Washington, D.C.

Youssef Boudarine, J’adore Pastry, Indianapolis, IN

Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Nicosi, San Antonio, TX

Monique Feybesse and Paul Feybesse, Tarts de Feybesse, Oakland, CA

Monica Glass, Verveine Cafe & Bakery, Cambridge, MA

Maggie Huff, Lucia, Dallas, TX

Courtney Kenyon-Snider, Obélix, Chicago, IL

Helen Jo Leach, The Town Company, Kansas City, MO

Eunji Lee, Lysée, New York, NY

Justine MacNeil, Fiore, Philadelphia, PA

Claudia Martinez, Bar ANA, Atlanta, GA

Kimberly Mcintosh, MILKFISH Bakeshop, Las Vegas, NV

Lucia Merino, Lucia Patisserie, San Juan, PR

Oscar Ortega, Atelier Ortega, Jackson Hole, WY

Whitney Stancil, Cuvée at Chatham Inn, Chatham, MA

Emily Thompson, The Wolf’s Tailor, Denver, CO

Christina Wood, Temple Pastries, Seattle, WA

Hannah Ziskin, Quarter Sheets, Los Angeles, CA

Outstanding Hospitality

Ammatoli, Long Beach, CA

Ansots Basque Chorizos & Catering, Boise, ID

Aria, Atlanta, GA

Barley Swine, Austin, TX

Bottega, Birmingham, AL

Bresca, Washington, D.C.

Cosme, New York, NY

Daisies, Chicago, IL

House of Prime Rib, San Francisco, CA

Joan’s in the Park, St. Paul, MN

Louie, Clayton, MO

Mallorca, Cleveland, OH

Ostra, Boston, MA

Providence, Los Angeles, CA

Red Hook Tavern, Brooklyn, NY

Restaurant Olivia, Denver, CO

Sofreh, Brooklyn, NY

State Road, Martha’s Vineyard, MA

Tailor, Nashville, TN

Tutka Bay Lodge, Homer, AK

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

Ada’s Wine Bar, Las Vegas, NV

Amara at Paraiso, Miami, FL

Apteka, Pittsburgh, PA

Brasero, Chicago, IL

Caruso’s, Montecito, CA

Chambers, New York, NY

Coquine, Portland, OR

F.L.X. Table, Geneva, NY

Field & Main, Marshall, VA

Kalimotxo, Austin, TX

Kato, Los Angeles, CA

Le Bouillon, Omaha, NE

Le Caviste, Seattle, WA

One Legged Magpie, Red Lodge, MT

The Port of Call, Mystic, CT

The Progress, San Francisco, CA

Stems and Skins, Charleston, SC

Sway Brewing & Blending, Baileys Harbor, WI

Taconeta, El Paso, TX

Talulla, Cambridge, MA

Outstanding Bar

Aldo Sohm Wine Bar, New York, NY

Ayahuasca Cantina, Dallas, TX

Bow & Arrow Brewing Co., Albuquerque, NM

Double Chicken Please, New York, NY

Drastic Measures, Shawnee, KS

Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar, Charleston, SC

Highball, Phoenix, AZ

Hopleaf Bar, Chicago, IL

Lady Jane, Denver, CO

Lovers Bar at Friday Saturday Sunday, Philadelphia, PA

The Mothership, Milwaukee, WI

Onyx Coffee Lab, Rogers, AR

Post Office Place, Salt Lake City, UT

Realm of the 52 Remedies, San Diego, CA

Roquette, Seattle, WA

Scotch Lodge, Portland, OR

Smuggler’s Cove, San Francisco, CA

Spoke Wine Bar, Somerville, MA

Watch Hill Proper, Prospect, KY

Wild Child Wines, Lafayette, LA

Best New Bar

Almanac, Philadelphia, PA

Bar Bucce, Miami, FL

Bar Chenin, Detroit, MI

Bar Please!, Boise, ID

Bar Snack, New York, NY

Clemente Bar, New York, NY

The Contrary, Des Moines, IA

Daisy, Los Angeles, CA

Daydream Rum Bar, Albuquerque, NM

The Elbow Room, Vancouver, WA

Later Bye, Oklahoma City, OK

Lee’s, Houston, TX

Loma, Providence, RI

Lucky Star, Atlanta, GA

Madeira Park, Atlanta, GA

Nocturno, Las Vegas, NV

Pink Flamingo, Baltimore, MD

Public Parking, Madison, WI

The Valley Club, San Francisco, CA

Van Atta, Telluride, CO

Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service

Zac Adcox, Kid Sister, Phoenix, AZ

Nader Asgari-Tari, Zurito, Boston, MA

Bank Atcharawan, Jipata, Las Vegas, NV

Jack Benchakul, Endorffeine, Los Angeles, CA

Lee Campbell, Borgo, New York, NY

Andrea Ciavardini-Royko, Jianna, Greenville, SC

Paul Einbund, The Morris, San Francisco, CA

Ryan Fletter, Barolo Grill, Denver, CO

Braithe Gill, Brennan’s, New Orleans, LA

Joel Gunderson, Heavenly Creatures, Portland, OR

Brent Kroll, Maxwell Park, Washington, D.C.

Jared May, Vida, Indianapolis, IN

Alyssa Mikiko DiPasquale, The Koji Club, Boston, MA

Celia Pellegrini, Este, Austin, TX

Taurean Philpott, Avize, Atlanta, GA

Amy Racine, La Marchande, New York, NY

June Rodil, March, Houston, TX

Sara Sergent, Alpine Distilling Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Park City, UT

Derek Stevenson, Auro, Calistoga, CA

Dan Suro-Cipolloni and David Suro-Piñera, Tequilas and La Jefa, Philadelphia, PA

Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service

Anu Apte, Rob Roy, Seattle, WA

Doug Atwell, Southpaw, Baltimore, MD

Eric Bennett, Continental Drift, Birmingham, AL

Hastings Cameron, Imaginary Factory, Madison, WI

Diana Condori, Fern Bar, Kansas City, MO

Kevin Diedrich, Pacific Cocktail Haven, San Francisco, CA

Nicky Fas, Pantera, Caguas, PR

Jesse Hedberg, Club Frills, Providence, RI

McLain Hedges and Mary Allison Wright, Yacht Club, Denver, CO

Christine Kim, Service Bar, Washington, D.C.

Jason Lee, Darling, Los Angeles, CA

Miles Macquarrie, Kimball House, Atlanta, GA

Christopher Marty, Best Intentions, Chicago, IL

Mariena Mercer Boarini, Aft Cocktail Deck, Las Vegas, NV

Ivy Mix, Whoopsie Daisy, Brooklyn, NY

Kristine Nguyen, Bludorn, Houston, TX

Gabe Sanchez, Midnight Rambler, Dallas, TX

Ross Simon, Little Rituals, Phoenix, AZ

Mike Stankovich, Longfellow, Cincinnati, OH

Kate Wise, Juniper Bar, Burlington, VT

Best Chefs presented by Capital One (by region)

Best Chef: California

Eric Alexander and Courtney McDonald, Restaurant Josephine, Auburn, CA

Kim Alter, Nightbird, San Francisco, CA

Dave Beran, Seline, Santa Monica, CA

Eric Bost, Lilo, Carlsbad, CA

Harrison Cheney, Sons & Daughters, San Francisco, CA

Sarah Cooper and Alan Hsu, Sun Moon Studio, Oakland, CA

Geoff Davis, Burdell, Oakland, CA

Brian Dunsmoor, Dunsmoor, Los Angeles, CA

Sarah Hymanson and Sara Kramer, Kismet, Los Angeles, CA

Zareen Khan, Zareen’s, Palo Alto, CA

Emma Lipp and Stephanie Reagor, Valley Bar & Bottle, Sonoma, CA

Tara Monsod, Animae, San Diego, CA

Andrew Muñoz and Michelle Muñoz, Moo’s Craft Barbecue, Los Angeles, CA

Charles Namba, Camélia, Los Angeles, CA

Viet Nguyen, Nep Cafe, Fountain Valley, CA

Brandon Rice, Ernest, San Francisco, CA

Daisy Ryan, Bell’s, Los Alamos, CA

Fik Saleh and Reka Saleh, Fikscue Craft BBQ, Alameda, CA

Kosuke Tada, Mijoté, San Francisco, CA

Kwang Uh, Baroo, Los Angeles, CA

Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH)

Javier Bardauil, BARDA, Detroit, MI

Michael Bowe, Red Yeti, Jeffersonville, IN

Vinnie Cimino, Cordelia, Cleveland, OH

Thai Dang, HaiSous, Chicago, IL

Sarah Dworak, Sudova, Cincinnati, OH

Andy Elliott and Emily Stewart, Modern Bird, Traverse City, MI

Danny Espinoza, Santa Masa Tamaleria, Chicago, IL

Norman Fenton, Cariño, Chicago, IL

James Galbraith, PostBoy, New Buffalo, MI

Luz Gonza and Omar Gonza, Macizo Restaurant, Indianapolis, IN

Aaron Hansen, Lone Pine, Carmel, IN

Hideki Harada, Kiki, Cincinnati, OH

Jeffrey Harris, Nolia Kitchen, Cincinnati, OH

Christopher Jung and Erling Wu-Bower, Maxwells Trading, Chicago, IL

Mari Katsumura and Adam Sindler, SHŌ, Chicago, IL

Nick Kleutsch and James Sanders, Sanders BBQ Supply Co., Chicago, IL

Rishi Kumar and Zubair Mohajir, Mirra, Chicago, IL

Ben Lustbader and Sarah Mispagel, Loaf Lounge, Chicago, IL

Jacob Potashnick, Feld, Chicago, IL

John Yelinek, Ladder 4 Wine Bar, Detroit, MI

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA)

Matthew Adler, Cucina Morini, Washington, D.C.

Darmyelesh Alemu, Beteseb, Silver Spring, MD

Jamilka Borges, Lilith, Pittsburgh, PA

Leah Branch, The Roosevelt, Richmond, VA

Russ Cowan, Radin’s Delicatessen, Cherry Hill, NJ

Nathan Flaim, Luca, Lancaster, PA

Fernando Gonzalez, 2Fifty TX BBQ, Washington, D.C.

Ian Graye, Pietramala, Philadelphia, PA

Miguel Guerra and Tatiana Mora, Mita, Washington, D.C.

Johanna Hellrigl, Ama, Washington, D.C.

Jesse Ito, Royal Sushi & Izakaya, Philadelphia, PA

Dwain Kalup, La Fia, Wilmington, DE

Matthew Oetting, Marta, Baltimore, MD

Cagla Onal, My Little Chamomile, Washington, D.C.

Randy Rucker, Little Water, Philadelphia, PA

Tarik Sengul, Smyrna, Charlottesville, VA

Amanda Shulman, Her Place Supper Club, Philadelphia, PA

Suresh Sundas, Tapori, Washington, D.C.

Omar Tate and Cybille St. Aude-Tate, Honeysuckle, Philadelphia, PA

David Viana, Judy and Harry’s, Asbury Park, NJ

Best Chef: Midwest (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI)

Zak Baker, Ca’Lucchenzo, Wauwatosa, WI

Nick Bognar, Sado, Pavilion, St. Louis, MO

Kasey Lee Cooke, Mint Mark, Madison, WI

Philip Day, Root Food + Wine, Augusta, MO

Shigeyuki Furukawa, Kado No Mise, Minneapolis, MN

Nick Hanke and Phil Shires, Masao, Des Moines, IA

Alex Henry, El Molino del Sureste, St. Louis, MO

Camillia Hjortnaes and Erik Hjortnaes, Hjem A.M., Custer, SD

Lisa Kirkpatrick and Paul Zerkel, Goodkind, Milwaukee, WI

Johnny Leach, The Town Company, Kansas City, MO

Adam Marty, Ellinor, Appleton, WI

Zach Midgett, Casa Bovina, Lincoln, NE

Diane Moua, Diane’s Place, Minneapolis, MN

Loryn Nalic, Balkan Treat Box, Webster Groves, MO

Swetha Newcomb, Of Course, Overland Park, KS

Jason Rickard and Jordan Rickard, FioRito, Wichita, KS

Ian Robertson, Oak Park, Des Moines, IA

Gustavo Romero and Kate Romero, Oro by Nixta, Minneapolis, MN

David Utterback, Yoshitomo, Ota, Omaha, NE

Yia Vang, Vinai, Minneapolis, MN

Best Chef: Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY)

Theo Adley, Marigold, Lyons, CO

Alex Cardoza, Susina, Boise, ID

Milo Carrier, Arlo, Salt Lake City, UT

Remle Colestock, Glorietta Trattoria, Jackson, WY

Brandon Cunningham, Pangea, Missoula, MT

Johnny Curiel, Alma Fonda Fina, Denver, CO

Brandon Dearden, Ember, Hamilton, MT

Cal Elliott, The Avery, Boise, ID

Andrew Fuller, Oquirrh, Salt Lake City, UT

Dave Grant and Rocky Hunter, Gladys, Edgewater, CO

Travis Herbert, Felt Bar & Eatery, Salt Lake City, UT

Tommy Nguyen, The Pearl, Salt Lake City, UT

Miles Odell, Odell’s Bagel, Denver, CO

Bo Porytko, Molotov Kitschen + Cocktails, Denver, CO

Earl James Reynolds, Herb and Omni, Whitefish, MT

Kenneth Wan, MAKFam, Denver, CO

Nathan Whitley, Terroir, Boise, ID

Penelope Wong, Yuan Wonton, Denver, CO

Jarrett Wrisley, Shan, Bozeman, MT

Nick Zocco, Urban Hill, Salt Lake City, UT

Best Chef: New York State

Fariyal Abdullahi, Hav & Mar, New York, NY

Christophe Bellanca, Essential by Christophe, New York, NY

Sadie Mae Burns and Anthony Ha, Ha’s Snack Bar, New York, NY

Fidel Caballero, Corima, New York, NY

Giovanni Cervantes, Carnitas Ramirez, New York, NY

Aretah Ettarh, Gramercy Tavern, New York, NY

Efrén Hernández, Casa Susanna, Leeds, NY

Corwin Kave, Deer Mountain Inn, Tannersville, NY

Vikas Khanna, Bungalow, New York, NY

Hooni Kim, Meju, Queens, NY

Yvan Lemoine, Tourmaline, Forest Hills, NY

Nate Limwong, Chalong, New York, NY

Cheng Lin, Shōta Omakase, Brooklyn, NY

Buddha Lo, Huso, New York, NY

Angie Mar, Le B, New York, NY

Ayesha Nurdjaja, Shukette, New York, NY

Joshua Pinsky, Claud, New York, NY

Mads Refslund, Ilis, Brooklyn, NY

Rafiq Salim, Rolo’s, Queens, NY

Stefano Secchi, Rezdôra, New York, NY

Best Chef: Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)

Tiara Adorno, The Crooked Ram, Manchester, VT

Jeremy Broucek, Bread & Friends, Portland, ME

Sāsha Coleman, Comfort Kitchen, Boston, MA

Amarilys Colon, La Padrona, Boston, MA

David DiStasi, Materia Ristorante, Bantam, CT

Luke Fetbroth, Tonino, Boston, MA

Chris Gould, Central Provisions, Portland, ME

Evan Hennessey, Stages, Dover, NH

Bolivar Hilario, Community Table, New Preston, CT

Sara Jenkins, Nina June, Rockport, ME

Shi Mei, Lenox Sophia, Boston, MA

Peter Nguyen, Lê Madeline, Quincy, MA

Kevin O’Donnell, Giusto, Newport, RI

Annie Parisi, Jayd Bun, South Kingstown, RI

Jake Stevens, Leeward, Portland, ME

Thomas Takashi Cooke, Izakaya Minato, Portland, ME

Shilimat Tessema, Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant, New Haven, CT

Paul Trombly, Fancy’s, Burlington, VT

Max Vogel, Ondis, Montpelier, VT

Derek Wagner, Nicks on Broadway, Providence, RI

Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA)

Janet Becerra, Pancita, Seattle, WA

Nathan Bentley, Altura Bistro, Anchorage, AK

Johnny Courtney, Atoma, Seattle, WA

Logan Cox, Homer, Seattle, WA

Michele Di Bari, Sale Pepe, Lahaina, HI

Mike Dodge, Whisky & Ramen, Anchorage, AK

Josh Dorcak, MÄS, Ashland, OR

Ed Kenney, Mud Hen Water, Honolulu, HI

Jordan Koplowitz, Starla’s, Bellingham, WA

Andrew Le, The Pig and the Lady, Honolulu, HI

Taylor Manning and Siobhan Speirits, Cafe Olli, Portland, OR

Melissa Miranda, Musang, Seattle, WA

Kristen Murray, Måurice, Portland, OR

Thai Nguyen and Trinh Nguyen, Ramie, Seattle, WA

Thomas Pisha-Duffly, Gado Gado, Portland, OR

Ryan Roadhouse, Nodoguro, Portland, OR

Sheldon Simeon, Tiffany’s Restaurant and Bar, Wailuku, HI

Jack Strong, JORY Restaurant at The Allison Inn & Spa, Newberg, OR

Aaron Tekulve, Surrell, Seattle, WA

Yuya Yamanaka, Paris Hawaii, Honolulu, HI

Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR)

Cory Bahr, Parish, Monroe, LA

Michael Beltran, Ariete, Miami, FL

Bryce Bonsack, Rocca, Tampa, FL

Ana Castro, Acamaya, New Orleans, LA

Matthew Cooper, Conifer, Bentonville, AR

Raúl Correa, René Marichal, and Xavier Pacheco, Bacoa Finca + Fogón, Juncos, PR

Toni Elkhouri, Cedar’s Cafe, Melbourne, FL

Hunter Evans, Elvie’s, Jackson, MS

Maria Teresa Gallina and Nicolas Martinez, Recoveco, Miami, FL

Kristen Hall, La Fête, Birmingham, AL

Barry Honan, Lotus Noodle Bar, St. Augustine, FL

Maria La Mota and Chason Spencer, Chancho King, Jacksonville, FL

Wendy Lopez, Reyes Mezcaleria, Orlando, FL

Serigne Mbaye, Dakar NOLA, New Orleans, LA

Geri-Martha O’Hara and Ryan O’Hara, Pizza Grace, Birmingham, AL

Jason Paul, Heirloom at 1907, Rogers, AR

Charly Pierre, Fritai, New Orleans, LA

Joerick Rivera, Bakku, Rincon, PR

Jim Smith, The Hummingbird Way, Mobile, AL

Austin Sumrall, White Pillars, Biloxi, MS

Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV)

Khaled AlBanna, Calliope, Chattanooga, TN

Robin Anthony, Omakase by Prime Fish, Charlotte, NC

Noam Bilitzer, MeeshMeesh, Louisville, KY

Joe Cash, Scoundrel, Greenville, SC

Matt Dawes, The Bull and Beggar, Asheville, NC

Steven Devereaux Greene, Herons at The Umstead, Cary, NC

Mary Ellen Diaz, Alma Bea, Shepherdstown, WV

Laurence Faber, Potchke Deli, Knoxville, TN

Carlo Gan and Mia Orino, Kamayan ATL, Chamblee, GA

Jimmy Gentry, The Lobbyist, Memphis, TN

J. Trent Harris, Mujō, Atlanta, GA

Philip Krajeck, Rolf & Daughters, Nashville, TN

Cheetie Kumar, Ajja, Raleigh, NC

Colin Marcelli, Renzo, Charleston, SC

Freddy Money, Atlas, Atlanta, GA

Taylor Montgomery, Montgomery Sky Farm, Leicester, NC

Bintou N’Daw, Bintü Atelier, Charleston, SC

Todd Schafer, Abel Brown, Augusta, GA

Heidi Vukov, Hook & Barrel, Myrtle Beach, SC

David Willocks, The Baker’s Table, Newport, KY

Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK)

Danny Calleros, Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, Sunland Park, NM

Roberto Centeno, Espiritu, Mesa, AZ

Jeff Chanchaleune, Bar Sen, Oklahoma City, OK

TJ Culp, Progress, Phoenix, AZ

Rochelle Daniels, Atria, Flagstaff, AZ

Graham Dodds, NOSA Restaurant & Inn, Ojo Caliente, NM

Oulay Ceesay Fisher, Calabash African Kitchen, Las Vegas, NV

Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin, Tacos Chiwas, Phoenix, AZ

Scott Holmes, Little Miss BBQ, Phoenix, AZ

Brian Howard, Sparrow + Wolf, Las Vegas, NV

Kyle Kent, Chula Seafood, Phoenix, AZ

Brian Momanyi and Stayce Momanyi, Plus254, Oklahoma City, OK

Steve Riley, Mesa Provisions, Albuquerque, NM

Yuri Szarzewski, Partage, Las Vegas, NV

Sarah Thompson, Casa Playa, Las Vegas, NV

Jamie Tran, Black Sheep, Las Vegas, NV

James Tree, Bar Bohème, Las Vegas, NV

Claudia Vindiola, La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood, Tucson, AZ

Zack Walters, Sedalia’s, Oklahoma City, OK

Veronica Zelada, Café Kacao, Oklahoma City, OK

Best Chef: Texas

Ope Amosu, ChòpnBlọk, Houston, TX

Thai Changthong, P Thai’s Khao Man Gai & Noodles, Austin, TX

Michael Che, Tsuke Edomae, Austin, TX

Ali Clem, La Barbecue, Austin, TX

Kent Domas and Seth Siegel-Gardner, Milton’s, Houston, TX

Francisco Estrada and Lizzeth Martinez, Naco Mexican, San Antonio, TX

Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu, JŪN, Houston, TX

Shawn Gawle, Camaraderie, Houston, TX

Scott Girling, Osteria Il Muro, Denton, TX

Patrick Hicks, Smoke’N Ash BBQ, Arlington, TX

Sue Kim, The Magpie, San Antonio, TX

Daniela Landaverde and Rosa Landaverde, La Santa Barbacha, Austin, TX

Emil Oliva, Leche de Tigre, San Antonio, TX

Masayuki Otaka, Mabo, Dallas, TX

Andres Pablos, Accá, El Paso, TX

Gabe Padilla and Melissa Padilla, Café Piro, Socorro, TX

Michael Serva, Bordo, Marfa, TX

Bob Somsith, Lao’d Bar, Austin, TX

Finney Walter, The Nicolett, Lubbock, TX

George Watts III, GW’s BBQ Catering Co, San Juan, TX

Hotel Review: Round Hill Villa Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica

by Melanie Votaw | Hotels, Resorts, Spas, North America, Top Stories

Round Hill Villa Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica could easily be pictured in the dictionary next to the word “luxury.” Spending a few days at this resort was definitely an experience of the proverbial good life, so it’s no surprise that Round Hill caters to the likes of Paul McCartney, Demi Moore, and Elizabeth Taylor. The main bar carries the name of Ralph Lauren because he designed it, as well as the resort’s hotel rooms, and he owns a villa on the property.

Round Hill has its own beach and is set in a lush tropical landscape that is nothing short of paradise. It consists of 27 privately-owned villas (rented based on the owners’ schedules), as well as oceanfront hotel rooms and suites and an infinity pool.

Our “modest” villa at Round Hill. Photo by Melanie Votaw.

A couple and I shared a two-bedroom villa, which was “modest” compared to some of the resort’s near-palatial villas with five bedrooms. But you won’t hear any complaints from me. We each had large bedrooms and huge bathrooms that consisted of two sinks, two toilets, a shower, and a deep tub. I was amazed that I couldn’t hear my villa mates at all even though our rooms were next to one another.

Our villa’s living room. Photo by Melanie Votaw.

My bedroom in our villa. Photo by Melanie Votaw.

There was also a common indoor living room and a separate roofed open-air living area, along with our own private pool and hot tub surrounded by hibiscus blossoms, orchids, and bougainvillea. And, yes, we had a view – of flowers, palms, and the ocean down the hill in the distance. That distance to the ocean was only a few minutes by foot, but when we didn’t feel like walking, we simply called the desk for a driver to pick us up in a golf cart.

Our villa’s private pool area. Photo by Melanie Votaw.

Every villa at Round Hill has its own private gardener, housekeeper, and cook. We actually had two cooks who arrived every morning with bright smiles and served us breakfast to order in the open-air living area – maybe coconut pancakes, and don’t skip the callaloo greens. They’re delicious!

The breakfast table in our villa. Photo by Melanie Votaw.

Our villa was wonderful enough, but I think my favorite part of staying at Round Hill was the food. Chef Martin Maginley is one of the most creative chefs I have ever encountered. I was thoroughly impressed with his contemporary Jamaican dishes, although the food at Round Hill is not exclusively Jamaican. One night, we experienced a curry buffet that included traditional Jamaican goat curry alongside Thai and Indian curries. Another evening, we had a party of Jamaican “street food” with a gourmet twist.

One day, Chef Maginley gave us a demonstration of one of his ingenious creations – jerk chicken spring rolls in rice paper with three dipping sauces: mango & mint, lemongrass & coconut, and tamarind & honey. The pièce de résistance, however, was a sit-down dinner of five courses paired with different Appleton rums.

Appleton, which has produced rum for more than 250 years, asked Round Hill to create this special rum pairing dinner. It included oxtail consommé paired with a rum martini and a molten chocolate cake dessert that had everyone closing their eyes in ecstasy. This was paired with a rare 21-year-old rum. Ever since sampling Appleton rum, no other rum will do for me.

An actor at Bellefield Great House. Photo by Melanie Votaw.

Bellefield Great House, one of Jamaica’s oldest remaining sugar plantations, is a site that Round Hill arranged for us to visit. Today, it’s a historical site with exuberant actors playing the roles of enslaved people from the 1800s. They remained in character as they showed us how the sugar mill was pushed by a donkey and how they cooked meals for the plantation owners. It seems to me that it’s important to preserve this history so that we never forget about the scourge of slavery.

The actors dance at Bellefield Great House. Photo by Melanie Votaw.

Three African drummers played while the actors demonstrated traditional dances, and we were fed nouvelle Jamaican cuisine using classic ingredients, such as pasta with a cream sauce made from the ackee fruit and callaloo with peppers and onions.

A streamertail hummingbird on my finger at Rocklands Bird Sanctuary. Photo by my guide.

Round Hill can also arrange to take you to Rocklands Bird Sanctuary where you can hold a small bottle of nectar that will lure Jamaica’s national bird, the streamertail, to your finger. This iridescent green hummingbird is only found on the island of Jamaica. It was an absolute thrill to have such a close encounter with these gorgeous creatures. Unfortunately, Hurricane Melissa damaged the sanctuary, and they’re currently only accepting a few visitors as they collect funds for repairs.

A view of some of the villas at Round Hill. Photo by Melanie Votaw.

Of course, Round Hill also has a fitness center, beauty salon, and a spa overlooking the ocean where I experienced a Pineapple Body Buff. There are five tennis courts with instructors and opportunities to kayak, snorkel, take a catamaran cruise, go tubing on a river, or take a zipline tour in the rainforest canopy.

What can I say? Round Hill is a spectacular experience in an idyllic setting. If you’re looking for a truly special tropical vacation, this is it.