In the beginning, perfume in the form of oils belonged to the divine, and rare scents typically sourced from resins were reserved for dedication to the gods. Used in funeral rituals and in cremation with the burning of resinous woods such as cedar, early references trace the use of scents back at least to the Bronze Age. But their legacy may go even further into the past, writes…

Chicago Pride Fest (June 21-22, 2025) - Each year, more than 100,000 revelers flock to the historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood of Northalsted to take part in the festivities, including three stages with live music, more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, food from local restaurants, drag shows, dance performances, a high-heel race, and more. This year’s headlining artists include Natasha Bedingfield, JoJo Siwa, Sapphira Cristál, Bob the Drag Queen, Amber Riley, and more across two stages.  Photo courtesy of the Chicago Pride Festival Argyle Night Market (Every Thursday from July 3 - August 28, 2025)

Is this small Arizona town the next Napa? Source: Phoenix New Times

The 22 Best Pizza Places in New York Right Now

Luxury hotel offers rooftop views, elegance & Southern charm Hotel Bourré Bonne officially opened its doors at 143 W. Market St. this month. The $75 million, five-story hotel features 168 rooms and two upmarket restaurants, Steakhouse Bourré Bonne and the Rooftop Bourré Bonne bar and restaurant. Photo courtesy of Hotel Bourré Bonne The hotel, which is part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, is a luxurious new addition to Louisville’s hospitality scene, designed to reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant future. Guests can enjoy elevated guestrooms, over 11,000 square feet of flexible ballroom space with sweeping city views, an indoor/outdoor bar and lounge, a state-of-the-art fitness center with a juice bar, and two standout dining venues operated by…

Bourbon City commemorates its signature drink culminating on National Bourbon Day Set down your Mint Julep, because it’s time to celebrate Louisville’s official cocktail, the Old Fashioned. Proclaimed the city’s official cocktail in 2015 by former Mayor Greg Fischer, Old Fashioned Fortnight highlights the posh and stately Pendennis Club's original during the first two weeks of June via events, tastings, and specials. Kicking off on June 1, the anniversary of Kentucky’s statehood, and culminating on National Bourbon Day, June 14, the fortnight of festivities underscores Louisville’s whiskey history and booming bourbon culture.

 Dolly Parton’s East Tennessee theme park, Dollywood is recognized for its live entertainment, world-class rides, incredible guest service, and tributes to the traditions and culture of the Great Smoky Mountains. As part of that commitment to heritage, the park showcases Southern and Appalachian cuisine. Instead of simply offering traditional amusement park fare, Dollywood makes an extra effort to serve high-quality options that range from family-style comfort foods to unique items created especially for its various seasonal festivals. As part of its ongoing commitment to bringing guests the best dining experiences, Dollywood has debuted a new restaurant this spring for its 40th anniversary season.

By Guest Blogger by Eloise Marie Valadez An innovative collection of fairytales is enlivening the stage at Munster's Theatre at the Center. "Modern Mother Goose," written and directed by the very talented Philip Potempa, continues to May 24 at the theater. The production is a world premiere featuring a blend of popular characters and tales with a twist for the new generation of young theatergoers. In the show, audiences will follow the stories of characters such as Little Boy Blue, The Giant, Little Miss Muffet, The Prince, Humpty Dumpty, a menacing spider and others.

The team at Journeyman, the award-winning craft distillery based in Three Oaks, Michigan, and Valparaiso, Indiana, have been busy planning some super fun events ranging from a free-to-attend children’s camp, a bartending competition featuring some of Harbor Country’s top drinks pros, a chef-driven rooftop dinner, and much more. SUMMER MUSIC LIVE SERIES WHERE: The American Factory, 258 South Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385 DATE: Every Friday beginning June 6th TIME: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. CT PRICE: Free to attend DETAILS: Journeyman’s free summer music series is back for its second year at the American Factory.

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The definition of a good wine is as simple as this: Do you like it well enough to pour another glass? Let us help you find your favorite at the Indiana Wine Fair, a day-long event in historic Story, Indiana. Sample the best of Indiana's wines while enjoying live music and perusing the arts and crafts of Hoosier and regional artisans and the offerings of local food vendors.   Photo by Kendal Miller. Featured wineries offer 1-oz samples but also sell glass pours, merch, and bottles for carry out.  Some wineries claim to sell so much to become unable to open their own shops until their inventory is replenished. 

In 1832, at the height of the Georgia gold rush, gold had been discovered on the banks of the Etowah River on land owned by Alfred Minette. As men flocked to work in the mine and others to supply their needs, a small town arose and Minette named it after his firstborn, a beautiful but frail girl named Juliana who had died years ago in South Carolina.

A Norwegian pig farmer may not sound like a femme fatale, but Belle Gunness lured dozens of men to their death and became Indiana's most notorious serial killer. Author  and researcher Jane Simon Amme...

This stunning state on Mexico’s Pacific Coast offers a captivating blend of pristine beaches, vibrant cultural experiences, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered, making it the ultimate fall and winter escape. Endless Sunshine and Stunning Beaches Nayarit boasts over 200 miles of Pacific coastline, with golden beaches, turquoise waters, and lush mountain backdrops. And no matter the season, the state’s year-round warm climate is a dream come true. Destinations like Sayulita, Punta Mita, and San Blas provide the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, offering everything from world-class surfing and paddleboarding to sun-soaked afternoons under swaying palm trees.

Known as the “Garden of France,” the Loire Valley has a rich and varied gastronomy, garden-to-plate experiences, and unique culinary specialties. From goat cheese to Michelin-starred experiences to traditionally made vinegar to Tarte Tatin, below are some of the many quintessential culinary experiences of the Loire Valley. Auberge du XIIème Siècle (Credit: Marieke Gourdin) In the Loire Valley, more than 170 “Maîtres Restaurateurs” utilize the local produce and ingredients of the region to create their own unique mark on the local gastronomy, while honoring traditional French art de vivre. Les Jardiniers…

Dana Point’s most anticipated wine weekend is almost here! California Wine Festival brings two days of premier wine tasting, gourmet food, ocean views, and live entertainment back to Orange County. The two-day festival will take place on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and the Sea Terrace Park, set above the picturesque Dana Point Harbor. Event Details Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting Friday, April 25 | 6:30 – 9 p.m. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa Guests will enjoy a sunset wine-tasting experience featuring rare and reserve wines from top producers across California.

Virtue Cider’s upcoming Cider & Cheese Pairing event with Jasper Hill Farm is happening on Saturday, April 19. So head up to Virtue Farm in Fennville, a quaint and charming town that is becoming a major food destination and toast to springtime with an afternoon of farmhouse cider sipping and cheese tasting. Virtue Cider founder Greg Hall will be joined by Zoe Brickley of Jasper Hill Farm, the award-winning Vermont-based cheese farm, are offering a guided tasting of artisanal cheeses and ciders — a perfect spring activity for food lovers, couples and larger groups alike.

Since starting her website, Food in Jars in 2009, Marisa McClellan has written four cookbooks on the subject including Food in Jars: Preserving in Small Batches Year-Round, Preserving By the Pint, Naturally Sweet Food in Jars, and Food in Jars: 140 Ways to Cook, Bake, Plate, and Share Your Homemade Pantry all published by Running Press. They're ideal books for people who love canning but don't always know how to make the most of their homemade goodies. Here are some fun recipes to try. Pesto Makes 1 cup pesto…

Announcing the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award nominees, as well as the Impact, Lifetime Achievement, and Humanitarian of the Year Award honorees, for the James Beard Awards® presented by Capital One. Winners will be revealed at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Eliesa Johnson Photography / JBF Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, the James Beard Awards® is upholding its role as the nation's foremost culinary honors by evolving its awards structure. The 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards is introducing three new categories: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.

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

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

By Guest Blogger Eloise Valadez. Titanic play takes the stage at Theatre at the Center where a new survivor is discovered during a special show in Munster, Indiana. Actress Leslie Goddard relays the story of Violet Jessop, a cabin maid crew member on the Titanic, in the one-woman show "Violet Jessop: Titanic Survivor" at Theatre at the Center. The play runs through March 30. Jessop, who died in 1971, also survived the sinking of the HHMS Britannic. She was one of the passengers who obtained a lifeboat seat.