Travel, Taste and Tour

Travel, Taste & Tour is the all-inclusive, all-encompassing lifestyle publication for avid travelers, hungry foodies, and vacation enthusiasts. Our goal is to provoke the anticipation of vacation, feed the foodie in all of us, and provide inspiration for everyone’s inner explorer.

Travel, Taste and Tour

letter from the editor

AMERICAN RHYTHMS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MUSICIANS IN THE USA • America’s music reflects its diverse cultural heritage, and its artists have shaped global soundtracks for generations. From the soulful roots of blues to the beats of hip-hop, the U.S. has given birth to musical pioneers who continue to inspire. Let’s explore some of the most influential American musicians who left a lasting mark on music history.

DISCOVER LOUISIANA OKLAHOMA & TEXAS A JOURNEY THROUGH THE SOUTH-CENTRAL U.S. • THE SOUTH-CENTRAL UNITED STATES OFFERS AN INCREDIBLE BLEND OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY, HISTORICAL RICHNESS, AND NATURAL BEAUTY. WHETHER YOU’RE DRAWN TO THE LIVELY RHYTHMS OF LOUISIANA, THE EXPANSIVE LANDSCAPES OF OKLAHOMA, OR THE VAST, VARIED TERRAIN OF TEXAS, EACH STATE HAS ITS OWN DISTINCT PERSONALITY, YET THEY ARE ALL CONNECTED BY A SHARED SOUTHERN CHARM. LET’S DIVE INTO WHAT MAKES EACH STATE A MUST-VISIT DESTINATION, FROM THEIR VIBRANT CITIES TO THEIR HIDDEN GEMS.

FRANKLIN & NANTAHALA NORTH CAROLINA

10 WAYS TO MASTER THE ART OF PACKING • Packing for a trip can feel daunting, but with the right strategies, you can streamline the process and ensure a stress-free start to your travels. Whether for a weekend getaway or a long adventure, mastering the art of packing makes all the difference. Here are 10 expert tips to help you pack smarter and more efficiently.

ICONIC FESTIVALS • MARDI GRAS, ST. PATRICK’S DAY & MORE

EXPERIENCE THE "UNBOLLWEEVIBLE" IN ENTERPRISE!

A WINTER Adventure • It was early morning when the hike began, the air crisp and fresh with the promise of a new day. The sky was just beginning to lighten, casting a soft glow over the quiet landscape. The road ahead curved through bare trees, their branches etched against the pale sky, leading toward the unknown.

A Cool Winter adventure TO SHAWNEE FOREST COUNTRY • Hiking is available year-round in the rolling hills of Southernmost Illinois and if you have visited in another season winter can offer a very different experience.

SIP AND SAVOR FLAVORS OF THE SEASON VALENTINE’S DAY | MARDI GRAS | SAINT PATRICK’S DAY • This season brings a few fun holidays that don’t always take center stage when compared to the major players on our agendas. Nevertheless, they pack a punch when it comes to festivities, if you know where to look! Taste some of the flavors of Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, and Saint Patrick’s Day – we’re sure you’ll fill up your calendar and your belly!

FLOCK TO THE ROCK: A WINTER WONDERLAND IN LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

Cozy Mountain RETREATS • THERE’S SOMETHING MAGICAL ABOUT A COZY MOUNTAIN RETREAT – WHERE THE CRISP AIR, STUNNING VIEWS, AND TRANQUIL SURROUNDINGS INVITE YOU TO UNWIND AND RECONNECT WITH NATURE.

CHILL OUT AND TAKE A HIKE!

EXPLORE FOUR PREMIER SKI DESTINATIONS • NESTLED IN THE HEART OF WEST VIRGINIA’S SKI COUNTRY, ELKINS IS PERFECTLY POSITIONED AS THE GATEWAY TO FOUR PREMIER SKI DESTINATIONS.

IT WAS WILD THEN, IT’S WILD NOW

Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa-Young Harris, Georgia

WARM WEATHER ESCAPES

Experience Natural Martin County • Beyond Martin County’s 22 miles of rolling dunes, golden sands and cerulean shorelines lies a diverse wonderland of nature preserves, parks, wetlands and hiking trails hiding in plain sight. Paddle, sail, or stroll among some of Florida’s rarest flora and fauna. Leave nothing behind but footprints, while gaining much more than memories as you discover this...