Splash pads, bounce houses, music and more every Sunday in July at Peace Plaza
GRAPEVINE, Texas (July 1, 2025) – Make a splash this summer in Grapevine at Summer Splash Bash. This free, family-friendly event offers a fun and refreshing way to spend Sundays in July.
Held at Peace Plaza outside Harvest Hall, this event invites families to beat the heat with splash pads, bounce houses, music from a live DJ and more. Kids can splash into the excitement while parents unwind and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Dates: Sundays in July Times: 5 – 8 p.m. Where: Peace Plaza at Grapevine Main Station (815 S. Main Street) Cost: Free!
Families are encouraged to B.Y.O.T. (Bring Your Own Towels) and come ready for water-filled fun. With activities designed especially for young children, Summer Splash Bash is a great way to create lasting Summer memories.
Park at Grapevine Main Station, where parking is complimentary for the first 90 minutes or find FREE parking in lots along Historic Main Street. You can also ride Trinity Metro TEXRail, which brings you directly to Grapevine Main Station.
Why not plan to arrive early and make a day of it? Explore the dazzling Universe of Light at Gaylord Texan Resort (parking is free for ticket holders) or go dinosaur tracking with All Tracks Lead to Grapevine along Historic Main Street. With plenty of ways to keep the little ones entertained and lots of great spots on Main Street for a relaxing family meal, it’s easy to enjoy everything Grapevine has to offer. For more information visit GrapevineTexasUSA.com.
From big names to local favorites, live music has a home in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches
St. Augustine, Fla. (June 3, 2025) – Live music is the perfect accompaniment to the surf, sun, and history that comes with summer on Florida’s Historic Coast®. From internationally acclaimed venues to relaxed back porch jams, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches are the place to be for the musical vibe.
Enjoy live music without even leaving the beach at the Music & Art by the Sea Concert Series. Hosted at the St. Johns County Pier on Wednesdays throughout the summer, regional groups like The Edge and Bad Dog Mama put on free concerts. A free art exhibit accompanies the series, with displays at The Art Studio featuring local artists. An array of food trucks provide delicious al fresco beachside dining.
Enjoy live music without even leaving the beach at the Music & Art by the Sea Concert Series. Hosted at the St. Johns County Pier on Wednesdays throughout the summer, regional groups like The Edge and Bad Dog Mama put on free concerts. A free art exhibit accompanies the series, with displays at The Art Studio featuring local artists. An array of food trucks provide delicious al fresco beachside dining.
Historic Downtown St. Augustine is jamming with free Concerts in the Plaza, hosted by the City of St. Augustine. Held Thursday evenings, it’s the perfect way to enjoy summer nights. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and picnic baskets to enjoy performances by local favorites like The Palmetto Pickers, ZaZa Flamenca, and Thick & Thin String Band.
For an intimate experience under the canopy of grand oak trees, head to the Colonial Oak Music Park on St. George St. This rustic venue features free and ticketed performances—including music, improv, and more—several nights a week.
The St. Augustine Amphitheatre has a relaxed and welcoming vibe. With just under 5,000 seats, it is tucked amongst sugar sand dunes and live oak marsh. Consistently ranked among the top outdoor venues worldwide, it plays host to internationally renowned artists. This summer, The Amp welcomes a range of performers, including Modest Mouse, Heart, Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band, Brad Paisley, and comedian Nikki Glaser. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre also houses The Backyard and Front Porch, intimate stages for touring and local artists, like Pepper and Thievery Corporation.
This summer also marks the reopening of the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. The indoor venue has undergone a major renovation aimed at enhancing the audience experience. The revitalized hall returns this summer with a robust lineup, including performances by the Dan Tyminski Band, Sister Hazel, and Melissa Etheridge.
Cap off a summer full of musical adventures with tickets to St. Augustine’s hallmark musical event, the Sing Out Loud Festival. This annual celebration of live music stretches throughout September and features over 100 local, regional, and national artists performing free and ticketed shows. All genres are welcome, and concerts are hosted at venues throughout St. Augustine. This year’s Live Wildly Showcase, the epic two-day showpiece of the Sing Out Loud Festival, is Sept. 20-21 and features beabadoobee, Vance Joy, Hozier, The Teskey Brothers, and more.
Go beyond the music and plan the perfect holiday using the Must-Do Experiences video playlist, which explores the area’s most iconic places. And get the groove going before the vacation even starts by streaming Florida’s Historic Coast curated radio stations.
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS (May 2, 2025) – The Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is proud to announce the highly anticipated opening of the Grapevine Fairway Events Center. This stunning new indoor and outdoor meeting venue is at 3800 Fairway Drive next to the 27-hole Grapevine Golf Course. The venue can host weddings, receptions, tournaments, meetings and more.
“We’re thrilled to introduce the Grapevine Fairway Events Center – featuring two elegant, reimagined venues where guests can create lasting memories,” Grapevine CVB Executive Director Paul W. McCallum said. “This hilltop location has breathtaking views that overlook the Grapevine Golf Course, Cowboys Golf Club and Denton Creek. It’s truly an oasis in the metroplex.”
With floor-to-ceiling windows framing two world-class golf courses, Fairway Hall provides a picturesque indoor setting, while the Byron Pavilion boasts a spacious outdoor patio perfect for celebrations under the Texas sky. Whether hosting a tournament awards ceremony, an elegant reception or exchanging wedding vows, the Grapevine Fairway Events Center offers an unforgettable backdrop for any occasion.
Stay tuned for official details on the Grand Opening Date.
Other Grapevine CVB meetings and event spaces include the Historic Palace Theatre, Lancaster Theatre, Grapevine Main Station, Peace Plaza, Grapevine Convention Center, Cotton Belt Depot District, Grapevine Vintage Railroad and Grapevine Grand Hall.
For Grapevine Fairway Events Center booking inquiries, please contact Joe Thompson, Managing Director of Sales, Services & Facility Revenue Management, at 817.410.3552 or JEThompson@GrapevineTexasUSA.com.
Eat, play, and stay in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches where business is flourishing.
Visitors and locals have come to expect the best when they eat, stay, and play in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches. And new businesses are providing even more first-class experiences on Florida’s Historic Coast.
Eat and Drink
The culinary scene continues to grow with new flavors and bespoke locations. Renowned local chef Michael Lugo has received international acclaim for his trio of restaurants. Wine Spectator awarded Michael’s and La Nouvelle Bistro its Best of Award of Excellence and Pesca by Michael’s its Award of Excellence, acknowledging the restaurants’ superb wine programs. Local favorite Lotus Noodle Bar took their ramen north for a coveted guest appearance at the James Beard House and has returned to town with a new summer menu. San Sebastian Winery has welcomed a new restaurant to its rooftop – La Cocina at the Cellar Upstairs, which features a menu of gourmet delights like Ceviche, escargot, and New Zealand Lamb Rack. La Cocina International features live rooftop entertainment daily Thursday through Sunday.
On Anastasia Island Isla Blends recently opened this summer, offering protein-enriched shakes, waffles, coffees, and greens. Paladar Cuban Eatery introduced Cuban cuisine and baked goods to the Crescent Beach area, while The Black Molly Grill recently opened, and serves steaks, seafood, and more in its new location on State Road 312. On Vilano Beach Beachside Caffe by YAMO recently opened at Magic Beach Motel and the Vilano Coffee Shop at Holiday Inn Express, serving Kookaburra coffee, Tillamook ice cream, and baked goods from Crème de La Cocoa.
The Jacksonville Jaguars recently announced Ancient City Brewing as a Craft Beer Partner for the 2024 NFL season. Greg Tuttle and his team at Ancient City Brewing (ACB) have been handcrafting a beloved selection of beers since 2015. But they’ve been secretly creating a new brew just for the Jags at their Brewhouse – 1st & Gold Golden Ale at Jacksonville’s EverBank Stadium beginning August 10th in a custom-designed 19.2 oz tall can.
Explore north of St. Augustine, where an explosion of new restaurants is creating a microcosm of dining experiences. Mayday Ice Cream is scooping at its new location in Nocatee. At Ponte Vedra Beach Vincenzo’s Cucina and The Boathouse both recently opened offering upscale seafood, sushi, and more in a casual atmosphere.
New Experiences
Pickleball players have a new place to dink in St. Augustine at Old Coast Pickleball, with two inside courts located at the Shipyard Marina. Visitors can enjoy new tour experiences with The Tasting Tours’ Insiders Access City Tour and St. Augustine Experiences’ Historic Walking Tour. The new St. Augustine Shipwreck Museum opened on Charlotte Street, showcasing the area’s rich maritime history. New this summer, Deep Creek Paddles is offering exciting kayaking adventures Deep Creek in Hastings, Florida. Perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers to explore with master naturalists and professional guides.
Gearing up for adventures will be easier with Bass Pro Shops, that will open an enormous Outlet this fall in World Golf Village. On A1A, the new Inlet Beach & General Store at Matanzas Inlet has beach supplies, eco-bike rentals, kayak tours and more. Preserving Florida’s Historic Coast’s pristine beaches has been a top priority for St. Johns County. It is in the final stages of a sweeping beach renourishment project and launched a helpful Beach App.
Groups, weddings, and corporate events will have plenty to do at Ponte Vedra’s sports and social hub, The Yards, which offers golf, tennis, and pickleball, and the high-end restaurant, Argyle. Heighten any event with Fire and Ash’s new Mobile Cigar Lounge, with premium cigars, rich Cuban coffee, and a custom lounge.
This Fall, the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is celebrating 150 years of providing a welcoming beacon of light for the historic port of St. Augustine and its beautiful coastline. In mid-October, a celebration will kick off a year-long series of activities, community events, and commemorative celebrations.
Stay
Distinctive Beach Rentals offers visitors luxury beach rentals in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and Crescent Beach. It just expanded its offerings with an array of new premiere vacation homes and condo rentals. Guests at the Hampton Inn & Suites St. Augustine-Vilano Beach can now save a trip and rent beach gear through a convenient on-site service. Spark by Hilton in St. Augustine’s Historic District opened in early Spring, offering a practical, budget-friendly space with on-site parking and free breakfast.
St. George Inn is one of the more popular pet-friendly lodgings in the Historic District. Their wine bar, Bin 39 has just added pet-friendly amenities where pet parents can order charcuterie pet tastes, doggie ice cream, enhanced waters, souvenir water bowls, and more.
Getting to St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches has never been easier. Breeze Airways continues to expand service into Jacksonville International Airport, recently adding non-stop service to Las Vegas and Los Angeles. JetBlue is expanding seasonal routes to Florida from Portland, Maine beginning Oct. 28 and year-round flights from Manchester, New Hampshire beginning Jan. 23, 2025.
With so many new experiences, it’s time to schedule a vacation to Florida’s Historic Coast. Use the trip planner to craft the ideal excursion and take advantage of some Unforgettable Stays & Deals available on Florida’s Historic Coast this summer and fall.
Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, the rural beauty of Hastings, Elkton, St. Johns, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. Visitor Information Centers are located at 10 Castillo Drive, St. Augustine; 200 Solana Rd. Suite B, Ponte Vedra Beach: and at the St. Johns County Beach Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach.
For advance travel information, call 1.800.653.2489 or visit the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com. Check us out on social media Instagram @FloridasHistoricCoast: @ViajaStAugustine, Facebook.com/officialStAugustine; and X (Twitter) @FlHistoricCoast
For over 90 years, Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks has seen millions of families come to stay, play and make lasting memories every year. From grandparents to grandkids and everyone in between, the Lake of the Ozarks offers many family-friendly attractions and activities that all can enjoy, but most importantly, it’s a wonderful destination for families to enjoy their time with one another.
“We constantly hear stories from visitors about how they started coming to the Lake of the Ozarks with their parents and grandparents for family vacations when they were kids,” says Lagina Fitzpatrick. “And now they are the grandparents bringing their sons and daughters and grandkids to the Lake, so it comes full circle and turns into a long-lasting family tradition. We love those kind of stories! And, whether it’s your family’s first visit to the Lake or your fiftieth, there’s always something new to see or do, so that helps keep the experience fresh and exciting.”
WHERE MEMORIES ARE MADE
Ask just about any local resort owner at the Lake of the Ozarks and they can come up with a scrapbook of stories of guests and families returning year after year, generation after generation. According to Gena Aldrich, owner of the family-oriented Lake Breeze Resort in Camdenton, it all comes down to simple family fun.
“When you’re a kid and come to the Lake with your family, you go back home with all these fun memories of a special experience and those memories never leave you,” Gena says. “I can still remember coming down as a kid with my family and all the fun stuff my sister and I would get up to. It’s the seemingly little things, like you and your siblings and cousins swimming in the Lake, playing ‘King of the Swim Dock’ or having foot races down to the swimming dock. Or you go go-karting or play putt-putt and then the entire rest of the year the conversation is about who won last year and who’s going to win this year. It’s a special area because there really is so much for families to do together to create these incredible bonding experiences. You can go tubing, swimming or take a boat out to go to dinner. These are all moments that families have here at the Lake of the Ozarks that you can’t experience in everyday life or at other lakes around the country.”
PLACES TO STAY WHEN YOU COME TO PLAY
For anyone planning a multi-generational family vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks, the first thing you will want to do is find a place to stay that is right for your family.
Do you want a charming family-owned resort with a swimming pool and activities for the kids? Or maybe your family prefers sleeping under the stars or in a rustic cabin at a comfortable campground? There are full-service resorts that offer a ton of activities for the whole family, as well as on-site restaurants and boat rentals. Spacious vacation home and condominium rentals can ensure that the entire family feels right at home while everyone has their own space, too, if needed.
Regardless of what kind of accommodations a family prefers, they can find it at the Lake. The best place to start would be reviewing the list of lodging options on the “Places to Stay” page on www.FunLake.com. From there, visitors can select the category of accommodations that appeal to them, whether it be a resort, lodge, campground and RV park, vacation home or condo.
Additionally, if a family is new to the area and would like some help getting the lay of the land and planning some activities, the Lake of the Ozarks Tri-County Lodging Association offers free group tour and reunion planning services to help get the ball rolling and to ensure it will be a memorable trip for all the right reasons.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME TOGETHER
Once the question of “Where are we staying?” has been answered, it’s time to start planning the rest of the vacation. With so many things to see and do, it can be hard to narrow it down.
Since the goal of most families is to spend as much time together as possible to build meaningful connections and familial closeness, scheduling out the days to accommodate everyone is essential.
Some families like to structure their mornings to focus on the kids before enjoying some adult time in the afternoon or evenings.
Kid-friendly activities that even the adults can enjoy at the Lake of the Ozarks include swimming in the Lake or in a pool, going to waterparks, driving go-karts, playing putt-putt golf, hiking at the Lake’s two state parks, touring the area’s different show caves, fishing in the Lake, dropping some tokens into the local arcades and/or sampling the sweet treats at candy and ice cream shops, just like Grandma and Grandpa used to do. While the kids are playing or splashing around, the parents and grandparents can hangout to watch all the fun or jump right in, if they want.
In the afternoon, the adults can catch up over a round of golf, a treatment at a local spa or salon, or they can sip on locally-crafted beverages at the area’s five wineries and five microbreweries. There are also numerous locally-owned boutiques for those that want to spend some time shopping.
For the Lake purists that insist no trip to the Lake of the Ozarks is complete without getting out on the water, the 50-plus Lake-area marinas rent boats by the hour, the day or the week. Or, for those that would rather have someone else piloting the boat, they can take a guided cruise on one of the three luxury cruiser yachts at the Lake. These cruisers seat 150 people, so families big and small will have plenty of space to enjoy the sights. Or, they can hire a water taxi to take them out and show off some of the area highlights.
Of course, no family get-together would be complete without family meals. For those visitors staying at a place with a fully-equipped kitchen, having multiple generations working together in the kitchen to prepare a meal can be a meaningful event. Or, you can leave the kitchen and dirty dishes behind and enjoy a meal at one of the 200-plus restaurants at the Lake of the Ozarks. Most restaurants are kid-friendly and have games and entertainment options for the young ones to enjoy while the adults reminisce about family get-togethers and vacations of the past and make plans for their next generational getaway to the Lake of the Ozarks.
Your Lake of the Ozarks Adventure Awaits
Shared stories and shared experiences are what family vacations are all about. To learn more about how to have fun with the entire family, including fun vacation ideas, year around events and attractions, as well as lodging and dining options available at the nation’s “Best Recreational Lake” and “Best Lake for Water Sports,” call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) at 1-800-FUN-LAKE, or visit www.FunLake.com.
The Catalina Island Concert Series is now being produced by ‘The Perfect Event’ and brought to you by Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority, bringing an exciting lineup of performances to Wrigley Stage. View the full event schedule and lineupHERE.
The Highwayman Show
Saturday, July 20th, 8 p.m.
Prepare to be amazed as one man brings to life the music of Outlaw Country’s iconic legends. Critics have hailed, “Tony’s nothing short of amazing. This show feels like a continuous two-hour encore!” The Highwayman Show pays tribute to the timeless music of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson.
Taimane
Saturday, August 10th, 8 p.m.
Taimane, meaning “diamond” in Samoan, perfectly reflects her multifaceted musical talents. Whether delicately finger-picking through Bach or dynamically ripping through Led Zeppelin, Taimane masterfully morphs genres—from classical to rock to flamenco—and extends her instrument’s range beyond the familiar melodies of Hawai`i, where she was raised.
The Xceptional Tribute to ABBA
Saturday, September 14th, 8 p.m.
The Xceptional Tribute to ABBA is a crowd favorite, delivering lively performances of all your classic ABBA hits. This engaging tribute act guarantees a night of fun and nostalgia.
Join us for an extraordinary series of concerts with stunning ocean views and a vibrant island atmosphere.
Summer returns to the Chicago Southland with tons of exciting activities and events this June! Celebrate Father’s Day; spend some time learning about Juneteenth; cool off with some water activities; participate in our Hot Dog and Pizza Passes to win Chicago Southland swag; head out to the Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm Summerfest; take a virtual tour of Fox Pointe in Lansing; get your free copy of the Spring/Summer Festivals & Events Guide and check out some upcoming events.
Father’s Day
Father’s Day is an annual celebration to honor the dads and father figures in our lives. This year, the holiday falls on June 16, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate all of the special men in your life right here in the Chicago Southland! Check out our Father’s Day blog to see how you can celebrate the day.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a United States federal holiday celebrated annually on June 19 in commemoration of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865. With early celebrations dating back to as early as 1866, every state and the District of Columbia formally recognized the holiday in some way by 1979. It was first recognized as a national holiday in 2021. Learn about how you can celebrate in our Juneteenth blog!
Water fun blog
Things are heating up in the Chicago Southland, but if you want to keep cool, you’ll find plenty of ways to do so. Splash pads and aquatic centers offer a reprieve from the scorching summer sun. If you just enjoy being near water, you can drop a fishing pole in the water or hang out at some local spots where the water can calm nerves, reduce stress and take you to a place of tranquility. Check out our Splish Splash Your Way to Fun blog for some great aquatic focused events this summer!
Hot Dog and Pizza Passes
Try some of the Chicago Southland’s most iconic foods with our newest mobile passports; the Pizza Pass and the Hot Diggity Dog Pass. Head out to some of the Chicago Southland’s favorite spots to get a slice of pizza or a classic Chicago-style dog and earn points along the way. Check in at multiple locations to earn enough points for some free Chicago Southland swag!
Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm Summerfest
Celebrate all summer long at Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm Summerfest in Homer Glen, June 14th-August 4th, Fridays-Sundays 11AM-7PM. Enjoy one-of-a-kind rides, tasty treats and more on the farm! You can get discounted tickets June 3rd-7th or until discounted tickets are sold out.
Mancation in the Chicago Southland
Men, it’s time to ditch the thoughts of a romantic weekend getaway or antiquing and start planning your Mancation to the Chicago Southland with plenty of access to beer, golf and cigars! Check out our travel inspiration for some great activities and restaurants that are a Mancation must!
Take a virtual tour
This month, take a virtual tour of Fox Pointe in Lansing! This incredible outdoor venue hosts a whole summer’s worth of festivals, events and concerts. Take a look at the stage, concessions and lawn area before checking out some of the upcoming events, including free concerts: Southern Accents on June 5th, Second Hand Soul on June 12th, Funky Mojo Daddy on June 19th and the ticketed concert Friday Night Lights on June 21st.
Spring/Summer Festivals & Events Guide
Every month of the year, the Chicago Southland brings you fun and excitement! The Spring/Summer Festivals & Events Guide features 468 event listings, so there is no shortage of things to see and do in the Chicago Southland. This guide covers events through October and includes parades, farmers markets, live music, sports events, ethnic celebrations and more. Find out about the Orland Park Summerfest, Will County Fair, Frankfort Fall Fest, North Coast Music Festival, Orland Hills Party in the Park and more! Order your copy today!
March 27, 2024 – Nuevo Nayarit, Nay., Mexico — With summer fast approaching on the horizon, Mexico’s state of Nayarit is inviting travelers to embark on a journey filled with rugged, pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences. With its breath taking scenery, rich culture, and warm hospitality, Nayarit is always an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and exploration.
Nayarit boasts a wide range of activities for travelers of all interests, from pristine beaches to cultural immersion, organic coffee, and luxurious hotels and resorts.
Beautiful Beaches: Nothing says summer quite like a day at the beach, and with nearly 200 miles of coastline it’s no wonder Riviera Nayarit is one of the most popular coastal destinations in Mexico. The ribbon of golden, sandy beaches that lay beneath the Sierra Madre mountains is peppered with more than two dozen beach towns all along the coast of Riviera Nayarit. The beaches here offer a paradise for sun-seekers and adventurers alike, with groves of swaying palm trees and powerful Pacific waves. From the lively beach towns of Sayulita and San Pancho to the secluded coves of Punta Mita, and the remote, wildlife-rich estuaries of Rincon de Guayabitos, San Blas, and beyond, Nayarit’s beaches cater to every preference.
Surfers and surf enthusiasts head to the beaches of San Pancho on June 20 for International Surfing Day. Join the excitement of the powerful waves and enjoy the vibrant surf scene on the main beach, Playa San Panch.
Beyond the shores, visitors to the beaches of Nayarit can explore vibrant marine life through snorkeling or diving adventures. Diving is best in Nayarit during the summer months when water temperatures and visibility are at their peak.
Outdoor Adventures: For thrill-seekers, Nayarit is a paradise waiting to be discovered. Explore the lush jungles of the Sierra Madre mountains on a zip-lining excursion, hike to hidden waterfalls, surf the secret breaks, or go whale watching along the coast. With its diverse terrain, Nayarit offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Cultural Immersion: Dive into the rich cultural heritage of Nayarit by visiting its charming towns and villages. Explore the colorful markets of Tepic, where you can sample local cuisine and shop for handmade crafts. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience traditional Huichol art and learn about the indigenous culture that has thrived in the region for centuries.
Nayarit has more Magical Towns than any other state in Mexico. Magical Towns are recognized for qualities like their heritage, culture, natural beauty, legends, gastronomy, and more. Nayarit is home to nine Magical Towns, including Ahuacatlán, Amatlán de Cañas, Ixtlán del Río, San Blas, and Puerto Balleto (Islas Marías), Sayulita, Compostela, Jala, and Mexcaltitan. Each one offers adifferent experience for travelers looking to get in touch with the history andsoul of the state.
Luxurious Resorts: Summer is one of the best times to check into the many luxurious resorts along the coast of Nayarit. Often summer means lower prices or exclusive travel deals when visitors can get the most value out of these five-star escapes. Indulge in the ultimate paradise as you discover serenity amidst lush tropical gardens and azure waters. Each resort boasts meticulously designed accommodations, from palatial suites and private villas, each offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean or jungle landscapes. Nayarit’s resorts provide a gateway to thrilling outdoor activities, from championship golf courses to water sports and tours of nearby villages and vibrant markets.
Golf: Summer vacation is the perfect time to brush up on your golf game. Golfers looking to take a swing at the best golf destination in Mexico will feel right at home in Nayarit. With nine world-class golf courses, Nayarit is one of the top destinations for a golf summer break. These courses have been designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Jim Like, Percy Clifford, and Robert Von Hagge & Baril. These top-tier golf courses feature spectacular views over the Bay of Banderas and the Pacific Ocean, as well as the beautiful beaches and mountain rainforests of the Sierra Madres.
Wellness:The beautiful jungle-covered mountains, crashing Pacific coastline, and abundance of wildlife sets the ideal backdrop for a wellness journey. Whether it’s an indulgent treatment at a world-class spa in Punta de Mita, a multi-day yoga retreat in Sayulita, or filling your days with alcohol-free activity and adventure, Nayarit has everything travelers need to embark on a wellness journey.
Despite some reports to the contrary, Catalina Island is open for business after Tropical Storm Hilary passed through with negligible impact on the island. In an abundance of caution, an evacuation warning was issued August 19 that temporarily prohibited travel to the island, but it was lifted early morning on Monday, August 21st when visitors and residents alike were once again welcomed.
Public safety is always the top priority on Catalina Island and Avalon city officials, transportation services and the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department under the direction of Los Angeles County leadership worked closely to ensure clear communications with residents and visitors were disseminated.
“Catalina Island remains a safe, relaxing and welcoming destination just an hour from Los Angeles,” says Jim Luttjohann, CEO of Love Catalina, “We are pleased to note that our hotels, attractions and restaurants are all open and the island’s famed wild herd of bison are once again roaming happily under the Californian sun.”
Go to lovecatalina.com to to learn more about Catalina Island’s ongoing ‘Second Summer’ sale — Stay two nights and get the third night free at 12 participating hotels and vacation rentals.
For those into birding and nature, the Little Rock Audubon Center is an interesting venue to visit in Little Rock.
“The Little Rock Audubon Center is a destination for birders and naturalists in central Arkansas who want to explore birds, wildlife, plants and more in the unique habitats at our site,” said Uta Meyer, center manager at the Audubon/Delta/Little Rock Audubon Center. “Four miles of public trails wind through 400 acres of diverse habitat, including globally rare nepheline syenite glades, all within minutes of downtown Little Rock.”
Purple coneflowers at the Little Rock Audubon Center.The Little Rock Audubon Center
The center, located at 4500 Springer Blvd. in the Granite Mountain community, is completely solar powered and the grounds of native plant landscaping and habitat restoration fuel a bird-friendly landscape.
“The Little Rock Audubon Center is part of the National Audubon Society’s network of conservation action centers and is the Arkansas headquarters for Audubon Delta,” said Meyer. “The center serves as an environmental education hub and demonstration site for Audubon’s on-the-ground habitat management. Audubon’s work in Arkansas and the greater Delta region, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, includes policy and advocacy, education, habitat conservation and bird science and is implemented by environmental conservation professionals working at the center. Our staff is a resource for visitors and the public to call on. It’s unique for an education center to have such diverse expertise on-site.”
A paved Wildlife Observation Trail is among the routes available for people to walk on while visiting the center and it showcases an oak savanna habitat and views of the Little Rock skyline in the distance. Along the trail you can learn about rain gardens, which help combat erosion by slowing the flow of stormwater and vernal pools, which hold water during wet seasons and provide important habitat for creatures like frogs and turtles. The route is also part of the Fourche Creek Watershed, which drains around three-fourths of Little Rock’s surface area.
Arkansas is in the Mississippi Flyway and the Little Rock Audubon Center is an example of central Arkansas stopover habitat. Along with being a place to see birds, the grounds also have habitat to protect them including swift towers for birds like chimney swifts to use.
The grounds also play an important role in protecting a globally rare glade of nepheline syenite. “Nepheline syenite is a rare type of igneous rock similar to granite, it is the true namesake of Granite Mountain,” said Meyer. “Where this rock type comes to the surface it supports a glade. A glade is a naturally treeless, rocky grassland opening in an otherwise forested area. Glades are home to rare species of plants and animals, some of which are not known to occur in other habitats in the region. Nepheline syenite glades are one of the rarest glade habitats in the world. There are very few places where this form of igneous rock is exposed at the surface. They occur in only a few places in central Arkansas, most of which are under threat from mining and development. Audubon protects about 30 acres of nepheline syenite glade at the Little Rock Audubon Center. Nearby mining of the same rock and resource can be seen in the distance from the glade and its trails.”
For more details on the Little Rock Audubon Center, visit delta.audubon.org/about-us/little-rock-audubon-center. The center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the trails are open from dawn to dusk every day.
Arkansas Tourism Arkansas Tourism, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, strives to expand the economic impact of travel and tourism in the state and enhance the quality of life for all Arkansans. The division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. For more information, visit www.arkansas.com.
Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism protects and promotes our state’s natural, cultural and historic assets, contributing to a thriving economy and high quality of life. It is made up of three divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism.
