Travel, Food & Drink Blog
The travel industry has seen a notable rise in Black-owned tour companies that cater to the unique needs and experiences of Black travelers. These companies provide safe spaces and foster a sense of community while encouraging cultural connections often overlooked by traditional travel services. Celebrating this trend, the 2025 Travel Noire Awards recognize the outstanding…
Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka are celebrating their love for both cocktails and mocktails in their new book, "Both Sides of the Glass: Paired Cocktails and Mocktails to Toast Any Taste." This unique approach came after Burtka, who embraced sobriety nine years ago, felt the need for more sophisticated non-alcoholic drink options. The couple…
When it comes to crafting fall cocktails, the typical pumpkin spice flavor can get repetitive. Instead, bartenders suggest experimenting with an array of unexpected ingredients to elevate your autumnal drinks. Here are six surprising options to consider: 1. Tomatoes Bartenders are creatively using tomatoes in cocktails beyond the traditional Bloody Mary. Despite their summer associations,…
Traveling can be a costly endeavor, especially for retirees on fixed incomes. Many tend to rely on cash for their travel expenses, ensuring they don’t overspend. However, financial experts suggest that retirees might benefit from using credit cards with travel perks instead. Alvin Carlos, a financial planner at District Capital Management, advocates for travel credit…
Milk & Honey, a cocktail bar in New York City, opened at the turn of the millennium, marking the beginning of a craft cocktail revival. Pioneering bartenders like Dale DeGroff and Dick Bradsell laid the groundwork for this movement, which gained momentum with bars producing new classics like the Penicillin and Gold Rush. This renaissance…
From Mexico City to Manila, and the United Kingdom to the United States, fans of Taylor Swift celebrated the release of her new album, The Life of a Showgirl, with great enthusiasm. On October 2, 2025, the pop superstar’s twelfth studio offering dropped, and her dedicated fanbase, known as Swifties, joined together in joyful gatherings…
I came across Barrelsmith, a Norwalk-based company specializing in ready-to-drink cocktails, while researching for a feature on the TAG Global Spirits Awards—a notable spirits competition. Their barrel-aged Manhattan cocktail won an award in the ready-to-drink category, piquing my interest in both the brand and its offerings. In recent years, ready-to-drink cocktails have gained immense popularity,…
A prolonged US government shutdown could significantly affect travel plans, potentially leading to longer airport wait times, flight delays, and cancellations. The shutdown commenced after President Trump and Congress were unable to agree on funding for government services, resulting in a majority of airport employees working without pay. Geoff Freeman, president of the US Travel…
Rising costs are reshaping how Americans approach travel, leading many to reconsider their vacation plans. According to data from the U.S. Travel Association, travel expenses have surged by 20% since August 2019, reflecting increases in gas, lodging, and recreational activities. Meanwhile, food and beverage prices in restaurants have skyrocketed by over 30%, adding to the…
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about ice cream cocktails, evoking memories of sipping root beer floats at summer lakesides after catching fireflies. These delightful beverages have surged in popularity, especially as after-dinner drinks enjoyed in restaurants. The concept of mixing ice cream into cocktails isn’t new; it dates back to post-prohibition when creative concoctions enhanced desserts…