These diners and drive-ins make Spartanburg, South Carolina an old school eatery paradise

The South Carolina city of Spartanburg has an unlikely reputation for its throwback restaurants and drive-ins.

The city of Spartanburg, South Carolina came to prominence through the textile mills and railroad that used its location as an important hub. Located in the northwestern part of the state, it grew as additional employees were needed, which led to an increase in restaurants.

Despite the economic changes over the years, especially during the pandemic, many of these places from this heyday still exist and are quite literally diners, drive-ins and dives.

Beacon Drive-In

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First opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1946, the Beacon Drive-In welcomes hungry diners with its lighthouse-inspired sign acting as a “beacon” at a busy intersection. It’s one of the few remaining restaurants in America to offer curb service, long before the pandemic made it necessary, and is the second-largest drive-in in the country.

Founder John White filled the menu with his personal favorites, many of which are still available for diners to enjoy. The Chili-Cheese A-Plenty is a popular choice, which is a chili cheeseburger topped with onion rings and French fries. Pulled pork sandwiches are Carolina-style, made with a mustard-based sauce. The Pig’s Dinner is a decadent banana split.

The restaurant also claims to sell more tea than any other restaurant in the United States, at 62,500 gallons per year. The “world famous” tea is Southern style, served iced and sweet with a squeeze of lemon on shaved ice. In its decades of operation, The Beacon has been featured on The Cooking Channel, The Travel Channel and Food Network.

Boots and Sonny’s Drive-In

Known as the “home of the Hot Dog Man,” Boots and Sonny’s Drive-In dates back to 1962. It was originally opened as a Tastee Freeze, an ice cream stand, but the menu expanded to include the Famous Mama E’s Chili, a family recipe. Since then, Boots and Sonny’s, named for the owners’ nicknames, has become known for this chili, which tops the hot dogs it serves.

The restaurant serves thousands of people every day, cooking up 2,000 hot dogs. It’s still family-owned, led by the third generation. The menu also includes bologna sandwiches, burgers, sandwiches and dessert, which can be taken to go or enjoyed in the vintage sign-covered dining room.

Nu-Way Lounge

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Little has changed at NuWay Lounge & Restaurant since it opened in 1937, making it the oldest bar in Spartanburg. Located underneath a Pabst Blue Ribbon sign, this dive bar keeps it simple with the American beer classics and pinball machines inside. The games and drinks are welcoming, but it’s also one of the best places in town for a good meal.

The “World Famous Redneck Cheeseburger” has been praised by Food Network Magazine as the best in the state of South Carolina. It comes topped with the standard lettuce, tomato and onion, along with homemade chili and pimento cheese, a cheddar and pepper concoction. The menu also includes dry- and wet-rub wings, a French dip and even a vegetarian burger.

Peach Blossom Diner

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When it first opened in 1958, Peach Blossom Diner was set inside a metal trailer on old I-85, like one you might see along Route 66. A more permanent structure was built in the 1980s and continues to serve hungry diners including tourists, politicians and athletes.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Peach Blossom has changing daily specials, as well as hearty Southern fare. The menu has everything from hotcakes and biscuits to burgers and fried chicken. What strikes your fancy?

Sugar-n-Spice Drive In

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The Copses and Stathakis families immigrated to the United States from Greece in the 1950s and together opened Sugar-n-Spice in 1961. Over the last 60 years, the diner has served up beloved Greek and American dishes including burgers, roast beef, baklava and souvlaki.

The original neon sign still beckons travelers to detour and the wavy awning where carhops once worked is now covered parking. The restaurant hosts “cruise ins” for classic car lovers, held on Friday nights throughout the year.

Wade’s

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No matter what time of day you go, you’re likely to find a crowd at Wade’s, Spartanburg’s quintessential meat-and-three restaurant. Opened in 1947 by Wade and Betty Lindsey, it started as a grocery store that added a lunch counter for local employees. The menu expanded from simple hot dogs and sandwiches to Betty’s Southern-style home cooking.

The Lindsey family is still involved with Wade’s and the restaurant has been praised by readers of Southern Living, along with many other publications. The menu still has beloved dishes like hamburger steak and “world famous” fried chicken. The yeast rolls also have their own following, with 3,500 made by hand every day.

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

Three new museums that take a deep dive into diverse cultural perspectives

Discover three new museums on a mission – each one celebrating cultural diversity – in Nashville, New Orleans and Cape May.

Museums have always taken us places we may never have gone otherwise, from the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. to the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, California.

However, three new museums lean even more into diverse experiences, taking a deep dive into a particular cultural perspective, shining a bright light on changemakers and creating meaningful experiences for peoples of all origins and backgrounds along the way.

National Museum of African American Music – Nashville, Tennessee

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Opened on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2021, this vast museum came together over 22 years with $60 million behind it. With a collection of more than 1,600 artifacts, the experience starts with the interactive Rivers of Rhythm corridor, with its animated timeline linking American history with its music. The 56,000-square-foot museum houses six interactive sections that embrace 50 genres of music with a focus on blues, jazz, gospel, R&B and hip-hop.

Geared towards honoring and preserving the legacy of everyday music makers, in addition to well-known Black artists, there are personal items from Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston, Duke Ellington, George Clinton and TLC on display.

Although not considered a hotbed of Black music, Nashville has its share of history, including the trailblazing a cappella group the Fisk Jubilee Singers, founded in 1871. The Singers traveled around the U.S. and Europe singing spirituals written by enslaved musicians before the likes of Queen Victoria and Mark Twain.

Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience – New Orleans, Louisiana

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The Southern Jewish experience occupies a unique placement in American culture. The newly opened Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience in New Orleans looks at patterns of immigration and commerce, including slave ownership and the bonds of friendship between Jews and Gentiles in the South. From the earliest pushcarts to family-owned stores and businesses, Jews were a driver in commerce in places like Richmond, Charleston, New Orleans and Savannah.

Learn about the basic tenets of the faith through creative tableaus and some 4,000 artifacts. There’s an engaging “Ask Bubbe” touchscreen to test your knowledge of Yiddish words such as “schlep” and “kvetch,” as well as a beautiful collection of stained glass windows inspired by synagogues throughout the South. The strong connection between Jewish and Black communities in the South can be observed in exhibitions about Jewish professors at Historic Black Colleges and Jewish leaders in the Civil Rights Movement.

Because the museum is in New Orleans, of course there’s a nod to Mardi Gras, which for many years was run by krewes who barred both Black and Jewish people from riding. In 1996, Krewe du Jieux was formed, followed by Krewe du Mishigas; both satirical groups walk in the amusing Krewe du Vieux Carnival Parade that happens a few weeks before Mardi Gras day.

Harriet Tubman Museum – Cape May, New Jersey

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Harriet Tubman, the famed American abolitionist who was born into slavery, rescued at least 70 enslaved people by following the Underground Railroad. Tubman funded her missions by working as a cook, which she did for multiple summers in Cape May, New Jersey, a pretty Victorian town along the Jersey shore.

A new museum pays homage to her work and illuminates the importance of the role Cape May played in the fight against slavery. The museum, set in the former Macedonia Baptist Church, is on the corner of Lafayette Street and Franklin Street, a center of abolitionist activity in the 1840s.

Across the street, the Stephen Smith House was the summer home for the founder of the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society. Next door, The Banneker House was one of the only summer resorts for free Black people in the country.

Tour the pocket museum for personal insights into Tubman’s extraordinary life. The museum’s mission is one of inclusion and outreach, coordinating with schools around the country to expand school curricula, explore under-represented history and promote diversity and inclusion in the classroom.

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

10 travel memberships that are worth the money

From airport lounges to travel planning concierge services, these are the best travel memberships that are worth considering to make travel more enjoyable.

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We live in a subscription-obsessed world and there’s a subscription for everything you can imagine, from razors to clothing and even hot sauces. Travel memberships are on the rise, providing new ways to ease some of the stress that comes with traveling these days and help make the journey more seamless.

Whether you’re willing to pay a premium for exclusive travel experiences that provide a little more privacy or you’re more budget-conscious and want to find the best travel deals, there’s a membership for every type of traveler. Here are 10 travel memberships that are worth considering.

Wheels Up

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Wheels Up offers private jet charter memberships so travelers can access a fleet of aircrafts, including a King Air 350i, an 8-passenger Citation Excel/XLS, and one of the fastest aircrafts, the Citation X. Wheels Up uses a dynamic pricing model offering competitive rates, so members can book flights on-demand with the flexibility to pay as they go.

Additional membership benefits include invites to signature events, President’s Circle status with Hertz, a complimentary trial of Inspirato Club subscription for 12 months (Core members only), certain perks at select Waldorf Astoria hotels across North America, a partnership with Delta SkyMiles, dedicated partnership rates with Porsche and more.

Membership cost: Three membership options are available – Connect, Core and Business. The Connect membership requires a one-time initiation fee of $2,995 and annual dues of $2,495 which begin on year two. The Core membership has an initiation fee of $17,500 and annual dues of $8,500 which begin on year two. The Business membership requires an initiation fee of $29,500 and $14,500 for subsequent years and includes up to six lead passengers.

PS at LAX

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Getting through airport security lines can be a drag, especially during holiday weekends and a pandemic that has increased the demand for more seclusion when traveling. PS (formerly known as Private Suite) is designed for first and business class travelers who are seeking privacy and convenience, allowing them to bypass LAX altogether.

Travelers check into a private terminal where they can relax in a fully-stocked luxury private suite that includes complimentary in-suite meals catered by h.wood Group, as well as additional services upon request such as in-suite massages, manicures and detailing services for personal cars. PS also provides a designated on-site TSA and Customs agent for expedited screening.

Upon boarding, travelers are transported across the tarmac directly to their aircraft in a BMW 7 Series sedan. Earlier this year, the Salon at PS launched, which features a new full-service lounge at the terminal for travelers who want the same benefits of PS but seek a more social experience.

Membership cost: Annual membership costs $4,500, which gives members access to a preferred rate of $3,250 for a one-way Suite experience for up to four travelers. The Salon is available to members and non-members for $695 per use per person.

Inspirato

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Inspirato is a subscription-based luxury travel service that gives members exclusive access to over 150,000 luxury vacation homes and resorts around the world that are staffed by Inspirato. There are two membership types: Inspirato Club and Inspirato Pass. The former gives you access to the luxury residences and hotels around the world, on-site concierge and daily housekeeping with additional benefits such as late check-in and check-out, room upgrades, spa credits and more. However, members also pay nightly room rates.

With the Inspirato Pass, you automatically get the benefits of Inspirato Club plus nightly rates are already factored into the price of membership, so you can book as many vacations as possible in one month with one active reservation at a time. There is also no long-term commitment, so you can cancel the membership at any time.

Membership cost: Inspirato Club membership is $600/month plus a $600 enrollment fee and you pay nightly rates as you go. Inspirato Pass is a flat rate of $2,500/month which includes all hotel stays.

Scott’s Cheap Flights

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A membership to Scott’s Cheap Flights includes flight deals and “Mistake Fares” accidentally published by airlines sent straight to your inbox. The team scours the internet for the lowest published airfare rates to popular destinations and shares them with members.

Subscribers can also track deals from a specific airport close to home or destinations of interest. A membership to Scott’s Cheap Flights is best for travelers who have flexibility on the destination and dates and are willing to fly based on low airfare rates. Flight deals don’t last long so you’ll have to act fast.

Membership cost: There are three membership tiers including Limited which is free, Premium costs $49/year and Elite $199/year.

PRIOR

PRIOR was started by a former travel editor who saw a gap in the market for travelers wanting a more immersive experience during their vacation. A team of experienced travel editors and local tastemakers on the ground design itineraries for curious travelers.

A PRIOR WORLD membership includes access to curated destination guides, unique local experiences in cities around the world, pre-planned group trips led by experts and for an additional fee, the team can create a custom itinerary based on your interests.

If you’re a frequent traveler, PRIOR BESPOKE might be the membership better suited for you. For a flat fee per year, members get unlimited trip planning by their expert team of travel editors and membership managers.

Membership cost: PRIOR WORLD membership costs $249 per annum. PRIOR BESPOKE is $5,000 per annum.

Priority Pass

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Airport terminals may have come a long way in the last decade, but killing time for a three-hour layover in a crowded airport isn’t exactly on anyone’s list of things to do, especially on vacation. Trade the busy terminals for private lounge access with Priority Pass and enjoy guaranteed Wi-Fi and snacks.

Members of Priority Pass receive access to over 1,300 airport lounges globally, including several airline lounges such as Virgin Atlantic, Air France and Turkish Airlines. Several credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express offer free Priority Pass memberships as part of their member benefits.

Membership cost: Choose from three membership tiers which start at $99/year for the Standard membership plus $32 per visit and go up to $429/year for the Prestige membership which includes unlimited lounge visits.

CLEAR

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TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry are services that allow travelers to expedite the security screening process upon departure and arrival. With CLEAR Plus, enrolled members get escorted to the front of the security line once they’ve been verified using facial recognition or fingerprint scans, so they no longer have to verify identification at security. However, for expedited clearance through security screenings, TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry are still required.

CLEAR uses biometric identifiers to create a unique ID assigned to each member that is used for verification at stations across airports, stadiums and other major venues nationwide.

Membership cost: A CLEAR Plus membership is $179 per year. American Express Platinum Card Members receive a $179 statement credit and United MileagePlus members receive a discounted membership rate.

Well Traveled

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Well Traveled is a members-only social and booking platform that allows members to connect with friends to find and share travel recommendations. The community-driven platform is intended to make travel planning easier by allowing you to follow people in your network that you trust, in addition to other like-minded travelers who share similar budgets and travel preferences.

Members can also take advantage of the personalized booking service that includes perks like exclusive rates, room upgrades, food & beverage credits, complimentary breakfast and more. Currently, membership is invite-only but you can also apply to be considered.

Membership cost: $150 per year.

Travel + Leisure Club

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Travel + Leisure Club is a new travel subscription service offered by Travel + Leisure Group. Members can pay a monthly fee for access to preferred pricing on curated itineraries and an average of 25% savings on hotels, resorts, car rentals and activities that are listed on Travel + Leisure GO, the online travel booking site. Plus, members get a subscription to the glossy print magazine.

Members also get access to a personal concierge that can assist with travel planning, scoring tickets to sold-out events, making dinner reservations and more.

Membership cost: Travel + Leisure Club is currently offering an introductory rate of $9.95/month.

Exclusive Resorts

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Designed for families who value privacy, Exclusive Resorts is a small community of members (only 150 new members accepted each year) that get access to over 350 luxury residences around the world including the Amalfi Coast, Barcelona, Deer Valley, Kaua’i, Los Cabos, St. Barts and more.

Guests enjoy a more personalized experience with a dedicated on-site team who can assist with pre-trip planning details such as stocking the fridge with your favorite snacks, booking a massage or private chef, and housekeeping services.

Membership cost: There is a one-time, non-refundable initiation fee of $150,000 for a 10-year membership. Annual dues are $1,395/night and members travel 15-30 nights per year.

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

What are the best things to do for the holidays this year?

We’re looking for America’s best seasonal holiday events – light shows, Christmas markets and holiday home tours. Vote for your favorites once per day until voting ends on Monday, December 6 at noon ET. The 10 winners in each category will be announced on Friday, December 17th.

Halloween has come and gone, and that means the holiday season is just around the corner. In anticipation of what Andy Williams crooned “the most wonderful time of the year,” we’re looking for America’s best seasonal holiday events – light shows, Christmas markets and holiday home tours – and we need your help.

Vote for your favorites once per day until voting ends on Monday, December 6 at noon ET. The 10 winners in each category will be announced on Friday, December 17th, just in time for Christmas.

Click on each category below to vote:

Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights

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Throughout the holiday season, spectacular light shows brighten up botanical gardens across the United States. Instead of spring flowers, visitors find twinkling holiday lights, often accompanied by a range of other festivities. Which botanical garden puts on the best seasonal lights show?

Vote: Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights »

Best Historic Holiday Home Tour

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Ever wondered how George Washington spent his holidays or how exactly Elvis “decked the halls”? These historic houses – hand-picked by 10Best contributors from around the country – pull out all the stops for their holiday tours. Vote once per day for your favorite historic holiday home tour now through Monday, December 6th at noon ET.

Vote: Best Historic Holiday Home Tour »

Best Holiday Market

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You don’t need a passport to have a traditional Christmas market experience. Christmas markets are a European holiday tradition brought over by immigrants. Today, cities and towns across the country host holiday markets inspired by those of Germany, complete with traditional food, music and holiday treats. We need your help picking a winner for the title of Best Holiday Market.

Vote: Best Holiday Market »

Best Holiday Parade

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Holiday parades, like these 20 nominated by 10Best editors and contributors, bring holiday cheer in the form of festive floats, dancing elves, Santa and his sleigh and millions of twinkling lights. Which holiday parade do you look forward to the most?

Vote: Best Holiday Parade »

Best Hotel for the Holidays

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If you can’t be home for the holidays, the next best thing is a festive hotel. These 20 hotels, nominated for best hotel for the holidays, deck their halls and crank up the holiday cheer to a whole new level. Which is your favorite hotel for the holidays?

Vote: Best Hotel for the Holidays »

Best Public Holiday Lights Display

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For many, the holiday season isn’t complete without at least one night spent driving around looking at light displays. Our contributors and editors combed the nation for the 20 best, brightest and most beautiful holiday light shows put on by neighborhoods, cities and parks, and now it’s your turn to help us select the Best Public Holiday Lights Display.

Vote: Best Public Holiday Lights Display »

Best Theme Park Holiday Event

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These 20 American theme parks pull out all the stops as they deck their halls – and attractions – for the holidays. Winter visitors enjoy parades, seasonal live entertainment, visits with Santa and plenty of holiday cheer.

Vote: Best Theme Park Holiday Event »

Best Zoo Lights

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Each winter, zoos across the country get into the holiday spirit with their own festive seasonal displays. Once the sun sets and the animals go to bed, these 20 U.S. zoos celebrate the season with some of the best lights displays around. Which zoo hosts your favorite event?

Vote: Best Zoo Lights »

Remember, you can vote once per day in each category. The 10 nominees with the most votes in each category will be announced on 10Best.com on Friday, December 17.

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

Pickleball 101: A quick guide to the fastest growing sport in the U.S.

Pickleball may have a funny name but it’s making a serious impact on American sports. Here’s what you need to know.

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While much of the country spent 2020 baking and binge watching Netflix, 4.2 million Americans were playing pickleball.

That’s up a whopping 21.3% from 2019, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, and the numbers keep climbing.

“As people looked for ways to get outside and be more active, it makes sense that it ended up on everyone’s radar,” says Stu Upson, CEO of USA Pickleball, the sport’s governing organization. “Pickleball is very welcoming to beginners but is still challenging even for advanced players. Whatever your level of play, you can join a round of pick-up games, have fun and meet new people.”

Matt Manasse agrees. A former pro tennis coach, he was introduced to pickleball at the beginning of the pandemic and was immediately hooked. “I literally created my own pickleball court in my parents’ backyard and it’s been a love story ever since.”

In fact, Manasse became so obsessed with the sport, he’s now a Wilson-sponsored professional player and the Pro Pickleball Coach at The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, where he teaches celebs including Larry David, Fred Savage, Doug Ellin and Brian and Veronica Grazer.

“It’s such a great workout and I love the strategy involved,” he says. “I also love how inviting and friendly the pickleball community is. I’ve met so many fantastic people of all ages; it really is an amazing networking sport. Pickleball is much easier to get into than tennis and it’s incredible to see how it’s changing people’s lives.”

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What is pickleball, anyway?

Pickleball has been described as the love child of tennis and badminton – with strands of ping pong DNA. It’s played on a court about a quarter the size of a tennis court and you use the full court whether you’re playing singles or doubles.

Instead of rackets, you use paddles and the balls are made out of plastic and have holes in them, kind of like wiffle balls. You’re only allowed to serve underhand and both the serve and the return have to bounce before you can start volleying.

“The biggest rule to know is that you can’t hit a ball in the air from the kitchen – which is the non-volley zone (NVZ) that extends back seven feet from the net,” explains Manasse. “It has to bounce first. That’s why you see many people dinking [a short shot hit on a bounce from your NVZ into your opponent’s NVZ]. I won’t even get into the scoring because that confuses people. Just remember to stay out of the kitchen and you’ll be fine!”

Why it’s called pickleball

Part of the joy of pickleball is the name itself, although its origin is up for debate.

The game was invented in 1965 by three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum – trying to entertain their bored kids. According to Pritchard’s wife, Joan, she started calling it pickleball because “the combination of different sports reminded me of the pickle boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats.” McCallum remembers it differently, insisting the game was named after the Pritchards’ dog, Pickles, who would chase the ball and run off with it.

Regardless of which story is right, there are no pickles in pickleball. But there is a kitchen and, again, you need to stay out of it.

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What you need to start playing

“The beauty of the fastest growing sport in America is that all you really need is a pickleball paddle, a ball and a net,” says Doug Thielen of Pickleball Central, the official equipment provider of USA Pickleball. “There are many public courts that can be used for free. Or, a court can be set up on any hard surface.”

You can buy a starter set of two wooden paddles and four balls for as little as $19.99, then move up to a composite or performance paddle like the Electrum Pro or Wilson Juice or Echo as you improve.

“When you’re starting out, a paddle that has a larger sweet spot can help you keep your shots in the court,” Thielen advises. “You also want a paddle with enough power to get your serves and returns deep, two keys to success in beginning pickleball.”

The experts at Pickleball Central can help you choose the paddle that’s best for you and they’ll even let you test it for 30 days. You can find other great resources on the Royal Pickleball and USA Pickleball sites.

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The future of pickleball

Although, for now, pickleball seems to be a mostly American pastime, the goal is for it to one day become an Olympic sport.

“Pickleball is social, fitness-oriented and competitive,” says Manasse. “It checks a lot of boxes and most people become addicted after their first game.”

But, he warns, “Don’t be upset if an older couple beats you when you get to the public courts. They’ve just been playing a lot longer.”

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

10 unique dishes you need to try on New York’s Upstate Eats Trail

It’s easy to associate dining in New York with the Big Apple, but Upstate New York has also originated some memorable foods. Now, a self-guided trail maps out the places that invented these specialties and are still offering them today.

Launched in spring 2021, the Upstate Eats Trail is a 225-mile culinary road trip bridging four major cities – Buffalo, Binghamton, Rochester and Syracuse – via longtime eateries, mom-and-pop restaurants and roadside attractions.

Some of their creations have remained regional favorites while others have made their way across the country. Here are 10 foods to eat along the Upstate Eats Trail.

Buffalo wings – Anchor Bar, Buffalo

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Teressa Bellissimo is widely credited as the person to thank for creating the version of this pub grub order that has gone global. On March 4, 1964, her son, Dominic Bellissimo, was tending bar at what is now known as Anchor Bar Restaurant. Later in the evening, a group of Dominic’s friends came in quite hungry, so Dominic asked his mother to prepare them a late night snack.

Teressa deep fried fresh chicken wings that usually went into a stock pot for soup and then flavored them with a secret sauce, which is commonly known today as Buffalo wing sauce (with the recipe still closely guarded). The Buffalo wings were an instant hit.

There’s another pioneer in Buffalo’s chicken wing story. John Young owned and ran John Young’s Wings and Things in the city in the 1960s up until 1970. He served his chicken wings whole – instead of separating drums and flats – and breaded and coated them in a mambo sauce.

Garbage plate – Nick Tahou Hots, Rochester

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This peculiar pile-up dish can be found at many restaurants in Rochester and can have different names and variations, but Nick Tahou Hots is the venue where the original version was created.

At this dining institution, the garbage plate traditionally consists of a choice of meat including cheeseburger, hamburger, Italian sausages, steak, chicken or white or red hots. Then this meaty pick gets served on top of a base combination of ingredients such as home fries, French fries, baked beans and/or macaroni salad. But wait, there’s more: the plate can be topped with “Rochester hot sauce,” a spicy meat condiment.

The story goes that its trademarked name stuck when college students coming to Nick Tahou Hots late one night asked for a plate with “all the garbage on it.”

Beef on weck – Schwabl’s, West Seneca

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Also spelled as “kimmelweck,” the word ​​”kümmelweck” means caraway bun in German. It’s also descriptive of this specialty that reflects the region’s history with German immigrants in the 19th century. It’s a sandwich consisting of cuts of slowly roasted and hand-carved roast beef placed in between a roll adorned with coarse salt and caraway seeds.

Since 1837, the German restaurant Schwabl’s has a mighty tie to this meaty dish. Its origins might come from a German baker who is said to have emigrated from Germany’s Black Forest region. The Schawbl family would also do the same and establish their restaurant in New York State.

At Schwabl’s, the tradition of preparing beef on weck continues, but the venue is now owned by Cheryl Staychock, a longtime employee, and her husband, Gene Staychock. While it’s hard to say how much beef on weck is sold at Schwabl’s, Cheryl Staychock noted that the restaurant goes through up to 800 pounds of roast beef a week.

Salt potatoes – Bull & Bear Roadhouse, East Syracuse

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This salty starch dish is a byproduct of Syracuse’s time as a major producer of this mineral in the United States in the 1800s. Its output faded with the advent of refrigeration in the next century.

Giving Syracuse the nickname, “Salt City,” salt would be harvested from salt-laden marshes found around Onondaga Lake in Central New York. The salt would be collected from surfacing brine, first by boiling the salt water for evaporation in huge kettles and raking the salt out. The retrieval would be later switched to a solar method, where the salt water would be put into vats and salt pulled out by the elements.

Irish immigrants took these jobs of having to boil down the salt brine. According to Gregg Tripoli, executive director of the Onondaga Historical Society in Syracuse, Irish workers would bring small potatoes with them and cook them by throwing them in the boiling brine.

Their salt-crusted potatoes would be paired with melted butter and become a local Irish staple. In 1883, Irish brothers Arthur and James Keefe opened their tavern in Syracuse and served salt potatoes; it’s believed to be the first commercial setting to offer them to the general public.

In July 2021, a historic marker telling this story was installed at the Salt Museum, also in Syracuse. Try Bull & Bear Roadhouse‘s loaded salted potatoes, which puts a stacked take on this classic with pulled pork, bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream and chives.

Sponge candy – Parkside Candy, Buffalo

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It can be known by other names depending on what part of the country you’re in – for example, sea foam candy on the West Coast, or fairy food candy in the Midwest – but in Western New York, this confectionery is called sponge candy.

The story of its creation is unclear, too, but many candy shops within Western New York make and/or carry this airy and crunchy toffee with a honeycomb-looking interior and chocolate-covered exterior. Its recipe is consistent. Made with brown sugar, corn syrup, water and baking soda, the candy mixture puffs up after it’s cooked to a very high temperature. Gelatin is added into the batch to maintain its texture, and then baking soda comes in to raise it up and form a big block. When ready, it’s cut up into pieces and then topped with milk, dark or even orange-flavored chocolate.

Longtime makers include Watson’s Chocolates, Fowler’s Chocolates and Aléthea’s Chocolates. There’s also Parkside Candy, which opened its first store and factory in Buffalo in 1927 and produces about 400 pounds of sponge candy daily. The almost century-old business now has retail locations in Tonawanda, Williamsville and a second one in Buffalo.

Spiedies – Lupo’s S&S Char-pit, Binghamton

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An import from Italians immigrants coming to and around Binghamton in the 1920s, “spiedies” are believed to have originated from the Italian word “spiedino” meaning “cooked on a spit.” Spiedies consist of meat – either chicken, lamb, pork, beef or venison – that gets marinated in an oil and spice mixture, cut into cubes and placed on skewers for grilling. Then it’s put onto an Italian bread bun.

Their popularity is believed to be linked to Augustine Iacovelli, an Italian immigrant who owned a restaurant in neighboring Endicott; his version was made with a marinade called “Zuzu.” Soon, restaurants, meat markets and grocery stores began preparing and selling them as well.

Another possible story is that Peter Sharak, owner of the now closed Binghamton bar and grill, Sharkey’s, might have come up with spiedies as well. Entrepreneur Rob Salamida is credited with bottling and selling spiedies marinade.

The spiedie has even become the subject of an annual festival at Binghamton’s Otsiningo Park. The Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally usually occurs every summer (2021’s version was in early October) and originated in 1983 from some local families arguing over who had the best spiedie recipe. Their initial cook-off would evolve into an event featuring live entertainment, hot air balloons and, of course, local participants preparing their spiedie variations.

Try a spiedie from Lupo’s S&S Char-pit, the restaurant portion of this longtime Italian family business that began as a meat market in Endicott in the 1950s. While the restaurant still makes the traditional version, their menu features contemporary versions, such as a hoagie style and other add-ons. Lupo’s also has a mail-order service selling their marinade, sub sauce and spiedie kits.

Apple dumplings – Apple Hills, Binghamton

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While more of a seasonal item, it’s best to make a mental note of heading to Apple Hills to order their apple dumplings from The Apple Dumpling Cafe.

According to Joy Johnson, the fifth-generation owner of this family farm near the Greater Binghamton Airport, this fall dessert was inspired by a past trip she took to New England and seeing a simple apple dessert at a roadside stop.

Apple Hills’ version of an apple dumpling involves taking a Cortland apple picked from their orchard – Crispins are a second option – and then peeling and coring it but keeping the apple whole. Then the apple is adorned with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon, wrapped in puff pastry, baked until al dente and then completed with a covering of icing.

The apple dumplings are served at the farm’s cafe, a breakfast and lunch eatery. There’s also a signature apple sandwich consisting of two slices of wheat bread, sliced apples, a slice of both grilled ham and Swiss, a dollop of mayo and a dash of mustard.

A 400-acre farm, Apple Hills grows 13 different varieties of apples including Macintosh, Honeycrisp and Red and Golden Delicious. Blueberries and raspberries are also grown onsite. Along with offering pick-your-own times, the year-round open farm has a corn maze, a menagerie of a few resident farm animals and a family activity area.

Hot pie – Consol’s, Endicott

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As another term for pizza, hot pies is a wording that can be heard in New York State. According to volume one of the book, “Bygone Binghamton: Remembering People and Places of the Past,” hot pies entered the U.S. vernacular after World War II, by way of returning GIs who had their first taste of pizza in wartime Italy. Within New York State, the book cites restaurants listing hot pies on their menus at least by the 1940s, but some findings point to it happening a decade earlier.

One style of hot pie involves a super thin crust, tomato sauce and a light sprinkle of cheese that’s usually Romano; no mozzarella. Another involves adding American cheddar.

A place along the Upstate Eats Trail that’s associated with hot pies is Consol’s, an Italian family restaurant in Endicott. A neat fact about Consol’s is that the staff don’t insert their round pizzas in a pizza box. Instead, they place their pies on a round piece of cardboard and wrap it in butcher paper. It would be carried by the top of the wrap. The reason? To maintain its crispness.

According to Dave Consol, whose family owns the restaurant, the method came from the venue’s time as Duff’s Tavern. The tavern’s owner, Adolph “Duff” Consol, and a relative of Dave’s, apparently started this wrapping technique.

Frozen custard – Abbott’s Frozen Custard, Rochester

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Abbott’s Frozen Custard in Rochester came to be when Arthur Abbott opened a beachside stand near the shores of Lake Ontario in 1926 to sell his frozen custard. Two decades earlier, a young Abbott was pursuing another career by traveling with small carnivals and entertaining people. He was also working on another project: perfecting a recipe for this creamy, chilled treat.

Having immediate success, Abbott kept going until he sold off his business in 1957, but his company continues on as a family-run one today. The original location is still open and Abbott’s now has franchises as far as New Orleans, but with a good number in Rochester. While the original recipe remains a secret, what we can tell you is that the New York-based Upstate Farms provides dairy milk. To keep it fresh, the flavored frozen custards are made daily at each Abbott’s location.

White hots – Schaller’s, Rochester

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These sausages are made from pork, beef and veal and have been produced by Zweigle’s in Rochester since 1880. Their light coloring is due to the meaty ingredient being uncured and unsmoked.

Now run by its fifth generation, Zweigle’s white hots represent the family-run company’s legacy in becoming known for selling what was referred to as “Old World German” meat products. While Zweigle’s now puts out meats that fit with today’s diets and tastes, such as plant-based ones, the 140-plus-year-old business continues to still offer white hots, frankfurters and hot dogs.

White hots continue to be found in Syracuse and Western New York restaurants. Among them, Schaller’s has been dishing out orders of white hots since opening their first location in 1956. Having worked for Kodak, brothers Joe and Ken Schaller wanted to start their own business and opened a drive-in spot near the Lake Ontario shoreline. Two other Rochester locations followed.

Now run by Joe’s son, Tommy Schaller, the restaurant gets high marks for its white hots, red hots and burgers. Its specialties also extend to their meaty gravy version of the “Rochester hot sauce.”

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

These are the best small towns in the country, according to our readers

Here are your 2021 Readers’ Choice Award winners for Best Coastal Small Town, Best Historic Small Town, Best Small Town Cultural Scene, Best Small Town Food Scene, Best Small Town for Adventure and Best Small Town for Shopping.

Small towns are the perfect place to travel when you’re looking to avoid crowds. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, outdoor adventure, shopping, great food, or soaking in the sun and listening to the waves crash, there’s a small town for you.

We wanted to find the best small towns across the country so we invited our readers to vote for their favorites and the results are in.

Click on each category below to see the full winners list:

Best Coastal Small Town: Bucksport, Maine

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Located by the Penobscot River, Bucksport’s downtown waterfront area draws visitors to enjoy its recreation and other amenities. 10Best contributor Deborah Fallows suggests that you “stop for a craft beer (made by real friars) at the Friar’s Brewhouse, visit the history museum or try a glass of wine at Verona Wine and Design.”

Local bodies of water such as Silver Lake and Jacob Buck Pond offer opportunities for fishing (including a winter fishing derby), kayaking and canoeing. Recreational boaters seeking saltwater activities can utilize a public dock located directly off Main Street.

Full list of winners: Best Coastal Small Town »

Best Historic Small Town: Granbury, Texas

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The charming town of Granbury makes frequent appearances on “best small town” lists, and it’s easy to see why. The town’s central square, lined by historic landmarks, makes for excellent shopping, and there are plenty of mom n’ pop restaurants to choose from when it comes time to refuel.

The beach at Lake Granbury offers a way to cool off on those hot Texas afternoons, and there’s even a family-friendly boardwalk.

Full list of winners: Best Historic Small Town »

Best Small Town Cultural Scene: El Dorado, Arkansas

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This small town in South Arkansas is rich in both Southern charm and cultural appeal. El Dorado hosts a full calendar of cultural festivals each year, including the Southern Food & Wine Festival, MusicFest and the Mayhaw Festival. The town is also home to the South Arkansas Symphony, one of the first orchestras established in the state. Visit Oil Heritage Park to learn more about the city’s boom town history.

Full list of winners: Best Small Town Cultural Scene »

Best Small Town Food Scene: Abingdon, Virginia

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This walkable town in the Virginia Highlands has always had a lively food scene, and it just keeps getting better! Classics like The Tavern, 128 Pecan, Rain and Bone Fire Smokehouse, and new offerings from The Girl & The Raven, Papa Tom’s, and Puerto Nuevo, offer great variety and top quality. Don’t miss Anthony’s Desserts or Mamma Mia’s, either!

Full list of winners: Best Small Town Food Scene »

Best Small Town for Adventure: Savanna, Illinois

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“Savanna, hugging the Mighty Mississippi and along the Bluffs of the Driftless area in Northwest Illinois, is the starting point for 60 miles of bike trails – the Great River Bike Trail – but it is also a favorite stop for motorcyclists,” says 10Best Local Expert Jacky Runice.

Full list of winners: Best Small Town for Adventure »

Best Small Town for Shopping: Montpelier, Vermont

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Just steps from the Vermont State House lies the pedestrian-friendly Montpelier downtown shopping district – a neighborhood packed with shops, antique stores and restaurants. Find one-of-a-kind pieces from Vermont artists at the Artisans Hand Craft Gallery or pick up a new cooking gadget at Capital Kitchen.

Full list of winners: Best Small Town for Shopping »

Congratulations to all our winners! Remember to visit 10Best.com daily to vote in the Readers’ Choice contests.

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

10 of the best New England hotels for the holidays

Get cozy for the holidays with a stay at these 10 festive, merry and bright hotels across New England.

Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve – whatever is to be celebrated at the Northern Hemisphere’s darkest time of the year, it is done with plenty of lights and good cheer at these 10 hotels.

The Wilburton – Manchester, Vermont

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The halls of this gracious 1902 mansion-turned-country inn, situated between the Green and Taconic Mountain ranges in southwestern Vermont, are truly decked out for the holiday season. What’s more, dogs are very welcome here, and a signature seasonal Wilburton event is the canine Christmas slumber party weekend in early December.

For humans, Manchester is a holiday shopper’s paradise with the 40-plus stores of the Manchester Designer Outlets, as well as numerous locally-owned stores and art galleries, all less than a 10-minute-drive away.

Woodstock Inn & Resort – Woodstock, Vermont

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This truly picturesque village holds an annual Wassail Weekend in early December, reviving an ancient English celebration that marks the end of the busy harvest time and honors nature’s bounty.

Throughout the holiday season, there’s no warmer winter welcome than the Woodstock Inn’s roaring fireplace in the lobby, which invites guests to sit, read or just gaze at the wreaths, garlands, fairy lights and tree marking this magical season. The giant gingerbread house in the lobby stands six feet tall and becomes a tasty playhouse for children to explore.

Omni Mount Washington Resort – Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

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Surrounded by the White Mountains, and with the resort’s own Bretton Woods ski area nearby, this classic grand hotel is the glittering centerpiece of a true winter wonderland. The historic Omni hotel is filled with holiday songs played on the Conservatory’s rare Steinway piano; the smell of Mrs. Claus hot cocoa parties; and the sight of beautifully lit trees and decorations adding even more shimmer to this Gilded Age beauty.

Snowvillage Inn – Snowville, New Hampshire

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The village of Snowville is named for the Snow family who started a sawmill there in 1825, but you’d be forgiven for thinking the name is due to the annual deep blanketing of fluffy snow that greets visitors.

The inn’s snowshoeing program includes guided tours through the surrounding woodland. Inside the inn, the lobby’s fireplace and the dining room’s antique wood stove give a cozy cabin feel. Holiday activities include wreath making and the annual Mount Washington Valley Inn to Inn Cookie Tour.

Harraseeket Inn – Freeport, Maine

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The inn is the perfect base for holiday shopping at the Freeport outlet stores and enjoying the annual Sparkle Celebration in early December, which kicks off with the town-wide Sparkle parade and Santa arriving by boat on the Harraseeket River. Just watch out for that magical talking Christmas tree in the town center!

The family-owned Harraseeket Inn has cozy suites with real wood-burning fireplaces. Daily afternoon tea is served around the fireplace in the drawing room, presided over by a giant polar bear sitting at the baby grand piano.

Kennebunkport Inn – Kennebunkport, Maine

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This seaside inn is another spot to take in a small New England town’s seasonal festivities, including its annual Christmas Prelude. Gone are the summer crowds and a much gentler ambiance unfolds – until a wild, winter storm gives another reason to cozy up, that is.

That’s when this inn, located in the center of this coastal town in the heart of Dock Square, becomes especially snug. For the holidays, the inn is transformed into its own Christmas village, with even the guest rooms decked out with festive decor.

Encore Boston Harbor – Everett, Massachusetts

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When it comes to all that glitters, the Encore Boston Harbor hotel looks pretty spectacular year-round, but the holiday season brings added glitter and glam as traditional garlands and trees are placed around the lobby’s pop art installations and colorful carousel.

Should it snow, well, just let it, because you don’t have to step outside for entertainment or dining – dine in one of several restaurants, relax in the spa – at this one-stop-for-fun casino resort just north of Boston.

Fairmont Copley Plaza – Boston, Massachusetts

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This charming historic sister hotel to New York’s famed Plaza Hotel stands in Boston’s Back Bay right on Copley Square where the nation’s oldest First Night celebration is held.

The Fairmont Copley Plaza celebrates with a midnight rooftop light show and invites everyone throughout the holidays to cozy up in the elegant OAK Long Bar + Kitchen, which has two fireplaces to gather around. Overnight guests can snuggle up in a luxury suite in front of their own private fire.

Ocean House – Westerly, Rhode Island

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This luxury coastal retreat in the quiet village of Watch Hill offers après-ski style, steps from the resort’s private beach. The holiday season at the beautifully decorated Relais & Chateaux Ocean House includes aerial gondola cabins for lunch and dinner set up on the terrace.

Among the many seasonal feasts inside the resort, Santa stops in for a special brunch, and the onsite Center for Wine and Culinary Arts holds gingerbread house-making workshops.

Winvian Farm – Morris, Connecticut

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Silent night: Winvian Farm is perfect for escaping the holiday hullabaloo, while still enjoying the season’s cozy comforts. Set on 113 acres in the beautiful Litchfield Hills, this is a rural retreat set around an original 1775 farmhouse, surrounded by cottages, which range in theme from a rustic log cabin to one built around a real helicopter.

The inn has a top-notch spa and one of Connecticut’s best restaurants, which is mostly supplied by its own garden and surrounding farms, and is warmed by glowing fireplaces. In fact, the inn has over 30 fireplaces throughout the property, providing plenty of opportunities to sit and contemplate the solstice and year’s end.

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

10 of the best New England hotels for the holidays

Get cozy for the holidays with a stay at these 10 festive, merry and bright hotels across New England.

Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve – whatever is to be celebrated at the Northern Hemisphere’s darkest time of the year, it is done with plenty of lights and good cheer at these 10 hotels.

The Wilburton – Manchester, Vermont

[PHOTO_392011]

The halls of this gracious 1902 mansion-turned-country inn, situated between the Green and Taconic Mountain ranges in southwestern Vermont, are truly decked out for the holiday season. What’s more, dogs are very welcome here, and a signature seasonal Wilburton event is the canine Christmas slumber party weekend in early December.

For humans, Manchester is a holiday shopper’s paradise with the 40-plus stores of the Manchester Designer Outlets, as well as numerous locally-owned stores and art galleries, all less than a 10-minute-drive away.

Woodstock Inn & Resort – Woodstock, Vermont

[PHOTO_392016]

This truly picturesque village holds an annual Wassail Weekend in early December, reviving an ancient English celebration that marks the end of the busy harvest time and honors nature’s bounty.

Throughout the holiday season, there’s no warmer winter welcome than the Woodstock Inn’s roaring fireplace in the lobby, which invites guests to sit, read or just gaze at the wreaths, garlands, fairy lights and tree marking this magical season. The giant gingerbread house in the lobby stands six feet tall and becomes a tasty playhouse for children to explore.

Omni Mount Washington Resort – Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

[PHOTO_392047]

Surrounded by the White Mountains, and with the resort’s own Bretton Woods ski area nearby, this classic grand hotel is the glittering centerpiece of a true winter wonderland. The historic Omni hotel is filled with holiday songs played on the Conservatory’s rare Steinway piano; the smell of Mrs. Claus hot cocoa parties; and the sight of beautifully lit trees and decorations adding even more shimmer to this Gilded Age beauty.

Snowvillage Inn – Snowville, New Hampshire

[PHOTO_392048]

The village of Snowville is named for the Snow family who started a sawmill there in 1825, but you’d be forgiven for thinking the name is due to the annual deep blanketing of fluffy snow that greets visitors.

The inn’s snowshoeing program includes guided tours through the surrounding woodland. Inside the inn, the lobby’s fireplace and the dining room’s antique wood stove give a cozy cabin feel. Holiday activities include wreath making and the annual Mount Washington Valley Inn to Inn Cookie Tour.

Harraseeket Inn – Freeport, Maine

[PHOTO_392069]

The inn is the perfect base for holiday shopping at the Freeport outlet stores and enjoying the annual Sparkle Celebration in early December, which kicks off with the town-wide Sparkle parade and Santa arriving by boat on the Harraseeket River. Just watch out for that magical talking Christmas tree in the town center!

The family-owned Harraseeket Inn has cozy suites with real wood-burning fireplaces. Daily afternoon tea is served around the fireplace in the drawing room, presided over by a giant polar bear sitting at the baby grand piano.

Kennebunkport Inn – Kennebunkport, Maine

[PHOTO_392017]

This seaside inn is another spot to take in a small New England town’s seasonal festivities, including its annual Christmas Prelude. Gone are the summer crowds and a much gentler ambiance unfolds – until a wild, winter storm gives another reason to cozy up, that is.

That’s when this inn, located in the center of this coastal town in the heart of Dock Square, becomes especially snug. For the holidays, the inn is transformed into its own Christmas village, with even the guest rooms decked out with festive decor.

Encore Boston Harbor – Everett, Massachusetts

[PHOTO_392015]

When it comes to all that glitters, the Encore Boston Harbor hotel looks pretty spectacular year-round, but the holiday season brings added glitter and glam as traditional garlands and trees are placed around the lobby’s pop art installations and colorful carousel.

Should it snow, well, just let it, because you don’t have to step outside for entertainment or dining – dine in one of several restaurants, relax in the spa – at this one-stop-for-fun casino resort just north of Boston.

Fairmont Copley Plaza – Boston, Massachusetts

[PHOTO_392059]

This charming historic sister hotel to New York’s famed Plaza Hotel stands in Boston’s Back Bay right on Copley Square where the nation’s oldest First Night celebration is held.

The Fairmont Copley Plaza celebrates with a midnight rooftop light show and invites everyone throughout the holidays to cozy up in the elegant OAK Long Bar + Kitchen, which has two fireplaces to gather around. Overnight guests can snuggle up in a luxury suite in front of their own private fire.

Ocean House – Westerly, Rhode Island

[PHOTO_392038]

This luxury coastal retreat in the quiet village of Watch Hill offers après-ski style, steps from the resort’s private beach. The holiday season at the beautifully decorated Relais & Chateaux Ocean House includes aerial gondola cabins for lunch and dinner set up on the terrace.

Among the many seasonal feasts inside the resort, Santa stops in for a special brunch, and the onsite Center for Wine and Culinary Arts holds gingerbread house-making workshops.

Winvian Farm – Morris, Connecticut

[PHOTO_392650]

Silent night: Winvian Farm is perfect for escaping the holiday hullabaloo, while still enjoying the season’s cozy comforts. Set on 113 acres in the beautiful Litchfield Hills, this is a rural retreat set around an original 1775 farmhouse, surrounded by cottages, which range in theme from a rustic log cabin to one built around a real helicopter.

The inn has a top-notch spa and one of Connecticut’s best restaurants, which is mostly supplied by its own garden and surrounding farms, and is warmed by glowing fireplaces. In fact, the inn has over 30 fireplaces throughout the property, providing plenty of opportunities to sit and contemplate the solstice and year’s end.

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

10 ways to find entertainment, adventure and history in Florida’s capital

Tallahassee, with its winding canopy roads and Southern hospitality, has a vibrancy that has been steadily increasing.

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People from all over the world flock to Florida to enjoy its beautiful beaches, often overlooking inland destinations such as Tallahassee. The state capital, with its rolling hills and Southern charm, is more than a beacon for politicians and college students. The sleepy town, close to the Georgia border, is waking up with a growing art scene, nightlife, dining and outdoor adventure.

The city is hospitable and easy to navigate, and so is the small airport. Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) offers a number of daily direct flights from cities in Florida and other southern states, along with Washington D.C.

Florida has more than beaches and it’s not all flat. Take a drive inland, cruise the area’s signature canopy roads where the moss-draped limbs of giant oak trees create picturesque tunnels, and discover the music, art, history, food and sporting adventures of Tallahassee.

Politics aside – or a side of politics

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Downtown buzzes when the state legislature is in session. The Capitol building is the tallest in Tallahassee’s skyline. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, the 22nd floor offers a free, 360-degree view of the city. In its shadow below sits the original Capitol building, now a picturesque museum.

Sporting fun

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Tallahassee is a college town, home to Florida State University (FSU) and Florida A&M University (FAMU). The energy is electric when its football game day with tailgating and street parties. Regardless of the score at halftime, fans are rarely disappointed when the bands take the field. FAMU’s Marching 100 is world-famous for high-stepping, high-energy performances.

Global cuisine, Southern twist

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The dining culture of Tallahassee is far-ranging: cafes surrounded by huge oak trees dripping with moss, pub food, chic Italian restaurants and steakhouses, modern sushi joints and creative spaces such as The Edison, found in a 1920’s era power plant.

Regardless of cuisine, almost all restaurants have at least one dish with a Southern twist. Think black-eyed peas, pimento cheese, grits, collard greens, apple butter and oysters from nearby Apalachicola.

Art and culture

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Tallahassee’s expanding Art District is in historic Railroad Square. An old lumber yard has been transformed into a funky neighborhood fueled by creativity.

Inside the rows of tin roof warehouses painted with bright murals are galleries, art studios, vintage shops, a video lounge, yoga studio pinball parlor and more. For high-flying entertainment, FSU has its own big top, and the circus is headlined by students.

Nightlife

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With several sophisticated rooftop bars in Tallahassee, Charlie Park and its lush living walls is spot to see and be seen. The number of distilleries and breweries is growing, led by the innovative sustainable practices of Proof Brewing Company. Behind FSU’s Doak Campbell Stadium is College Town, a strip of bars frequented by college students and those wanting to relive their co-ed days.

Bradfordville Blues Club, located a bit further out, is the first Florida stop on the Mississippi Blues Trail. The one-room cinder block juke joint in the middle of the woods has hosted nationally-known blues artists for decades.

Shop ’til you drop

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Just north of downtown Tallahassee, shopping is abundant in both the Midtown and Uptown neighborhoods. Market Street is bustling with shops of national notoriety, as well as those locally owned, such as Hearth & Soul. This store’s floor plan is designed to feature every room in a home and everything is for sale, including display tables.

Walk on the wild side

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Located along two migratory pathways, Florida’s capital city is a top birding spot with over 300 species. The destination is also on the route of some two dozen species of migrating butterflies. Bald eagles, red wolves and other wildlife are housed at the 52-acre Tallahassee Museum.

The enormous park has historic buildings, as well as a challenging ropes course with zip lines.

Trailahassee

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A bicycle-friendly community, Tallahassee is home to more than 700 miles of diverse trails for biking, hiking, running and riding horses. Trailahassee.com is a great resource for cyclist and mountain bike enthusiasts who want to rent bicycles and/or plan a ride, including full moon adventures through Munson Hills in Apalachicola National Forest.

Water works

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Although two hours from the coast, both east and west, Tallahassee still has lots of water – lakes, rivers and springs. Wakulla Springs is the deepest freshwater springs in the world. The backdrop for numerous big screen films, and the site of mastodon remains, it’s best by boat.

Boating is also found at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, known for meandering brick walkways, reflection pools, fishing and swimming on Lake Hall. Full moon night paddles are also offered.

Rest and recharge

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New hotels have been popping up in almost every section of the city: Hotel Indigo in College Town, Hyatt House in Railroad Square Art District and SpringHill Suites in Uptown.

In the Entertainment District, AC Hotel by Marriott is perhaps the most talked about. Fronting the 24-acre Cascades Park with its water feature, amphitheater and shops, the hotel has a popular indoor/outdoor bar and is walking distance to downtown action.

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.