Posts made in February 2022

Yeyos store and food via Visit Bentonville for use by 360 Magazine

Bentonville Restaurants × James Beard Awards

Three Bentonville food establishments were represented among the James Beard Foundation® 2022 Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists list in advance of the returning James Beard Awards® presented by Capital One.  

“There is no doubt in our region that Bentonville possesses an impressive food culture, and this national esteem is key for continuing to grow our reputation as a true culinary destination,” said Kalene Griffith, Visit Bentonville President. “The collaborative culinary scene here continues to establish its national influence.”

This semifinalist recognition acknowledges their contributions to the national food culture in the United States, according to the Foundation. Bentonville was represented in the following categories:

  • Outstanding Hospitality Presented by American Airlines: The Preacher’s Son
  • Best Chef, South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR): Rafael Rios, Yeyo’s
  • Best Chef, South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR): Matthew McClure, The Hive

Notably, the James Beard Awards are considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors. The Awards recognize “exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive,” according to the Foundation.

The James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Awards were established in 1991 and is one of five separate recognition programs of the Awards. For more information on this year’s Restaurant and Chef Award Semifinalists, see HERE. For more information on Bentonville’s innovative culinary scene, click HERE.

About Visit Bentonville

Visit Bentonville is funded by the Bentonville Advertising and Promotion Commission which was established in 1996. The Commission is supported by a 2% tax on lodging and meeting space and a 1% tax on restaurant and dining establishments. The organization’s mission is to brand, promote and sell Bentonville as a tourism destination, stimulating economic development. Visit Bentonville leads the planning of sports, meetings and group tours while also marketing leisure experiences that include arts, cycling, culinary, film, music, and aviation. Visit Bentonville also collaborates with tourism offices throughout the state of Arkansas to create positive economic impact while increasing tourism amenities for both visitors and residents. For more information, click HERE.

Guitar image created by Sara Davidson at 360 Magazine for use 360 Magazine

Sam Nelson Harris × Villa Creek Cellars

X Ambassadors’ lead singer/songwriter Sam Nelson Harris will be performing an intimate set at Villa Creek Cellars | MAHA Estate in Paso Robles, CA on May 14, 2022.  Produced by 88 Vines Entertainment and sponsored by FlyWithWine, the early evening event will include a live acoustic performance by Harris, a wine reception, an artist meet and greet, and farm-to-table supper with celebrated chef Clark Staub of Full of Life Flatbread. Tickets for the new date will be on sale February 28th HERE and HERE.

This special event will take place rain or shine at the winery tasting room and the beautiful garden area surrounded by vineyards. Transportation to the event from downtown Paso Robles will be available, as will valet parking at the winery. A portion of the proceeds will benefit MUST! Charities.

About Sam Nelson Harris

Sam Nelson Harris is the lead singer/songwriter for multi-platinum selling rock band X Ambassadors who made their full-length debut with VHS, a 2015 release that saw the band transition from Ithaca alt-rockers and Brooklyn-indie-scene outsiders to Billboard stalwarts. Now certified platinum, VHS provided an intimate look at Harris and his brother Casey Harris’s youth, delivering the genre-defying hits “Unsteady” and “Renegades” and leading to a three-year global touring odyssey as well as a string of high-profile festival performances. VHS was followed by X Ambassadors’ 2019 sophomore album ORION, which they supported with an extensive headline tour of the U.S.  New songs “Adrenaline,” “Okay,” and “My Own Monster,” from their recently released third studio album, The Beautiful Liar, marked the start of a compelling new lyrical direction for X Ambassadors and is the first new music from the band since their hyper-creative multi-part project (Eg). A three-song effort released in early 2021, (Eg) found the band collaborating with a series of similarly forward-thinking artists, including Earl St. Clair, Terrell Hines, and Jensen McRae. The (Eg) project was a natural progression for the highly collaborative band, whose output includes producing and writing for global superstars like Rihanna and working extensively with Lizzo on her massively successful 2019 album Cuz I Love You (including co-writing and producing tracks like “Jerome,” winner of Best Traditional R&B Performance at the 62nd Annual GRAMMY® Awards).

About Villa Creek Winery/MAHA Estate

Villa Creek Winery was founded by Cris and JoAnn Cherry in 2001 and has since played an important role in the growth of the Paso Robles wine industry. They are a leader in organic and regenerative farming and are passionate about presenting wines that are a genuine reflection of the vineyards they represent. Their estate vineyard and namesake wine brand, MAHA, is comprised of the best barrels from their organic and biodynamic vineyard, while Villa Creek Wines represent Paso Robles best west side organically farmed vineyards. Their newest brand, Cherry House, brings wine made with organic grapes with a more approachable price point to the wholesale market.

Autumn Jumpin Artwork via Republic Records for use by 360 Magazine

Autumn! – Jumpin!

Buzzing Louisiana-born and Houston-based rapper and producer Autumn! uncovers his new track “Jumpin!” via Victor Victor/Republic Records.

Listen to “Jumpin!”: HERE

As synths speed up and the bass booms, he ignites a rapid-fire flow in between skittering 808s. Turning the tempo on a dime, his unpredictable delivery proves simultaneously elastic and enthralling.

It continues a hot streak for Autumn! Most recently, he dropped “Bentley Bentayga!” The latter has eclipsed over one million cumulative streams and counting.

It arrived on the heels of banger: “One Way!” Right out of the gate, it amassed over 23 million streams. Earning critical acclaim, No Jumper wrote that the track is “already on its way to becoming one of his biggest songs yet—and another example of why he is widely held as one of the leaders of the new Soundcloud wave.” Our Generation Music dubbed it, “yet another chill song from the 23-year-old artist, with him singing beautiful melodies over jazzy bass and harpsichord chords. “Autumn! alchemizes otherworldly sonic architecture and emotionally charged melodies, stretching the boundaries of hip-hop in the process.

About Autumn!

Originally hailing from Louisiana, he initially bubbled up as a producer under the name, TwinUzis, deftly manipulating synths and bass into a fascinating sonic framework of his own. Establishing himself as an artist, he unleashed music on Soundcloud at a prolific pace with the Solitary EP; Golden Child, Chapter 1; Not Much Longer EP; and Not Much Left EP in 2021. “Nina!” generated 2.44 million Soundcloud streams, while “Still the Same (Remix)” feat. Lil Tecca popped off to the tune of 3 million Soundcloud streams. Signing to Victor Victor in 2021, it’s about to be Autumn! season as he readies more music heralded by the lead single “One Way!”

South Beach Wine & Food Festival event photos via World Red Eye for use by 360 MAGAZINE

South Beach Festival

The 21st annual Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival was held Thursday, February 24, as produced by Capital One (SOBEWFF®). Hosted at the Continuum’s The Patio restaurant, guests indulged the highest quality cuisine with breathtaking oceanfront views.

The event saw the likes of The Food Network’s ‘Chopped judges Amanda Freitag and Marc Murphy. Collaborating with The Patio’s Executive Chef Claudio Lobina, the chefs worked together to contribute to the official Intimate Dinner Series. Guests were treated to a prestigious four-course dinner menu sporting international delights made by some of the most renowned chefs in the business.

While in attendance, the festival sported live music from the Frost School of Music during the pre-dinner reception before the extravagant dinner began. ‘Chopped’ co-stars Amanda Freitag and Marc Murphy greeted guests with a speech and detailing on their menu for the night. Valentina Abbona from Marchesi di Barolo winery, too, explained the rich history of wines that were served on the night of the festival. The Patio’s Chef Claudio Lobina topped off the night by serving the final course.

Managing Director of the Continuum Rishi Idnani spoke about the esteemed event, stating, “Our third year of participation during this year’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival proved to be an extraordinary evening of culinary brilliance for guests at The Patio. This sensational collaboration between Amanda Freitag, Marc Murphy and our very own Chef Claudio Lobina, gave our residents and attendees a world class experience in gastronomic indulgence.

“It was tremendous to see the highlight on our property’s social calendar mark the beginning of life resuming back to its normal splendor here in South Florida. On behalf of the entire Continuum management team, I would like to thank the festival’s organizing committee, together with the sponsors and our patrons for helping to make this third dinner installment a resounding success.”

Amongst the divine menu that was curated in collaboration with all three chefs was: Mini Lamb Meatballs with Pistachio Pesto and LabneProsciutto, Gruyere and Basil PinwheelsSicilian Risotto AcquarelloBaked Feta with Shredded Phyllo and Apricot-lime CoulisZa’atar Honey and Chili OilSeared Sea scallops served over Leek and Parmesan Risotto, and Milano Roasted Duck served with a Saffron Cream and Orange Coulis. Chocolate Mousse Parfait was presented as dessert for guests. Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits provided various international wines throughout the course of the night as well.

South Beach Wine & Food Festival event photos via World Red Eye for use by 360 MAGAZINE
South Beach Wine & Food Festival event photos via World Red Eye for use by 360 MAGAZINE
South Beach Wine & Food Festival event photos via World Red Eye for use by 360 MAGAZINE
South Beach Wine & Food Festival event photos via World Red Eye for use by 360 MAGAZINE
South Beach Wine & Food Festival event photos via World Red Eye for use by 360 MAGAZINE
South Beach Wine & Food Festival event photos via World Red Eye for use by 360 MAGAZINE
South Beach Wine & Food Festival event photos via World Red Eye for use by 360 MAGAZINE
South Beach Wine & Food Festival event photos via World Red Eye for use by 360 MAGAZINE
DSC 1209 via LEVC for use by 360 Magazine

LEVC New Dealerships

LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) continues its ambitious European growth strategy by announcing the appointment of three new dealers in Spain full sales and aftersales support for LEVC’s breakthrough electric TX Taxi, TX Shuttle, and VN5 Van. 

Opening in Bilbao, Malaga, and Valencia, the new franchises extend LEVC’s reach in Spain to now five centers, following the appointment earlier in 2021 of Ronda 15 in Barcelona and Auto Elia in Madrid.

Joerg Hofmann, LEVC CEO, commented: “In April 2021, the Spanish government stepped up a gear, introducing a range of measures, including financial initiatives, to promote rapid growth in the EV sector by aiming to place five million EVs on Spain’s roads by 2030. Now, the timing is perfect for growing our business further and reaching new customers in Bilbao, Malaga, and Valencia, through a strong partnership that harnesses the expertise, enthusiasm, and experience of the highly regarded Carwagen Group, Vedat Group, and Vypsa group.” 

A green wave is set to engulf taxi and commercial vehicle fleets across Europe as drivers and operators seek out more sustainable mobility solutions. The European Green Deal provides an additional driving factor, with its goal of establishing one million charging points on the continent by 2025 and ensuring a minimum of 30 million zero-emission vehicles on Europe’s roads by 2030. LEVC is ideally placed to take advantage of the most significant transformation the mobility sector has ever seen. In addition, the company’s innovative eCity technology delivers a solution to keep vehicles on the road, driving in fully electric mode, even when the next charging point may still be a little further than ideal. 

Thanks to eCity technology, LEVC’s TX Taxis, TX Shuttles, and VN5 Vans eliminate range anxiety whilst minimizing emissions and optimizing efficiency, convenience, and profitability. The TX Taxi offers a pure electric, zero-emission range of 64 miles (103km), backed up by the reassurance of a totally electric-driven range of up to 318 miles (512 km). This flexibility enables drivers to leverage the vehicle’s benefits of generous space for six passengers for a comfortable, relaxing ride. 

The VN5 Van, which facilitates a gross payload of 830kg and shares the same lightweight aluminum construction and advanced eCity technology as the TX Taxi, offers drivers a pure EV range of over 63 miles (102km), boosted by the range-extender to more than 318 miles (513km). Using a rapid 50kW, both the LEVC TX Taxi and VN5 Van batteries can be recharged to 80% capacity in around 30 minutes.

Jose Miñano, Managing Director, Vedat Group (Valencia), said: “We are looking forward to seeing the iconic London black cab ferrying passengers around the streets of Valencia. Along with the VN5 van, it will help accelerate Spain’s commercial vehicle market towards sustainable mobility. The Vedat Group is proud to have been selected by LEVC to be part of the journey and we are eager to introduce our customers to the LEVC range. Given our ambitious sales trajectory and experience, we are confident that we can contribute significantly to LEVC’s growth across Europe.”

Marta Prieto, CEO of Carwagen (Bilbao), expressed: “In our more than 50 years of history we from the Carwagen group, have always been committed to innovation. We are proud to be able to contribute to the expansion and development of this great brand in the North of Spain hand in hand with LEVC. We believe that the future of urban transport must be sustainable and no one better than The London EV Company (LEVC), manufacturer of the legendary London taxi, which has the exclusive range extender technology, is able to undertake this change. We trust and are fully convinced of being a fundamental pillar in the implementation of these innovative vehicles, which fit perfectly with our company philosophy.”

Francisco López, Managing Director of Vypsa (Malaga), said: “Vypsa is firmly and decisively committed to this new brand because it is going to provide the taxi and industrial sectors with highly efficient energy-saving and environmentally-friendly vehicles. We are sure that these vehicles will have a fantastic acceptance by customers and will soon become a benchmark in their sector.”

Jorge Susaeta, Head of Operations of LEVC, said: “LEVC is delighted to welcome Vedat, Carwagen, and Vypsa groups to our rapidly expanding European network of dealers. With their experience of retail and aftersales service in the taxi and commercial sectors and their vision of establishing a sustainable mobility future, all of them represent ideal partners for LEVC. Thanks to the new operations in Bilbao, Malaga, and Valencia, LEVC is now represented across a significant geographical sector of Spain.”

Customers in Spain can take advantage of several government subsidies intended to improve the uptake of electric vehicles. The MOVES III incentive is subject to a maximum government-funded injection of up to €800 million to make electric vehicles more affordable for private motorists and businesses. As a result of the MOVES III scheme, buyers can receive up to €9,000 off the purchase price of a new electric van. In addition, the Spanish government has announced the Strategic Project for the Recovery and Economic Transformation (PERTE) of Electric and Connected Vehicles, to establish 250,000 registered electric vehicles and between 80,000-110,000 charging points across the network by 2023. In September 2021 Spain experienced a 24% growth in sales of EVs compared with the same month in 2020.

Magazine via 360 Magazine for use by 360 Magazine

Ryan Jerome × Vulkan Magazine

Ryan Jerome has officially been announced as the editor-in-chief of Vulkan Magazine, a globally-distinguished fashion/culture magazine based in Toronto that connects global fashion industries with fashion consumers across the world.  

He is a celebrated Swiss photographer who won acclaim for his photography style, which has been described as conceptual, focused, and emotional. Having always been in front of the camera, his life took a turn when he showed up camera ready on a set… and found out he was actually the photographer. Pursuing his Degree in Arts, Graphic Design at F+F Schule fur Kunst und Design, Zurich during that time, it was clear that fashion photography would become his new passion, his career. 

 Right off the bat, Jerome was taking on roles as Fashion Editor at different magazines and started shooting for Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, and Elle, to name some. Talents he shot included names such as AKON, Bella Thorne, and Nicole Scherzinger, to name a few.  In 2015 he moved to Los Angeles where he had to start from scratch and worked his way up to becoming one of the hottest photographers in town. He was the creative director for INLOVE magazine, as well as VIP relations director and PR for different brands. Given Ryan Jerome has now stepped into the role of Editor-in-Chief for VULKAN Magazine, he has many plans, and is ready to shock.

SAFARI RETREAT IN AFRICA

NEW WELLNESS SAFARI RETREAT COMPANY MAKES SPLASH IN AFRICA

For years wellness influencers have taken their show on the road to beautiful settings in the Caribbean and United States, but now The Safari Retreat company is giving wellness travelers the chance to combine the serenity of Africa with the exhilaration of a safari for one of the most unique travel offerings available.

The Safari Retreat company is the premiere wellness retreat company in Africa. Founder Becky Robertson came up with the idea to bring retreats to Africa to take advantage of the almost mystical quality of the land. Robertson’s family has offered traditional safaris for more than 35 years.

“I grew up in the safari business and saw first-hand how Africa awed, inspired and changed our guests,” she said. “I thought there was no better setting to offer transformative wellness retreats. Our programs allow people to disconnect through nature and the wild to reconnect with themselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.”

The Safari Retreats couldn’t be more timely as the Global Wellness Summit named adventure wellness travel as a Top 10 Trend for 2022.

The Safari Retreats are held at personally vetted mid-range and luxury safari lodges in the private and off the beaten track region of Laikipia. Lodges such as Lewa Wilderness, one of Kenya’s oldest and most private safari experiences, Borana Lodge and El Karama offer incrediable wildlife settings and experiences, with the chance to see the Big 5 at many locations. The Safari Retreat works with some of the top wellness influencers in the world to bring yoga, Pilates and mind/body retreats to Africa. The retreats blend the wellness programming with daily safari activities including; game drives, safari walks, horseback safari expeditions and camel rides. Each retreat includes all accommodations, meals, and transfers and travel within Africa.

For 2022 The Safari Retreat is pleased to offer the following retreats:

All Safari Retreats are designed to take people out of their comfort zones to allow them to have a-ha moments that truly change the way they think about themselves and their internal stories. Through adventure, slowing down and attuning to nature people are primed to have a transformational experience that goes far beyond simply traveling to Africa to view “The Big 5.”

About Safari Retreats

The Safari Retreat Company is Africa’s premiere choice for wellness safari travel. Working with personally vetted safari lodges in Kenya and East Africa, Safari Retreat Company combines the adventure of a traditional safari with wellness programming offered by the world’s top wellness influencers. Combining the serenity and beauty of Africa with transformative program, guests leave with a different mindset and an adventure of a lifetime in their memory.

L.A. Tourism/HOUSE/OBEY press image via Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board for use by 360 MAGAZINE

L.A. Tourism × OBEY × House Industries

Bouncing back from the prolonging COVID-19 pandemic, Los Angeles Tourism announced their brand-new partnership with OBEY Clothing and House Industries on an exclusive, limited-time-only collection that captures the SoCal essence enthralled by the city of Los Angeles.

The collection dropped on February 11 and sports Los Angeles Tourism’s latest logo with a set of three other designs on a selection of tees and sweatshirts. Los Angeles Tourism, OBEY Clothing and House Industries have pledged to contribute all funds from the project to The Midnight Mission, a non-profit that aims to fight the problem of homelessness in L.A.

The energy that encapsulates the city of L.A. is like no other, often chased throughout differing locations across the nation. The distinctive cities that encompass the area are rich in culture, experience and opportunity, entailing everything that L.A. is notorious for.

For this upcoming collection, the collaboration sees this celebration of four differing locations in the L.A. area. Designs range from the price points of $34 – $77, honoring the distinguished cities of Venice, Griffith Park, Echo Park and the city of Los Angeles in total.

The collection is available for purchase at obeyclothing.com NOW!

Don Skeoch, Chief Marketing Officer for Los Angeles Tourism spoke to the new collection, stating, “When we launched our new brand identity, we received so many awesome messages from fans who wanted to see it on a shirt they could buy. We’re thrilled to partner with House Industries and hometown-based OBEY Clothing to create a special LA-themed line that also contributes to the higher good. It was important to us that 100% of Los Angeles Tourism’s proceeds go towards a cause so critical in Los Angeles –homelessness.”

CEO of OBEY Clothing, Steve Ternosky, expressed the excitement behind the collaboration, stating, “It’s exciting to get to work on a project based on your own backyard and the icing on the cake is getting to work on it with your friends. In this case, having the opportunity to represent the city we love and co-design a collection with House Industries, of which we have so much respect and history, is a perfect scenario for us. We would like to thank Los Angeles Tourism for solidifying the opportunity and their generosity to ensure the project gives back to the community in its support of The Midnight Mission.”

Andy Cruz with House Industries elaborated on the power of the collection, stating, “The fact that our artwork can help support people that are struggling makes the L.A. Tourism/HOUSE/OBEY collaboration even more impactful than just designing a defining logo for an iconic city.”

G. Michael Arnold, President and CEO of The Midnight Mission, detailed what the profits would be supporting, stating, “The Midnight Mission is delighted to be a beneficiary of this limited-edition capsule collection. Our goal is to restore people to self-sufficiency and combat the issues surrounding homelessness, and the proceeds from this project will help us provide individuals and families experiencing homelessness with a secure place to sleep and three nutritious meals a day.”

To find out more, visit @discoverla on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. If you plan on visiting soon, travel carefully and adhere to guidance from Los Angeles County Public Health.

L.A. Tourism/HOUSE/OBEY press image via Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board for use by 360 MAGAZINE
L.A. Tourism/HOUSE/OBEY press image via Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board for use by 360 MAGAZINE
L.A. Tourism/HOUSE/OBEY press image via Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board for use by 360 MAGAZINE
L.A. Tourism/HOUSE/OBEY press image via Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board for use by 360 MAGAZINE
BLM graphic via Mina Tocalini for us by 360 MAGAZINE

HBCU Cultural Heritage Stewardship

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been an integral part of our educational system in the United States. Originally being founded in the 1830s, HBCUs cultivate an environment that was long sought after to ensure educational equality. This nations HBCUs are full of the rich history of African American activism, and their campuses also stand as pioneering pieces of landscaping and architecture.

This is precisely why on February 28, the National Trust’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund declared they would be awarding over $650,000 in grant awards to five HBCUs across the country in part with their HBCU Cultural Heritage Stewardship Initiative.

While each HBCU embodies symbolisms of African American brilliance and triumph, the programming guarantees that each campus will collect resources to protect and sustain the historical campuses. These grants aim to preserve and revitalize landmark pieces that grace each HBCU, and to promote leadership on each respective campus.

Two differing forms of grants entail the initiative; the first being a $150,000 grant aiming to expand campus-wide cultural stewardship plans, and the second as a $60,000 developmental grant that will conserve a specific milestone building on or associated with an HBCU campus.

Each grant has the intention to enhance plans to improve and sustain varying architectural campus facilities. Launched through the National Trust’s Action Fund in 2020, the program allies with The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, National Endowment for Humanities, Ford Foundation, The JPB Foundation, J.M. Kaplan Fund and The Executive Leadership Council.

The initiative set in place today entails $3.2 million set forth to the HBCUs grants, seeking influence from the Trust’s extensive years of practice to generate proposals of refurbishment and maintenance at each college or university. The National Trust’s Action Fund links with 13 HBCUs and has financed 6 campus and 7 singular-developing projects modern day.

Brent Leggs, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at the National Trust spoke on the impact that these grants would permit, stating, “These grants are significant in light of the recent threat to HBCU campuses. Preservation is the strategic counterpoint to centuries of erasure, and it underscores the critical nature of the African American contribution to our nation.

“Without the doctors, lawyers, engineers and other professionals HCBUs have produced, the American story would not be the same.  The Action Fund’s work to preserve the legacies of intellect, activism, and enlightenment on these campuses will inspire future generations of all Americans to believe that, despite the challenge, they too can overcome.”

The following HBCU recipients include:

  • Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, Florida) aiming to produce stewardship projects across their 422-acre campus (1887)
  • Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte, North Carolina) to create a conservation strategy for its Historic Quad (1867)
  • Rust College (Holly Springs, Mississippi) aiming to produce stewardship projects across their campus (1866)
  • Shaw University (Raleigh, North Carolina) aiming to produce stewardship projects across their 65-acre campus (1865); and
  • Voorhees College (Denmark, South Carolina) aiming to produce stewardship projects across their 380-acre campus (1897).

Shaw University President Dr. Paulette Dillard spoke on their excitement to be apart of the Trust’s recipients this year, stating, “The Shaw University community expresses its sincerest appreciation to the National Trust for Historic Preservation for awarding the campus a $150,000 planning grant to assist our efforts in preserving African American history.

“From educating the former enslaved to graduating some of the first African American doctors to helping ignite the civil rights movement, the legacy of Shaw University is woven into the fabric of American history. Preserving the treasures of our historic buildings extends the powerful narrative that describes the indelible contributions of this university.”

The planning grant, too, entails that all HBCU beneficiaries gain access to a paid student professional growing opportunity; one student from each individual campus will work with a team of architects, engineers and consultants to grow their campus. This funding comes from the Initiative and grows the field of African American preservationists.

Florida A&M President Dr. Larry Robinson spoke on the behalf of their campus, stating, “Florida A&M University is the third oldest campus in the State University System of Florida. We appreciate the support of the National Trust for Historic Preservation to assist the University in furthering preservation of landmark buildings on our campus.

The planning grant will allow the faculty, staff, and students across the disciplines of architecture, engineering and the humanities to collaborate in ways that highlight the national impact of Johnathan C. Gibbs, Lucy Moten and Andrew Carnegie and the buildings named in their honor. They also will help preserve the history of the Civil Rights Movement on our campus where iconic figures like Booker T. Washington, Mary McLeod Bethune, Marian Anderson and others changed American history.”

Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa

Wyoming Guest Ranch Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa Celebrates 100 Years of Adventurous Getaways

Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa is celebrating a milestone 100 years in July 2022, creating memorable vacations for guests at its stunning lakeside location deep in the Wyoming backcountry of the Shoshone National Forest since its construction in 1922 as a stopover for travelers to Yellowstone National Park. While the lodge has evolved over the past century, for decades it has provided an exclusive, all-inclusive resort experience, offering a rustic yet luxurious escape near Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole that combines Western pioneer-era charm with modern amenities.

The year was 1922: President Warren G. Harding spoke at the dedication of the newly commissioned Lincoln Memorial. Construction began on the original Yankee Stadium. The Girl Scouts started making their very first sugar cookies to sell door to door, and Prohibition trudged on. Meanwhile, the year also saw the creation of a much-needed stopover for travelers heading to Yellowstone National Park, a comfortable haven for outdoor adventure in a perfect mountain destination. The resulting Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa celebrates its centennial anniversary this July. Initially called the Two-Gwo-Tee Inn, the Shoshone word for “spear,” the 100-year-old lodge is nestled in the Rocky Mountain wilds of Wyoming adjacent to 300-acre alpine Brooks Lake. That ideal location quickly helped the original remote inn transform into a dude ranch and then into the luxury guest ranch and all-inclusive resort it is today.

“From the beginning, the mission of Brooks Lake Lodge has been to offer guests an out-of-this-world escape where they can engage with the outdoors in ways that allow them to relax and recharge,” says Brooks Lake Lodge General Manager Matthew Tousignant. “The fact that we are now delighted and grateful to celebrate 100 years of hospitality is testament to the continuing need for true immersion in the natural world, which is becoming increasingly difficult but more critical than ever before.”

Hidden away in Shoshone National Forest but within easy driving distance to Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park, and Jackson Hole, the 25-acre crowd-free property seamlessly blends its pioneer-era foundation with modern amenities. For instance, the main lodge, constructed in a record four months in a Western Craftsman architectural style in keeping with Yellowstone’s “Parkitecture,” has been carefully preserved. Décor details evoke the grandness of the time – magnificent stone hearths, antler, and wagon-wheel chandeliers, plush leather furniture, stained-glass windows – while simultaneously offering current-day comforts such as sink-into feather beds, state-of-the-art spa treatments, freshly prepared and locally sourced gourmet meals and free Wi-Fi.

The views from the property’s perch at 9,200 feet above sea level just one mile from the North American Continental Divide – and including the Pinnacle Buttes, Austin Peak and Brooks Mountain – could not be more jaw-dropping, inviting visitors into the surrounding natural playground for the range of outdoor adventure that is the hallmark of this all-inclusive getaway. The breathtaking setting with its majestic mountains and endless evergreens even compelled Bryant B. Brooks, the seventh governor of Wyoming and Brooks Lake’s namesake, to write in 1889 upon his discovery of the valley, “Among the fir and pine there glistened a lake … what a sight! I stood closer that day to nature’s heart than ever before.”

Summer and winter activities on the property and in the more than 2 million neighboring acres of pristine national forest and mountain-ringed farmland focus on connecting guests of all ages with the area’s natural abundance and include such authentic and immersive experiences as:

  • Horseback riding along trails and in the arena with experienced wranglers, as well as on glamping-style overnight pack trips complete with backcountry golf, hiking, and fishing; Hiking for all skill levels, from short nature trails to summitting an 11,000-foot peak;Year-round fishing for trout in Brooks Lake, complete with the chance for guests to have their catches brought back to the lodge to be cooked up for dinner; Canoeing around the stunning Brooks Lake; Archery lessons and target practice with expert instructors; Skiing and snowshoeing on miles of groomed trails or into the backcountry; Expert-guided wildlife excursions; Stargazing tours of the pristine Wyoming heavens; and Snowmobiling into the nearby forests, including 2 million acres of scenic terrain.

At day’s end, guests – who are treated to the highest level of service that can only come with a 1-to-1 staff-to-guest ratio – can enjoy a restorative treatment in the relaxing Rocky Mountain Spa, designed to replicate the National Historic Register of Places-designated main lodge and featuring a tranquility room, dry sauna, fitness center and 11-by-14-foot hot tub with incredible mountain views (spa treatments priced separately). They also can peruse the ever-expanding collection of Western fine art and sculpture before retreating to the handful of lodge rooms – individually decorated with handcrafted lodgepole pine furnishings and goose-down comforters – or private cabins sporting wood-burning stoves and inviting sitting areas, each ensuring a quiet and restful stay.

In addition, all guest meals are included: The chef serves hearty Western breakfasts every morning, filling lunches at noon and gourmet dinner nightly in the homey Great Hall, as well as Governor’s Tea with hors d’oeuvres for a pick-me-up in the cozy, fireplace-centered Tea Room. Meanwhile, the Cowboy Bar within the lodge serves up an extensive selection of spirits along with fun and casual nighttime entertainment, echoing the charming and wholesome atmosphere of a bygone era.

Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa will celebrate its centennial with a grand open-to-the-public party that will take place at the lodge on Saturday July 2, 2022 (check the Brooks Lake Lodge website for details; no overnight reservations are available for July 2).

About Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa
Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa, a 100-year-old historic guest ranch is located in Wyoming’s Shoshone National Forest near Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone National Park. Surrounded by evergreen forests next to alpine Brooks Lake, the exclusive, all-inclusive Rocky Mountain resort offers five-star service, luxury accommodations and gourmet dining. The lodge enjoys frequent media acclaim, including as a “Top All-Inclusive Family Resort in the U.S. by Reader’s Digest, and one of the “20 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S” by U.S. News & World Report in 2021, the best place to “Lean into Winter” by Travel + Leisure in 2020 and a 2018 “Best Lake Resort” by National Geographic Traveler. Brooks Lake Lodge is in partnership with Shoshone and Bridger-Teton National Forest and is an equal opportunity employer and provider. For additional information and reservations visit their site or call 866.213.4022. Follow Brooks Lake Lodge on Facebook and Instagram.