Posts tagged with "travel"

Taste of SLS

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To Launch at SLS Baha Mar with a Special Performance from John Legend

Join us for epic culinary experiences at SLS Baha Mar on November 5th. The evening will feature celebrity chefs, culinary tastings, masterful mixology, a toast of Legends Vineyard Exclusive French Rosé and a special performance by John Legend.

Accor a world-leading lifestyle hospitality company, today announced Taste of SLS Baha Mar, an evening of epic culinary experiences taking place on November 5th. The star-studded culinary celebration brings together award-winning chefs from across the world affording guests a taste of the very best of SLS properties in one glamorous location and an exclusive performance by award-winning artist John Legend.

This news comes on the heels of Accor’s latest phase of expansion and its planned joint venture with Ennismore, which will see the creation of one of the world’s largest and fastest growing lifestyle operators, set to include SLS Hotels & Residences.

Michele Caniato, Chief Brand Officer, sbe states: “We are delighted to bring back Taste of SLS to this very special property in the heart of The Bahamas, SLS Baha Mar and the entire resort of Baha Mar. We are thrilled that John Legend is headlining our event and bringing his signature LVE French Rosé to Baha Mar. I want to thank President Graeme Davis, and the Baha Mar team, for supporting us in this incredible event. Our event will be sure to wow foodies with over seven of our chefs in one incredible location.”

Graeme Davis, President, Baha Mar states, “As Baha Mar has been widely recognized for its elevated gourmet scene, Taste of SLS provides the resort with another opportunity to showcase the best of its impressive culinary portfolio and talent to our guests from across the world. We are thrilled that this year’s Taste of SLS will feature a spectacular performance by the extremely talented, John Legend.”

Encompassing culinary and mixology experiences staged throughout the resort, an exclusive performance by Grammy, Emmy, Golden Globe, Tony and Oscar-winning singer, songwriter, humanitarian, and philanthropist John Legend tops the event along with culinary collaborators: Dario Cecchini (Carna), Sara Aqel (Fi’lia), Katsuya Uechi (Katsuya) and several other concepts under the direction of Culinary Director, Wayne Brown. The event will pair unlimited gourmet food and beverage offerings with exciting entertainment at one of the Bahamas hottest properties along with access to its LVE Lounge and for those with Gold tickets and above, access to the After Party on the rooftop of SLS Baha Mar at Skybar.

Guests will enjoy hand crafted cocktails and LVE French Rosé from the Legend Vineyard Exclusive collection by John Legend as they enjoy never-ending culinary creations by SLS’s participating restaurants and mixology concepts. The event will take place at Baha Bay, a $200 million luxury water park, and the latest addition to Baha Mar.

Tickets for the event are now on sale at here and are priced upon experience, ranging from entry level Silver tickets at $399 per person, to Corporate Cabanas for up to 10 guests at $10,000. Event access can be combined with special rate VIP weekend getaway packages at SLS Baha Mar for a premium travel experience inclusive of breakfast and special rate event and room pricing (available until October 1st), bookable at here. Prices for these overnight packages lead in at $599++ based on two guests sharing, excluding taxes and guest amenities fee. Additional accommodations can also be booked at Baha Mar’s other hotels here.

Taste of SLS Baha Mar 2021 is presented in collaboration with Chase Sapphire®, LVE Wines, and Baha Mar, all of which represent some of the major global brand affiliations across the SLS portfolio. On site, Chase Sapphire cardmembers who purchase tickets through Chase Experiences will have exclusive access to a Chase Sapphire Lounge, providing a comfortable viewing area for the live performance with dedicated seating and bar access. LVE wines will also host a lounge onsite for all guests to have a taste of John Legend’s signature French Rosé.

For further information about the event visit: sbe.com/tasteofsls for full details on featured chefs & culinary concepts, event specifics and a link for easy ticket purchase. For full peace of mind, Baha Mar’s Travel With Confidence Program offers complimentary return private air travel or free extended stay for guests who test positive for COVID-19.

ABOUT SLS HOTELS & RESIDENCES

SLS is the home of an extraordinary experience coupled with a playful ambiance. Culinary artistry, theatrical interiors, subversive design touches and unexpected indulgences are at the heart of every SLS property. Collaborations with leading developers, architects, designers and chefs allow SLS to continue anticipating, innovating and shaping the future of luxury lifestyle living. With seven properties in Beverly Hills, Miami, Bahamas, Cancun, and Dubai, SLS is set to open two additional properties in Puerto Madero, Argentina and Scottsdale by 2023. SLS Hotels & Residences is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. Learn more at SLSHotels.com.

SLSHotels.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com

ABOUT ACCOR

Accor is a world leading hospitality Group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The Group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing luxury and premium brands, midscale and economy offerings, unique Lifestyle concepts, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor also boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and approximately 260,000 team members worldwide. Over 68 million members benefit from the company’s comprehensive loyalty program ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a daily Lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its Planet 21 – Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information visit group.accor.com or follow Accor on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Fall Fun In Tennessee

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As the leaves begin to change and the air grows brisk, that can only mean one thing; fall is upon us in Tennessee. So carve out a good time and add these joyous farms, festivals, events, and pumpkin-spiced treats to check off your Fall bucket list.

1. Pick the Perfect Pumpkin of the Patch

The River Maze – Ocoee

Located on the banks of the Ocoee River, The River Maze is celebrating its 20^th year of Spookley the Square Pumpkin with a wide array of fall-tastic activities, including corn and soybean mazes, bonfires, hayrides, farm animals, pumpkin basketball, and ziplines.

Falcon Ridge Farms – Bolivar

Falcon Ridge Farms is an expansive family farm in West Tennessee where visitors can take a shot at a corn cannon and visit its pumpkin patch. This fall destination includes a corn maze, tractor-drawn wagon rides, pony rides, food at the market, tire swings, giant slides, tether pole, cornhole, and bounce houses.

Lucky Ladd Farms – Eagleville

A petting farm, pony rides, and more than 70 activities and educational adventures are the norm on the 60-acre Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville. Farm-themed playgrounds, mega slides, wagon rides, tire climbs, games, and tractor trains entertain for hours. Visitors can choose from more than ten varieties of picked pumpkins or visit the patch to handpick their own. The farm’s corn maze is named “Tennessee’s #1 Corn Maze” four years in a row.

2. Take a Fall Weekend Getaway

Embark into the woods to find some of the coziest fall getaways in Tennessee to lay your head. Spend the weekend surrounded by fall foliage, breathing in fresh air, and being steps away from some of the state’s best hiking trails. Whether at Pickwick Landing State Park or Chickasaw State Park in West Tennessee, Montgomery Bell State Park in Middle or Norris Dam CCC State Park in East Tennessee, these lodging options are perfect for a fall break or weekend escape.

3. Get Lost in a Corn Maze

Sunset Valley Farms – Huron

Celebrate Tennessee’s 225^th anniversary and Henderson Country’s 200^th anniversary with Sunset Valley Farm’s a-MAZE-ing corn maze at its 2021 Fall Festival. Capture Instagram-worthy photos in the farm’s large sunflower fields, munch on freshly made apple cider donuts and pulled pork, take a ride on the grain train, climb abroad a tractor, and pick the perfect pumpkin. Stay until sundown to experience the stunning Tennessee sunset against the ample woods of the west.

Myers Pumpkin Patch and Farm – Greeneville

Deemed East Tennessee’s largest corn maze, Myers Pumpkin Patch and Farm delivers 500-acres of fun for the whole family with tractor rides, s’more stations around fire pits, and its epic Fall Farm Market. At the market, guests can handpick the farm’s freshly grown fruits, vegetables and homemade baked goods, including pumpkins, squash, corn, pumpkin pie, and fudge.

Honeysuckle Hill Farm – Springfield

Venture out to Springfield for a fall-filled day at Honeysuckle Hill Farm’s fall festival, where its guests can get lost in this year’s Loretta Lynn-themed country music corn maze, take a hayride to the pumpkin patch, hear chickens sing, and watch pig races. Snack on the scrumptious food they have on-site, including caramel apples, kettle corn, and chili cheese nachos.

4. Get the In-Cider Information on Tennessee’s Hottest Apple Orchards

Wooden’s Apple House – Pikeville

Wooden’s Apple House offers over 100 acres to pick a wide selection of apples for the perfect day spent in the orchard. Grab a few bottles of apple cider to take home and stop by the pie shop that has delicious apple dumplings and meat-and-three restaurant. Take it easy and chill among the rolling hills and enjoy the nature at their vineyard.

Morning Glory Orchard – Nolensville

Located right outside of Nashville, Morning Glory Orchard offers everything from apples, peaches, and honey, to vegetables, cider, and fresh baked goods. Make a day out of your visit and enjoy a picnic in the orchard while snacking on a charcuterie box and sampling their fresh produce.

Buffalo Trail Orchard – Greeneville

Since 1890, the Buffalo Trail Orchard has been providing crisp fruits and vegetables to those in East Tennessee. During the fall month, guests enjoy the orchard’s pumpkin patch and take hayrides while spending the day with friends and family picking apples.

Jones Orchard – Millington

Here at Jones Orchard you can not only go apple picking, but the family can also enjoy everything from a 10-acre corn maze, hayrides, and pumpkin patch, to a farm scene investigation, monster mysteries, and other haunted attractions at their Festival of Fear.

5. Get Spooked at these Historically Haunted Tennessee Destinations

Unique spooks are what makes your travel to Tennessee exhilarating and the scary tours are full of excitement. Immerse yourself in the sights and thrills of haunted hotels, theaters, and homes where wicked stories and chilling surprises are tied to the stories of the past.

6. Taste the Flavors of Autumn

The Apple Barn Cider Mill – Sevierville

Guests can pick apples in the orchards, then peruse the delicious homemade items in the general store.

Carver’s Orchard and Applehouse Restaurant – Cosby

While in Cosby, stop by Carver’s Orchard and Applehouse restaurant, where you can load up on freshly picked apples, fried pies, homemade candies, and apple butter.

Fairlane Hotel’s Falling for Fairlane – Nashville

Head to downtown Nashville and ascend to the top of the Fairlane Hotel for their latest fall-inspired pop-up bar, Falling for Fairlane. Get in the spirit with their delicious infused cocktails, such as The Drunken Pumpkin, Not Your Mother’s Mulled Wine, Maple Old Fashioned, and feast on their shared plates like the goat cheese and savory pear tart, apple pie, and pumpkin spiced donut holes.

Old Millington Vineyard – Millington

Only 14 miles outside of Memphis, the Old Millington Vineyard captures the flavors of autumn in their seasonal plum wine. Cap off Sunday afternoon by having a picnic and enjoying the sights and original wines.

7. Explore Outdoors and Experience Tennessee’s Fall Colors

Kick up the fallen leaves and cruise along the state’s scenic byways to catch a glimpse of the colorful ridges, charming destinations, and outdoor treasures. Add these relaxing hikes, scenic drives, and leaf-peeping places to your fall bucket list.

8. Attend a Fall-tastic Event

“Once Upon a Pumpkin” – Discovery Park of America in Union City

Get lost in the stories of fairy tales at Discovery Park of America’s Pumpkin Village with this year’s “Once Upon a Pumpkin.” Climb through 40,000 pounds of pumpkins constructed along with hay bales and flowers to create displays that showcase childhood tales such as “The Three Little Pigs” and “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.”

Goblins and Giggles – Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville

Fall at the Gaylord Opryland Resort makes for the perfect child-friendly getaway with their highly anticipated Goblins and Giggles. From Sept. 10 until Oct. 31, visitors to the resort see Spooktacular décor, play hide and seek scavengers hunts with Spookley the Square Pumpkin, go on the trick or treat expedition trail or Jack-o’-Lantern Walk, and win the haunted Hidden Treasure Escape Room. Other enticing events include Ghouls Night Out Riverboat Ride, Wicker Brews Spookeasy, the Monster Mash Bash, Frightfully Fun Zone, Bedtime Stories with Morgana, Spooky Animal Encounters, and the Fall Fountain Show.

Autumn at Anakeesta – Gatlinburg

Escape into wonderland this season with Autumn at Anakeesta from Sept. 24 – Oct. 31. Breathe in the Great Smoky Mountains while enjoying the live music, food, drinks and decorations. Go leaf peeping in the sightseeing Chondola, zipline through breathtaking fall greenery, and engage in the delightful beauty of East Tennessee.

Harvest Festival – Pigeon Forge

Dollywood goes all out to celebrate this time of year with its annual Harvest Festival. Running from Sept. 24 until Oct. 31, travelers cherish the lovely decorations, feast on seasonal treats, and listen to first-class entertainment. Stay until the sun goes down to see Dollywood’s ornaments come glowing to life at the LumiNights.

Cheer on Your Favorite Tennessee Football Team

Football is a big deal in the South. With the onset of changing leaves and the flavors of pumpkin spice on store shelves, that means that football fans everywhere are rejoicing and cheering on their favorite teams. While visiting Tennessee during the fall, schedule sometime to watch what football season is all about. Whether it’s the University of Tennessee Volunteers or the Tennessee Titans or the University of Memphis, there’s many teams to entertain all autumn long.

Hotel Motto Opens in Vienna

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MOTTO Group, a Vienna-based lifestyle hospitality brand, announces the opening of Hotel M OTTO in the heart of Vienna on October 2, 2021.

Hotel MOTTO is a stylized study in Renaissance and Baroque architecture with the interiors rendered in Art Deco geometric lines and accented with industrial grit. The 83 rooms and 8 suites showcase fabric-covered walls with floral patterns; custom-designed carpets and tiles are inspired by the framework of the original vintage furniture, and the herringbone hard-wood flooring is seen throughout the property. Every piece of furniture has been tailor-made for the hotel: from the brass door handles to the in-room lighting concepts have been crafted for each individual space. Central to the new property is the restaurant Chez Bernard – Restaurant et Bar, which offers a menu of eclectic dishes, a curated natural wine selection, and an extensive cocktail program.

The open-air rooftop garden and bar provide unobstructed views of the city and the adjacent vineyards while, on the ground floor, the on-property boulangerie and patisserie ‘MOTTO Brot’ invoke memories of both Vienna and Paris with a traditional outdoor terrace the locals call ‘Schanigarten’. The exciting mix of opulence and simple modernity turns every space into a work of art, including the private fitness and sauna rooms as well as the meeting and event spaces with their cozy break-out living rooms that spill into the hotel’s foyer.

“Hotel MOTTO is a locally-rooted visual story. I wanted to combine the traditional Viennese architecture with the glamour of 1920s Paris, but infuse the design with some personal design touches inspired by the Scandinavian comfort and the Japanese ‘WABI SABI’ culture.”, says Bernd Schlacher, owner and creative director of the MOTTO Group. In addition to the popular, ’MOTTO am FLUSS‘ restaurant, a homonymous catering service, and the MOTTO Brot bakery, Mr. Schlacher, originally a restaurateur from Styria wanted to add a unique hospitality concept to his portfolio.

The historic building has housed hotels for over three centuries with the first property, The Golden Cross, opened in 1665. The Golden Cross morphed into Hotel Kummer in 1872 and became a social hub for artists, painters, sculptors, writers, actors, and musicians who gathered for coffee, wine, and Austrian delicacies in the hotel’s public spaces. In 1904 the building was refurbished by Ludwig Schwarz, who preserved the original slanted corners and the oversized columns that frame the lobby and entryway to the hotel. The décor of the upper floors was especially elaborate and the interiors have been partially preserved to this day, even after the allied occupation of post-World War II Vienna when the hotel was taken over by the French from 1945 to 1955.

The architecture is infused with Renaissance and Baroque nods layered with elements of the gothic and byzantine styles: towers and domes as well as the configuration of the façade, originally constructed by the top artisans of the Vienna Artisan Craft movement, are fully preserved and play a pivotal role in the layout of the property. In the realm of classical music history, Hotel MOTTO was the birth home of Josef Strauss, son of the famous composer Johann Strauss, who called the hotel home in 1827. In addition, Hotel Motto’s latest iteration, Hotel Kummer, was the setting of the celebrated John Irving’s novel The Hotel New Hampshire. 360 Magazine is impressed with the interior design of the new hotel and excited to see how the turnout will be for the hotel.

The on-property restaurant, Chez Bernard – Restaurant et Bar, occupies the top two floors of the hotel and sits under a gargantuan glass dome, a new addition to the original building by Arkan Zeytinoglu Architects. The brilliantly lit restaurant presents diners with a curated menu of modern Austrian dishes with French and North African influences. Chez Bernard is also an organic restaurant rooted in the idea that the ultimately culinary experience must also be a sustainable one using local, seasonal, and organic products; sourcing natural wines from continental Europe; and repurposing the leftover stale bread to brew its own beer.

The interior design of the restaurant is reminiscent of 1920s Paris with artfully arranged botanicals framing the contemporary art collection on display. The luxurious green leather booths are juxtaposed with modern wooden tables to achieve a stylish yet cozy living room atmosphere. The unexpected touch lies in the green oasis on the wrap-around roof terrace that houses a 40-seat bar and additional lounge seatings with a superb view over Vienna’s rooftops.

An overnight stay for a double room starts at $359. Further information is available at www.hotelmotto.at.

Myths About Traveling the World

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Do you dream of the open road but find yourself held back by fear? Was that fear planted by many things you’ve heard over the years or impressions you’ve picked up here and there? There are many myths about travel that keep people from following their dreams, and below are just a few of them.

You Have to Be Rich

One of the most common misconceptions is that everyone who travels is rich. Not only is this untrue, but you are less likely to meet rich people while you’re traveling because they are saving money and working all the time. While it’s true that there’s a certain jet set lifestyle attainable only by the super-wealthy, most travelers are ordinary people. Many of them live and work abroad or work while they’re on the road.

Others have saved up for years while working very ordinary jobs, such as waiting tables. If you’ve got a professional job and other assets, such as a home, you’re already ahead of the game. You could even rent out your home while you’re on the road or tap into the equity in your home if you need to get more cash. To find out more about taking out a home equity loan and to learn about recent laws, you can review a guide about the process.

It’s Dangerous

Are there dangerous places in the world? Absolutely, and this includes countries where there is a great deal of political instability or very high crime. However, would it surprise you to learn that there are also countries that are considered much safer than the United States?

Paying attention to ways to stay safe is one of many expert traveling tips to think about. However, there are a lot of other factors to consider as well. Some countries are only dangerous in certain areas where tourists rarely venture. Of course, people aren’t the only danger. Bad weather, dangerous animals and other natural threats are out there too—but you probably have some of them at home as well. Do your research, be smart, and there’s no reason you can’t be as safe as you are in your hometown.

Language is a Barrier

It’s a false belief that everyone speaks English, but it’s also untrue that no one does. The big myth here though is that language is something that should keep you at home. Smart phone apps mean it’s easier than ever to make your way around without knowing any of the language, but it’s also very easy to learn a few basic, polite phrases in any language, which can take you a long way. You’d be surprised at how far you can get with this and gestures.

The key here is to practice travel etiquette and be respectful and not assume that everyone will be able to speak English. Even if you’ve just heard them do so with someone else, it’s polite to approach someone and ask if they speak English before launching into the rest of what you have to say. Preferably, you should ask this question in their language. Let go of your language-based fears and you’ll be surprised at the many ways you can connect with others.

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The Vines – Wine Club for Billionaires

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As the world continues to adapt to the pandemic, many people are looking for new travel memberships and elite experiences to indulge in–luckily the answer for these individuals is two simple words: The Vines. The Vines is an exclusive explorer’s club and the first worldwide community dedicated to winemaking. Members have the opportunity to travel to the world’s most coveted wine regions and learn the art of winemaking with master practitioners, and even create their unique blends. However, memberships for The Vines are by invitation only.

For background, in 2005, Michael Evans founded the luxury resort and private vineyard, The Vines of Mendoza, in Argentina. After many years of running the successful resort and having visitors from around the world, Michael decided to develop a sister project: a membership-only program with one goal, get people to know the world by making wine. Michael launched The Vines membership club in early 2020 and it has now evolved globally. The club has outposts and partners in seven regions around the world, including Champagne, Mendoza, Montalcino, Napa Valley, Priorat, The Mosel, and Willamette Valley, and they continue to expand beyond.

In addition to traveling the world, members of The Vines are sent cases of wine throughout the year and are offered access to curated events centered around wine, food, culture and adventure. Over the course of the next five years, The Vines plans to offer winemaking in 12 different regions, as well as expand beyond winemaking, offering members a series of pop-ups like making Sake in Japan and Mezcal in Mexico.

The initiation fees are $100,000 and annual dues are $1,500- $3,000 per quarter. Winemaking costs per barrel range from $7,000 to $37,000 based on site. The initial application questionnaire can be found HERE.

Little Blues at Birch Aquarium

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The biggest news in the history of Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego is little … Little Blue Penguins, that is. The aquarium announced the addition of the Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins habitat, which will open in summer 2022.

Little Blues are the smallest species of penguin — less than 12 inches tall, weighing just 2-3 pounds — and are known for their unique blue color, and their big personalities. Birch Aquarium will be the only aquarium in the Western U.S. to house these gregarious sea birds.

“We are so very excited to be adding the Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins to Birch Aquarium at Scripps. The new facility will allow us to contribute to an international Species Survival Plan and create an interesting new guest experience,” said Executive Director, Harry Helling. “Little Blue Penguins will be wonderful ambassadors that can help us to engage our community more deeply and further our mission to connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet.”

Ground-breaking for this exciting project will begin on Sept. 27 with completion expected by spring. Birch Aquarium will be closed Sept. 27-30 to avoid negatively impacting the guest experience. Beyster Little Blue Penguins will be installed in the Nigella Hillgarth Education Courtyard.

Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins is named in honor of a $1 million gift from the Beyster Family, who are long-time supporters of Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Birch Aquarium.

“Their graceful swimming and diving abilities and awkwardness on land have endeared these little Southern Australian marine animal ambassadors to the Beyster Family. We are proud to support Birch Aquarium’s mission to shed light on the survival challenges that Little Blue Penguins face along with other seabird species,” said James Beyster.

In Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins, guests will be immersed in the world of Little Blue Penguins, learning about some of the challenges facing these birds in the wild, and how our future is tied directly to theirs. The 2,900-square-foot exhibit will include rocky and sandy shore habitat and an 18,000-gallon pool where guests will observe the penguins socializing, interacting, and nest building. The exhibit also includes a small amphitheater for guests to observe birds swimming, and a discovery cave for children to closely observe Little Blue Penguins on land and inside nesting burrows.

“Little Blue Penguins and other seabirds are sentinel species for our ocean’s health and help us understand how we can be better stewards for our planet,” said Jenn Nero Moffatt, Senior Director of Animal Care, Science and Conservation. “Penguins, by their unique nature, are adored by our community and in this way help to serve as great animal ambassadors. We hope that one look at their awkward waddling, their pint-sized bodies, torpedo swimming and social nature will leave our guests enchanted, and wanting to learn how to aid in conservation efforts.”

Little Blue Penguins are native to the coastal dunes and rocky shores of Southern Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand and are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) collaborative international conservation program called Species Survival Plans (SSP). Each SSP Program coordinates the individual activities of participating member institutions through a variety of species conservation, research, husbandry, management, and educational initiatives

Though penguins are common in zoos and aquariums, only a handful of AZA institutions have Little Blue Penguins. They are Dallas World Aquarium, the Bronx Zoo, Adventure Aquarium, Louisville Zoo, and the Cincinnati Zoo.

Six Little Blue Penguins from Dallas World Aquarium are currently behind-the-scenes at Birch Aquarium, in an aviary built especially for them. Ten additional birds are expected to arrive from Australian zoos ahead of the opening.

In addition to the naming gift made by the Beyster Family, generous gifts have also been received by Julia R. Brown to name the aquatic animal life support system, Miranda Ko and Jared Cui to name one of the penguins, and a gift from an anonymous donor to name the amphitheater. These gifts also contribute to the Campaign for UC San Diego.

There are still many opportunities for the community to support the Little Blue Penguins habitat including the naming of individual birds, the children’s discovery cave and the VIP Observation and Conservation suite, as well as several others. Those interested in making a gift or learning more, may contact Adeline Duke at amduke@ucsd.edu or (858) 822-5803.

Once open, the Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins habitat will be included in the cost of Birch Aquarium admission. More information here.

About Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium features the groundbreaking work of Scripps Oceanography and UC San Diego scientists as well as conservation breeding programs, and interactive exhibits. Birch Aquarium’s mission is to connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet, which the aquarium achieves by engaging, hands-on learning opportunities for nearly 500,000 guests as well as more than 50,000 pre-K-12 students each year. Birch Aquarium also offers a variety of virtual events and activities. Visit them here for more information.

About the Campaign for UC San Diego
At the University of California San Diego, challenging convention is our most cherished tradition. Through the Campaign for UC San Diego —our university-wide comprehensive fundraising effort concluding in 2022—we are enhancing student support, ensuring student success, transforming our campus, connecting our community, and redefining medicine and health care on a global scale. Together with our philanthropic partners, we will continue our nontraditional path toward revolutionary ideas, unexpected answers, lifesaving discoveries, and planet-changing impact.

Ferraro’s White Truffle Festival

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Ferraro’s Announces its White Truffle Festival with a special dinner, October 1st through December 31st.
White truffle season comes to Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar beginning Oct.1 through Dec. 31. Ferraro’s announces a special three-course dinner and Nebbiolo wine pairing during which guests will savor one of the season’s most indulgent ingredients—Italian white truffles.
Italian white truffles are widely regarded as the most exquisite of all truffles. Their season runs typically from late October to late December. Truffles grow in the wild, where they enjoy a symbiotic relationship with mature oak, beech and hazelnut trees, from which they draw carbohydrates while growing underground. For this reason, truffles cannot be cultivated. That fact, together with their unmistakably rich and umami-filled flavor, makes truffles a universally rare and sought-after ingredient.
This extraordinary White Truffle Dinner stars three Nebbiolo wines—each one paired with dishes incorporating shaved white truffle. 360 Magazine is excited to try out the special dinner. The cost for dinner is $195++ per person. To make reservations, please call (702) 364-5300. The full menu follows:

Langhe Nebbiolo
Choice of one – Antipasto:
Carne Battuta
Prime sirloin tartare, roasted hazelnuts, white truffle cream, shaved white truffle
Sformato di Ricotta
Ricotta flan, pecorino, seasonal mushroom ragù, shaved white truffle

Barbaresco
Choice of one – Primo:
Tagliatelle Al Burro and Salvia
Flat ribbon pasta, butter, sage, shaved white truffle
Risotto Al Prosecco
Prosecco risotto, mascarpone, Parmigiano-Reggiano, shaved white truffle

Barolo
Choice of one – Secondo:
Vitello Reale
Sautéed veal scaloppine, butter, sage, fried egg, shaved white truffles
Berretto di Costata di Manzo
Prime rib cap, truffle potato purée, seasonal mushrooms, extra virgin olive oil, shaved white truffles
Dolce
Gelato Alla Nocciola
Hazelnut Gelato

First Carbon Neutral Heli Ski Resort

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NORTHERN ESCAPE HELI SKIING BECOMES ONE OF THE FIRST CARBON-NEUTRAL HELI SKI OPERATORS IN THE WORLD

Premier Boutique Heli-Skiing Operator Takes Action on Climate Change by Taking a Hard Look at its Operations and Offsetting its Carbon Footprint

Northern Escape Heli-Skiing (NEH) has recently become one of the first carbon-neutral heli-skiing operators in the world. The operator partnered with Synergy Enterprises and Offsetters, Canada’s leading carbon management agency, to take action on climate change and offset its current carbon footprint. NEH purchased offsets that benefit The Great Bear Forest and the First Nations living in the region, as well as the Lara Ceramic plant-based in Brazil by helping to decrease deforestation in the area.

In addition, the operator has a three-year plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and adopt renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and electric vehicles to support its operations. The passion to create a more sustainable approach to heli-skiing comes from NEH leadership. “Over the 35 years of my career as an ACMG Guide, I have witnessed incremental changes in our climate, our snowpack, and our glaciers. The first of many steps to achieve this for us is to become carbon neutral. We need to do the best we can to mitigate climate change and become a part of the solution rather than a part of the problem. Every single department of our company is drilling down to the basics of how we can shift our operations to mitigate our environmental impact.” explains NEH Co-founder & General Manager, John Forrest.

NEH is located in Skeena Mountains near Terrace, BC, and is only a short 90-minute flight from Vancouver. It connects a worldwide community of skiers and boarders to more than 5,500 sq km of pristine wilderness. To be able to do this responsibly, the management of the company, with the help of Synergy and Offsetters, analyzed every single aspect of the company’s operations from mountain commute to the guest experience. “We work with the various recycling companies in Terrace to decrease our use of single-use plastics as much as possible. Once our machines cycle through their lifespan we’ll be replacing them with electric ones, and we’ll be encouraging guests to purchase carbon offsets for their flights,” says Forrest.

NEH is a boutique heli-skiing operator offering a variety of custom packages for small groups of skiers and boarders from all over the world. Guests have an option to stay at two different lodges and enjoy dining by Red Seal chefs, hot tubs, massages, and more. To learn more about NEH’s environmentally responsible journey, or to book your carbon-neutral stay, please visit: Here

Hot Wheels in Houston

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The Hot Wheels Legends Tour presented by Mobil 1 headed to “Space City” on September 18 and was set to feature the most awe-inspiring garage builds from across the Southwest. This live, in-person event took place at a Houston-area Walmart Supercenter in Spring, Texas, where one lucky fan car will moved on in the competition for a chance to become a Hot Wheels 1:64 die-cast toy.

With only two finalist spots remaining for the U.S. and Canada, local Houston celebrities, including Trae tha Truth and DJ Mr. Rogers, joined Hot Wheels Designers Ted Wu and Bryan Benedict at the judge’s table to evaluate each entry based on authenticity, creativity and garage spirit.

“Houston is the perfect place to host the next live event stop in the tour, as its car culture is synonymous with customization,” said Ted Wu, Vice President and Global Head of Design for Vehicles at Mattel. “From candy paint to elbow rims, we look forward to seeing the biggest and baddest builds from across the Southwest.”

Fans also saw a limited-run of three (AND ONLY THREE!), fully custom, hand-painted Hot Wheels ’64 Lincoln Continental convertible “SLAB” die-casts modeled after Trae tha Truth’s personal vehicle, which were available for live auction at the event. All proceeds benefitted the Angel By Nature non-profit organization, founded by Trae tha Truth, which provides local aid to the most vulnerable individuals in Houston’s vibrant community, with an emphasis on families with underserved youth.

Hundreds of custom fan cars registered for the event, and onsite experiences and appearances by Hot Wheels Garage of Legends icons Twin Mill, Bone Shaker, Deora II and Midas Monkey guaranteed fun for the whole family.

As with other event champions, the Houston winner will advance to the Semi-Finals later this year and then possibly the Global Grand Finale for a chance to have his or her car inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends and immortalized as the next 1:64 die-cast toy sold around the world. To date, North American winners include a 1968 Mercedes Benz 250S from Penticton, British Columbia, Canada; a custom aluminum racer named Lulu from Santa Fe, New Mexico; the 1969 Daytona Charger Superbird “Scraptona” from Macob, Michigan; “Loosie,” a Miami-winning 1929 Ford Model A; and the Detroit-winning 1975 Opel Manta, along with the exoskeleton 2003 Nissan 350Z from San Mateo, California.

Upcoming Tour Dates include:

October 9: In-Person Event & Social Coverage from El Segundo, California
October 28: Global Virtual Livestream Semi-Finals #1
November 4: Global Virtual Livestream Semi-Finals #2
November 13: Global Grand Finale In-Person Event & Livestream (Location TBD)

Fans may register their cars for one of the upcoming virtual and in-person events or learn more about the Hot Wheels™ Legends Tour by visiting their site here

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and e-commerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

About Mobil 1

Mobil 1™ motor oil is the world’s leading brand of synthetic motor oil. Our advanced technology allows Mobil 1 motor oils to meet or exceed some of the industry’s toughest standards and to provide exceptional protection under even extreme driving conditions. Mobil 1 motor oil is designed to help protect critical engine parts, maximize engine performance, and extend engine life. For more information, visit us online at www.mobil1.us or and follow @Mobil1 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Dream Inn launches Beach Feast

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Dream Inn Santa Cruz recently launched Beach Feast, a complete ocean-to-table private dining experience that perfects for guests to dine safely outdoors at ‘King Table’ on Cowell Beach – just steps away from the iconic, retro beachfront hotel. Whether an intimate table for two, family reunion, small reception, or corporate groups, the Beach Feast experience is ideal for celebrating unforgettable social gatherings in a special setting.

Offering a fully customizable menu created by Executive Chef Gus Trejo that delightfully integrates fresh seafood and grilled steaks, catering to all tastes, and includes menu options like paella topped with a whole octopus, bursting shrimp and fresh mussels, as well as ribeye steaks and roasted local vegetables. The accompanying wine list, delicious dessert menu, and bespoke service, only add more to the experience.

A short stroll from the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk, Dream Inn Santa Cruz recently completed a multi-million-dollar renovation with whimsical retro-surfer décor which nods to the hotel’s origins and Santa Cruz’s history as a surfing mecca. The renovation included upgrades to all 165 guestrooms and suites, as well as a makeover to the hotel lobby and pool area. Dark-wood ’60s-style furnishings and turquoise accents give the guestrooms and its restaurant, Jack O’Neill Restaurant, a classic beachy feel. Guests will also love to experience the new Jack’s Patio, a wildly inventive, new outdoor dining concept – the perfect pandemic outdoor dining venue with open-air, live music featuring local musicians and heat lamps for chilly coastal evenings. To further embrace the inn’s casual, laid back ambiance, guests can soak up the California sun while enjoying the host of amenities the property has to offer including a re-vamped pool deck with beach access; poolside bar; surfing lessons, and complimentary beach cruisers to explore the charming town of Santa Cruz.