Today, in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), Visit SLO CAL, the official destination marketing and management organization (DMMO) for San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL) announced that tourism has reached $2.32 billion in direct travel spending in SLO CAL, marking a consistent performance from the previous year. This is a significant achievement for SLO CAL, which is leading the way in visitor spending on the central coast.   In 2023, tourism in SLO CAL generated a significant $60.1 million in transient occupancy tax revenue. Tourism in SLO CAL puts 22,830 residents to work each day, marking a 2% year over year (YOY) increase and encompasses various sectors including lodging, food service, arts, entertainment, recreation, ground transportation, wineries, breweries, distilleries and more.   “We are thrilled to highlight the positive impact of tourism in SLO CAL as we celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week and California Tourism Month,” said Cathy Cartier, Interim President & CEO of Visit SLO CAL. “Tourism stands as the second-largest economic driver in SLO CAL, following agriculture, and plays a pivotal role in enabling success across all industries by fostering sales growth and innovation, supporting education and facilitating operations that power our economy, nation and community.”   In 2023, tourism also contributed $110 million in local tax revenue. Without the tax revenue generated by tourism, each local household would need to pay an additional $21,415 to create the same economic benefit for the community. Furthermore, each household would need to spend an additional $1,914 in taxes to create the same economic impact for local businesses.   Cartier continues, “Tourism in SLO CAL strengthens local businesses, contributes to community preservation and creates thousands of jobs. We are pleased with the consistent performance of tourism in visitor spending in SLO CAL.”   Other notable metrics achieved in 2023 include:  

• Tourism in SLO CAL generated $207 million in state & local taxes
• Tourism in SLO CAL comprises of 10.66% of countywide GDP
• SLO CAL’s tourism industry earnings (total after-tax net income for travel including wages and salary disbursements) $912 million. This is an increase of 5.9% YOY

  This announcement coincides with the U.S. Travel Association’s NTTW celebrated from May 19-25, 2024. This annual tradition recognizes the vital role travel plays in stimulating economic growth, fostering vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses and enhancing the quality of life for Americans.   NTTW aligns with California Tourism Month, a bipartisan declaration established in 2016 for the month of May. Through this annual designation, the state-wide travel organization, Visit California relies on in-state tourism partners, such as Visit SLO CAL, to emphasize the importance of collective resiliency and resolve in shaping a more efficient, innovative and sustainable travel industry.   As the official DMMO for SLO CAL, Visit SLO CAL values its investors, partners and stakeholders and the diverse communities comprising SLO CAL, including Nipomo, Grover Beach, Oceano, Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Shell Beach, Avila Beach, Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo, Los Osos/Baywood Park, Morro Bay, Cayucos, Cambria, Harmony, Paso Robles, Templeton, Atascadero, Creston, Shandon, Cholame, San Miguel, Santa Margarita, Pozo, San Simeon and Ragged Point.

The largest inbound travel trade show is back in Los Angeles for the first time in a dozen years. Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board is hosting the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW until May 7. The Los Angeles Convention Center will serve as the main backdrop for IPW. There are also key events being held throughout LA, including the Getty Center, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Exposition Park and Universal Studios Hollywood. Los Angeles Tourism, in collaboration with Tourism Economics, announced its 2023 year-end tourism performance, with 49.1 million total visitors which is 97% recovered on benchmark year 2019. It generated $40.4 billion in total business sales. “Tourism continues to be an indispensable economic engine for Los Angeles, impacting the livelihoods of more than 530,000 tourism-related careers for Angelenos,” said Adam Burke, President & CEO, Los Angeles Tourism. “We are privileged to host IPW this year, a watershed moment for Los Angeles’ tourism industry. We are confident that LA will see the benefits of IPW for years to come.” This year’s IPW show attendance will exceed 2019 levels for the first time since the pandemic and is expected to generate more than $5.5 billion in future travel to the United States. Nearly 100,000 prescheduled business appointments will take place, connecting 1,700+ global travel buyers and press with 5,700 travel professionals from nearly 70 countries. “Los Angeles is a perfect city to host IPW and the thousands of travel professionals who are building back international travel to the United States,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “It will lead to years of new visitation and benefits for the city, the state of California and the country overall.” While domestic visitation has led LA’s tourism comeback, overseas visitation continues to see a more staggered recovery, with another 24 months expected until every source market reaches full pre-pandemic levels. LA Tourism has a year-round presence in 15 global markets across four continents. This includes seven of its own LA Tourism overseas offices in the UK, Australia, China (four locations) and India. During IPW, Los Angeles hosts several events, including the Media Brunch on Saturday at The Getty and Opening Night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Closing Event is held at Universal Studios Hollywood on May 7. LA Tourism continues to promote LA globally with its ‘Now Playing’ global advertising campaign, which released its most current and largest investment ever in February 2024. It targets visitors from the US, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, France, Mexico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. Since the campaign’s launch, ‘Now Playing’ has generated more than $2 billion in incremental direct spending in Los Angeles. The campaign is expanding this month to reach drive and short-haul markets such as San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Fresno, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, Phoenix and within Los Angeles to drive hotel room demand for major events throughout Los Angeles County. LA Tourism Meetings and Conventions welcomed 21 citywide conventions to the Convention Center in 2023, drawing more than 390,000 attendees and generating nearly 182,000 room nights for LA-area hotels. To learn more about IPW: www.ipw.com

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  California's vast desert region is a land of hidden oases and canyons, towering snow-capped mountains, and sweeping panoramas that conjure visions of early California and the Old West. Unlike anywhere else in the world, the California Deserts feel like one giant natural theme park—connected by scenic open roads and a network of character-rich lodging properties.   From colorful, otherworldly rock formations, expansive dunes, and natural mineral hot springs to old mines, hidden ghost towns, and outdoor art installations, the desert has no shortage of sights to behold. Travel from elevations that are thousands of feet high to lower depths of 280 feet/85 m below sea level. Discover a region that is vibrant yet remote, colorful and camouflaged, and rustic but luxurious. Whether you power through in a week's time or linger longer in each destination, this itinerary promises to be unforgettable and truly inspiring. Click for Google Map Leg 1: LAX to Ridgecrest   Driving Distance & Time:  163 miles/262 km (3.5 hours)   Stops & Attractions: Red Rock Canyon State Park, Lone Ridge Trail, Petroglyph Park   Dining & Drinking: Ale's Steakhouse, Bangkok House, Tokyo House   Accommodations:  SpringHill Suites by Marriott Ridgecrest   Fresh off a flight, you'll want to use this first leg of the trip to position yourself closer to Death Valley, while keeping the driving time manageable. Nestled at the crossroads of three major highways and less than three hours from several of Southern California's major attractions, Ridgecrest is the perfect base camp to start a desert adventure. The surrounding California high desert is popular for off-roading, rock climbing, and hiking. With the largest concentration of Native American petroglyphs in the western hemisphere, a living ghost town, and several geological attractions, it's no surprise that Ridgecrest has also captured Hollywood's attention as a desirable filming location.   Leg 2: Ridgecrest to Death Valley National Park   Driving Distance & Time:  72 miles/115 km (1.5 hours to enter the National Park, which is 100 miles/160 km long)   Stops & Attractions: Trona Pinnacles, Panamint Springs, Mosaic Canyon, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin, Devil's Golf Course, Zabriskie Point, The Racetrack, Artist's Palette, Dante's View   Dining & Drinking: Desert Brew, Toll Road Restaurant, Last Kind Words Saloon & Steakhouse,   Accommodations:  Cottages at Death Valley   The largest national park south of Alaska at 3.73 million acres, Death Valley is defined by extremes. It's North America's driest and hottest spot, with fewer than two inches/five cm of rainfall annually and a record high of 134°F (56°C). It also boasts the lowest elevation on the continent at Badwater Basin, which sits 282 feet/86 m below sea level. You could easily spend a few days exploring all sides of the expansive park, which abounds with hiking opportunities, fascinating landscapes, and dark night skies. Given the sheer size, it's best to plan your journey around three or five main stops a day. It's also well worth rising early to capture the sunrise from a scenic lookout such as Zabriskie Point.   Leg 3:  Death Valley to Joshua Tree via Baker   Driving Distance & Time:  246 miles/396 km (4 hours)   Stops & Attractions: World's Tallest Thermometer, Mojave National Preserve, Roy's Motel & Café, Amboy Crater   Dining & Drinking: The Ranch 1849 Restaurant, Los Dos Toritos, Kitchen in the Desert   Accommodations:  AutoCamp Joshua Tree   This longer day of driving features many photogenic stops, starting with the quirky town of Baker, home to the World's Largest Thermometer and funky shops. After lunch and filling your gas tank in Baker, carry on driving through to Mojave National Preserve where the sea of yucca trees calls for photo ops. You'll get on historic Route 66 to arrive in Amboy, home to its own quirky roadside sites including the midcentury relic, Roy's Motel & Café. The town of Joshua Tree will be one hour's drive from Amboy. After dinner in Twentynine Palms, leave room for s'mores by the fire back at AutoCamp.   Leg 4: Joshua Tree to Anza Borrego   Driving Distance & Time: 100+ miles/160 km (2.5 hours)   Stops & Attractions: Hidden Valley Trail, Key's View, Skull Rock Trail, Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Anza Borrego State Park, Badlands Adventure with California Overland Desert Excursions   Dining & Drinking: AutoCamp Joshua Tree, TKB Bakery & Deli, Arches Restaurant, The Fox Bistro   Accommodations:  Borrego Springs Resort & Spa, La Casa Del Zorro Resort & Spa   With nearly 800,000 acres of mystical beauty, Joshua Tree National Park is undoubtedly one of the world's most incredible natural desert treasures. Sweeping, grand in scale, and populated by granite monoliths and voluptuous rock and boulder formations, the park offers wonder to eco-travelers, outdoor adventurists, and naturalists. Evidence of many diverse forms of plant life from creosote and ocotillo are found everywhere, but none as unique or prevalent as the park's namesake: the Joshua tree, standing majestically across the vast topography. Plan your route to enter the park from the town of Joshua Tree's West Entrance and exit from Cottonwood Entrance, dropping you onto the interstate. Stop in Indio for lunch and then head to Anza Borrego State Park for a tour of the famed Badlands.   Leg 5: Anza Borrego to Palm Springs   Driving Distance & Time:  66 miles/106 km (1.5 hours)   Stops & Attractions: Anza Borrego Metal Sculptures, Salton Sea, Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours, Downtown Palm Springs Public Art, Uptown Design District   Dining & Drinking: Kendall's Café, EIGHT4NINE Restaurant, Workshop Kitchen+Bar, Ernest Coffee, Norma's Accommodations:  Azure Sky Hotel, Hilton Palm Springs, Sparrow's Lodge   Start the day in Anza Borrego exploring the charming downtown and walking among the giant metal sculptures created by Ricardo Breceda. Stop to see the Salton Sea en route to Indio, where you can stop for a pre-booked guided naturalist jeep tour of the San Andreas Fault and learn more about the plants, animals, geology, seismology, and history of the California desert. End the day in Palm Springs, where you can check into a resort and relax for a few days of sunbathing, art and architecture, shopping, and fine dining. After all that hiking and adventuring on the open road, you'll have earned a spa treatment or two!

"Travel continues to trend upwards and domestic leisure travel has essentially recovered to 2019, adjusting for inflation,” shared Kristin McGrath, Executive Director of Visit Pasadena. “We are proud to celebrate the contributions that travel has brought to Pasadena throughout history, from Henry Huntington's railroads of yesteryear to today's iconic music festivals and this summer's enchanting celebrations. Travel continues to play a key role in the long-term health of Pasadena's economy and community.” The recent findings on Pasadena's visitor profiles surveyed 1,370 visitors and potential visitors to Pasadena include:

• Pasadena's visitors are well traveled: Pasadena's visitors report an average of 11 trips a year and spend an average of $2,400 per trip.
• Pasadena's visitors are mostly young couples and young families: 60% of Pasadena visitors come for leisure purposes, of which, 77% travel with their spouses and 44% travel with their children under 18.
• Pasadena's downtown, shopping, and dining are key travel activities and leisure trip motivators: 68% of visitors experience the downtown areas, 63% come to shop, and 63% come to dine.
• Pasadena is beautiful and fun: Almost all visitors have a positive experience in Pasadena and over 90% are likely to recommend it to others. Beautiful was the most prevalent word used to describe Pasadena, from visitors and potential visitors. Pasadena gets strong ratings for having great events and festivals, high-quality dining, being fun, and having local and independent shops.
• Special events and tournaments account for a third of leisure trips: Among those who are visiting for leisure, the main purpose is for vacations and weekend getaways. 20% came for a special event, festival, parade, or live performance and 12% were in Pasadena for a sporting event or tournament.

“We're thrilled to share these findings,” said McGrath. “By leading with a data-driven foundation, we can all work together to strategically promote the full Pasadena experience and keep moving travel forward. We look forward to continuing the NTTW tradition in Pasadena annually.” “In Pasadena, there's so much to be excited about,” said Pasadena Center Operating Company Chairperson Tyron Hampton. “Our hotels, diverse restaurants, fun shopping, enchanting architecture, remarkable attractions, and world-class events allow discerning travelers to engage in an abundance of enriching activities.”

"Travel continues to trend upwards and domestic leisure travel has essentially recovered to 2019, adjusting for inflation,” shared Kristin McGrath, Executive Director of Visit Pasadena. “We are proud to celebrate the contributions that travel has brought to Pasadena throughout history, from Henry Huntington's railroads of yesteryear to today's iconic music festivals and this summer's enchanting celebrations. Travel continues to play a key role in the long-term health of Pasadena's economy and community.” The recent findings on Pasadena's visitor profiles surveyed 1,370 visitors and potential visitors to Pasadena include:

• Pasadena's visitors are well traveled: Pasadena's visitors report an average of 11 trips a year and spend an average of $2,400 per trip.
• Pasadena's visitors are mostly young couples and young families: 60% of Pasadena visitors come for leisure purposes, of which, 77% travel with their spouses and 44% travel with their children under 18.
• Pasadena's downtown, shopping, and dining are key travel activities and leisure trip motivators: 68% of visitors experience the downtown areas, 63% come to shop, and 63% come to dine.
• Pasadena is beautiful and fun: Almost all visitors have a positive experience in Pasadena and over 90% are likely to recommend it to others. Beautiful was the most prevalent word used to describe Pasadena, from visitors and potential visitors. Pasadena gets strong ratings for having great events and festivals, high-quality dining, being fun, and having local and independent shops.
• Special events and tournaments account for a third of leisure trips: Among those who are visiting for leisure, the main purpose is for vacations and weekend getaways. 20% came for a special event, festival, parade, or live performance and 12% were in Pasadena for a sporting event or tournament.

“We're thrilled to share these findings,” said McGrath. “By leading with a data-driven foundation, we can all work together to strategically promote the full Pasadena experience and keep moving travel forward. We look forward to continuing the NTTW tradition in Pasadena annually.” “In Pasadena, there's so much to be excited about,” said Pasadena Center Operating Company Chairperson Tyron Hampton. “Our hotels, diverse restaurants, fun shopping, enchanting architecture, remarkable attractions, and world-class events allow discerning travelers to engage in an abundance of enriching activities.”

Los Angeles Tourism, the official non-profit destination marketing and sales organization for Los Angeles, today kicked off “The Road to IPW 2024” with a press conference at IPW 2023 in San Antonio, Texas that welcomed over 400 media. The press conference reported the organization’s year-end figures including $34.5 billion in total business sales in 2022, reaching 91 percent of 2019’s record-setting levels. More than 528,200 tourism-related careers were generated last year along with $3 billion in state and local taxes supporting essential services for all Angelenos. The announcement comes as Los Angeles continues to spotlight the new experiences and product that make up “LA 2.0” and prepares to welcome U.S. Travel Association’s international inbound travel show, IPW, May 3-7, 2024.

“With so many exciting new reasons to visit our City of Angels, we’re thrilled to roll out the red carpet for IPW in 2024 and showcase why LA is the ideal place to stay, play, and do business,” said Los Angeles Tourism President and CEO, Adam Burke. “As one of the world’s most diverse and inclusive communities – and one of the primary gateways to the United States – we pride ourselves on being a destination where everyone is welcome. And starting with the $15 billion modernization of Los Angeles International Airport, we’ve seen incredible investment in the market, offering IPW attendees the opportunity to experience our destination like never before.”

The City reported a robust recovery reaching 91% of 2019 visitation levels with 46.2 million visitors to Los Angeles. Tourism is a leading driver of the local economy, enhancing the quality of life of all Angelenos while creating attractions and amenities that residents and visitors experience year-round.

International visitation continues to be a key focus of Los Angeles Tourism. For over two decades, Los Angeles has been the only U.S. destination to maintain full-time offices and team members overseas, with seven offices that remained open and operational throughout the pandemic. The strategy provides Los Angeles Tourism the ability to remain agile to diversify its reach and creates a first-mover advantage to increase market share. In 2022, international visitation increased by nearly 2 million visitors, representing an 81.7 percent year-over-year increase from 2021. In 2023, Los Angeles’ top five international source markets are expected to be Mexico (1,790,000), Canada (740,000), China (460,000), Australia/NZ (390,000), and UK/Ireland (330,000).

“Los Angeles is proud of its cultural diversity and international influences, and Los Angeles Tourism’s operations and strategies reflect this,” shared LA Tourism SVP, Global Tourism Development, Kathryn Smits. “With offices in several corners of the world, our international teams provide valuable in-market insights and direct touchpoints with key markets across the globe. We are thrilled to host industry partners, buyers, and media from these markets and beyond in the City of Angels next year for IPW 2024.”

Across the city, new places to stay, award-winning dining experiences, vibrant attractions, advanced infrastructure, and more make up “LA 2.0” ready to welcome both first-time visitors and returning friends to Los Angeles with countless exciting new offerings. There are more reasons than ever to visit the City of Angels since the last time Los Angeles hosted IPW in 2012, including a $15 billion modernization of Los Angeles International Airport, 6,700 hotel rooms added in the past three years, and the largest number of museums and performing arts venues in the U.S. A few key experiences spotlighted during the press conference include SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Studios Hollywood, 26 MICHELIN Starred Angeleno restaurants, the 15^th anniversary of Dine LA Restaurant Week, new places to stay across the city, and the Automated People Mover at LAX. With 11 professional sports teams, the most of any U.S. destination, Los Angeles is also looking forward to hosting a spectacular lineup of major sporting events including the U.S. Open Championship in June 2023, the FIFA World Cup in 2026, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

To showcase Los Angeles’ incomparable breadth of attractions, entertainment, and accommodations, Los Angeles Tourism shared its star-studded global advertising campaign, “Now Playing,” at the press conference. The campaign’s ads, launched in September 2022 and February 2023, feature iconic locations in the city, top talent, live-action film, and animation. Since its debut, the campaign has appeared in traditional and digital marketing channels in five markets, including the U.S., Australia, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. As of April 2023, the ads have generated 1.6 billion impressions and more than 430 million completed video views, generating a return on investment of more than $1.2 billion in direct tourism spending.

“As we continue to welcome back international travelers, Los Angeles presents a host of all-new attractions, properties, and experiences making up what we’re calling ‘LA 2.0,’” said LA Tourism SVP, Global Communications, Chris Heywood. “Whether it’s your first time to the City of Angels or you’re a frequent visitor, there are countless new sights to explore and fresh favorites to discover. With iconic landmarks and hidden gems throughout the City’s many diverse neighborhoods, ‘LA 2.0’ offers a unique experience with every visit.”

The press conference event also acknowledged a year of centennials in Los Angeles in 2023 including the 100^th anniversaries of the Hollywood Sign, Warner Bros. Studios, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and the Biltmore Hotel with an impressive digital replica of the iconic Hollywood Sign featuring visually stunning projection lighting technology and a celebratory confetti send-off.

The City of Angels will welcome travel exhibitors, buyers, and media from around the globe to Los Angeles for IPW 2024 next May. With an array of new experiences, incredible meeting spaces, and an exciting lineup of programming, Los Angeles is thrilled to roll out the red carpet for the world’s leading travel trade show. 2024 will be the sixth time LA serves as an IPW host city, welcoming attendees to experience the exciting updates shared at the press conference for themselves.

  The new report shows that visitor spending has nearly rebounded to 2019 levels as the Commonwealth welcome 180 million visitors in 2021  

  Today, Visit Greater Palm Springs (VGPS) launched its inaugural “Meet the Mentors” program, which pairs aspiring travel writers looking to jump-start their careers with accomplished media established in the industry. Through this special program, VGPS will provide selected participants with memorable travel experiences in the destination, mentorship from real-world travel journalists, and the opportunity for attendees to get their work published. The selected media mentors have written for top travel publications including Travel + Leisure, Travel Noire, Modern Luxury, and more.   Now through June 16, Visit Greater Palm Springs invites junior journalists from around the United States to submit an application for the opportunity to participate in the program, which will be hosted in Greater Palm Springs this September. Following the deadline, a panel of judges from VGPS will select a handful of awardees to participate in this year's mentorship program. The successful candidates will be notified by June 23.   “Through our Meet the Mentors Program, we aim to inspire future travel writers, guiding them towards unlocking their creative potential while discovering incredible career opportunities in the travel and tourism industry,” said Colleen Pace, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer for Visit Greater Palm Springs. “We strive to empower the next generation of storytellers to weave the magic of travel and tourism through their words, sharing the captivating stories of Greater Palm Springs."   Once selected, mentees will be paired up with an experienced travel journalist who will serve as their mentor during a customized trip to Greater Palm Springs this fall to learn the ins and outs of travel journalism, from how to ask journalistic questions to tips on how to pitch an editor while exploring the nine desert cities that comprise the destination. Each duo will be given a personalized itinerary that focuses on different topics in Greater Palm Springs, ranging from key experiences such as wellness and outdoor adventure to sustainability, diversity, and inclusion across the region. Following the trip, the participants will have the opportunity to write an article on their experience that will be published on the Visit Greater Palm Springs website.   To apply for the “Meet the Mentors” program, interested parties can visit TravelMentorsGPS.com and submit by June 16. Applications are open to all backgrounds and abilities. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and live in the United States.

  Celebrating its 175th anniversary of becoming a state in 2023, Wisconsin is in the midst of a year that is packed with new developments, attractions and experiences. Check out a sampling of the state's latest and greatest below.   MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS   Harley-Davidson Museum   Harley-Davidson will celebrate its 120th anniversary by launching the Harley-Davidson Homecoming event, an annual four-day festival filled with music, food and moto-culture. The inaugural event will take place at the Harley-Davidson Museum and other venues throughout the Milwaukee area on July 13-16, 2023, and welcomes riders, enthusiasts and fans to meet in Milwaukee for a huge celebration.   Eau Claire Children's Museum   Opened in January 2023, the new $12 million Eau Claire Children's Museum features a total of 24 exhibits and a brand-new early childcare and 4K preschool program to be open year-round in its 3,000-square-foot, two-story building. The building runs on 100% renewable energy and includes a musical instruments room, a life-sized game bubble from the game “Trouble” and a climbing wall.   Eau Claire Sculpture Tour   The Eau Claire Sculpture Tour will once again take the claim of the largest in the nation when new sculptures rotate in for the 2023 season in June. The tour features more than 70 sculptures and allows visitors to vote for their favorites to be crowned Sculpture of the Year. The winning sculpture gets to stay as new sculptures get installed every year.   Food + Farm Exploration Center   The Food & Farm Exploration Center is a state-of-the-art educational center that is in development in Plover. The center will offer interactive exhibits, inside and out, to bring modern farming to life. The facility broke ground in 2022 and is slated to open in summer 2023.   Sun Prairie Explore Children's Museum   Opened in early 2022, the Sun Prairie Explore Children's Museum is a 4,800-square-foot space with plenty of places for imaginative play and hands-on learning. The Explore experience is developmentally appropriate for children between the ages of 0-8, offering a wide range of both permanent and rotating exhibits.   Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua's Listening Room   Every summer in Bayfield, the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua venue hosts an array of musical performances. In late 2022, the venue introduced The Backstage, a new alternate venue, event center and home to the famous house band, the Blue Canvas Orchestra. With this new space, music and the other acts that keep crowds of people coming to Big Top Chautauqua will soon be available year-round (on a much smaller scale).   Installation of 400th Barn Quilt in Shawano County   Twelve years after its launch, The Shawano County Barn Quilt Project installed its 400th barn quilt in October 2022. The project was started in 2010 by local Shawano photographer Jim Leuenberger, who had seen similar quilts in other states. The purpose of the project is threefold: to encourage the preservation of the beautiful, old barns in the county, to promote tourism in Shawano County and to provide an opportunity for clubs like 4-H and FFA to conduct a community service project by painting and/or sponsoring a barn quilt. Go here for a guide to the area's barn quilts.   Pinseekers   Scheduled to open in 2023, Pinseekers in DeForest is a three-story, 36,300-square-foot golf and entertainment venue including a golf range powered by Top Tracer, restaurant and bar, rooftop terrace, mini bowling and natural terrain mini golf course.   Children's Imaginarium   Set to open in fall 2023, the Children's Imaginarium in downtown Wausau will have 10,000 square feet dedicated to professionally designed, highly interactive, hands-on exhibits. All exhibits and programming will be rooted in STEM and will be a place for all children and families to spend time together interacting, learning and playing.   Sift & Winnow   Located in Mount Horeb, Sift & Winnow is a new boutique offering a carefully curated collection of lifestyle items to enrich your everyday moments. The shop is the atelier of featured copper enamel jewelry artist, Linda Winther, who specializes in color, line and shape to inform the jewelry she creates.   OUTDOOR ADVENTURES & EXPERIENCES   Emrick Lake Campground at the Preserve   Opening in late May 2023, Emrick Lake Campground in Oxford will be the one of the largest campgrounds in the state with 500 new RV sites, including several cabins and a large waterslide located right on the pond. The owners' mission is “to provide our guests the most amazing camping experience possible - through exceptional service and unmatched amenities.”   Milwaukee Riverwalk Extension   The Department of City Development (DCD) is continuing efforts to improve and expand Milwaukee's Riverwalk system, which represents more than 3 miles of pedestrian access along the Milwaukee and Kinnickinnic Rivers. Now, The Node project will create 3,000 square feet of new aquatic habitat and will be part of the new 4,300-linear-foot Riverwalk extension near Komatsu Mining's new South Harbor Campus. The proposed design aims to modify the existing landscape and dock wall to develop the aquatic habitat and spawning zone with new landscaping and native plants. Stairs and ADA-accessible ramps will provide all individuals the opportunity to access the edge and “touch” the water. The space will expand educational offerings along the river related to fish habitat, the Great Lakes and the Harbor. Construction will begin in 2023.   Beloit's Outdoor Art Trail   Since Beloit's inception in 1836, the city has seen nearly 190 years of American history unfold. From innovation to education and so much more, artists have created memorable history for community members and visitors to enjoy. Take the new self-guided Outdoor Art Trail digital tour to unlock the details of Beloit's unique history! Complete 10 stops to receive an exclusive Beloit & Beyond Outdoor Art Trail sticker.   Milwaukee Downtown Dog Park   Plans are in motion for a new downtown Milwaukee dog park, which will be located between Plankinton Avenue and the Milwaukee River at Clybourn Street. Spearheaded by the Downtown Neighbors Association of Milwaukee, the park will include a 12,000-square-foot dog run with a publicly accessible Riverwalk extension. Other proposed features are separated small and large dog areas, synthetic turf with irrigation to ensure cleanliness, water stations, agility stations, public art and more.   Area 31 ATV/UTV Complex   What was once a Yamaha testing facility is now an action-packed UTV driving adventure located in Minocqua. Whether riders want to enjoy a thrilling UTV ride or try one of Area 31's brand new 2022 Polaris RZR 1000s, it can now be done through various routed one-way trails.   Plover River Crossing   The Plover River Crossing in Portage County is a new pedestrian bridge that will add roughly 1.3 miles of trail and provide easy access for walkers and bikers to the Plover River Trail segment of the popular 27-mile Green Circle Trail. The Green Circle is the Stevens Point Area's 27-mile nature trail which circles through the beauty of river shores, trees, wild birds, and animals.   Oconomowoc Duffy Boat   Enjoy a 90-minute cruise on a zero-emissions electric boat on Fowler Lake in downtown Oconomowoc. The new Duffy Boats are 100% electric powered which keeps waterways clear of pollution and emissions. As a bonus, they run silent, so music and conversation are possible.   International Crane Foundation 50th Anniversary   Founded in 1973, the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo is an organization that combines research, captive breeding and reintroduction, landscape restoration and education to safeguard the world's 15 crane species. In 2023, the Foundation will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a series of events including an anniversary celebration in September and the Great Midwest Crane Fest in November.   Great Pinery Heritage Waterway   The Great Pinery Heritage Waterway in Wausau is an overarching historic river trail system that combines the histories of three rivers that meet in the heart of the city. The new scenic, urban and historical water trail is 108 miles long (the fourth longest in the state), offering visitors and residents paddling opportunities on the Wisconsin River, the Lower Big Rib River and the Lower Eau Claire River on markedlandings that tell the story of our rivers and the people that lived along their banks. Many of the launches are ADA-accessible.   Ariens Nordic Center   Northeast Wisconsin's premier Nordic center, the newly opened Ariens Nordic Center in Brillion includes 5k of lighted trails for cross-country skiing designed by Morton Trails and a state-of-the-art 20-point Kurvinen Biathlon Target System. The center's robust snowmaking system covers all trails, a 3k paved roller ski loop and more.   Herbal Safaris   Located on 72 hilly acres in west-central Wisconsin, Bull Brook Keep Farm is now offering guided “herbal safaris” that focus on helpful native herbs, trees and shrubs, many of which can be found in every backyard, driveway and park. On these guided walks, visitors learn to see what's right at our feet and learn how these plants can be used.   CRUISE NEWS   Great Lakes cruise options continue to grow in Wisconsin. Both Bayfield and Green Bay received first-time visits by cruise ships in 2022. Viking's Octantis visited Bayfield on six occasions this year, while The Ocean Navigator, operated by American Queen Voyages, was the first ever cruise ship to visit Green Bay. Two visits took place in 2022 with two more planned for 2023. The Ocean Navigator also visited Sturgeon Bay on July 1, 2022. La Crosse was also visited by a Viking cruise ship as part of its America's Heartland voyage in September 2022 with further visits planned for 2023. Sturgeon Bay will see additional cruise ship activity in 2023 with Hapag Lloyd's cruises ship the Hanseatic Inspiration that added Sturgeon Bay to their Great Lakes portfolio for next year. Viking's newest ship, The Polaris, launches in 2023 and will include Algoma as part of its Great Lakes cruising itinerary, marking the destination's first-ever visits by a cruise ship.   NEW HOTELS & VENUES   Heidel House Hotel and Conference Center   The historic Heidel House, which closed its doors in spring 2019, recently reopened as a completely remodeled hotel and conference center. Improvements and new additions include a new lobby and newly renovated guest rooms, banquet rooms and pools. The property has also reimagined its dining options, boasting lake views and mouthwatering entrees at the Oakwood Restaurant and Waves Pub & Grill.   Hotel Verdant   Located in downtown Racine, Hotel Verdant will welcome its first guests in June 2023.   On track to be a LEED Gold-certified hotel, the boutique property will feature 80 guest rooms as well as spaces for gatherings of many sizes, including space that can hold events for up to 200 people. The hotel's generous lobby comes with a fireplace, two food and beverage venues, and the hotel's meeting and banquet spaces.   Green Lake Inn   Green Lake Inn's new owner Matt Rogatz gave the property a $400,000 renovation in the summer of 2022, including new furniture in all 17 rooms, wireless internet, smart cable TV and other amenities. Further enhancements include a new fire pit, picnic areas and a shuttle bus that can be rented to large groups.   The Trade Hotel   Coming to Milwaukee in June 2023, The Trade Hotel pays homage to the hardworking history and modern spirit of today's Milwaukee. Located in the heart of downtown adjacent to Fiserv Forum, this Marriott Autograph Collection property offers 207 luxurious rooms and suites plus destination dining with a rooftop restaurant and lounge boasting stunning city views. Highlights include a two-story VIP suite with a private entrance and over 9,000 square feet of sophisticated indoor/outdoor meeting spaces for groups up to 300.   Potawatomi Hotel and Casino Expansion   Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee is currently undergoing a $100 million renovation to the casino's third floor. The 120,000-square-foot project will include 1,800 slot machine stations, a new bar with 28 bar-top “slot seats” and 4K televisions. The project will also see the addition of Rock & Brews, a restaurant whose co-founders include Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of the rock band KISS. Construction will be completed by the spring of 2023.   Owl Ridge Cabin   The owner of the Stewart Inn of Wausau opened a new luxury lodging businesses called Owl Ridge Cabin in December 2022. Tucked away in the woods east of Wausau on Owl Ridge Road, the 1,100-square foot cabin features an open-concept floorplan, heated floors and clean contemporary design.   Eagles Roost Resort and Marina   Located in Cassville, Eagles Roost Resort and Marina is is opening a new business on Main Street that will offer an interactive tourist center and rentals, including boats, e-bikes, kayaks, canoes and more.   Blanc Chalet   Formerly known as the Swiss Aire Motel, the Blanc Chalet in New Glarus is currently undergoing a major renovation. No reopening date has been set.   Country Jam USA   After 33 years in the town of Union, Country Jam USA will be moving to a new, permanent location in the town of Wheaton. This will allow them to own their own location, and thus allowing them to create permanent buildings for lodging (cabins), more campsites, better pavilions, food services, parking and more.   BizStarts Marketplace   BizStarts, the Milwaukee-based nonprofit that's helped to mentor and train entrepreneurs since 2008, has announced its plans to open a BizStarts Marketplace, which will allow its small business hopefuls to sell their wares and communicate with customers.   Wisconsin Brewing Company Park / Lake Country Live   In 2022, Oconomowoc welcomed the Lake Country Dockhounds minor league baseball team to the new Wisconsin Brewing Company Park. Additionally, the park serves as a new event venue outside of ball games for the city, hosting concerts, an Oktoberfest, outdoor movie nights and other sporting events.   EVENTS, FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS   U.S. Senior Open Championship   SentryWorld will host the 43rd U.S. Senior Open Championship from June 29–July 2, 2023. This is the first Senior Open and third USGA championship to be played on the 200-acre parkland course in Stevens Point. The 7,320-yard championship golf course was originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., who redesigned it in 2013 with on-course architects Bruce Charlton and Jay Blasi. In 2021, Jones and Charlton further renovated the course in preparation for the U.S. Senior Open.   Wisconsin Farm Technology Days   One of the largest agricultural fairs in the Midwest, Wisconsin Farm Technology Days will be held in Baraboo, July 18 - 20, 2023, at the grounds of the Badger Steam & Gas Engine Show.  Attendees will enjoy exhibits, demonstrations, entertainment, food trucks and lots more.   Mile of Music   Mile of Music, the beloved, community-supported (read: free access to live acts) music festival that takes over 40 venues with 700 live-music sets throughout a mile-long main street in Appleton, celebrates its 10th year from August 3-6, 2023. In 2022, Rolling Stone noted that the festival is a “blueprint for how to foster emerging talent.”   Dodge County Antique Power Show   For the first time in 118 years, Case's 150 H.P. engine is going to be in Wisconsin. The Dodge County Antique Power Club is bringing in Kory Anderson's 150 HP Case custom-built steam traction engine to its 2023 show, August 4-6. It's the largest steam traction engine ever built, giving attendees a chance to see history in action.   Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival   The longest-running and largest corn festival in Wisconsin, the Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival will celebrate its 70th anniversary, August 16-20, 2023 in Sun Prairie. Named one of the best food festivals in the Midwest, the Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival is always held the third full weekend in August.   NASCAR 2023 at the Milwaukee Mile   NASCAR racing will return to the Milwaukee Mile for the first time since 2009. A NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race will be held at the historic racetrack at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis on Aug. 27, 2023. The Milwaukee Mile, the self-proclaimed oldest operating motor speedway in the world, has hosted at least one auto race every year since 1903 (except during U.S. involvement in World War II).   Portage County Cultural Festival   Celebrating diversity in Portage County, the Portage County Cultural Festival will return on May 13, 2023. The festival provides an opportunity to sample food, music, folk dances, native crafts and children's games from around the world.   Warrens Cranberry Festival 50th Anniversary   Held during the last weekend of September each year, the Warrens Cranberry Festival will commemorate its 50th anniversary in 2023. The free event celebrates all things cranberry with arts and crafts, over 100 farm market vendors and a variety of food stands serving unique and delicious cranberry treats.   Mount Horeb Trollidays   This new tourism event in Mount Horeb highlights the Wisconsin town's reputation as the “Troll Capital of the World.” For the entire month of December, trolls will be taking over Mount Horeb and encouraging locals and visitors to shop, eat and play in the Mount Horeb area.   Harvest Moon Fest   On September 16, join the town of Cassville for the first Harvest Moon Fest at the Stonefield Historic Site. Enjoy live music from 12 p.m. – 9 p.m., shop local vendors and stop into the saloon for drinks from local Wisconsin breweries and wineries. Top the evening off with bonfires, axe throwing and more.   EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY   Miijim   Located in La Pointe's Farmhouse Kitchen and Inn, Mijim is a new restaurant that serves modern Ojibwe-inspired dishes with French soul on small plates. Opening in June 2023, Miijim will feature an ever-evolving menu featuring the seasonality of the Chequamegon Bay and its farmers, foragers, hunters and gatherers. The restaurant is led by Chef Bryce Stevenson, a native of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa reservation and also part of a growing food sovereignty movement of Native American chefs.   Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant   With a plan to open in summer 2023, Bartolotta Restaurant Group will expand its award-winning dining portfolio with The Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant, a fine dining restaurant and elevated catering venue on Nagawicka Lake near Delafield. The Commodore will revitalize the historic waterfront property that was most recently the Seven Seas restaurant and once served as Hasslinger's Pleasant View Hotel & Resort when it opened in 1905.   Seven Acre Dairy Company   The newly opened Seven Acre Dairy Company is housed in a restored cheese factory on the banks of the Sugar River in Paoli. The historic location will offer a true farm-to-table experience with a dairy cafe serving cheese and butter from the next-door farm as well as boutique hotel rooms, event space, fine dining and even cheese caves.   Three Waters Reserve: Fall Foraging Workshop Series & Wild Harvest Chef's Table   Three Waters Reserve is committed to restoring and preserving the historic natural landscapes of the Lower Sugar River Valley, connecting people to the bounty of this beloved land through purposeful events and unique culinary experiences. The new Fall Foraging Workshop Series allows attendees to forage for native wild edibles, while the Wild Harvest Chef's Table features an unforgettable gourmet meal, dessert and cocktail pairing prepared by wild foods chef, John Marks, of Culinary Nirvana LLC.   Great Northern Distilling   Central Wisconsin's first craft distillery will be opening soon in a new facility in downtown Stevens Point (official opening date is TBA). Great Northern Distilling's new location will feature an expanded production area, tasting room and event space. Committed to small batches using ingredients sourced from 150 miles or less, Great Northern is known for their award-winning spirits including Potato Vodka.   Driftless Social   Mount Horeb's Driftless Social will serve steaks, seafood, a wide selection of martinis, Old Fashioned cocktails and wines, as well as bar food offerings. Located in a historic downtown building that has housed restaurants since 1911, the owners are giving the space a new shine, with a new 36-foot bar and handmade booths. The bar opened for business in November 2022 (on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays), with the kitchen to follow in early 2023.   Sturgeon Spirits   Sturgeon Spirits, the first craft distillery in Oshkosh, opened its doors in late October 2022.  The spot blends Oshkosh's sturgeon spearing tradition with a unique interactive distilling experience, including such flavors like rhubarb liqueur, sour cherry liqueur and apple and cinnamon liqueur. Along with these seasonal fruit liqueurs, Sturgeon Spirits will also produce grain-to-bottle whiskey, bourbon, gin and vodka.   Bailey's Run Vineyard   Bailey's Run Vineyard in New Glarus is expanding in a big way in May 2023 with the opening of the Whiskey Run Distillery and the addition of additional meeting space, which will allow the venue to host private events with anywhere from 15 to 150 guests.   SPH Axe-Throwing   Skal Public House in Mount Horeb has launched SPH Axe-Throwing, located right next door to the popular restaurant & bar. SPH offers four axe throwing lanes, a full bar with the area's largest tap beer selection, plus a large assortment of bottles, cans and craft cocktails.   Buck & Honey   Mount Horeb is set to become the latest location of Buck & Honey's, which already has restaurants in Sun Prairie, Monona and Waunakee. The 150-seat restaurant will be on the first floor of the 11,080-square-foot brick building and an event space with capacity for 200 will occupy the upstairs.   Artemis Provisions & Cheese   Located in Mount Horeb, Artemis Provisions & Cheese is a new meat, eggs and cheese delivery service that focuses on humanely raised, hormone and anti-biotic free local products. Artemis partners with local farms who raise grass fed red angus beef, pork, chicken and eggs.   New Glarus Brewing Co.   To celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2023, The New Glarus Brewing Company released the 30th  Anniversary Quadruple in April as part of the brewery's Thumbrint series, which are made in smaller batches with the beer enthusiast in mind. The 30th Anniversary Belgian Quadruple will be distributed statewide and sold exclusively in the new Thumbprint four-pack cans.