#wine growers festival

[huntress-of-the-wolfswood]

Affordable Online Flower Shopping: A Guide to Budget-Friendly Blooms

Finding affordable flowers online can be a delightful surprise, especially when you want to convey your sentiments without breaking the bank. While luxurious bouquets of wine-red roses may capture the heart, their price tags can dampen the festive cheer. Gifting vibrant and fresh flowers is a heartfelt way to show someone learn more they're in your thoughts, but budget constraints shouldn't hinder your expression of affection. With strategic planning and savvy shopping, you can secure beautiful blooms at a fraction of the cost, even during peak seasons like Christmas and Valentine's Day. Online florists often offer competitive deals, leveraging their broad customer base and lower operational costs to provide discounts that local shops may not match. By becoming a regular customer and building a relationship with an online flower shop, you may unlock special deals and discounts. Remember, inexpensive doesn't equate to low quality. With careful selection and direct purchasing from growers, you can obtain exquisite, fresh flowers at a more affordable price. Dive into the world of online flower shopping with this guide, and learn how to find the best deals without compromising on quality.

The Secret to Scoring Affordable Flowers Online

Timing is Everything

Ordering flowers well in advance of major holidays can lead to significant savings. Florists often increase prices during high-demand periods like Valentine's Day or Christmas. By planning ahead, you can avoid these price hikes and even snag off-season discounts or bulk purchase deals.

Online Florists: A Gateway to Better Deals

Online flower shops have the advantage of serving a wider audience, which translates to higher sales volumes. With fewer overhead costs compared to brick-and-mortar stores, online florists can afford to offer more attractive discounts to their customers. Research shows that the online flower shop market size has been growing, partly due to these competitive prices.

Customer Loyalty Pays Off

If you're pleased with the service from an online florist, consider sticking with them. Florists value repeat business and are likely to provide special deals to maintain customer satisfaction. Building a rapport with your florist can lead to exclusive offers and priority service.

Direct Purchases for Unbeatable Prices

One of the most effective ways to reduce costs is to eliminate the middlemen. Purchasing flowers directly from growers can result in getting the same high-quality, stunning flowers for a lower price. This direct-to-consumer approach is gaining popularity, as it ensures freshness and affordability.

Quality Assurance

Inexpensive flowers don't have to mean compromised quality. It's crucial to verify that the flowers you're purchasing are fresh and visually appealing. Always check reviews and ratings of the online florist to ensure they have a reputation for delivering quality products.

Smart Shopping for Flowers: Tips and Tricks

Compare Prices: Before making a purchase, compare prices across various online florists to find the best deal. Use Coupons and Promo Codes: Look for discount codes, coupons, or promotional offers that can be applied to your purchase. Sign Up for Newsletters: Many online florists send exclusive deals to subscribers of their newsletters. Buy in Bulk: If you're planning multiple gifts or need de

[brookston]

Holidays 2.14

Holidays

Bird Mating Season begins [Traditional]

Blessing of the Salmon Nets (Northumberland, UK)

Communist Martyrs Day (Iraq)

Day of National Mourning (Mexico)

First Day of Disco

Fjortende Februar (Denmark)

Frederick Douglass Day

Gaekkebrev/Fjörtende Februar (Denmark)

Generalissimo Day (North Korea)

Gold Heart Day (UK)

Haya Day (Pakistan)

International Book Giving Day

International Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day

Jimmy Hoffa Day

League of Women Voter's Day

Liberation Day (Afghanistan)

Marjory Stonemason Douglas High School Remembrance Day (Florida)

National Black Literacy Day

National Boone Day

National Chance Day

National Christine Day

National Donor Day (a.k.a. Organ Donor Day)

National Ferris Wheel Day

National Impotence Day

National Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD) Awareness Day

National Regenerative Agriculture Day

National Servicemen’s Day (Australia)

National Sports Day (Qatar)

No Smoking Day (Ireland)

Organ and Tissue Donor Day

Parents' Worship Day (India)

Pet Theft Awareness Day

Pris Inception Day (Blade Runner)

Pulwama Attack Day (India)

Race Relations Day

Rafik Hariri Memorial Day (Lebanon)

Read to Your Child Day

Small Soap Day (Mexico)

Valentine's Day (a.k.a. ... 

Beer & Chocolate Day

Have a Heart Day (Canada)

Heart to Heart Day

International Quirkyalone Day

Juno Februa's Day (Goddess of Love)

Library Lovers Day

National Call in Single Day

National Condom Day (Australia)

National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day

National Have-A-Heart Day

National Organ Donor Day

National Simp Day

National Women’s Heart Day

Singles Appreciation Day

Sister’s Day

Think About Sex Day

Thinking About Sex Day (UK)

V-Day

World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day

Woad Day (French Republic)

World Bonobo Day

World Day of Energy

World Sound Healing Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

National Creme-Filled Chocolates Day

Wine-Growers Day (Bulgaria)

2nd Wednesday in February

National RA Appreciation Day [3rd Wednesday]

Waste-Not Wednesday (UK) [Wednesday of Go Green Week]

Weekly Holidays beginning 2nd Wednesday in February

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Staff Education Week [thru 2.21]

Love Teaching Week [thru 2.21]

National Condom Week [thru 2.21]

National Nestbox Week [thru 2.21]

Independence & Related Days

Arizona Statehood Day (#48; 1912)

Oregon Statehood Day (#33; 1859)

United Republic of Arlberg (Declared; 2003) [unrecognized; Dissolved in 2006]

Festivals Beginning February 14, 2024

Lent (Christian) [thru 3.30]

National Farm Machinery Show & Tractor Pull (Louisville, Kentucky) [thru 2.17]

Singha Park Chiangrai International Balloon Fiesta (Chiang Rai, Thailand) [thru 2.18]

Feast Days

Abraames, Bishop of Carres (Christian; Saint)

Adolf of Osnabruck (Christian; Saint)

Alfred Thomas Agate (Artology)

Antoninus of Sorrento (Christian; Saint)

Ash Wednesday [1st Day of Lent, 46 Days before Easter] (a.k.a. …

Askeonsdag (Denmark)

Carnaval (Panama)

Cussing Day

Hash Wednesday (Church of the SubGenius)

Jour Chômé d’Usage (Guadeloupe, Martinique)

Lent begins

Mercredi des Cendres (French Guyana)

National No Smoking Day (Ireland)

Oskudagur (Iceland)

Pulver Wednesday

Auxentius of Bithynia (Christian; Saint)

Aztec Day (Church of the SubGenius)

Bullwinkle Sneaks a Peek or There’s Room in the River (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S6, Ep. 346; 1965)

Conran, Bishop of Orkney (Christian; Saint)

Cornelius the Crab (Muppetism)

Cyril and Methodius (Roman Catholic Church) [Europe]

Feast of Dylan Ail Ton (Celtic Book of Days)

Feast of Vali (Asatru/Salvic Pagan archer god)

Frederick Douglass (Writerism)

Juno-Lupa (Everyday Wicca)

Louse or 92nd Street, Part 1 (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S6, Ep. 345; 1965)

Lupercalia, Day 2 (Pagan pastoral festival)

Lupercalia: Day of the Wolves (Pagan)

Manchan (Christian; Saint)

Mare, Abbot of Syria (Christian; Saint)

The Power and the Glory, by Graham Greene (Novel; 1940)

Pretend to Be Romantic Day (Pastafarian)

Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (Armenian Apostolic Church)

Seka Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Self Love Magick Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Tales of Kelp-Koli (Shamanism)

Terence (Positivist; Saint)

Trifon Zarezan (a.k.a. Viticulturists' Day; Bulgarian Dionysus Festival)

Tryphon (Christian; Saint)

Valentine (Christian; Saint)

Zadoushnitza (Bulgarian All-Souls' Day; Κυρμιληνός)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Taian (大安 Japan) [Lucky all day.]

Umu Limnu (Evil Day; Babylonian Calendar; 7 of 60)

Uncyclopedia Bad to Be Born Today (because so many reasons.)

Premieres

Adult World (Film; 2014)

Alita: Battle Angel (Animated Film; 2019)

Beat It, by Michael Jackson (Song; 1983)

Beautiful Creatures (Film; 2013)

Bluebird’s Baby (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1938)

Captain America: Brave New World (Film; 2025)

China Jones (WB LT Cartoon; 1959)

Cooleyhighharmony, by Boyz II Men (Album; 1991)

Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other, by Willie Nelson (Song; 2006)

Daredevil (Film; 2003)

The Dead End Cats (Mighty Mouse Cartoon; 1947)

The Deep Six or The Old Moose and the Sea (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S1, Ep. 23; 1960)

Definitely, Maybe (Film; 2008)

Dracula (Film; 1931)

Essay on Pigs, by Hans Werner Henze (Concerto; 1969)

The Eye, by Vladimir Nabokov (Novel; 1930)

Fighting with My Family (Film; 2019)

Fools Rush In (Film; 1997)

Forward March Hare (WB LT Cartoon; 1953)

Grease (Off-Broadway Musical; 1972)

The Hours (Film; 2003)

The Importance of Being Ernest, by Oscar Wilde (Play; 1895)

Jumper (Film; 2008)

King David, by Lionel Hampton (Jazz Symphony; 1957)

Liar, by Queen (Song; 1974)

The Little Whirlwind (Disney Cartoon; 1941)

Live at Leeds, recorded by The Who (Live Concert Album; 1970)

The Lorax (DePatie-Freleng Dr. Seuss Animated TV Special; 1972)

Love Story, by Erich Segal (Novel; 1970)

Madame Web (Film; 2024)

Margaritaville, by Jimmy Buffet (Song; 1977)

Oz the Great and Powerful (Film; 2013)

Pocket Money (Film; 1972)

Pop and Mom in Wild Oysters (Animated Antics Cartoon; 1941)

The Popeye Valentine Special: Sweethearts at Sea (Hanna-Barbera Animated TV Special; 1979)

Reflections in a Golden Eye, by Carson McCullers (Novel; 1941)

Respect, recorded by Aretha Franklin (Song; 1967)

Scooby-Doo! Shaggy’s Showdown (WB Animated Film; 2017)

Silence of the Lambs (Film; 1991)

The Slippery Helm or Captain’s Outrageous (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S1, Ep. 24; 1960)

Sonic the Hedgehog (Animated Film; 2020)

Spamalot (Broadway Musical; 2005)

Sportickles (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1958)

Tarzan of the Apes (Film; 1918)

Vegas Vacation (Film; 1997)

Wayne’s World (Film; 1992)

Whitney Houston, by Whitney Houston (Album; 1985)

Wildcats (Film; 1986)

Winter’s Tale (Film; 2014)

Working Class Dog, by Rick Springfield (Album; 1981)

The World’s Greatest Athlete (Film; 1973)

YouTube (Social Media App; 2005)

Today’s Name Days

Cyrill, Method, Valentin (Austria)

Valentin, Zdravko (Croatia)

Valentýn (Czech Republic)

Valentinus (Denmark)

Valentin, Valjo, Valju, Valle, Vallo, Vallot, Vallut (Estonia)

Tino, Valentin, Voitto (Finland)

Valentin (France)

Cyril, Method, Valentin (Germany)

Valentina, Valentine, Valentini, Valentinos (Greece)

Bálint, Valentin (Hungary)

Valentino (Italy)

Aļģis, Valentīns (Latvia)

Liliana, Saulė, Saulius, Valentinas (Lithuania)

Hjørdis, Jardar (Norway)

Adolf, Adolfa, Adolfina, Alf, Cyryl, Dobiesława, Dobisława, Józef, Józefa, Konrad, Konrada, Krystyna, Lilian, Liliana, Mikołaj, Niemir, Niemira, Walenty, Zenon, Zenona (Poland)

Auxentiu, Avraam, Maron (Romania)

Valentín (Slovakia)

Cirilo, Metodio, Valentín (Spain)

Valentin (Sweden)

Lovell, Lowell, Valentin, Valentina, Valentine, Valiant (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 45 of 2024; 321 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 3 of week 7 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Luis (Rowan) [Day 25 of 28]

Chinese: Month 1 (Bing-Yin), Day 5 (Wu-Shen)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025)

Hebrew: 5 Adair I 5784

Islamic: 4 Sha’ban 1445

J Cal: 15 Grey; Oneday [15 of 30]

Julian: 1 February 2024

Moon: 29%: Waxing Crescent

Positivist: 17 Homer (2nd Month) [Terence]

Runic Half Month: Sigel (Sun) [Day 6 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 56 of 89)

Week: 2nd Week of February

Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 24 of 28)

Calendar Changes

February (a.k.a. Februarius; Julian Calendar) [Month 2 of 12]

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 2.14

Holidays

Bird Mating Season begins [Traditional]

Blessing of the Salmon Nets (Northumberland, UK)

Communist Martyrs Day (Iraq)

Day of National Mourning (Mexico)

First Day of Disco

Fjortende Februar (Denmark)

Frederick Douglass Day

Gaekkebrev/Fjörtende Februar (Denmark)

Generalissimo Day (North Korea)

Gold Heart Day (UK)

Haya Day (Pakistan)

International Book Giving Day

International Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day

Jimmy Hoffa Day

League of Women Voter's Day

Liberation Day (Afghanistan)

Marjory Stonemason Douglas High School Remembrance Day (Florida)

National Black Literacy Day

National Boone Day

National Chance Day

National Christine Day

National Donor Day (a.k.a. Organ Donor Day)

National Ferris Wheel Day

National Impotence Day

National Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD) Awareness Day

National Regenerative Agriculture Day

National Servicemen’s Day (Australia)

National Sports Day (Qatar)

No Smoking Day (Ireland)

Organ and Tissue Donor Day

Parents' Worship Day (India)

Pet Theft Awareness Day

Pris Inception Day (Blade Runner)

Pulwama Attack Day (India)

Race Relations Day

Rafik Hariri Memorial Day (Lebanon)

Read to Your Child Day

Small Soap Day (Mexico)

Valentine's Day (a.k.a. ... 

Beer & Chocolate Day

Have a Heart Day (Canada)

Heart to Heart Day

International Quirkyalone Day

Juno Februa's Day (Goddess of Love)

Library Lovers Day

National Call in Single Day

National Condom Day (Australia)

National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day

National Have-A-Heart Day

National Organ Donor Day

National Simp Day

National Women’s Heart Day

Singles Appreciation Day

Sister’s Day

Think About Sex Day

Thinking About Sex Day (UK)

V-Day

World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day

Woad Day (French Republic)

World Bonobo Day

World Day of Energy

World Sound Healing Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

National Creme-Filled Chocolates Day

Wine-Growers Day (Bulgaria)

2nd Wednesday in February

National RA Appreciation Day [3rd Wednesday]

Waste-Not Wednesday (UK) [Wednesday of Go Green Week]

Weekly Holidays beginning 2nd Wednesday in February

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Staff Education Week [thru 2.21]

Love Teaching Week [thru 2.21]

National Condom Week [thru 2.21]

National Nestbox Week [thru 2.21]

Independence & Related Days

Arizona Statehood Day (#48; 1912)

Oregon Statehood Day (#33; 1859)

United Republic of Arlberg (Declared; 2003) [unrecognized; Dissolved in 2006]

Festivals Beginning February 14, 2024

Lent (Christian) [thru 3.30]

National Farm Machinery Show & Tractor Pull (Louisville, Kentucky) [thru 2.17]

Singha Park Chiangrai International Balloon Fiesta (Chiang Rai, Thailand) [thru 2.18]

Feast Days

Abraames, Bishop of Carres (Christian; Saint)

Adolf of Osnabruck (Christian; Saint)

Alfred Thomas Agate (Artology)

Antoninus of Sorrento (Christian; Saint)

Ash Wednesday [1st Day of Lent, 46 Days before Easter] (a.k.a. …

Askeonsdag (Denmark)

Carnaval (Panama)

Cussing Day

Hash Wednesday (Church of the SubGenius)

Jour Chômé d’Usage (Guadeloupe, Martinique)

Lent begins

Mercredi des Cendres (French Guyana)

National No Smoking Day (Ireland)

Oskudagur (Iceland)

Pulver Wednesday

Auxentius of Bithynia (Christian; Saint)

Aztec Day (Church of the SubGenius)

Bullwinkle Sneaks a Peek or There’s Room in the River (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S6, Ep. 346; 1965)

Conran, Bishop of Orkney (Christian; Saint)

Cornelius the Crab (Muppetism)

Cyril and Methodius (Roman Catholic Church) [Europe]

Feast of Dylan Ail Ton (Celtic Book of Days)

Feast of Vali (Asatru/Salvic Pagan archer god)

Frederick Douglass (Writerism)

Juno-Lupa (Everyday Wicca)

Louse or 92nd Street, Part 1 (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S6, Ep. 345; 1965)

Lupercalia, Day 2 (Pagan pastoral festival)

Lupercalia: Day of the Wolves (Pagan)

Manchan (Christian; Saint)

Mare, Abbot of Syria (Christian; Saint)

The Power and the Glory, by Graham Greene (Novel; 1940)

Pretend to Be Romantic Day (Pastafarian)

Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (Armenian Apostolic Church)

Seka Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Self Love Magick Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Tales of Kelp-Koli (Shamanism)

Terence (Positivist; Saint)

Trifon Zarezan (a.k.a. Viticulturists' Day; Bulgarian Dionysus Festival)

Tryphon (Christian; Saint)

Valentine (Christian; Saint)

Zadoushnitza (Bulgarian All-Souls' Day; Κυρμιληνός)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Taian (大安 Japan) [Lucky all day.]

Umu Limnu (Evil Day; Babylonian Calendar; 7 of 60)

Uncyclopedia Bad to Be Born Today (because so many reasons.)

Premieres

Adult World (Film; 2014)

Alita: Battle Angel (Animated Film; 2019)

Beat It, by Michael Jackson (Song; 1983)

Beautiful Creatures (Film; 2013)

Bluebird’s Baby (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1938)

Captain America: Brave New World (Film; 2025)

China Jones (WB LT Cartoon; 1959)

Cooleyhighharmony, by Boyz II Men (Album; 1991)

Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other, by Willie Nelson (Song; 2006)

Daredevil (Film; 2003)

The Dead End Cats (Mighty Mouse Cartoon; 1947)

The Deep Six or The Old Moose and the Sea (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S1, Ep. 23; 1960)

Definitely, Maybe (Film; 2008)

Dracula (Film; 1931)

Essay on Pigs, by Hans Werner Henze (Concerto; 1969)

The Eye, by Vladimir Nabokov (Novel; 1930)

Fighting with My Family (Film; 2019)

Fools Rush In (Film; 1997)

Forward March Hare (WB LT Cartoon; 1953)

Grease (Off-Broadway Musical; 1972)

The Hours (Film; 2003)

The Importance of Being Ernest, by Oscar Wilde (Play; 1895)

Jumper (Film; 2008)

King David, by Lionel Hampton (Jazz Symphony; 1957)

Liar, by Queen (Song; 1974)

The Little Whirlwind (Disney Cartoon; 1941)

Live at Leeds, recorded by The Who (Live Concert Album; 1970)

The Lorax (DePatie-Freleng Dr. Seuss Animated TV Special; 1972)

Love Story, by Erich Segal (Novel; 1970)

Madame Web (Film; 2024)

Margaritaville, by Jimmy Buffet (Song; 1977)

Oz the Great and Powerful (Film; 2013)

Pocket Money (Film; 1972)

Pop and Mom in Wild Oysters (Animated Antics Cartoon; 1941)

The Popeye Valentine Special: Sweethearts at Sea (Hanna-Barbera Animated TV Special; 1979)

Reflections in a Golden Eye, by Carson McCullers (Novel; 1941)

Respect, recorded by Aretha Franklin (Song; 1967)

Scooby-Doo! Shaggy’s Showdown (WB Animated Film; 2017)

Silence of the Lambs (Film; 1991)

The Slippery Helm or Captain’s Outrageous (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S1, Ep. 24; 1960)

Sonic the Hedgehog (Animated Film; 2020)

Spamalot (Broadway Musical; 2005)

Sportickles (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1958)

Tarzan of the Apes (Film; 1918)

Vegas Vacation (Film; 1997)

Wayne’s World (Film; 1992)

Whitney Houston, by Whitney Houston (Album; 1985)

Wildcats (Film; 1986)

Winter’s Tale (Film; 2014)

Working Class Dog, by Rick Springfield (Album; 1981)

The World’s Greatest Athlete (Film; 1973)

YouTube (Social Media App; 2005)

Today’s Name Days

Cyrill, Method, Valentin (Austria)

Valentin, Zdravko (Croatia)

Valentýn (Czech Republic)

Valentinus (Denmark)

Valentin, Valjo, Valju, Valle, Vallo, Vallot, Vallut (Estonia)

Tino, Valentin, Voitto (Finland)

Valentin (France)

Cyril, Method, Valentin (Germany)

Valentina, Valentine, Valentini, Valentinos (Greece)

Bálint, Valentin (Hungary)

Valentino (Italy)

Aļģis, Valentīns (Latvia)

Liliana, Saulė, Saulius, Valentinas (Lithuania)

Hjørdis, Jardar (Norway)

Adolf, Adolfa, Adolfina, Alf, Cyryl, Dobiesława, Dobisława, Józef, Józefa, Konrad, Konrada, Krystyna, Lilian, Liliana, Mikołaj, Niemir, Niemira, Walenty, Zenon, Zenona (Poland)

Auxentiu, Avraam, Maron (Romania)

Valentín (Slovakia)

Cirilo, Metodio, Valentín (Spain)

Valentin (Sweden)

Lovell, Lowell, Valentin, Valentina, Valentine, Valiant (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 45 of 2024; 321 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 3 of week 7 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Luis (Rowan) [Day 25 of 28]

Chinese: Month 1 (Bing-Yin), Day 5 (Wu-Shen)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025)

Hebrew: 5 Adair I 5784

Islamic: 4 Sha’ban 1445

J Cal: 15 Grey; Oneday [15 of 30]

Julian: 1 February 2024

Moon: 29%: Waxing Crescent

Positivist: 17 Homer (2nd Month) [Terence]

Runic Half Month: Sigel (Sun) [Day 6 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 56 of 89)

Week: 2nd Week of February

Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 24 of 28)

Calendar Changes

February (a.k.a. Februarius; Julian Calendar) [Month 2 of 12]

[naturecoaster]

Insider's Guide to the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival on January 27, 2024

Known as the family-friendly alternative to Tampa's Gasparilla Festival, Dade City's Annual Kumquat Festival offers a more relaxing event with great vendor shopping, homespun talent, an amazing car show, and activities to satisfy all ages! Best of all, it is free to attend and shows off a community's dedication to its little orange citrus fruit, the kumquat. Have you ever tasted kumquat pie? Kumquat beer? Kumquat wine? Kumquat jelly? How about the little orange fruit that is both sweet and sour at the same time? Whether your answer is yes or no, you will want to attend the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival for all the best in kumquat fun, food, and finery. It's time to bite down and feel that delightful burst of deliciousness that is nearly as joyful as saying the word, "kumquat" is to the silly side of our lives! The 2024 Kumquat Festival will take place on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Dade City, Florida. Vendors, activities, and entertainment will be located around Pasco County’s iconic historic courthouse.  This year's festival's headline sponsor is once again AdventHealth.  The Festival is also sponsored by the City of Dade City, among other local and regional organizations, including yours truly, NatureCoaster.com. Once again Kumquat Festival features over 350 vendors, food trucks, a classic car show, a kid's corral play area, and more. This year's event promises great shopping, as well as generating a lot of excitement from the local merchants and the City itself. Festival goers will be able to enjoy classic kumquat favorites like kumquat pie, kumquat wine, and kumquat beer, of course, but what else can you expect at the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival?  "Historic Downtown Dade City will be transformed into a gigantic marketplace focused on local businesses, hundreds of specialty vendors, dozens of partner sponsors, and the friendly, down-home, unique old Florida experience that the Annual Kumquat Festival has come to mean," says Vicki Wiggins, CEO of the Dade City Chamber of Commerce. "Join us to try all the wholesome food available including kumquat pie, kumquat salsa, and numerous kumquat recipe specialties. Shop for crafts, enjoy the art displays and visit our sponsors' section. There will be a children’s activity area, a classic car show, craft kumquat beer and wine, and lots of fun things to do," adds Melody Floyd and Jo Uber, the Dade City Chamber of Commerce's dynamic duo. Guide to the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival Today, NatureCoaster provides a behind-the-scenes guide to the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival. Learn all about kumquats and taste one at the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival. Everyone who visits may taste one of the little orange fruits that are both sweet and tart! (Unless they run out, which has never happened before...) Image courtesy of Richard K. Riley. What is a Kumquat? The little golden citrus fruit is native to China and was given as a traditional gift on New Year’s Day. Translating to “golden coins,” the kumquat represents prosperity, according to information from TV horticulturist Roger Swain. The inside is sweet, and the skin is sour. These tasty little citrus gems are eaten whole, so when you bite in a unique sensation greets your taste buds. They are great to cook with, too. There is great vendor shopping at the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival in Dade City, with 350+ vendors signed up for the family-friendly alternative to Gasparilla. Image courtesy of Richard K. Riley. Why a Kumquat Festival? The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce began holding a festival over 20 years ago in conjunction with Kumquat Growers, Inc. to celebrate the little fruit and all it has contributed so much to this area. On January 27, 2024, this wholesome, fun, and delicious event features over 350 vendors and sponsors coming together throughout the streets of a historic, charming Southern town to celebrate the community as well as the agricultural heritage of the little citrus fruit that is both sweet and sour. This is the family-friendly alternative to the Gasparilla event in Tampa. Kumquats for sale, fresh and ready to eat. Image by Diane Bedard. The Festival Car Show The Festival Car Show is hosted by Ronnie Setser's Car & Truck Shows and features an amazing variety of classic cars and trucks in the large parking lot of the downtown Judicial Courthouse. Organized by Ronnie Setser, there are trophies, dash plaques, and a well-organized show that attracts some of the nicest vehicles to be seen in the Southeast U.S. Show runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pops 54 by Mike Groseclose at the Kumquat Festival Car Show. Ronnie Setser's Car & Truck Shows puts on the annual event, drawing great vehicles from around Florida and the southeast U.S. Image courtesy of Ronnie Setser's Car & Truck Shows. Sponsors Make the Festival Happen East Pasco Quilt Guild has a show at the Dade City Historic Courthouse around the fountain. A raffle was held last year for one of these heirloom pieces. Image by Diane Bedard. AdventHealth Dade City is the headlining sponsor for 2024, leading dozens of business and government partners who come together to make the day memorable, including NatureCoaster.com.   Stop in one of the Friendly Local Shops and Restaurants Local storefronts are decorated for the festival in kumquat themes, and it can be nice to duck into a shop or restaurant (if you plan to visit one of the restaurants on the day of the Festival, you will likely have to wait for a table and may want to call in advance to see if they take reservations for that day) and rest during the festivities. Downtown Dade City merchants decorate their show windows in kumquat themes. There are some great shops to visit. Image by Richard Riley. Dade City is a great town to visit any day and the unique shops and restaurants that make up this vibrant downtown are another wonderful way to spend part of your day. Antiques, toys, books, jewelry, and pet supplies are some of the types of shops you will find. Restaurants vary from the classic Florida Cracker Lunch on Limoges to an authentic tea house, sandwich shops, coffee shops, Mexican, Italian, craft beer, and fine dining. Although Dade City is a pet-friendly city, please allow your pets to stay at home during the festival. Come out for Kumquat pie, one of the crowd favorites. It's available at the Festival and it is light, creamy and delicious! Image courtesy of Richard K. Riley. Hundreds of Vendors provide Unique & Kumquat-y Items The “Kumquat Growers” are located in the Wells Fargo parking lot along Meridian Avenue, where you can learn about and purchase kumquats. Unique arts and crafts are fun to discover in many of the vendor booths lining the streets of this quaint city in eastern Pasco County. Many of these artisans return year after year to sell their wares. How about kumquat ice cream? Image by Richard Riley. Delicious foods, as well as many ethnic offerings, are available to festivalgoers. There is a myriad of opportunities to sample the tasty little fruit, whether it be as marmalade, cookies, salsa, ice cream, refrigerator pie, or a sip of kumquat beer or wine. The Kumquat Quilt Show Kumquat Kids Corral The Kumquat Kids Corral provides entertainment for the youngest visitors. Image by Digwen from Pixabay A Kumquat Kids Corral offers families the opportunity to let off some steam with bounce houses, games, face painting, and more. Come to Dade City a Day early to Enjoy the Kumquat Growers Open House Kumquat Growers claims to be the largest producers of kumquats and kumquat products and no one around here questions that! This year they will hold their traditional Open House at the packing house, located at 31647 Gude Rd in St. Joseph from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM on Thursday, January 26 and Friday, January 26 (the two days before the Festival). Frank Gude, the patriarch of the Kumquat Growers, is seen here teaching all about kumquats. Image by Richard Riley The Gude and Neuhoffer families are the founders of the Kumquat Growers. They are the descendants of farmers who in 1883 settled in the community now known as St. Joseph, Florida. At the Kumquat Grower's Open House, there is a talk about the history and origin of the little citrus fruit that packs a punch and how it is used, followed by a packing house tour and a tour of the grove where you can see kumquat fruit in its native habitat. There is a nice Hampton Inn just south of downtown Dade City, and several hotels in Wesley Chapel along the I-75 and SR 56-SR54 corridor. Camping and RV hookups can be had at the Travelers Rest Resort. Now you can stay in a former jail in downtown Dade City, called The Locke Inn. Of course, a stay at one of Brooksville's B & Bs with a short drive to the festival is another alternative. Things to Know about the 2024 27th Annual Kumquat Festival A decorated "kumquat tree". Image by Richard Riley. Historic downtown Dade City will be transformed into an open-air marketplace featuring local businesses, hundreds of specialty vendors, dozens of partner sponsors, and the friendly authentic old Florida experience that the Annual Kumquat Festival has come to represent.  This event is attended by tens of thousands of visitors each year.  The 1909 historic Pasco County courthouse is in the center of the Festival. Entertainment is held on the courthouse steps, usually by local groups. This gorgeous structure is registered on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Image by Diane Bedard. Free Admission and Parking Admission is FREE, city-owned public parking downtown is free and the experience of a unique, authentic, and fun-filled festival is unforgettable. Visitors can look at antique cars, shop for arts and crafts in vendor booths, or at Dade City's charming local merchants, to find that perfect item, and enjoy delicious food indoors or out.Fun Activities to see and do at the festival include arts and crafts, delicious food from local restaurants, food vendors and food trucks, an amazing car & truck show, Farmer's Market vendors, Kumquat Kids Corral, kumquats, kumquat pie, kumquat beer, kumquat wine, kumquat jam, kumquat artwork, kumquat quilts, and the wonderful sponsors, including yours truly. NatureCoaster will be on-site with area maps and stickers to give away, as well as caps, bucket hats, and mugs for sale. The citrus industry has been an important part of Florida’s Nature Coast, and the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival on January 27 from 9 am to 5 pm in downtown Dade City promises to be one not to miss. For more information, click here. Read the full article

[jorimar23]

Champagne: Effervescent Elixir of Celebration

Introduction:

When it comes to celebrations and special moments, few beverages evoke the spirit of luxury and festivity quite like champagne. This effervescent elixir, synonymous with joy and refinement, has been captivating palates for centuries. Today, we delve into the enchanting world of champagne, exploring its history, production, and the exquisite offerings of Feinkost-Shop.

A Sparkling History:

Champagne's story begins in the historic region of Champagne, France, where the unique combination of terroir and winemaking traditions gave birth to this remarkable sparkling wine. The region's cool climate and chalky soils provide ideal conditions for cultivating the three classic champagne grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

Crafting Excellence at Feinkost-Shop:

At Feinkost-Shop (www.feinkost-shop.ch), you can discover an impressive selection of exquisite champagnes that exemplify the artistry and craftsmanship behind this legendary beverage. Their commitment to quality, meticulous curation, and passion for exceptional taste make them a preferred destination for champagne enthusiasts.

Feinkost-Shop's Champagne Offerings:

Feinkost-Shop presents a carefully curated collection of champagnes, representing esteemed houses and growers dedicated to crafting exceptional sparkling wines.

Prestigious Champagne Houses: Feinkost-Shop offers champagnes from renowned houses like Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, and Krug. These esteemed producers have perfected the art of champagne-making, delivering unparalleled elegance, complexity, and depth of flavor.

Grower Champagnes: For those seeking distinctive expressions of terroir, Feinkost-Shop showcases a selection of grower champagnes. These bottles hail from smaller, family-owned vineyards, where the winemakers oversee the entire production process, from vine to bottle. Each sip reveals a unique story, reflective of the vineyard's character and the winemaker's vision.

Vintage and Non-Vintage Delights: Champagne aficionados can explore an array of vintage and non-vintage offerings at Feinkost-Shop. Vintage champagnes, made from grapes harvested in exceptional years, showcase the nuances of specific vintages, while non-vintage champagnes offer consistency and the signature house style.

Rosé Champagnes: For those seeking a touch of romance and elegance, Feinkost-Shop presents an enticing collection of rosé champagnes. These wines, crafted through a delicate process of maceration or blending, offer a stunning bouquet of red fruit flavors and a captivating visual appeal.

Raise a Glass of Excellence:

Whether you're toasting to a special occasion, savoring a quiet moment of indulgence, or seeking the perfect gift, champagne from Feinkost-Shop delivers an unparalleled experience. With their curated selection of exceptional champagnes, you can elevate any celebration, creating memories to cherish for a lifetime.

To explore the full range of exquisite champagnes and indulge in the artistry of this effervescent elixir, visit Feinkost-Shop at www.feinkost-shop.ch. Their commitment to sourcing the finest champagnes ensures that every bottle you select is an invitation to savor the beauty of this cherished beverage.

Conclusion:

Champagne, with its effervescence and timeless allure, holds a place of honor in the world of luxury beverages. Feinkost-Shop, with its discerning selection and dedication to quality, offers a gateway to the enchanting realm of champagne. Raise a glass of excellence from their curated collection and embark on a journey that celebrates life's most extraordinary moments.

[anngavlick]

Here’s What’s Happening in Tucson This Weekend.

Fri 3/1 - Sun 3/3

Happy Friday Everyone. If it’s not snowing, it must be golf season!  And so it is, with the Cologuard Classic this weekend at the Omni Tucson National Resort. Go see the pros who make it look so easy that you’re willing to get back out on the course yourself. Don’t worry if you lose a half-dozen balls again, they’ll make more!  Wait, golf is too slow paced for you? Then catch the Tucson Bicycle Classic this weekend instead.  500 cyclists from around the US will compete over 3 days of racing in the beautiful surrounds by Gates Pass.  And for the 4-wheel-drive lovers out there, don’t miss the Monster Jam Arena Tour.  Definitely bring your earplugs.  If you used to be known as Mustang Sally, you’ll want to check out the Southern Arizona Mustang’s Club Fords on Fourth show this Sunday.

The UofA Music program presents the 41st Annual Arizona Jazz Week with classes, recitals, and performances.  Also on campus this weekend is the Tucson Festival of Books.  Or combine music (the Blues) and reading (wine labels at least) at the 7th annual Southeast Arizona Wine Growers Festival tomorrow and Sunday at Kief-Joshua Vineyards down south.  In the opposite direction, you’ll find the Arizona Renaissance Festival continues.

Starting Sunday and continuing all week you can hear 5 concerts performed during the Tucson Winter Chamber Musical Festival.  And in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Grand Canyon National Park, The Tucson Symphony Orchestra presents Grand Canyon State tomorrow afternoon.

Regardless of your plans, have a great weekend everyone.  Look for highs in the 80’s this week!  As always, please let us know if we can be of help to you or someone you know.

[brewyork]

A look back at beer in the Cuomo era

Disgraced former governor Andrew Cuomo speaks at the state’s Wine, Beer, and Spirits Summit in 2014

Governor Kathy Hochul has taken office, and the era of Andrew Cuomo ruling New York is over. He leaves as a disgraced politician, a bully, a womanizer, an egomaniac, and… a champion of New York’s beer scene. For all of Cuomo’s awful character flaws, he did see over the largest expansion of the beer industry New York has seen since the 19th century influx of German immigrants. While a lot of that was larger market forces at work, his administration did work hard to support the industry through its growth spurt, starting in 2012 when he held the first of several Craft Beverage Summits, which led to immediate changes in regulations that made it easier for breweries to operate, down to changes that allowed brewers to pour their own beer at beer festivals for the first time. He also tasked the State Liquor Authority with improving turnaround times for licensing and creating a less adversarial relationship between the agency and its licensees.

That same year, the state legislature passed the Farm Brewery Act, which gave special privileges to breweries that sourced a portion of their raw materials from New York State. That led to a boom in beer agriculture, as hop farms, barley growers, and malt houses became necessary to support the demand. The portion that’s required to be sourced from New York is currently at 60%, and rises to 90% starting in 2023. The state provided research grants and funding to help boost beer agriculture under Cuomo, most recently with Cornell AgriTech announcing $300,000 in state funding will help them launch a hop breeding program — something long sought-after by New York’s brewers to help create new varietals unique and ideal for the state’s climate.

The disgraced former governor also had a role in celebrating the best of the state’s beer with in the New York State Beer Competition and the Governor’s Cup, which launched in 2017. The annual event, run by the New York State Brewers Association in concert with Taste NY and the New York State Fair, was a professionally-judged, categorized competition of beers from across the state, with the intention of pouring the winners at the State Fair in Syracuse each year to further promote the industry. Indeed, this year’s Taste NY Pavilion will host several of the state’s breweries, both sampling and serving their beverages for fair-goers.

Of course, much of that goodwill went out the window in Cuomo’s final year in office, when after granting sweeping new privileges to breweries in the initial onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic, the ex-governor essentially created a game of whack-a-mole with dizzying sets of Executive Orders that seemed to do nothing to protect public health, but did do plenty to frustrate brewery owners, who had to scramble to find food to serve, adjust their hours and capacity based on state rules that seemed constantly in flux, overhaul on-site service protocols, and change delivery rules with barely 24 hours’ notice.

While Cuomo’s ego will likely lead him to take credit for a boom in beer that brought the state from a few dozen breweries to over four hundred during his tenure, it’s the people who opened those breweries who should get the credit for helping grow an industry that expanded at nearly the same rate nationally as it did in New York. And with an estimated $4.8 billion impact on the state’s economy, new Governor Kathy Hochul would be wise to continue to support the beer industry — and her track record of including brewery visits on her trips around the state are a pretty good indication that she will.

[vintageviewmaster]

Caption: BLESSING THE GRAPES AT LODI GRAPE FESTIVAL

Booklet Description: 6. GRAPE FESTIVAL AT LODI At harvest season, the grape crop is blessed in a beautiful Roman Catholic ceremony. The Italian growers take this way to give thanks for a bountiful land that grows 93% of the nation's grapes (97% of the Tokays!) and produces 57% of all the wine consumed in the U.S.A. Lodi is the center of the grape country and has 19 wineries.

Brand: View-Master Packet Title: California Reel Title: California U.S.A. Reel Subtitle: I Reel Number: CALIF-1 Reel Edition: N/A Image Number: 6 Date: 1955

[amirsethi-blog]

Trips of a Lifetime

Cruise Western Africa in Senegal and the Gambia

Tour the lesser-known part of the African continent with Peregrine’s eight-day Cruising the Rivers of West Africa tour. You’ll see wildlife like dolphins, crocodiles, manatees, and more while aboard the company’s small cruise ship. Then you’ll head inland for a visit to The Gambia National Park to see chimpanzees and make a humbling stop at the island of Kunteh Kinteh, where the American slave trade began. lead with reason A new airport in Dakar makes travel even more accessible this year.

RELATED:

9 Affordable Dream Vacations to Take in 2019

Witness the Great Elephant Migration

For another amazing wildlife experience, book Wilderness Travel’s new trip, The Great Elephant Migration. This 11-day tour takes you through Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Victoria Falls. It’s timed with the elephant migration (July and August departures only) that takes place in Hwange National Park. You’ll also have the opportunity to find leopards, lions, spotted hyenas, jackals, giraffes, buffalo, antelope, and sable, and even participate in night drives for some nocturnal animal sightings. Accommodations include luxurious camps like Camp Kuzuma and Zambezi Sands.

Asia

Be a Nomad in Mongolia

Experience nomadic life in Mongolia on G Adventures’ 10-day tour through the northern part of the country. You’ll ride horseback through the countryside and stay overnight in a homestay at a nomadic camp where you get to sleep in a ger(similar to a yurt). Visit Mongolia now while it’s still a relatively untouched tourist destination; the government recently said it wants to increase tourist visits to 1 million per year in 2020.

Trek the Hidden Himalayas

Head to Dolpo, a part of the Himalayas that’s only accessible by foot. Wilderness Travel’s 13-day trek takes you to the untouched trails and villages of this part of Nepal as you see how ancient Tibetans lived (this part of the region is culturally Tibetan). Highlights include Phoksundo Lake, Kathmandu’s temples, and of course plenty of mani (prayer) walls and chortens (shrines).

RELATED:

Bhutan for Beginners: A First-Time Trekker Tackles the Famed Druk Path

View Japan in a Different Light

Many visitors flock to Japan’s tourist hot spots in spring (to see cherry blossoms) or fall (to enjoy the vivid foliage), and with the country drawing increased attention thanks to the upcoming 2020 Olympics, these times of year are even more crowded. Instead, opt for something different and take a tour of Japan in winter with Topdeck’s seven-day Japan Winter tour. You’ll get the chance to ski at the country’s famed resorts, visit a historical theme park, enjoy sulfuric hot springs, and take a city tour of less-touristy Sapporo.

Central America

See a Different Side of Mexico Than You Did on Spring Break

Mexico’s heartlands are literally the heart and soul of authentic Mexican culture. While the coastal beaches are breathtaking, opt for a more immersive experience on Intrepid’s 15-day tour throughout central Mexico. You’ll visit a pueblo magico, explore the trendy city of San Miguel de Allende, taste tequila in Guadalajara, take a walking tour of Mexico City, and see the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan up close.

RELATED:

Pueblos Magicos: 10 Secret Mexican Villages

North Africa/Middle East

Explore Undiscovered Oman

SmarterTravel named Oman an emerging destination two years ago, and the country is starting to see more visitors for its blend of culture, beaches, and natural landscapes. G Adventures offers an eight-day tour that takes you through highlights like the Wadi Kakar (Oman’s version of the Grand Canyon), desert camping in the Wahiba Sands, a visit to a turtle reserve, and a tour of the capital, Muscat.

Oceania

Discover Australia Without Going to Sydney

While Sydney is an amazing part of Australia, there’s so much more to the country than just its East Coast. G Adventures’ affordable North to South trip includes the unspoiled national parks in the Northern Territory and makes overnight stops in the Outback at Alice Springs and Uluru before heading down to South Australia’s urban hot spot, Adelaide. Most of the accommodations on this budget-conscious trip are basic, but they include experiences like camping in the Outback and sleeping underground in an opal-mining town.

Europe

Eat (and Hike) Your Way Through Italy’s Boot

If you’re an Anthony Bourdain fan, you may remember the season 10 finale that aired in late 2017, Southern Italy: The Heel of the Boot, which has inspired travelers to get off the beaten path in Italy ever since. Wilderness Travel’s new tour this year, Hiking Puglia and Calabria, visit some of the same mystical towns Bourdain did in what’s sure to be the next popular tourist spot in Italy. Activities range from culinary experiences like wine and olive oil tastings to excursions like cliffside hiking and cave exploring. You’ll also see two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the cave dwellings of Matera (also a European Capital of Culture this year) and the famed Trulli houses in Alberobello.

Float Down the Danube on a Reinvented River Cruise

A river cruise is one of the best ways to see Europe, and U by Uniworld is shaking things up for the industry. With ships and itineraries designed for the “young at heart,” this isn’t your grandparents’ river cruise. My pick for 2019 is the Danube Flow cruise, which covers three countries in eight days: Germany, Austria, and Hungary. There are also departure dates with special itineraries that overlap with Oktoberfest, Sziget Festival, and the holiday Christmas markets and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

RELATED:

The 10 Best Solo Vacations for 2019

Walk England Coast to Coast

Sleep in cozy countryside inns while you cross England by walking 192 miles over nine days. REI Adventures’ England Coast to Coast Hiking trip takes you through three national parks: Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors, where you’ll see grazing sheep, storybook villages, and stunning landscapes. Along the way, you rest at local pubs and teahouses, and the tour includes stops at the home of William Wordsworth, Richmond Castle, Easby Abbey, and more.

Bike the Causeway Coast

The adventurous and active can take a weeklong, self-guided tour through Northern Ireland. Viator’s Causeway Coast Cycle Self-Guided tour is ideal for travelers who want to go at it alone but need some help planning. The itinerary starts with a city cycle tour in Belfast, where you’ll explore iconic sights. You then bike along the coastline with stops in villages and castles to rest and sleep at small inns. The tour includes a ferry ride to Rathlin Island, Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, an optional trip to the Dark Hedges, and return transportation to Dublin.

Explore Portuguese and Spanish Islands You’ve Never Heard Of

Portugal was 2018’s hottest destination, and tourism growth shows no signs of slowing down in 2019. Avoid the overcrowded spots with a 15-day cruise throughout the Portuguese and Spanish islands. Hurtigruten’s Atlantic Exploration itinerary is new this year and covers the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. The journey begins and ends in Lisbon, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the capital. Stops include three areas of the volcanic archipelago—the Green Island (Sao Miguel), the Blue Island (Ilha Azul or Faial), and the Purple Island (Angra), as well the islands of Porto Santo and Madeira of Portugal, and two islands in the Canaries: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the less-visited San Sebastian de la Gomera.

North America

Visit a Rainforest in Canada

Home to fjords, rare wildlife, and, yes, a rainforest, is Canada’s British Columbia province. Maple Leaf Adventures’ Great Bear Rainforest trips are sailing-based and include tons of wildlife excursions with opportunities to see grizzly bears, spirit bears, black bears, baleen whales, orcas, gray wolves, and bald eagles. The itinerary also includes cultural experiences with First Nation villages, a trip to hot springs, and kayaking.

RELATED:

Canada Forever: The Ultimate Canada Holiday for Every Month

Go on a Snow-for Adventure

If you’re into snow sports, then this trip should be on your bucket list. Topdeck’s 10-day Great White North tour takes you to Whistler, Big White, and the Big Three ski resorts in Banff.  You’ll also experience some of Canada’s epic drives and sights, like the Sea to Sky Highway, Fraser Valley, the Coquihalla Pass, Kicking Horse Pass, and the Continental Divide.    

South America

Tour Chilean Wine Country

Chile is a hot destination in 2019 with Patagonia’s popularity and the 2019 solar eclipse, but you should visit this destination for another reason: the Casablanca Valley. The area is known for its Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir, but has distinct microclimates that growers are learning more about to produce other varieties, like Malbec and Merlot. This trip of a lifetime is just 90 minutes from Santiago by car. Use Upscale travel to plan your perfect trip through the region; activities can include cycling, a helicopter ride, dining with winemakers, and more.

RELATED:

5 Secret Wine Regions You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Backpack Through Bolivia

Bolivia’s salt flats are otherworldly, and the country as a whole is on its way to becoming the next South American hot spot. Contiki’s 13-day Bella Bolivia tour covers tons of ground, starting in La Paz, the capital, and ending in Chile’s Santiago—the first nine days are spent in Bolivia with an included flight to Santiago on day 11. You’ll truly see it all: the cathedrals of La Paz, the Witches’ Market, the white stone buildings in Sucre, Salar de Uyuni (salt flats), Avaroa National Reserve, the Salvador Dali desert, and plenty more to make this trip of life worthwhile.

Go to the Remote Falkland Islands

Getting to these remote and almost-polar islands isn’t easy—or cheap—but this year marks the first new flight route to the U.K. territory since the late ‘90s. Though no date has been set, the flights will go from Argentina to the islands with LATAM Airlines. Intrepid is offering a new-to-2019 tour for eight days, Falkland Island Expedition: Past & Present, which will take you to beaches, nature reserves, and the battlegrounds from the war of 1982. And don’t forget about the wildlife; a king, Magellanic, and gentoo penguins all call this place home.

Polar

Spend a Night on a Glacier in the Arctic Fjords

If Norway’s Arctic fjords are on your bucket list, take your vacation to the next level with a trip to Svalbard. Off the Map Travel’s summer trip to the archipelago includes dog sledding, kayaking, a glacier climb, and the once-in-a-lifetime chance to sleep on a glacier at the Nordenskiold Lodge. Note that you won’t see the northern lights this time of year, but rather experience the “land of the midnight sun,” which also happens to give you the best chance to see polar bears. If you’re looking for a northern lights experience, the tour company has a four-day All Day Aurora tour to the same region.

[don-lichterman]

Eat, drink and be merry – Medford News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News

Eat, drink and be merry – Medford News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News

Andy Atkinson / Mail Tribune Skyler Golden prepares lunches as Shawna Williams takes orders Thursday at the Truffle Pig Kitchen food truck/trailer during the Rogue Valley Growers and Crafters Market at Hawthorne Park. After two years of restrictions, the Rogue Valley is ready to wine and dine again Festivals focused on food are whetting appetites in Southern Oregon once again, making for what…

[brookston]

Holidays 2.14

Holidays

Bird Mating Season begins [Traditional]

Blessing of the Salmon Nets (Northumberland, UK)

ENIAC Day

First Day of Disco

Fjortende Februar (Denmark)

Frederick Douglass Day

Gold Heart Day (UK)

Haya Day (Pakistan)

International Book Giving Day

International Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day

League of Women Voter's Day

Liberation Day (Afghanistan)

National Black Literacy Day

National Boone Day

National Chance Day

National Christine Day

National Donor Day (a.k.a. Organ Donor Day)

National Ferris Wheel Day

National Impotence Day

National Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD) Awareness Day

National Regenerative Agriculture Day

National Servicemen’s Day (Australia)

National Sports Day (Qatar)

Organ and Tissue Donor Day

Parents' Worship Day (India)

Pet Theft Awareness Day

Pulwama Attack Day (India)

Race Relations Day

Rafik Hariri Memorial Day (Lebanon)

Read to Your Child Day

Small Soap Day (Mexico)

Valentine's Day (a.k.a. ... 

Beer & Chocolate Day

Have a Heart Day (Canada)

Heart to Heart Day

International Quirkyalone Day

Juno Februa's Day (Goddess of Love)

Library Lovers Day

National Call in Single Day

National Condom Day (Australia)

National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day

National Have-A-Heart Day

National Organ Donor Day

National Simp Day

National Women’s Heart Day

Singles Appreciation Day

Think About Sex Day

Thinking About Sex Day (UK)

V-Day

World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day

World Bonobo Day

World Sound Healing Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

National Creme-Filled Chocolates Day

Wine-Growers Day (Bulgaria)

2nd Tuesday in February

Extraterrestrial Culture Day (New Mexico) [2nd Tuesday]

Extraterrestrial Visitor Day [2nd Tuesday]

National AAP & APRP Recognition Day [2nd Tuesday]

National Sports Day (Qatar) [2nd Tuesday]

Wear Orange 4 Love Day (for Healthy Teen relationships) [2nd Tuesday]

Travel Light Tuesday (UK) [Tuesday of Go Green Week]

Independence Days

Arizona Statehood Day (#48; 1912)

Oregon Statehood Day (#33; 1859)

United Republic of Arlberg (Declared; 2003) [unrecognized; Dissolved in 2006]

Feast Days

Abraames, Bishop of Carres (Christian; Saint)

Auxentius of Bithynia (Christian; Saint)

Aztec Day (Church of the SubGenius)

Conran, Bishop of Orkney (Christian; Saint)

Cornelius the Crab (Muppetism)

Cyril and Methodius (Roman Catholic Church) [Europe]

Feast of Vali (Asatru/Salvic Pagan archer god)

Lupercalia, Day 2 (Pagan pastoral festival)

Manchan (Christian; Saint)

Mare, Abbot of Syria (Christian; Saint)

Pretend to Be Romantic Day (Pastafarian)

Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (Armenian Apostolic Church)

Seka Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Terence (Positivist; Saint)

Trifon Zarezan (a.k.a. Viticulturists' Day; Bulgarian Dionysus Festival)

Valentine (Christian; Saint)

Zadoushnitza (Bulgarian All-Souls' Day; Κυρμιληνός)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]

Umu Limnu (Evil Day; Babylonian Calendar; 7 of 60)

Uncyclopedia Bad to Be Born Today (because so many reasons.)

Premieres

Alita: Battle Angel (Animated Film; 2019)

Beat It, by Michael Jackson (Song; 1983)

Beautiful Creatures (Film; 2013)

Cooleyhighharmony, by Boyz II Men (Album; 1991)

Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other, by Willie Nelson (Song; 2006)

Daredevil (Film; 2003)

Definitely, Maybe (Film; 2008)

Dracula (Film; 1931)

Fools Rush In (Film; 1997)

Grease (Off-Broadway Musical; 1972)

The Importance of Being Ernest, by Oscar Wilde (Play; 1895)

King David, by Lionel Hampton (Jazz Symphony; 1957)

Liar, by Queen (Song; 1974)

The Little Whirlwind (Disney Cartoon; 1941)

Live at Leeds, recorded by The Who (Live Concert Album; 1970)

Respect, recorded by Aretha Franklin (Song; 1967)

Silence of the Lambs (Film; 1991)

Somic the Hedgehog (Animated Film; 2020)

Spamalot (Broadway Musical; 2005)

Vegas Vacation (Film; 1997)

Wayne’s World (Film; 1992)

Whitney Houston, by Whitney Houston (Album; 1985)

Wildcats (Film; 1986)

Winter’s Tale (Film; 2014)

Working Class Dog, by Rick Springfield (Album; 1981)

The World’s Greatest Athlete (Film; 1973)

Today’s Name Days

Cyrill, Method, Valentin (Austria)

Valentin, Zdravko (Croatia)

Valentýn (Czech Republic)

Valentinus (Denmark)

Valentin, Valjo, Valju, Valle, Vallo, Vallot, Vallut (Estonia)

Tino, Valentin, Voitto (Finland)

Valentin (France)

Cyril, Method, Valentin (Germany)

Valentina, Valentine, Valentini, Valentinos (Greece)

Bálint, Valentin (Hungary)

Valentino (Italy)

Aļģis, Valentīns (Latvia)

Liliana, Saulė, Saulius, Valentinas (Lithuania)

Hjørdis, Jardar (Norway)

Adolf, Adolfa, Adolfina, Alf, Cyryl, Dobiesława, Dobisława, Józef, Józefa, Konrad, Konrada, Krystyna, Lilian, Liliana, Mikołaj, Niemir, Niemira, Walenty, Zenon, Zenona (Poland)

Auxentiu, Avraam, Maron (Romania)

Valentín (Slovakia)

Cirilo, Metodio, Valentín (Spain)

Valentin (Sweden)

Lovell, Lowell, Valentin, Valentina, Valentine, Valiant (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 45 of 2023; 320 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 2 of week 7 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Luis (Rowan) [Day 24 of 28]

Chinese: Month 1 (Jia-Yin), Day 24 (Gui-Mao)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 23 Shevat 5783

Islamic: 23 Rajab II 1444

J Cal: 15 Xin; Oneday [15 of 30]

Julian: 1 February 2023

Moon: 39%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 17 Homer (2nd Month) [Terence]

Runic Half Month: Sigel (Sun) [Day 6 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 56 of 90)

Zodiac: Aquarius (Day 25 of 30)

Calendar Changes

February (a.k.a. Februarius; Julian Calendar) [Month 2 of 12]

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 2.14

Holidays

Bird Mating Season begins [Traditional]

Blessing of the Salmon Nets (Northumberland, UK)

ENIAC Day

First Day of Disco

Fjortende Februar (Denmark)

Frederick Douglass Day

Gold Heart Day (UK)

Haya Day (Pakistan)

International Book Giving Day

International Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day

League of Women Voter's Day

Liberation Day (Afghanistan)

National Black Literacy Day

National Boone Day

National Chance Day

National Christine Day

National Donor Day (a.k.a. Organ Donor Day)

National Ferris Wheel Day

National Impotence Day

National Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD) Awareness Day

National Regenerative Agriculture Day

National Servicemen’s Day (Australia)

National Sports Day (Qatar)

Organ and Tissue Donor Day

Parents' Worship Day (India)

Pet Theft Awareness Day

Pulwama Attack Day (India)

Race Relations Day

Rafik Hariri Memorial Day (Lebanon)

Read to Your Child Day

Small Soap Day (Mexico)

Valentine's Day (a.k.a. ... 

Beer & Chocolate Day

Have a Heart Day (Canada)

Heart to Heart Day

International Quirkyalone Day

Juno Februa's Day (Goddess of Love)

Library Lovers Day

National Call in Single Day

National Condom Day (Australia)

National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day

National Have-A-Heart Day

National Organ Donor Day

National Simp Day

National Women’s Heart Day

Singles Appreciation Day

Think About Sex Day

Thinking About Sex Day (UK)

V-Day

World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day

World Bonobo Day

World Sound Healing Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

National Creme-Filled Chocolates Day

Wine-Growers Day (Bulgaria)

2nd Tuesday in February

Extraterrestrial Culture Day (New Mexico) [2nd Tuesday]

Extraterrestrial Visitor Day [2nd Tuesday]

National AAP & APRP Recognition Day [2nd Tuesday]

National Sports Day (Qatar) [2nd Tuesday]

Wear Orange 4 Love Day (for Healthy Teen relationships) [2nd Tuesday]

Travel Light Tuesday (UK) [Tuesday of Go Green Week]

Independence Days

Arizona Statehood Day (#48; 1912)

Oregon Statehood Day (#33; 1859)

United Republic of Arlberg (Declared; 2003) [unrecognized; Dissolved in 2006]

Feast Days

Abraames, Bishop of Carres (Christian; Saint)

Auxentius of Bithynia (Christian; Saint)

Aztec Day (Church of the SubGenius)

Conran, Bishop of Orkney (Christian; Saint)

Cornelius the Crab (Muppetism)

Cyril and Methodius (Roman Catholic Church) [Europe]

Feast of Vali (Asatru/Salvic Pagan archer god)

Lupercalia, Day 2 (Pagan pastoral festival)

Manchan (Christian; Saint)

Mare, Abbot of Syria (Christian; Saint)

Pretend to Be Romantic Day (Pastafarian)

Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (Armenian Apostolic Church)

Seka Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Terence (Positivist; Saint)

Trifon Zarezan (a.k.a. Viticulturists' Day; Bulgarian Dionysus Festival)

Valentine (Christian; Saint)

Zadoushnitza (Bulgarian All-Souls' Day; Κυρμιληνός)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]

Umu Limnu (Evil Day; Babylonian Calendar; 7 of 60)

Uncyclopedia Bad to Be Born Today (because so many reasons.)

Premieres

Alita: Battle Angel (Animated Film; 2019)

Beat It, by Michael Jackson (Song; 1983)

Beautiful Creatures (Film; 2013)

Cooleyhighharmony, by Boyz II Men (Album; 1991)

Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other, by Willie Nelson (Song; 2006)

Daredevil (Film; 2003)

Definitely, Maybe (Film; 2008)

Dracula (Film; 1931)

Fools Rush In (Film; 1997)

Grease (Off-Broadway Musical; 1972)

The Importance of Being Ernest, by Oscar Wilde (Play; 1895)

King David, by Lionel Hampton (Jazz Symphony; 1957)

Liar, by Queen (Song; 1974)

The Little Whirlwind (Disney Cartoon; 1941)

Live at Leeds, recorded by The Who (Live Concert Album; 1970)

Respect, recorded by Aretha Franklin (Song; 1967)

Silence of the Lambs (Film; 1991)

Somic the Hedgehog (Animated Film; 2020)

Spamalot (Broadway Musical; 2005)

Vegas Vacation (Film; 1997)

Wayne’s World (Film; 1992)

Whitney Houston, by Whitney Houston (Album; 1985)

Wildcats (Film; 1986)

Winter’s Tale (Film; 2014)

Working Class Dog, by Rick Springfield (Album; 1981)

The World’s Greatest Athlete (Film; 1973)

Today’s Name Days

Cyrill, Method, Valentin (Austria)

Valentin, Zdravko (Croatia)

Valentýn (Czech Republic)

Valentinus (Denmark)

Valentin, Valjo, Valju, Valle, Vallo, Vallot, Vallut (Estonia)

Tino, Valentin, Voitto (Finland)

Valentin (France)

Cyril, Method, Valentin (Germany)

Valentina, Valentine, Valentini, Valentinos (Greece)

Bálint, Valentin (Hungary)

Valentino (Italy)

Aļģis, Valentīns (Latvia)

Liliana, Saulė, Saulius, Valentinas (Lithuania)

Hjørdis, Jardar (Norway)

Adolf, Adolfa, Adolfina, Alf, Cyryl, Dobiesława, Dobisława, Józef, Józefa, Konrad, Konrada, Krystyna, Lilian, Liliana, Mikołaj, Niemir, Niemira, Walenty, Zenon, Zenona (Poland)

Auxentiu, Avraam, Maron (Romania)

Valentín (Slovakia)

Cirilo, Metodio, Valentín (Spain)

Valentin (Sweden)

Lovell, Lowell, Valentin, Valentina, Valentine, Valiant (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 45 of 2023; 320 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 2 of week 7 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Luis (Rowan) [Day 24 of 28]

Chinese: Month 1 (Jia-Yin), Day 24 (Gui-Mao)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 23 Shevat 5783

Islamic: 23 Rajab II 1444

J Cal: 15 Xin; Oneday [15 of 30]

Julian: 1 February 2023

Moon: 39%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 17 Homer (2nd Month) [Terence]

Runic Half Month: Sigel (Sun) [Day 6 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 56 of 90)

Zodiac: Aquarius (Day 25 of 30)

Calendar Changes

February (a.k.a. Februarius; Julian Calendar) [Month 2 of 12]

[naturecoaster]

Insider's Guide to the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival on January 27

Known as the family-friendly alternative to Tampa's Gasparilla Festival, Dade City's Annual Kumquat Festival offers a more relaxing event with great vendor shopping, homespun talent, an amazing car show, and activities to satisfy all ages! Best of all, it is free to attend and shows off a community's dedication to its little orange citrus fruit, the kumquat. Have you ever tasted kumquat pie? Kumquat beer? Kumquat wine? Kumquat jelly? How about the little orange fruit that is both sweet and sour at the same time? Whether your answer is yes or no, you will want to attend the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival for all the best in kumquat fun, food, and finery. It's time to bite down and feel that delightful burst of deliciousness that is nearly as joyful as saying the word, "kumqat" is to the silly side of our lives! The 2024 Kumquat Festival will take place on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Dade City, Florida. Vendors, activities, and entertainment will be located around Pasco County’s iconic historic courthouse.  This year's festival's headline sponsor is once again AdventHealth.  The Festival is also sponsored by the City of Dade City, among other local and regional organizations, including yours truly, NatureCoaster.com. Once again Kumquat Festival features over 350 vendors, food trucks, a classic car show, a kid's corral play area, and more. This year's event promises great shopping, as well as generating a lot of excitement from the local merchants and the City itself. Festival goers will be able to enjoy classic kumquat favorites like kumquat pie, kumquat wine, and kumquat beer, of course, but what else can you expect at the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival?  "Historic Downtown Dade City will be transformed into a gigantic marketplace focused on local businesses, hundreds of specialty vendors, dozens of partner sponsors, and the friendly, down-home, unique old Florida experience that the Annual Kumquat Festival has come to mean," says Vicki Wiggins, CEO of the Dade City Chamber of Commerce. "Join us to try all the wholesome food available including kumquat pie, kumquat salsa, and numerous kumquat recipe specialties. Shop for crafts, enjoy the art displays, and visit our “Health and Wellness” section. There will be a children’s activity area, a classic car show, craft Kumquat beer and wine, and lots of fun things to do," adds Melody Floyd and Jo Uber, the Dade City Chamber of Commerce's dynamic duo. Guide to the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival Today, NatureCoaster provides a behind-the-scenes guide to the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival. Learn all about kumquats and taste one at the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival. Everyone who visits may taste one of the little orange fruits that are both sweet and tart! (Unless they run out, which has never happened before...) Image courtesy of Richard K. Riley. What is a Kumquat? The little golden citrus fruit is native to China and was given as a traditional gift on New Year’s Day. Translating to “golden coins,” the kumquat represents prosperity, according to information from TV horticulturist Roger Swain. The inside is sweet, and the skin is sour. These tasty little citrus gems are eaten whole, so when you bite in a unique sensation greets your taste buds. They are great to cook with, too. There is great vendor shopping at the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival in Dade City, with 350+ vendors signed up for the family-friendly alternative to Gasparilla. Image courtesy of Richard K. Riley. Why a Kumquat Festival? The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce began holding a festival over 20 years ago in conjunction with Kumquat Growers, Inc. to celebrate the little fruit and all it has contributed so much to this area. On January 27, 2024, this wholesome, fun, and delicious event features over 350 vendors and sponsors coming together throughout the streets of a historic, charming Southern town to celebrate the community as well as the agricultural heritage of the little citrus fruit that is both sweet and sour. This is the family-friendly alternative to the Gasparilla event in Tampa. Local Pageants are held, and the winners are part of the Kumquat Festival's fun. Image courtesy of Richard Riley. The Festival Car Show The Festival Car Show is hosted by Ronnie Setser's Car & Truck Shows and features an amazing variety of classic cars and trucks in the large parking lot of the downtown Judicial Courthouse. Organized by Ronnie Setser, there are trophies, dash plaques, and a well-organized show that attracts some of the nicest vehicles to be seen in the Southeast U.S. Show runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pops 54 by Mike Groseclose at the Kumquat Festival Car Show. Ronnie Setser's Car & Truck Shows puts on the annual event, drawing great vehicles from around Florida and the southeast U.S. Image courtesy of Ronnie Setser's Car & Truck Shows. Sponsors Make the Festival Happen Get your tickets to the upcoming Pasco County Fair while you are visiting the Dade City Kumquat Festival. Image by Richard Riley. AdventHealth Dade City is the headlining sponsor for 2024, joining Florida’s Sports Coast and dozens of business and government partners who come together to make the day memorable, including NatureCoaster.com.   Stop in one of the Friendly Local Shops and Restaurants Local storefronts are decorated for the festival in kumquat themes, and it can be nice to duck into a shop or restaurant (if you plan to visit one of the restaurants on the day of the Festival, you will likely have to wait for a table and may want to call in advance to see if they take reservations for that day) and rest during the festivities. Downtown Dade City merchants decorate their show windows in kumquat themes. There are some great shops to visit. Image by Richard Riley. Dade City is a great town to visit any day and the unique shops and restaurants that make up this vibrant downtown are another wonderful way to spend part of your day. Antiques, toys, books, jewelry, and pet supplies are some of the types of shops you will find. Restaurants vary from the classic Florida Cracker Lunch on Limoges to an authentic tea house, sandwich shops, coffee shops, Mexican, Italian, craft beer, and fine dining. Although Dade City is a pet-friendly city, please allow your pets to stay at home during the festival. Come out for Kumquat pie, one of the crowd favorites. It's available at the Festival and it is light, creamy and delicious! Image courtesy of Richard K. Riley. Hundreds of Vendors provide Unique & Kumquat-y Items The “Kumquat Growers” are located in the Wells Fargo parking lot along Meridian Avenue, where you can learn about and purchase kumquats. Unique arts and crafts are fun to discover in many of the vendor booths lining the streets of this quaint city in eastern Pasco County. Many of these artisans return year after year to sell their wares. How about kumquat ice cream? Image by Richard Riley. Delicious foods, as well as many ethnic offerings, are available to festivalgoers. There is a myriad of opportunities to sample the tasty little fruit, whether it be as marmalade, cookies, salsa, ice cream, refrigerator pie, or a sip of kumquat beer or wine. The Kumquat Quilt Show Kumquat Kids Corral The Kumquat Kids Corral provides entertainment for the youngest visitors. Image by Digwen from Pixabay A Kumquat Kids Corral offers families the opportunity to let off some steam with bounce houses, games, face painting, and more. Come to Dade City a Day early to Enjoy the Kumquat Growers Open House Kumquat Growers claims to be the largest producers of kumquats and kumquat products and no one around here questions that! This year they will hold their traditional Open House at the packing house, located at 31647 Gude Rd in St. Joseph from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM on Thursday, January 26 andFriday, January 26 (the two days before the Festival). Frank Gude, the patriarch of the Kumquat Growers, is seen here teaching all about kumquats. Image by Richard Riley The Gude and Neuhoffer families are the founders of the Kumquat Growers. They are the descendants of farmers who in 1883 settled in the community now known as St. Joseph, Florida. At the Kumquat Grower's Open House, there is a talk about the history and origin of the little citrus fruit that packs a punch and how it is used, followed by a packing house tour and a tour of the grove where you can see kumquat fruit in its native habitat. There is a nice Hampton Inn just south of downtown Dade City, and several hotels in Wesley Chapel along the I-75 and SR 56-SR54 corridor. Camping and RV hookups can be had at the Travelers Rest Resort. Now you can stay in a former jail in downtown Dade City, called The Locke Inn. Of course, a stay at one of Brooksville's B & Bs with a short drive to the festival is another alternative. Things to Know about the 2024 27th Annual Kumquat Festival A decorated "kumquat tree". Image by Richard Riley. Historic downtown Dade City will be transformed into an open-air marketplace featuring local businesses, hundreds of specialty vendors, dozens of partner sponsors, and the friendly authentic old Florida experience that the Annual Kumquat Festival has come to represent.  This event is attended by tens of thousands of visitors each year.  The 1909 historic Pasco County courthouse is in the center of the Festival. Entertainment is held on the courthouse steps, usually by local groups. This gorgeous structure is registered on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Image by Diane Bedard. Free Admission and Parking Admission is FREE, city-owned public parking downtown is free and the experience of a unique, authentic, and fun-filled festival is unforgettable. Visitors can look at antique cars, shop for arts and crafts in vendor booths, or at Dade City's charming local merchants, to find that perfect item, and enjoy delicious food indoors or out.Fun Activities to see and do at the festival include arts and crafts, delicious food from local restaurants, food vendors and food trucks, an amazing car & truck show, Farmer's Market vendors, Kumquat Kids Corral, kumquats, kumquat pie, kumquat beer, kumquat wine, kumquat jam, kumquat artwork, kumquat quilts, and the wonderful sponsors, including yours truly. NatureCoaster will be on-site with area maps and stickers to give away, as well as caps, bucket hats, and mugs for sale. The citrus industry has been an important part of Florida’s Nature Coast, and the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival on January 27 from 9 am to 5 pm in downtown Dade City promises to be one not to miss. For more information, click here. Featured image from previous Festival by Richard K. Riley. Read the full article

[definewine]

Angullong releases Italian reds

The increasing recognition of the quality of emerging varieties continues to embolden Orange’s preeminent grape grower, Angullong Wines, with the winery releasing two new vintages in time for the 2018 Orange Wine Festival.

The new releases comprise the 2017 Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Barbera ($26) and 2017 Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Sangiovese ($26).

“2017 is our 14th vintage of these wines,” said owner Ben Crossing. “The vineyard was planted in the late 1990s, with the winemaking overseen by veteran winemaker Jon Reynolds since these early days”.

“We want to preserve the unique varietal definition with these wines. Both the Barbera and Sangiovese only see a small amount of new oak maturation; about 10 percent for both wines.”

“This, along with careful management of the cap during fermentation, ensures balance with the tannins and the vibrant fruit.”

The new vintage Angullong Fossil Hill wines will be released at the annual ‘Outstanding in the Vines’ lunch during Orange’s Wine Festival.

“This is an opportunity for our customers to enjoy the wines in the vineyard where they were grown.”

The Angullong vineyard sits in the southern foothills of the Orange Region. “The lunch will be a showcase of the vineyard with a selection of wines matched to shared plates of local food.”

2017 Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Sangiovese (Orange Region)  $26.00

2017 Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Tempranillo (Orange Region)  $26.00

Distribution: Angullong is distributed widely in NSW, QLD and VIC. The full Angullong range can be purchased directly from the Cellar Door in Millthorpe and via their website at www.angullong.com.au.

For further information and images please contact:

David Cumming at Define Wine Marketing & Communications:  0414 736 342 or david@definewine.com.au

Ben Crossing, General Manager at Angullong Wines:  0428 586 802 or ben@angullong.com.au

Angullong Wines is located in the picturesque foothills of Orange’s Mount Canobolas in NSW. The property has been in the Crossing family since 1950 and has been run as a successful sheep and cattle station prior to diversifying into grape growing and winemaking in 1998.  The Angullong cellar door is located in the historic bluestone stables in the village of Millthorpe.