Why Vancouver Is An Asian Foodie Paradise

The roots of Vancouver’s Asian cuisine may run more than a century deep, but there is no denying that Canada’s beautiful city by the bay is currently in the midst of a modern-day moment on the world culinary stage.

Celebrity chef David Chang recently featured Vancouver’s Asian cuisine scene in an episode of his Netflix series, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, guided by none other than Vancouver native and actor Seth Rogen.

And a 2018 article in the New York Times posed this question about Vancouver: “The best Asian food in North America?”

Locals say the trend dates back to the arrival of Cantonese railroad workers in the 1800s. It was then fueled throughout the 1980s and 1990s by an influx of immigrants from Hong Kong hoping to preserve their way of life before Britain’s 1997 handover of the territory to China.

According to census numbers, about 20 percent of Vancouver’s population is of Chinese origin. And in the nearby suburb of Richmond, the percentage is even higher, with about 53 percent of the population with Chinese ancestry, and 74 percent with Asian heritage overall, says Tourism Richmond’s manager of communications Lesley Chang.

That influence has resulted in a community with a rich and layered tradition of Asian cuisine. Walk through downtown Vancouver or Richmond, and you will find hot pot spots next to dim sum restaurants next to bubble tea cafes.

On my recent foodie odyssey to Vancouver, I arrived with a wish list featuring noodles, dumplings, bao, and tea. Choices in Vancouver and Richmond more than fit the bill.

Here are seven reasons why Vancouver is an Asian foodie paradise.

Dim sum Dynasty Seafood Restaurant. — Cindy Barks

The Dim Sum Rules

As a lover of steamed dumplings and seafood, I was excited to check out Vancouver’s much-vaunted dim sum scene. I began the search as soon as my plane touched down. My conclusion: There is perhaps no better way to recover from a long flight than with a basketful of plump shrimp dumplings, a pot of jasmine tea, and an ice-cold Tsingtao beer.

Along with the stellar quality of its seafood, Vancouver also delivers an authentic dim sum atmosphere. You’re likely to be asked to check off your choices on a paper menu and then wait for the various small plates to be delivered to your table as they are prepared, piping hot from the kitchen.

Another great feature is the variety of price points. From white-tablecloth establishments to takeout joints, consider these local favorites.

Dynasty Seafood Restaurant

Located not far from downtown Vancouver along West Broadway, the upscale Dynasty Seafood Restaurant is a community mainstay. Although known for more than its dim sum, Dynasty has a great selection of the traditional small-plate choices. I recommend the tender shrimp dumplings, the succulent scallop dumplings, and the rich and flavorful tofu with crab cream sauce.

Kirin Restaurant

With four locations in the Vancouver area, Kirin has been serving dim sum to locals and visitors since 1987. It boasts an elegant setting and attentive service. Restaurant specialties include the roasted squab and the honey garlic ribs.

Kam Wai

For a quick and economical dim sum fix, Vancouverites head to takeout favorite Kam Wai in Vancouver’s Chinatown. Bonus: If you like it, you can take home frozen versions of your dim sum choice. Try the barbecue pork bun, black bean spareribs, and lotus-leaf wraps.

Richmond Public Market in Vancouver. — Cindy Barks

There Are Budget-Friendly Public Markets

If picking and choosing your favorite Asian delicacies from among a dozen or more mom-and-pop stalls sounds like a delightful way to spend a Saturday morning, head to one of Richmond’s bustling public markets.

From Yaohan Centre to Parker Place to Richmond Public Market, the community has the food-hall market covered.

Along with authentic cuisine and a fun, casual atmosphere, these markets offer reasonable prices. Here are a few local favorites.

Xi’an Cuisine, Richmond Public Market

Just a short walk from the Richmond stop on Vancouver’s super-efficient SkyTrain Canada Line is the massive gable-ceilinged Richmond Public Market.

Although it likely will be busy on a weekend, seek out Xi’an Cuisine, with its signature cumin lamb fried-noodle dish featuring thick hand-pulled noodles. After you order, be sure to stay to watch your noodles being pulled by hand. Other specialties include green-onion pancakes and golden-fried pot stickers.

Chef Lui Kitchen, Richmond Public Market

For build-your-own combo bowls, head to Chef Lui Kitchen, where workers will pile up a bowl with a protein of your choice, rice, and three sides. Try the fried squid or the fried beef with black pepper sauce.

Golden Rice Bowl, Yaohan Centre

Located in a supermarket/food-court setting in Richmond, Yaohan Centre features an array of competing stalls. Check out Golden Rice Bowl, where you can get bowls with two items plus rice, served with a cup of Chinese tea. Specialties include the deep-fried tofu and the panko-crusted fish.

YuShang Hot Pot in Vancouver. — Cindy Barks

Hot Pot Spots Abound

Dining out doesn’t get much more entertaining than a traditional Chinese hot pot eatery, where diners choose from an array of meat and seafood options, leafy greens, and dumplings and noodles, and then cook their choices in simmering broth.

Vancouver has countless options for hot pot dining, including local favorite YuShang Hot Pot.

Located on Vancouver’s West Broadway, YuShang distinguishes itself by providing individual broth pots for each diner. That way, everyone can choose whether to have a vegetarian or meat-based broth for dipping their food choices. YuShang is also known for its beautiful presentation of its meats, veggies, and tofu varieties, which are arranged as virtual works of art.

For a unique flavor combo, try the spicy mushroom broth with sides of minced-shrimp-and-scallion dumplings, chrysanthemum leaves, and scallops. Or, for a splurge, try the wagyu beef.

Sushi from the Fairmont Pacific Rim. — Cindy Barks

World-Class Sushi Is At Your Fingertips

An Asian food tour would hardly be complete without a sushi outing, and Vancouver has some exceptional options.

For an upscale meal in a sleek and sophisticated setting, head to the Fairmont Pacific Rim, where the Lobby Lounge and RawBar delivers a multisensory experience. With live music playing in the background, you can watch as meticulous sushi chefs slice and arrange exquisite, fresh-from-the-sea sushi creations from an open bar.

Consider starting with the lobster and prawn cocktail before moving on to the salmon motoyaki roll and sashimi moriawase, piled high with luscious slices of wild sockeye, albacore tuna, and red tuna. Top it all off with a restorative blend of Japanese gin, plum sake, yuzu, sansho pepper, tonic water, and orange in the classic Tokyo Tonic cocktail.

Lemon grass shrimp from Banana Leaf Malaysian Cuisine. — Cindy Barks

It’s Got A Strong Southeast Asian Game

Along with its strong Chinese bent, Vancouver’s cuisine is also inspired by a range of Southeast Asian nations. On a single weekend, you could conceivably take a tour of Southeast Asia, starting with Malaysia and Singapore and moving on to virtually any other locale in the region.

For a taste of Malaysia, head to one of five Vancouver locations of the popular Banana Leaf Malaysian Cuisine, where a colorful setting and a lively atmosphere set the stage for favorites like the classic Malaysian flatbread roti canai and pineapple fried rice heaped high in a hollowed-out pineapple.

Or if it’s Singaporean cuisine you’re craving, check out the small Prata-Man Singapore Cuisine, where the go-to choice is Hainanese chicken with rice or laksa noodles.

Richmond Night Market in Vancouver. — Cindy Barks

You Can Enjoy A Dumpling Trail And A Night Market

Not only does Richmond have a celebrated dumpling trail, but the community also hosts the largest night market in North America.

Lesley Chang of Tourism Richmond points out that the Richmond Night Market’s impressive cross-section of cultures and cuisines attracts about a million people every year. Open between May and October, the night market features more than 100 food stalls with cuisine from around the world, as well as more than 200 retail vendors.

For the dumpling-focused diner, Richmond’s Dumpling Trail Tour encompasses 20 locations that range from food stalls to upscale restaurants. Among the featured choices are xiao long bao, a Shanghainese take on dumplings stuffed with pork and soup; har gow, shrimp dumplings wrapped in a tapioca starch pastry; and siu mai, dumplings stuffed with pork and shrimp and topped with salmon roe or a whole prawn.

A bubble tea shop in Vancouver. — Cindy Barks

You’ll Love The Bubbles And Sweet Treats

If you crave a sweet drink to wash down all of those dumplings, noodles, and seafood, there is virtually no end to the choices of bubble tea available in Vancouver and Richmond — from multiple locations of Asian chains Gong Cha (bubble teas and bubble waffles) and Yi Fang (fruit teas) to Vancouver’s Bubble Queen, with its selection of fancy milk teas and egg waffles.

Planning a trip to Vancouver? Don’t miss the city’s hidden gems and free attractions.

Overcoming The Challenges Of Traveling With An Elderly Parent

Many of us who are in our 50s and beyond have parents who are in fragile health. Sometimes we dismiss the idea of traveling with an elderly parent because there are challenges that make it seem so daunting that we just don’t know how we would manage. But with some creativity, flexibility, and advanced planning, you might just end up with the trip of a lifetime — a trip that both you and your parent will cherish. That’s certainly what happened to us when we took Diana’s mother, Nancy, to Beijing.

Nancy and Diana on the Great Wall of China. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

Dreaming Of Beijing

After mentioning to Nancy that we’d be going to Beijing on business, she confided that she had dreamed of going to China since she was a little girl. Her fourth-grade teacher had read her The Story About Ping, a book about a duckling living on the Yangtze River, and from then on China had been her dream destination.

Hearing her excitement, we knew this was a bucket-list item for her. She was 80 years old and had diabetes as well as a few other physical challenges. Knowing that Beijing is a big city with millions of people, we had concerns, but we decided to take her along and make her dream come true.

Diana and Nancy exploring the Chinese temples. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

Challenges Along The Way

The first issue was getting Nancy a passport. Her prior passport had expired, and she had multiple name changes as a result of divorce, so it was no easy feat. However, she was so motivated that she managed to get her paperwork together and even found a friendly helper at the post office. The lesson we learned is not to underestimate what elderly people can accomplish when they really want something.

The next challenge we faced was the flight. Since Nancy was nervous about flying alone, one of us had to meet her in Los Angeles and travel with her. Sue went to Beijing, while Diana accompanied her mom. We called China Airlines to be sure they could keep her insulin in the plane refrigerator, and we ordered a diabetic-friendly meal in advance.

The flight from Los Angeles to Beijing took 13 hours. We made sure we had plenty of movies to watch and snacks for Nancy. We also brought a travel guide on Beijing, and we took advantage of the long flight to learn about the things Nancy wanted to see and do.

Nancy at the Forbidden City in Beijing. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

Tips For Traveling With An Elderly Parent

It’s important to have realistic expectations of what you can accomplish with an elderly parent. They move slowly and get tired easily. Nancy also needed to eat at regular intervals, stay well hydrated, and have candy on hand in the event of low blood sugar. It took serious convincing to get the fashion-conscious Nancy to bring some sensible shoes, but we did it!

When it came time for the big attractions, we took our time. The Forbidden City was one of Nancy’s favorite stops. We didn’t make it all the way through, but she was thrilled anyway. When your elderly parent says she is tired, you need to stop and go home — even if you had planned or wanted to do more.

Remember that you will likely be carrying your parent’s supplies, so bring a backpack or roomy purse. Consider taking taxis to avoid long walks and other logistics issues.

Riding the gondolas to the Great Wall of China. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

The Great Wall was also on Nancy’s bucket list. With a little research, we discovered that the Mutianyu part of the wall has a gondola that takes visitors up the hill and drops them off. You can explore as much as you’d like, and then take it back down. We hired a guide to drive us there and help Nancy get into and out of the gondola. That way, she got to see the Great Wall’s magical views and take lots of photos — all without overexerting herself.

When traveling with an elderly parent, it might be helpful to pay for a hotel where you can get personalized attention. We splurged on a stay at the conveniently located Peninsula Hotel on a club level. While this wasn’t necessary, Nancy felt special when she was greeted in the afternoon by her favorite tea and the same smiling faces.

Eating at a local restaurant in China. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

The Benefits Of Taking Your Time

If we had been on our own, we would have gone to many more places, gotten up early, gone to bed late, and covered a ridiculous amount of territory, as we do every time we travel. But being with Nancy helped us focus on the quality of every experience, making sure that each was as comfortable, memorable, and fun as it could be.

For instance, we went to Quanjude, a famous authentic Beijing duck restaurant offering both delicious food and wonderful entertainment. That was our big event for the day. When we went to see Chinese acrobats, we ate at a little restaurant nearby, making it easy to get to the theater on time. We ate hot pot and sizzling platters, which provided enough fun and local experience that we didn’t need to find other things to do. Nancy discovered lotus roots at one of these spots, and after that, she wanted to have them everywhere. You’re never too old for the joy of discovery through travel!

Nancy enjoying her trip in Beijing. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

Memories To Treasure

When we returned home, Sue made a beautiful photo book for Nancy, who told us over and over again that it was the trip of a lifetime. Apparently, she told lots of other people too, because they let us know how much they enjoyed hearing her stories.

Nancy died unexpectedly shortly after our trip to Beijing. As with the death of any beloved parent, it was a difficult loss to bear. Our memories of Nancy having the time of her life exploring her dream destination with us certainly lightened the load.

Unfortunately, we never know when our time with our loved ones will be up. If you have been considering traveling with an elderly parent, we’d advise you to plan ahead and make it happen. We probably never told Nancy that while it was the trip of a lifetime for her, it was for us, too. We continue to treasure our memories even though she is no longer with us.

It may not be easy, but it can be done. Take your time and plan ahead. Get help if you need it, and keep your expectations realistic. Traveling with an elderly parent takes patience and love, but that’s what makes it one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

Mackinac Island: 9 Things To Know Before You Go

Mackinac Island is a charming resort-like retreat, full of history and natural wonders. Located in Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, this special place has served as a vacation spot for generations of families. Its far-flung location and quirks (no cars allowed!) only add to its incredible charm.

Here are nine things to know about this enchanting island.

Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan — Alexey Stiop / Shutterstock.com

1. It’s Full Of History

When French fur traders first stumbled upon the island in the 1600s, it was being used by Native Americans as a burial ground. They called it Michilimackinac, or “Great Turtle.” The British realized the island’s strategic importance and built a fort there in 1780. (Now called Fort Holmes, it still stands and, along with the adjacent Fort Mackinac, remains a top tourist draw.) The United States fought for and won the fort back from the British in 1783. The island would go back and forth between Britain and the U.S. until after the War of 1812, when the U.S. took it from the Brits once and for all.

In the 1820s, when business mogul John Jacob Astor made the island the headquarters of his American Fur Company, Mackinac began to boom. It became a center of commerce and tourism, with people from industrial cities throughout the upper Midwest flocking there for a summer respite.

Today, many of the Victorian buildings from that era still stand and are meticulously preserved. Strolling Mackinac Island’s downtown district is like taking a walk back in time. And you’ll certainly feel this rich history come to life at the island’s legendary Grand Hotel, built back in 1887. If only those walls — or that incredible porch — could talk!

Star line ferry passing the two lighthouses on Mackinac Island Michigan — Michael Deemer / Shutterstock.com

2. You Can Either Ferry Or Fly In

As I mentioned previously, no cars are allowed on Mackinac Island, which means that getting there takes a bit of planning. Ferry service is offered from Mackinaw City, Michigan, and Saint Ignace, Michigan, both of which are about a 4.5-hour drive from Detroit and a 6.5-hour drive from Chicago. Once you get on the ferry, expect to be on the island in less than 20 minutes.

Flying to Mackinac is a bit trickier. The nearest commercial airport to the island is Pellston Regional Airport, 15 minutes south of the ferry dock in Mackinaw City. There are nonstop flights there from Detroit and Minneapolis. While the island does have a small airport, it’s for private and charter flights only.

As with most magical vacation spots, getting here is an adventure and certainly part of the experience.

A horse-drawn carriage on Mackinac Island. — lembi / Shutterstock

3. You Can Take A Horse-Drawn Taxi

Once you get to the main dock at Mackinac, you’ve got a few transportation options. You can walk to your accommodations, rent a bike to reach them (if you’re traveling light!), or call a Mackinac Island taxi in the form of a horse-drawn carriage. It’s a wonderful, old-fashioned way to travel, and you’ll become accustomed to the clip-clop sound of horse hooves during your visit. The taxis operate just like they do at home: 24 hours a day, radio-dispatched, and with similar rates. Keep in mind that most operate on a cash-only basis, so make sure to hit the ATM before you call for your ride.

Arch Rock in Mackinac Island — Amer Rashiddin Marzuki / Shutterstock.com

4. You’ll Marvel At Its Natural Beauty

History and architecture aside, a good deal of Mackinac’s appeal comes from its incredible natural beauty. The island is just 8 miles around, and suffice it to say there’s not a bad view anywhere. Its sweeping lakeshores, dramatic limestone outcrops, and features including Sugar Loaf, Arch Rock, and Skull Cave are perfect places to explore. Spend some time hiking to these beautiful sights, all just a bit north of downtown, or rent a bike, circle the island, and make stops along the way.

If you’re lucky enough to visit in June, you’ll get an extra-sweet incentive to get outside: That’s when Mackinac’s thousands of lilac bushes burst into bloom, perfuming the air all over the island.

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Round Island Light, renovated for Somewhere In Time, on Mackinac Island — KAREN BLEIER/AFP via Getty Images

5. A Cult Classic Was Filmed Here

In 1979, Hollywood came to far-flung Mackinac Island, transforming most of it into a movie set for the romantic drama Somewhere in Time. The movie, starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour, was released in 1980 and was mostly panned by critics. But the poignant story of a playwright who travels back in time to find his love struck a chord and developed a passionate fan base.

Today, some 40 years later, the movie is still celebrated here. A visit to the Grand Hotel will take you straight back to the film, from the porch to the dining room to the resort’s gorgeous grounds. The hotel hosts an annual Somewhere in Time Weekend, when fans flock to meet people who were in the movie, hear stories about its production, and get insider views of the places it was shot.

The Somewhere in Time Gazebo, where a pivotal scene takes place, still stands just north of downtown. It’s a popular spot for selfies and weddings.

6. It’s The Perfect Place To Beat The Summer Heat

Mackinac really comes alive during the summer, and for good reason. Its cool lake breezes and low humidity are a delight. During the dog days of summer, average temperatures only reach the mid-70s.

That said, the island shutters after the autumn, with most businesses closing at the end of October. The winters here are brutal, as the lake that keeps things so pleasant in the summer brings a frigid, frosty chill. While there are holiday celebrations and even a winter festival, they’re for the heartiest of souls — and the thickest of long underwear!

Main street on Mackinac Island. — Kenneth Sponsler / Shutterstock

7. You’ll Love The Slower Pace

Mackinac has an incredible, time-bending quality to it. Life really slows down here. There aren’t any brand new, cookie-cutter developments. Instead, there are historic homes and resorts that have been painstakingly preserved. Instead of cars, there are horse-drawn carriages. And instead of a frenetic nonstop pace, there is a laid-back vibe. Perhaps it’s the incredible lakeshore views, the natural beauty, or the sensation that you’re leaving your stress behind when you step onto the ferry, but it feels different here. And that’s a very good thing!

8. It Offers Both Luxe And Budget Experiences

On Mackinac, there’s something for every budget. You’ll find top-notch spas where you can be pampered from head to toe, an opulent high tea service at the Grand Hotel, and several private golf clubs offering sweeping lakeshore vistas.

But if you’re looking for a budget experience, you’re also in luck. Since most of the island is a state park, many of its top attractions are free and open to the public. And while rooms tend to sell out quickly during the high season, you can find accommodations at reasonable prices on home-sharing sites.

JoAnn's on Mackinac Island - fudge making — gg5795 / Shutterstock.com

9. Save Room For The Chocolate

Of course, we saved the sweetest thing about Mackinac for last: the island’s legendary fudge. There are more than a dozen small shops downtown that sell this famous, decadent export. They crank out five tons of the sweet stuff a day during the summer! Chocolate is by far the most popular flavor, but you’ll see variations including vanilla, rocky road, and pecan.

The history of the confection here stretches back more than 100 years, when the Murdick family settled on Mackinac and opened a small candy store. They started making the fudge on marble slabs, which enticed the tourists and put on quite a show. The rest, as they say, is history. Be sure to save room for this traditional dessert — after your meals on the island, and in your luggage to take home. It’s a sweet reminder of a special place!

How To Spend A Day In Casey, Illinois

Visiting Casey, Illinois, is like stepping into an episode of the old television series Land of the Giants or into the movie Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. The town of about 3,000 boasts some of the world’s largest attractions, larger-than-life items created by local Jim Bolin to help attract visitors to his community.

Located almost halfway between Saint Louis and Indianapolis along Interstate 70, Casey (pronounced KAY-zee) was once primarily a gas stop and a spot for travelers to stretch their legs. Today, it hosts thousands of visitors eager to see the world’s largest wind chime, rocking chair, and mailbox, among other unique attractions. What started with the 48-foot-tall wind chime in 2011 has grown to become an entire collection of Guinness World Records sights.

It’s easy to spend a day exploring this south-central Illinois town. Here’s what to do when you visit.

See Some Of The World’s Largest Attractions

Most of the world’s largest attractions are located near the town center. Situated amidst area businesses, the world’s largest attractions have helped the local economy; as people visit the attractions, they also stop into the stores and eat at the restaurants.

The wind chime in Casey, Illinois. — Tim Trudell

The wind chime stands inside a small park where visitors can walk around and enjoy the scenery and the fragrances of freshly grown flowers and plants. You can even pull a chain to make the wind chime play. Located near the wind chime, as there are near all the town’s largest attractions, are Bible verses.

Across the street from the wind chime is the world’s largest rocking chair. At about 32 feet, the chair — made from recycled material — weighs about 40,000 pounds. The chair includes creative designs carved into the arms and the back. Standing next to the chair, you’ll feel incredibly small.

The world's largest mailbox in Casey, Illinois. — Tim Trudell

Located downtown, the world’s largest mailbox stands 32 feet high and takes up more than 5,743 cubic feet. You can climb a small flight of stairs to stand inside the mailbox, which offers a view of the downtown area. You can pull a lever to raise or lower the red flag on top.

The world’s largest wooden shoes (or clogs, as they are known in Casey) are located inside Casey’s Candy Depot. At 11 feet and 6 inches long, 5 feet and 10 inches wide, and 4 feet and 10 inches tall, the wooden shoes are a popular photo stop, and you can stand inside them or next to them.

The world’s largest golf tee is appropriately located at the Casey Country Club golf course. Designed in 2013 to help create interest in the community’s public golf course, the golf tee stands 30 feet and 6 inches tall. Good luck hitting your ball off of it!

The world's largest pitchfork in Casey, Illinois. — Tim Trudell

The world’s largest pitchfork is 60 feet long and weighs about 1,900 pounds. Located near Richards Farm Restaurant, the attraction is perfectly situated near a farm setting.

The newest world’s largest attractions are located near downtown, where they can be found near the other attractions. The new attractions are a car key chain (26 feet long), a swizzle spoon (11 feet long), a barbershop pole (14 feet and 6 inches tall), and a teeter-totter. At 62 feet long, the teeter-totter, located across the street from the wind chime and rocking chair, actually works and can accommodate an entire busload of visitors. The world’s largest golf club, 60 feet long, will be displayed outside the town’s new visitor center, which will open in 2020.

The last of the world’s largest attractions in the area is a judge’s gavel, which is located outside the Clark County Courthouse in Marshall, Illinois. The gavel is 8 feet long and 5 feet wide.

The yardstick in downtown Casey, Illinois. — Tim Trudell

Appreciate The Town’s Other Giant Attractions

In addition to the world’s largest attractions, Bolin and his team have created a few fun Big Things — attractions too small for Guinness records, but still fun to see — that are located throughout the downtown area. See if you can find them all, from a cartoon minion to a large horse. There’s a yardstick that is 36 feet long instead of 36 inches long. Made from an old light pole, a 32-foot-long pencil is located near the mailbox. A giant birdcage seats up to four people and is located across from the mailbox. You’ll also find a gigantic spinning top downtown.

Once standing among the world’s largest attractions, a set of knitting needles and crochet hook have since been replaced in the record books. Believe it or not, the needles are actually used for knitting!

Grab A Bite To Eat At Richard’s Farm Or Greathouse Of Pizza

Since 1976, Richards Farm Restaurant has called an old family barn home. Known for its homestyle cooking and fresh salad bar, the restaurant is possibly Casey’s most popular eatery. While it caters to bus tours and other groups, Richards Farm has plenty of space available for couples and small travel groups. With a menu featuring catfish, country fried steak, and steaks, Richards Farm also serves burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

If you’re a fan of Chicago-style pizza or good pasta, then you’ll want to visit Greathouse of Pizza, which serves deep-dish pizza. The dough is made fresh every day, and the pizzeria’s special sauce and tasty sausage are to die for. The menu offers thin- and thick-crust pizza, as well as salads, appetizers, and spaghetti and meatballs.

If you decide to spend the weekend in Casey, consider reserving a room at the Eighteen-Ninety Sleepover. The boutique-style downtown hotel offers contemporary rooms in a century-old building. The Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Casey provides a comfortable stay for people who prefer a national chain. A stay includes free breakfast.

Whether you’re visiting for the day or the weekend, a trip to Casey provides a fun look at some of the world’s quirkiest attractions. As you stroll through the downtown area, check out the local shops and enjoy a meal at one of the area restaurants. After all, the reason you’re here is because of one man’s love for this town.

6 Places To Try Ice Wine, Nature’s Sweetest Mistake

If you’ve ever enjoyed a dessert wine after a particularly delectable meal, ice wine might be for you. If you’re adventurous and like to try new things, ice wine might be for you. If you love sweet wines like moscato, ice wine is definitely for you.

Ice wine was accidentally discovered centuries ago in what is now Germany, where it is known as eiswein. Essentially, when grapes are frozen on the vine, harvested (usually around 20 degrees), and then pressed, the resulting beverage is a super-sweet dessert wine known as ice wine. According to Wine Folly, some of the grapes used for this method are cabernet franc, chenin blanc, merlot, riesling, gruner veltliner, and gewurztraminer.

For it to be considered a true ice wine, the grapes must be hand-picked off the frozen vine, not commercially frozen. That means that this wine is only produced during years when it’s cold enough. That, plus the fact that this method uses far more grapes and requires more labor, means that ice wines are more expensive — but they’re worth the money.

There are plenty of places all over the world where you can sample and purchase ice wines. Here are some of the best.

1. Luxembourg

This tiny yet charming European nation, roughly the size of Rhode Island, produces ice wine. Due to warmer winters, the last year of production was 2016. If you’re in the area, check out operations like Domaine Alice Hartmann (only open Fridays), Caves Saint Martin (with six wine-cellar tour options), and Domaines Vinsmoselle (the country’s oldest wine producer). Luxembourg is easily accessible from nearby European nations like Belgium, Germany, and France, so consider a visit on your next European vacation.

2. Door County, Wisconsin, United States

Wisconsin’s Door County, the jagged, picturesque peninsula that juts out into Green Bay and Lake Michigan, is a regular producer of ice wine. The region is a convenient drive from larger cities like Milwaukee and Chicago. Try the ice wine offerings at Door 44 Winery in Sturgeon Bay, which are grown nearby at sister winery Parallel 44. This region is one of just a few that are cold enough to produce ice wine every year; it is part of the Wisconsin Ledge American Viticultural Area (AVA). A nearby winery that also produces ice wine is the Trout Springs Winery in Greenleaf, Wisconsin; it’s also in the Wisconsin Ledge AVA.

3. Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

While Ontario and British Columbia both produce excellent ice wines, my personal favorites in Canada come from the province of Quebec, especially the scenic, pastoral Ile d’Orleans near Quebec City. There are numerous delights sure to satisfy the pickiest oenophile at Vignoble Sainte-Petronille. Stop in for a tasting, or enjoy the free tour and vineyard walk.

Those interested in checking out a larger selection of Canadian ice wines should consider attending some of the country’s well-known festivals, including the Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival, the Niagara Icewine Festival, and the Vancouver International Wine Festival. Other famous Canadian ice wine producers are Peller, Inniskillin, Henry of Pelham, and Jackson-Triggs.

4. Leavenworth, Washington, United States

This cute Bavarian-style village in Washington is a winning destination for many reasons. First, it’s just a short drive from Seattle, a major airport hub. Second, it has a rustic winery (located in a log cabin!) that also happens to craft ice wines. Icicle Ridge Winery has been producing wine since 2000. With both a downtown Leavenworth tasting room and the aforementioned log cabin in nearby Peshastin, visitors can enjoy ice wine in two different settings.

5. Mosel Valley, Germany

No ice wine travel list would be complete without the place where the wine originated. The Mosel Valley wine region in particular, which winds around the river of the same name, produces some excellent ice wines. There are more than 500 wineries in this area to choose from, but some of my favorites are Dr. Loosen, Willi Schaefer, and J. Koll & Cie. Be ready to try ice wines made with riesling, the Mosel Valley’s most famous grape varietal.

6. Reichersdorf, Austria

Austrian ice wines aren’t as famous as those produced in neighboring Germany, but they should be. There are some excellent producers near the Reichersdorf wine region in the northwestern reaches of the nation. One winning spot to try is Huber, which has ice wines from the 2012, 2015, and 2016 vintages available. Another area winery to visit is Winery Nigl, located just 20 minutes away from Huber. Its gruner veltliner 2017 vintage is an excellent area ice wine.

8 Must-Visit Wineries In Paso Robles, California

Whether your visit to wine country is exclusively about finding excellent wines, or whether it’s more about a fun scene and gorgeous views, you really can’t go wrong in Paso Robles, California.

Featuring more than 200 wineries and tasting rooms, the Central Coast community, which is located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, offers a dizzying array of venues — everything from small family-run operations with a few outdoor tables overlooking pastoral vineyards to lavish glass-walled tasting rooms abuzz with clinking glasses and sparkling conversation.

My preferences run somewhere in between, and Paso Robles has plenty of wineries in that middle-of-the-road category as well — places that showcase the community’s fun vibe, its stellar vineyard views, and, of course, its delightful wines.

Despite the diversity, one thing is true regardless of where you stop: Paso Robles lives up to its friendly, laid-back reputation. Even at the higher-end wineries I visited, stuffiness was nowhere to be found. I found that the wine experts took the time to explain the varieties and tell the winery’s story.

Likewise, few of the wineries require reservations, and tastings are mostly moderately priced, with a few places even offering free tastings.

Based on the recommendations of countless local experts, as well as my own experiences, here are eight varied and not-to-be-missed wineries in Paso Robles. (By the way, the locals pronounce it PASS-oh ROW-buls — “Robles” rhymes with “nobles.”)

Sclpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden in Paso Robles. — Cindy Barks

1. Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden

From the front-desk attendant at my hotel to the friendly visitor-center representative in downtown Paso, I heard a repeated recommendation from locals: Be sure to check out Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden.

And after spending a warm winter morning wandering amidst whimsical rock-carved felines, ballerinas, and elephants, I have to agree — Sculpterra offers a uniquely entertaining wine-country experience.

With four staff artists, Sculpterra is as much an art gallery as it is a winery. From a stalking puma to fluttering dragonflies, the sculptures are sprinkled liberally throughout Sculpterra’s tasting room and charming front and back courtyards.

Wine is also central to the experience. A tasting will take you from Sculpterra’s refreshing chardonnay to its subtly spicy viognier to its full-bodied cabernet sauvignon and rich and fruity Statuesque.

For a perfect visit to Sculpterra, stop at the indoor tasting room for an introduction before heading to the backyard for a stroll among the sculptures and a wine sample at the outdoor bar. With wine glass in hand, venture into the vineyards that run right up to the courtyard and check out of the views of the winery framed by Paso’s classic majestic oak trees. If you’re hungry after your walk, sample a street taco or wrap sandwich at the food trucks that stop by the winery.

DAOU Vineyards and Winery in Paso Robles. — Cindy Barks

2. DAOU Vineyards And Winery

Views, atmosphere, stellar wines, and a compelling story: DAOU Vineyards and Winery, with its mountaintop venue, has it all.

Started in 2007 by French Lebanese brothers Georges and Daniel Daou, DAOU capitalizes on its stunning location with a sprawling Mediterranean-style tasting room that features an indoor-outdoor patio. The numerous seating options all overlook the rolling hills of the vineyard. When I visited on a Saturday afternoon, groups lounged in clusters of comfy Adirondack chairs, sipping wine and basking in the views.

DAOU was another frequent recommendation from the locals I consulted, and the word has definitely spread that the winery located off the scenic Adelaida Road is the place to go for the region’s best views.

Even on the winter day that I visited, the winery was packed, and a parking attendant stopped me on my way up the hill. Parking at the tasting room is limited, and at times, visitors are directed to a slightly removed parking lot where a shuttle will take them up the hill. Reservations are recommended for tastings.

Tobin James Cellars in Paso Robles. — Cindy Barks

3. Tobin James Cellars

Tobin James Cellars, with its magnificent setting among the rolling hills of eastern Paso Robles, is known for a number of features.

First of all, Tobin James is the first winery you see as you approach the community from the east. After passing through green and amber hills dotted with black Angus cattle, the bright sunburst logo of Tobin James offers an enticing introduction to Paso Robles wine country.

Then, there’s the fun atmosphere. Walk through the doors of the winery that is located on the grounds of an old stagecoach stop, and the lively ambience will immediately put you in the mood for a wine-tasting adventure.

Sit down at Tobin James’s antique mahogany bar, and you will be delighted by another popular feature: complimentary wine tastings. The friendly wine professionals behind the bar offer useful tips about the winery’s selections and will quickly ring up any purchases.

Be sure to check out Tobin James’s leafy and rustic front courtyard, complete with the rotating blades of a towering water pump.

Calcareous winery in Paso Robles. — Cindy Barks

4. Calcareous

For a secluded winery positioned on a lovely knoll, venture along the winding, tree-canopied route of Peachy Canyon Road to Calcareous.

There, you will be greeted by an elegant glass-walled tasting room that offers floor-to-ceiling views of the surrounding vineyards. Be sure to check out the wine-tasting flight of Calcareous’s Lily Blanc, syrah, cabernet sauvignon, and its new release of Lloyd, a rich and full-bodied red, named after winery founder Lloyd Messer.

Halter Ranch in Paso Robles. — Cindy Barks

5. Halter Ranch

Located amidst the scenic hills west of Paso Robles, Halter Ranch offers a full-service experience complete with a massive tasting room, elegant restaurant, winery and cave tours, and horseback vineyard tours.

Step into the chic glass-walled tasting room of the Adelaida Road-area winery, and you will be instantly engulfed in the buzz of wine country. When I visited, I heard numerous languages being spoken and watched as the busy wine professionals poured tastes for multigenerational families and groups of young women obviously enjoying a girls’ weekend.

Starting with the covered bridge that you cross on your way to the winery, Halter Ranch delivers atmosphere with a capital A.

6. Eberle Winery

A fun and budget-friendly choice, Eberle Winery offers not only complimentary wine tastings, but wine cave tours as well.

The scenic winery located in eastern Paso Robles along Highway 46 is truly a full-service spot, featuring amenities such as an outside picnic deck as well as bocce and cornhole. It is also pet-friendly.

Pro Tip: Eberle is located near the Field of Light at Sensorio, a stunning walk-through display of glowing orbs spread over 15 acres of classic Paso Robles terrain. The winery makes a great late-afternoon stop before heading to the evening Field of Light display.

Lone Madrone in Paso Robles. — Cindy Barks

7. Lone Madrone

Situated on a hill between the mountain and the sea in western Paso Robles, Lone Madrone offers a rustic, family-operated tasting experience amidst the giants of Adelaida Road.

As a passion project of noted winemaker and founder Neil Collins, Lone Madrone takes an old-world approach to its winemaking. The winery is located on a 70-year-old Clydesdale horse ranch that has been renovated to include a pretty tasting room with an open-air bar and a patio overlooking the surrounding rugged vineyard.

8. Niner Wine Estates

Known for its lovely heart-shaped grove of trees on the top of a hill, Niner Wine Estates offers the best of the scenic wineries in the western Highway 46 region of Paso Robles.

Heart Hill has been an icon in the area since the mid-1950s, according to the Niner website. Although the Niner family bought the property in 2003, the land’s ranching roots go back to the early 1900s, when cattle roamed the hillsides. Those early ranchers are said to have seen the romance in the heart-shaped grove and nurtured it through the decades.

Now, vineyard rows border the famous grove, and the Niner wineries operate in a solar-powered estate in the heart of Paso Robles wine country.

The winery features a circular wine bar that is bathed in natural light and features sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards. Wine-tasting appointments can be made from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Although walk-ins are accepted, the winery recommends appointments.

Located about 5 hours south of California’s Napa Valley, Paso Robles offers a welcoming, accessible option to the iconic Northern California region. And with 69 wine varieties and 40,000 planted acres (compared to Napa’s approximately 35 varieties and 45,000 planted acres), Paso Robles more than holds its own against California’s other classic wine regions.

Pro Tip: Although wine tasting is the predominant activity in Paso Robles, the community offers many other fun features as well, from olive groves to hot springs to early California ranching history. Learn how to spend a day in Paso Robles here.