TravelAwaits

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Best Chocolate in Brussels, Belgium: Shops, Workshops, & Tours

Best Chocolate in Brussels, Belgium: Shops, Workshops, & Tours

Let’s play a food-based word game. When I saw Belgian, you say…

No, not waffles. Chocolate. Belgian chocolate.

Let’s try again. When I saw Brussels, you say…

No, not sprouts. We’re still talking about chocolate.

Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, isn’t often high on bucket lists for Americans heading to Europe. But Brussels has more than a few pleasant surprises in store for visitors, from its unique architecture to its role as the seat of the European Union. With over 80 museums dotting the city, a multicultural atmosphere, and imaginative gastronomic projects, it has all the hallmarks of a great destination.

Oh, and chocolate.

Brussels is known as the ‘chocolate capital of the world’ thanks to its role in developing the sweet confection and its massive number of artisanal shops. Though chocolate isn’t a tough sell for most people with a sweet tooth, there’s one angle that you might want to keep in mind—especially if you’re heading to Europe with a lover.

High-quality chocolate, which includes flavonoid-rich cocoa, is an aphrodisiac. (If you’re into science, dive into studies here and here.)

Forget Paris—if you’re looking to explore the sexy underworld of sweet treats, head to Brussels.

Best chocolate workshops and tours in Brussels

Chocolate Pralines Workshop

TripAdvisor

Walk out of this workshop with 30 handcrafted praline chocolates with you—you’re an artisan chocolatier, now!

Truffles Workshop & Tasting

TripAdvisor

Start off by learning the ins and outs of creating dark chocolate truffles, then top off the experience with a rich mug of hot chocolate.

Chocolate Walking Tour & Workshop

TripAdvisor

Get a lay of the (cocoa-laden) land with a short walking tour, followed by a short DIY chocolate workshop that’s led by a master chocolatier.

Hungry Mary’s Famous Beer & Chocolate Tour

TripAdvisor

Join one of the most famous tours in town at Hungry Mary. Not only will you sample 10 different chocolates, but you also get six beer tastings and cheese plates.

Small-group Chocolate Appreciation Tour

TripAdvisor

Wander through the streets of Brussels as you visit five of the city’s most celebrated chocolatiers. Plus, tons of history factoids and chocolate-making insights.

Best chocolatiers in Brussels

Passion Chocolat (courtesy of TripAdvisor)

8 Delicious & Gorgeous Wineries in Missouri

When you picture vineyards sprawling across rolling hills in the United States, what places come to mind?

If you’re not thinking of California’s Napa Valley, you’re probably imagining Sonoma instead. Or if California didn’t come to mind, maybe you’re thinking about Washington State’s Walla Walla Valley or Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Aside from California, Washington, and Oregon, states like Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and even Ohio are home to fruitful vineyards.

Anyone who thought of Missouri gets bonus points—as a Midwestern state that’s often dubbed a fly-over territory, few people think about wine when they think about Missouri.

I grew up in the Show Me State and didn’t know the Missouri River corridor was ideal for grape-growing. And I had no idea that a portion of the state is unofficially known as Rhineland, which is laden with unique grape varietals and is a hotbed of low-intervention winemaking methods.

While it might not seem like a likely candidate, Missouri has a handful of vineyards that produce award-winning wines.

Want to feel fancy at a winery and learn a thing or two along the way? No need to head to the West Coast. In fact, you can find some of the country’s coolest vineyards right in the heartland. Here are the best wineries in Missouri.

Best wineries in Missouri: Top 8 picks

Stone Hill Winery, Hermann

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Start with the winery that kicked off Missouri’s grape-growing fever. Founded back in 1847 by German immigrants, Stone Hill Winery isn’t just one of the oldest and largest in the state—it’s also one of the most celebrated.

In 2023, the winery took home three gold awards from the National American Wine Competition.

Adam Puchta Winery, Hermann

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

You’ll notice that many streets in Hermann, Missouri carry pieces of the Stone Hill Winery legacy—but it’s not the only vineyard in town.

In fact, the Adam Puchta Winery came up around the same time as the Stone Hill Winery, having been founded in 1855. Since then, it’s changed hands for seven generations but always remained in the Puchta family.

By 1848, wine producers in the Missouri River Valley (including both Stone Hill and Puchta) were pumping out 10,000 gallons of wine a year.

Augusta Winery, Augusta

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Just an hour west of Saint Louis is Augusta, Missouri, the center point of the state’s Rhineland region. You’ll find a long list of wineries in the area, three of which are listed here.

The first I recommend is Augusta Winery. This relative newcomer, which set up shop in 1988, might not look like much from the outside—but its tasting patio is gorgeous and it’s centrally located in historic Augusta.

Plus, its wines are some of the best to come from the state. Great ambiance, better wines.

Montelle Winery, Augusta

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

If you’re into scenic views, look no further. Montelle Winery has been nicknamed ‘halfway to Heaven’ thanks to its gorgeous vantage point overlooking the Missouri River Valley.

There are added ways to have fun, too, including a seasonal weekend wine hop trolley. Just come ready to drink—Montelle Winery has multiple award-winning dry and semi-dry varieties.

Balducci Vineyards, Augusta

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

The last Augusta winery you should have on your radar is Balducci Vineyards. Like Augusta Winery, Balducci opened its doors in 1988. But this is a stately, grand venue—one that has taken home Missouri’s Readers’ Choice Award for Best Winery in Missouri for 16 years in a row. That’s a high charge to beat.

Chandler Hill Vineyards, Defiance

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Defiance is located nearby Augusta just outside the official Missouri River Valley. Despite the change in location, Chandler Hill Vineyards is renowned for its elegant design and expansive views.

What I love about Chandler Hill is that there are a few ways to get in on the wino action, from guided tasting experiences to rentable vineyard cabanas. They also have a live music and event calendar, letting you enjoy the vineyard more casually.

TerraVox Winery, Kansas City

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

This alternative winery has one singular focus: grow and produce wine from American Heritage Grapes. If you’re looking for a purely American vineyard, look no further than TerraVox.

Tours and tasting experiences are designed to take you straight to the source where you can learn about local grape varieties and how they’re transformed into award-winning wine. Just keep in mind that TerraVox only offers a reservation-based tasting room experience. (Don’t worry – you can still see the vineyard.)

Les Bourgeois Vineyards, Rocheport

Courtesy of Yelp

Les Bourgeois Vineyards is a massive operation that offers a tasting room, known as the Blufftop. Rather than a traditional winery tour, you can enjoy the Blufftop for tastings, meals, and more.

Similar to Chandler Hill Vineyards, it’s a popular venue and hangout spot—just with a dash more luxury. Personally, I’d head over for a chocolate and wine pairing menu.

5 Exciting New Projects Launching in 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio

Being from the Rust Belt, cities like Cleveland have a special place in my heart.

Like many other hubs that have left their glory days behind them, from Buffalo to Baltimore, the city is in the middle of a rebuild.

Over the last decades, critical funding in Rust Belt cities has often been funneled toward urgent infrastructural and social needs. However, as new industries take root and investment takes off, many cities are refocusing their attention elsewhere.

From arts initiatives to environmental restoration to public events, new projects are taking off constantly—and 2025 is the year that many will hit the ground running.

Though much of the Rust Belt’s restoration has been focused on smaller cities like Lansing, Michigan, and Evansville, Indiana, some larger hubs are also in the midst of a rebirth.

Enter Cleveland.

In 2025, multiple projects that have been in development for years are set to open to the public. And with more set to roll out in 2026 and 2027, from sailing clubs to skyscrapers, it’s the perfect time to put this city back on your bucket list.

Whether looking for a weekend getaway or a more unexpected Midwestern adventure, Cleveland has quietly become one of the region’s stand-out destinations. Best of all, the city has a pet-friendly atmosphere—meaning Fido is also invited.

When you plan your trip, don’t miss out on these exciting new projects.

Coolest new projects taking off in Cleveland in 2025

West Side Market

The West Side Market interior in Cleveland, Ohio (Getty)

For years, the West Side Market has been one of the most popular attractions in the city. The famous historic market includes vendors and artisans that sell goods you won’t find elsewhere.

In 2025, the West Side Market will expand its reach with an outdoor seating area, beer garden, and monthly spotlight on local vendors. Tune in when the weather warms up for a brand new West Side Market experience.

Victory Cruise Lines comes back to Cleveland

View of cityscape of Cleveland downtown and Cuyahoga River (Getty)

In spring, Victory Cruise Lines is set to return to the Great Lakes after a six-year hiatus. The company operates two small cruise ships, which will stop in the Port of Cleveland up to 30 times this year.

Victory Cruise Lines are a fantastic way to explore Lake Eerie—along with the other Great Lakes. One line even includes a stop at Chicago’s Navy Pier.

Blossom Music Festival

John Mayer performs at Blossom Music Center (Photo by Patrick R. Murphy/Getty Images)

The Blossom Music Center is set to host a major festival this year, headlined by the Cleveland Orchestra. But there’s something extra on the docket this year.

First, the Cleveland Orchestra will be joined by Wicked’’s headliner Cynthia Erivo. Second, cinematic classics like The Lion King and Harry Potter will also be brought to life on the theater stage.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History like never before

Scenes at the Museum of Natural History (Photo by David Butow/Corbis via Getty Images)

Just like the West Side Market, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is changing things up thanks to hefty investments. This year, you can enjoy a brand new 375,000-square-foot expansion that was sustainably designed.

There are brand new Dynamic Earth and Evolving Life exhibits, plus a revamped visitor hall. Best of all, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is free to the public.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park turns 50

A misty early morning shot of Cuyahoga Valley National park (Getty)

Cleveland is halved by the grand Cuyahoga River—but the real rugged magic can be found 30 minutes from downtown Cleveland at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The park is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a range of outdoor events. There are new guided hike programs, train rides, river excursions, and even concerts and art exhibits that bridge culture and nature.

Bonus: ‘Superman’ comes to town

Cleveland, Ohio, USA – August 25, 2024: Jerry Siegel along with his childhood friend Joe Schuster wrote the first Superman Comics in 1933 as youths. They grew up in Cleveland’s Jewish neighborhood. (Getty)

Officially, Superman is from Smallville—but the Man of Steel was originally conceived in Cleveland. This year, DC’s revamped blockbuster series will debut in Cleveland. In the film, you might even be able to spot a few places from around the city; producers spent over six weeks to complete principle photography for the film.

Swamp Specialities: 9 Places to Eat Alligator in Florida

I’ve eaten many surprising types of meat during my global travels: horse, bear, kangaroo, scorpion, tarantula, donkey, and alligator.

Of all those memorable dishes, only one was served in the United States.

If you’re from Florida, you probably already know which one it was.

Alligator.

These cold-blooded lizards dot the state. Though most are concentrated in the Everglades region (in places like Alligator Alley, nonetheless), they can be found statewide.

But it wasn’t always that way. Once upon a time, alligators were nearly hunted to extinction in the United States. From the late 1800s until the 1950s, alligator hide boomed in popularity and led to overhunting. In 1967, the US made it illegal to hunt alligators and began protecting wetlands, helping save a species that’s been around for 200 million years.

Between 1967 and now, alligator populations have boomed throughout the Southeast. And rather than hunt them for hide alone, many alligators today end up served on plates—usually via farms.

Unsurprisingly, you can find alligator bites all around the Sunshine State, which is the US’s most alligator-ridden swamp paradise. From Fort Lauderdale to Destin to Jacksonville, here’s where to eat alligator in Florida.

Wait, wait, wait—what does alligator taste like?

If you’re going to eat alligator, you’ll probably see it listed as gator. Gator is often served up as ribs, nuggets, and ‘wings’.

I remember the taste being pretty mild and the meat a bit chewy. That’s because alligators are high in protein and low in saturated fat—which actually makes them a healthy choice compared to red meat. (Health-conscious travelers, take note!)

That being said, because alligators are predators, their meat isn’t nearly as delicate as beef or pork. It’s often served up fried and with a dipping sauce, usually as an appetizer.

9 places where you can eat alligator in Florida

*This list isn’t exhaustive by any means. If you’re heading to a small city or town in Florida, make sure to look up gator bites in your area! They’re probably served up at a local spot near you.

Dixie Grill & Brewery, West Palm Beach

Want a home-brewed craft beer with your gator bites? Look no further than West Palm Beach’s Dixie Grill & Brewery.

This beloved local haunt is known for its diverse menu—and its eclectic spirit. If you’re looking for a casual spot that’s full of spirit, unique bites, and friendly locals, make sure to stop by while you’re in town.

LuLu’s Bait Shack, Fort Lauderdale

LuLu’s Bait Shack has one focus: serve up the best in Cajun cuisine with some Mardi Gras flair. This is probably a good time to point out that the other US capital of gator is New Orleans—so you’ll see plenty of Cajun inspirations on this list.

At LuLu’s, you’ll get gorgeous views of Fort Lauderdale Beach while you snack on gator bites and sip on frozen daiquiris and other popular tropical cocktails. Gimme, gimme!

G&B Oyster Bar, Fort Lauderdale

As the name suggests, you can find the most acclaimed oysters in Fort Lauderdale at G&B Oyster Bar. In fact, this restaurant—though laid back—is known for its upscale seafood dishes.

Along with grilled snapper and craw claws, you can also order the slightly more elevated Alligator ribs dish. (Anyone who’s a little on the fence about how to eat alligator in Florida might want to start here.)

Shuck ‘N Dive, Fort Lauderdale

If LuLu’s doesn’t scratch your Cajun itch in Fort Lauderdale, head to Shuck N Dive. This Cajun restaurant has just as many authentic flavors and just as lively of an atmosphere. It’s also been around for almost 30 years, making it a bona fide favorite.

Instead of those bright cocktails, you can expect more hardcore NOLA favorites, from jambalaya to crawfish boils. And, of course, blackened gator tenderloin.

Fish on Fire, Orlando

This casual American eatery takes a slightly more Michelin approach to its gator bites. Only the most tender cuts of the alligator are used for its crispy bites.

These cuts are then marinated in buttermilk for hours before being tossed in Everglades spice and fried to a golden color. It’s one of the most popular forms of gator preparation—one that’s a bit more welcoming for first-time reptile-eaters.

The Black Sheep on Broadway, Ocala

The Black Sheep is a cozy but modern gastropub serving up American favorites. They offer alligator tail as an appetizer, which is also battered and fried until golden brown.

On weekends, you can also catch live entertainment at The Black Sheep—it’s one of the most popular eateries in downtown Ocala.

Cocoa Beach Fish Camp Grill, Cocoa Beach

Billed as a ‘Fish Camp’, this Cocoa Beach staple celebrates everything old-timey in South Florida. Unsurprisingly, their alligator dishes (yes, plural) highlight the restaurant’s kitschy atmosphere and unique approach to dining.

I’d go for the alligator sliders if I were you—that’s a pretty rare offer in terms of gator eats.

JT’s Seafood Shack, Palm Coast

Assuming you can find this cozy little spot off Old Scenic Highway A1A in Palm Coast, you’re in for a treat. This seafood shack specializes in refreshing seafood and American dishes, including gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Though not technically seafood, they do offer gator tail. (It looks like it’s only available when it stock, so call ahead if you’re heading there specifically to eat alligator.)

Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen, Winter Park

Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen offers three locations, so check the website if you’ll be in Brandon Altamonte. In Winter Park, you can order two different gator dishes off the appetizer menu.

The first is a gator, shrimp, and cheesecake (like a crabcake, not a Little Debby cake) and classic gator bites.

1 Month in Italy: Tips, Budget, & More from a 72-Year-Old Traveler

According to UN Tourism, France topped the list of most-visited countries in the world in 2024.

Following France, Spain, the US, China, and Italy topped the list. Historically, Italy has landed higher on the list, having topped European travel destinations multiple times over the last three decades.

On one hand, Italy’s longstanding popularity as a tourist destination bodes well for travelers—we have plenty of recommendations to sift through. On the other hand, the sheer volume of opinions and suggestions can be overwhelming… and might even lead into tourist trap territory.

If you want a closer look at what it’s actually like to plan a trip to Italy, I’ve got a case study for you. In September 2024, my dad, Larry, went on a month-long trip to Italy with his wife, Cindy.

At age 72, he has some travel experience in Europe and the Caribbean, but not much—and he hadn’t spent more than a week out of the country before his trip to Italy.

Want to know his unfiltered take on spending a month in Italy? Here’s a breakdown of his experience, including tips, favorite experiences, budget, and more.

One month in Italy—why spend a whole month on the trip?

Larry ended up in Italy for a month because he had the chance to rent a friend’s condo, which is located in Lucca, Italy in the Tuscan countryside. Opportunities like that don’t come up often, and they were able to save a bit on a two-floor, two-bedroom condo, which cost $1,500 for the month.

Larry and Cindy decided to use that Lucca condo as a base to explore other parts of the country. They decided to visit Italy in September because they heard the weather would be good and, more importantly, the condo was available.

During their month-long trip, Larry and Cindy visited Milan, Locarno (in Switzerland), Florence, Pisa, Montepulciano, and Rome. They also spent a good amount of time cycling the countryside, even making the journey from Lucca to Pisa on bike.

Before leaving, he was worried about getting bored—and missing his dog

Larry has lived his whole life in Saint Louis, Missouri—he’s not much of a traveler and usually sticks to his routine. That was one of his biggest anxieties prior to going on the trip: finding his rhythm and even getting bored. A month-long trip isn’t a casual getaway, after all.

Aside from the length of the trip, Larry was also a bit apprehensive about leaving behind his chihuahua, Greta. The pair say that if they go back to Italy (which seems likely), they’ll bring her along.

Lastly, he was worried about spending. Though Larry and Cindy had budgeted $10,000 for the trip, it was hard to estimate what they’d end up spending on food, trips, and more.

Don’t underestimate how much you’ll spend in Italy

And speaking of budget… Larry could have kept his spending to a minimum in Italy had he not tacked on pricier trips. A four-day getaway in Milan ended up adding thousands to the trip’s final budget—which wasn’t entirely unexpected but is still worth mentioning.

Without that expensive adventure in Milan (which included a day trip into Switzerland’s Italian-speaking canton of Ticino), he thinks they would have spent only $6-7,000 of their total budget. That includes airfare and the price of their Lucca rental.

Be prepared to make a ‘home base’

For all its similarities with the US, Italy doesn’t operate like the US. Saint Louis and Lucca don’t have much in common—and it took Larry and Cindy a little bit of time to find their ‘home base’ in Lucca. The language barrier was more of a factor than anticipated, which made things like ordering taxis difficult.

Over the first two weeks, the pair spent a lot of time getting familiar with Lucca. They managed to find a few spots that suited them, including restaurants, cafes, and shops. Larry recommends dedicating time and energy to settling in—especially if you might return one day like he and Cindy plan to.

Plan your outings ahead of time—and always book tickets beforehand

Heading to Italy, Larry was apprehensive about getting bored. (Remember, he likes routine.) In reality, he and Cindy kept very busy. They explored Lucca inside and out, along with other areas. They also spent a lot of time cycling. That being said, he wishes they would have planned more outings ahead of time.

They didn’t make it to the East Coast of Italy, or Cinque Terre. Not only were train rides more expensive and longer than anticipated but many experiences and tours were already booked up.

If you’re heading to Italy for a month, you might think you have enough time to do things casually—but that’s not often the case. Book everything ahead of time.

His favorite experiences were in Lucca & Locarno, Switzerland

Larry ended up liking his time in Lucca the most, along with his day trip to Locarno, Switzerland. Along with setting up that home base in Lucca, Larry also enjoyed one of the more unexpected finds: the Walls of Lucca.

He highly recommends scheduling a tour if you’ll be in the area; it showcases ancient barracks, Renaissance architecture, and more.

He also enjoyed taking a day trip to Locarno, Switzerland, where his great-grandparents immigrated from in the early 1900s. It’s a breathtaking town on the shores of Lake Maggiore (and one of the best Lake Como alternatives out there).

The Newest (& Dumbest) TikTok Travel Trend: Airport Theory

Last year, it was rawdogging flights. This year, it’s showing up at the airport minutes before a flight and rushing to make it to the gate.

It’s a wild world of TikTok travel trends—and I’m not talking about more general vacationing trends like solo travel or sustainability. I’m talking about more involved fads that provide the foundation for clickable content.

TikTokers in 2024 were showing up for long-haul flights without any entertainment or comfortable items in their arsenals. The goal was to ‘rawdog’ the flight without watching any films, listening to music, powering down for a nap, or, in some extreme cases, even drinking water.

But as rawdogging lost its shimmer, new trends took over. One of my favorites was the aesthetics-driven security bin. Rather than toss their luggage into security bins to clear the x-ray machines quickly, TikTokers were putting together cute arrangements for the perfect photo op—something called the ‘aesthetic TSA tray’.

While rawdogging was partly a way for travelers to challenge themselves (sort of like a mini digital detox), the aesthetic TSA tray was purely for the visual.

This year, TikTokers are taking things in a totally new direction with the emerging trend called Airport Theory. And it’s dumber than all the rest.

What’s Airport Theory?

Airport Theory is a TikTok challenge in which passengers show up only 15 minutes before their flight. You read that correctly.

TikTokers are showing up at the airport with the hopes of clearing security and finding their gates before it shuts… with only 15 minutes to spare and a smartphone recording the entire escapade.

Unsurprisingly, many don’t make it on the plane—and there’s been a huge uptick in searches for ‘I missed my flight’, according to the New York Post. The hashtag ‘Airport Theory’ has also wracked up close to 500 million views on TikTok during this period.

But some actually manage the feat, and usually with only minutes to spare. Most who manage to make their flight are doing so for social media flex, but some feel that it’s also a way to challenge the traditional idea that you need to show up hours before a flight.

The best Airport Theory cases

Airport Theory isn’t a good idea, and I recommend you give yourself plenty of time to get through the airport before your flight starts. Again, you’re arriving early in case of disaster—not because you actually need an hour and a half to get through security.

That being said, this TikTok trend is endlessly entertaining. If you’re interested in seeing Airport Theory in action, check out these adventures: