Prohibition Museum, Savannah, Georgia:
When alcohol went from savior to sinful – and back again

The entrance way immediately transforms you to the era just preceding Prohibition from 1920-1933. A larger-than-life 1918 street scene of a truck transporting alcohol being prevented from moving by an angry crowd of protesters sporting signs reading “Liquor is a curse,” “Alcohol is poison” and “Bread not beer.” The protesters somehow felt uncomfortably reminiscent of today…

Welcome to Savannah, Georgia’s Prohibition Museum, the only museum of its kind in the country, where you don’t just learn about prohibition, you actually re-live it. The visit is only one of the many enticing excursions aboard American Cruise Lines Intra-Coastal Waterway Cruise from Amelia Island, FL to Charleston, SC – also the only cruise of its kind in the country.

Back to the immersive 1920’s, famed evangelist Billy Sunday is railing against “King Alcohol,” loudly proclaiming Savannah as the wickedest city in the world. Life-size re-enactments of the many facets of prohibition from the massive attempts to rid the sinners of demon drink to the creative efforts of moonshiners to replenish the loss greet you around every corner. Political cartoons lining the walls elucidate the conflict: what caused prohibition, how people responded to it, got around it and eventually over-rode it. Vintage newsreels – for example, of a coast guard vessel chasing a rum runner boat – further bring the era to life.

As I made my way through, I was mesmerized by how clever the whole presentation was. “Moderation is the key, not prohibition,” says August Busch, of the famed Anheiser-Busch Company. Literally says! He’s just a picture on the wall before he starts talking. And then gets into a fiery debate with a lady of the Temperance League several picture frames down. They really go at it. How can you not delight in such an imaginative historical spectacle!

The 18th Amendment prevailed enabling barrel bashing and bottle breaking while the economy itself tanked. People out of jobs, taxes lost, manufacturing hobbled – pretty sobering news, I’d say… But there were those who thrived. Al Capone, for instance. Also Lucky Luciano, Bugsy Moran and their compatriots.

Observed Capone: “When I sell liquor, it’s called bootlegging; when my patrons serve it on Lake Shore Drive, it’s called hospitality.”

A separate observation came from famous raconteur Will Rogers: “During prohibition it was said tailors would ask customers what size pockets they wanted: pints or quarts. “And others found ways around the restrictions. Pharmacists issued prescriptions for liquor for “medicinal purposes.” Take three ounces every hour for stimulant until stimulated. Doctor’s Orders.

And, of course, moonshiners across the country reaped in the prophits from the grain alcohol produced secretly at night. Ergo, the famous moniker. Another of the life-size exhibits had one such backwoods culprit talking directly to us about his business. Eerie – and effective!

The tour ends at a nondescript wooden door – somewhat imposing – but what kind of Prohibition Museum would it be without a speakeasy. Immediately, you know you need a password. A knock brings a small open slit in the door with a pair of menacing, shifty eyes behind it and a growl that says, “Who sent you?” The temptation, of course, is to say, “Al did,” until you notice scratchy chalk marks close by with Al crossed out and an admonition to say Gus. So you say Gus, and the voice behind the eyes mumbles something and then says okay. And in you go. The menu includes a long list of libations famous at the time and the modern versions they most represent. I had a Mary Pickford and my husband, the much-revered prohibition Boilermaker. Apparently fancy cocktails were the norm as bartenders had to get creative in order to mask the taste of poor-quality liquor. But at least these drinks were legal!

Throughout the bar, not surprisingly, are newspaper headlines announcing the end of prohibition: Happy Days are Beer Again and Sober City Hails Liquors Return. And apparently, the ramifications of that era exist today – at least according to the museum. There’s a whole section celebrating the fact that moonshine runners were the origin of Nascar. Not entirely sure how I feel about that particular legacy….

And like every other museum tour in the world, there is a gift shop with the de rigueur t-shirts that say: “Alcohol will not solve your problems (but neither will milk)” and “Technically speaking, beer is a solution.” Some teetotalers might regret the failure of the Prohibition Era but for one, a Fireball aficionado, certainly do not. For more information, contact americancruiselines.com; americanprohibitionmuseum.com.

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Love is in the air! In need of a few ideas for Valentine’s Day this year? Don’t stress, we’ve got you covered. Here is a list of seven Vancouver Valentine’s Day date night ideas for you and your special someone.

Lot185 Café + Wine Bar’s Four-Course Valentine’s Menu

Lot185 Café + Wine Bar is pleased to offer a delicious four-course dinner menu for Valentine’s Day. Coffee shop by day and wine bar by night, you can find this unique dining experience inside the Vancouver Convention Centre West. The restaurant has beautiful views of Vancouver’s waterfront and Northshore Mountains, the perfect location for you and your Valentine. The dinner is priced at $65 per guest (additional beverages, tax, and gratuity not included), and features delicious menu items such as Pan Seared Quebec Veal Tenderloin, Michel Cluizel Chocolate Mousse, and a complimentary glass of bubbly.

For reservations call, 604-647-7416

Valentine’s Day After Hours at the Vancouver Aquarium

Pucker up for an intimate affair at Vancouver Aquarium’s After Hours this Valentine’s Day.
Vancouver Aquarium® scientists agree that blushing can be considered camouflage when discussing topics such as coral sex. Indulge in an alluring and amusing exploration of the sex lives of aquatic animals during the Valentine’s Day-themed After Hours on Thursday, Feb. 14 at the Vancouver Aquarium, an Ocean Wise® initiative. With a drink in one hand, your partner or pal in the other, get set for a scintillating night. In addition to exploring the Aquarium’s galleries at night, you can also enjoy special programs covering a range of hot topics.

Leave the kids at home; this racy event is suited for an adult audience. Cocktails, beer, and wine will be available for purchase throughout the Aquarium.

Where: Vancouver Aquarium (845 Avison Way)
When: Thursday, Feb. 14 from 6 to 11 p.m.

Purchase your tickets early to have Valentine’s Day plans sealed with a fish and to avoid disappointment (the event often sells out). Tickets are only available online at vanaqua.org/after-hours and are $27 for members and $35 for non-members.

Feather the Love Nest with Juke Fried Chicken

Juke Fried Chicken is giving lovers of its signature southern-inspired fare a delicious way to celebrate Valentine’s Day once again with the return of its popular ‘Let’s Cluck’ fried chicken bouquet on Thursday, February 14.

Available in limited quantities for both pickup and delivery from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. during Valentine’s Day only at both the original Juke (182 Keefer Street) and Little Juke (1074 Davie Street) locations, the Let’s Cluck bouquet swaps flowers for eight mouth-watering pieces of Juke’s trademark gluten-free, crispy fried chicken in decorative wrapping.

Inspired by Ariana Grande’s kiss-off tune, Bar Manager Olivia Povarchook will unveil a special V-Day cocktail, ‘Thank U, Next’. This saucy drink will be available at the Chinatown location from Monday, February 11 to Saturday, February 17.

Orders can be made online at jukefriedchicken.com or via email at

in**@ju**************.com











starting Tuesday, January 29.

Reminisce the Journey of Your Relationship with the Help of Pinnacle Hotels

Feeling nostalgic? Reminisce with your sweetie at one of three Pinnacle Hotel restaurants this Valentine’s Day. Accompanied by live music and beautiful waterfront views, each property is serving up a special menu on Thursday, February 14th to celebrate the occasion.

See the menus here:

P2B bistro & bar
Pier7 restaurant + bar 
The Lobby food + drink

Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar’s Very Special Valentine’s Day Dinner

This intimate one-night-only service features a special multi-course menu featuring the restaurant’s award-winning West Coast-inspired cuisine for $120 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Fire up your palate (and love life) with optional wine pairings selected by Restaurant/Wine Director JP Potters available for an extra $85 per person. Items from the Valentine’s Day menu will also be available à la carte on request.

When: Thursday, February 14 beginning at 5 p.m.

Check out the menu

Reservations are highly recommended as seating is limited for both Boulevard locations: call 604-642-2900 or book online

Fall in Love at Burdock & Co

The Main Street eatery invites lovers young and old – as well as family and friends – to cozy up over a multi-course farm-to-table Valentine’s Day feast. The Valentine’s Day menu has been perfected by the “Local Champion” in the 2018 B.C. Restaurant Hall of Fame, Chef Andrea Carlson. The menu features farm-fresh vegetables, ethically-raised meats and sustainable seafood sourced from nearby producers. Tickets to this special dinner cost $80 per person (plus tax and gratuity). There is limited availability, so guests are encouraged to book early!

Tickets can be purchased online through Resy.com

When: Thursday, February 14
Time: 5:30/6 p.m. & 8/8:30 p.m.

Make Valentine’s Day Memorable with a Romantic Dinner at Dockside Restaurant

Granville Island makes a perfect escape from the every day, and Dockside Restaurant’s creative West Coast cuisine, refined waterfront surroundings, and memorable views create an ideal destination for romance on Valentine’s Day.

This year, Valentine’s Day at Dockside will include a three-course table d’hôte dinner, live music by Melanie Dekker, bubbles, and roses, for a very special romantic experience. Executive Chef Mark Crofton and Dockside’s culinary team have created a delicious menu that’s filled with inspired preparations and indulgent flavours. Dishes like Oysters Two Ways, Cornish Game Hen Ballotine, Pork Tenderloin Wellington, and Surf & Turf are rich, inviting, and indulgent. Vegetarian options are available, and every meal finishes with sumptuous house-made desserts for sharing.

Valentine’s Day dinner at Dockside costs $75 per person (tax and gratuity not included) and reservations are highly recommended. For full menu details and reservations, visit www.docksidevancouver.com or call 604-685-7070

Live the Dream on a Romantic Adventure in Africa with African Travel, Inc.

There’s nothing more magnificent than celebrating a special romantic occasion in Africa. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, wedding or anniversary, you’ll experience the romantic trip of your dreams with African Travel, Inc. by touching an ancient culture, discovering the magic of the wild and relaxing in spectacular luxury.

Who wouldn’t want to celebrate a life milestone with a romantic picnic on the banks of the Zambezi River, sleeping under the stars on the enchanting Kenyan landscapes or listening to the echoes of lion roaring at an oasis camp ground in Botswana?

“Love is a celebration and Africa offers a plethora of romantic experiences that will surely create unforgettable memories,” says Sherwin Banda, president of African Travel, Inc. “Couples who travel with us can relax because every part of their trip is planned, so they can enjoy quality time as they begin a new chapter together.”

African Travel, Inc. specializes in celebratory and romantic travel to all parts of Africa. With this, we create a travel gift registry with all the details of your plans and itinerary. The site can be shared with friends and integrated into their social media platforms. Contributors can simply call or email African Travel, Inc. with their gifts, which can also be posted on the site in weekly updates.

According to a recent article from Vox, gift registries are evolving into something that is more personal and representative of the couple, such as honeymoon or family vacation funds.

Allow your friends and family to give you the gift of love with your registry, so they can travel with you and book the finest hotel accommodations, fine-dining experiences and exceptional safaris. If you have already set-up another registry, you can add the link to your safari vacation itinerary and encourage your friends and family to contribute to help make your travel dreams come true.

Our handcrafted, personalized itineraries will give you the memories of a lifetime, such as a 12-day trip to South Africa where you can discover the magnificent wildlife, scenic ocean views, decadent wines and authentic South African food. Whether you are looking for a safari excursion with a large group, an intimate couples’ massage, or a luxury dinner overlooking the ocean, our travel experts can help you craft your memorable journey.

Your sample celebration journey could include a four-night stay at the 5-star, award-winning hotel, Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town, with luxurious spas, sight-seeing of mountain tops, exclusive wine tours and views of the pristine beaches of Camps Bay. On the following four days you can stay at the Simbambili Game Lodge in the renowned Kruger National Park and go on drives with expert rangers to see astounding wildlife, such as the Big Five, and possibly a leopard from the Sabi Sands, which has the highest concentration of leopard in the world.

You can spend your last four days in paradise while exploring the Bazaruto Archipelago, with the options of reef snorkeling, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing. You’ll be lodging at the blissful Azura Benguerra Island, a protected marine conservation area with pristine beaches and unspoiled coral reefs, where you can soak up blissful vacation memories while lying in the sun on pearl white sand.

No matter how intimate or large your group is, we will work with you on land and air arrangements to ensure that every detail of your trip is taken care of, so your time can be spent enjoying your celebration. We are dedicated to giving you an incredible adventure with the ultimate African experience.

Lovebirds Fly to NYC and Los Angeles for Valentine’s Day

Americans Traveling Internationally Choose Mexico and Canada for Romantic Getaways

New York City and Cancun reign supreme as the most popular domestic and international romantic destinations for Valentine’s Day travel in 2019, with NYC claiming the top spot for the third year running and Cancun for the fifth year in a row.

Los Angeles (#2) jumped from fifth place last year, while newcomers to the top 10 domestic list include Miami (#5) and Phoenix (#9). Las Vegas (#10) fell from second place in 2018, while Seattle (#3), San Francisco (#4), Chicago (#6), Atlanta (#7) and Boston (#8) round out this year’s list.

Americans leaving the country to celebrate are overwhelmingly headed to visit our neighbors to the north and south – with four Mexico and two Canada destinations dominating the list: Cancun (#1), San Jose Del Cabo (#3), Mexico City (#7) and Puerto Vallarta (#8) in Mexico; and Vancouver (#5) and Toronto (#6), Canada. The remaining top 10 international destinations are warm weather locales: San Juan, Puerto Rico (#2); Nassau, Bahamas (#4); Oranjestad, Aruba (#9) and Montego Bay, Jamaica (#10).

Allianz Global Assistance, a leading travel insurance and assistance company, reviewed Americans’ travel plans* for roundtrip flights for two to domestic and international destinations the weekends immediately before and after Valentine’s Day, departing and returning from February 7 – 11 and February 14 – 18, 2019.

“Couples are predominantly heading to warm destinations for this year’s holiday. On a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend, flight delays or cancellations, lost baggage and illness are the last things you want to worry about,” said Daniel Durazo, director of communications and marketing at Allianz Global Assistance USA. “But unexpected travel hiccups can happen anytime and anywhere, whether you’re celebrating in a metropolitan city or on a tropical beach. Luckily, the right travel protection policy can provide peace-of-mind and make travel disruptions easier to handle if they do occur.”

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The World’s 50 Best Bar Awards

The drinks industry’s most anticipated night of the year, The World’s 50 Best Bars awards, will take place on Thursday, 5th October, 2017.  Now in its ninth year, The World’s 50 Best Bars provides an annual ranking of bars as voted for by over 500 industry experts from across the globe. The list represents the ultimate international guide to the world’s top bars and drinking destinations. This year’s awards event will take place at a brand new location: the historic Southwark Cathedral in London, UK.

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The World’s 50 Best Bar Awards

The World’s 50 Best Bars awards is an evening of international celebration, bringing together the best bartending talent from around the globe. Alongside the live countdown of the list, culminating in the announcement of The World’s Best Bar – a title taken by The Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog in New York in 2016 – this year’s ceremony will see a range of new accolades introduced.

The Industry Icon Award will honour one of the greats of the cocktail world for his or her lifetime’s work. The One To Watch Award will identify an international rising star bar. The Best New Opening Award recognizes the newcomer which has generated the most excitement, while the Bartenders’ Bartender Award goes to an individual nominated by the bartenders on The World’s 50 Best Bars list. These awards join those for Best Bar in North America, Australasia, Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa & the Middle East respectively, as well as for the Highest New Entry, Highest Climber and Legend of the List.

The voting system for 2017 has been refined to produce a truly global representation of bars and reflect the growth of new cocktail culture in regions around the world. This year, The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy was expanded to over 500 members – made up of bartenders, consultants, drinks writers and cocktail aficionados. Each voter was tasked with choosing their top seven bars, based on personal experience and preference, with a minimum of three of these bars needing to be located outside the voter’s country of residence. The voter must have visited each of the chosen bars within the last 18 months. The list is generated directly from the votes of the Academy members.

The changes have been introduced by the new team behind The World’s 50 Best Bars, which is now fully owned and organised by William Reed Business Media, the company that also owns The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.  William Reed Business Media takes over from Drinks International, part of Agile Media, in the organisation of the awards and voting, with Drinks International taking the role of trade media partner.

William Drew, Group Editor of The World’s 50 Best Bars, says: “We are very excited to be overseeing the creation of The World’s 50 Best Bars list and the presentation of the awards on 5th October. We have a stunning new venue with a larger capacity, and a host of new awards to present at what will be a night characterised by great excitement, copious cocktails and a dash of drama. Most importantly, The World’s 50 Best Bars is about celebrating excellence and providing a unique global guide for discerning drinkers.”

The list of bars ranked from 51-100 in the world, according to the votes of the Academy, will be announced two weeks ahead of the awards on the 19th September, providing an insight into exciting up-and-coming venues as well as more established operators that remain relevant. It will also signal the final countdown to the most important night in the industry’s calendar on 5th October.

On the evening of the awards event itself, the bar owners and bartenders from The World’s 50 Best Bars list will enjoy a pre-awards Bartenders’ Feast at Cinnamon Kitchen in London, overseen by chef-owner Vivek Singh, complete with cocktails provides by Ketel One Vodka, Heering Cherry Liquer, Bols Genever and Michter’s.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

For further information please contact: 

50********@ba********.com

About The World’s 50 Best Bars

The World’s 50 Best Bars, owned and organised by William Reed Business Media, provides a definitive list of the world’s best drinking venues, voted for by those in the know. Returning for its ninth year, the list has become the most anticipated ranking for drinks professionals and bar aficionados across the world, and the awards are the highlight of the bar industry calendar.

How the voting works

The final list is compiled by votes from The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy, comprised of more than 500 drinks experts, including renowned bartenders and consultants, drinks writers and cocktail specialists. The Academy of voters is spread across the globe with: 150 based in Europe; 115 based in North America; 70 in Latin America; 110 in Asia; 30 in Africa & the Middle East; and 30 in Australasia. The distribution of voters is designed to reflect the relative development and sophistication of the drinks sector, and the concentration of quality bars, in each region. Each voter casts 7 votes, based on their best bar experiences of the previous 18 months, of which at least 3 must be for bars located outside the voter’s country of residence.

How the awards work

• Industry Icon Award (new) – an individual honoured for his or her lifetime’s work in the industry, as voted for by The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy
• Bartenders’ Bartender (new)– an individual voted for by the bartenders of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2017 for their impact and contribution over the previous year
• One To Watch (new)– a rising star bar from outside The World’s 50 Best Bars, selected by the organisers as having the potential to break into the elite list in the future
• Legend of the List – the bar that has performed most consistently over the history of the list. Employees Only was the inaugural winner in 2016. Note: bars cannot win this award twice
• Best New Opening (new) – the bar opened within the voting year (July 2016-July 2017) that has performed best on the list (excluding the Highest New Entry)
• Highest Climber – the bar that has risen most places within The World’s 50 Best Bars (so excluding 51- 100) from 2016 to 2017
• Highest New Entry– the highest-ranked bar that has entered the list for the first time
• Continental Awards– the highest ranked bars in, respectively, North America, Latin America, Europe,
• Africa & the Middle East, Asia and Australasia
• The World’s Best Bar– ranked No.1 in the world, according to the votes of The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy

Results

The list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2016 is available at www.worlds50bestbars.com/fifty-best-bars-list-2016/

The best way to follow the build-up to and announcement of the 2017 list and individual awards is via The World’s 50 Best Bars digital channels: www.worlds50bestbars.com

Twitter: @50BestBars | #50BestBars
Instagram: @50BestBars | #50BestBars
Facebook: World’s50BestBars

Personal Translator Lets You Speak and Understand 80 Languages

See how it works:

Travis is the first translator with artificial intelligence, and the more it’s used the smarter it becomes. In each language combination, it chooses the most appropriate translation software: from engines like Google and Microsoft, to more local ones. Soon Travis users will be able to rate on an online platform the accuracy of translations delivered, so that the translator can improve. “We already have 6,000 users and are looking for more early adopters who want to make Travis even better. This year we want to reach 50,000 active users to make even better translations available to everyone through software updates in the device.”

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