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The post Hachinohe in summer – the best of Japan’s northern frontier appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

The Hachinohe area, a region in Japan’s Aomori Prefecture, transforms in the summer. A time of celebration and enjoying the great outdoors, there are plenty of incredible experiences to be had. With travel to Japan now possible, discover five ways to enjoy summer in Hachinohe.

Hachinohe Sansha Taisai

Taking place from 31 July to 4 August, Sansha Taisai Festival welcomes over one million spectators per year. This nearly 300-year-old event includes more than two dozen floats made by local artisans competing for the grand prize – the Governor’s Award. At night, the town transforms for a magical experience, as the floats are illuminated and mythical creatures parade around the city whilst bystanders watch on and cheer.

Hike to Mt. Nakui

For a glimpse of the beautiful Aomori countryside, hike to Mt. Nakui for amazing panoramic views of the region. The mountain is home to Hoko-ji, one of the most prominent and famous Buddhist temples in the region, and is considered to be a spiritual mountain. For those looking for a longer trek, the Michinoku Coastal Trail is a 1,000 km hike that connects Hachinohe City with Fukushima, covering a large section of the Tohoku region.

Camp on the Tanesashi Coast

Camping is perfect for those looking to truly immerse themselves in nature, and there’s no place better in Hachinohe than the verdant and spacious Tanesashi Coast. With incredible views of the sea, the campgrounds on the Tanesashi Natural Lawn make for an ideal spot, and travellers can rent tents and other supplies such as barbecues and blankets. For those wanting a bit more comfort, the Nanbu Town Tree Houses are a group of quaint cabins with a golf course and tennis courts.

Cherry-picking

In Hachinohe, summer means cherries. The excellent weather offers the perfect chance to see local produce up close and taste the authentic flavour. While visitors can also pick other fruits like blueberries and apples, cherries are the real star of the season. For only £6, visitors get 40 minutes on a local farm to pick and eat as many cherries as they’d like.

Dine on a local delicacy

The Hachinohe is famous for uni – sea urchin – which can be enjoyed raw, in a soup, or on a seafood platter with other fish. There are plenty of places in the city to try uni, and a great starting point is the morning fish market at Mutsuminato, a beloved local landmark that’s been part of the city since post-World War II and is affectionately called ‘Hachinohe’s Kitchen.’

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The post IHG celebrates growth of Vignette Collection in Thailand appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

IHG Hotels & Resorts celebrated the rapid growth of Vignette Collection in Thailand, as the Luxury & Lifestyle brand approaches its first anniversary next month.

The recent rebrand of Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok marked Vignette Collection’s introduction in the country, with The Aquatique Pattaya, Thailand and Bangkok Chinatown set to triple their presence there in the next five years.

Ranging from heritage hotels to idyllic resorts, Vignette Collection is a collection of luxury hotels in vibrant destinations, each unique in its own right, with a distinct outlook and story to tell.

As Rajit Sukumaran, IHG’s Managing Director, South East Asia and Korea, explained, the brand’s momentum is quickly growing, with eight properties already open or in the pipeline in Thailand and countries including Australia, Austria and Portugal.

“It’s been a wonderful first year for Vignette Collection, and we’re excited about its growth in Thailand and across the globe since its launch last August,” said Sukumaran. “It has really caught the attention and imagination of owners everywhere.

“The brand offers owners of world-class independent hotels the opportunity to retain their distinctive identity, while benefiting from IHG’s global scale, Luxury & Lifestyle expertise, and powerful IHG One Rewards loyalty programme.

“Although it’s only a year old, it’s already accelerating our growth by meeting the increasing appetite of travellers for one-of-a-kind stays in sought-after urban and resort locations. We expect it to go from strength to strength and have more than 100 properties globally over the next decade.”

Sukumaran explained that the company’s great tradition in Thailand and long-term commitment to the country means it is a key element of IHG’s South East Asia growth strategy.

“Historically, Thailand is a market where we have launched new brands in South East Asia, such as Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Indigo, Staybridge Suites, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, and now Vignette Collection,” he said. “We continue to grow in Thailand, and plan to double our estate there with 35 hotels in the pipeline.”

This ambition will be supported by Vignette Collection, and IHG’s 17th and newest brand is fully embracing its commitment to responsible business, weaving responsibility, community and locality together to embody the company’s purpose of delivering True Hospitality for Good.

A great example is Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok, which is proudly partnering with the Kuvanant Foundation to provide educational opportunities for local students and those living with disabilities in rural areas of Thailand. Upon checking in, guests are encouraged to donate USD$1 to the foundation, with the hotel providing internships, career opportunities and insights into the hospitality industry for its students.

Vignette Collection further enriches IHG’s fast-growing Luxury & Lifestyle offer for leisure and business travellers which stands at more than 400 hotels and 100,000 rooms – the second largest in the industry with its portfolio of brands including Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, Kimpton and Hotel Indigo.

IHG continues to enjoy a strong 2022 in Thailand, which included the signing of Kimpton Hua Hin, the fourth Kimpton in the Kingdom. Upcoming openings include InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, Staybridge Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit and Holiday Inn Resort Samui Bophut Beach, as the company looks to double its estate across all brands by 2026.

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The post Take a bite out of Colorado this summer appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

Colorado prides itself on farm-to-table cuisine, with many of its restaurants serving up tasty dishes made using the freshest, local produce. Food, drink and community are at the heart of Coloradan culture and below are ways in which travellers are able to live like a local through the tastes and flavours of the state this summer. 

Tours 

Rocky Mountain Food Tours, Colorado Springs 

Rocky Mountain Food Tours in Colorado Springs invites travellers to taste authentic flavours and discover why the city is a gastronomy hotspot. There are three tours to choose from, the most popular of which is The Original Colorado Springs Tour, where guests get to enjoy dishes from five different restaurants and learn about the region’s rich history. Travellers will get a behind-the-scenes look into the popular culinary scene downtown, whilst seeing it from a locals perspective. Prices start from £53 per person. 

Beer and Bike Tours, Fort Collins

Cruise from one craft brewery to another on two wheels with the Fort Collins Brew Cruise. Beginning at the Troubadour Malt House, the tour lasts around four hours and visits three different local breweries, with the itinerary tailored to each group Riders will journey e through the picturesque streets of Fort Collins, learning about the city’s history, cycling culture and craft brewing industry along the way. Fort Collins is renowned for its craft beer; the city is home to more than 20 craft breweries including one of the largest brewers in the US, New Belgium Brewing Co. Prices start from £67 per person. 

Delicious Denver Food Tours, Denver

Offering travellers an introduction to Denver’s dynamic food scene, Delicious Denver Food Tours are perfect for those who love both gastronomy and city life. Explore the Mile Hile City’s foodie scene with a knowledgeable guide, who will offer a glimpse into the award-winning local restaurants. Taste delicious dishes such as Neapolitan pizza and Colorado green chile on the Downtown Denver Food Tour or Mexican street tacos and banana nutella empanadas on the RiNo Arts District Food Tour. Each expedition ensures to provide an overarching Denver experience, mixing both high culture and street food, as well as teach travellers about history, street art, and things to do in the surrounding areas. Prices start from £58 per person. 

Festivals 

Vail Wine Classic, Vail (11-13 August) 

The Vail mountains are calling wine enthusiasts this August at the Vail Wine Classic. Across three days, winemakers are on hand to meet and greet wine lovers, whilst guests can attend educational seminars, enjoy paired dinners, and sample wines from around the world. The two Grand Tasting events are highlights of the festival and feature an impressive selection of local and international wines, alongside premium beer and craft cocktails. Live music and small bites ensure this outdoor experience has an atmosphere to be remembered. Tickets start from £99 per person. 

Palisade Peach Festival, Palisade (11-13 August)

Lifes a peach at Palisade’s annual Peach Festival. Taking place 11-13 August, guests can experience Palisade peaches at their finest during its 53rd annual celebration. The peach party is a chance for farmers, families and businesses to share their famous fruits with the rest of the world. Guests can expect the crowning of the 2022 Peach Queen and Court, live music and dancing, drink vendors and food trucks, as well as family-friendly games and the famous BBQ throwdown and peach eating contests. A family pass for the full weekend costs £21.

Taste of Colorado, Denver (3-5 September)

Across Labor Day weekend (3-5 September), one of Colorado’s most popular festivals takes place in Denver’s Civic Center Park to bid a farewell to summer. Taste of Colorado hosts thousands of guests to savour distinctive Colorado dishes created by talented local chefs. Tour the state’s menus with samples from over 50 restaurants, dance to live music spanning different genres across six stages, and shop artisan crafts, homeware and jewellery from 50 market traders. Entry is free.

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