"Food tourism is the act of traveling for a taste of place in order to gain a deeper sense of place," decrees the World Food Travel Association. And by all accounts, culinary vacations — aka "foodcations" — are booming in popularity. Leisure Group Traveler says that food quality is a "key factor" accounting for 60% to 80% of travel decisions — so why not go straight to the savory source for wine and food tastings, lectures, seminars, private parties, and cooking demos? Designated food weekends and tours abound around the U.S.

More than 40 years old and still going strong, the Aspen Classic has enjoyed the longest legacy among national multiday culinary events. From New York to California, many have followed in its wake. For the last 15 or so years, food photos on social media (i.e., food porn) have only fed the interest in cuisine-influenced travel.

Brett Friedman is the founder and CEO of Agency 21 Consulting (aka a21), and he’s a key player in this exalted space: A21 is the production company behind the esteemed Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival, overseeing the event’s programming, operations, partnerships and overall guest experience.

A21 also produces other major food festivals, such as the South Beach Wine & Food Festival and the New York City Wine & Food Festival, making it one of the premier producers of large-scale culinary experiences.

We spoke with Friedman and other experts and handpicked five of the tastiest and most acclaimed gastronomic experiences in the U.S.

1. Aspen Food and Wine Classic

The takeaway: "The granddaddy of all food and wine events is the Aspen Classic," Friedman says. Now in its 43rd year, the 2026 edition includes Tyler Florence and Nancy Silverton. Luxury travel advisor Becca Hensley recalls: "One year I went, and my favorite Texas chef from Houston was there: Chris Shepherd. He’s an all-star. The chefs are Michelin-starred, James Beard nominees, and rising talents." Hensley notes that Bobby Flay will return this year.

When it's happening: June 19–21, 2026

How to get there: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is located three miles from the center of the city. Flights go to several cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, and Denver. (Check schedules; some routes are seasonal.)

Where to stay: "Stay at The Little Nell or Hotel Jerome to see and be seen," Hensley advises. Hotel Jerome is a member of the Auberge Collection — a brand founded in the culinary capital of Napa Valley, Calif.

Beyond food and wine: Though established as a ski destination nearly 100 years ago and now one of Colorado’s toniest winter vacation retreats, Aspen offers plenty to do in summer. Activities include hiking one of the many trails around the Roaring Fork Valley, as well as rafting, kayaking, biking, mountain climbing and fly-fishing.

Want to be up in the air? Try paragliding and hot-air ballooning.

2. Sonoma Food Tour: Walking Food, Wine & History Tour

The takeaway: It’s little surprise that Sonoma came up with one of the most highly regarded culinary tours in the country. Sonoma Valley and adjacent Napa Valley are arguably among the most justifiably prestigious gastronomic and viticultural capitals in the U.S. Francis Ford Coppola Winery and Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery are standouts.

In addition to fine wines, the Sonoma food tour includes artisanal cheeses, chocolates, locally made olive oils and balsamic vinegars. The weekend three-hour-a-day tours are limited to 10 people.

When it's happening: Every Thursday through Saturday in 2026.

How to get there: The quickest route from San Francisco takes little more than an hour, but it’s more fun to drive north along the coast (explore Stinson Beach and Bolinas), even if it takes longer. Both routes are accessible via the eyepopping Golden Gate Bridge. Rent a convertible.

Where to stay: The uber-lux Montage brand, founded at the incomparable Laguna Beach, Calif., destination, enjoys a sister hotel in Healdsburg, CA, the center of Sonoma Valley. More intimate accommodations can be found at the Gaige House Inn in Glen Ellen.

Beyond food and wine: Breathtaking hiking trails can be explored at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. The Sonoma Coast State Park offers sunbathing, birdwatching, kayaking and horseback riding.

For the literary-minded, check out Jack London State Historic Park, which contains the White Fang author’s cottage and other historic buildings. (See the 1982 Diane Keaton film Shoot the Moon to get a sense of the site).

3. Food Network NYC Wine & Food Festival

The takeaway: Now in its 19th year, this five-day marathon of 50 events, now held at New York's Seaport, lands during one of Manhattan’s most seasonable months, making it the ultimate time to taste the best of the city. A dinner hosted by Daniel Boulud is sold out, but you can still grab a ticket for dinners hosted by Eric Ripert and José Andrés.

When it's happening: October 14–18, 2026

How to get there: In addition to JFK, you can fly into LaGuardia Airport or Newark Airport; both have experienced substantial upgrades, including enhanced and varied food offerings.

Where to stay: Iconic yet discreet, the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park has a boutique feel even though it’s a flagship of a major global luxury brand. This reporter once walked into the lobby lounge to see Billy Joel seated at the piano, performing "New York State of Mind." You can walk a few blocks to the entrance of The Plaza, where Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford made their final teary goodbyes in The Way We Were (1973).

Beyond food and wine: Central Park is right at your doorstep: You can rent a bike, hire a horse-drawn carriage, take a run, navigate the lake in a rental boat (with oars), or cab it up to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which ranks as the most encyclopedic museum in the country.

4. Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival

The takeaway: This one-of-a-kind oceanfront gathering typically occurs in mid-winter. This is your best shot at beautiful weather in South Florida.

The 25-year-old, four-day event features appearances and cooking demos by Food Network personalities — and more than 500 renowned and rising chefs from Miami and around the world. Events are located in South Beach, the renowned Art Deco section of Miami Beach (and Greater Miami).

When it's happening: This year, it was held on February 19-22, 2026. The next edition will be held February 25-28, 2027.

How to get there: Miami International Airport is blissfully close to South Beach (as fast as 25 minutes, depending on time of day — try to avoid morning and afternoon rush hours, though). During festival weeks, the MacArthur Causeway connecting Miami proper to South Beach can be slow going.

Where to stay: South Beach’s National Hotel, even though it dates from 1939, is still something of a hidden treasure. It’s serene because it’s adults-only. The hotel’s chill pool bar and restaurant serve up high-quality healthy dishes, and the atmosphere is tropical nirvana. The National’s skinny, sui generis swimming pool is legendary for its beauty, low-key extravagance and 200-foot length. An adjacent, smaller, square pool attracts the well-behaved cocktail crowd.

Beyond food and wine: Miami Beach, located on a barrier island, is not a neighborhood of Miami, as some assume. It’s a distinct city. South Beach, a southerly area contained within Miami Beach, is one of the greatest architectural and historic districts in the world. It boasts over 800 historic buildings, most of them human-scale (one to four stories).

Once you get off the three commercial streets closest to the beach (the water and sand quality are incomparable for an urban beach), you’ll find a quiet, residential area stocked with art deco, Mediterranean Revival and Miami Modernism (MiMo) apartment and condo buildings in vibrant colors. The neighborhood is flat, so you can walk or bike ride almost anywhere.

Meridian Avenue is shaded by a canopy of oak trees and is easily one of the most enchanting streets in the state. Pedestrian Lincoln Road Mall is full of boutiques and restaurants, though save your Neapolitan pizza cravings for top-rated La Leggenda, just a few blocks away.

5. Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival

The takeaway: Boasting arguably the most breathtaking backdrop to any culinary event, the coastal location of the upcoming 15-year-old Pebble Beach Food & Wine is a premier selling point — that, and the celebrity chefs it recruits.

On tap for this year: Kaoru Chang, Michael Chang, Marcus Glocker, and Rocco DiSpirito. "The intimate moments, such as our seminars and curated dinners, are best in class," Friedman says, "and I cannot emphasize enough how dynamic and diverse the culinary talent is this year."

When it's happening: April 9–12, 2026

How to get there: After landing, it takes more than two hours to drive south from SFO to Pebble Beach Resorts, the crown jewel of the Monterey Peninsula. Monterey Regional Airport also offers flights up and down the California Coast, as well as to and from Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, Dallas, and Phoenix.

Where to stay: The celeb-filled Lodge at Pebble Beach and Inn at Spanish Bay are two of the most revered beachfront resort hotels in the state. The boutique Casa Palmero (only 24 rooms and suites) is a good choice for privacy and discretion.

Beyond food and wine: Pebble Beach boasts some of the most prestigious and scenic golf courses in the world, including Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and the Links at Spanish Bay. Nearby, be sure to explore the ultra-charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, with its wide, sandy cove. The self-guided 17-Mile Drive (from the lovely, often overlooked Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach) offers gorgeous views of the Lone Cypress, Spanish Bay, and stately mansions. Car enthusiasts will note the heavy presence of Lexus vehicles on the road and at the hotels. Lexus is a legacy partner of PBFW and of Pebble Beach Resorts, Friedman noted.

Related Content

• The 10 Best Splurge Destinations for Retirees in 2026
• The Best Wines From Around the World
• 11 Road Trips to Take in Retirement
• Seven Golf Course Destinations to Vacation Away from the Crowds
• I’ve Played 1,300-plus Golf Courses: These Are the 4 on My 'Must-Play' List for 2026

Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) is the world's largest and most influential wine competition. This year, wines from 57 countries were judged by 248 top international experts, including 22 Master Sommeliers and 72 Masters of Wine – the most in the competition’s history.

Now in its 22nd year, this rigorous tasting process has guaranteed that wines bearing the DWWA medal offer great quality, exciting flavours and often excellent value.

The 2025 awards revealed outstanding wines to explore – from classic French regions to emerging producers in surprising locations.

Here's a simple guide to some standout wines from this year’s global tasting, with easy recommendations to enjoy at home or gift to friends.

French classics that impressed

France continues to lead the world in wine quality. This year's winners include:

Barons de Rothschild Rare Collection Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Champagne 2014
Best in Show, 97 points

A luxurious, fresh Champagne with bright citrus and crisp apple notes – perfect for celebrations.

Jean-Marc Brocard, Bougros, Chablis Grand Cru, Burgundy 2023
Best in Show, 97 points

A refined white wine from Burgundy with delicate mineral flavors and crisp acidity, ideal with seafood or light dishes.

For great value, try:

Domaines Bonfils, Château Vaugelas V, Corbières, Languedoc-Roussillon 2023
Value Platinum, 97 points (under £15)

A vibrant red from southern France with juicy berry flavors – perfect for casual dinners.

Italian excellence

Italy showed a strong line-up in this year's competition, especially Tuscany and Piedmont regions.

Tenuta Meraviglia Maestro di Cava, Bolgheri Superiore Tuscany 2020
Best in Show, 97 points

A rich red wine from Tuscany with layers of dark fruit and spice - great with pasta or grilled meats.

Tenuta Roletto, Erbaluce di Caluso, Passito, Piedmont 2013
Gold, 95 points

This sweet white from Piedmont is pure lush indulgence – caramel, butterscotch and dried fruit wrapped in velvety sweetness.

Spanish surprises

Spain continues to shine with a wide variety of styles.

Don Bernardino, La Capona Amandi, Ribeira Sacra 2019
Best in Show, 97 points

A powerful red from Ribeira Sacra made from the Mencía grape, full of vibrant fruit and earthiness.

González Byass Del Duque VORS Amontillado, Sherry NV
Platinum, 97 points

A beautifully aged Sherry, full of nutty, caramel flavors – fantastic with tapas or cheese.

Cava as a sparkling alternative?

Spain does lovely traditional method aged sparkling wines that deliver excellent taste and great value – perfect for everyday drinking or casual gatherings. A great example?

Bodegas Martinez Paiva, Brut Nature, Cava 2020, a Gold-awarded wine with 95 points

Rising stars: Off the beaten track

England's sparkling wines continue to win praise and international attention:

Sugrue South Downs, The Trouble With Dreams, Sussex 2009 (magnum)
Best in Show, 97 points

An elegant English sparkling wine with creamy texture and bright fruit – a real showstopper for special occasions.

Meanwhile, Greece achieved a record-breaking year with 20 top-tier medals (95+ points), marking 2025 as a "breakout year."

Anhydrous, Santorini, Aegean Islands, Greece, 2019
Best in Show, 97 points

Judges commented: "Is Santorini Assyrtiko a white that improves in the bottle? The five years or more that this blend of Assyrtiko (with a seasoning of Aidani and Athiri) has seen, has resulted in a wine of a slightly richer straw-yellow than usual, with aromas that immediately seem to take you to an elemental place of light and stone."

New world highlights

Craggy Range, Pinot Noir, Martinborough, Wairarapa, New Zealand 2024
Best in Show, 97 points

Bright, bold and beautifully balanced. This Martinborough Pinot Noir bursts with vivid raspberry, cherry, and plum. Silky and smooth, it's a natural match for roast chicken or pork.

Argentina doubled its top-tier medal count from last year, with 46 top medals. A great wine to try is Bemberg Estate Wines, Pionero, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza 2022
Best in Show, 97 points

Once seen as too cold for reds, this high-altitude Argentinian region is now producing some of the most elegant, complex wines around. This blend is dark, smooth, and aromatic—with blackcurrant, silky tannins, and a fresh, refined finish.

Next up is a landmark producer who identified Carmenère in Chile just over 30 years ago. Their Antiyal, Viñedo Escorial Organic Carmenère, Maipó Valley 2020 received a Best in Show and 97 points.

This red is deep, dark, and beautifully balanced, with plum and cherry fruit, savory tannins, and none of the green notes that once held the grape back. A classy, food-friendly Chilean classic.

Fantastic finds under $20

You don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy award-winning wines. Here are a few budget-friendly picks:

Suvorov Winery, Black Crane Viorica, Stefan Voda, Moldova 2024 – Value Gold, 95 points

McGuigan Bin 9000 Semillon, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia 2018, Value Gold, 95 points

See more value wines here.

Whether you're new to wine or just looking for something great to try, these wines represent the very best from this year’s global selections. From France to China, DWWA is an invaluable guide for consumers to make the world of wine more vibrant and accessible than ever. Search all winning wines here.

Next time you’re shopping, look for a DWWA medal on the bottle or ask for recommendations inspired by these winners – you might just discover your new favorite bottle.

Related Content

• Do You Really Need That Wine Cellar?
• Great Travel Companies to Plan Your Next Vacation
• Rules Frequent Flyers Swear By

Father's Day is fast approaching — June 15 this year — and with it the familiar anxiety about what to buy the father figure in your life.

Whether you're shopping for the man who raised you, the father of your own children, or your son who just became a father himself, dads can be hard for whom to shop.

It's tempting to fall back on classics such as cards, mugs or a new tie. But while these endearing touches show you care, they all share one major drawback: They depreciate in value over time. Even the nicest tie will likely end up tucked away in a drawer after a few years.

This year, why not surprise him with something that will bring a smile to his face today and truly stand the test of time? Lucky for you, such a gift isn't as hard to find as it might seem. Here are five Father's Day gift ideas that are also good long-term investments.

1. Watches

For a gift that combines function and value, consider a luxury watch. Classic sports watches or dress watches can make great additions to both his wardrobe and investment portfolio.

"Unlike most consumer goods, some watches appreciate due to their brand history, limited availability and increasing collector demand," says Robin Westerling, CEO of Longdavon, a luxury leather watch band company. "The finest investment-grade watches are ones with classic designs, strong historical background and limited production runs."

Heritage brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet are good bets for long-term value.

For example, you can't go wrong with an iconic timepiece such as the Rolex Submariner, the Omega Speedmaster Professional with its mythical history, a Tudor Black Bay 58 for those who appreciate utilitarian style with vintage appeal, or any watch from the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak collection. Prices for these range from around $4,000 for certain Tudor Black Bay 58 models to more than $63,000 for the highest-end Omega Speedmaster Professional model.

You can find investment watches through a variety of channels.

"For brand-new watches, authorized dealers are the safest choices," but they may have long waiting lists for in-demand models, Westerling says. Trustworthy pre-owned dealers include WatchBox, European Watch Company and Bob's Watches, all of which guarantee authenticity.

You could also venture to auction houses such as Sotheby's, Christie's and Phillips for rare watches, "albeit usually with a more substantial budget in mind," Westerling adds.

"Enthusiast groups and online platforms, such as Chrono24, might also serve as viable options for finding investment watches, but buyers should handle these portals prudently to avoid counterfeit products or overpriced offers."

If you're also celebrating a graduation this summer, know that Gen Z grads want nice watches, too — maybe you can make it a legacy gift.

2. Coins

Was the father on your gift list the type to slip dollar bills into birthday cards? If so, here's your chance to return the favor of gifting money, but with a grown-up twist.

"Many coins offer promising long-term investment potential, especially those that combine rarity, bullion value and a history of past price appreciation," says Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez, coin expert and numismatic editor for numerous outlets, including COINage Magazine.

Examples include "blue chip" coins such as the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent, 1955 doubled die Lincoln cent, 1916-D Mercury dime, 1913-S Barber quarter and 1916 Standing Liberty quarter. American Eagle coins are also solid options with patriotic designs and high-purity precious metal content.

"Other promising coins to consider are those with precious-metal value, including any pre-1965 90% United States silver coins, some of which can currently be bought for as little as $5 or $10," McMorrow-Hernandez says.

If you have deeper pockets, you could take a chance on the fervent bouillon market with a pre-1933 U.S. gold coin such as the Saint-Gaudens double eagle, "widely considered one of the most beautiful coins ever struck." Prices for the double eagle start in the low $3,000 range.

The best place to buy such coins is through a reputable coin dealer. Look for a dealer affiliated with numismatic associations or authorized by one of the major third-party coin grading companies, such as Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).

"Always go the extra step to check for customer feedback on the popular review platforms and websites," McMorrow-Hernandez says.

Once you have your coin in hand, McMorrow-Hernandez says to resist the urge to clean it.

"Cleaning coins only risks irrevocable damage to their surfaces and almost always lowers their value," he says.

Touch coins only on their edges, and store in a cool, dry environment away from heat sources, fumes and items with chemicals that can cause harm, such as paper or plastic.

3. Collectible sports cards

Some of the best gifts carry not only forward, but also back. Collectible cards can marry nostalgia with future value for the ultimate Father's Day gift. Watching the card increase in value is half the fun of the hobby, after all.

Not all cards achieve this value appreciation. "Many cards lose market value due to a lack of sales volume," says Justin Shump, head of buying at Arena Club, an online collectible card marketplace and grading platform. "Having said that, if you buy a player who has long-standing popularity in the hobby, they can have several cards with long-term upside."

You can't go wrong with "greatest of all time" (GOAT) players, but for the ultimate gift, choose a player your dad actually watched, admired or rooted for, Shump says. "Once you've got a name or era in mind, set a price range and look for iconic cards — especially rookies or early-career cards — from reputable sets."

The best places to find these cards are online auction websites such as Arena Club and PWCC Marketplace. "They typically feature cards that are the most attractive for the widest range of buyers, which is a great indicator of market sentiment and value," Shump says.

You can gauge a card's appreciation potential through websites that track market value over time, such as Cardladder.

Once you have the card, help Dad protect it by getting it graded (card-speak for authenticated), then keeping it in a fitted sleeve or case. "For long-term storage, consider a foam-lined case or lockbox to keep your graded cards safe from physical damage, moisture or UV exposure," Shump says.

4. Whiskey or other spirits

For dads who appreciate a true taste of luxury, consider a fine whiskey or rare spirit. If you normally think of liquor as something for immediate gratification, you're just not thinking long-term enough.

Take the Macallan Edition Series whiskey, for example. When the first limited batch was released less than a decade ago, bottles sold for about $100 each.

"Today, the Edition No. 1 sells on the secondary market for several thousand dollars, an appreciation of 2,000%," says Mahesh Patel, founder of The Universal Whisky Experience.

Other options include Bowmore, Balvenie and rare American bourbons, which you can find for several hundred dollars at many retailers or online at such sites as Reservebar or Caskers, Patel says.

The key to ensuring investment potential is to find a spirit with a limited issue. He recommends joining whiskey clubs where you can "gain great information and access to off-market gems." Some clubs to consider include Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Craft Whisky Club.

He also advises starting small as you make contacts and acquire knowledge. Be sure Dad's whiskey or spirit gets insured and stored in a secure room with climate control.

5. Shares of stock, ETFs or mutual funds

Watches, coins, cards and whiskey can be fun gifts, but they can also require time to find and procure. If you want something easier to access but no less valuable over the long-term, gifting shares of stock or an ETF or mutual fund might be the perfect answer.

All you need is a brokerage account where you can buy shares or already own some you want to give, and the information for Dad's brokerage account where he can receive them. You can then transfer the shares from your brokerage account to Dad's based on your brokerage firm's procedure.

Note that you might need to submit the request in writing and it could take up to a week for the shares to arrive in Dad's account. After that, Dad can reap all the rewards of a great Father's Day gift with long-term investment potential.

Related Content

• Mother's Day Gift Ideas That Are Also Good Long-Term Investments
• Do You Really Need That Wine Cellar?
• New Car Features That Don't Seem So Futuristic Anymore

Mother’s Day is a yearly celebration to honor mom’s and mother-figures everywhere for all they do. It's also often an opportunity to have a nice meal with family. This year, Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12. 

With as many as 54% of Americans planning to dine out for Mother’s Day this year, OpenTable released its Top 100 Brunch Restaurants in America for 2024 to help families everywhere find the best places to treat their superhero moms.

They scanned diner metrics and over 14 million diner reviews to narrow down the restaurants where people rave about brunch. We scanned the list and came up with these 30 (out of 100) places to tempt your taste buds. 

Arizona

English Rose Tea Room – Located in Carefree. The English Rose Tea Room provides an exquisite “Afternoon Tea” experience.

California

FARM – Located in Palm Springs. A traditional Provencial-style restaurant in downtown Palm Springs in the historic Plaza, tucked away from traffic. 

Colorado

North Italia – Located in Denver. Featuring handmade Italian pastas and pizzas made with seasonal, fresh ingredients.

Connecticut

Baldanza at the Schoolhouse – Located in Wilton. This comfort food restaurant offers seasonal, farm-to-table American and Italian food made primarily from organic and local ingredients. 

District of Columbia

La Piquette – Located in Washington, D.C. A neighborhood bistro providing French dishes. The Mother's Day brunch menu includes Coq au Vin and Pan Seared New York Strip.

Florida

Columbia Restaurant - Ybor City – Located in Tampa. Florida’s Oldest Restaurant has earned acclaim for old-world charm and its award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine.

Georgia

Casi Cielo Mexican Cuisine – Located in Atlanta. Oaxacan inspired restaurant with a focus on traditional Mexican cuisine.

Hawaii

Orchids at Halekulani – Located in Honolulu. Casually elegant open air, oceanfront restaurant, serving Innovative Italian culinary amidst a myriad of exotic orchids. 

Illinois

Mon Ami Gabi – Located in Chicago. A traditional French bistro located in the heart of Lincoln Park. Dine on Fruit de Mer and Classique Steak Fritz from the Mother's Day menu.

Indiana

The Cake Bake Shop - Carmel City Center – Located in Carmel. Everything on the menu is house made from scratch daily including the Afternoon Tea. Try the special Mother's Day Afternoon Tea available in the week surrounding Mother's Day.

Kansas

Wandering Vine at The Castle – Located in Shawnee. Get ready for an extraordinary wine and dining experience in the most romantic setting in Kansas City.

Kentucky

OBC Kitchen – Located in Lexington. The restaurant is known for its mix of distinctive dishes, rare bourbon and pub like atmosphere. The brunch menu includes crab cake benedict and steak and eggs.

Louisana

Jack Rose – Located in New Orleans. An eclectic and engaging dining experience, where guests can savor classic Creole and New Orleans-style dishes reimagined with a modern twist.

Maryland

Monocacy Crossing – Located five miles south of Frederick. Offering American dishes in a country style setting. Sunday brunch includes chicken biscuit topped with a fried egg, and two bacon-wrapped petite filet with poached eggs. 

Massachusetts

Silver Dove Afternoon Tea – Located in Boston. Full service tearoom specializing in English style afternoon tea service.

Minnesota

Baldamar – Located in Roseville. Every steak is aged 40 days and 40 nights and the crazy-fresh seafood means it was caught during your morning commute.

Nevada

Bacchanal Buffet Caesars Palace – Located in Las Vegas. Hundreds of dishes are available at this large buffet.

New Jersey

Tops Diner – Located in East Newark. Providing a diverse menu of high quality options set in a recreated 1920’s renaissance diner.

New York

Little Owl – Located in New York. Bold-flavored Mediterranean cuisine served in a cozy indoor and spacious outdoor setting on Bedford Street. 

North Carolina

Afternoon Tea at the O.Henry Hotel – Located in Greensboro. The service, ambiance, tea, scones, finger sandwiches, and treats are made in-house by a team of pastry chefs. 

Ohio

Pier W – Located in Cleveland. Serving the best Cleveland seafood while overlooking Lake Erie. The brunch menu includes grilled beef sirloin and seasonal vegetables ricotta cheese blintzes.

Oklahoma

Cheever's Cafe – Located in Oklahoma City. Contemporary comfort food with Southwest influences.

Pennsylvania

Talula's Garden – Located in Philadelphia. Warm and elegant Washington Square eatery with a modern menu, prepared with carefully-sourced ingredients and a light European touch.

Rhode Island

Boat House Waterfront Dining – Located in Tiverton. Fresh New England seafood and local produce overlooking Mt. Hope Bay. 

South Carolina

Bistro 217, located in Pawleys Island. The eclectic menu includes seafood, steak, pasta, and homemade desserts and ice cream. 

Tennessee

House of Cards – Located in Nashville. Underground in a 10,000 sq. ft space, House of Cards celebrates classic American cuisine and fine hand-crafted cocktails.

Texas

Al Biernat's - Oak Lawn – Located in Dallas. A great steakhouse that also offers incredible seafood and over 650 wine choices.

Virginia

Le Yaca – Located in Williamsburg. Featuring French and European dining. Brunch includes beef and crab benedict, and filet au poivre.

Vermont

Simon Pearce Restaurant – Located in Quechee. Using fresh local ingredients, the American cuisine is served with the backdrop of the Ottauquechee River waterfall and covered bridge.

Washington

Tilikum Place Cafe – Located in Seattle. Featuring fresh, handcrafted meals, and a broad spectrum of libations.

Find the complete list of all 100 restaurants here. 

Related Content

• The Best Time to Book 2024 Holidays
• How Long it Takes to Renew Your Passport And What to Do If You're Traveling Soon
• What You Need to Travel to Europe in 2024
• AARP Deals and Tips For Travel

Grocery and household retailer Aldi has introduced a new line of discount wines — the California Heritage Collection — to compete with Trader Joe's Charles Shaw wine, aka Two Buck Chuck.

Aldi is known for its selection of groceries, pet supplies, personal care items, home décor and household necessities, all at discount prices. As of February 16th, Aldi now offers the California Heritage Collection a collection of discount wines to complement its already available collection of moderately-priced wines.

Aldi's line of nine red and white wines gives shoppers the opportunity to sample California wines year-around without the high price tag. The Collection features a variety of popular grapes, including Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, all priced for $4.95 each. 

Here's the full list of what just hit the shelves:

• California Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon
• California Heritage Merlot
• California Heritage Pinot Noir
• California Heritage Chardonnay
• California Heritage Moscato
• California Heritage Pink Moscato
• California Heritage Sweet Red
• California Heritage Brut Sparkling
• California Heritage Extra Dry Sparkling

The California Heritage Collection expands Aldi's globally-sourced wines found in its Specially Selected Wine Collection, which were introduced in September 2023. As noted by the grocer in a press release, most of these wines are priced under $10. 

A few of the wines available in the Specially Selected Collection include:

• Argentina: Uco Valley Malbec - $7.99
• Italy: Alto Adige Pinot Grigio - $9.99
• France: Côtes de Provence Rosé - $9.99
• New Zealand: Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - $9.99

"As more people are opting for value and the steady growth in wine sales, Aldi saw an opportunity to bring another wine option to consumers, sourced right here in the United States," said Arlin Zajmi, director of national buying at Aldi, according to Eat This, Not That! "The California Heritage Collection was created to bring famous California vineyards directly to Aldi shoppers, without the high California vineyard price tag."

Besides wine, Aldi also offers other alcoholic beverages, such as hard seltzer, hard cider and beer. The grocery chain doesn't sell liquor. But not all Aldi locations sell alcoholic beverages, as certain states and cities do not permit the sale of alcohol in grocery stores. Check your local store for availability.

Related Content

• Investing in Fine Wine: Six Trends Affecting the Market
• 23 Most Popular Aldi Grocery Items Ranked Best to Worst
• 16 Tips and Tricks Aldi Shoppers Need to Know
• Best and Worst Grocery Chains in the U.S. 2024

The highly anticipated Decanter Fine Wine Encounter New York returns on Saturday, June 6, 2026, for its fifth consecutive year. Hosted by Decanter, the world's leading wine media brand, this prestigious tasting event will take place at the elegant Manhatta venue in New York's Financial District.

Immerse yourself in a world of exceptional wines with:

• The Grand Tasting: Sample over 200 fine wines from renowned wineries, including award-winning selections from the Decanter World Wine Awards, all in one place. Each participating producer will showcase four signature wines from their collection.
• Exclusive Masterclasses: Delve deeper and explore exceptional vintages, including Salon & Delamotte with Cristian Rimoldi and famed sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier, Iconic Super Tuscans with Italian wine expert Michela Morris and Napa Valley legend Heitz Cellar with Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy. 

Exclusive Discount for Kiplinger Readers

This is your chance to experience the very best of the world's wines at a very special rate. As a Kiplinger reader, you're invited to enjoy a special 20% discount on Grand Tasting and Masterclass tickets. Enter promo code KIPLINGER20 at checkout.

Act fast — tickets are limited, and this offer won’t last. Secure your tickets for the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter New York 2026 today!

Everything You Need to Know

Decanter Fine Wine Encounter NYC 2026

Date: Saturday, June 6 2026, from 11 am to 5 pm

Location: Bay Room at Manhatta

Price: Grand Tasting tickets from $225 | Masterclass tickets from $145

Discount: Use code KIPLINGER20 to save 20% on all tickets.

Book here.

Related Content

• Is it Worth Having a Wine Cellar? What it Adds to Your Home Value — and Happiness
• The 2026 Food & Wine Calendar: 5 Tours You Need to Book Now
• Discover the Best Wines of 2025: Top Picks From Around the World

If you’ve been curious about whether a Costco membership is worth the annual fee, it might be time to try out a few of the perks before committing. The standard Gold Star membership is currently $65 a year, while the Executive level runs $130 and offers 2% rewards plus other extras.

You don’t necessarily have to dive straight into membership mode to get value. In fact, there are several ways to tap into Costco’s offerings and see if the experience fits your shopping style.

We highlighted several such Costco benefits that don't require a membership. Take a look.

Don't be surprised if you see a long line of cars waiting to fill up at a Costco gas station on any given Saturday. That's because the warehouse club's prices at the pump are hard to beat. While you may have to wait several minutes, you could potentially save a few cents per gallon — which can add up over time, especially if you're planning a summer road trip.

But wait! Those longer lines may be shrinking very soon. That's because Costco gas stations are now open longer. Gas pumps at all Costco warehouse locations in the U.S. are now open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. On Saturday, the pumps are open from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Sunday, you can pump gas from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Previously, pumps closed at 8:30 p.m. on weekdays.

A recent report from Yahoo Finance used Gas Buddy and Costco's website to compare gas prices across several large U.S. cities and found that "Costco's prices aren't typically the absolute cheapest, but they're always significantly less expensive than the "average" price." Costco's prices, on average, were $0.28 per gallon cheaper than the city's average gas price.

While this perk is supposed to be exclusive to Costco members, you can still take advantage even if you aren't one. Here's the trick: You'll need a Costco Shop Card, a reloadable gift card that a Costco member must purchase for you.

Most Costco gas stations are self-service (except in Oregon and New Jersey, which are full-service by law) with pay-at-the-pump technology. You need to insert the Costco Cash Card to activate the pump, but once you do you can opt to pay with a regular debit card or credit card.

Costco is the biggest seller of wine in the U.S. While it offers a large selection of higher-end options, the warehouse club’s Kirkland Signature wines are a huge hit among customers due to their high quality and low prices. If you want to try a bottle but aren't a member, you're in luck.

Costco's Kirkland-branded beer, wine and liquor, as well as name brands, can be purchased by non-members, but only in states that legally require the warehouse club to do so. Local laws in some states prevent Costco (or any other membership-based club) from only selling alcohol to members.

We contacted Costco for a definitive list of the states that allow the general public to make such purchases, but we weren't given a definitive answer: "For [the sale of alcohol], membership rules vary from state to state according to local laws." However, it's been widely reported that non-members can purchase booze at Costco in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Texas and Vermont. (Readers, please let us know if we missed any!)

Before making the trek to your nearest Costco for the first time, call ahead. If you're confident you should be able to make the purchase in your state, ask to speak to a manager if the employee checking memberships at the door turns you away.

If you have a prescription that needs to be filled regularly, switching to Costco's pharmacy might help you save big, especially as rising drug prices put a strain on your budget.

Prices on more than 4,200 drugs increased from 2022 to 2023, and 46% had price jumps larger than the rate of inflation, according to the ASPE. The average price increase was 15.2%, which equated to $590 per drug product. This year, drugmakers plan to increase prices again by about 4.5% on at least 250 drugs.

But Costco's discounted prices can help you save on prescription medication. The average retail price for 30 500-milligram capsules of the generic alternative of Amoxicillin, for example, is $14.59, according to GoodRx.com. At Costco, you'll only pay $8.84 for the commonly prescribed antibiotic.

Depending on where you live, you can get your prescriptions filled at Costco without a membership. Just like alcohol-related purchases, there are local laws in certain states that require the warehouse club to make its pharmacy available to the general public. Again, your best bet is to call the store location nearest you to ensure that non-members can use the pharmacy.

If you're not a Costco member, you can still take advantage of Costco's eye clinic by making an appointment for an eye exam with an in-house optometrist. However, you won't be able to purchase eyeglasses or contacts without a membership.

Costco pharmacies that are open to the general public also offer a variety of other health screenings free of charge to members and non-members alike. This includes osteoporosis, heart, and diabetes screenings. Stop by your local Costco to find out about upcoming screenings.

Costco.com offers a wide range of products — from groceries in bulk to power tools to a Whirlpool bathtub — and you don't need a paid membership to shop. However, if you're a non-member you'll be hit with a 5% surcharge on top of the listed price on all items in your shopping cart (except prescription drugs). Depending on how much you're spending, the cost of membership might end up being cheaper than paying that surcharge.

It's also worth noting that certain products sold on the warehouse club's website are only available to members for purchase. You can also shop a limited inventory of Costco grocery items through InstaCart, an online grocery delivery service.

Some of Costco's Kirkland Signature products are even sold on Amazon — with some eligible for Prime shipping — though the price markups are usually sizable. For anything you plan to purchase regularly, make sure to do the math to find out whether paying the markup is still cheaper than paying for a Costco membership.

If you want access to all of the benefits of Costco, the warehouse club offers three annual Costco membership options: Gold Star, Business, and Executive. A Gold Star membership now costs $65 and includes one household card. Anyone can sign up for this membership type and use it for personal purchases. A Business membership is also $65, but it's only available to verified business owners. It includes one household card and can be used for business, resale, and personal purchases.

An Executive membership now costs $130. The upgrade is available to anyone for personal use (Gold Star Executive) or resale use (Business Executive) and comes with an extra household card. Members at this level also can add additional people to their membership for $65 each. An added perk for Executive members is earning an annual 2% reward on qualifying purchases up to $1,250, which can be used for future purchases. Executive members also receive discounts on various Costco services including the warehouse club's auto and travel programs.

Currently, you can save up to $40 on a Costco membership by using this deal from StackSocial. If you buy a Gold Star membership for $65, you'll receive a $20 digital Costco Shop Card by email within two weeks of purchase, effectively bringing the price of a membership to just $45 a year. If you get the $130 Executive membership, you'll receive a $40 gift card by email, effectively bringing the price of an annual membership to just $90.

One final note: You can return your membership at any time for a refund — no questions asked. It's one of our 20 secrets to shopping at Costco.

Related Content

• Costco vs. Sam's Club: Which Warehouse Club Is Best for Your Wallet?
• 14 Things Retirees Should Buy at Costco
• 20 Kirkland Products Retirees Should Buy at Costco
• Yes, You Can Buy Gold At Costco — And Now Silver Too