Houston’s New The Post Oak Hotel. Credit: The Post Oak Hotel
Spring is officially in the air, meaning that it’s time to put away the boots and parkas and take advantage of the warming weather with some outdoor fun. With a roster chock-full of food festivals, hotel openings and citywide celebrations, April will inspire you to get out and travel.
Houston
It’s a sensational time to visit America’s fourth-largest city, with mild temperatures, the World Series-winning Astros’ home opening day on April 2 and plenty of exciting new ventures to explore, including The Post Oak Hotel.
Debuting at the end of March, the gleaming 38-story tower occupies 10 acres of manicured space in the glamorous Galleria and Uptown area. With 250 luxurious rooms and suites, the sumptuous stay also boasts a two-story Rolls-Royce showroom, an onsite boutique, seven restaurants and bars (including local favorites Mastro’s Steakhouse and Willie G’s Seafood) and helicopter pad access.
A cabana-studded pool is sure to help you beat the inevitable Houston heat, while a full-service spa is slated to open later this spring.
Shore Lodge. Credit: Shore Lodge
Central Idaho
Enjoy an epicurean adventure in a picture-perfect setting you might not expect. Tucked away nearly a mile high in the Northern Rockies, Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Shore Lodge is a scenic spot for mountain sports, lakeside lounging and, from April 6 through 8, the fifth annual Shore Lodge Culinary Festival.
Take in your surroundings during a weekend of cooking classes, farmer’s markets and wine dinners hosted by local chefs and experts, including the resort’s own executive chef Matt Gilbert and vintner Simon Faury of Napa’s Merryvale Vineyards.
Reserve the property’s Culinary Festival Package to get admission to all three days of the food-focused extravaganza and a two-night stay in a stunning Lake View Suite. Or, if you’re feeling feisty, opt for the Chef’s Package to battle alongside the masters in the Culinary King of the Mountain Competition.
San Antonio
From football stadiums to festivals, everything’s bigger in Texas. From April 19 through 29, Fiesta San Antonio is the metro area’s “party with a purpose,” celebrating the region’s rich heritage and raising money to support the city’s public programs throughout the year.
From the historic Battle of Flowers Parade (dating back to 1891) and the Taste of the Republic culinary showcase to the myriad parties, carnivals and exhibitions in between, this 10-day celebration has something for everyone.
After all of the amusement, rest your head at the chic Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Mokara Hotel & Spa. Housed in a building that once served as a saddlery, the stylish stay near the River Walk boasts handsome local touches, a relaxing rooftop pool and a pampering Four-Star spa for some much-needed post-revelry R&R.
The Inn at Spanish Bay. Credit: The Inn at Spanish Bay
Pebble Beach, California
Is there a better way to celebrate spring than with a sensational glass of vino overlooking the picturesque Pacific? Make this daydream a reality with a visit to the 11th annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine festival, from April 5 through 8.
The four-day event brings together 250 acclaimed wineries and 100 of the world’s top culinary talents — including Alex Guarnaschelli, Daniel Boulud and Top Chef alum Fatima Ali — to create a mouthwatering menu of dining experiences, chef discussions and cooking demonstrations all in the incredibly Instagrammable setting of Pebble Beach.
Make your visit even better with a stay at one of the resort’s luxurious Four-Star lodgings: unwind at Casa Palmero for a sun-drenched Mediterranean-inspired escape; book a room at The Lodge at Pebble Beach to spend some time on the world-class links; or enjoy spectacular views from every spot at The Inn at Spanish Bay.
The American Club. Credit: Kohler Co.
Kohler, Wisconsin
Toast to the season’s tastiest tipples during Libations of Spring, a celebration of Wisconsin’s craft beer, cocktails and cuisine. The two-day gathering (April 13 and 14) is packed with seminars, spirit tastings and socials hosted by the region’s top talents, but you can take advantage of it all with one of the packages from Five-Star The American Club.
Get the most out of this stellar experience with the Salute to Spring offer, where you’ll receive a two-night stay at the English-manor-style hotel as well as one ticket per adult to the highly anticipated For Chefs, Four Beers, Four Courses welcome dinner, The Spirit of Flavor Infusion master class and the Craft Beer Social to end the weekend on a delicious note.
