Travel Classics Media News
July/August 2026
New All-Suite Hotel To Open in Santa Fe
The first new construction hotel in Santa Fe's historic district in decades, The Washington Inn, a 27-room, all-suite hotel, opens in August. Located 3 blocks from the Plaza, housed in a mix of historic buildings and new construction, no two suites on the property are alike. The goal here is to be a place where staying feels like living and the best of Santa Fe is only steps away. Visit Tourism Santa Fe. Media Contact: Joanne Hudson, 505-231-4947.
Authentic, Immersive Indigenous Tourism Experiences in Alberta, Canada
Alberta offers authentic First Nations experiences through immersive stays and cultural activities. Launching in fall 2026, exciting four-season options include premium cabins at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park to expand on their Tipi Park, alongside eco-luxury glass domes near Jasper for stargazing. From sleeping in tipis to exploring the Rockies, visitors can deeply connect with vibrant living cultures. Visit Travel Alberta. Media contact: Michelle Bender, 403-390-2650.
San Diego's Sustainable Seafood Scene
From dockside fish markets to chef-driven restaurants, San Diego offers authentic sea-to-table experiences rooted in generations of commercial fishing and sustainable fishing practices. Visitors can purchase seafood directly from local fishermen, enjoy locally caught specialties and, in late summer, experience Tuna Harbor's one-night waterfront market featuring fresh seafood, local chefs and live music. Visit San Diego Tourism. Media Contact: Edna Gutierrez, 619-557-2887.
Women Dominate Denver's Dining
Fresh off her 2026 James Beard Award win for Best Chef: Mountain, Penelope Wong of Yuan Wonton joins a powerhouse group of women shaping Denver's culinary identity. From Jen Jasinski, Mary Nguyen, and Dana Rodriguez to hospitality leader Heather Morrison and wine director Carlin Karr, these trailblazers continue elevating Denver's reputation as a premier dining destination. Check out Visit Denver. Media contact: Caroline Campbell, 303-571-9451.
Two Arizona Towns Earn IMBA Trail Town Designations
Prescott and Flagstaff recently earned IMBA Trail Town designation from the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). The designation recognizes communities that have strong trail infrastructure and stewardship plans to support outdoor recreation. Beyond the trails, these communities offer an array of outdoor experiences that are within reach of every resident and visitor. Visit Visit Arizona Office of Tourism. Media Contact: Kim Todd, 602-364-3305.
Discover Wisconsin's Unexpected Harvest Season
Nearly all of America's farmed ginseng grows in Wisconsin, especially Marathon County, prized worldwide for teas, tinctures and cooking. Fall also brings Wisconsin's cranberry marshes to life - the state grows 60% of the nation's supply. Tour ginseng farms and cranberry marshes, sip ginseng-infused products like whiskey, and learn about two of Wisconsin's signature crops. Visit Travel Wisconsin. Media contact: Shannon Crosby, 407-952-0110.
Utah Shines in the Fall
One-of-a-kind experiences in Utah celebrate the state's culture, history, and landscapes. At the Bluff Arts Festival, travelers can enjoy Indigenous art, live music, storytelling, workshops, and films in a charming gateway town near Bears Ears National Monument. Later in the month, the Annual Bison Roundup at Antelope Island State Park offers a rare opportunity to witness skilled riders herd nearly 800 bison across the island's striking terrain. Visit Utah Office of Tourism. Media contact: Marrissa Mallory, 619-255-7069.
New Luxury Villas With Refined Resort Amenities in Scottsdale
Scottsdale meets increased demand for multi-generational travel with new premier, luxury villa accommodations at Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas and Canyon Suites at The Phoenician. The villas, which opened this year, offer exclusivity and privacy for families and groups, featuring multi-bedroom layouts, private pool complexes, fireplaces, gourmet kitchens, the comforts of home and curated experiences. The villas blend residential living with refined resort amenities. Visit Experience Scottsdale. Media contact: Laura McMurchie, 480-429-2253.
Glowing Landscape of Gold in British Columbia
For just a few weeks each fall, spectacular alpine larch trees transform select areas of the Canadian Rockies. CMH Bugaboos Lodge in British Columbia is offering a new four-day heli-hiking excursion, highlighting this sought-after fall experience as part of an all-inclusive alpine adventure. Learn more. Visit Destination British Columbia. Media Contact: Sabrina Robson, 604-953-6702.
New Colorado Stargazing Trail
The Colorado Tourism Office has launched a new statewide guide connecting visitors to the state's extraordinary night-sky experiences. The trail maps a constellation of Colorado's certified International Dark Sky Parks and Communities, along with unique stargazing events and experiences, offering a tool to plan an unforgettable trip under the stars. Learn more. Visit Colorado Tourism. Media contact: Caitlin Johnson, 720-233-8520.
Afternoon Tea in Victoria, BC
This June, the award-winning Oak Bay Beach Hotel in Victoria, BC introduced Sunday Afternoon Tea by the Sea. This traditional afternoon tea is served in their iconic Lobby Lounge with panoramic views of the ocean. The menu is guided by their "West Coast First" philosophy, entirely gluten-free and incorporates a selection of teas from Denman Island Tea Company. Pinkies up! Visit Destination Greater Victoria. Media contact: Jodi Westbury, 604-836-8317.
Camelback Inn Offers Cooking and Cake Decorating Classes
After The Spa at Camelback Inn's $25 million transformation and Ora Cafe debut, JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn introduces two cooking classes for resort guests only led by Chef Jennifer Mikhaiel: The Art of the Roll (July 23 & August 6), vegetarian edamame and tuna poke rolls, and Color Me Frosted (July 16 & August 26), cake decorating class. Visit JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. Media contact: Tatum Luoma, 480-526-7021.
September Brings Cyclists to Québec
From September 9 - 11, Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec will be held in Québec City, and from September 20 - 17, Montréal will be hosting the UCI Road World Championships. This free, eight-day event marks the first time since 1974 -- and the largest sporting event since the 1976 Olympics -- that the city will welcome 1,000 elite athletes from more than 75 countries. Visit Bonjour Québec. Media contact: Camille Dumont, 514-808-4128.
Belize's Green Season The Ultimate Antidote to Overtourism
As travelers pivot toward intentional slow travel, Belize's Green Season (now through November) trades crowds for deep cultural immersion, bridging living Maya traditions and vibrant Garifuna heritage. The afternoon rains turn the rainforest vibrant green bringing stillness to mist-shrouded temples like Xunantunich and Caracol, with guided tours diving into ancestral history. Visit Belize Tourism. Media contact: FINN Partners, 330-883-3927.
Vibrant Summer Nightlife in Tucson
Bring the Heat to Tucson, where summer travel shines after sunset. After a day exploring the Old West, dive into unforgettable desert nights filled with food, live music, breweries, country-western saloons, LGBTQ+ nightlife, casinos, and more. Every neighborhood offers a new adventure, and with unbeatable summer deals, Tucson is the perfect place to bring the fun this summer. Check out Visit Tucson. Media Contact: Cindy Aguilar, 520-770-2145.
New Recreation Deck at Aston at The Waikīkī Banyan
Aston at the Waikīkī Banyan unveils a newly renovated 6th floor recreation deck, introducing refreshed amenities to the beloved family-friendly condo-style Resort. Known as one of the largest recreation decks in Waikīkī, the renovated space includes a new swimming pool, hot tubs, playground, and barbecue areas, offering new opportunities for guests to enjoy, relax, play and gather outdoors in the heart of Waikīkī. Visit Aqua Aston. Media contact: Theresa van Greunen, 301-331-8456.
West Hollywood Welcomes New Bars and Restaurants This Summer
West Hollywood's hottest summer reservations include buzzy newcomers like Scarlett, Darling, Blondie, Alba, Laurel Supply and Galerie with local openings from icons like Erewhon and SUSHISAMBA. With only 36 lesbian bars in the country, the June 2026 opening of Sweetwater WeHo nightclub holds significance. Look ahead to Ian Schrager's second Public Hotel location in addition to Japanese with Round One Delicious' food hall and h.wood Group's Little Luck. Check out Visit West Hollywood. Media contact: Eric Parker, 310-289-2525.
Three New, Classic Restaurant Concepts Coming to Phoenix
Vandelay Companies, a premier hospitality company, is debuting two new Hudson House concepts to the Greater Phoenix area in 2027. Bringing the classic New York neighborhood style to Phoenix, the restaurant will feature a premier seafood menu. Vandelay is also expanding into the Valley with Drake's Hollywood, a 30's and 40's era themed steakhouse. Check out Visit Phoenix. Media contact: Sarah Doyle, 602-452-6249.
La Fonda on the Plaza Debuts Guest Room, Lobby and Kitchen Renovation
Since 1922, La Fonda on the Plaza has welcomed travelers to the heart of Santa Fe, blending rich Southwestern heritage with timeless hospitality. In 2026, we honor that legacy through thoughtful guest room, lobby, and kitchen renovations -- enhancing comfort, service, and sustainability while preserving our historic character. These investments ensure La Fonda remains an authentic and vibrant destination for generations to come. Check out La Fonda on the Plaza. Media contact: Ed Pulsifer, 505-995-2377.
Find Your Space and Skip the Crowds in Marana, Arizona
Marana is where the Sonoran Desert opens up and the desert sets the pace. Wander Ironwood Forest National Monument's undeveloped trails, golf framed by mountain views, or watch the sky shift at sunset from a patio. This fall, Marana offers a quieter, more spacious side of the Southwest worth discovering. Visit Discover Marana. Media contact: Stefanie Boe, 520-279-4564.
UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Downhill in Whistler
The UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup makes its Whistler debut this September 25-27, marking a milestone for a destination that helped shape modern mountain biking. The world's fastest riders will tackle 1199, a purpose-built downhill track designed to showcase Whistler's raw, technical terrain after years of vision and trail building. With the sport's pinnacle series arrival, global attention will shift to Whistler's gravity scene. Visit Tourism Whistler. Media contact: Mary Zinck, 604-938-2702.