TRAVEL+FOOD

Banana illustration by Mina Tocalini

Chiquita Fitness Stickers

Chiquita is getting ready, set, go for a special edition of our iconic Blue Sticker for everyone out there who is bananas about fitness! Thanks to the incredible success of our 2019 campaign, this summer we are preparing three new fantastic fitness challenges, with 12 brand-new stickers to collect.

The three challenges relate to three varieties of exercise – warm up, to prepare your body for a workout; home workout, a full routine of easy exercise for those who are now used to having a daily exercise routine at home; and mindfulness, great ways to relax after the workout session (or a shortcut for anyone who prefers their exercise in small doses!). There will be three videos available to explain each of the three exercises.

The Fitness stickers will be accompanied by six special fitness recipes, dedicated to each of the challenges. You can take part in Chiquita’s new online game: A ‘Match It’ challenge that asks participants to identify the exercise that the happy banana is performing, and match it to the coinciding exercise. Match 8 stickers and you’ll have the opportunity to win some great prizes from Chiquita’s sports swag.

Chiquita bananas provide the best taste and quality, and when it comes to fitness, they really are a power fruit. Loaded with essential vitamins and minerals such as B2 that helps maintain the body’s energy supply, they are an excellent component for a fitness-focused diet. Bananas are also ideal for fitness enthusiasts because they contain fructose, a good and natural sugar. When fructose is combined with a generous helping of fiber, the sugars are slowly digested and absorbed, preventing a “sugar rush” and guaranteeing sustainable energy.

The soluble fiber in bananas also helps to drive down bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Rich in potassium and low in sodium, bananas can help you to sleep soundly and protect against heart attack and stroke.

The goodness in our bananas makes them the perfect ally in the search for a healthy, nutritious and delicious diet. and You can find a wide range of mouthwatering, nutrient-dense recipes on our website. Chiquita bananas can be used in many ways and for many different occasions, either by themselves as an after-exercise snack, or as part of a delicious cake, muffin, pancake or bread.

The fitness stickers will start arriving in stores this summer, with North America receiving them at the beginning of July, followed by Europe and the rest of the world. Don’t forget to join in for the fun to begin! Make sure to follow us on Instagram for many surprises, giveaways and who knows.. some #ChiquitaChallenges.

Follow Chiquita Banana: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Mina Tocalini, 360 Magazine, Burger

Burger King VS McDonald’s

Burger King and McDonald’s are at it again. Burger King Finland places outdoor ads outside its competitors restaurants promising free delivery – if you set your order’s pickup location to a McDonald’s restaurant.

“Nearly every district in Helsinki has a McDonald’s restaurant. Sadly Burger King is not quite as common. We feel for the whopper-less city dwellers of these regions. We know how it feels like to yearn for the taste of our juicy flame-grilled burgers. But lucky for them, there’s an easy fix”, says Kaisa Kasila, Brand Manager of Burger King.

Burger King turns local McDonald’s into their delivery hot-spots. Helsinkians can order out Burger King and pick up their order from their nearest McDonald’s restaurants free of charge from the 29th of June to the 1st of July.

A local food delivery and takeout app Wolt (similar to UberEats) is in with the prank.

Burger King and McDonald’s have created a global prank war. Earlier this year in Scandinavia Burger King made “The Moldy Whopper” – a small jab at McDonald’s. The experiment wasn’t tasty, but more of a unique way to show how the classic burger is free of artificial preservatives.

And just because nothing is sacred, Burger King has pulled pranks on other franchises as well, like Star Wars.

Follow Burger King: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Mina Tocalini, 360 Magazine, Dolphin

Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club

Sitting on America’s number one beach, this dolphin and marine life themed hotel features the inspiring dolphin made famous by the Dolphin Tale movies – Winter. Part of the Ascend Hotel Collection portfolio by Choice Hotels, Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club comes to life after an extensive renovation and rehaul of an existing Choice hotel with a focus on sustainability and conservation.

“We are beyond excited to open this hotel to guests and offer them a very special experience that ties in with the mission of Clearwater Marine Aquarium,” said Page Development Group President Steve Page.

The 91-room beachfront hotel boasts an outdoor pool with beach cabana rentals, as well as two on-site restaurants, Cabanas Coastal Grill and Cabanas Beachside, serving up fresh seafood, American fare and specialty cocktails, providing ample opportunities for guests to relax and connect. After a long day in the warm Florida sunshine, guests can retreat to their room and enjoy all the comforts of home, including complimentary WiFi, a refrigerator and microwave, as well as a Keurig coffee maker and in-room coffee.

As part of Page Development’s Group passion for environmental protection and commitment to sustainable practices, Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club is CMA-certified with measures to protect marine life including sea turtle safe lighting, the elimination of single-use plastics, and special window treatments to reduce energy use while minimizing the harmful effects of sun glare off of the Gulf.

“We’re so excited to invite guests to see Winter at our facility and then have them stay in this fabulous and environmentally friendly, Winter and marine life themed hotel,” said CEO, Frank Dame. “We’re confident that families will be attracted by the newness of the hotel, its commitment to sustainability, and the unique learning opportunities of immersive marine life education.”

Not only will guests feel good about the sustainability of their stay at Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club, they will be contributing to Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s non-profit mission. Proceeds from each room night will go directly to the care, education, research and conservation of marine mammals through the work of CMA.

Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club is managed by Tampa-based McKibbon Hospitality, with hospitality veteran Adam Winning recently appointed as the hotel’s General Manager. Adam brings more than a decade of hospitality and leadership experience to the role, having most recently served as the General Manager of Aloft Jacksonville Airport.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. CMA is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, nurse sharks and more. Winter the dolphin’s story of survival, after an injury that caused her to lose her tail, has impacted millions of people around the world. Major motion picture Dolphin Tale (2011) features Winter’s story and its sequel Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) features the incredible story of Hope, a young resident dolphin of CMA. Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, right whales and sea turtles. The mission and potential to change people’s lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world.

Follow Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Follow Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club:  Facebook | Instagram 

Cruise illustration done by Mina Tocalini of 360 MAGAZINE.

Take a Trip with CruiseCompete!

River cruise ships offer a more private and intimate ambiance, along with personalized service and the advantage of being able to port almost anywhere. Passengers get a feel for the water and experience destinations in a very up-close and personal way onboard and in the towns and areas visited with CruiseCompete

Overall, cruise ship sizes range from megaships (almost 7,000 passengers) to very small vessels and luxury yachts whose passengers number in mere dozens (as small as 16). Knowing the differences is key to planning your best cruise vacation. 

CruiseCompete has divided today’s ships into categories and provides information on the benefits each provides, from the very small and intimate, to medium and up to the very large, mega ships.

For River Cruise Ship Size, from Extra Small to Small with guest capacity from just 18 to almost 260, and only a couple over that number, see details here.

From Avalon Waterways Treasure of Galapagos with 18 guests, to the American Queen Steamboat Company American Queen river ship that sails USA rivers with 417 guests , there is a ship size for everyone.

CruiseCompete member-agents are the most well-educated, forward-thinking and trusted cruise specialists in the industry. If you’d like more information or assistance planning a future cruise or a cruisetour, please visit CruiseCompete and try the Virtual Cruise Advisor™ or Live Help.

CruiseCompete has been the premier online cruise marketplace since 2003 (see media praises). Consumers come to CruiseCompete to research and book cruise vacations. More than 1.5 million users have generated close to 4 million requests from consumers, and agents have delivered 17.5 million quotes since 2003. They can compare offers from trusted travel agents, see consumer reviews of agents and agencies responding, then contact travel agents directly for more information and to book cruises. CruiseCompete is a member of the Family Travel Association, the leading authority and resource for family travel information and is home to the Sea Tales 2020 Family Cruise Travel Planner at Travel Resources.

CruiseCompete CruiseTrends™ offers monthly stats for an inside look at consumer trends and what consumers want in cruise vacations. CruiseCompete takes top honors in Travel + Leisure’s “Top 60 Best Apps and Websites for Travelers” with an honorable mention. The Wall Street Journal praised CruiseCompete as “Best Cruise Travel Site,” The New York Times says, “… independent travel agents compete to offer you the best deal,” and follows similar praise from Travel + Leisure, Kiplinger and The Washington Post. The Street says, “Score luxury cruises at bargain prices.” 

Follow CruiseCompete: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Mina Tocalini, 360 Magazine, Road Trip

Planning a Road Trip?

A survey conducted by Morning Consult commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association(AHLA) found that only 44 percent of Americans are planning overnight vacation or leisure travel in 2020, with high interest in road trips, family events, and long weekends over the summer months. Encouragingly, 68 percent of these expectant travelers say they are likely to stay in a hotel in 2020.
Among Americans planning to travel in 2020, 59 percent expect to take their first overnight trip by the end of the summer. Of these, 75 percent expect to drive two or more hours.
On their next overnight trip, 43 percent plan to stay with family and friends, and 39 percent plan to stay in a hotel; just nine percent plan to stay at a short-term rental such as Airbnb or VRBO, and five percent in a camper or RV. Nearly eight in ten (78%) are planning a trip of four days or less suggesting long-weekend trips will be the first vacation travel to return. Or, book a party bus to Corpus Christi.

Key findings among those planning to travel in 2020:

  • What kind of travel they’re planning: 81% expect to take a day trip and 72% expect to take an overnight vacation via car within the next five months. The overwhelming majority do not expect to take cruises (14%), camper/RV trips (28%), or vacations via plane (32%) in 2020.
  • How far they’re traveling: Among those planning a vacation via car, 75% plan to travel two or more hours (40% plan to drive more than four hours, and 35% plan to drive two to four hours).
  • Where they’re staying: On their next overnight trip, 43% say they will stay with family or friends, 39% in a hotel, 9% in a short-term rental, and 5% in a camper/RV.
  • How long they’re staying: 78% are planning trips of four nights or less.
  • Why they’re traveling: 55% plan to travel for a family event, such as a wedding, birthday, anniversary, or family reunion; 50% plan to travel for Christmas, 43% for Thanksgiving, 33% for 4th of July, and 30% for Labor Day. About 70 percent of Americans take a vacation in any given year, according to OmniTrak (TNS) data—suggesting that travel is a long way from pre-COVID-19 levels.

“Travel is by no means back yet, but we are encouraged to see people begin to travel as their communities reopen, and we all learn to navigate this new normal,”said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. “If you are thinking about traveling in 2020, my message to you is that hotels are clean and safe places, and we are ready to welcome you when you’re ready to travel. Through our Safe Stay initiative, we’ve enhanced our already rigorous cleaning protocols to be more transparent and give you evenmore peace of mind.” By a wide margin, Americans planning trips in 2020 plan to travel by car and stay either at family/friend’s house or hotel.
AHLA recently launched “Safe Stay” the industry’s initiative focused on enhanced hotel cleaning practices, social interactions, and workplace protocols to meet the new health and safety challenges and expectations presented by COVID-19. The Safe Stay guidelines were created by an advisory council comprised of leaders from all segments of the hotel industry in accordance with CDC best practices. Safe Stay provides direction on employee and guest health, employee responsibilities, cleaning products and protocols and physical distancing and will be revised as needed based on the recommendations of public health authorities, in compliance with any federal, state and local laws.
“Cleanliness and safety have been at the core of our industry since its beginning. Safe Stay is an industry-wide commitment to our top priority – the health and safety of guests and employees. With the implementation of Safe Stay, hotels will be cleaner than ever before. As we see leisure travel slowly and safely resume, hotels are focused on establishing greater transparency and confidence throughout the entire guest experience, representing a new level of focus and transparency for an industry already built on cleanliness,”said Rogers.
Regardless of their future travel plans, respondents were also asked about their interest in and comfort level with different types of accommodations. Would-be travelers expressed high interest in and comfort with hotels, and less interest and comfort in cruises and short-term rentals.
Across the country, travel ground to a halt in March. Hotel occupancy dropped to just 24.5 percent among open hotels nationwide in April, the lowest occupancy for any month on record in the U.S., according to STR. Since then, hotel occupancy has continued to tick up slowly, reaching 43.9 percent nationwide on June 20, but still far below the 74.5 percent occupancy at this time last year.
As we enter 4th of July weekend, hotel bookings are strongest in beach towns and smaller markets, according to Amadeus, a travel technology provider. Among the top 25 travel markets, only Norfolk/Virginia Beach has eclipsed 50 percent occupancy.
Rogers urged Congress to continue to prioritize the industries and employees most affected by the pandemic, including the travel and hospitality sectors. The industry has laid out a “Roadmap to Recovery” calling on Congress to help hotels retain and rehire employees, protect employees and guests, keep hotel doors open and incentivize Americans to travel again when it’s safe.
The Roadmap includes Congress passing a temporary tax incentive to encourage domestic travel, which would provide a boost to local economies, including hotels, restaurants, and retail stores that rely on business from travelers. According to Morning Consult survey data released last week
Americans widely support a new, temporary federal travel tax credit to encourage people to travel again.“The hotel industry was the first impacted by the pandemic and will be one of the last to recover. We are a major economic driver, supporting millions of jobs and generating billions in tax revenue. Getting our economy back on track starts with supporting the hotel industry and helping them regain their footing,”concluded Rogers.
This poll was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of AHLA. The survey was conducted June 16-19, 2020 among a national sample of 2200 Adults. Of these, 973 respondents indicated they plan to travel in 2020. The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of Adults based on age, educational attainment, gender, race, and region. Results among those who plan to travel in 2020 have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the sole national association representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry and contributes nearly $660 billion to the U.S. GDP. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Every day, America’s hotels make dreams come true, not just for our guests, but also for the 8.3 million people whose jobs we support—more than 1 in every 25 American jobs.

Follow AHLA: Facebook | Twitter

Mina Tocalini, 360 Magazine, Hotel

Say I Do × The Summit Hotel

The Summit Hotel in Madisonville is a featured location for Say I Do, a new series premiering on Netflix on July 1. From the creators of Queer Eye, Say I Do follows couples as they overcome obstacles to plan their surprise dream wedding in less than a week.

Say I Do stars interior designer Jeremiah Brent, fashion designer Thai Nguyen, stylist Johnny Wright, and chef Gabriele Bertaccini as experts and planners of each perfect celebration, including the one filmed at The Summit. The deserving couples on the show have always wanted to get married, but life challenges kept them from realizing their dream. Laughter, tears and love are hallmarks of the program.

“One of the highest honors we have in the hotel business is to help a couple celebrate their love with an extraordinary wedding,” said Martin Pittman, AT Hospitality Vice President of Operations. “The inspiring spaces, thoughtful details and sumptuous food at our Four Diamond hotel make every wedding special. But this one, with a couple who have loved each other through difficult times and the groom surprising his bride with the wedding in less than a week, was really something special.”

Viewers are treated to a front-row seat as they get to know the couple and their love story, and are there every step of the way, from the groom surprising the bride to the menu planning and more. It all culminates in seeing the bride glowing in her Thai Nguyen gown against the lushly decorated Rooftop Terrace at The Summit.

Say I Do is garnering national attention in the ramp-up to the premiere, with media coverage including People and FilmDaily. The official trailer can be viewed here.

The Summit is Cincinnati’s premier, luxury independent boutique hotel, with more than 32,000 square feet of space for weddings and events, including the Rooftop Terrace, Art Gallery, and Library. The Summit was recently named a AAA Four Diamond property, awarded the Inspector’s AAA Best of Housekeeping designation — significantly surpassing cleanliness expectations based on their comprehensive on-site inspection— and nominated for a Condé Nast Reader’s Choice Award.

Members of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ complimentary iPrefer program enjoy exclusive perks including complimentary room upgrades, free wi-fi, early check-in/late check-out, members-only rates and more.

The Summit opened in the historic and vibrant Madisonville neighborhood in 2018. Originally a doorbell factory, then a rainbow-hued parking garage, the property emerged as a contemporary art-filled hotel featuring a nine-story atrium, relaxing library, expansive rooftop terrace, art gallery and 239 guest suites that spark inspiration and curiosity. It is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s leading independent hotel group.

Designed by hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), The Summit is an artful experience with a strong emphasis on group conferences and collaborative spaces. Guests enjoy sophisticated amenities including a Rooftop Terrace, state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio, Art Gallery, soaring nine-story Atrium, an ultramodern social library, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. A variety of locally sourced dining, featuring house-made cocktails and extensive beer and wine lists, is available at the hotel’s Overlook Kitchen + Bar, Brew & Barrel and The Market.

Made for Meetings & Events The Summit offers 32,600 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space,including the modern Madisonville Ballroom and 17 meeting rooms with high-tech amenities and natural light. Meeting attendees at The Summit can find non-traditional offerings for snacks and breaks at the hotel’s signature Nourishment Centres.

The Summit is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection and is designated a AAA Four Diamond hotel and an Inspector’s Award for Best Housekeeping winner. All guests of The Summit are eligible to enroll in the I Prefer hotel rewards program, which extends points redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates, elite status, and special benefits such as complimentary Internet to members upon every stay at more than 700 participating Preferred Hotels & Resorts locations worldwide. The Summit is managed by AT Hospitality Group.

Follow The Summit Hotel: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Mina Tocalini, 360 Magazine, Saudi Arabia (Tabuk)

Visit Japan’s Miyagi Prefecture

While Japan’s Miyagi Prefecture is not yet open to international travelers, there are a number of foodie destinations that should be on travelers’ bucket lists when travel restrictions are lifted. Below are some incredibly unique restaurants, breweries and wineries that showcase the best of Miyagi’s local cuisine.

Akiu Winery in the quiet hills of Akiu was founded in 2015 in an effort to support the prefecture’s local agriculture. The winery produces an incredible array of wines using Merlot, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris grapes that are all grown on the estate. Guests who stop by the winery can sample any of the wines, cheeses and meats, and take a tour of the winery. Japan’s whiskey industry has received global recognition over the last few years, and travelers can experience the scene first-hand at the Miyagikyo.

Miyagikyo Distillery produces Nikka Whiskey which was originally made by the “Father of Japanese Whiskey,” Masataka Taketsuru. Taketsuru founded this second Nikka distillery in 1969 at the junction of two rivers among the Sakunami Mountains. Guests can tour the facility, participate in a whiskey tasting seminar and purchase distillery-exclusive whiskies at the gift shop. There are also a small number of microbreweries in Miyagi including one at the restaurant

Naruko no Kaze serves Japanese dinner staples like ramen and curry rice along with acclaimed sake and beer that is brewed on-site. Its awarding-winning doburoku, a thick, unfiltered farmhouse-style sake, along with its beers, which are made from local ingredients such as Yukimusubi rice and yamabudo (wild mountain grapes), are a must-try for all visitors. Miyagi’s restaurant scene also highlights the best of the prefecture’s local cuisine. Travelers who find themselves in Naruko Onsen should take a short tip to Egao Shokudo, a local soba shop. The fresh vegetables and mushrooms are all foraged by the ladies who run the shop and the local community of the surrounding mountains. The hand-picked vegetables and mushrooms are also pickled and available for purchase in the store.

As Japan is well known for its seafood, no trip to Miyagi would be complete without a visit to the Koei Suisan Fish Store, a popular local store in Matsushima Bay. In addition to offering the freshest seafood available, this family-run shop farms its own oysters. During oyster season (mid-October to mid-March), guests can savor yakigaki (grilled oysters) and raw oysters for dine-in or take-out.

Miyagi also has an incredible array of sakes distributed in the United States for people to try while dreaming of these foodie destinations. With more than 350 years under its belt, Uchigasaki Brewery is the oldest sake brewery in Miyagi Prefecture. Just north of the capital city Sendai, the brewery was founded in 1661 when its hometown Tomiya City became a popular post town along the Oshu Highway during the Edo period.

Another local favorite, Katsuyama has been making sake in Miyagi Prefecture since 1688. This brewery offers a wide variety of crystal-clear sakes to choose from, appealing to every palette. Founded in 1724, the Urakasumi Sake Brewery has been family-run for thirteen generations. Since then, the brewery has been providing the sacred sake for Shiogama Shrine, a 1,200 year-old Shinto shrine and one of the largest and most beloved shrines in Miyagi.

Newer but no less reputable, Ichinokura Brewery was founded in 1973 after four local breweries joined forces to create a very special sake made completely by hand.

For more information on Miyagi, please visit http://www.visitmiyagi.com

DaBaby, 360 Magazine, Vaughn Lowery

DaBaby Drops “ROCKSTAR” Visual

DaBaby drops the visual for “ROCKSTAR” ft. Roddy Ricch

Grammy-nominated rap superstar DaBaby has just released the visual to his massive hit single, “ROCKSTAR” featuring Roddy Ricch. The Reel Goats-directed visual comes as the single continues its chart-topping reign “ROCKSTAR” earned DaBaby his first #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and snagging #1 on Rolling Stone’s Top 100, while approaching #1 at Rhythmic Radio. The song also peaked at #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop, Hot Rap Songs, Streaming Songs charts and in several international markets including Australia, Austria, Denmark, New Zealand, Netherlands, Ireland, Switzerland and the UK. In addition, DaBaby released a Black Lives Matter Remix of “ROCKSTAR, adding his voice to the conversation surrounding the current hot-button social justice issues.

“ROCKSTAR” appears on DaBaby’s sophomore album Blame it on Baby, which continues to make its mark with over 550M global streams. The 13-track album reached #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Albums charts. It debuted on Spotify’s US Top 50 and included appearances by Quavo, Future, Roddy Ricch, Ashanti, Megan Thee Stallion, A Boogie wit da Hoodie and YoungBoy Never Broke Again. Listen to the album here.

DaBaby continues to be recognized for his previous work as well. His 2019 album KIRK and RIAA Certified Gold single, “BOP” have earned the Charlotte artist nominations for the 2020 BET Awards’ Album of the Year and Video of the Year categories, respectively. DaBaby, who will be performing at the event, is also a contender for Best Male Hip Hop Artist. Fans of DaBaby can now grab exclusive ROCKSTAR and merch at www.blameitonbaby.com

Follow DaBaby: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Gümüşlük, Paradise on Earth

Gümüşlük is one of the most tranquil coves with its unmatched natural beauty on the Bodrum Peninsula –the holiday hotspot of the Aegean– as it brings a great historical treasure together with sea, sand, sun, and exquisite flavors.

The history of Gümüşlük, which welcomes its guests with its windmills today, can be traced back to the ancient Lelege ancient city of Myndos dating back to three millennia ago, founded by the Carian King Mausolos, after whom the city came under the rule of many civilizations led by great personalities that shaped the world history including Alexander the Great, Aristonicus, Antonius, Brutus and Cassius.

Poetic Greek houses in the old Karakaya Village on the foothills, the magnificent view of Koyunbaba, which offers breathtaking views of the islands, the unparalleled natural beauty of Yalı and the Rabbit Island in the Gümüşlük Cove, which is accessible through the historical King’s Road, make it one of the most special locations on the Bodrum Peninsula, hosting the finest fish restaurants, festivals, world-renowned concerts, and art exhibitions. Gümüşlük is also the best destination for boats and yachts thanks to its natural harbor and spectacular sea.

An area to explore with its historical texture

Founded as a settlement in 640 B.C. in where modern Gümüşlük is located by one of the oldest civilizations in Anatolia, the Leleges, Myndos’ name meant “worship of the mother goddess.” Designated an archaeological protected site in 1975 following the recovery of numerous historical artifacts from that period during the archaeological excavations conducted on the Bozdağ hills and the Rabbit Island, the speculation on the origins of the modern name of Gümüşlük boils down to two stories. According to the first one, the region was home to silver mines in ancient times, which gave the town its name. A second story purports that the town received the name Gümüşlük because of the silvery color the sea takes during sunset…

Gümüşlük is famous for the historical Greek Houses in the Old Karakaya Village on the foothills, the glorious view of the Koyunbaba Islands, and its historical 150m-long, 1.5m-wide King’s Road. What makes Gümüşlük the most special point on the Bodrum Peninsula is the unmatched nature of Yalı and the Rabbit Island, which becomes accessible once the 3,500-year-old, submerged ancient King’s Road, which connects Gümüşlük to the Rabbit Island, reveals itself when the sea recedes and grants access to the island.

As soon as you set foot in Gümüşlük, you will be greeted by stands featuring handmade ceramics and glassware and jewelry and souvenirs made by artisans, stalls that sell lamps made from calabash, which is endemic to the Gümüşlük region and stores offering amazing desserts. Just take a few steps and you will find yourself on the path towards the bars where you can dine and wine before and after you take a dip in the water. Since this is a coastal town, finding an indoor venue here is almost impossible. At the café beaches extending along the shore, you can have a swim during the day, and a delicious meal and great time at the venues that transform into restaurants and bars in the evening. The International Gümüşlük Classical Music Festival, which is well-known in the world of classical music, is very popular among music lovers as an event that brings together successful artists from all around the globe in summer. In addition to the classical music festival, the 400-year-old Eklisia Church is also home to concerts by various artists.

A favorite among gastronomy lovers

Cafés and restaurants along the Gümüşlük coastline welcome their guests with an array of fabulous dishes, particularly during summer. In Bodrum, when it comes to watching the sunset, Gümüşlük is the first place to spring to mind particularly when it is accompanied by delicious mezes and fish. At night, Gümüşlük is the address of romanticism and peace with illuminations under the sea, renowned for its atmosphere and the unique flavors of the Aegean cuisine and famous fish restaurants. Those who visit Gümüşlük must not leave this small and romantic cove before they try kabak çiçeği dolması (stuffed zucchini blossoms), turp otu salatası (wild radish salad), acı ot kavurması (roasted inula), şevketi bostan yahnisi (blessed thistle stew), and kırlı patlıcan kızartması (fried eggplants).

Gümüşlük is known for its venues that offer not only evening feasts but also rich breakfasts where you can take your time to enjoy in an easy summer morning. Breakfast tables in sitting areas surrounded by green spaces against an endless seascape and in a fresh atmosphere are adorned by citrus jam, clotted cream of fresh goat milk, and a host of delicious cheese varieties, making it even harder for visitors to leave Gümüşlük. At the venues set in orchards of lemon and satsuma trees, you can taste tangerine and orange jam, delicious ice creams made from fresh goat milk, and apple cookies.

A holiday destination that offers peace

Gümüşlük secures a tranquil holiday experience with small boutique hotels, apart hotels and bed & breakfasts. It is also a proper location for those who are into camping, offering a variety of opportunities. Visited by everyone young and old, the cove welcomes in summers those who are into extreme sports such as watersport activities and particularly windsurfing. And if you enjoy boat tours, you can experience a vacation accompanied by the peaceful sound of waves by sailing against the immense seascapes of the Aegean Sea in its hidden coves.

About Turkey

Located in the Mediterranean and connecting Asia and Europe continents that are separated by famous Bosphorus, Turkey is a unique destination that welcomed last year about 40 million tourists. The country that has always been a hub for cultural interaction and home to varying climates inspires the visitors today with its history, nature, and gastronomy that reflect the diversity of civilizations for centuries. Located at the crossroads of cultures, Turkey has a distinctive understanding of art & fashion which is the synthesis of tradition and modernity, and its extremely dynamic shopping & entertainment life also attracts visitors from all over the world.

For more about Turkey visit the GoTurkey website HERE.

360 Magazine, GRiZ, Wreckno

GRiZ × Wreckno – Medusa

Multi-instrumentalist and producer GRiZ is known for the compassion and connection that he shares with his fans, as much as he is for his music. Today, that sense of community grows stronger as he releases his next single, “Medusa,” featuring DJ and producer, Wreckno. What he coins his ‘queer anthem banger’ is a fiercely bass-fueled, hip-hop-laden slice of empowerment, created to uplift the underrepresented LGBTQIA+ voices in dance music. GRiZ commissioned the artwork from non-binary gay Black illustrator Gabriella Grimes, whose work brings visibility to POC, gender-nonconforming, and other identifying folks. In celebration of Pride Month, “Medusa” is a message to queer kids encouraging them to embrace exactly who they are.

Listen To “Medusa feat. Wreckno” here

Wreckno shares what the track means to him, and how it came together – “Medusa means everything to me! Not only is it my gayest most incredible queer dream team collaboration come true, but it packs a punch with an empowering and sassy message. I grew up in the woods of northern Michigan, four hours north of Detroit. We would drive eight hours in a night, round trip sometimes, just to go and catch a GRiZ show. I’ve always admired his artistry and have been a stan for a long time, so when he reached out to work on this song it truly was my dreams coming true. His shows were like a funky rainbow escape from the grey cloud that I usually felt over my world.”

After releasing the fifth installment of his widely-praised Bangers.Zip EP series, GRiZ dialed back the dubstep and turned up the funk with his latest chilled-out jam, “Solo ft. ProbCause.” An early taste of his forthcoming Chasing The Golden Hour Pt. 3, GRiZ released the 90’s-inspired summer starter on his 30th birthday last month. Since then, he’s taken his engaging live shows to the streaming landscape, treating fans to massive virtual sets and more intimate moments from home. Most recently he raised funds for Trans Lifeline during his Digital Mirage 2.0 performance, while the festival also contributed proceeds to Equal Justice Initiative and Color of Change.

Wreckno, like GRiZ, is a Michigan native who fell in love with the electronic scene at age 15 and less than ten years later, is an unstoppable force in the bass space. He’s brought his positive message and unique brand of music to staple venues across cities like Detroit, Chicago, New York, and more. Earlier this month Wreckno donated all proceeds from his track “Ass Thrower” to The Louisville Community Bail Fund.

360 Magazine, GRiZ