The 2024 Hotlist: Immersive Cultural Experiences
Although jaw-dropping landscapes or mouthwatering cuisine may leave an impression, it’s often the interactions with the people you encounter on your journeys that create life-long memories. Delving into a place’s culture requires a genuine connection with locals– a feat easier said than done.
That’s why All Roads North has spent years cultivating personal connections with locals on the ground in all of our favorite places. Whether it’s chefs, artists, conservationists, or historians, we will carefully pair you with people who are passionate experts in their fields. From venturing through Mississippi’s Deep Delta with a local captain, to hearing six generations worth of stories from the family members behind a small Sonoma winery, here are some experiences to provide a little inspiration for 2024:
Discover the Deep Mississippi Delta
With its enchanting tapestry of slow-flowing bayous, lush cypress swamps, and the haunting melodies of blues echoing through the warm, humid air, the Deep Mississippi Delta provides a glimpse into the cultural and natural richness that defines this unique, atmospheric corner of the American South. It is one of the largest alluvial floodplains in the world, but disappearing at an alarming rate as encroaching saltwater has sent the marsh into retreat.
Today you’ll meet a local captain, who has spent a lifetime on the bayous of Louisiana studying its wetlands, people, and economy. Together in a traditional Louisiana fishing boat, you’ll spend the day exploring both sides of the Mississippi River Delta; one of industrial development and humanity’s will, the other a connected ecosystem with diverse life and hope. You’ll stop at indigenous dwelling sites, Ghost Bayous, barrier islands where dolphins are frequent visitors and healthy wetlands that provide vital bird habitat.
Explore Maine’s Wild Islands with Maine Island Trail Association
Since 1988, MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) has been dedicated to the protection of Maine’s wild islands. Through their stewardship and conservation programs, they not only protect these fragile ecosystems but also facilitate access to this special resource for sailors, paddlers, campers and nature lovers.
Head out by boat to one of Maine’s wild islands to explore the area and assist in cleaning up the surprising assortment of marine debris that washes up on the coastline. Not only will you be leaving Maine having made a positive impact, you’ll get to experience a beautiful, seldom-visited part of the state.
Stay with the Family Behind Sonoma’s Beltane Ranch
With six generations of family-run and sustainable farming, Beltane Ranch is the legacy of many generations of strong female leadership. The story begins in 1892 with property owner Mary Ellen Pleasant, a Black woman who defied all odds to become a wealthy power mogul, successful business owner and civil rights leader. Fast forward to current day, and Beltane Ranch has been in the loving hands of the Benward family for six generations.
The main ranch building has five rooms opening out onto the wrap-around balcony, looking out to sweeping views of Sonoma’s Valley of the Moon. The property is an idyllic composition of vineyards, open fields for the livestock, roaming chickens, and the occasional grazing babydoll lamb. Much of the produce used in the kitchen comes from their own gardens and the ranch itself is surrounded by flower beds, herbs and fruit trees.
Experience the Remote Alaskan Way of Life at Tutka Bay Lodge
Carl and Kirsten Dixon were married in a log cabin amid a snowstorm to the tune of river songs in 1981.
One look at Tutka Bay’s location nestled in in a placid bay across Kachemak Bay from downtown Homer, and it’s clear that this wilderness lodge is a special place. Upon further investigation, it’s truly the heart of married duo Carl Kirsten Dixon and their family that make it exceptional. Kirsten’s commitment to French hospitality and quality cuisine and Carl’s commitment to preservation and conservation in the natural world define the Tutka Bay Lodge experience.
You can enroll in the lodge’s daily “cooking school” in a historic crabbing boat with Kirsten and her daughter Mandy. You’ll dive into a culinary celebration of Alaska’s local bounty– all things wild foraged and grown from land and sea. Whether out in Tutka Bay in a sea kayak, exploring with a pair of binoculars, or tidepooling; this is a place to slow down and soak in the glory of nature. Don’t miss a flight across to the Katmai Peninsula, landing on a remote beach to watch coastal brown bears graze along the shoreline and in sedge grass fields.
Itinerary Inspiration: Back to the Future in New Mexico
New Mexico is a state like no other; between its refreshing lack of industrialization and intriguing cultural diversity it can feel very foreign to the United States you know. Its small-scale agriculture and farming systems have changed little in centuries and in a way seem to have come full circle, with global movements like organic farming, sustainability and artisanal craftsmanship being just business as usual in New Mexico. But don’t think this equates to being backward-looking and on this luxury New Mexico road trip you’ll meet ranchers, scientists, chefs and artists that all have their sights firmly set on the 21st Century and beyond.
See the full journey: Back to the Future in New Mexico