Summer in the National Parks

Despite the travel challenges immediately following Covid in 2020, in the past few years national parks saw record visitor numbers. The Grand Canyon saw 4.7 million visitors, second only to Great Smoky Mountains National Park which saw 13.3 million visitors. Since it’s looking like that trend will continue in 2026, there are a few parks in particular that are essential to plan ahead for this year.

Summer is the most popular time to visit most National parks, so it’s key to book in advance. July and August in particular bring the best weather and it’s a fantastic time to take in one of the most spectacular landscapes in North America. The Grand Canyon, Zion, Yellowstone, The Great Smoky Mountains and Yosemite are all in the top five most popular American national parks to visit so if you’re hoping to visit these during peak season, planning ahead is crucial.

In an effort to manage the mass amount of visitors and preserve the pristine wilderness in these areas, many parks have implemented new reservation and timed-entry systems. Mountain Rainier, Glacier, Arches, Rocky Mountain, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Arches, and Acadia National Parks are some of the more popular spots that require reservations during peak season, with many more starting pilot programs this year.

National Park Road Trip Inspiration: Yellowstone and Grand Teton Road Trip 

Fall in New England

It’s no secret that New England shines in autumn. Every September, visitors trek from all over the country to witness the fall foliage change from bright greens to golden-reds. But the charming trait of New England is its small-town feel and with such a small window (sometimes only two weeks) to drive the fall colored highways, room availability and timing are limited. 

Reservations at some of our favorite boutique getaways and luxury inns are quickly filling up, so if you fancy spending your autumn amongst bright falling leaves, winding between cheddar creameries and cider mills, and enveloped in the salty air of coastal Atlantic towns, start the planning of your custom journey through New England soon.

New England Fall Road Trip Inspiration: Luxury Holiday to New England

Alaska

As a general rule, an exploration through the wild terrain of Alaska is not an adventure that you want to enter into haphazardly. It’s a huge state with miles of remote frontier, so you need to have a strategy for how you’ll get where and who will be guiding the way. 

Plus, because of the extreme weather, there’s a short window of opportunity in the warmer months to access much of Alaska, meaning high demand for the best places. Not-to-mention, the surge of extreme weather in recent years can be an impediment to seeing certain National Parks (Denali Park Road, in Denali National Park, remains closed through 2026 do to a landslide). For all of these reasons, it’s always best to plan ahead.

Our Alaska luxury travel specialists have handpicked the finest wilderness lodges, expert private guides, and standout experiences so as to design a luxury Alaska vacation to remember. From aquamarine glaciers, steep-walled fjords, majestic grizzlies, endless snow-capped mountain ranges, and breaching humpbacks; there’s an abundance of ‘bucket-list’ Alaska experiences spread across a vast geography. 

Alaskan Road Trip Inspiration: Luxury Alaska Vacation: Adventures on the Kenai Peninsula

The Harvest in California Wine Country

Around late September, California wine country bustles with energy during the harvest. Vineyards race to pick their grapes at their peak ripeness, the weather begins to cool and the smell of harvest fills the valleys. This is always an exciting time to visit, but finding reservations in this small wine region can be competitive. The already limited rooms at our favorite boltholes, like the Inn at Newport Ranch in Mendocino or Sonoma’s Farmhouse Inn, won’t last long. 

Likewise, the harvest being a time of great culinary celebration, tables will quickly fill up at the many acclaimed (and Michelin-starred) restaurants in California’s wine country region. A key part of All Roads North’s trip planning services is making sure you get the reservations you want and we’ll be keeping an eye on openings at legends like Napa Valley’s French Laundry or Sonoma’s SingleThread Farm for those hoping to indulge their taste buds this year.

Wine Country Inspiration: Napa and Sonoma in Style

Spring Break

It’s always a good idea to plan ahead for spring break, but especially this year. Domestic travel in the U.S. during March is increasing and, in fact, in 2024 airlines saw their busiest March ever. In 2026, numbers are expected to increase even more.

Arizona is a beautiful place to visit in the spring, whether finding rest and relaxation amongst the sacred red rocks of Sedona or searching out adventure in the saguaro cactus-studded desert surrounding Tucson. Or, take advantage of the sun and sea in Southern California. From surfing to hiking to fine dining to art exhibits, you’ll never have to suffer a dull moment. For spring breakers looking for a cultural immersion, look no further than New Orleans. Dynamic and diverse, this city is larger than life in almost every area; not least food, music and history.

Southwest Road Trip Inspiraiton: The Red Rock and Canyon Country of Arizona and Utah

Luxury Ranches

Blending authentic ranch life with luxury bells and whistles is something that the U.S. does best. From Montana to Arizona, many of our favorite ranches consist of several stand-alone cabins with a main lodge centered in their midst– a setup that became popular during Covid due to its inherent socially distanced structure. 

Not only the accommodation but also the accompanying activities allow for seclusion. Most luxury ranches, like the Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana or Smith Rock Ranch in Colorado, offer endless outdoor activities, like horseback riding, fishing and hiking, all from one secluded base.

Luxury Ranch Road Trip Inspiration: A Private Ranch Road Trip in West Texas

Mountain Towns

Whether you are planning to ski in the winter, raft in the summer or hike amongst golden aspen in autumn, mountain towns never go out of season. The difficult decision isn’t deciding if you want to get away for some alpine fresh air, it’s more of a question of where you’ll go. Here are some of our favorites (and the ones that will book up the fastest):

Jackson, Wyoming is a bit of a dichotomy. On one hand, Jackson is an old western town with wooden boardwalks, swinging saloon doors and its signature elk antler arches in the main square. On the other, it’s a chic mountain town that has become a playground for the well-heeled and adventurous. Aspen, Colorado is similar in that way– with perhaps a little more glitz than grit. What most defines Aspen though is its exceptional natural beauty. Walking down Main Street in Telluride, Colorado, you’ll understand why it’s often described as the quintessential mountain town. The spunk of its mining town origins is miraculously preserved and its location nestled in the valley of a box canyon causes just about any angle of the town to be picture perfect. Taos, New Mexico is a mountain town infused with the blend of Mexican, Spanish and Native American culture that New Mexico is known for. It’s rich in cultural experiences and full of adventurous outdoor activities as well.

Mountain Towns Road Trip Inspiration: Luxury Family Adventure in Colorado

The post Seven Places to Book Ahead for 2026 appeared first on All Roads North.

At All Roads North, we believe that a place is nothing without its people. So often, when we ask our clients the most memorable parts of their journey, it’s not the Instagram-worthy landscape or acclaimed hotel that they mention, it’s the encounters they had along the way.  That’s why our trips are carefully designed to make those connections, providing you with an authentic and immersive experience. These experiences– whether it be with a local craftsman, musician, chef or marine biologist– are the inspiration for our Connections series, where we talk to friends of All Roads North to get an insider’s look at some of our favorite places across the U.S.

Flowers Winery

Tell us about your Healdsburg story?

Hello, I’m Chantal Forthun, winemaker for Flowers Vineyards & Winery in Healdsburg. For the past decade, I’ve had the fun privilege of making Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that amplify the wild natural spirit of the far Sonoma Coast, where our high-elevation estate vineyards are situated.

My Healdsburg story begins about 12 years ago when I was visiting friends in the area. I was immediately and indelibly struck by the bucolic beauty while driving on Eastside Road. The golden-hour sunlight was hitting the sea of undulating vineyards in the most perfect manner. I couldn’t believe how beautiful the landscape was, and how I was just discovering it for the first time! Furthering my budding love for Healdsburg was the interplay between locals and tourism — the community seemed so unified through its deep and solid roots.

What three words sum up Healdsburg for you?

Food & Wine Mecca.

What’s something that Healdsburg does better than anywhere else?

Genuine and warm hospitality and appreciation for the land, born from Healdsburg’s agrarian roots.

What major “tourist attraction” lives up to the hype?

Healdsburg Plaza – a convivial community gathering spot framed by redwoods and date palms, and flanked by some of the world’s best restaurants and wineries.

What’s your favorite neighborhood to wander?

I love the historic architecture of the homes downtown, so that’s the neighborhood I frequent the most.

Underrated in Healdsburg, overrated in Healdsburg, personal favorite, and recent discovery?

Underrated: Shopping around the Plaza. Ooh La Lux and Jam Jar are some of the sweetest boutiques that embody the Healdsburg lifestyle.

Overrated: World-class dining in our backyard means that reservations at highly rated (not overrated!) destinations such as SingleThread are hard to come by! To avoid disappointment, it’s well worth it to plan ahead and make a reservation months in advance. The beautifully curated dining experience will certainly reward your pre-planning efforts!

Personal favorites: Healdsburg Farmers’ Market (Saturday mornings!), and live music during the summer at Tuesday in the Plaza

Recent discovery: Maison Healdsburg — grower champagne at your fingertips!

Downtown Healdsburg

What’s your Sunday morning in Healdsburg?

Grab a coffee and a pastry at Quail & Condor. Take a leisurely stroll through the Plaza. Check out Little Saint Farms’ farmstand at Little Saint. Pop into Marine Layer to say hello to friends and have a splash of Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast.

What restaurant do you take friends from out of town for dinner, a casual local’s favorite, and a weekend brunch?

Bardiva is my go-to for out-of-town  guests. The stylish barn architecture and culinary spotlight on fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients is quintessential Healdsburg.

Hands-down casual local’s favorite is Guiso Latin Fusion. This family-owned  & operated eatery is super small, with only a handful of tables. The intimate setting coupled with lively stories told by one of the servers (also the father of the chef!) makes you feel like part of the family. And, the pupusas are not to be missed.

For weekend brunch, I love The Parish Cafe — a taste of New Orleans in Sonoma County.

Sonoma Coast

Where do you go to get into nature?

There are so many great nature spots around Healdsburg, but I always gravitate toward the Sonoma Coast for its dramatic landscape and salty sea breezes. The Kortum Trail hike out to Goat Rock Beach, where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean, is one of my favorites. Rocky coastline meets windswept coastal forest — and seals! It’s also a hop, skip, and a jump from our coastal estate vineyards.

What trends are you noticing in Healdsburg right now?

The diaspora of talented chefs who cut their teeth at Michelin-starred restaurants going out on their own with inspiring new additions to the local culinary scene. Troubadour Bakery and Molti Amici, to name a few new greats.

We love sending clients to places that portray an authentic sense of place. How does Flowers encapsulate the Healdsburg region?

Architecturally, House of Flowers was designed as an homage to the natural landscape of the Russian River Valley, and to the wild natural elements of our coastal estate vineyards where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean. Our space is filled with natural materials, earthy hues, abundant natural light, and ever-present views of the surrounding redwoods, vineyards, and mountains that define our local landscape.

Experience Healdsburg with this itinerary: 

Sonoma and Mendocino: A Farm to Table Road Trip

The post Connections: Healdsburg, California with Winemaker Chantal Forthun appeared first on All Roads North.

A Legacy of Stories

Mary Ellen Pleasant

Beltane Ranch is a 105-acre winery, sustainable farm and historic inn set in the hills north of Sonoma Valley. Nested on a hillside overlooking valleys of oak trees, vineyards and open fields, the land is host to centuries of historic tales.

“The people before us left a legacy of stories,” Lauren Benward, Beltane Ranch Vice President and family member, said. “It doesn’t feel like just a plot land.. It feels like something bigger.”

Mary Ellen Pleasant was one of the first notable figures connected with the property. As a Black woman in the 1890’s, she defied all odds to become a wealthy power mogul, successful business owner and civil rights leader. Benward said she sued the San Francisco Streetcar Company for not letting black people ride in the 1870’s– a move that was ahead of her time. 

It was Pleasant who selected the site for the house that is today’s bed and breakfast at Beltane Ranch. Because of her, the inn is considered a historic landmark to this day. In the 1960’s, Benward’s grandmother had the house restored room by room with modern comforts, but most of the architectural detail remains.

“This was [Pleasant’s] vision,” Benward said. “The construction and architecture is inspired by her roots outside New Orleans and you can really feel that and experience that when you stay here.”

Six Generations of Family Ownership

After Mary Ellen Pleasant, there were a couple different families that owned the property before Benward’s family came into the picture. Lauren Benward’s great-great aunt and uncle bought the land during the Great Depression and, because they had no children, it was passed down through Benward’s great-grandmother’s family. 

The women in the family tended to run the show– each generation wielding their own talents and ideas to improve Beltane Ranch. Benward said her great-great aunt had a green thumb in the garden and a soft spot for the animals. Meanwhile, Benward’s grandmother, who was a single mom, had the vision to restore the house and open it as a bed and breakfast. And it was Benward’s mother who wanted to get back into the wine industry– an operation that had been in the area in the late 1800’s, but was on the back burner. 

While Benward and her brother Alex were growing up on the winery, their grandmother continued to run the inn while their mom oversaw the vineyards.

“We grew up always helping in the vineyard, gardening and serving people,” Benward said. “The crossover between agriculture and hospitality is what the property’s always been and what we know as a family.”

After spending their childhood at Beltane Ranch, both of the siblings felt they needed to stretch their wings. They left home for college, then for the beginning stages of their careers– gaining some outside experience and fresh perspective before deciding to return to Beltane Ranch.

Upon their return, Benward and her brother saw an opportunity for a new approach at the winery. They decided to create their own wine (rather than selling their grapes to other vintners) and have a hand in the winemaking process from soil to glass.

Regenerative and Small-Scale Farming 

Beltane Ranch follows a sustainable farming model– something that comes hand in hand with their respect for the land and its stories.

“You don’t really own this property or this story. It’s so much bigger than who we are, so we just get to play a role in stewarding it for the time being,” Benward said.

Benward said that their business shines best when they’re able to combine all three of the property’s elements: wine, food and hospitality. Guests enjoy food grown on property paired with the wine grown in their vineyard. The scraps may then go to compost for other crops or perhaps to feed the chickens that provide fresh eggs for the next meal. 

“What’s beautiful is how it’s all intertwined,” Benward said. “It really wouldn’t be the same if all the pieces, like dining and hospitality, were pulled apart. That’s a real focus for us… shortening the cycles and tying them together.”

Benward said the family took inspiration from a trip to Portugal and Morocco in 2019. In some of the ancient olive groves they visited, old world farming techniques were still very much at play; there were even some places where donkeys were being used for farming.

“There’s so much wisdom in age old farming- non commercial, nonindustrial, farming by hand,” Benward said. ”I’m really inspired by places that are doing things in the old world ways.”

As a small property, Beltane Ranch will never be able to compete with high-production, commercial wineries in terms of operations. Rather, where they excel is taking it slow. Honoring the sense of history and intrinsic value of the land. Paying individualized attention to each guest and to each crop of grapes. 

In fact, Benward said her favorite part of the job is creating new and unique ways for visitors to experience the property based on their interests. 

“For example, our group today was more focused on how we’re using the babydoll sheep for weed reduction in the vineyard,” Benward said. “We have this sweet baby lamb and they got to bottle feed the lamb. Then we tasted the wine from that vineyard block, that part of the vineyard where the sheep are. So we tie it all together.”

All photos courtesy of Beltane Ranch.

Itineraries

Let us plan your dream California wine country trip. For more inspiration, check out these sample itineraries:

Napa and Sonoma In Style

Couple’s California: A Refined Luxury Road Trip

Sonoma and Mendocino: A Farm to Table Road Trip

The post Female Leadership and Regenerative Farming at Sonoma’s Beltane Ranch appeared first on All Roads North.