Kelsy Chauvin

You might be tempted to compare Kansas City to other towns, but the truth is, it’s one of a kind. KCMO—that is, Kansas City, Missouri—is locked right in the middle of America. (And shouldn’t be confused with smaller “KCK,” or Kansas City, Kansas, across the Kansas river.)

Just as the city’s central coordinates suggest, Kansas City is a hub for everything from agriculture and transportation, to gastronomy, arts, and culture. It’s surprisingly diverse and progressive, yet it’s proud to be a heartland city sprung from old-west traditions.

The Gilded Age left its mark on Newport like nowhere else in America. There are mansions, yachts, and a polo club, not to mention St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where Jacqueline Bouvier married then Senator John F. Kennedy in 1953.

Yet, this coastal Rhode Island city has the everyday charm of a quintessential New England hamlet. Natural scenery is picture-perfect even in winter, though summer sun makes the shoreline sparkle as it summons weekend visitors for seafood and local brews.

Across the Sakonnet River (really a tidal strait), Newport gives way to more nature in historic Little Compton...

Omaha’s story goes back more than 250 years, beginning with the Omaha and Ponca Native American tribes, through the region’s 1804 explorations of Lewis and Clark, and on through the industrial booms of the late 19th and 20th centuries.

Through it all, this heartland city has been a hub of invention and commerce. Omaha was built on railroads and breweries, stockyards and agriculture, and iconic American products—from boxed cake mix, TV dinners, and Raisin Bran; to the classic pink hair curler and “top 40” radio. That business zeal is still going strong in Nebraska’s biggest city. These days...

In Charleston, the history is as deep and rich as a serving of homemade perlou. And just like the famous Lowcountry rice dish, the city’s flavors get more interesting with every bite.

Charleston has long drawn travelers to its balmy terrain along the mid-Atlantic coast. In fact, it drew some of the very first cross-Atlantic travelers—English colonists, who established “Charles Town” back in 1670. The roots of their influences remain, as do traditions of African Americans, whose Gullah culture is distinct in the region and infused into local food, farming, crafts, and music.

They call Oklahoma City “the modern frontier.” It’s a nice concept, inviting travelers to summon the homesteading spirit of the Great Plains as they savor 21st-century culture. And it’s remarkable how the contemporary part of OKC keeps its cowboy roots kicking. A weekend getaway allows enough time for a snapshot of the Oklahoma state capital, featuring Americana like chicken-fried steak and Route 66, plus surprises like incredible Vietnamese restaurants and a world-class arts collective.

It may be the year of social distancing, but for travelers, it's a time to bring destinations home. For fans of big flavor, Chicago restaurants are just the ticket. Americans hankering for Chicago's iconic dishes, classic seasonings and sweet treats can opt for long-distance delivery to reconnect with the Windy City's best bites. Here's a rundown of our favorite eateries ready to ship their legendary creations to your front door...

One word: Soup.
(by Kelsy Chauvin)
Comfort comes in many forms, but at Katz’s Delicatessen, it’s liquid. And the deli has served it up with love since 1888.
The beloved Lower East Side deli is where New Yorkers and travelers flock for arguably the world’s best matzoh-ball soup. Not to mention a menu that’s basically the Jewish-deli-essentials gold standard.
Plus salami, of course—a driving force for Katz’s fame thanks to its unforgettable WWII-era near-rhyme (best spoken with a New York accent): “Send a salami to your boy in the Army.”

Great architecture is resilient, and with vision, it can be transformative. At the Riggs Washington DC, resilience is proving to be essential.

The new Penn Quarter downtown hotel opened on Feb. 6 with fanfare, only to have to dim its lights six weeks later, temporarily, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was a project that was 2.5 years in the making…Six weeks later, the world could not look any more different,” said General Manager Dieter Schmitz, CHA, in a March statement...

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
In hard times, the tough get thirsty. And few indulgences offer such glamour, flavor, and solace as a well-made cocktail. EDGE turned to the city where cocktails were born to collect five top bartenders' beloved drink recipes. With their freshly shaken and stirred concoctions and home bar tips, here's what you need to know to summon a taste of classic New Orleans to your house.

Night Tripper, Chris Hannah, Jewel of the South:
Dr. John, aka the "Nite Tripper," created his own style of iconic...

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
Mexico City is among the great world capitals. It’s home to incredible culture, astounding art, unforgettable cuisine, and a proud LGBTQ community. The city draws millions of international tourists yearly, mingling with its nine million residents. So, in this booming metropolis, we turn to a true local expert for guidance about the best places go, things to do, and one of kind experiences not to be missed.

At the W Mexico City, the charming and knowledgeable Carlos Amaral serves as our W Insider, an elevated guest-experience and urban ambassador. In his unique role...

The most relaxing vacations leave all worries behind, even if it’s just for a few days. That’s where all-inclusive resorts come in, inviting guests to dine, swim, lounge, and sip fruity cocktails sans hassles. For LGBTQ travelers, there’s an added factor of enjoying a breezy vacay in comfort, from a setting that inspires all aspirational beach bums to unwind and be themselves.
While plenty of resorts welcome diverse travelers, some really roll out the rainbow carpets—whether they’re part of a gay-friendly brand; home an out-and-proud LGBTQ staff; or part of a fabulous destination. Here are...

March is Women’s History Month, and 2020 is a banner year for the annual tribute, with several major milestones. Most notably, one hundred years ago, American women won the right to vote thanks to the 19th Amendment, officially added to the US Constitution on August 26, 1920.

This year also marks the 200th birthday of one great organizer behind the 19th Amendment: suffragist Susan B. Anthony (born on February 15th). And she surely would have enjoyed celebrating the 111th annual International Women’s Day on March 8th.

But it’s not all about the distant past. In January 2020...

The air changes when you arrive in the Russian River Valley. The region is enveloped by Northern California’s famous redwoods, where the Pacific sends ocean breezes into vineyard-covered valleys. And in the heart of it all is a vibrant LGBTQ community where the food and wine are as delightful as the natural scenery.

Welcome to Guerneville, California. Home to just a few thousand residents, the Sonoma County town is one of the most beloved vacation spots for San Franciscans. They come for the fresh air, the hiking, the tastings and for the always-inclusive climate where LGBTQ...

Gazing skyward can be like traveling. The heavens are mysterious, expansive, and full of wonder. For astrologers, the sky is filled with signposts, and it’s all thanks to the zodiac.
Most of us know our sun signs—that’s which zodiac constellation the sun was in when we were born. That’s why we read horoscopes, a personal forecast based on cosmic movements. But what about our travel horoscope? Can we determine the best destinations and timing for travel based on the zodiac signs?
Why yes, we can...

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
Visitors to Louisiana learn quickly that “Cajun culture” isn’t just a label—it’s a lifestyle.

Here, life’s a little different than the rest of the country: locals are as passionate about their music as they are food and football, and heritage is infused in all corners of the Bayou State. Whether you want to visit a mansion steeped in history or order your po'boy “dressed” at a Cajun restaurant -- or maybe even dance to a zydeco band where the bowling is lagniappe (that’s a little something extra)...