Celebrate with the Locals in Elko, Nevada

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Nevada celebrates its historic roots with the National Basque Festival in Elko from 5-6 July. Free to attend, the event takes place in multiple venues across the city including Elko Basque Clubhouse, Elko City Park and the Ruby Mountain Golf course offering traditional Basque food, woodchopping competitions, Picon Punch (the state’s unofficial state drink), music, dance performances, and rural sports exhibitions. Basque heritage in Nevada is a strong cultural presence, particularly in northern Nevada, where Basques have lived for over a century. Their influence is seen in various aspects of life, including dining, festivals, and even the local economy, especially in towns like Winnemucca and Elko.

Click here to find out more about visiting Nevada.

Under Canvas Yosemite Opens in Tuolumne County

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Under Canvas Yosemite opened in Groveland this month with rates starting at £255 per night. This will be the brand’s 12th camp, and set in a serene, mountainside forest surrounded by mature, Yosemite-native trees, just 10 minutes from the west entrance of Yosemite National Park at Big Oak Flat Information Station in Tuolumne County. The idyllic, 80-acre camp is within close proximity to attractions including, Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias for gentle hiking opportunities. In addition, it has a YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) stop directly across from the camp’s entrance, offering car-free access into the national park multiple times each day.

As California’s most-visited national park, Yosemite National Park is known for its waterfalls, giant sequoia groves and seemingly endless hiking trails – unbeknown to many, the lion’s share falls within Tuolumne County.

Canvas’ Adventure Concierge can assist guests in booking in-park and local experiences–from rafting, rock climbing and fly fishing, to guided hiking, driving tours, photography classes and more.

Each of the safari-inspired tents will be furnished with plush king-size beds, luxe linens, USB charging packs, bedside lanterns, heated mattress pads, a private deck, and ensuite bathroom that features a hot shower, sink and flushing toilet. Unique lodging tent accommodations will include the brand’s proprietary Stargazer Tents, complete with a viewing window above the bed – perfect for stargazing – as well as the El Capitan Suite Tent, featuring two tents adjoined by a private deck, with its own outdoor area – perfect for the ultimate family or group getaway.

Find out more about visiting Tuolumne County here.

Bourbon & Belonging: Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week Returns October 3–5, 2025

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Queer Kentucky, a proudly LGBTQ+ led nonprofit, is thrilled to announce the return of Bourbon & Belonging, Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week, taking place October 3–5, 2025. Following a groundbreaking and widely celebrated inaugural year, the second annual event will once again shine a spotlight on Kentucky’s signature spirit through the lens of inclusion, culture, and community.

Bourbon & Belonging is a statewide celebration designed to welcome LGBTQ+ Kentuckians and visitors alike into bourbon spaces and hospitality experiences across the Commonwealth. The 2024 event was a resounding success, welcoming visitors from across the globe while generating wide media attention and community enthusiasm across 60 events, 8 cities, and an overall campaign that reached over 6 million people worldwide.

This year’s event builds on that momentum with a weekend full of curated events, distillery experiences, queer performances, and culinary offerings in cities across the state. Returning host regions include Louisville, Lexington, Northern Kentucky, and Paducah.

“We are beyond proud to bring Bourbon & Belonging back for a second year,” said Missy Spears, Executive Director of Queer Kentucky. “It’s more than an event—it’s a declaration that LGBTQ+ people belong in every space, including those deeply rooted in Kentucky’s cultural identity.”

The 2025 event will again feature collaborations with leading bourbon brands such as Old Forester, New Riff Distilling, Wenzel Whiskey, and Maker’s Mark, as well as partnerships with host hotels committed to fostering welcoming spaces for all travelers.

“This isn’t just about bourbon—it’s about belonging,” said Mary Quinn Ramer, President of VisitLEX. “Bourbon & Belonging celebrates our people, our pride, and our promise that Kentucky is for everyone.”

 

Modeled after iconic events like Sonoma’s Gay Wine Weekend and DC’s QueerBeer Fest, Bourbon & Belonging has quickly become a beacon for inclusive tourism and cultural celebration in the South. All proceeds support Queer Kentucky’s mission to uplift and empower LGBTQ+ Kentuckians through storytelling, education, and community programming.

“Bourbon & Belonging continues to be a shining example of how Louisville leads with hospitality mixed with our strong cultural heritage,” said Cleo Battle, President & CEO of Louisville Tourism. “This event not only celebrates our world-renowned Bourbon scene, but also reinforces our unwavering commitment to being a welcoming destination.”

“We’re honored to host Bourbon & Belonging again this year in Northern Kentucky,” said Julie Kirkpatrick, President & CEO of meetNKY. “It’s a testament to Kentucky’s reputation as a welcoming, world-class bourbon destination that blends heritage with fresh, exciting experiences.”

To learn more about Bourbon & Belonging 2025, sign up for email updates, and explore partnership or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.bourbonandbelonging.com.