Syjil Ashraf

In order to determine the top soul food restaurants in America, The Daily Meal took a deep dive into existing rankings and review sites to get an idea of which spots have gained the most renown and admiration from locals as well as food-focused tourists. The site then looked for noted restaurants that have racked up awards and accolades (like James Beard's America's Classics Awards). Above all, this list is filled with restaurants that embody the history and culture of soul food — even if they also stand out for putting their own twists on the classics.

Fried chicken, cornbread and collard greens: 34 of America’s best soul food restaurants

January 17, 2020 at 8:52 p.m.

While all soul food can be considered Southern, not all Southern food can be considered soul. Soul food tends to utilize leftover cuts of meat, spices are used liberally, vegetables...

Go on a <a href="https://www.theactivetimes.com/travel/absolute-best-romantic-adventures-every-state"target="_blank">romantic adventure</a> in the Rockies, where Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has provided guests with all the spa benefits of its thermal spring water for more than 130 years. The world's largest mineral hot springs pool offers a chance for rejuvenation and renewal with its 15 minerals, and the Spa of the Rockies menu includes treatments such as the Wild Honey Steam Wrap for $145 that uses honey and infrared heat to smoothen and hydrate the skin, and the $179 Altitude Adjustment, a full-body massage that utilizes Oxygen Inhalation Therapy to relieve altitude sickness symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and headaches.

$355 facial and $400 grounding rituals: Spa resorts worth the splurge

March 6, 2020 at 7:25 p.m.

If one has the means, turning the a trip to the spa into an indulgent vacation can be more than worth the price — imagine big comfy beds, fancy food,...

SEMINYAK BEACH (BALI, INDONESIA) | Colorful bean bags and parasols provided by beach clubs line the shore at Seminyak Beach in Bali, Indonesia, a popular spot made even more beautiful by lights in the evening.

Pristine sand and crystal-clear water: 50 of the most beautiful beaches in the world

December 24, 2020 at 7:03 p.m.

The beach can be a mesmerizing place filled with photogenic spots and relaxation. These beaches are some of the best in the world. (Syjil Ashraf, The Active Times)

In order to curate a list of the top all-inclusive experiences in the Caribbean, we looked at which resorts not only have all-inclusive packages but also offer the best of accommodations, food, beaches, pools and activities on both water and land. Many of the entries on this list received special recognition from the travel industry, especially with accolades from the <a href="https://www.worldtravelawards.com/winners/2019">2019 World Travel Awards</a> and <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Hotels-cAllInclusive">TripAdvisor's 2019 Traveler's Choice Awards</a>. We also looked back at our own coverage of resorts and hotel stays in the Caribbean, as well as overall industry buzz for the past year, if not decade, to complete this list of the best all-inclusive resorts in the region.

It’s all sun and fun at 50 of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean

January 2, 2020 at 9:12 p.m.

When it's just too cold outside (or you can use a break from everyday life), a resort stay in the Caribbean almost guarantees relaxation. Consult this list when booking a...

Made up of two resort towns — Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo — and situated at the southern tip of Baja California, trips to Los Cabos are favored by the rich and famous for a reason. In addition to pristine beaches and golf courses, the area is constantly upping the ante when it comes to the hotel industry. Hotels that have recently opened their doors include the 115 suite and villa-only Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and the Japanese-influenced Nobu Hotel Los Cabos.

Picturesque ports and cultural centers: Trip ideas for 2020

December 24, 2019 at 8:19 p.m.

The 2010s were an interesting decade for globetrotters. Travel apps, social media, increasingly high-tech security and other travel trends completely changed the game. As the new year (and decade) comes...

Vilnius, Lithuania, is a great destination to explore during the holiday season because it has something for everyone. Stroll through the cozy Christmas market around the dazzling tree in Cathedral Square or shop for creative presents at the International Christmas Charity Bazaar or picturesque market at Town Hall Square. Catch a projected light show on Vilnius Cathedral, take a Christmas train tour through town and more.

32 towns and villages around the world that are magical at Christmas

December 12, 2019 at 6:48 p.m.

There's no shortage of American towns known for their holiday spirit, but the United States certainly doesn't have a monopoly on Christmastime magic. Throughout the world, travelers will find countless...

Every year, Austin's Zilker Park is transformed into a Texas-sized winter wonderland that attracts more than 400,000 visitors. Everything's bigger in Texas, and at 155 feet tall, the Zilker Holiday Tree at the Austin Trail of Lights is claimed to be the largest man-made Christmas tree in the world. As for the trail itself, 90 lit holiday trees and more than 70 other light displays and decorated tunnels with a total of 2 million lights are spread along a 1.25-mile walk.

30 amazing holiday light displays across America

December 6, 2019 at 5:15 p.m.

Throughout the country, you'll find plenty of neighborhoods, parks and gardens displaying their greatest Christmas cheer with extremely creative scenes and characters made of lights and all sorts of colored...

Spain's autonomous Canary Islands are an excellent place to escape the cold, especially in January, when flights to Tenerife, the capital, drop to about $450 round-trip and hotels range from $30 at lower-tier accommodations to $150 at higher-end hotels. Enjoy mild water temperatures in the 60s on the beach, camel rides, kitesurfing, windsurfing or hiking through the four national parks on the islands.

30 trips to take this winter in the U.S. and around the world that won’t break the bank

December 13, 2019 at 7:22 p.m.

Using information gathered from Google Flights and Google Hotels, The Active Times put together a list of 30 destinations that all clock in at under $350 round-trip for domestic flights...

The most traditional method for cooking a turkey is to roast it in a conventional oven, which is pretty easy to learn once you know what to do. The typical rule of thumb is to roast for 30 minutes per pound and ensure that the turkey has a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. It's recommended to brine the bird first for maximum flavor and juiciness, although it isn't necessary and some turkeys can be bought pre-brined. Roasting in the oven also allows for making the gravy with the drippings, and believe it or not, you actually shouldn't baste your turkey.

Should you air-fry, oven-roast or deep-fry your turkey?

November 20, 2022 at 8:02 p.m.

convection oven inside an enclosed bucket. In order to air-fry a turkey, you'll need an air-fryer with a capacity of about 12 quarts or more. Make sure to pat the...

At Franklin Barbecue, run by renowned pitmaster Aaron Franklin, meat lovers have been known to line up as early as three hours before doors open at 11 a.m., and the food is clearly worth waiting for, considering it's usually sold out by 2 or 3 p.m. Franklin Barbecue serves brisket, pulled pork, ribs, turkey and sausage by the pound and in sandwiches, which you can pair with slaw, pinto beans and potato salad before finishing up with a slice of bourbon banana, pecan or key lime pie.

One restaurant you should try in every state

October 24, 2019 at 10:38 p.m.

Food is the best lens through which we can get acquainted with a region's history and culture, and in the United States, the cuisine of each state can tell you...

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