If you love culinary adventures paired with world-class wine, local craft beers, and unforgettable Black Hills charm, mark your calendar for the 13th Annual Forks, Corks & Kegs Food, Wine & Beer Festival in Deadwood, happening April 10–11, 2026. What Makes Forks, Corks & Kegs a Must-Attend Event This two-day culinary celebration brings together: Local chefs and restaurants serving their signature dishes Wine tastings from vineyards across the country Craft beer selections — including regional favorites A Grand Tasting experience featuring dozens of beverages and light hors d’oeuvres all in one place. Whether you’re a seasoned wine aficionado or eager to explore new food pairings, this festival blends historic Deadwood’s lively atmosphere with refined tastes — the perfect spring getaway for food and drink lovers. Festival Highlights Friday, April 10 — Wine Around & Appetizer Crawl Kick off the weekend by strolling historic Deadwood as each participating restaurant hosts a different wine pairing and bite-sized culinary creation. It’s a great way to meet chefs, try new flavors, and warm up your taste buds for the big day ahead. Saturday, April 11 — Deadwood Dine Around & Grand Tasting Spend your Saturday discovering even more food and beverage pairings at local venues. In the afternoon, the Grand Tasting brings dozens of beers and wines together under one roof — a can’t-miss experience for connoisseurs and casual tasters alike. Pro tip: All festival access requires registration at Deadwood Mountain Grand, and tickets include a festival guide, commemorative glass, and access to special events across the weekend. VIP Access & Extras For those who want an elevated experience, VIP tickets offer early entry to exclusive wine tastings and priority access to select areas. It’s a great option for guests who want a more curated sipping experience. Visit Deadwood This Spring April is a magical time to visit Deadwood — the Black Hills begin to bloom and the historic streets come alive with food, music, and local culture. Pair your festival weekend with a stay at one of Deadwood’s charming hotels, explore local shops on Main Street, or extend your trip with nearby hiking, casinos and attractions. Whether you’re planning a getaway with friends or looking for a flavorful experience to kick off the season, Forks, Corks & Kegs 2026 promises unforgettable tastes, great company, and a true Black Hills celebration. Going with friends? Even better. Allstop Travel has group-friendly hotel rates and preferred locations available for Forks, Corks & Kegs 2026. Spots are limited, and Deadwood fills fast for this event. Reserve your stay with Allstop Travel before the best options are gone. 📞 (701) 419-4440

ND Country Fest is more than just great music—it’s your chance to explore North Dakota like never before. With Allstop Travel’s exclusive travel packages for festivals, you’ll enjoy smooth festival transportation options and curated travel itineraries designed around your passion for country music travel. Get ready to connect with fellow fans, experience local culture, and make the most of every moment in a safe, family-friendly setting. Keep reading to see how to turn this festival into an unforgettable adventure. For more about North Dakota's adventurous offerings, take a look at this link.

Snow Magic™ — How to Choose Winter You Actually Enjoy Winter hits different when you choose it—when it’s planned, intentional, and surrounded by warmth instead of stress. Snow Magic™ isn’t icy driveways, dead batteries, and slush in the grocery parking lot. It’s mountain towns, hot drinks, soft blankets, and scenery that reminds you winter can be gentle. Most travelers think winter trips are about skiing. They’re not. They’re about atmosphere. 1. Pick towns built for winter, not towns that just tolerate it Places like Breckenridge, Vail, Park City, or Banff don’t treat snow as a problem. Snow is part of the design. This matters because: sidewalks are heated shops and restaurants stay open late walking is easy and scenic you don’t spend every moment “surviving the weather” You’re not battling winter — you’re participating in it. 2. Book lodging that puts you in the center of life In a real winter town, the difference between a good trip and a stressful one is location. When I plan Snow Magic™ trips, I avoid: “Affordable” hotels 15–30 minutes outside town, properties where a car is required, resorts with shuttle drama, cabins you can’t reach in a storm You want to walk to: restaurants, sled hills, the bakery, the coffee shop, the gondola That’s winter you can feel, not just look at. 3. Skiers are welcome, non-skiers are spoiled Snow Magic™ includes: gondolas, hot springs, sleigh rides, spas, winter markets, scenic rail, cozy dining, fireplace lounges No one has to “keep up.” Everyone gets their version of winter. If one person skis and one doesn’t, I build a 2-track itinerary: morning for the skier, late morning bakery or spa for the non-skier, meet for lunch, slow afternoon together That’s how couples and families actually enjoy the trip. 4. Understand altitude before you go This is the mistake people make every winter: They arrive at 8,000–10,000 feet and try to “do everything” on day one. You’ll feel: headache, fatigue, irritability, nausea So I plan Snow Magic™ like this: Arrival → settle, eat well, hydrate, sleep Day 2 → activity or ski Day 3 → adventure You enjoy more when you slow down. 5. Know the vibe of each town Here’s how I guide clients quickly: Breckenridge — walkable, lively, food + shops, great for couples and groups Vail — upscale, galleries, elegant dining, structured experiences Steamboat — relaxed, cowboy culture, hot springs, real charm Park City — historic Main Street, Sundance vibe, excellent for long weekends Banff — dramatic views, national parks, winter photography heaven Winter is not “one size fits all.” You should choose energy, not geography. 6. Who Snow Magic™ is perfect for: couples who want quiet, families who want connection, travelers who want winter without chaos, professionals who need a mental reset, people who love cozy more than crowded How I plan Snow Magic™ trips I match: destination temperament, altitude tolerance, walkability, spa availability, travel month, storm season, lodging style I coordinate transfers, recommend packing options, and book restaurants and winter experiences so you can simply enjoy the season. If you want winter to feel like winter — not work: Tell me when you’re traveling, how you like to unwind, and I’ll design your Snow Magic™ itinerary.

The Meaning Behind the Marigolds: Día de los Muertos in Mexico E very late October, Mexico comes alive with cempasúchil, the golden-orange flower most people call marigolds. Their scent, color, and shape play one of the most important roles in Día de los Muertos—they’re not decoration; they’re guidance. In Indigenous tradition, cempasúchil are said to light the path home for returning spirits. Their bright petals create walkways from the street to the family altar, and their fragrance reminds loved ones where they’re wanted, where they’re remembered, and where they are still loved. Marigolds are an invitation: Come back to us. We haven’t forgotten you. Their color—resembling the sun—connects life, death, and rebirth. In Aztec cosmology, the sun was a symbol of movement and continuation. To this day, marigolds echo that meaning: life doesn’t vanish; it transforms. How Marigolds Are Used Paths of petals leading from doors to altars (ofrendas) so spirits can find their way. Garlands and rings around photos, candles, or objects meaningful to the departed. Fresh flowers on graves, especially in cemeteries where families gather through the night. Market displays that feel alive—tables piled high with orange and gold, filling the air with citrus and earth. Even if you don’t know the language or the prayers, you feel the message in the flowers. Where Travelers Can Experience This Oaxaca — Cempasúchil tapetes (flower carpets), parades, and community altars throughout the historic center. Mexico City — Massive public ofrendas and streets lined with gold. The scent meets you before the crowds do. Pátzcuaro & Janitzio — Island vigils where petals glow against candlelit graves. Deeply moving and very respectful spaces. Riviera Maya & Cozumel — Educational workshops and curated celebrations that help travelers understand the meaning behind the symbols—not just admire them. Visiting with Heart If you photograph altars or cemeteries, always ask first. Buy flowers, textiles, and folk art from local families and Indigenous artisans. Taste tradition—pan de muerto and atole—as part of learning, not entertainment. Remember you’re stepping into a collective act of love, not a performance. For Gardeners and Flower Lovers If you enjoy gardening, you’ll notice something familiar: Marigolds don’t demand attention—they give it. They protect tomatoes, invite pollinators, and thrive in the sun. In Mexico, they protect something far more fragile: memory. The same way a garden teaches us patience and care, Día de los Muertos teaches us to tend to the relationships that live beyond time. The marigolds do what gardeners know flowers naturally do—they guide, they nourish, and they remind. If you’re drawn to the marigolds, let’s plan your November trip to Mexico. If you’re drawn to the marigolds, let’s plan your November trip to Mexico. Sample 5-Day Itinerary — Oaxaca (Short Version) Day 1 – Arrival & Orientation Private transfer → Boutique hotel in Centro Histórico → Evening stroll through the Zócalo. Day 2 – Markets & Altars Visit local markets full of marigolds and sugar skulls → City walking tour → Chocolate or atole tasting. Day 3 – Artisans & Cemetery Vigil Village artisans (weaving/pottery) → Rest → Evening cemetery visit with a local guide. Day 4 – Workshops & Comparsas Choose a skull-painting or altar workshop → Night comparsa (parade) → Mezcal tasting. Day 5 – Slow Morning & Departure Coffee, final photos, artisan shopping → Private transfer to OAX airport. Ready to See It for Yourself? I curate respectful Día de los Muertos itineraries with trusted local partners, walkable neighborhoods, and guides who help you understand the meaning behind every petal, altar, and candle.

Creating a Family History Book One meaningful way to preserve your findings is by creating a family history book. This can be both a personal project and a treasure for your family. Here’s a quick guide on how to get started: Organizing Content: Begin by outlining the main sections of your book. These could include family tree charts, biographies, significant events, and ancestral town histories. Writing Narratives: Turn the data into engaging stories. Share anecdotes, cultural practices, and how historical events shaped your family’s journey. Incorporating Visuals: Integrate photographs, scanned documents, and maps to bring your narrative to life. Design and Format: Utilize online tools or professional services to format your book. Pay attention to layout and readability to make it visually appealing. Printing and Distribution: Decide whether you want to self-publish or use a print-on-demand service. Share copies with family members to ensure the legacy is preserved. Engaging the Younger Generation To ensure your family’s heritage continues to be celebrated, engage the younger generation. Here are some creative ideas: Interactive Family Tree Projects: Use digital tools to create an interactive family tree where younger family members can explore their ancestry. Storytelling Sessions: Host family gatherings where stories are shared. Encourage younger members to ask questions and share their thoughts on family history. Heritage Tours: Plan a family trip to ancestral towns. Experiencing the places firsthand can foster a deeper appreciation for their heritage. Hosting a Family Reunion Consider organizing a family reunion centered around your genealogy discoveries. This event can be an opportunity to reunite family members from various branches and celebrate your shared history. Plan activities that highlight your research, such as: Genealogy Workshops: Offer sessions where you can teach others how to start or continue their research. Cultural Activities: Include traditional food, music, or games that reflect your German heritage. Presentation of Your Findings: Share a presentation of your research, featuring stories, photos, and any surprises uncovered along the way. What’s Next in Your Ancestry Journey? Your genealogical research journey doesn't have to end here. There are endless possibilities to explore further: Exploring Other Lineages: If you have multiple ethnic backgrounds, consider researching other branches of your family tree. Documenting Oral Histories: Continue collecting stories and memories from older family members. Document these to preserve living history. Advancing Your Skills: Attend genealogy conferences or online courses to refine your research techniques. Continuing the Legacy As you reflect on your journey into your German ancestry, remember that genealogy is more than just names and dates. It's about the stories, the connections, and the legacy you build for future generations. Keep the curiosity alive, and let each new discovery deepen your appreciation for your family's unique story.

Understanding DNA Testing for Genealogy DNA testing is a powerful tool to reveal your ethnic background and connect you with distant relatives who share a common ancestry. Two popular types of DNA tests are autosomal and Y-DNA or mtDNA testing. Autosomal DNA Testing: This is the most common type of DNA test, analyzing your entire genome. It provides estimates of your ethnic makeup and can connect you with relatives up to the 5th to 8th cousins. Y-DNA and mtDNA Testing: These tests trace your direct paternal line (Y-DNA) or maternal line (mtDNA). They are more specialized and can provide insights into your deep ancestral origins. Companies like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage offer easy-to-use kits that can help you further explore your heritage. Once you receive your results, take the time to interpret them carefully. Look for connections to known relatives and any surprises in your ethnic background that might reveal previously unknown connections. Joining Genealogical Societies Genealogical societies can be invaluable resources for budding genealogists. Many of these societies specialize in immigrant ancestors, and specifically, German ancestry. Here’s how they can aid your research: Access to Exclusive Resources: Many societies offer access to databases, historical records, and publications that aren’t available elsewhere. They often have collections of family trees, documents, and expert articles. Networking Opportunities: Societies provide a platform to connect with other enthusiasts and professionals. Networking can lead to the exchange of research tips and sharing of family information. Workshops and Conferences: Engage in society-organized events that offer workshops led by experts, providing insights and techniques tailored to your research. Dedicated Support: Many societies have staff or volunteers who can offer guidance on various aspects of genealogy, including interpreting records or using online tools effectively. Examples of Noteworthy Societies The German Genealogy Group: Focused on German ancestry, offering a newsletter, access to databases, and educational resources. The American Historical Society of Germans from Russia (AHSGR): Provides insights and resources specifically for descendants of Germans who settled in Russia, now living in America. The International German Genealogy Partnership (IGGP): Connects German genealogy societies worldwide to facilitate research. Making New Connections As you delve deeper into your genealogy research, don't be surprised if you uncover relatives across the globe. DNA matches might lead to family branches you never knew existed, while society connections could put you in touch with distant cousins. Use these newfound connections to exchange stories and documents, enriching your family’s narrative. Preserving and Sharing Your Findings As you compile your findings, consider ways to preserve and share your work. Create a digital archive of documents, photos, and records you've collected. Consider writing a family history book to pass down to future generations, ensuring your research is both engaging and educational. Your journey doesn't end here. Keep exploring, sharing, and celebrating your German ancestry, and continue to build on the foundation you've painstakingly created. Each discovery enriches your understanding of where you come from, adding depth to your family story.

Starting Your German American Ancestry Journey You're ready to discover your roots, but where do you begin? Let’s start with the basics of gathering information that can guide your journey. Gathering Family Documents and Oral Histories Start by collecting what you already have at home. Old letters, birth certificates, and photographs can offer clues. Even if documents seem unrelated, they often contain hidden gems. Chat with family members, especially older relatives. Their stories might seem fragmented, but each piece adds to the puzzle. Remember to take notes while listening. Every detail counts when you're building your family history. Next, focus on organizing this information. Create a simple spreadsheet or use a notebook. Write down names, dates, and places that come up. This will help you see connections and spot gaps in your knowledge. You'll soon find that these initial steps form the foundation of your family history research. Online Ancestry Resources: Ancestry and FamilySearch With your basic info in hand, it’s time to dive into the online world. Websites like Ancestry and FamilySearch offer vast databases that can connect you with long-lost relatives. Start by entering the information you've gathered. These platforms can reveal records you didn't know existed, like immigration papers or census records. Explore the features available on these sites. For example, Ancestry offers hints and suggestions based on the data you input. FamilySearch provides free access to records and a community of researchers eager to help. Trying different search strategies can lead to surprising discoveries about your ancestors. Exploring Local Church Archives Churches were central to communities in the past. They often kept detailed records of births, marriages, and deaths. Visiting local church archives can uncover information not available online. Begin by identifying the churches your ancestors likely attended. Call ahead to schedule a visit, as some archives require appointments. When visiting, be prepared to handle delicate documents with care. Bring a camera or smartphone to capture images of records. Sometimes, these archives offer insights into your ancestors' lives beyond names and dates. You'll find that personal anecdotes or community involvement can add depth to your family history research. Connecting with Ancestral Regions Linking your findings to specific regions in Germany is the next step. Discovering ancestral towns can provide context and meaning to the names and dates you've collected. Matching Ancestral Regions to Modern-Day Towns Germany's geography and political boundaries have changed over time. Understanding these shifts is key to matching ancestral regions with current towns. Use online maps and historical references to trace these changes. Websites dedicated to genealogy can also provide historical context. Look for clues in your documents that mention town names or regions. Compare them to modern maps to pinpoint exact locations. This connection offers a clearer picture of where your ancestors lived, helping you visualize their world. Here are some examples of Matching regions to " Modern "day towns to regions they traveled from in North/South Dakota and Minnesota to start. Black Sea (Odessa/Kherson region, today southern Ukraine & Moldova) Kuchurhan (formerly Straßburg; includes former Baden) – Odesa Oblast, Ukraine→ Strasburg ND; Hague ND; Zeeland ND (Emmons Co.) — Many Catholic “Germans from Russia” from the Kutschurgan colonies settled Emmons County; Strasburg ND was named for the Kutschurgan Straßburg. Lymanske (formerly Selz & Kandel) – Odesa Oblast, Ukraine→ Hague ND; Strasburg ND; Selz (historic post hamlet) ND — Kutschurgan district mother colonies that fed Emmons Co. Catholic settlements. Kam’yanka (formerly Mannheim) & Shcherbanka (formerly Elsass) – Odesa Oblast, Ukraine→ Emmons & McIntosh Cos., ND; McPherson Co., SD — Additional Kutschurgan mother colonies whose emigrants appear among “German Russian” settlers in south-central ND/SD. Bessarabian villages (e.g., Kulm; Hoffnungstal; Leipzig; Arzis/Arcis – today in Moldova/Ukraine)→ Kulm ND; Lehr ND; Glen Ullin area ND; Eureka / Java / Artas / Delmont SD — Documented migration waves 1882–1886 from Bessarabia into south-central SD and then into ND (Kulm Township & Kulm ND). grhs.org+1 Volga & Volhynia (today Russia/Ukraine/Poland) Volga colonies (e.g., Norka, Balzer, Frank, Grimm—Saratov Oblast, Russia)→ Scattered families in ND/SD/MN; larger streams to KS/NE/CO — Present in Dakota/Upper Midwest rosters alongside Black Sea Germans (smaller share than Black Sea to ND). germansfromrussiasettlementlocations.org Volhynian centers (e.g., Zhytomyr, Stanisławówka – today Ukraine/Poland borderlands)→ SE SD & MN communities — Listed among Dakota/Upper Midwest Germans-from-Russia lineages. germansfromrussiasettlementlocations.org German states (direct-from-Germany streams to Minnesota & the Upper Midwest) Ulm / Neu-Ulm area (Baden-Württemberg/Bavaria, Germany)→ New Ulm MN — Founded by the German Land Company & Turner Settlement Society; name chosen because many settlers were from Württemberg (Ulm). Minnesota Historical Society Rhineland, Westphalia, Bavaria (cities/towns across these provinces)→ Stearns, Benton & Morrison Counties MN (St. Cloud area; “Father Pierz” corridor) — Fr. Francis X. Pierz’s 1850s letters drew Catholic immigrants—“sturdy sons of Rheinland, Westphalia, and Bavaria”—who founded dozens of parishes and farm hamlets. Cologne / Hamburg / Gotha (German Rhineland & Thuringia)→ Carver County MN towns named Cologne, Hamburg, New Germany — German immigrants concentrated here in the 1860s; place-names reflect origins. Minnesota Historical Society South Dakota German-Russian heartland Multiple Black Sea colonies (Kutschurgan, Beresan, Glückstal, Bessarabia)→ Eureka SD & McPherson County; Hosmer SD; Java SD; Delmont SD; Artas SD — Classic “Germans from Russia” zone with substantial documentation and museum collections. Visiting Ancestral Villages for Deeper Insight Imagine walking the same streets your ancestors once did. Visiting ancestral villages offers a unique perspective that records cannot provide. Start planning your heritage travel with details from your research. Contact local heritage groups or museums in these areas—they often host tours or have additional resources. When you visit, pay attention to the surroundings. Architecture, local customs, and regional foods can all tell a story. By immersing yourself in the environment, you gain a deeper connection to your family history. Remember, the longer you wait to explore these places, the more you miss out on experiencing your heritage fully. By following these steps, you'll uncover layers of your family history you never knew existed. Dive into your German American ancestry journey and let the past illuminate your present.

There’s a moment every family historian dreams about — when the stories you’ve heard all your life suddenly connect with the land beneath your feet. For me, that moment came in Donegal, Ireland, walking in the footsteps of my Daugherty ancestors. It was always a dream for me to visit Ireland. It was everything I had hoped for. Come with me or let me plan a journey that exceeds your expectations. From the Archives and quaint towns and streets to the Gelato, coffee and endless roadside black berries (so good with morning breakfast) and let's not forget the beaches complete with surfing! I love beaches and shelling as you might know so, visiting the beach is top on my list always. Let's dive into Donegal. The Daugherty (also spelled Doherty, Dougherty, or O’Dochartaigh) name is deeply rooted in Donegal. It’s everywhere — in parish records, carved into ancient stone, and tied to castles that still stand as silent witnesses to centuries of history. Yet it wasn’t until I came here that those Daugherty roots felt real. It was always just something I put at the top of my paper in school. Tracing the Past in the Archives My day began in the hushed rooms of the Donegal County Archives and Central Library in Letterkenny. Shelves filled with estate papers, parish registers, and local newspapers revealed fragments of lives lived long ago. As I followed the Daugherty name through records and maps, Donegal transformed from a distant homeland into something much more intimate — a place of origin, a place where my story began. From Paper to Place Armed with names and townlands, I set out into the Donegal landscape. In Buncrana, the ruins of O’Doherty’s Keep tower above Lough Swilly — once home to the powerful O’Dochartaigh clan. Standing there, I felt the line between legend and lived history blur. Later, among the moss-covered stones of a parish graveyard, I found the Daugherty name again. This time not in ink, but etched into the earth itself. It was as if the ancestors I had chased through dusty records were waiting there to be remembered. A Living Legacy The Daugherty story is not locked in the past. In Donegal, the name thrives — on storefronts, in conversations, in the music of village pubs. The warmth of the people makes it clear: this heritage is alive and welcoming. And beyond the names, Donegal itself tells the story. The sweeping views from Grianán of Aileach, the wild Atlantic along Malin Head, the rhythm of daily life — all of it becomes part of your own family narrative when you stand here. Coming Home Genealogy is more than research; it is connection. In Donegal, I realized that family history isn’t only about discovering who my ancestors were. It’s about coming home to a piece of myself. ✨ At Allstop Travel, we believe journeys like this are the most powerful kind of travel — ones that connect you to your past while enriching your present. Whether you’re tracing the Daugherty name in Donegal or uncovering your own heritage elsewhere, we craft personalized heritage experiences that blend research, culture, and meaning. Ready to walk in your ancestors’ footsteps? Let us create your homecoming.

Let's dive into Heritage Travel.