I love visiting the U.S. — from the San Diego tacos, to the black sand beaches in Hawaii — but I'm sure as heck not going there in the next four years
Last year, this time, I was in sunny San Diego. It was a golf trip for my husband and a few days of relaxing for me. We went to Balboa Park, Old Town, Coronado and the Gaslamp District. I can say we ate entirely too many tacos and burritos. The Mexican food scene is great.
In February 2024, I was in Washington, D.C. on an experiential learning trip with Black students from the University of Toronto Scarborough. We visited Howard University, a historically Black institution and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
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Style Blueprint
2 days ago
- Style Blueprint
Memphis's Newest Old Hotel: A First Look Inside Hotel Pontotoc
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit Oh, if the walls of Hotel Pontotoc could talk … Located between South Main and Front Street, the historic hotel has been a Downtown Memphis staple for more than a century, living multiple lives as a bordello, a Turkish bathhouse, a dive bar, a private residence, and a recording studio. After years of neglect and a meticulous recent restoration by local developers, the hotel will come full circle when it reopens this summer as a European-style boutique hotel, offering guests a combination of modern luxury and vintage charm. 'The fact that it has survived nearly untouched for 119 years is amazing,' says General Manager Norbert Mede. 'It's like a fly caught in amber — it never got repurposed or lost its character like so many other properties.' Take a closer look at the storied past of Hotel Pontotoc, and get a sneak peek at its newest iteration! Pin A Historic Gem Built in 1906 near Central Station, Hotel Pontotoc originally catered to railway and riverboat travelers. With 18 bedrooms and nine bathrooms, the small hotel was known for its lavish Turkish baths. By the 1920s, it had morphed into a popular bordello with a reputation for luxury and discretion. In 1929, Greek businessman Dionysos (Dan) Touliatos bought the property, turning it into a family hotel, where he resided with his wife and children. Pin Under his ownership, the hotel became a social hub for members of the Greek community and hosted many lively parties. It also drew actors and vaudeville performers from the nearby Orpheum Theatre. One of Hotel Pontotoc's most illustrious guests was Mexican artist Dionicio Rodriguez, who lived in the hotel in the 1930s while commissioned to work on Crystal Shrine Grotto at Memorial Park Gardens — a handmade cavern made of rock quartz crystal and semiprecious stones. Pin In 1958, George Sr., the eldest son of the Touliatos family, founded Front Street Theatre, which put on professional theatrical productions and attracted notable actors. While these stars may not have stayed at Hotel Pontotoc, the hotel was intertwined in the city's cultural development. There is even a rumor that Elvis visited the hotel, though there's no evidence to prove it. The Touliatos sold Hotel Pontotoc after business declined in the late 1960s, and it enjoyed a brief stint as a nightclub in 1979 before it was purchased by local preservationists Leigh and Terry Davis in the early 1980s. They renovated the building, converting the basement into a recording studio and hosting memorable parties. In 2022, partners Tony Kuhn and Joseph Lewis — Memphians with a heart for historic downtown properties — acquired the building, which had fallen into disrepair. They embarked on a multimillion-dollar project to restore Hotel Pontotoc to its former glory. Pin Pin A Second Act Despite the hotel's deterioration in recent years, 'the bones of it were in great condition,' Norbert says. 'The renovation is a wink and a nod to its past but with modern upgrades and amenities.' The hotel's footprint is the same, with a bar on the lower basement level and guest rooms on the top two floors. But the original 17 rooms have been downsized to 10, including one grand suite, three regular suites, one ADA suite, and three studio-style rooms. Pin Each room has a different theme, but they all pay tribute to the past with their restored wood floors, exposed plaster walls, transom windows, and repurposed doors featuring original room numbers and antique knobs. Bathrooms contain vintage sink fixtures and high-tank toilets with pull chains for a nostalgic touch. Pin While the hotel is full of contemporary comforts, its vibe is intimate, and its design 'is like a timeline of its history,' Norbert says. The aesthetic is brimming with mid-century modern furnishings, rich wall coverings in deep blues and greens, and relics from its early life, which are showcased. 'We found a red ammunition bomb that we are going to suspend from the ceiling, and an old organ that we cleaned up to put in our lobby,' Norbert shares. Developers also revamped the hotel's entrance, repairing its signature awnings and restoring its iconic sign, a mainstay since it opened. Pin Drinks at The Dame Adding to the hotel's allure is The Dame, an upscale cocktail lounge and wine bar on the ground floor. The bar will serve a curated selection of premium bourbon, whiskey, tequila, and wine, along with small plates and local beers on tap. The menu will pay homage to the space's previous incarnation as a recording studio. 'We will have three tiers of wines: top 40 hits (recognizable wines), B sides (less recognizable wines), and lost tracks (wines that are unique or off the beaten path),' Norbert explains. Pin If you're craving a bit of nature, head to the hotel's landscaped garden, which can accommodate up to 75 people. It also makes an excellent spot for weddings and other special events. With that in mind, Norbert hopes to see Hotel Pontotoc return to its roots — as a gathering place for both locals and tourists. Events in the works include live music on Friday nights, plus themed nights like Whiskey Club Sundays, Tequila Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays, and more. 'We want our guests to feel like this is a home away from home,' says Norbert, 'and not just those outside of Memphis, but also Memphians who come downtown for a show, a concert, or a Grizzlies game.' Pin Plan Your Stay Located just minutes from Beale Street, the Orpheum, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Civil Rights Museum (among other Memphis hot spots), Hotel Pontotoc is open for booking at Nightly rates range from $250 to $650, with a 15% off promotion for those who book a two-night stay before August 1. Guests check in online and will receive an access code to the building, along with a complimentary continental breakfast and Wi-Fi. Pin Pin ********** To stay in the know on the best of the South, subscribe to our FREE daily emails. About the Author Emily McMackin Emily McMackin Dye is an Alabama native and Tennessee transplant, who recently moved to Memphis from Nashville. A freelance writer, she enjoys exploring history, culture, and the lifestyle scene surrounding her new home in The Bluff City.
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Cision Canada
Destination Toronto Expands Global Presence with New Offices in the U.K. and Germany
Canada's largest meeting of international travel buyers confirmed for Toronto in 2026 TORONTO, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Destination Toronto today announced the opening of international offices in the U.K. and Germany, advancing the city's global tourism strategy and expanding its reach with international leisure and business travellers. The strategic expansion comes at a time when shifting travel dynamics present a powerful opportunity for growth. Together, the U.K. and Germany delivered over 220,000 visitors and more than $320M in direct spending to Toronto's visitor economy in 2024. "Diversifying our international markets has always been a priority—but now it's more critical than ever," said Andrew Weir, President and CEO of Destination Toronto. "This is a pivotal moment for Canada on the world stage and Toronto is taking deliberate steps to seize that opportunity and attract more international travellers." Destination Toronto has engaged four complementary agencies in the U.K. and Western Europe to support distinct pillars of its strategy. The expanded presence will enable Toronto to tap into adjacent markets such as Ireland from the U.K., and Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands from Germany, amplifying the city in a bold and strategic way with visitors seeking a welcoming and diverse urban experience. In the U.K., Black Diamond will leverage their in-market media knowledge to secure diverse stories about the city, MMGY will drive visitor demand and leisure sales through travel trade distribution channels, and AbleMaxx Limited will source corporate leads to support future business events. In Germany, MMGY Lieb will support both media relations and leisure sales. "What draws people to Toronto—and keeps them coming back—is the energy of our neighbourhoods, the diversity of our people, and the richness of experiences we proudly share with the world," said Mayor Olivia Chow. "International visitors contribute to the vibrancy and global character that define Toronto, and this is our moment to attract and welcome them in even greater numbers, bringing the benefits of visitor spending to local businesses and residents alike." Marking the latest step in a global strategy to drive growth from diversified markets, the announcement builds on a series of international partnerships designed to strengthen Toronto's position with key markets and customer segments globally. Last year, Destination Toronto appointed PR Central as its Mexican in-market representation for leisure sales and media relations. Having the highest concentration of luxury hotels in the country, Destination Toronto renewed its status as a preferred destination with Virtuoso® —the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel. Destination Toronto is also the only Canadian destination to secure an active partnership with the Event Leaders Excha nge (ELX) community, a premier network for corporate event leaders. Hosting global travel buyers in Toronto Coinciding with the expansion of Toronto's international presence, Destination Toronto has confirmed that Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) will return to the city in 2026 marking another major opportunity to drive global tourism growth. Last held in Toronto in 2022, RVC brings more than 400 qualified buyers and media to Toronto to meet with destinations and tourism suppliers from across Canada. "Hosting Rendez-Vous Canada is a live audition for more than 400 international travel buyers, enabling them to experience our city, build packages and market Toronto to their clients in the U.K., Germany, Mexico and other global markets," said Mr. Weir. "Fresh off the enormous success of Rendez-vous Canada 2025 in Winnipeg, we're welcoming the world to Toronto in 2026," said Marsha Walden, President and CEO of Destination Canada. "With tourism contributing $130 billion to our economy last year, Rendez-vous Canada plays a vital role in showcasing our legendary experiences and providing a marketplace platform for deal-making worth tens of millions in business. It's key to delivering the high growth and rapid returns in tourism export revenue building communities all across Canada." Additional Quotes "With the UK being one of Toronto's most resilient overseas markets, this is a significant moment for Destination Toronto to strengthen its presence on the international stage and expand into Western Europe. As a famously multicultural and diverse city, Toronto is uniquely positioned to capture the hearts and travel plans of the UK audience. Through innovative PR strategies and creative consumer activations, we're excited to help establish a compelling brand presence and capture share in key markets during this pivotal period." - Jonah Whitaker, Managing Partner, Black Diamond "Toronto's dynamic, multicultural character—encompassing world-class entertainment, a thriving culinary landscape, and unparalleled sporting experiences—positions itself as an attractive proposition for the UK. With strong air connectivity and manageable flight time, Toronto is strategically poised for growth, particularly with key calendar moments ahead, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Our focus will be on collaborating with valued travel trade and airline partners to deliver targeted initiatives that inspire, inform, and ultimately drive bookings to the destination. We are committed to enhancing Toronto's visibility and growing visitation to Toronto and Ontario." - Caroline Moultrie, President, MMGY EMEA "Right now Canada, characterized by stability and a strong commitment to international cooperation, makes it an ideal destination for large-scale events. Toronto has a real opportunity in this moment, its unparalleled infrastructure and vibrant cultural scene will meet the evolving needs of events planners and attendees alike. This is a pivotal time for Toronto to leverage its strengths and seize the moment in the UK market. AbleMaxx is positioned uniquely, with a global account portfolio, to leverage its expertise and connection to drive growth and success for Destination Toronto." - Maxine MacPherson, Managing Director, AbleMaxx Limited "There is strong momentum for Toronto in key Western European markets, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands. Travellers from these markets are increasingly seeking destinations that offer depth, authenticity, and cultural diversity. With its vibrant neighborhoods, rich cultural landscape, and welcoming, cosmopolitan spirit, Toronto speaks directly to what travelers from this region value most: genuine experiences and meaningful connections. Interest in the city is rising—and with this growing demand, Toronto is truly poised for growth as a destination. This is a unique moment to inspire purposeful travel and position it as the must-visit Canadian destination for those seeking something truly meaningful." - Detlef Freiherr von Weitershausen-Haner, EVP, MMGY Lieb About Destination Toronto Toronto's visitor economy is a vital economic engine for the city, generating nearly $9 billion in visitor spending in 2024. Destination Toronto's purpose is to ignite the city's visitor economy to enrich and empower its communities. Operating in partnership with the City of Toronto and the tourism and hospitality community, Destination Toronto promotes the city to attract visitors and major meetings and events, and supports local businesses in maximizing the opportunities of the visitor economy. For more information, please visit
Calgary Herald
7 days ago
- Calgary Herald
Canadian man who disappeared after going swimming in Mexico washes up dead
A 31-year-old Canadian man has been found dead at Mexico's Zicatela Beach in Puerto Escondido. Article content Article content Braydon Bretzer was reportedly with American citizen Chris Ankele when the pair were last seen swimming in the water on Sunday, May 25, according to Mexican publication Ahora Oaxaca Noticias. Authorities said witnesses saw a current pulling them away and they drifted out to sea before disappearing, Daily Mail reported. Article content Article content Ankele has been missing since Sunday, Mexican publication Milenio reported. Search and rescue efforts began later that evening. Article content Article content The beach is a well-known surfing spot, per travel website Lonely Planet's review of the location. 'Nonsurfers beware: the waters here have a lethal undertow and are not safe for the boardless, or beginner surfers either,' the site warns. According to authorities, Zicatela is not suitable for swimming, 'especially during swells, which cause dangerous currents and waves up to three meters high,' local publication El Tiempo reported. Article content In a statement to National Post, Global Affairs Canada spokesperson Charlotte MacLeod said the agency 'is aware of the death of a Canadian citizen in Mexico' and 'extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.' Article content 'Consular officials are in contact with local authorities and are providing consular assistance,' said MacLeod, adding that no more information can be disclosed at this time due to privacy considerations. Article content On May 26, Puerto Escondido Lifeguards said there were two people missing at sea in a social media post. They cautioned beach-goers against walking along Zicatela Beach and said to avoid getting into the water. Videos shared by the account on Instagram showed white-capped waves slamming down onto the shore. Article content Article content View this post on Instagram A post shared by SalvavidasLifeguard PuertoEscondido (@salvavidas_lifeguard_puertoesc) Article content The Municipal Government of San Pedro Mixtepec said a search for the tourists was underway in the area, in a post on Facebook on May 27 around noon. It urged 'tourist service providers to stay informed about the weather conditions.' It also said that locals should 'avoid entering the sea' and listen to instructions from lifeguards. Article content Article content Later on May 27, Mexican publication El Tiempo reported that the body of Bretzer was found at the beach. A video circulating online showed the moment his body was located by a search team, per Daily Mail. Article content Graeme Bouvier organized a GoFundMe on behalf of the Bretzer family. Article content 'Braydon lived life to the fullest. He had a contagious energy, and a heart that made space for everyone. He was loved by many — he made people feel seen, valued, and cared for.' Bouvier did not immediately respond to National Post's request for comment.
