Latest news with #BenHarrell
Fox News
02-03-2025
- Fox News
Travelers head to 'most welcoming cities' in America: See if yours made the list
When you're plotting your next domestic getaway or road trip in the U.S., kindness may count. recently announced the "most welcoming" U.S. cities in its 2025 Traveler Review Awards, which relied on 360 million verified customer reviews. Ben Harrell, managing director of said more than 70,000 partners have been recognized in the United States alone in this year's global awards. Hawaii; Maine; Washington, D.C.; Utahl and Idaho are the most welcoming states and districts in the United States, while the most welcoming places in the United States include Saint Augustine, Florida; Cape May, New Jersey; Newport, Rhode Island; Joshua Tree, California; and Sedona, Arizona. "Notably, St. Augustine, Florida, is featured as one of the 'Most Welcoming Cities' globally," adds Harrell. Read on for ideas on what to see and do at these destinations. America's oldest city — it's been continuously inhabited since 1565 — rolls out the red carpet for all who visit. Consider scoping out the architecture of St. Augustine's Historic District, an eye-catching assortment of Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean Revival and Moorish styles. You can also visit the Castillo de San Marcos. On St. Augustine's bayfront, you'll find a sprawling coquina stone fort designed to defend the city from foreign invaders that's complete with water vistas. It's a chance for history buffs to fixate on the fact that it's a visit to one of the best-preserved examples of 17th-century military architecture in the U.S. Other spots to see include the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. There are also numerous walking and riding tours where you can learn about the city's history from friendly tour guides. When you need to rest, check out the St. George Inn or Marker 8 Hotel and Marina. Newport is said to be the kind of place that greets all visitors with open arms. Check out Mend Yoga, a wonderfully warm yoga spot that's owned by two sisters who also own The Nitro Bar, a popular coffee shop with two locations in Newport and one in Providence. While in town, stop by The Sailing Museum to educate yourself on one of the "Sailing Capitals of the World," and visit as many of the Gilded Age Mansions as you can (open seasonally). Some include The Breakers, Marble House and The Elms, though Doris Duke's Rough Point Museum and Rosecliff mansion are great, too. You can tour the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Touro Synagogue, a preserved national historic site that dates back to the mid-1700s and serves as a symbol of religious freedom for all Americans. It was visited by George Washington. For a place to stay in Cpae May, consider Angel of the Sea Bed and Breakfast or La Mer Beachfront Resort, two of top picks for this welcoming shore town. After a visit to Cape May Beach, you can plan a stop at Washington Street Mall, an outdoor shopping center featuring historic Victorian-era architecture, boutiques, dessert spots and restaurants aplenty. For vacationers 21 and up, venture to Cape May Winery & Vineyard, where you can savor a wine tasting or have brunch on the 100-acre farmland property. Joshua Tree is inhabited by 6,700 residents. Consider checking out Reset Hotel, slated to open in May 2025, which is just a five-minute drive to the north entrance of Joshua Tree National Park and boasts desert scenery. Some of top choices for accommodations on the market include The Bungalows by Homestead Modern and Desert Cove. You can soak up some local spirit at Pappy & Harriet's, established in 1982, which serves as a barbecue house, live music venue and roadhouse-style saloon all in one. Another option is to grab a table at Kitchen in the Desert. The fare is a blend of Caribbean and New American cuisine, and the restaurant has spacious patio seating. Sedona is said to be a place where travelers go for spiritual awakenings. Pack comfy sneakers or hiking boots when hiking anywhere in Red Rocks Country, an area of sandstone cliffs featuring hues of reds and rust. Consider a stay at L'Auberge de Sedona, a resort located along the banks of Oak Creek, which offers experiences like the Shamanic Breathwork experience, "7 Bowls for 7 Chakras" sound healing and Shamanic Drum Reiki. On these grounds, you can treat yourself to some rest and relaxation at L'Apothecary Spa, where the Chai Hands and Feet Renewal Scrub or the Infinite Love Massage will round out your time in one of the most welcoming destinations in the U.S.
Miami Herald
10-02-2025
- Miami Herald
This Florida city ranks among the most welcoming in the world. What makes it special?
A Florida city boasts a 'vibrant coastal' setting — and is one of the world's most welcoming places to visit, a new report finds. St. Augustine ranks among the top 10 destinations for hospitality across the globe. The historic city also was named one of the most welcoming places in the United States, according to results from the travel website 'The US is such a diverse country that has so much to offer travelers, and we're thrilled to see destinations like Saint Augustine recognized in the global list for their exceptional hospitality,' Ben Harrell, the website's managing director for the U.S., wrote in a Jan. 27 news release. To create the list, said it first studied 'over 360 million verified customer reviews' that vacationers left for hotels, activities, flights and other transportation services. The winners in each of those categories earned Traveler Review Awards, which recognize top-notch hospitality. Then, the website chose the most welcoming cities based on several factors, such as 'each destination's volume' of 2025 award winners and their accommodations. What makes St. Augustine special? St. Augustine was the only place in the Sunshine State to earn spots on the global and nationwide lists. The city, a roughly 40-mile drive southeast from downtown Jacksonville, received nods for its shopping, architecture and nearby oceanfront attractions. 'St. Augustine, Florida, invites visitors to step back in time while enjoying the delights of a vibrant coastal city,' wrote in its report. 'Its historic downtown is lined with cobblestone streets and landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century stone fortress offering sweeping views of Matanzas Bay.' The Florida city, founded in 1565, calls itself the 'oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the United States.' Centuries later, said the city has both luxurious and charming places for travelers to stay. 'Beyond its rich history, St. Augustine is home to miles of pristine beaches, inviting sunseekers and water sports enthusiasts alike,' the website wrote. 'Whether delving into centuries-old stories, savoring fresh coastal cuisine, or relaxing along the Atlantic shoreline, St. Augustine has the perfect combination of history, culture, and seaside relaxation.' didn't list the most welcoming global and U.S. cities in ranking order, a spokesperson told McClatchy News via email. Here are the other places that rank among the nation's best destinations for hospitality: Cape May, New JerseyNewport, Rhode IslandJoshua Tree, CaliforniaSedona, ArizonaLahaina, HawaiiOakhurst, CaliforniaWaikoloa, HawaiiPrescott, ArizonaBroken Bow, Oklahoma
