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Vancouver is certainly known for its bridges, but the one we’re most enamoured of is Bridges restaurant and patio, found on Granville Island, overlooking fabulous False Creek, the city skyline, and the mountains of the north shore.

Now part of the Tap & Barrell chain (and since 2022 officially called Tap & Barrell Bridges), which has other venues around greater Vancouver, the iconic Bridges location is/has been instantly recognizable for its legendary yellow building for nearly 45 years.

With proximity to everything on Granville Island – a trendy district known its restaurants, theatres, art studios, festivals/events, and public market – and a magnet to visitors and locals for its unparalleled views, Bridges has indoor and outdoor seating, the former featuring a second-floor dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows and elements of the original building, which dates to the 1920s, and a lower-level bistro and pub, with casually elegant atmosphere.

But with the city panorama and nearby impressive Burrard Bridge at hand, the outdoor patio (with matching yellow patio umbrellas) is our go-to spot, even when the weather is cooler, thanks to year-round heaters.

So, what better spot to sample some of the 32 BC craft beer taps or 16 BC wine offerings (or international bottle list, if one must)?

Fare ranges from burgers/sandwiches to pizza and fish and chips, and salads and seafood to steak.

There also free WiFi & TVs for sports and entertainment.

And did we mention the view?

Located at 696 Duranleau St., Granville Island, Bridges is open from 11 a.m. to midnight, Mon.-Thurs; to 1 a.m. Fridays; 10 a.m-1 a.m. Saturdays; and 10-midnight Sundays.

With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:

PREVIOUS ARTICLES: https://travelindustrytoday.com/pub-patio/

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

A place where “cowboy boots and hats come together,” Fort Worth exudes a real Texas vibe, yet with a “modern west” ambiance befitting America’s 12th largest city.

As such, Fort Worth tourism exec Terran Fleenor says there’s lots going on in the city, not least when combined with nearby Dallas and Arlington, which comprise the state’s predominant metropolitan hub.

In Toronto to talk up the town, which counts Canada as its top international market after neighbouring Mexico, Fleenor says Fort Worth is a destination full of history and characters, particularly in the Stockyards National Historic District (banner photo), where real cowboys conduct a twice daily cattle drive and visitors can see rodeos year-round (Fridays and Saturdays), shop for western wear, and savour traditional Texas fare and country music.

The National Cowgirl Hall of Fame adds to the ambiance, as does Billy Bob’s Texas entertainment, food, and concert complex, which calls itself “the world’s largest honky tonk.”

Arguably the city’s top attraction for visitors, The Stockyard has completed the first phase of a $500-million redevelopment (with part two coming soon), including the recent opening of the 200-room Hotel Drover, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.

But Forth Worth also has the 35-block Sundance Square entertainment and retail district (named after “the Sundance Kid”), with hotels (some new and renovated ones in the pipeline), restaurants, bars, music, festivals, galleries, and shopping, plus an arts district with five world-class museums (including the renowned Kimball Art Museum), Dickies Arena (for concerts and other major events), and theatre amongst its many amenities.

For outdoors enthusiasts, there’s Trinity River Trails, for hiking, cycling, horseback riding and water activities, located right in the city – which is highly walkable, giving a small town feel to a big-time city. The Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, and Zoo, also provide popular outdoor activities.

On the culinary front, Fleenor admits “barbecue and steaks are really our bread and butter” and gives a shout out to top-rated Goldee’s, as well as Panther City BBQ; but she adds visitors can “eat their way around the world” with notable North Mexican cuisine and even vegan offerings – the latter “kinda fun given we’re known for our barbecue!”

The city has also become a hub for spirits, including tequila and whiskey, and there’s an ale trail with close to 20 craft breweries on it.

Dallas

Meanwhile, located less than hour from Forth Worth by train or car, Dallas offers a “different vibe” than Fort Worth and is often paired with its neighbour by Canadian visitors. A prime example of a Texas destination that belies the image of cattle and cowboys, the city is home to the largest arts district in the US, plus notable JFK (assassination) tours. And for those still muddling who shot JR, the “Dallas” TV show’s Southfork ranch can be visited 45 minutes away.

Arlington

Located between Dallas and Fort Worth (each about 30 minutes away), Arlington is known as the “Home of the Cowboys,” as in football team. And home of the Texas Rangers baseball franchise too. The former offers popular tours of state-of-the art AT&T Stadium (photo), while Globe Life Field is a great place to catch a ball game. The original Six Flags amusement park also calls Arlington home.

Grapevine

Another town in the Dallas-Forth Worth neighbourhood – with its own unique personality – is Grapevine, which, not surprisingly, is “all about wine” and boasts an urban wine trail. Other attributes include a historic main street, claims of being the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” a great live music scene, artisan shopping, restaurants and cafés, and a vintage excursion train to the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Canadians have plenty of direct flight service, including Air Canada, to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) from Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Coinciding with the one-year anniversary since its acquisition by Navigatr Group, Ensemble held its first Summit event for owners and managers at the Stein Erikson Lodge in Park City, Utah, earlier this month.

Under the theme ‘Champion Mindset,’ owners and managers gather at the lodge from June 4 to 78 to focus on the next stage of the consortium’s evolution,

David Harris, Executive Chairman of Ensemble, opened the conference and reflected on the theme of the Summit – championing success.

“We’ve come out from one of the most devastating crises for our industry and have taken a 180-degree turn and gone into overdrive,” he said. “Travel has surged and our members’ businesses are busier than ever as consumers are excited to be spending on travel that inspires, invigorates, and fulfills their desires to meaningfully expand their lives. We are not seeing signs that the pace will diminish any time soon as long as we continue to fuel consumer interest and drive value through our very strong relationships and an expanding, impressive lineup of diverse product offerings.”

In his remarks, Michael Johnson, President of Ensemble, provided a recap of the transformation Ensemble has undergone in the past year and what’s next as part of its evolution.

“This past year has been about rebuilding and reimagining what Ensemble could be and how it could transform our business, our members’ businesses and the consortium model,” he said. “Having successfully created that foundation, we are now focused on growth…”

The rebuilding of the brand included expanding the team, a comprehensive brand refresh that included a new logo; new print and digital publications including new consumer magazines, new FAM and marketing programs; new hotel and DMC programs; enhanced training and development; and a partnership to enhance data collection and monetization.

The three-day Summit agenda also included opportunities for networking with partners as well as for fun activities – some of which were Olympic themed in keeping with the location – such as bobsledding, cycling, exploring Park City and a dine-around to the some of the area’s top restaurants.

Summit is one of the newly branded annual events Ensemble announced in January and follows on the heels of the success of Uncharted, an advisor-focused virtual event that took place in April. Next up is Horizons, the annual event for the entire consortium that will take place at Paris Las Vegas from Nov. 2-6.

Travel Leaders Network

Travel Leaders Network (TLN) continues to increase its global product offerings with the addition of 19 new travel suppliers to its network in the past year over the past year.

The organization says the expansion of diverse travel supplier partners aims to meet the growing needs of its member agencies while providing members with excellent sales support, new technology and enhanced benefits to directly improve their clients’ overall travel experience.

New preferred suppliers include luxury service provider Micato Safaris; South Korea’s leading full-service carrier Asiana Airlines; National Geographic Expeditions; newly reinvented cruise line Crystal Cruises; On The Go Tours; RIU Hotels & Resorts; all-inclusive Marival Resorts; concierge-style service provider 5Continents; Core Travel Technologies; itinerary builder Travefy; as well as several destination partners including Travel Alaska, Experience AlUla, Dominican Republic Tourism Board, Jordan Tourism Board, The Nordics, Qatar Tourism, Saudi Tourism Authority, Switzerland Tourism, and Visit California.

TDC

After nearly 14 years at Transat Distribution Canada (TDC), Kimberley Wood has resigned from her position of Director, Franchise and Affiliate Members at TDC to take on a new challenge. A recruitment process is under way to replace her; until then her functions will be maintained by Dana Glover and Karine Gagnon and the national support team.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News