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A new year signals the return of barbecue festivals in Central Florida. You’ll find several opportunities to experience mouthwatering barbecue during your next visit to Polk County. Plan to attend one of our popular annual competitions such as Lakeland PigFest, Smoke on the Water and Ribs on the Ridge. These annual events take place in January and February, what is considered the “unofficial” BBQ season here in Polk County. You’ll find details for each of these events and more below. Barbecue Festivals in January Bring your appetite, as many of the competing teams will be selling their barbecue specialties for your enjoyment. Lakeland PigFest Lakeland PigFest takes place on Friday evening and Saturday, January 26 – 27, 2024 at SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus in Lakeland. This festival is the area’s largest barbecue competition and admission is $5. Attendees exchange cash for “Pig Bucks”, the official currency of the Lakeland PigFest, to purchase food. More than 150 teams compete during a weekend of good eating, good friends and good tunes. Professional teams travel from all over the U.S. to compete in four categories: Ribs, Chicken, Pork and Brisket. Lakeland PigFest is a Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) sanctioned event. KCBS

As we all embrace the fresh start of the New Year, let Martin County be your sanctuary for personal growth and wellness. Whether your resolutions involve fitness, healthy eating, relaxation, or exploring new experiences, here’s how to stay true to your goals while savoring the delights our vibrant destination has to offer.   Stick to your New Year resolutions when visiting Martin County! Image credit: Silky.1971   1. Fitness & Outdoor Workouts Take a Revitalizing Yoga Class Kickstart your mornings with a rejuvenating yoga session at local studios, like Tranquility Haven Center, the Grow Room, Lala Hot Yoga, or the Yoga Center of Stuart. You can also keep your eyes peeled for guided sunrise beach yoga classes, allowing the gentle sound of waves to elevate your practice! Hit the Trails in Pristine Parks Explore Martin County’s scenic cycling trails with a bike rental from Lost River Outdoor Center! Pedal along challenging routes through lush landscapes. Their staff can share their top recommendations, and they offer 2-hour, half-day, and full-day rentals! Join an Outdoor Workout Course Prefer working out in nature versus being cooped up in a gym? Then check out All-Outdoors Fitness! This one-of-a-kind outdoor space at Terra Fermata invites fitness

Wild horses embody the spirit of the American West, and Wyoming is home to thousands of these majestic creatures. From safety tips to the best places to view mustangs, this is your guide to creating a memorable adventure in the Cowboy State. Even a few minutes spent watching mustangs is a rare and awe-inspiring experience, and Wyoming’s grand landscapes make these encounters even more thrilling. The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Wyoming offices look after 16 herd management areas on nearly five million acres, offering a number of opportunities to view wild horses. For the safety of both people and mustangs, it is important to be respectful when visiting — and to remember that wild equines behave differently than domesticated horses. These are six tips for viewing Wyoming’s wild horses, plus details on the locations where you are most likely to see them. Plan ahead and prepare– Wyoming’s mustangs tend to inhabit remote areas, so be sure to check road conditions and weather ahead of your visit. High clearance 4×4 vehicles are recommended on gravel roads, dirt roads and two-track trails, and many of these routes are impassable when wet. Visitors are advised to travel with a full tank of

Immerse yourself in Wyoming’s wine culture, from scenic vineyards to the craftsmanship behind each bottle. Tucked between rugged mountains and vast prairies, these locally-owned wineries have created idyllic spaces to savor the flavor of the Wild West. While Wyoming may not be an obvious choice for wine enthusiasts, the state boasts a small viticultural scene as rich and diverse as its natural wonders. With unique grape varieties cultivated at high elevations, these wineries are a testament to the passion and dedication of Wyoming’s winemakers. Whether you’re an oenophile eager to discover new flavors or a traveler seeking solace off the beaten path, Wyoming has something for every palate and preference. Mustang Mountain Vineyard (Lovell, Wyoming) The cozy tasting room at Mustang Mountain Vineyard, which offers everything from wine flights to charcuterie boards. Photo courtesy of Elisabeth Brentano. Nancey and Larry Blair established Mustang Mountain Vineyard in 2010, and within a few years, they transformed the property into a successful growing operation. In 2016, their daughter Nicolle Laffin and her husband Dan moved to Lovell, and just one year later the family began working to build a winery. Their winery now offers tastings and a space for events, and their charming