GULF COAST CANNABIS FESTIVAL II

Biloxi MS

Cannabis Fest was organized by locals for the purpose of celebrating the healing power of the Cannabis plant and educating the public about the related science, policy, criminal justice, and social equity issues.

The goal was to encourage attendance from cannabis enthusiasts and the “canna-curious” alike. Join us for a full entertainment lineup in addition to educational sessions., veteran’s outreach, and community outreach.


Food, entertainment, arts and craft vendors, and fun.


Photography

I was not allowed a “photo pass”, so I became paparazzi! Enjoyed every moment, however, acting as a “Travel Advisor”, promoting travel to the region, I think that the organizers should rethink this option.

Anyway, because of my stealth-like plan, I had to change my shooting approach and equipment. Some photos were shoot from a distance. (Some from the upper level of the Hardrock Casino parking lot across the street)

All photos were taken with my first-generation trusty Z6. Other equipment included: Nikkor 18-300mm, DX zoom lens, 2x Nikon teleconverter, and 24-70 mm Tamaron 2.8 full-frame lens.

Take advantage of Cathay Pacific’s cheap flights to Hong Kong

HONG KONG (thedailynavigator.com)

Hong Kong plans to give away 700,000 subsidized tickets.

  • May 15, 2023

Hong Kong is practically giving away free airline tickets like they’re passing out samples at Costco, and my wallet has never been happier!

Spreading the love with its Hello Hong Kong campaign aimed at boosting tourism in the city, Hong Kong is partnering up with Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Express, Hong Kong Airlines, and Greater Bay Airlines to distribute over 700,000 free tickets in phases. 

Cathay Pacific’s North American ticket giveaway is in full swing, and lucky winners only need to pay taxes and surcharges for their trip. A typical roundtrip from JFK to HKG can cost roughly $2,300, with about $350 in taxes and surcharges but, with the subsidized ticket offer, travelers could save at least $1,800.

How do I apply for this?

Applicants can apply for the giveaway only once and must be 18 years or older with a Cathay Pacific membership to participate. Limited roundtrip tickets for travelers from the US and Canada will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting May 18 until May 24. 

A limited number of flight tickets will be distributed, and those who apply will receive a link to redeem the exclusive ticket offers if they are successful. Cathay Pacific currently offers flights departing the US. to HKG from New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).


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Hyatt Place….NOLA


been there….done that…..My personal assessment from my personal stay… Photos are all taken by me and completely unstaged. What you see is what you get!


the room…

Located in the New Orleans Warehouse District, Hyatt Place New Orleans/Convention Center is just steps from the Riverwalk Outlet Collection, featuring premium dining and shops, and adjacent to the convention center.

Thoughtfully designed for the comfort of our guests, our 172 spacious studios feature a cozy corner sofa, minifridges, microwaves, and comfortable work areas.


Book Your Next Adventure!


common spaces…


Wake up to free breakfast served every day at The Breakfast Bar where you’ll find a wide array of choices from fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola, to eggs, hash browns, waffles, and more.

Conveniently located in our free-flowing lobby, The Placery offers a thoughtfully sourced, cleverly curated menu. Try our Signature Burger, Chicken Caesar Salad, Turkey Pesto Sandwich, or sharable Parmesan Fries, which can be paired with one of our premium alcoholic beverages. Cheers!

Looking to grab something To-Go? The Market has a selection of bottled drinks, and fresh conveniently packaged items from snacks to salads, while our bakery case is filled with an array of tempting pastries and sweets.



rejuvenation…

Work Out Space is exceptional. To my disappointment there is no pool.


Hotel Inspection
This is how I see it….

Personal Assessement

Willie M. Lumpkin

First Impression
Accessibility of Front EntranceFeature #2
Lobby Appearance
Elevators
Available Bell Staff
Front Desk Staff
Dining Areas (Appearance/Diversity)
Entertainment (Appearance/Diversity) N/A
Proximity to Restaurants/Shops
Availability of Public Transportation
Neighborhood
Size of Guest Rooms
Appearance of Guest Rooms

Summary

Top Notch Accommodations! Personally, I only had two complaints: (1)Bathroom space was limited. (very small) (2) No Pool!!!

4.5

Love To Travel …..Make it your Lifestyle!


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AIRLINES WalletHub ranks Southwest as the worst US airline, see which airline was the best

Every year, it seems like there’s a flood of airline rankings for dozens of companies and, yet, I am always at the edge of my seat reading every report. I’m usually the type of person to book with the airline offering up the cheapest airfare, but even I admit that there are some airlines that aren’t worth the hassle. 

An airline experience can really make or break a trip and the folks at WalletHub have ranked the best and worst US airlines. 

The finance site compared the nine largest US carriers and two regional carriers across 14 factors including price, cancellation and delay rates, mishandled baggage, in-flight comfort, entertainment options, legroom, Wi-Fi availability, injuries, and even pet deaths. 

Here’s what they found: Delta was named the Best Airline Overall followed by Spirit in 2nd, and Skywest in 3rd.  Delta was also the Most Reliable Airline. They had the lowest rate of cancellations, delays, denied boarding, and mishandled luggage. Southwest landed dead last, in 11th place, by a landslide which is no surprise given their disastrous meltdown at the end of last year. Envoy Air was deemed Safest Airline with Spirit following closely behind.  JetBlue Airways is the Most Comfortable Airline with free amenities like Wi-Fi, extra legroom, and complimentary snacks and beverages making it stand out from the crowd. Spirit Airlines was the Most Affordable.

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Get a Free Trip to Have the Best View of the 2024 Solar Eclipse

Simply play a game to win a free overnight stay in Cleveland for next year’s celestial event.

By Opheli Garcia Lawler

Published on 4/19/2023 at 4:27 PM

Destination Cleveland wants your viewing of the 2024 total solar eclipse to be as memorable as possible. As one of the prime locations to view the event due to its location along the eclipse’s path of totality, the agency is giving away an overnight stay in downtown Cleveland on April 8, 2024, and all you have to do for a chance to win it is play an interactive game.

To enter to win, you first need to play Road Trip to Cleveland. Then, share your score on either Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #SolarEclipseCLE before 11:59 pm on May 26, 2023. In addition to the hotel stay, which will accommodate up to four people, the winner will also receive tickets to two Cleveland attractions, a $50 gift card to a downtown Cleveland restaurant, and up to four pairs of solar eclipse glasses.

You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the US in order to be eligible to win. The winner of the contest, who will be selected at random, will be notified on or around June 5. You don’t even need to get a particularly impressive score on the Road Trip to Cleveland game, you just need to play!

Even if you are not able to win this trip, you can still plot out your journey to get the best view of the eclipse in 2024, which will have multiple great vantage points across the country.

Ready to go stargazing?

Here are all the best stargazing events that you can get out and see this month or you could stay in a stream of the northern lights from home. If you’re just getting started, check out our guide to astronomy for beginners or easy stargazing road trips from big US cities.

Want more Thrillist? Follow us on InstagramTikTokTwitterFacebookPinterest, and YouTube.

Opheli Garcia Lawler is a Staff Writer on the News team at Thrillist. Follow her on Twitter @opheligarcia and Instagram @opheligarcia.

HOTELS

Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa Completing $27.5 Million Reno

By NewsdeskApr 13, 2023 02:24pm

Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa CaribbeanJamaica Tourism

(Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa)

Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa in Montego Bay is nearing completion of extensive renovations worth $27.5 million. The project included the refurbishment of 537 suites and public spaces.

The newly 537 refurbished rooms of Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa include 48 suites across two new categories. These swim-up suites offer a private pool and terrace, equipped with seating and a wooden pergola. Each of the 537 suites has new furniture, while bathrooms now offer a hydromassage bathtub and shower. Some rooms have open bathrooms centered around the bathtub. Good to know: All rooms have energy-saving systems with sensors for light and air conditioning, and the swim-up pools are heated through an efficient system that uses heat pumps.


Love to TRAVEL…..Make it your LIFESTYLE!


The renovation project included the Infinity Saloon Bar, which offers 180-degree views of the Caribbean Sea; it also hosts shows and live music. Its open-air terrace now has elegant awnings and lounge-style furniture with sofas and large armchairs, perfect for resting while sipping delicious cocktails. On the culinary end, the MoBay show-cooking restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, has increased its capacity to accommodate up to 286 diners. Divided into four areas by screens, the space now has two new food stations.

In the lobby, further enhancements of the English colonial style were made to the solid wood and furniture. The reception has been updated with white treillage lattices and mirrors that match with the bold black lamps installed in the area.

The updates follow the 2016 renovation at Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa, located in the same resort and managed by the Palladium Hotel Group. Located in Montego Bay, Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts in Jamaica has 1,054 rooms of different categories and offers guests direct access to the beach, 11 restaurants and 15 themed bars, various entertainment options for all ages, the Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness Center, as well as extensive facilities, including one of the largest pools in the Caribbean.

For more information, visit www.palladiumhotelgroup.com


Book Your Jamaican Adventure Now!!!



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Blues Fest…

McGee MS…Saturday Morning Cartoons


Today I once again got a chance to enjoy my love for photography and music. For me Blues Festivals provide the opportunity to enjoy one of my favorite genres. Being originally from the great state of MS I relish in the homegrown Flava of the Blues.


Love To Travel……..Make it your Lifestyle!


Doin’ What I Do!

This opportunity came with all the problems that come with shooting in midday extremely bright sunshine. Bright light, heavy shadows, and extreme heat, add cowboy hats and baseball caps to the mix just to increase the degree of difficulty.

For this entire shoot, I used my first generation z6, coupled with my AF-s Nikkor 18-300mm (DX) telephoto lens. I chose this lens strictly because I absolutely love candid shots.

I started out shooting in manual mode, and I quickly found that I had a great deal of difficulty adjusting settings to get desired effects. Constant action and distractions along with high-contrast natural lighting made it impossible for me to keep up.

I finished the day shooting in Aperture Mode. Adjusting f-stops, and ISO gave me greater control. I tried the automatic ISO setting for the first time during daylight concert photography. All in all the results were good.


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The Southwest companion pass is free for a limited time

Your friend can tag along with you on an unlimited number of flights between August 15 and September 30.

  • April 4, 2023

As if you didn’t already expect me to hop on the news that an airline is offering a deal, I am here to indulge your assumptions with an exciting offer. For a limited-time, the Southwest Companion Pass is free.

How to take advantage of the promotion

To take advantage of the Southwest Companion Pass promotion, travelers need to visit the Southwest website and register, then buy a round-trip flight or two one-way flights by April 5 at 11:59 pm CT. Next, they must fly by May 24.

Bring along your favorite travel buddy for free

The Southwest Companion Pass promotion is great for those looking to explore more with a pal—especially if your friends are reluctant to dish out the dough. Your friend can tag along with you on an unlimited number of flights between August 15 and September 30.

The promotion is a great shortcut to earning the pass 

Southwest’s Companion Pass is a valuable loyalty benefit that allows holders to designate one person to fly with them for practically free anytime they purchase a flight. While the pass is usually earned by either flying 100 qualifying one-way flights or by earning 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year, this promotion provides a unique opportunity for Rapid Rewards members to earn the Companion Pass and enjoy the many perks of Southwest’s award-winning loyalty program and legendary hospitality.

A flight booked prior to registration doesn’t count toward qualification for the Companion Pass promotion. Flights must be booked after you register, between April 3-5, 2023. The companion is still responsible for taxes and fees, which start at $5.60 one-way. 

If your travel buddy proves subpar, you can ditch ‘em! The promotion allows travelers to swap their designated companion up to three times. 


Love To Travel? ……Make It Your Lifestyle!

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Island View Hotel & Casino

Biloxi MS…Beach Blvd.


been there….done that…..My personal assessment from my personal stay… Photos are all taken by me and completely unstaged. What you see is what you get!


Voted one of the 10 Best Casinos in the U.S. If You Love to Gamble

This vibrant resort off US-90 spans a pair of connected buildings, one adjoining a casino and the other set along the beach.

It’s 13 miles from the golf course at Windance Country Club and 6miles from Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.

Beach View Hotel & Island View Hotel, both filled with all the amenities you deserve.



Bright rooms, with decor ranging from conservative to contemporary, provide complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screens. Some feature whirlpool tubs; suites add living areas. Room service is available.



Thrilling gaming and delicious dining just steps away!



Hotel Inspection…..This is how I see it:

First Impression
Accessibility of Front Entrance
Lobby Appearance & Size
Elevators
Available Bell Staff
Front Desk Staff
Dinning Areas (Appearance/Diversity)
Entertainment (Appearance/Diversity)
Proximity to Restaurants/Shops
Availability of Public Transportation
Neighborhood
Size of Guest Rooms
Appearance of Guest Rooms

Summary

My Personal Impression!

4.3

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Spring break 2023 travel: what to expect

As the pandemic continues to recede, Americans are eager to make up for lost time and travel during the spring break 2023 season.

  • March 23, 2023

I don’t love hearing that travel is getting expensive again, but I didn’t love 2020 either. 

As the pandemic continues to recede, Americans are eager to make up for lost time and travel during the spring break 2023 season. As someone currently residing in the newfound destination of Seattle, California, where it rains sideways every day all day, I am eager to hop on a flight to a warm, dry island, too. 

The travel industry is expecting a surge in demand this year that’s not looking good for our bank accounts but is great for reminding us that the pandemic is in the rearview. More than 158 million passengers are predicted to travel, surpassing the pre-pandemic levels of 2019, according to Airlines for America. Meanwhile, TSA estimates the upcoming spring break season may even exceed pre-pandemic travel volumes. 


Love To Travel?…….Make It Your Business!


The increase in travel means that airports will be busier, security lines longer, and planes fuller than in previous years. TSA is preparing for a rush of travelers and recommends that passengers arrive early, especially if they need to check a bag. That makes me wonder: for my three-week trip to Europe next month, can I possibly fit everything in a carry-on?! 

While you may not be able to control the anticipated airport dramas this spring, you can at least take advantage of flight deals. Here’s what’s promising: 

  • Fly roundtrip from Denver to Cabo this April for $275
  • Fly roundtrip from New York to St. Thomas this April for $298 
  • Fly roundtrip from Los Angeles to The Bahamas this April for $399


Want more spring break 2023 travel inspo? Sign up for Dollar Flight Club here


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