Monterey, California – October 19, 2026 -- Travelers can book a third free hotel night in Monterey County for stays between November 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, as two screen adaptations spotlight the region: Netflix's East of Eden series and the film Whalefall.

The East of Eden limited series, based on John Steinbeck's 1952 novel, premiered October 1 and stars Florence Pugh, Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist and Ciarán Hinds. Whalefall, based on Daniel Kraus's 2023 thriller and starring Austin Abrams, Josh Brolin and Elisabeth Shue, reached theaters October 16.

Beijing – October 19, 2026 -- China's Shanxi province brought hand-knotted brooches, colored glazeware and lacquerware to more than 100 foreign diplomats at a Geneva reception in late September. Some guests left talking about visiting.

Moldova – – October 19, 2026 -- A total of 493 participants formed a human grapevine about 39 metres long at Moldova's National Wine Day, a record attempt that became one of the festival's highlights.

The formation followed a design approved by Guinness World Records

The shape was approved in advance by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSTM. Participants recreated the roots, trunk, branches, six grape clusters, six leaves and vine tendrils. Different clothing colours marked each element so the grapevine could be recognised from the air.

Myrtle Beach – October 16, 2026 -- Calabash-style seafood, a light-coated fried specialty that began in a small North Carolina fishing community, is a staple of Myrtle Beach dining, according to a HelloNation article featuring seafood expert Mamie Howard Gunter of The Original Benjamin's Calabash Seafood.

Sacramento – October 16, 2026 -- Museum of Illusions Sacramento opens November 6 at 405 K Street, Suite 110, with general admission starting at $30 for adults and buy-one-get-one-free tickets available before opening day.

The 10,000-square-foot museum is the brand's 72nd location worldwide and its third in California, after San Diego and Santa Monica, which both opened in 2025. It is the chain's first venue in Northern California.

Vail – October 16, 2026 -- Vail Mountain is opening its winter with ILLENIUM at the new Dobson Arena on December 11, part of a 2026/27 music lineup that includes seven on-mountain performances, three more than last season, and two brand-new venues.

ILLENIUM and Ian Asher headline Dobson Arena

GRAMMY®-nominated, multi-platinum artist ILLENIUM kicks off the season with a marquee show on December 11. Surprise performances are possible throughout the weekend, and Vail says artist announcements will appear at @VailMtn.

Helena – October 16, 2026 -- The Montana Heritage Center, a 165,000-square-foot museum next to the State Capitol, opened in December 2025 and now anchors a history road trip that runs from Helena to Glendive and beyond.

San Francisco – October 16, 2026 -- Members of Future Golf can now earn Access Points and redeem them for rounds at more than 60 participating Troon-affiliated courses across the United States. Future Golf is the first partner of Access Powered by Troon, an integrated loyalty, tee-time booking and rewards platform created by Troon, the world's largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company.

Seattle – October 16, 2026 -- Holland America Line is adding Bar 1873 to Oosterdam, a two-story atrium bar with cocktails, live piano and a three-meter illuminated tulip sculpture, and bookings are now open for cruises aboard the transformed ship.

The bar debuts as part of Holland America Evolution, the cruise line's fleet update. Oosterdam also gets a reimagined Crow's Nest with expanded live music.

Chicago – – October 15, 2026 -- Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, a year-round campground five miles from Yosemite National Park's west gate, has been named Best National Park Campground in RVshare's 2026 Campies Campers' Choice Awards for the second year in a row.