4th Annual Indiana Short Film Festival to be held October 10-11, 2014

Movie buffs will be pleased to learn Indiana has a growing-in-popularity event devoted to moving pictures. The 4th Annual Indiana Short Film Festival will take place October 10-11, with films being shown on the big screen at the Royal Theater in Danville, Indiana.

The only event solely dedicated to short films in the Central Indiana region, the festival received a record 217 films this year. A selection committee narrowed the list to 47 that will be shown at the 4th Best Short Film Festival in North America awarded by AudienceAwards.com.

The films will be divided into six showings, with five of the six showings lasting about 90 minutes. The other entitled “Saturday Nite Frite” includes science fiction, horror and other films not recommended for children, lasting about 120 minutes. Each showing is followed by a short question-and-answer session with filmmakers.

A panel of judges will select their favorite films during the event with a $250 cash award given to the grand jury winner. The VIP Filmmakers Meet-and-Greet event will be held between showings at 4:30 p.m. Saturday for attendees with the weekend pass. One hundred weekend passes can be purchased giving patrons full access to the entire festival.

Tickets, times and details are available at INShortFilmFest.com.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Top 10 Best Things to do at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa 2014

I recently visited St. Charles, Missouri's upscale casino: Ameristar Casino Resort Spa. And, by upscale I mean ~ how did this place land in the Midwest? I have been in a few casinos and this is more of a spa, resort and casino combined yet, completely separate of each other's identities.

And ~ considering I am not really one to put coins into a machine without being assured of getting a candy bar back ~ this was great news. And surprising to find outside of Las Vegas.

Located in the historic town and just a few minutes from the airport makes this an easy road (or air) trip and provides the small town charm with big city slots.

It is owned by Pinnacle Entertainment, which also owns over-the-top Vegas-glamorized River City Casino and Hotel in St. Louis, which I wrote about earlier. Read Top 10 List here. Here are the Gotta Go recommendations for Ameristar Casino and Hotel, St. Charles.

Top 10 Best Things to Do

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa

~ 1 ~

Twirl

 
There are many food items in this list, I realize. However, when it happens that you find so many great ones, you just need to share. Here is the worth-the-drive pasta dish from the masterminds at Bugatti's Steak & Pasta, the Italian fine dining eatery. Beef short rib tagliatelle is a very long name for a very scrumptious meal to twirl. This could actually be my new No. 1 favorite Italian dish. No disrespect to Tony Danza who has just been pushed to the No. 2 spot.

~ 2 ~
Scrub Up
When I found out the ARA Spa service menu features Missouri's only Japanese bathing ritual-inspired all over body treatment, I went for it. Pure Bliss consists of five-parts using minerals, flowers and fruit essences, oils and lotions for an ultimate experience. All over mimosa shower, bamboo scrub, cherry blossom polish, plum mist and hydrated with wild lime oils.... that's not a spa menu item, it's an entire spa buffet. Wow. I might have floated to heaven somewhere between the second and third segment, or at least felt no stress for a couple of hours ~ Be sure to ask for Ramon.

~ 3 ~

Play Footsie

Just like any other lady (and cool men), I have received many pedicures in my life and the reasons this one hits the list is the professionalism and friendliness of the technician, the atmosphere and decor of the salon, and..... here's the big reason ~ the polish did not chip, smudge or flake off for three weeks ~ what a time saver without the extra cost and time for a gel polish treatment like Shellac gel. I use OPI regular nail colour (they also have a gel) almost exclusively and this was no exception. Except it lasted. And lasted. I received the Pure Bliss Ara ritual pedicure (and manicure) and if I lived within a reasonable driving distance, I would use ARA Salon for this reason alone.

~ 4 ~

Step Down
The suites are just that... suites. A relaxing sitting area accompanies every hotel room-suite in the form of a sunken living room. Picture windows showcase the cityscape or river view flooding the room with natural light. The step-down area is large enough for a few friends to sit and enjoy themselves without sitting on a bed or uncomfortable desk chair, making this a hotel that actually understands their customers' needs.

~ 5 ~

Flop it

No, I have not missed the Texas Hold 'em craze, which became more than a fad and is now a staple in casinos, bars and homes across the nation. I just never got the hang of it ~ until an invitation to a private lesson (my job does have its perks). Many things were learned at that tutorial: they are called cheques not chips, it's really, really fun to win large stacks on a bluff and you can take home big bucks playing this game. Hmmm, maybe I should take on that Moneymaker guy. I wonder if he's playing the Heartland Poker Tournament in Kansas City this October?
I think I'm ready ~ let 'em flop.

~ 6 ~

Pearl's Oyster Bar
(See image at top)

There is only one thing better than seafood. A tower of seafood. Pearl's is a Cajun and seafood eatery that tops itself with a vertical tribute to all that is wonderful under the sea. Blue Point oysters, King crab, snow crab legs and huge shrimp fight to be king of this hill of horseradish, hot sauce and melted butter. Enough to share with your gaming pals, chances are you will wrestle for the last bites.

~ 7 ~

Catch Fire

Because this casino's food and beverage team are slightly insane in that let's-see-how-we-can-top-it kind of way, they have taken a classic drink, the Hurricane (Pat O'Brien's in NOLA), and, well... lit it on fire. Yes. Flamed up the old standby get-the-party-started drink, proving they truly will try anything. Thank goodness.

~ 8 ~

Make a Wish

Now, I am not certain you are allowed to toss in the customary three coins, but no matter. This million-dollar water fountain doesn't need any coins to make you believe wishes truly do come true. It also doesn't scream for attention with flash and neon, simply drawing you in gently, offering a calming respite from all the gaming floor action.

~ 9 ~

Lap it up

Take a few laps in the indoor-outdoor pool or... just soak up the sun's rays while sipping a few cold concoctions. The cabana-style bar serves frothy, frozen and fruity drinks and is available to non hotel guests as well in the form of a day pass.

~ 10 ~
Listen Close

Live entertainment in the form of national and local artists fill the venues, such as Bottleneck Blues Bar and The Night Club. The St. Louis metro property even goes so far as to bring the music outdoors with Rehydrate Weekends ~ a pool party on steroids. Country, 80s pop, blues, you name it and you will find music for the soul.

Images ~ 

©Jeff Roberts JLR Photo&Video
E.J.Musgrave

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Top 10 Best Things to do at River City Casino and Hotel, St. Louis 2014

Returning from a trip is always a bit overwhelming ~ the origin of that feeling coming from two (or more) worlds colliding, I suppose. Leisure conflicting with work and home modes. You have been
either walking about a cruise ship, racing to see all family members or, perhaps it was a business trip and you need to relax before returning to local work mode and family duties.

Generally for me it entails a breakneck pace participating in, attending and trying as much as I can so as to report back to you. Kind of like the first guy across the ice before everyone else attempts it. Or the one who tastes the hot sauce first then cautions the others. Either way, I love it and upon returning home, I like to take a day or two, when possible, to let the world I just left swirl through my mind and see which ones are the ones I recommend the most. Here is the list for River City Casino and Hotel, located in St. Louis.

Top 10 Things to do

River City Casino and Hotel

~ 1 ~

Nosh on German Chocolate Pancakes

This is to-do list No. 1 for a reason. I have never seen anything like this anywhere else. Available at Lewy Nine's, no way will you eat this all by yourself, so be prepared to share with tablemates, onlookers and complete strangers as this is a showstopper dish.

~ 2 ~

Book a Director's Suite

If you do not believe these hotel rooms are worth the drive alone, we need to talk. It's a must to experience the Director Suites, with amenities such as glossy magazine-level bedroom, sitting room and.... those bathrooms, wait until you see those.

~ 3 ~

Bathe

No, you are not the smelly kid, which is a good thing because the shower is big enough for you and four of your closest friends in this spa-like retreat. The tub is a romance-inspiring deep soaking joy just waiting for a couple to slip in and enjoy a Hollywood movie moment.

~ 4 ~

Play

Although there is more than enough to keep busy without stepping onto the gaming floor, go ahead and hit the slots (more than 2000), and throw some dice. There are live dealers (55 tables), which is always more enjoyable, and the top-end venting system makes any nearby smokers a complete non issue.

~ 5 ~

App Up

The free app was so helpful in checking out the entertainment calendar, menus, and a map to keep you going in the right direction. But don't wait until you're there to download it ~ it's great ahead of time for reservations and more. Click here to download.

~ 6 ~

Throw (or eat) a Tomahawk Steak

A great ice breaker meal with friends, coworkers or family and found by order at 1904 Steakhouse,  Let them know when reserving a table that you want the 44 oz. prime ribeye and the optional 8-10 lb. lobster and your group will have plenty to enjoy.

~ 7 ~

Take a Stroll

I mean it... walk throughout the property enjoying the beautiful design, water fountains and other ooh and aah factors. This is not just another casino, folks. I have seen a few in my travels, and this one blew my mind that it is not located on the Las Vegas Strip.

~ 8 ~

Cater Events and Conventions

I am not in the convention-booking field, nor do I set up catered affairs, but if I did ... this is the place dreams are made of. I was priviliged to try out many items from their customizable catering menu and was impressed with how many could be served without losing quality, pricing or flavor.

~ 9 ~

Be Entertained

The ever-changing schedule makes me believe they truly care what their patrons want. It varies with boxing, music of all genres and other shows to keep it fresh. Click for schedule.

~ 10 ~

Toast a Little Lasagna

 

Seriously ... with St. Louis as the home to toasted ravioli, Executive Chef John Johnson uses his mad culinary skills (and I do mean over-the-top mad skills) to twist things up with this Beerhouse dish. Click here to watch his video on making it at home.

Images ~ E.J.Musgrave

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, and in magazines. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Horseshoe Cincinnati Hosts $500,000 Queen City Classic Poker Tourney

I like to bet. I do. On baby birth dates and weights, and on football ~ I know, I know, I don't know a lot about sports. But... I bet anyway. I bet on the pretty outfits. And lose, by the way.

However, I can play Black Jack.

This makes me believe, erroneously, that I can also play Poker. Which, according to most people over the age of 5, I can't. At least not well. I, in fact, have to keep a little card denoting the hierarchy of power: Aces over kings I understand ~ my card reminds me that a pair is lower than three of a kind, and two pairs are higher than three nines. (I think)

Anyway, I can never remember which is straight and which is straight flush and the royal flush is impossible to remember. And no, I don't want to play you this weekend for money, but thanks for offering...

There are many people who can recall which goes where and when you should fold. I, personally, am horrible at bluffing. For those who understand, there exists a pot of gold. Or at least a pot of $500K.

Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati will host the inaugural Queen City Classic poker tournament March 13-24, which promises to pay out a minimum $500,000 prize pool, including a $100,000 main prize.

Reminiscent of the World Series of Poker Circuit event that took place last September at Horseshoe Cincinnati, the 12-day Queen City Classic will be hosted on the Pavilion level of the casino.

Buy-ins for the QCC range from $100 to $1,500 for the main event on March 24. The buy-in for No Limit Hold ‘Em the first day of the tournament is $260. Games for the tournament range from No Limit Hold ‘Em to Omaha, with tournaments designed specifically for seniors. There are also five Bounty series tournaments and 10 Turbo Series tournaments.

  

Players may register each day of the Classic and are allowed unlimited re-buys. More details at Horseshoecincinnati.com.  

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Fox 59 Morning News Show. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, and in magazines. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Indiana's French Lick Resort Named Best Historic Resort 2013 by Historic Hotels of America

One of Indiana's own has received a distinguished honor ~ French Lick Resort, with its two grand hotels,
has been named the “Best Historic Resort ” after being awarded the distinction at Historic Hotels of America’s Annual Awards Program.

The Historic Hotels of America Annual Awards recognize and celebrate the finest historic hotels and hoteliers. The 2013 awards ceremony and gala took place at the historic Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee, November 21, where the final award winners were announced and presented awards.

Other Finalists

Castle Hotel & Spa (1910) Tarrytown, New York

Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa (1847) Point Clear, Alabama

The Inn at Furnace Creek (1927) Death Valley National Park, California

Jekyll Island Club Hotel (1886) Jekyll Island, Georgia

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa (1923) Ojai, California

Omni Mount Washington Resort (1902) Bretton Woods

New Hampshire; Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort (1927) Honolulu, Hawaii

French Lick Resort, with its signature West Baden and French Lick Springs Hotels, has often been called “The Save of the Century.” Local residents teamed with the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana and Indiana philanthropists and entrepreneurs, Bill and Gayle Cook, to restore the West Baden Springs Hotel, a National Historic Landmark, after an exterior wall had collapsed.

One of the largest private historic restorations in the history of the United States, the $500 million restoration and development project also included the meticulous restoration of the French Lick Springs Hotel, development of the French Lick Casino, restoration of the Donald Ross Course, creation of the award-winning Pete Dye Course and upgrade of the Valley Links Course.

About French Lick Resort

French Lick Resort is a $500 million historic restoration and casino development project that includes the West Baden Springs Hotel, French Lick Springs Hotel and the French Lick Casino. This premier resort and casino destination in Southern Indiana features 686 guest rooms and suites; a 51,000-square-foot, single-level casino; 63 holes of golf, including the fully restored 1917-designed Donald Ross Course at French Lick and the new, 18-hole Pete Dye Course at French Lick; two full-service spas with a combined 36 treatment rooms totaling 42,000 square feet; meeting and event space totaling 115,000 square feet (with an additional 56,000 square feet in development) and an array of dining and entertainment options. Visit FrenchLick.com.

About Historic Hotels of America

Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest Historic Hotels. Historic Hotels of America was founded in 1989 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation with 32 charter members. In 2007, Preferred Hotel Group partnered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation to grow and enhance Historic Hotels of America. Historic Hotels of America has more than 240 historic hotels. These historic hotels have all faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity in the United States of America, including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. To be nominated and selected for membership, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or recognized as having historic significance. Visit HistoricHotels.org.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Top 10 Best Midwest Food Tours 2013

Food tours have become one of tourism's most requested activity and the Midwest is no different.
Whether checking out a new city, or exploring your own, learning about the cuisine of the area is a delicious way to travel.

Basically, there are two types of food tours: Ones that focus on the food itself, concentrating on the chefs, restaurants and ingredients; the other covers the neighborhood, architecture, and history while enjoying the foods of the area. If you are looking to learn about a town, historic area or neighborhood you will want to choose the second type. True foodies, gourmet cooks and potential restaurant owners may be more inclined to choose the first style.

The best way to figure out which type of tours are available is to research. A simple call, website check, or email is all it should take. Culinary tour owners and staff are eager to ensure you choose one you will enjoy and will lead you in the right direction. Tours might be dedicated to a specific food (pizza, beer, cheese, chocolate), a specific area of town, or ethnicity. Transportation is normally by walking, but in some cases it might be by bicycle or shuttle.

Click here for the Gotta Go Food Tours segment on Indy Style ~

Below are my insider's tips and (in no particular order) the list of my recommendations.

Top 10 Best Food Tours 2013

Insider tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes

Bring a camera

Extra money is good for shopping after it's over

Come hungry

Let the operator know of allergies when booking

Go in a group or with a friend for memory-making

Be open to new foods and drinks

Milwaukee

Milwaukee Food Tours

Tours: Walking, Shuttle-Brady Street, Historic Third Ward, Walker’s Point, Riverwalk/Westown, Bloody Third Ward/Bloody Mary Brunch, Bay View/Bloodies & Beers, Village of Wauwatosa, Cedarburg, Pizza Bus, Churches & Chocolates, Christmas Around Milwaukee Bakery Bus, Grandparent’s Day, Bone Appétit (dog friendly), Walker’s Point Dine Around

MilwaukeeFoodTours.com

Saint Louis

STL Culinary

Tours: Walking-Market Street Gastro, DeMun Gastro, UCity Loop, Edwardsville, Chaumette Vineyards

STLCulinaryTours.com

Savor Saint Louis

Tours: Walking-Central West End

SavorSaintLouis.com

Indianapolis

Taste Indy Food Tours

Tours: Walking-Mass Ave., Wholesale Food District, Fountain Square, City Market

IndianapolisFoodTours.com

Chicago

Bobby’s Bike Hike

Tours: Bicycle-Bikes, Bites & Beer

BobbysBikeHike.com

Tastebud Tours

Tours: Walking-Gold Coast, Sweets (Chocolate and desserts), Loop/Millennium, Magnificent Mile

TastebudTours.com

Chicago Food Planet

Tours: Walking-Gold Coast/Oldtown, Chinatown, Bucktown/Wicker Park

ChicagoFoodPlanet.com

Cincinnati

Findlay Market Tour

Tours: Walking-Customized Findlay Market

FindlayMarket.org

Lexington

Bleu plate Tours

Tours: Walking- Heart of Lexington, Sunday Stroll

BleuPlateTours.com

Bloomington

Bloomington Food Tours

Tours: Bites of Bloomington

Walking-Downtown Bloomington

BloomingtonFoodTours.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Top 6 Midwest Places You've Gotta Go This Summer 2012

Lantern Festival                                                                                          Image/IzzyEvans

I have compiled a list of the Top 6 events and great places you've Gotta Go this summer. Within a day's drive, these should definitely be checked out whether as a full-blown vacation, a weekend getaway or day trip. There are long- and short-running exhibits, performances, etc., so take special note of the dates.

Lantern Festival: Art by Day, Magic by Night

Where: Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis)

When: Through Aug. 19, 2012

What: Created by Chinese artists on site, 26 silk and light sculptures that are larger-than-life (literally, they are huge-up to 3-stories tall).

My thoughts: By day, fun and pretty; by night, breathtaking and surreal. There are some things that must be seen to be believed and this one is right at the top for that sentiment. This is one of those "You won't see anywhere else" kind of things. My recommendation is to go about an hour before nightfall, see the sculptures by sunlight, then catch the wonder of them by moonlight. Never before seen in the United States, I was fortunate to be invited to St. Louis for the event's grand opening and I absolutely plan to drive the 4 hours to catch it one more time before it disappears.

Website: Mobot.org

World Choir Games 2012

Image/CincinnatiUSARgionalTourismNetwork

Where: Cincinnati
When: July 4-14, 2012
What: "The Olympics of Choral Music" competition
My thoughts: The honor of being selected from a list of 20 cities from around the globe striving to be chosen to host the phenomenal international event is not lost on me. Held every two years in committee-judged locations, Cincinnati is the FIRST ever selected from the United States to host 362 choirs in this international competition. More than 200,00 participants from 48 countries will arrive to compete in front of tens of thousands of attendees. Opening ceremonies, participant village, and special events throughout the host city bring together international and domestic performers all trying for the gold, silver and bronze medals and honor of distinction. More than 300,000 performances and public appearances, 10 venues and a rare chance to be a part of this high-energy event make it a Do-not-miss event.
Website: 2012WorldChoirGames.com

Symphony on the Prairie

                                                     Image/IndianapolisSymphonyOrchestra

Where: Conner Prairie (Indianapolis)
When: Through Sept. 2, 2012
What: Annual summer outdoor concerts, performed by Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
My thoughts: This annual tradition encourages picnics, family time and great music in a casual, scenic location. Jazz, classical, rock and even disco are all performed with, and without, the symphony depending on the show. This year's selection includes Don McClean (American Pie), The Contours (Motown) and firework displays. For a complete schedule, click here Complete schedule
Website: IndianapolisSymphony.org

German Fest

                                                                               Image/GermanFest

Where: Summerfest Grounds (Milwaukee)
When: July 26-29, 2012
What: United States' largest German festival
My thoughts: It only makes sense that the city with the largest German settlement in the United States would hold the largest German festival in the nation. Nearly 100,000 people will frolic for three days along the banks of Lake Michigan, enjoy biergartens and dance in liederhosen.
Website: GermanFest.com

Mackinac Island Fudge Festival

       Image/MackinacIslandTourismBureau

Where: Mackinac Island (Michigan)

When: Aug. 24-25, 2012

What: United State's largest German festival

My thoughts: Fudge. A festival devoted to fudge...kinda proves there is a heaven, doesn't it? Known for the Grand Hotel, horse-drawn carriages and fudge, the island has been a vacation destination since the 19th century. This annual event has activities and demonstrations galore for fudge fanatics known affectionately as "fudgies."

Website: MackincaIslandFudgeFestival.org

Taste of Chicago

                                                                           Image/TasteofChicago

Where:  Grant Park (Chicago)
When: July 11-15, 2012
What:  34th annual Five-day foodie festival
My thoughts: Free admission. This annual event welcomes one-day (called "Pop ups") and five-day restaurant participants from the Chicago area. The more laid back, dressed down predecessor to Gourmet Chicago feeds approximately 1 million attendees.
Website: TasteofChicago.us

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com, and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.