CHICAGO: Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), has announced its 2022 Star Awards, and The Langham, Chicago received a new Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award. The hotel—part of Langham Hospitality Group's luxury portfolio—has acquired Forbes' five-star rating for the last eight years based on up to 900 objective standards through an independent inspection process. The Langham, Chicago is a 316-room property located inside a 52-story riverfront landmark building, the AMA Plaza, and boasts 15,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

MIAMI: Pet Supermarket is celebrating National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day May 6-22. The pet supply retailer’s "Lend A Paw" fundraiser will give pet lovers the opportunity to support animals by providing them food, shelter and veterinary care. Fundraiser participants can contribute to their community shelters by purchasing limited-edition bandanas. All proceeds from bandana purchases and donations will be split between 14 rescue facilities and shelters. Recipients include: Florida Pointers Rescue in New Smyrna Beach, Gulf Coast Humane Society in Fort Myers, Humane Society of Greater Miami in North Miami Beach and many more.

NEW YORK: An all-day Mexican restaurant, Xolo, and intimate subterranean cocktail bar, Bar Milagro, opened in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on April 19. The name Xolo was inspired by the national dog of Mexico, the Xoloitzcuintle, and features dishes owners Jorge Boetto and Willians Lopez enjoyed throughout their childhood. This includes breakfast tacos, house-made chicharrones with chile, lime and salt and mini meatballs “al pastor,” not to mention a variety of tacos (think: baja-style fish, carne asada and taqueria style with melted cheese). The restaurant seats up to 60 in the main dining room. Downstairs, Bar Milago is characterized by the 2,000 hand-painted Mexican charms it's decorated with, along with dark-red leather banquette seating and a white-marble bar serving up boozy ice cream shakes, margaritas and curated cocktails, including the “Fuerte Como La Muerte” with tequila, mezcal, lilet and orange.

ROANOKE, VA.: Roanoke River in Virginia's Blue Ridge claimed first place in the USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice 2022 travel award for "Best Urban Kayaking Spot" after participating in a four-week public competition among 20 total nominees. The Roanoke River offers tubing, fishing, birding and wildlife sightseeing nearly year-round, and is located in close proximity to downtown Roanoke and popular local parks, outfitters and trails.

WAUSAU, WI.: Radisson Hotel Group Americas announced the opening of the Jefferson Street Inn. The hotel, located in the historic Wausau River District, is situated in central Wisconsin on Interstate 39 between Eau Claire and Green Bay. The seven-floor property offers 99 spacious, pet-friendly rooms and apartment-style suites. Other amenities include whirlpool tubs, room service, same-day dry cleaning service and complimentary breakfast for two, which is served by a local bakery. On-site, Jefferson Street Inn's restaurants serve all kinds of cuisine—from Asian Fusion to Mexican to American fare, plus live entertainment. There's also an 8,000-square-foot ballroom and meeting spaces that can accommodate as many as 600 guests for special events such as weddings and galas.