identity and culture, quite different from the rest of the United Kingdom. For starters, Wales is bilingual, Welsh and English. That tells you something about the pride people have in their heritage. They speak Welsh to each other and all signs are in both languages. Additionally, unlike the usually reserved Brits – the Welsh are chatty, curious and friendly.

Wales also has a proud heritage of living off the land. The country’s prime natural resources have always shaped its culinary tradition. Welsh lamb is world famous, farmed on the verdant mountains and valleys. Cattle farming produces that tasty Welsh beef, most notably from the Welsh black cattle. There’s a wealth of organic farmers’ markets, artisan producers, food festivals, and excellent restaurants.

The Farm Estate in Hawarden
North Wales’ rolling hills, lush landscapes, mountains, scenic coastlines, national parks, quaint towns and magnificent castles, make the perfect backdrop for a culinary journey. The Farm Estate in Hawarden, with 20 acres of fruits and seasonal vegetables, showcasing typical sustainable food produced in North Wales – is the perfect place to start. This well received food emporium and café features the tastiest homemade soups, dishes like scrumptious trout, and sweets the locals love such as Aberffraw biscuits, Millionaire’s shortbread and raspberry ripple. www.hawardenestate.co.uk

Penderyn Whisky
As to the Drink: The seaside town of Llandudno is home to the Penderyn Whisky Distillery located in the former Old Board School. During an hour-long tour you learn how the famed Wales whisky is made and what makes it so unique. Best of all,- sampling the delightful libation at the Tasting Bar. www.penderyn.wales/tours-llandudno

Conwy Castle and Edwards
The medieval walled town of Conwy is home to the famous fortress, Conwy Castle and to ‘Edwards’ – Master Butcher, Sausage and Pie Maker serving up the best traditional Wales food for over 40 years. Their award winning pies include the quintessential Welsh oggies with lamb and leeks, as well as pork pies and tantalizing combinations like pork and stilton, pork and apple, beef and onion – Yum!

Baravelli’s Artisan Chocolatier
Close-by, Emma and Mark Baravelli have been crafting creative chocolates at their eponymous shop that attracts visitors from afar, for over a decade. The famous duo appear on TV shows and in magazines like Vogue with these coveted award-winning treats including Emma’s spectacular hand painted Easter eggs commissioned by Faberge and The Royals. www.baravellis.com

Bodnant Welsh Food Centre
Set in the heart of the Conwy Valley with breathtaking views, Bodnant Welsh Food Centre at Furnace Farm – a shop, producer of food, and impressive restaurant, showcases Welsh cuisine at its best. Delectable dishes include cawl, a hearty stew of lamb and seasonal vegetables considered the national dish of Wales and tastiest Welsh rarebit – cheese, mixed with mustard slathered over toasted bread. The on-site bakery turns out Bara Birth, tea-infused bread, sprinkled with dried fruit, and melt-in-your-mouth traditional Welsh cakes with sweet currants and spices. There’s more! The dairy produces award winning artisanal Welsh cheese.
www.bodnant-welshfood.co.uk

Aberfalls
Time again, for a drink – Located near the famous Aber Falls waterfall, the award winning Aber Falls Distillery uses specially crafted Welsh ingredients from the surrounding area for their acclaimed whisky. Guests can also sample their handcrafted gins and liqueurs, like zesty orange marmalade gin as well as rapturous rhubarb and ginger gin, on the daily tours. www.aberfallsdistillery.com

The beauteous North Wales countryside, with sheep grazing on green pastures; majestic castles like Caernarfon and Harlech; and picturesque seaside town Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey; – is a joy to explore.

Monuts
Also, in Anglesey you’ll find world famous monuts created by Richard Holt and his talented team. Visitors from abroad descend upon this magical cream filled sugary sparkling donut wonderland to savor the ‘oh so good’ edibles. www.melinllynon.co.uk

Halen Mon Pure Sea Salt
Don’t miss the Halen Môn Visitor Centre in Anglesey on the banks of the scenic Menai Strait for a tasting of the finest sea salt in the world and a sampling of luxe salt-infused products followed by a rejuvenating seaweed bath in a barrel. www.halenmon.com

Dylan’s Restaurant
Dylan’s atmospheric restaurant at Menai Bridge features outstanding locally sourced produce from the sea and the surrounding hills. Diners relish dishes such as fresh Anglesey scallops, the finest Menai mussels prized for their sweet flavor, braised feather blade of welsh beef with slow roasted mushrooms and seared pork sirloin along with pickled red cabbage, frazzle dusted potatoes, smoked mayo and Snowdon cider sauce. Top the meal off with a Welsh cheeseboard with Black Bomber from Snodonia, a mature cheddar containing creamy, savory notes served with salted Welsh butter, Dylan’s fruit chutney, sliced apple and Piccalilli and Cradoc’s crackers – paired with stunning views out across the Menai Strait. www.dylansrestaurant.co.uk

Portmeiron Village
Set on a peninsula in Gwynedd, overlooking gorgeous coastal scenery with vistas in every direction, Portmeirion looks like a beautiful Mediterranean Village. This private village resort whose prestigious guest list includes the Beatles, Brian Wilson and Noel Coward, dazzles with its stunning palette of pastel colors and whimsical architectural styles. Portmeirion features a fashionable main hotel with luxurious rooms, suites and plush lounges with sea views, colorful cottages with stylish interiors centered around a piazza, terraces, grand porticoes, fountains, shops, notable restaurants, cafes, a gelateria, gardens rich with exotic plants and woodland walks with endless pathways to explore. www.portmeirion.wales

Palé Hall
Palé Hall a 5-star stunner in Bala, part of the esteemed, Relais & Chateaux Collection is a grand, historic, Victorian mansion with an exquisite woodland garden. The bespoke country house hotel, a favorite of Queen Victoria, features eighteen luxurious rooms and garden suites with sumptuous décor and an acclaimed restaurant. The new owners are planning a major re-vamp and expansion to the property. Stay tuned. www.palehall.co.uk