#NHLPeachy @NHL Notes From the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft

NOTES FROM THE 2026 UPPER DECK NHL DRAFT

A total of 223 players born in 16 countries and from 30 leagues were selected in the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft, which concluded Saturday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.

* Day 1 #NHLStats Live Updates

* Day 1 Recap

* Day 2 #NHLStats Live Updates

QUICK HITS ON THE 2026 UPPER DECK NHL DRAFT

* A total of 97 players born outside North America were selected, which ranks second over the past 22 drafts behind 2024 (99).

* A total of 58 U.S.-born players were selected, tied with 2019 for the most over the past dozen drafts. The last year with more was 2014 when 68 U.S.-born players were selected.

* Los Angeles topped all teams with 11 selections, the most the club has made in more than 30 years (12 in 1993).

* A total of 32 goalies were selected, marking the sixth time that many netminders were chosen after 1993 (36), 2001 (34), 2004 (33), 2002 (33) and 2000 (32).

* Brooks Rogowski (No. 33 by VAN) was the first pick of Day 2. Before choosing to take the OHL path with the Oshawa Generals, Rogowski was pursuing a baseball scholarship and considered following in the footsteps of his father, Casey, and uncle, Ryan, who were selected in the MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, respectively. A 6’7” forward, Rogowski was part of a big trend in Buffalo that saw 22 players listed at 6'5” or taller selected – the third straight year with 20 or more players of that height drafted (31 in 2025 and 27 in 2024). Before 2024, there had never been a draft on record with 20-plus players listed at 6'5” or taller in a single year.

* Twin brothers were selected by the same team – Liam Ruck (No. 22) and Markus Ruck (No. 39) by the Penguins – for the first fifth time in NHL Draft history, with the Rucks becoming the highest-selected since Daniel Sedin (No. 2) and Henrik Sedin (No. 3) by the Canucks in 1999. The other twins picked by the same club in the same year: Justin and Drew Daniels (2008 by SJS); Matt and Mark McRae (2000 by ATL); as well as Peter and Chris Ferraro (1992 by NYR). Click here for more on the Ruck brothers.

* Joe Iginla (No. 65 by CGY) was the first pick of Round 3, selected by the franchise with whom his father, Hockey Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, captained from 2003-04 to 2012-13. Jarome is the Flames’ all-time leader in games played, goals and points who finished his NHL career with 625-675—1,300 (1,554 GP) accumulated with five clubs. Each of Jarome’s children have now been selected in either the NHL or PWHL Draft, with Joe joining Tij Iginla (No. 6 in 2024 by UTA, the first pick in franchise history) and Jade Iginla (No. 18 in 2026 PWHL Draft by PWHL Hamilton).

* A record-setting four Latvian-born players were selected: Alberts Smits (No. 5 by NYR), Rudolfs Berzkalns (No. 58 by EDM), Patriks Plumins (No. 114 by TOR) and Olivers Murnieks (No. 124 by BUF), who was selected in a special moment on stage. That bested the previous mark of three in 2024, 2022, 2015 and 2002.

* Simas Ignatavicius (No. 40 by FLA) became the fourth Lithuanian, based on birth country or nationality, to be selected in the NHL Draft, following Darius Kasparaitis (No. 5 in 1992), Dainius Zubrus (No. 15 in 1996) and Andrey Pedan (No. 63 in 2011). Ignatavicius was born in Memphis, Tenn., but is a Lithuania national and has represented Lithuania six times on the international stage.

* Niklas Aaram-Olsen (No. 41 by VAN) became the third-highest Norwegian player drafted behind only Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (No. 15 by DET in 2024) and Stian Solberg (No. 23 by ANA in 2024).

* Doman Szongoth (No. 156 by BUF) became the fourth Hungarian player ever selected in the NHL Draft and first since Janos Vas in 2002 (No. 32 to DAL). His father, Kristóf Szongoth, played professionally in Hungary for 20 years and now serves as head coach for the Hungary National Team Development Program.

* Six Czech goaltenders were selected, the most ever in a single NHL Draft. It bested the previous high of four in 2015 when current NHLers Dan Vladar and Karel Vejmelka made up half of that cohort.

* Alexander Karmanov is listed at 7’1’’ and is the tallest player to be drafted in NHL history. The previous record is 6’9” by three players: Zdeno Chara (No. 56 in 1996), Lane Manson (No. 124 in 2002) and Braydyn Chizen (No. 204 in 2016). Karmanov is the first player born in Moldova to be selected in an NHL Draft.

TRADES ON DAY 2 OF THE NHL DRAFT

A total of 20 trades were completed Saturday through the end of Round 7, bringing the two-day total to 33 across the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft (13 Friday including nine announced during the draft).

* The Blackhawks acquired a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 35) from the Devils in exchange for a second-round pick in 2026 (No. 37) and a fourth-round pick in 2026 (No. 119).

* The Flames acquired a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 42) from the Hurricanes in exchange for a second-round pick in 2026 (No. 51) and a third-round pick in 2026 (No. 68).

* The Lightning acquired a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 52) from the Oilers in exchange for a second-round pick in 2026 (No. 58) and a fifth-round pick in 2026 (No. 133).

* The Blues acquired defenseman Brandon Carlo from the Maple Leafs in exchange for two third-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft (Nos. 73 and 76).

* The Canadiens acquired a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 57) from the Hurricanes in exchange for a second-round pick in 2026 (No. 61) and a fourth-round pick in 2026 (No. 125).

* The Wild acquired a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 83) from the Kings in exchange for a third-round pick in 2026 (No. 89) and a fifth-round pick in 2026 (No. 153).

* The Predators acquired forward Adam Edstrom from the Rangers in exchange for forward Massimo Rizzo and a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 148).

* The Capitals acquired a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 101) from the Blue Jackets in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2026 (No. 112) and a fifth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.

* The Rangers acquired a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 102) from the Kraken in exchange for two fifth-round picks in 2026 (Nos. 131 and 148).

* The Kings acquired a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 103) from the Canadiens in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2026 (No. 113) and a sixth-round pick in 2026 (No. 190).

* The Penguins acquired a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 111) from the Bruins in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2026 (No. 170) and a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.

* The Wild acquired a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 112) from the Blue Jackets in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2026 (No. 121) and a sixth-round pick in 2026 (No. 185).

* The Golden Knights acquired a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 113) from the Canadiens in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2026 (No. 117) and seventh-round pick in 2026 (No. 223).

* The Avalanche acquired a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 140) from the Devils in exchange for a fifth-round pick in 2026 (No. 149) and seventh-round pick in 2026 (No. 222).

* The Penguins acquired a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 160) from the Predators in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.

* The Maple Leafs acquired a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 161) from the Canucks in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.

* The Hurricanes acquired defenseman John Carlson from the Ducks in exchange for defenseman Kyle Masters and a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 192).

* The Bruins acquired forward Ivan Ivan from the Avalanche in exchange for forward Fabian Lysell.

* The Golden Knights acquired a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 207) from the Red Wings in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.

* The Kings acquired a seventh-round in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 223) from the Canadiens in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.

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#NHLPeachy @NHL Notes from Round 1 of the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft

MAPLE LEAFS SELECT MCKENNA WITH FIRST OVERALL PICK

Picking at No. 1 for the third time in franchise history and first since 2016, the Maple Leafs made left wing Gavin McKenna of Penn State University the top pick in the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft. Global superstar Justin Bieber – a Maple Leafs fan and friend of captain Auston Matthews – was on hand to call McKenna’s name in Buffalo, at the same arena Matthews was selected a decade ago when Toronto last had the No. 1 pick.

* McKenna became the first player out of Penn State to be selected first overall in the NHL Draft and the fifth from the NCAA ever to be taken with the No. 1 pick – with three of those coming in the past six. He is coming off a season in which he finished fifth in NCAA scoring with 15-36—51 (35 GP) and became the first Nittany Lion to be named Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

* McKenna (Whitehorse, Yukon) became the highest-selected player out of Canada’s Yukon Territory with Dylan Cozens (No. 7 in 2019) the only other player in that category who has been selected in the opening round.

* A member of Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation, McKenna became the first known Indigenous player selected first overall in nearly 50 years. McKenna made 2026 the third straight NHL Draft to see an Indigenous player selected in Round 1. His draft suit paid homage to his Indigenous heritage.

* Learn more about McKenna in the #NHLStats Pack published ahead of the draft.

STENBERG LEADS HISTORIC SWEDISH SURGE

Ivar Stenberg (Stockholm, Sweden) was selected with the No. 2 pick by the Sharks, triggering a historic night for his country, and became the seventh Swedish-born player to be selected among the top two in the NHL Draft – a new Pacific Division rival Leo Carlsson (No. 2 in 2023 by ANA) was the last before him.

* Stenberg had 11-22—33 with Frolunda in 2025-26 – the fifth-best SHL season ever by a player age 18 or younger – and joined his brother Otto Stenberg (No. 25 in 2023 by STL) as a first-round pick in the NHL Draft. They are the fourth set of Swedish brothers to both be selected in Round 1 of the NHL Draft, following Daniel Sedin (No. 2 in 1999) and Henrik Sedin (No. 3 in 1999), William Nylander (No. 8 in 2014) and Alex Nylander (No. 8 in 2016) as well as William Eklund (No. 7 in 2021) and Victor Eklund (No. 16 in 2025). Of note, the Nylander brothers were both born in Canada, but are Swedish nationals who represent their country in international competition.

* A record seven Swedish-born players entered the NHL on Friday – the most ever in Round 1 – with Viggo Bjorck (No. 8 by WPG), Alexander Command (No. 12 by NJD), Malte Gustafsson (No. 13 by NYI), Elton Hermansson (No. 19 by LAK), Jonas Lagerberg Hoen (No. 25 by OTT) and Marcus Nordmark (No. 28 by ANA) following Stenberg.

* It also marked the second time that four Swedish-born players were selected among the top 15 picks in an NHL Draft, following the 2011 class of Gabriel Landeskog (No. 2 by COL), Adam Larsson (No. 4 by NJD), Mika Zibanejad (No. 6 by OTT) and Jonas Brodin (No. 10 by MIN).

MORE ON ROUND 1

* Round 1 by position: 10 defensemen, 8 left wings, 8 centers and six right wings.

* Round 1 Picks by League: OHL (7), WHL (5), NCAA (5), SWEDEN (3), SWEDEN-JR. (3), QMJHL (2), USHL (2), FINLAND (2), GERMANY (1), RUSSIA-JR. (1) and SWEDEN-2 (1).

* Round 1 Picks By Birth Country: Canada (10), Sweden (7), United States (7), Finland (3), Kazakhstan (2), Czechia (1), Latvia (1) and Russia (1).

* The Rangers made a splash on multiple fronts Friday – they chose Alberts Smits (Valmiera, Latvia) at No. 5 to make him the highest-selected Latvian player in NHL Draft history, displacing Zemgus Girgensens (No. 14 in 2012 by BUF), and acquired Pavel Dorofeyev from the Golden Knights. Dorofeyev ranked second in the NHL with 12 goals during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Smits’ historic selection capped a season in which he hit an international trifecta by representing Latvia at the World Junior Championship, Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and the World Championship.

* For the first time in a quarter-century, a player born in Kazakhstan was picked in the opening round of the NHL Draft with Gleb Pugachyov going at No. 26 (MTL) followed immediately after by Maksim Sokolovskii at No. 27 (PHI) - marking the first time in NHL Draft history that multiple Kazakhstan-born players were selected in the same first round. Overall, only five players born in that country have been first-round picks in the NHL Draft, with Pugachyov and Sokolovskii joining Alexander Perezhogin (No. 25 in 2001 by MTL), Pavel Vorobiev (No. 11 in 2000 by CHI) and Nik Antropov (No. 10 in 1998 by TOR).

* A total of 15 players born outside North America were selected Friday, tied with 1999 and 2018 for the third-highest total in Round 1 in NHL Draft history behind the 17 in 2022 and 16 in 2000.

* The Sharks led all teams with three selections in Round 1, adding Ivar Stenberg (No. 2) and Keaton Verhoeff (No. 9) before trading up to select Ryan Lin (No. 21) – marking the first time the club has made three picks in the opening round and second time they made a pair of top-10 selections. San Jose also became the first team in more than a dozen years to make a top-two selection in three straight drafts.

* A contingent of seven U.S.-born players were selected Friday, led by Chase Reid (Pontiac, Mich.) who went at No. 7 to the Kraken, which was the most since 2021 (8). Jaxon Cover (No. 32 by OTT), who rounded out the group of Americans, was born in Florida but only lived there a month before moving to the Grand Cayman Islands where he spent his childhood. He began his ice hockey journey on roller skates, started attending skating camps at age 10 in Toronto, did not go to his first ice hockey tryout until he was 13 and did not play competitively until he was 14.

Get To Know: Jaxon Cover

* The NCAA circuit had a strong night with five first-round picks, tied with 2025 and 2002 for the third most in an opening round behind 2003 (7) and 2000 (6).

* For a third straight year, at least four of the top six picks in the NHL Draft were Canadian-born (5 of 6 in 2025 & 4 of 6 in 2024). Before that, the last such occurrence was in 2014 (5 of 6).

* A total of 10 defensemen were selected including four in a row from pick Nos. 4-7 – the first time since 2012 that there was a run of four straight blueliners picked among the top 10 in the NHL Draft. Half of the top 10 picks Friday were blueliners, also a first since 2012 when a record eight of the top 10 were defensemen.

* Four players were selected in the first round with fathers who also played in the NHL: Caleb Malhotra (No. 3) was picked by the Canucks, the team his father, Manny Malhotra, both played for and is the current head coach of; Wyatt Cullen (No. 10) was selected by the Predators, the team his father, Matt Cullen, played 139 games for and defeated in the 2017 Stanley Cup Final; Maddox Dagenais (No. 16 by STL), whose father, Pierre Dagenais, played for the Devils, Panthers and Canadiens; and Marcus Nordmark (No. 28 by ANA), whose father Robert Nordmark patrolled the blueline for 236 NHL games with the Blues and Canucks.

* Other moments from the opening round included Bill Guerin becoming the first in Wild history to claim the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award; Blackstone Valley high school, who have been at the forefront of hockey consciousness since a tragic shooting on Feb. 16, handing out jerseys after prospects were drafted; country music star Luke Bryan, who announced Nashville’s selection of Wyatt Cullen, who was once a kid on the ice in a Predators jersey beside his dad, hours before playing a concert in Buffalo; and Spencer Moore, a Canucks for Kids Fund beneficiary with pondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, announcing Vancouver’s selection of Adam Novotny with the 24th overall pick.

TRADE WINDS WERE BLOWING ON DRAFT DAY

After a busy week of trade action, there were 13 more trades Friday – including nine announced during the draft – which marked the most on Day 1 of a two-day draft since 2008 when there were 14. Each of the nine deals announced from the draft floor:

* The Bruins acquired forward JJ Peterka from the Mammoth for a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 23) and a first-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.

* The Rangers acquired forward Pavel Dorofeyev from the Golden Knights for a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 26), a third-round pick in 2026 (No. 92) and a conditional first-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.

* The Blues acquired forward Mason McTavish from the Ducks for two first-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft (Nos. 15 & 29).

* The Mammoth acquired a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 17) from the Kings for a first-round pick in 2026 (No. 19) and a third-round pick in 2026 (No. 83).

* The Sharks acquired a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 21) from the Flyers for a first-round pick in 2026 (No. 27), a second-round pick in 2026 (No. 62) and a fourth-round pick in 2026 (No. 120).

* The Mammoth acquired goaltender Sebastian Cossa from the Red Wings for a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 23).

* The Canadiens acquired a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 26) from the Golden Knights for a first-round pick in 2026 (No. 28) and a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.

* The Ducks acquired a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 28) from the Golden Knights for a first-round pick in 2026 (No. 29) and a fourth-round pick in 2026 (No. 117).

* The Predators acquired a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (No. 31) from the Hurricanes for two second-round picks in 2026 (Nos. 42 & 57).

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#CulinaryCourant #SouthernPeachy Big Green Egg's EGGtoberfest Returns October 3 -- Tickets on Sale Now

The South's most delicious fall tradition is back with 200+ Big Green Eggs. One epic day. Zero excuses.

Big Green Egg is bringing its annual EGGtoberfest back to the Atlanta area on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. The one-day live-fire cooking celebration will gather Big Green Egg fans, backyard cooks, families and food lovers at Gwinnett Field in Lawrenceville, Georgia, for one of the most distinctive food events this fall.

The 29th annual EGGtoberfest is unlike any other food festival: a gathering where the Big Green Egg community comes alive over fire, food and a shared passion for outdoor cooking.

This year's event will feature:More than 300 Big Green Eggs cooking everything from brisket to brownies

Unlimited tastings from cook teams, celebrity chefs, Atlanta restaurants and EGGfest Champions from across the country

Live cooking demos, exclusive Big Green Egg product showcases, special event deals, music, merchandise and family-friendly experiences

Around 4,500 guests expected for one of Big Green Egg's largest live-fire community gatherings of the year

"EGGtoberfest is one of those rare days where you show up as strangers and leave as friends," said Dan Gertsacov, CEO of Big Green Egg. "Twenty-nine years in, this connection is more important now than ever. There's something that happens when people gather around live fire, share what they love to cook, and welcome others into that experience. That's the spirit of Big Green Egg, and it's what keeps bringing people back every October."

In a year when screens compete for every meal and every moment, EGGtoberfest is the answer: four hours, live fire, no algorithm. Just cooks, food and the people who show up to eat it.

EGGtoberfest originated in 1998 as a way for Big Green Egg to thank its loyal customers and give early Forum users – those who are part of an online community sharing tips and EGGspert advice – a place to gather, cook and share their favorite recipes on the EGG. What began with roughly 100 Big Green Egg pioneers and 15 cooks has grown into the largest EGGhead gathering in the world, bringing thousands of new and experienced cooks together each fall.

For guests, the experience is part food festival, part cookout, part live-fire masterclass and part reunion, with EGG professionals, chefs and passionate backyard cooks sharing recipes, techniques and sample-sized bites throughout the day.

EGGtoberfest 2026 is held in partnership with Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides emergency assistance to food service workers through financial support and a network of community resources. Giving Kitchen's goal is to create a food service community in which crises are met with compassion and care.

Ticket options and what's included:General Admission non-drinking, General Admission with Drink Tickets (GA+ ) and VIP packages.

VIP access begins at 9:30 a.m. and includes early entry, reserved parking close to the stadium, a private entrance, air-conditioned full-service open bars, private Big Green Egg cooking patios and unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.

All ticket packages include unlimited tastings, live action, complimentary on-site parking (first come, first served), a commemorative T-shirt and gift bag while supplies last and free admission for children under 12.

Guests can also purchase Large EGG demo packages at special EGGtoberfest pricing – used once at the event, with the same Limited Lifetime Warranty as a new purchase from an authorized dealer.

Event details:Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026

Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Gwinnett Field, 2500 Buford Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Tickets: biggreenegg.com/pages/eggtoberfest

2025 EGGtoberfest highlight reel: youtube.com/watch?v=ta4UA1nFiYo

ABOUT BIG GREEN EGG

Big Green Egg is the world's leading manufacturer of the premier ceramic outdoor cooking system, renowned for its durability, passionate customer base and exceptional culinary results. Founded in Atlanta in 1974, Big Green Egg pioneered a new outdoor cooking category in the United States and has grown into a global live-fire cooking phenomenon. Today, Big Green Egg is the gold standard for food and flavor served everywhere from backyards to Michelin-starred restaurants. For more information, visit BigGreenEgg.com.

ABOUT GIVING KITCHEN

Giving Kitchen is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency assistance to food service workers through financial support and a network of community resources. Its goal is to create a food service community in which crises are met with compassion and care. For more information, visit givingkitchen.org.

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#WestCoastPeachy Palm Springs boutique hotels offer sizzling deals all summer long

Summer Splash 2026 specials include free nights, percentages off, and reduced rates

Celebrate the summer in the country's premier desert destination: Palm Springs. As part of the Summer Splash 2026 initiative, nearly two dozen of the city's legendary boutique hotels are offering incredible deals for visitors ready to embrace the heat — and the pools — of this stunning locale.

Choose from a wide assortment of special summer offers, vibes, and architecture and then book directly.

Hot Summer Deals in Palm Springs

"Everybody loves Palm Springs. And with more than eighty small hotels, there's something for everybody! That's especially true in the Summer, when hotels, restaurants and retailers offer great deals and discounts," said Michael C. Green, co-owner of Triangle Inn Palm Springs and chair of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels.

Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels lets travelers choose from a wide assortment of special summer offers, vibes, and architecture and then book directly with the hotel of their choice.

From mid-century modern gems to charming Spanish-style accommodations, brand-new contemporary hotels to men's clothing-optional resorts, the options are extensive. There's a hotel for every budget and taste. Expand your horizons by staying somewhere new…or book at an old favorite.

Summer Splash offers include:

Alcazar Palm Springs: Stay two nights, get the third night free. Or, book two nights and receive 50% the second night. Sunday-Thursday. Through Aug. 31, 2026, excluding holidays and holiday weekends.

Town and Desert properties: Azure Sky, Coyote Inn, Desert Hills, Desert Riviera, The Hideaway, Hotel California, Orbit In, Mahala: 15% off three or more consecutive nights and an early check-in voucher (based on availability) when booking direct. Through Sept. 30, 2026, excluding certain holidays.

The Cactai: Book three or more nights and receive 30% off your stay. California residents, take 15% off your entire stay and enjoy two complimentary welcome cocktails.

Casa Cody: Reduced rates, complimentary room upgrade (when available), and 15% off bar. Through Sept. 30, 2026.

Casa Oliver: Stay three nights or more Sunday through Thursday and save 15%.

Hacienda at Warm Sands: Stay for four nights, receive one free night; stay for eight nights, receive two free nights; stay for 12 nights or more, receive three free nights. Through Oct. 1, 2026, excluding holidays.

Korakia Pensione: Up to 35% off standard rates.

Movie Colony Hotel: Save up to 25% on two-night stays, Sunday-Thursday. Through Sept. 28, 2026.

Triangle Inn Palm Springs: Save up to 30% on your nightly rate. July 15 through Sept. 4, holidays and special events excluded.

Twin Palms Resort: Reduced rates starting at $195 per night Sunday-Thursday. July 6 through Sept. 10, excluding Sept. 6 and 7.

Villa Royale: Enjoy deals on tinned fish, seafood, wine, sangria, and cocktails during the Deep Dive daily happy hour at the Del Rey, the hotel's on-site tapas bar.

For more information on Summer Splash 2026 deals and all the fine print, visit the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels website.

ABOUT PALM SPRINGS PREFERRED SMALL HOTELS

Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels is an association of independently-owned boutique hotels, which are an essential part of this desert resort town's uncommon culture and economy. From quirky to charming, mid-century modern to clothing-optional, Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels has got your stay. Follow the fun on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest.

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#PeachyAhoy #InauguralReview #Beast #PeachyandtheCity We Highly Recommend the Beast and the Beauty #StatueofLiberty

You absolutely need to ride the Beast if you enjoy fun in your life at all!

Actions speak louder than words, and Peachy got a few words in before and after.

Peachy Deegan absolutely loved it and they even put her on the GREEN boat which of course has got to be the best (her favorite color.)

Watch all 7 videos from the @ManhattanPeachy You Tube!

Watching the videos is absolutely the best way to understand this experience.

INTRODUCTION

WATER ROLLERCOASTER BEGINS

BABY SHARK

STATUE OF LIBERTY

PARTY IN THE USA

HUDSON RIVER GOING NORTH

CONCLUSION

Lise Charmel suit on Peachy Deegan

THE BEAST TELLS WHOM YOU KNOW:

Here are a few things to know before you go:

Will I get wet? Yes! The BEAST is a high-speed thrill ride and you will likely get splashed. That's part of the fun!

What should I wear? We recommend comfortable clothes you don't mind getting wet. A bathing suit underneath is a great idea. Bring a light change of clothes if you'd like.

Can I sit in the front? Seating is first come, first served, so get there early to snag your spot!

Is my camera safe? We recommend securing any electronics in a waterproof bag or case, as there is a good chance of water spray.

What should I bring? Just yourself and a sense of adventure! Sunscreen is always a good idea, and we suggest leaving valuables safely stored.

Please find the website for The BEAST story and more info on The BEAST. https://www.thebeastnyc.com/the-beast-story

We love the American Flags.

Whom You Know Highly Recommends the Beast!

https://www.thebeastnyc.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@thebeastnyc

https://www.facebook.com/BeastSpeedboatNYC/

https://www.instagram.com/thebeastnyc

https://www.tiktok.com/@thebeastnyc

Grok says:

The Beast is NYC’s ultimate high-speed thrill boat ride, operated by the legendary Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises.It’s a 30-minute jet-powered adventure on a custom-built 70-foot speedboat that hits up to 45 mph, with sharp turns, big splashes, pounding music, and epic views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty. Think of it as a rollercoaster on the water — loud, bouncy, splashy, and a ton of fun.

Key Details

Duration: 30 minutes

Speed: Up to 45 mph (jet-powered)

Route: High-speed run down the Hudson River toward the Statue of Liberty (quick photo stop), with skyline views.

Midtown departure (Pier 83): Focuses on the west side/Hudson.

Downtown departure (Pier 16 at South Street Seaport): Goes under the Brooklyn Bridge for a different perspective.

Boat: Iconic green (or sometimes black) speedboat with a fierce shark-tooth design, big engines, and open-air seating with seatbelts/handrails

Downtown (Pier 16, Seaport): 11 AM – 7 PM, hourly departures. Closed Tuesdays.The season runs roughly May through mid-October. Check the official site for any weather-related cancellations (no sailings in rain/thunderstorms).

What to Expect

You will get wet — especially in the splash zones. Wear clothes that can handle water (or bring a change).

Loud music + energetic crew/captains (fun and entertaining).

Fast turns and bounces — secure loose items (phones, hats, sunglasses) or use a waterproof pouch.

Great photo opportunities, including a brief stop near the Statue of Liberty.

After your ride (especially from Midtown), grab food/drinks/merch at the BEAST’ro at Pier 81.

Is It Worth It?

Yes — it’s one of the most unique and thrilling things you can do in NYC. Reviewers consistently rate it 4.6/5 and call it a highlight for thrill-seekers, families (with older kids), and anyone wanting something more exciting than a regular sightseeing cruise. It’s short, high-energy, and gives you fantastic (if fast-moving) views.

Not ideal for: People with severe motion sickness, fear of speed/water, or very young kids under the height limit.

Pro tip: Arrive 15–30 minutes early for boarding. Book in advance during peak summer months 

Official site: thebeastnyc.com

Circle Line main site: circleline.com

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#BurrataPeachy Langan's Since 1993 A Peachy's Pick Since 2012

Obviously, burrata and many edible endeavors are enhanced by Guinness.

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#InauguralReview 42nd Street Pizza and Restaurant Since 1937 by #LouisGritsipis #RaquelGritsipis and #AndreaGritsipis 647 West 42nd Street between 11th and 12th Avenues Hells Kitchen

Say yes please to the #64 Chicken Souvlaki over Greek Salad, Peachy's favorite!

It's not who you know it's WHOM YOU KNOW and we now know the amazing Gritsipis family behind the illustrious 42nd Street Pizza and Restaurant which has thrived in its original location at 647 West 42nd Street SINCE 1937.  We LOVE that the first time Peachy ever walked in, she found the entire family there: Louis Gritsipis, his wife Raquel and son Andrea.  They did not know she was coming.  She didn't even know she was coming.  Louis's uncle Kostas started this, and in 1957, Louis came to America from Greece and he tells us he has been working here since 1961 and he even owns the building.  He is super modest and all three of them have sparkling personalities in addition to culinary talent.

There is something for everyone here!

There are 99 items on the menu!  It is going to take a lot of reviews to try them all but here's what we started with.  We also like how everything is numbered and organized and Raquel we can tell from talking to her must have the entire menu memorized, impressive!  When Peachy named a dish or a number, Raquel knew what the corresponding number or dish was.  As avid readers know, Peachy Deegan's mastery of the Greek language is little but her knowledge of the cuisine isn't: we decided to pick some classic Greek items.   Fried zucchini is a staple, served with marinara under appetizers number #71 and it was a hot, fresh classic.

#52 The Greek Salad was exactly what we were looking for: Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Onions, Dolmades, Feta Cheese and Olives were well cut, all fresh and graciously arranged.  Picky Peachy even liked the Greek Oil and Vinegar mixed in and originally she was going to have Ranch on the side, her usual.  No, you should have this the Greek way.  These guys have only been doing this for 89 years!!! Listen to them. This salad is perfection.

Admittedly, we ordered the most from the sandwich section, and #79 Chicken Parm did not escape Peachy's attention and as you know her devotion to this dish is beyond ridiculous; it was a solid performance here and we thought the mozzarella in particular was great.

Peachy's favorite dish this inaugural visit was from the Greek Platters section of the menu, which has many convincing entrees.  They are all served with Pita bread and Tzatziki Sauce (PEACHY LOVES THIS SAUCE) and number #64 Chicken Souvlaki over Greek Salad was a clearcut winner.  Every bite was absolutely sublime and hit the spot.  The aforementioned Greek Salad makes an encore appearance on this plate with the succulent chicken, perfectly enhanced by Peachy's close friend, Tzatziki.

Next in the batting order was under Chicken Breast Platters, another section that looks fantastic to us.

#18 Gym Goers Delight sounds like it is what everyone should be eating during this high holy season of bikini-wearing!  But, you should not starve yourself ever!  You should eat real food like this: Spinach, Mushrooms, and Mozzarella Cheese team up to pigpile on Chicken Breast in the most delicious way.

#78 Cypriot Chicken Sandwich is another Greek victory in your stomach as Grilled Halloumi Cheese, perfectly oozy and ready to say enchante to your tastebuds, is paired with the Grilled Chicken, Lettuce and Tomato.  Hot Honey is included normally but avid readers know the picky one here has never made friends with honey and the Gritsipis family aims to please and demonstrated top hospitality and listening skills in leaving it out.  You have heard us say that all restaurants in Manhattan must have the essential hamburger on the menu and they have fourteen here.  As you also might have heard us say, in the world according to Peachy, all hamburgers are cheeseburgers and to that end, please meet #2 Cheeseburger, exactly medium rare as ordered with American cheese, which Peachy loves.  Fresh ground beef is used and all around, the rolls here are fresh and soft.

Note we never edit pictures.  You kill it and excel like Louis, Raquel and Andrea, or we do not publish.

The seafood and pasta platters also look like a spectacular menu section and Shrimp Scampi in Garlic Sauce beautifully beckoned Peachy's name the most convincingly to start.  The Shrimp itself is served separately on a plate and it's sublime in both shrimp quality itself and overall flavor as it luxuriates in garlic sauce.  You can choose between green salad, pasta or rice and we chose linguine; each of these culinary endeavors singing backup comes on a separate plate.

The Tuna Melt was the most perfect one we have had anywhere this year, and Peachy does not think she has ever had one on a pita, and we suggest you do the same.  Mozzarella cheese was a triumph topping the tantalizing tuna, sealing in the deal of an absolutely terrific visit.

WE LOVE THE HISTORY HERE SO MUCH!

Peachy's degree from Boston College is a B.A. in American History and of course the world asks all history majors what they think they are going to do in the real world when they graduate.  One of our strongest responses today to this question is: Eat it.

42nd Street Pizza and Restaurant impressed us on our first visit and we can't wait to see what they do next.

https://42pizzarestaurant.com/

https://www.instagram.com/42ndstreetpizza/

The history they print on their menu:

We haven't even started on the pizza....

Peachy's pal Grok of X AI by Elon Musk often likes to chime in.

Grok answered Peachy's question: tell me the history of 42nd Street Pizza and Restaurant Since 1937.

Grok says:

42nd Street Pizza and Restaurant (also known as 42nd Street Restaurant and Pizza or 42nd Street Diner and Pizza) is a classic mom-and-pop spot at 647 West 42nd Street in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, New York City. It is one of the last remaining independent, family-run brownstone restaurants in a neighborhood transformed by gentrification and high-rise development near Hudson Yards.

Origins and the “Since 1937” Legacy

The original brownstone building has housed a restaurant or diner since 1937. The business proudly markets itself as “EST. 1937” and “3 Generations Strong,” referring to the long history of the site as a neighborhood eatery. It is often called a “1937 diner” in references to its historic character and resilience as a holdout building.

The Gritsipis Family Era Begins (1965)

The current chapter of the restaurant as 42nd Street Pizza started in 1965 when Greek immigrant Louie (Louis) Gritsipis opened or took over the operation.

Louie emigrated from Kandila in Aetolia-Acarnania, Greece, at age 18. He briefly returned to Greece for naval service as a cook on the ship Patris before settling in New York around 1958 with little money and no English. He learned pizza-making from his uncle, who ran a small pizzeria uptown, and brought that knowledge (along with traditional Greek cooking) to the Hell’s Kitchen location.

The family (including his wife Raquel) has operated it continuously since then, living in apartments above the restaurant. It remains a true multi-generational business, now involving their son Andreas and granddaughter Athena.

Tough Early Years in Hell’s Kitchen

When the Gritsipis family started in 1965, Hell’s Kitchen was a rough, high-crime area plagued by drugs, prostitution, and violence. Louie was held up at gunpoint seven times during those decades. Early economics were very different: rent was extremely low, a slice of pizza cost about 15 cents, and wages were around $35 per week.

Despite the challenges, the family focused on homemade food using recipes “from back home,” fresh ingredients, and warm, family-style service. This kept loyal customers coming back through the rough years.

Building Ownership and Standing Firm Against Development

In 1980, Louie purchased the four-story building for $150,000. As Hell’s Kitchen cleaned up and gentrified (especially after the Giuliani era), developers repeatedly offered huge sums to buy the property for luxury skyscrapers. Offers reached $10 million (and reportedly higher later), but Louie turned them all down.

He famously said he was happy with what he had and viewed the restaurant not just as a business but as his home full of family memories (grandmothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, children, and grandchildren). He has stated he would not sell even for a billion dollars because he loves his life, his work, and the neighborhood connections. The modest brownstone still stands today, dwarfed by modern towers around it.

What It Serves Today

The menu blends:Classic New York-style pizza (homemade dough, sauce, and whole-milk mozzarella)

Greek specialties (gyros, Greek salad, spinach pie, dolmades, baklava)

Diner classics (burgers, sandwiches, pasta, breakfast items)

Everything emphasizes fresh, from-scratch preparation. The restaurant operates as a casual, welcoming spot open seven days a week.

Current Status (as of 2026)

It remains family-owned and operated, a beloved neighborhood fixture and a symbol of resilience in changing New York. It has been featured in the Pizza Hall of Fame for its story of the American Dream, hard work, and refusal to sell out. Customers and reviews often praise the old-school charm, friendly service, and consistent homemade quality in a city full of chains and trendy spots.

In short, while the specific pizza-focused operation under the Gritsipis family dates to 1965, the site’s history as a restaurant goes back to 1937. It stands as a rare surviving piece of old New York — a Greek-American family’s labor of love that has weathered crime, economic shifts, and relentless development pressure while staying true to its roots.

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