Month: January 2020
Scottsdale, Arizona: A Perfect Winter Escape
As much of the northern hemisphere tackles winter in the early months of the new year, some residents dream of tropical vacations. Instead of hitting the beach, how about a desert destination for a winter getaway? Scottsdale, Arizona enjoys daily average temperatures in the low 70s during winter. Clear, sunny … Read more
Country Club Lima Hotel
With a cosmopolitan flair reminiscent of Golden Age Hollywood, a clientele who demands luxury, and an international guest list that includes a who’s who of public figures, Country Club Lima Hotel serves as a reminder that classical elegance and modern luxury can form a perfect union. After 2 years of … Read more
Carnival in Trinidad Takes the Party to the Streets
Your feather headdress will be quite the conversation starter when passing through airport security this February. And you’ll be the envy of every TSA agent when they learn you are headed to one of the Caribbean’s biggest street parties. Carnival in Trinidad is celebrated on the Monday and Tuesday before … Read more
Tapas in the East Village
In Spain, “tapas style” is not just a way of eating but a way of being. It’s the lively, gastronomical reflection of a communal space; it says, “we’re here together, sharing each other’s company, so let’s share a meal, too.” Food, like fun, is best when it’s shared. Plado Tasting … Read more
2,000 Years of History in the Spanish Countryside
Between the European capitals of Madrid and Lisbon lies a region of rolling hills with Medieval castles that have found new lives as “Game of Thrones” locations, villages that are honoring Spain’s Jewish history and 2,000-year-old Roman architectural marvels that are still thriving today. The Extremadura region of Spain is … Read more
Land of the Avatars
While it’s unlikely you’ll see any 10-feet tall, blue-skinned, sapient humanoids (aka Na’vi), the picturesque, awe-inspiring movie Avatar was filmed here on earth in the Hunan Province – not in Pandora. Wulingyuan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, is the magical land of sandstone pillars and jagged granite peaks … Read more
Greenville, South Carolina: Hunting for the Best Shrimp & Grits
Recently I went on a quest to find the best Shrimp and Grits in Greenville, South Carolina. My hunt began on Main Street, where the sound of live music often fills the air and where, in warmer weather, the scent of perfectly seasoned dishes billows out onto the sidewalks. Greenville … Read more
The Tastiest of Tans at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival
A warm ocean breeze will make any dish more delicious. From February 19-23, one of America’s favorite gourmet festivals returns to South Beach, for five days of culinary events, parties, tastings and appearances by world-renowned celebrity chefs. The South Beach Wine & Food Festival hosts more than 100 events throughout … Read more
72 Hours in Aspen, Colorado
I’m gazing at downhill racers traversing beautifully down the lower “Little Nell” run from a ringside seat inside SO Café, an aerie-style eatery on the rooftop of the Aspen Museum. I’m thinking the stubby lower trail looks a bit on the steep side but upon studying one skier after another … Read more
Boutique Hotels as Private Stays
You want a five-star resort experience, but your partner favors the intimacy of a B & B to the unfamiliarity of a big hotel. No need to call a couple’s counselor! The Squire has you covered. Now you don’t need to sacrifice privacy for luxury when staying at these three … Read more
Hasbrouck House: Understated Luxury in the Hudson Valley
Just two hours outside of New York City at the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, a country home awaits. Set in an 18th-century Dutch Colonial mansion in the charming hamlet of Stone Ridge, Hasbrouck House offers an idyllic escape from everyday life. A standout among Hudson Valley boutique hotels, Hasbrouck … Read more
Ancient History, Modern Architecture and International Cuisine
The small town of New Paltz, founded in New York’s Hudson Valley in 1678, is home to historic Huguenot Street. It’s also the site of the State University – New Paltz campus and has an astounding number of international restaurants. Steeped in the lore and legend that attends a place … Read more