High on a hillside, a modern Tuscan-style villa claims expansive views all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Following the steep drive up from Kanan Rd. you see some small vineyards on either side. You can also arrive at the villa by air as it has its own heliport. What I saw of the inside of the villa was sparsely furnished, with spacious rooms. Most rooms were closed off due to the event underway when I was there. It was a gorgeous late winter … [Read more...]
36 Hours In Downtown Napa City #DoNapa
California’s most famous wine region, Napa Valley beckons oenophiles and outdoor enthusiasts alike due to the beautiful landscapes and year round temperate climate, not to mention world renowned wines. It’s also relatively accessible due to two major airports within a sixty to ninety minute drive of the Valley. For visitors who would like to avoid a holiday spent driving, downtown Napa City is the perfect stopping off point. You may recall … [Read more...]
Visit Paso Robles, California, (Before Everyone Else Does)
Rolling hills, gnarly oak trees, thermal spas, an innovative food scene, and some of the best wines produced in California (or anywhere) -- no I’m not talking about Napa Valley, or even Sonoma. Wine Enthusiast rated it a top destination in 2013. The Guardian calls it “the place to visit before everyone else does,” but the word is out - fine wine is being produced by boutique wineries in Paso Robles, California. Actually wine grapes have been … [Read more...]
Diamond Mills: A Luxury Boutique Hotel in the Hudson Valley
Named best boutique hotel in the Hudson Valley for two years in a row, the Diamond Mills Hotel has become THE place to stay for discerning travelers and visitors. Diamond Mills also has a 7000 square foot event space, and has become a popular destination wedding location. Another reason you'll want to book ahead. Cradled between the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River, Diamond Mills Hotel is ideally situated in the historic center of … [Read more...]
Chateau Montelena: An Icon In Napa Valley
Swans gracefully glide by. Ducks splash and play as they swim past the red lacquered pavilion and under the weeping willow trees. Standing on a bridge over the lake, you see vineyards in the distance scaling the side of the mountain. Above, a 100-year old stone winery, modeled after a French chateau, produces some of the finest wines in the area. The atmosphere is serene and joyful at the same time. Where are you? If you’re a wine fanatic, … [Read more...]
Playing In The Mud Is Good For You
Perhaps you remember when you were a kid splashing through puddles of water after a heavy rain or playing in the mud. Remember how it felt? Carefree, happy, and just plain fun! Turns out that playing in the mud is good for you. You can recreate that childhood experience as an adult (sort of) in the spa town of Calistoga, California, located in the north end of California’s famous Napa Valley. The volcanic soil that provides such a perfect … [Read more...]
Ancient To Modern in Miami
Imagine a trip to Miami - fun in the sun, sand, and on the water; palm trees swaying in the breeze, tropical fruity drinks, tanning lotion, and dancing until dawn. But there's more to Miami than beaches and bars. It's a city full of history, culture, and architecture. These little gems - these not so typical tourist attractions - really tell the story of the city. Each time I go to Miami, I find some new cultural or historical treasure. It’s a … [Read more...]