A Valentine’s Weekend to Remember

February 19, 2009 by

I’m not one to make a big deal out of Valentine’s Day, but the fact that it fell over the President Day weekend this year, made it an appealing time for a quick getaway.  I’m all about spontaneity, so when I was asked a few days before if I was interested in going,  of course I couldn’t say no.

I immediately jumped onto Jet Blue’s website, as they are great with last minute travel.  While their prices go up as it gets closer to the departure date, just like with other airlines, they are usually very fair in the pricing.  They also happen to be my favorite airline because of their in-flight entertainment, spacious legroom, and friendly and accommodating crew.  They also give you little bottles of water instead of pouring you a cup from their big “I don’t know where that water came from” bottle.  The blue chips also beat the mini bag of nuts you usually get, if you’re lucky.  I was excited to see they still had room available on their flight from JFK to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, which was a quick three and a half hour flight.  

We spent one day in Santo Domingo and stayed at the Hilton Santo Domingo, which is the newest hotel in the city.   While the city is not for long trips, it’s nice to see the Colonial Zone and experience the culture and people of Santo Domingo.  

The next day, we transferred to La Romana, two hours from the city.  Tropical Tours provides transfers with vans that can fit up to seven people, so getting around can be fairly easy.  You definitely want to take this option, as driving can get a bit crazy!  Even this girl, who drives all the time in NYC, would have been a bit scared!  

Casa de Campo in La Romana is an incredible resort, and while it caters to families, if you are going as a couple, you will never feel overwhelmed by the children.   Since the resort is so huge, they give everyone their own personalized golf cart so you can get to the marina, beach, shooting center, horseback riding stables, or incredible spa.  There is a beautiful part of the resort, Altos de Chavon which consists of cobblestone streets, quaint shops and boutiques, phenomenal restaurants, an amphitheater and disco.  The resort also works with Scuba Fun, a local diving and snorkeling company that takes you out on their various sized boats to the gorgeous nearby islands where you can see some very colorful fish, huge sting rays, and starfish.  My only wish is that we had more time to check out all of the fun activities and amenities.  Stop  back soon to read more about my trip in my travelogue, and in the meantime, if you’re thinking about a quick getaway, think about the Dominican Republic.

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Wear a Sexy Kilt In Scotland!

February 12, 2009 by

Aye! You’re thinking about going to Scotland!What a perfect getaway, especially since the dollar is getting stronger against the pound.Scotland is an amazing country with many diverse regions, and easy enough to get around, preferably by public transportation since they drive on the other side of the road.

I was in Scotland for the kickoff of Homecoming which coincided with Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burn’s 250th anniversary.Homecoming is aimed at motivating people of Scottish decent, as well as those who simply love Scotland, to come home in 2009 and take part in an inspirational celebration of the culture, heritage, and the many great contributions Scotland has given to the world.Celtic Connections hosted music events throughout Scotland to celebrate the festivities at great performance venues such as the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow.

 

After a quick six hour flight on Continental Airlines, I was in the bustling city of Glasgow.Glasgow is a fun and hip city with great shops, restaurants and bars, along with museums, galleries, and the famous Glasgow School of Art.The main shopping districts in City Centre consist of Princes Square with lots of designer shops, Buchanan Street, the main shopping strip in Glasgow with all types of stores and a mall, and Merchant City.Merchant City is one of the oldest quarters of Glasgow and the cultural heart of the city with numerous restaurants, design shops, and galleries.While there are plenty of buses to take you around Glasgow, I suggest exploring on foot so you can take in the character of each section of the city.Plus, when you get turned around like I did, everyone is so helpful and friendly when asked for directions.

 

From Glasgow, you can take less than an hour train ride from Queen Street to Edinburgh for around 10 pounds.I highly suggest making this part of your itinerary.As the capital of Scotland, this remarkable city has a breathtaking historical skyline consisting of the famous castle, stately homes, medieval chapels, the parliament, and the Queen’s palace.Extending down the royal mile from the castle is a mix of traditional and contemporary shops.Kenny Hanley, a Scottishman and tour guide for “Small World Tours” took me around Edinburgh to show me the highlights in my limited amount of time there.Kenny is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to Scotland’s traditions and history, and also a lot of fun.

 

If you are a big Robert Burns fan, you can trace his life in Scotland by starting in Ayr and visiting the Burns National Heritage Park and stepping inside his cottage where he grew up.While in Ayr, we were treated to a piping parade in celebration of the Robert Burns weekend.Did you know that a good majority of the cashmere made for major labels is made in Scotland? You can get a tour of Begg Scotland, and see the process of how cashmere is made in Ayr before it ends up on the shelves of some pretty popular stores.

In order to get a good sense of the infamous poet, Robert Burns, you can visit the Burns House Museum located in Mauchline, a little town northeast of Ayr.This is the town where Burns met his wife, Jean Armour.I unfortunately only had four days to spend in such a magical country, but you should definitely leave yourself some more time to explore the other beautiful regions such as the highlands, Loch Lomand, and Stirling.

You know what they say, when in Rome…well when in Scotland, you must eat what the Scots eat, and that includes such dishes as haggis, black pudding, and smokies.

Surprisingly, I liked the haggis, despite the fact that it’s made from a sheep’s heart, liver and lungs mixed with onion, oatmeal and spices and boiled in the animal’s stomach.The music is fun, especially from one of the country’s popular bands, the “Red Hot Chili Pipers” who rock out on their bagpipes.

So if you have a few days or a week, I definitely recommend a trip to Scotland.With so much history, great shopping, and beautiful landscapes, you’ll get immersed into another culture and place in time. And as a Scottish woman told me, you can never go wrong with a man in a kilt.

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So Many Places to Go, People to See…

February 8, 2009 by

This weekend I attended the NY Times Travel Show at the Javits Center in New York City, and boy, did it inspire me!  I already love to travel, but seeing all of these incredible destinations under one roof really made me want to drop everything and travel the world!  The Caribbean, Europe, South and Latin America, Southeast Asia, Australia, and so many places right here in the United States!   The Philippine and Thai booths were giving incredible ten minute massages, while the Caribbean booths like Anguilla were offering up rum punch and rum cake.  There were also parts of the convention hall devoted to luxury and spa travel, as well as adventure companies for those looking to stay active and try new things.

There were seminars throughout the day in two rooms and the Travel Channel’s Samantha Brown and Andrew Zimmern talked about their shows and how they landed what most would consider the best job in the world!  There was also a seminar on travel writing run by Max Hartshorne from GoNomad.com, and Arthur and Pauline Frommer spoke about the best way to travel despite the economy.

While I was very exhilerated by the prospect of traveling all over the world, I was also excited to talk with the New Jersey tourism board and those representing Cape May.  As a relationship talk show host in New Jersey, I am always looking for romantic getaways close to home.  There are some beautiful bed and breakfasts and hotels right here in New Jersey.   For those who may not be able to spend the extra money on airfare right now, these are the perfect options to steal away for a little romance.  In the peak season, people from out of state make the Jersey Shore their vacation spot, so why not take advantage of it’s beauty when it’s less crowded?  If you have a romantic spot in New Jersey where you like to go to get away for a few days or a week, I want to hear about it.  As I discover new resorts and inns here in the Garden State, I will tell you all about them!

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Cheers from Scotland!

January 23, 2009 by

I’m very excited to be here in Scotland for the big Homecoming festivities.   The celebration signifies Robert Burn’s 250th anniversary, as well as all of the Scotland contributions to the world, such as whisky, golf, music, culture, and heritage.  I arrived this morning at 7:30am (Scotland is five hours ahead so it was really 2:30 in the morning).  Slept for four hours, so I wouldn’t be a zombie from the time change and jet lag and then got on foot and started to explore the vibrant city of Glasgow.  The city is bustling with great shopping, restaurants, and bars, as well as great architecture and museums.

Tonight we ate at Gandolfi Cafe, a casual, yet delicious Scottish restaurant.  The owner attended the renowned Glasgow School of Art and actually hand carved all of the beautiful wooden tables.  I tried some foods I never thought I’d try, but like they say, when in Rome…or Scotland…I always like to try the local dishes.  As an appetizer, I had the mackerel pate with oat cakes and haggis for my main course.  They were both quite delicious, despite what is in haggis.   Basically, it’s the sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs mixed with oatmeal, onion, and spices.  Like I said, I can’t believe I ate it, but glad I did, as it’s a traditional Scottish dish.

After dinner, we enjoyed two bands at the Old Fruitmarket, which is a great venue for live music.  It’s all part of  Celtic Connections, Scotland’s premiere music festival, which features artists from around the globe as well as the best local Scottish talent.

Tomorrow we’re headed to Ayrshire to explore Burns National Heritage Park, Whiskey Wha Hae, and the Piping Parade to kick off the Whiskey Wha Hae event.  And, I hear I have to try black pudding.  I’m not going to even tell you what that’s made from.

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Ignite Your Relationship!

January 21, 2009 by

Whether you’ve just started dating or have been married for awhile with kids, everyone needs a little jolt in their relationship from time to time.  While it may be tough to get away for a long period of time, all you need is one weekend and a trip to the Poconos for an unforgettable experience.  I recently stayed at the Cove Haven Resort, nestled on a cove of Pennsylvania’s largest man-made lake, Lake Wallenpaupack.  The resort is one of the three all-inclusive Caesars Pocono Resorts, which means you can pay for one and play at all three, which are located throughout the Poconos.  

Most of us have heard or seen pictures of heart shaped pools and champagne glass jacuzzis.  Well, that’s exactly what you’ll get at Cove Haven!  When you drive into the property, you’ll probably get a good laugh, as the signs remind you of the 60s, and the rooms are definitely what the pictures show!  While some may think it’s cheesy, it’s exactly what you’d expect in the Poconos.  Our room had a round bed surrounded my mirrors on the ceiling and walls, a heart-shaped swimming pool, sauna, massage table, and a 7 foot champagne glass jacuzzi.  How could you not get in the mood with a room like this?!

Since the resort is all-inclusive, a breakfast buffet and dinner are included, as well as all of the activities on the property, including snowmobiling, indoor archery, ice skating, roller skating, racquetball, the swimming pools, and fitness center.  They also plan fun activities throughout the day, such as the X-rated Match Game and basketball tournaments.  After dinner, there is nightly entertainment, usually consisting of a comedian and a band.

While there’s plenty to do at the resort, you can spend a day at the nearby outlets, go skiing, or try your luck at  the Mount Airy Casino.    So instead of freezing in your home,  get your blood flowing at Cove Haven, Paradise Stream, or Pocono Palace!

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A NYC News Years at the Kimberly Hotel

January 19, 2009 by

Getting away over the holidays can be difficult if not planned early enough.  Airfares can be high and the weather conditions unpredictable.   I was searching endlessly for an affordable getaway, when someone suggested the Kimberly Hotel in New York City.   At first I thought, why would I escape to a hotel in New York when I lived so close?   However, after researching the hotel a bit, I realized it was the perfect New Years Eve destination and an easy escape for any time of the year.

 

Located in the midtown east section of Manhattan, The Kimberly Hotel is a luxury property, comprised mostly of beautiful suites, many of which have a terrace and a gorgeous marble bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub. The shower had three separate attachments, all with outstanding water pressure!  The building is prewar and was converted into a hotel about thirty years ago.  Although the building has plenty of prewar charm, it certainly has the new look and amenities of a modern day luxurious property.  The Kimberly Hotel is a great choice for a comfortable getaway, as the suites are extremely spacious, yet comparable in price to the traditional New York City hotel room.  The room was pristine with plush carpeting and an ultra comfortable adjustable latex bed.  Both the bedroom and living room of our suite had a giant flat screen television.   

 

The hotel is affiliated with the prestigious New York Health and Racquet Club, which offers a multi level workout facility with an indoor pool, sport, fitness, and spa facilities.  Guests staying at the hotel are given free passes to the gym for the length of their stay, as well as vouchers good towards meals at Ferros Restaurant, located off the hotel lobby.

 

Ferros Restaurant offers a buffet breakfast consisting of a made-to-order-omlette station as well as eggs benedict, pancakes, muffins, oatmeal, sausage, bacon, hash browns, and an assortment of fruit.  For dinner, you can order off their regular menu or take advantage of a very reasonably priced prix fixe option. They also serve lunch and offer a bar menu throughout the day.   We had a lot of fun eating at Ferros on New Years Eve. Their prix fixe dinner consisted of a lobster bisque soup, choice of salads, lamb, steak or fish, dessert, and a bottle of delicious champagne.   They had a DJ spinning 80s music and a belly dancer who made her way to the various tables.

 

After dinner, we made our way over to the swank bar and club, Nikki Beach Midtown.  The venue has two levels with private tables, white couches, and pillows and a magnificently crafted wooden bar.   We watched the ball drop as it was projected on a gigantic dome shaped ceiling.  Some of the best DJs were spinning all types of music while a woman rocked out on her violin that lit up to the beat of the music.  Not only is Nikki Beach Midtown one of the hottest nightspots in Manhattan, but it’s also located right next door to The Kimberly Hotel, so you can enjoy the posh venue known for its celebrity clientele, while not having to worry about taking a cab or subway anywhere else.

 

The Kimberly Hotel is the perfect venue for a local getaway.  Not only is it close to Fifth Avenue shopping, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square, but it has the infamous Nikki Beach bar and nightclub right next door, where on any given night, you can be partying with a celebrity.   There are also many great restaurants in the area, but Ferros is a great choice for a meal anytime of day and it’s right inside the hotel!  So whether you live in the city or traveling from afar to visit New York, the Kimberly Hotel is a perfect escape from the buzzing sounds of  New York City, even though you’re right in the heart of it all.

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The Kimberly Hotel and Ferro’s Restaurant

January 19, 2009 by

A few weeks ago I had written briefly about the Kimberly Hotel in the midtown east section of Manhattan.  I had a very fun New Years celebration at the hotel, Ferro’s restaurant, located inside the property, and Nikki Beach Midtown, which is right next door.   Please check out my travelogue to the right to read all about these great venues.   And…if you’re looking for a place to go to watch the inauguration coverage after work in NYC, Ferro’s will be taping the presidential inauguration and will replay it on their large screen TV’s during happy hour from 5-9pm, which will feature a free appetizer buffet and drink specials.

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A Break in Boca

January 8, 2009 by

I am so not a winter person.  I hate the cold…I’m always freezing.  I’m a big outdoors person, but more into kayaking and water skiing than downhill skiing.  This winter has been kicking my butt and my trip to Florida with the family couldn’t have come at a better time…well maybe a day earlier would’ve been perfect.  They decided on Boca this year, and while normally I’d be into something a little more exciting, my mom won’t go anywhere if she can’t bring her pug, so she found the Townplace Suites in Boca Raton, a comfortable pet friendly suite property.   Since I didn’t want to miss too many days at the station I met them down here today for the end of their trip.

I was really looking forward to spending some active time in the sun, jogging on the beach and going for a long swim, but as I mentioned I left for my trip one day too late, as I took not one, but two nasty spills on the ice last night.  Did I mention I HATE the winter?  I’ve never been so thankful for the warm weather as I was when I stepped off the plane today.  So while I can’t really move my neck at the moment,  I will be very happy plopping myself down on a lounge chair with my icepack and advil!

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New Years Eve in New York City

January 6, 2009 by

Having grown up and lived in Manhattan for awhile, I never thought about staying at a hotel in New York City, but when the opportunity presented itself for New Years Eve, I figured why not?  I wouldn’t have to worry about hailing a cab when there are none available, and could just crawl into bed right after the party next door.  I stayed at the Kimberly Hotel, a beautiful luxury suite hotel on 50th street between Lexington and 3rd Avenue, had a great dinner at the hotel restaurant, Ferros, and partied into the night at Nikki Midtown, a hot trendy nightclub  which is also next door.  I had everything I needed for the perfect New Years Eve all in one place. The Kimberly Hotel is a great choice for a  getaway any time of year, and the suites make it an attractive option when looking for a spacious hotel room in New York City.  Come back  and read my travelogue about the hotel which will be posted soon. 

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Daytona Beach

December 27, 2008 by

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when I say Daytona Beach?  Whether or not you’re a racing fan, I’ll bet it’s the Daytona 500 and the racetrack.  While racing is a big part of the heritage of Daytona Beach, there is so much more to this beautiful beach town and is perfect for a family or friends getaway.  Rent a bike and ride up and down the beach to the boardwalk,  kayak though the beautiful Spruce Creek Preserve, deep sea fish or go horseback riding, climb aboard an aqua safari, take a catamaran ride on the ocean, go deep sea fishing, or check out St. Johns River and DeLeon Springs State Park.

 

I’m a big outdoors person, but how could I go to Daytona Beach without checking out the Daytona 500 Experience?  Even if you’re not a racing fan and don’t know anything about Nascar, like myself, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the 3D IMAX movie that teaches you how the cars are made.  With so much to do at this attraction, you can easily spend half a day learning about the history of Nascar, taking a tram tour around the racetrack or my favorite part, riding a simulated racecar at 150 mph.  At the end of the race, you receive a print out of your standing in the race and how fast you went with each lap.  I crashed twice, but still managed to place 15th out of 31 drivers.  Not bad for my first time on the track!

 

Daytona Beach is a great destination if you’re looking for outdoor adventure.   Get your blood flowing in the morning with a kayak or canoe ride with Cracker Creek Canoeing.  While getting your muscles warmed up, you’ll have the opportunity to see wildlife in its natural surroundings.  While there, you can tour James Gamble’s (of Proctor and Gamble) hunting lodge and see replicas from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which supposedly inspired Walt Disney to build Disneyland.   There are many other opportunities to get out on the water and experience the region’s ecosystems.  The Daytona Beach Aqua Safari is led by a licensed captain and marine biologist and consists of a red double decker bus ride to Ponce Inlet, where you’re experience an eco-tour of the area’s scenic inlet.   Additional attractions at Ponce Inlet include the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, which is the second largest lighthouse in the country, but surprisingly fairly easy to climb and the marine science center which has a whole section for turtle and seabird rehabilitation.   After a day of exploring, relax and have fun on the ocean with a catamaran ride as you watch the beautiful sunset.

 

DeLeon Springs State Park is a must see for two reasons.  One is “The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill and Griddle House” and the other one is the Fountain of Youth Eco and History Tour.  The Sugar Mill Grill and Griddle House is a great breakfast spot and fun for the whole family.  In the rustic restaurant, you make your own pancakes and eggs.   For the pancakes, you can choose whole grain or regular and can add whatever kind of fruit you’d like.  The Fountain of Youth Eco/History Tour is run by an entertaining older couple who know exactly where to take you to see crocodiles and dolphins.

 

Another wonderful option for your trip includes a day with Captain Eric West and his 36-foot Eagle Yacht for hands on sailing instructions.  He is a great instructor and makes it fun for people of all ages.  He told stories about the ninety year old he taught to sail, as well as the four year old.  He’s also been a part of many special moments, including taking couples out for proposals.     If you love horseback riding, or even if you’ve never been, you can experience a guided tour on the quiet trail of Shenandoah Stables.

Daytona Beach has some wonderful restaurants for all kinds of palates.  The Hyde Park Steakhouse, while it’s a chain, serves up delicious steak and fish dishes inside the Daytona Beach Hilton Hotel with a very friendly and informative wait staff. Martinis Chophouse serves up delicious creative dishes and a wide array of you guessed it…martinis…and on some nights, for just a dollar!  Le Crepe en Haunt is a landmark French restaurant in Ormond Beach with a quaint dining area perfect for a romantic night out.  If you’re looking for a great place for breakfast, the Dancing Avocado serves up fresh smoothies and delicious meals made with only the finest, healthiest ingredients.  They also serve lunch and dinner with a menu consisting of standard and vegetarian options.

Daytona Beach is lined with hotels for all budgets.  If you’re on a budget, and who isn’t in this economy, check out the Emerald Shores Hotel.  Located on the beach, the management is extremely friendly and makes you feel at home.  The rooms have a kitchenette with a stove, microwave, and refrigerator, so it’s perfect for long visits.  Plus, their general manager, Libby Gallant, promises readers of this article a 15% discount off their stay if you ask for her and mention this travelogue.

So if you’re looking for a weekend or week long getaway, visit Daytona Beach for one of their many events throughout the year, or to just relax on the beach and enjoy the many aquatic activities.  And did you know you can even drive your car onto parts of the beach? Definitely one of the features that makes Daytona Beach memorable!

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