It seems to be basic human nature to take everything outdoors in the summer. Answer us this: Why dine at the kitchen table when you could have a barbecue out in the sunshine? Who hits the treadmill when they could take a breezy sunset jog? It’s simple – when the weather’s nice, we want to […]
It seems to be basic human nature to take everything outdoors in the summer. Answer us this: Why dine at the kitchen table when you could have a barbecue out in the sunshine? Who hits the treadmill when they could take a breezy sunset jog? It’s simple – when the weather’s nice, we want to be out in it, absorbing all that wellness-inducing vitamin D. Continue reading →
The slow food revolution continues to sweep across the country. While restaurants in Europe and elsewhere have been utilizing locally sourced produce, meat and dairy for some time, Americans were slow to catch on. Beginning decades ago with activists like chef Alice Waters (Chez Panisse) restaurateurs around the country are continuing to realize the benefits of buying locally, whether its to help local farmers and purveyors or to have fresher and more beneficial foodstuff. If you live near a large city, chances are, you’ve eaten at a farm-to-table restaurant.
While booking a summer rental has its merits, there is something about beach resorts—convenience, amenities and hospitality to name a few perks—that can make it much easier than hassling with the research and paperwork normally associated with summer rentals. Here are 6 resorts in New England that are sure to satiate your summer travel cravings, without any hassles.
Years after a Spanish captain first discovered Bermuda in the early 1500s, a fleet of British ships departed Plymouth to sail to the then-colony of Virginia in 1602. Several weeks into the crossing, a storm felled one of the ships, Sea Venture, separating it from the rest of the fleet. The ship ran aground on one of the reefs near Bermuda’s eastern coast. All 150 passengers survived and made it to land, and thus Bermuda became inhabited.
In a welcome, yet unsurprising move, the renowned Michelin Guide has expanded into luxury hospitality with its inaugural hotel issue, released on April 24, 2024, for the United States. A significant development in the realm of hospitality ratings, this move, says Michelin, “follows four years of thorough evaluation and careful selection, resulting in a comprehensive list of over 5,000 hotels worldwide.”
Hotels are evaluated based on criteria such as architecture, service quality, personality, value, and overall contribution to the guest experience. The guide will give 1, 2 and 3 “Michelin Keys”—akin to their “Michelin Stars” for restaurants—highlighting the pinnacle of luxury hospitality across the United States—as they see it. As you might expect, given that hotels these days offer much more than just a room to rest your head, the ratings are reflective of the “total travel experience” that they offer.
In total, the 2024 Michelin Guide hotel selection in the United States includes 11 Three Key hotels, 33 Two Key hotels, and 80 One Key hotels. The array of distinguished accommodations spans cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Washington DC, showcasing the breadth and depth of luxury hospitality in the country—though quite a bit of concentration in New York City, Miami and California (Los Anglese, San Francisco and Wine Country).
Here’s how they distinguish between One, Two and Three Keys:
One MICHELIN Key: a very special stay
“This is a true gem with its own character and personality. It may break the mould, offer something different or simply be one of the best of its type. Service always goes the extra mile and provides significantly more than similarly priced establishments.”
Georgian Hotel, Santa Monica, CA
Two MICHELIN Keys: an exceptional stay
“Somewhere truly unique and exceptional in every way, where a memorable experience is always guaranteed. A hotel of character, personality and charm that’s operated with obvious pride and considerable care. Eye-catching design or architecture, and a real sense of the locale make this an exceptional place to stay.”
Bardessono Resort Hotel, Yountville, CA
Three MICHELIN Keys: an extraordinary stay
“It’s all about astonishment and indulgence here – this is the ultimate in comfort and service, style and elegance. It is one of the world’s most remarkable and extraordinary hotels and a destination in itself for that trip of a lifetime. All the elements of truly great hospitality are here to ensure any stay will live long in the memory and hearts.”
Aman Hotel, New York City
Is the list too focused on major markets? Perhaps. Nonetheless, we like a lot of the hotels on the list. Here are some notable hotels (including a few we particularly like) from all three levels:
Three Keys:
Crosby Street Hotel, New York, NY
Crosby Street Hotel, New York, NY
Nestled in the vibrant heart of SOHO,Crosby Street Hotel blends contemporary flair with British charm. Beyond its inviting atmosphere and top-notch service, what truly sets Crosby Street apart is its ingenious incorporation of sustainable features (LEED-Gold certified) within the context of SoHo’s iconic cast-iron architecture. Situated on one of the neighborhood’s most intriguing cobblestone streets, between Spring and Prince, Crosby Street retains its historic character while being just steps away from all the great restaurants (Balthazar) and shops in SOHO.
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, CA
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, CA
Perched atop the craggy cliffs of the Santa Lucia Mountains in Big Sur,Post Ranch Inn provides a secluded sanctuary amid breathtaking natural beauty. With eco-friendly guestrooms boasting sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and award-winning cuisine at the esteemed Sierra Mar, PRI blends nature and luxury in near perfect unison—a bona fide bucket-lister that is truly unique.
The Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles, CA
Steeped in Hollywood glamour and history, this legendary retreat in West Hollywood offers a glimpse into the golden age of cinema, with iconic bungalows and storied history.
SingleThread, Healdsburg, CA
SingleThread Restaurant & Inn, Healdsburg, CA
Right in the heart of California’s wine country, SingleThread Restaurant in Healdsburg is a culinary haven celebrated for its 3-star, Japanese-inspired, multi-course tasting menu that is truly “farm-to-table.” Like many of the top chefs in Sonoma, SingleThread’s chef Kyle Connaughton takes full advantage of the produce that grows in Sonoma County, tapping his 24 acre, biodiverse farm, to provide the restaurant with much of its bounty. While SingleThread is still mostly known as a dining destination, above the restaurant, is their meticulous, if not tiny, five-room hotel that has 3 keys to go along with the restaurants 3 stars. A tranquil retreat with elegant rooms and personalized service, the inn is complemented by an extravagant daily breakfast. Oh, and did we mention, Inn guests enjoy preferential booking.
The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta, GA
Embodies southern hospitality at its finest, situated in the heart of downtown Atlanta, with elegant accommodations, impeccable service, and unparalleled amenities.
Other Three Key hotels we like or have written about…
Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collection, California
Meadwoood, California
Two Keys:
Faena Hotel Miami Beach
Faena Hotel, Miami, FL
Inspired by Alan Faena’s vision and crafted by architectural virtuosos, the namesake Faena Hotel Miami Beach blends vintage Hollywood glam with modern chic. As you step inside and encounter Damien Hirst’s striking mammoth sculpture in the lobby, sophistication and flair envelop you. With decadent guest rooms offering ocean views and a lineup of top-notch dining, plus live performances at the Faena Theater, it’s a playground for the discerning and daring alike.
Peninsula Chicago
Peninsula Hotel, Chicago, IL
Situated in the heart of Chicago’s lively Magnificent Mile, the Peninsula Chicago exudes timeless elegance and luxury. Its sleek design and impeccable service create a refined sanctuary amidst the city’s energy. From breathtaking views of Lake Michigan to award-winning dining experiences, the hotel embodies excellence in every detail.
The Mark Hotel, New York
A street view of the atrium entrance of The Mark Hotel, NYC
Other Two Key hotels we like or have written about…
Nestled on the rugged, redwood-lined Mendocino coastline, the Harbor House Inn blends nature, sustainability and luxury with near perfection——much like it’s neighbor to the south, The Post Ranch Inn. If you are a foodie who loves gourmet cuisine that is caught, foraged or grown nearby and a natural setting that begs for hiking and exploring to burn off those extra calories, you can’t go wrong at this majestic property.
The Little Nell, Colorado
The Little Nell Resort, Aspen, CO
An iconic luxury hotel nestled in the heart of Aspen,The Little Nell offers tremendous service and breathtaking mountain views. It is also an oasis of great food, drink and otherwise pampering accommodations replete with just about everything you could want to relax in the heart of Aspen. If you are not the relaxing type, they will also set you up with biking, fishing, hiking, kayaking and just any other mountain activity you crave in the summer. In the winter it has an enviable ski-in/ski-out location at the base of Aspen Mountain, while drivers will also shuttle you to nearby Snowmass and Buttermilk.
The Beekman, New York, NY
The Beekman Hotel, New York, NY
An architectural gem hailed for its iconic nine-story atrium and pyramidal skylight, The Beekman unites some of the world’s greatest talent, including the sophisticated design of Martin Brudnizki and the culinary cachet of restaurateur and chef Tom Colicchio. This boutique hotel also features a restaurant by Keith McNally, his first in the neighborhood.
Other One Star hotels we like or have written about…
Classic, old fashioned cocktails are back in vogue. And their simplicity is what makes them so timeless—and good. Don’t overthink your mixology psychology this summer. Impress your guests with these easy to make, refreshing, summer classics.
Heading to London this summer? You may want to consider booking a few days at a countryside B & B or at one of the United Kingdom’s many luxury hotels located outside of London.
Queenstown is an adventure destination for everyone from hikers and snowboarders to bungee jumpers and skiers. Its stunning landscape wraps around Lake Wakatipu with the majestic The Remarkables mountain range as the backdrop. No other hotel in town can come close to the commanding views that The Rees Hotel can offer.
Out of the main action of town, this natural beauty provides a serene setting where guests can enjoy one of New Zealand’s famous glasses of wine while enjoying the view. Here are five top reasons why this is the place to stay when in this famous Kiwi destination.
The views
This is a key reason to stay here as the hotel is built along a hill with almost every room enjoying views of the lake and mountains. Many come with balconies to enjoy the fresh air. Pathways wind down the hill leading to the lake. Throughout the day, the scenery changes with the way the sunlight illuminates the mountains and lake. For those that want to relax in the lobby, there is a library of rare books and regional artwork and maps that help tell the story of the area’s history.
The location
Between the international airport and the city center, this hotel is a short drive in either direction making this a convenient place to stay away from the tourist crowds. A panoramic lakeside path provides the perfect way to get some exercise walking, jogging or biking along the water. The walk into town takes about 40 minutes, but the journey is beautiful. Alternatively, guests can hop the hotel’s complimentary shuttle or head down to the pier where water shuttles whisk you across the waves to town or on tours.
The rooms
Fresh from renovations and the recent installation of air conditioning, the accommodations are looking better than ever. Plush beds with soft quilts and power outlets on either side are perfectly positioned to see the lake, and in many rooms, the bathrooms enjoy natural light by the soaking tub. New Zealand-made toiletries are in eco-friendly pump bottles and have a lovely scent.
Perhaps one of the best features is the desk positioned in front of a lovely window. Coffeemakers, refrigerators, slippers and robes are all in place. Housekeeping is exceptional, and they come by each evening to offer turndown service and leave a sweet treat on the pillow.
In addition to traditional guest rooms, there are also larger residences with kitchen and laundry facilities. These are great for families and couples traveling together because they have a shared living area.
The food
The hotel has continually one accolades for its food and beverage offerings including Wine Spectator’s honor for seven consecutive years. In the restaurant, a breakfast buffet is available each morning with the most prized tables by the lakeview window going quickly. Later in the day, lunch and dinner menus offer local recipes prepared by a friendly culinary team in an exhibition kitchen.
The perks
In addition to the free shuttle, the hotel has free bikes guests can borrow. During the winter months, there is free ski storage. Guests are also able to use the laundry facilities for free. A modern fitness center is located on the third floor. The guest list spans the globe. Perhaps part of the views, but also because the staff here speaks more than 20 languages. Those arriving with cars can park underground for free. From this vantage point, all of Queenstown and its surrounding landscape are within easy reach.
In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive engineering, a harmonious blend of luxury and sustainability has become the holy grail. Enter the Lincoln Nautilus Plug-In Hybrid, the latest SUV offering from the Lincoln Motor Company. With its innovative design, new world technology, and commitment to eco-conscious driving, this vehicle raises the bar for the modern luxury SUV.
Design and Elegance
At first glance, the Nautilus captivates with its sleek and sophisticated exterior design. Every curve and contour is meticulously crafted to exude an aura of elegance and refinement.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a sanctuary of comfort and tranquility. The spacious interior is adorned with premium materials and exquisite craftsmanship, creating an ambiance that indulges the senses. Luxurious amenities such as heated and ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and genuine wood trim elevate the driving—and being driven—experience to unparalleled levels of sophistication.
Efficiency and Performance
Beneath its stylish facade lies a powerful yet efficient hybrid powertrain engineered to deliver superior performance while minimizing environmental impact. The Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid seamlessly integrates a responsive gasoline engine with an advanced electric motor and high-capacity battery, providing ample power and impressive fuel efficiency.
Drivers have the flexibility to choose between different driving modes, including pure electric, hybrid, and gasoline-only, tailoring the driving experience to suit their preferences and maximize efficiency. Whether navigating city streets or embarking on long journeys, the Nautilus Hybrid offers a smooth and refined ride, with precise handling and confident acceleration.
Advanced Technology
True to Lincoln’s reputation for innovation, the Nautilus Hybrid is equipped with an array of cutting-edge technology designed to enhance safety, convenience, and connectivity. A suite of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated parking, provides peace of mind on the road, while intuitive infotainment systems keep passengers entertained and informed throughout the journey.
Furthermore, the Lincoln Way™ App allows owners to remotely monitor and control various vehicle functions, such as charging status, climate control, and vehicle location, from their smartphone or smartwatch. This seamless integration of technology ensures that the Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid remains at the forefront of automotive innovation.
Commitment to Sustainability
Beyond its luxurious amenities and impressive performance, the Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid represents a significant step forward towards a more sustainable future. Lincoln is committed to sustainability not only in its products but also in its operations. From manufacturing processes to supply chain management, the company continuously seeks opportunities to minimize its environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices throughout its business operations.
In a world shifting toward greener horizons, the Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid proves that you don’t have to compromise style for eco-consciousness. This ride is a testament to what happens when luxury and responsibility collide, setting a new standard for what’s possible.
Quality-at a-reasonable price seems to be in right now with sunglasses. Maybe inflation has pushed popular brands like RayBans or Persols to price points that just seem unreasonable—especially for an item that many people loose with regularity. Whatever the reason, I am seeing more and more people opting for value-oriented brands—albeit polarized and well constructed—like Goodr or Knockaround over the fancier brands.
If you like the functionality and fit of a brand like Goodr, but with a bit more sophistication in style, Emerson Sunglasses might be for you. Emerson effortlessly combines these essential elements, making them an excellent choice for anyone seeking both fashion-forward eyewear and reliable eye protection. With a commitment to superior craftsmanship and a keen eye for design, Emerson has established itself as a leading brand in the world of sunglasses. Here are 5 reasons I like the brand.
Style
Emerson sunglasses are renowned for their exceptional style and timeless designs. The brand offers a wide range of frame shapes and colors to suit various face shapes and personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for a classic aviator style, a trendy cat-eye shape, or a sporty wraparound design, Emerson has you covered. Their sunglasses effortlessly blend modern aesthetics with a touch of sophistication, ensuring you always look fashionable while shielding your eyes from the sun.
Durability
Investing in high-quality sunglasses is essential for long-term eye protection and comfort, and Emerson understands this well. Each pair of Emerson sunglasses is crafted using top-notch materials, such as durable acetate, lightweight metals, and scratch-resistant lenses. These sunglasses are built to withstand daily wear and tear, making them a reliable companion for any adventure. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, exploring the outdoors, or simply running errands, you can trust that Emerson sunglasses will remain resilient and provide optimal performance.
Real Eye Protection
Emerson sunglasses not only elevate your style but also prioritize the health and safety of your eyes. The lenses used in their sunglasses offer 100% UV protection, shielding your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to various eye conditions, including cataracts and macular degeneration. With Emerson sunglasses, you can enjoy outdoor activities with peace of mind, knowing that your eyes are well-protected from the sun’s harmful effects.
Enhanced Vision and Comfort
Emerson understands that sunglasses should not only protect your eyes but also optimize your visual experience. Their lenses are designed to minimize glare and improve clarity, ensuring you see the world around you with exceptional sharpness. Moreover, the brand pays great attention to the comfort of their sunglasses. With features like adjustable nose pads, lightweight frames, and ergonomic designs, Emerson sunglasses provide a snug and comfortable fit, allowing you to wear them for extended periods without discomfort.
Customer Satisfaction
Emerson takes pride in its commitment to customer satisfaction. The brand offers excellent customer service and stands behind the quality of its products. Should you encounter any issues or have questions regarding your sunglasses, Emerson’s dedicated support team is readily available to assist you. This level of care and attention to customer needs further enhances the overall value of Emerson sunglasses.
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, functionality, and quality in sunglasses, Emerson stands out as a remarkable choice. Their commitment to superior craftsmanship, attention to detail, and focus on protecting your eyes make Emerson sunglasses a great purchase.
Lobster and bread are two of our favorite foods on their own. But what happens when you put them together, like the restaurant Perry’s of Milford, Connecticut did for the first time in 1929? You get an even tastier treat—the lobster sandwich (aka lobster roll). Continue reading →
Lobster and bread are two of our favorite foods on their own. But what happens when you put them together, like the restaurant Perry’s of Milford, Connecticut did for the first time in 1929? You get an even tastier treat—the lobster sandwich (aka lobster roll). Continue reading →
There are certain bragging rights that come with riding my beat-up used bike as I slalom between the trucks and taxis in New York City. Last July, however, I decided to exchange the exhaust of Manhattan’s avenues for the pristine air of the Rockies and my $200 Taiwanese ten-speed for a state-of-the-art Orbea road bike as I put my vacation in the hands of the “adventure concierges” at Aspen’s Little Nell.
In the book The Big Oyster, Mark Kurlansky writes “before the 20th century, when people thought of New York, they thought of oysters.” Though that sentiment along with New York’s oyster population has diminished over the past two centuries with the city’s drastic growth, oysters are currently making a strong comeback in Mahattan via the Oyster Restoration Research Project. Continue reading →
If you’re spending a getaway on the cliffs of Big Sur, watching the sunset as you enjoy the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, chances are you’re probably thinking you’ve done pretty well for yourself. And if, in the back of your mind, you’re thinking that nothing could be better than this, we’d have to tell you—you’re wrong.
Continue reading →
While big cities like New York and Chicago remain the big hubs for business travel—and Las Vegas is still the king of conventions—smaller, trendier cities like Austin, Nashville and Scottsdale, Arizona are seeing more corporate travel events.
It should be no surprise then that Charleston, South Carolina—named best city in America for three years running by Travel+Leisure—has a new resort that is attracting corporate travel events. Across the harbor from Charleston in Mt. Pleasant, The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina opened its doors in 2016 and has received rave reviews from the travel press.
Pairing good ole hospitality and luxury amenities, The Beach Club is part of the Leading Hotels of the World collection and is located just over the bridge and minutes away from Charleston’s historic district. And thanks in part to its sheer size, The Beach Club is able to offer custom experiences that few hotels in the Charleston area can match. With this amount of wonderfully manicured space—especially in a city like Charleston where most of the hotels are smaller boutiques—it is no wonder that corporate America has taken notice.
Exterior Arch Overlooking Pool
When companies plan their business gatherings in Charleston, they expect to get a taste of the city’s rich history, charm and coastal ambiance. At “The Beach Club” however, they will also experience a level of service that caters to the culture of their organization with customized events and tailored itineraries. The hotel’s commitment to hosting only one corporate group at a time ensures attention to detail and to helping each business achieve their end goals. Innovative meeting venues and nautical infused interiors are a refreshing departure from the typical hotel conference room. In addition, outstanding views of downtown Charleston, combined with views of the harbor and marina, the Arthur Ravenel bridge and USS Yorktown provide a backdrop for creativity, inspiration and extraordinary experiences for groups of all sizes.
Yorktown from Bridge
The new luxury 92-room hotel opened its doors in late 2016 and has already been recognized as one of the Best New Hotels in the World by Fodor’s – only one of four hotels in the United States to be honored with this impressive distinction.
Beach Club King
The resort’s waterfront location and proximity to the largest marina in the Carolinas, lends itself to an array of teambuilding activities and unique meeting venues such as private yacht excursions, sailing lessons, fishing expeditions and even meetings set among vintage airplanes on the USS Yorktown, a WWII aircraft carrier. Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) are available at nearby Sullivan Island’s Beach as well as on-property waterfront yoga classes on the sandy beach or pier. Indoors, the views are just as thought provoking with a 30-seat private movie theater featuring surround sound and leather recliners—presentations and theater style meetings can be scheduled for a unique experience—and a stunning, specially-commissioned 20-seat table in the Palmetto Executive Boardroom. Larger groups can be accommodated in a variety of spaces including The Yacht Club, overlooking the Charleston Harbor Marina, the Atlantic Ballroom and the Commodore Room, all contributing to more than 40,100 square feet of total indoor and outdoor meeting space. The 30,000 square foot pool area at The Beach Club overlooks the harbor and is just as awe-inspiring as the luxe interiors. A welcome reception at the poolside Tiki-Bar or under the grand porch creates a bold beginning to several days of brainstorming and eleven private cabanas become a great reward for incentive trips and outstanding performance within an organization.
Yacht Club Meeting Room
Movie Theater
Outside of the boardroom, teambuilding activities embrace the local, southern charm of Charleston as team members take to the streets of downtown in the Charleston Chase Scavenger Hunt or participate in a game of Charleston Feud, where contestants answer questions about their host city.
Teambuilding activities, which vary by season, have included opportunities to embrace nature via the water on a sailing competition in the Charleston Harbor; the Veggie 500 where teams create a four-wheel racing vehicle—out of vegetables; and a bicycle building experience where the team builds a bike from scratch that is then donated to a local child or charity in need. For groups wanting to apply a little zen to their meetings, wellness opportunities include Beach Yoga and Meditation classes which help attendees maintain focus and shift their thinking for optimal output. Southern charmer, Suzanne Pollak, Dean of the Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits offers keynote and breakout sessions on topics ranging from Etiquette and Entertaining to Culture and Wellness. Her unique style of storytelling keeps attendees engaged and on the edge of their seats, and equipped with valuable tools that apply to life both in and out of the boardroom.
Pavilion at Night
“The charm of Charleston, South Carolina has drawn national acclaim as one of the country’s best cities by Southern Living, Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler, to name a few,” says Oliver Rooskens, Managing Director of The Beach Club. The Beach Club takes this allure a step further with corporate meetings and retreats—offering unique services for the business traveler—including events in our private in-house movie theater, parties on the grand porch, poolside, overlooking the Charleston Harbor or even taking your boardroom meeting to the water via a private charter at the Charleston Harbor Marina—the largest marina in the Carolinas. We can arrange keynote or breakout sessions with engaging wellness and business etiquette experts who can even teach you how to host a Southern Cocktail Party.”
Beach Club Pool
Of course, any good corporate outing should include some non-structured time—some good ole fashioned downtime. And The Beach Club has plenty of options. From the 30,000-square-foot Tropical Pool and Deck, to the Tranquility Pool with Whirlpool, to Private Poolside Cabanas, the pool scene is on par with even the grandest big city hotspots. Those not in the mood for lounging can indulge in a bit of seaside competition on the private bocce court or some lighthearted fun on a life-sized chessboard. Or, they can take a mental and physical break inside the resort’s Estuary Spa, where massages, body treatments and facials provide a healthy dose of relaxation. Once you’re ready to explore, be sure to take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary trolley service and bikes to see the city. Alternatively, the Water Taxi, while a small fee, is the best ride into downtown Charleston. At night, head back to the hotel to enjoy a sumptuous seafood dinner at the Fish House, one of Charleston Living Magazine’s “Top 25 Restaurants in Charleston.”
A century ago, hotels were built to rival European estates, with hundreds of rooms, sweeping manicured lawns and spectacular vistas. Few of these grand estates remain. While tourists still flock to the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, Michigan; The Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina; The Breakers in Florida and The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, it’s The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, that is the queen of the grande dames, and with good reason. Continue reading →
Ah, the library bar. An urban oasis steeped in history (quite literally). Vintage, deep-seated armchairs, mahogany shelves and leather bound books ease the soul, while a single malt scotch calms the nerves after a long day of work. Ron Burgundy’s kind of place. My kind of place. Continue reading →
While San Francisco may have become too expensive to live in, it is still relatively affordable to visit. Unlike New York City’s hotel scene, which seems to grow and grow, with trendy newcomers stealing the show, many of San Francisco’s top places to stay are the same properties they have always been—albeit some minor name changes.
Ah, summer. The season of BBQs, baseball and the beach. Give those summertime soirees their due, but few things can compare to live music at a beautiful outdoor venue with the warm summer breeze wafting through your hair and a cold drink in hand.
For some, the experience has a historical aspect to it; open-air events were enjoyed in Ancient Greece and Rome and many outdoor venues have National Historic Landmark status or have a special place in music history. For others, it’s the thrill of standing under an open sky, taking in the views while the music surrounds you. These concert goers purchase tickets every summer no matter the lineup or how high the service charge is.
Move over, New York. Step aside, Chicago. Not you, Los Angeles. In the opinion of Travel + Leisure magazine, the top city in America for 6 years running does not have a major sports team, a thriving economy, or even a handful of famous people that call it home. But somehow, Charleston, SC, the city of approximately 135,000 people on the Atlantic coast of South Carolina has earned the top spot in the U.S. for the 6th year in a row and 8th year in row respectively by popular travel magazines Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler. It was also named the #1 city in the WORLD back in 2016 by Travel+Leisure. So what makes this famous Civil War port town so great? I recently took a trip to Charleston to see what all the hype was about.
History
Founded in 1670 as Charles Town, in honor of King Charles II of England, Charleston is known for its rich history (the first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumptner), well-preserved architecture, distinguished restaurants, and mannerly people. It is also a popular tourist destination, receiving a large number of accolades over the past decade. In addition to “Best City in the US” it was also named “America’s Most Friendly City” by both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler and “Most Polite and Hospitable City in America” by Southern Living.
The southern charm, mysterious history, and world-class dining generally top the list of those who boast about this city. But like any trendy locale that receives critical acclaim from travel magazines and lifestyle aficionados, you need to spend a few days there—minimum—before deciding for yourself. And there really is no better time to do it than mid to late fall, when those balmy southern temperatures are beckoning to northerners bidding adieu to their Indian summer. With that said, here are a few recommendations from my own jaunt of where to stay and dine, visit and unwind in Charleston.
Hotels
Belmond Charleston Place exudes southern charm. From the bronze fountain out front to the lobby with its Georgian open-arm staircase, Italian marble floors and glistening chandelier, the hotel is glitzy yet elegant with authentic southern class. If location matters, and it usually should when visiting a city for the first time, then Belmond won’t disappoint. It is in the middle of everything you want to see, including shops, restaurants, bars and cultural sites. Belmond is also home to Charleston Grill—considered one of the best restaurants in Charleston—as well as The Thoroughbred Club, a uniquely small and classy sports bar that is both unexpected and much appreciated (bless its heart).
Belmond Charleston Place
Vendue, which T+L ranks the #1 hotel in Charleston and #9 in the country, was renovated and “reborn” in 2014 to create Charleston’s first and only hotel dedicated to the arts. In addition to a rotating art exhibition, daily art tours with a specially appointed Art Docent, and a working art studio, the hotel is equipped with over 300 pieces of original art for guests to enjoy. Even the stylish boutique guestrooms accent antique furnishings with bright bursts of contemporary art.
Vendue
Continue your aesthetic experience at The Drawing Room, Vendue’s popular upscale eatery. Executive Chef Forrest Parker employs his own inspired vision to create seasonal and locally-sourced dishes that are as eye catching as they are delicious. And if you’re flying down from the Northeast, you can even extend your al fresco season just a tad longer at/on The Rooftop, where the views alone will make your trip worthwhile. Oh, and Vendue’s pièce de résistance? Milk and cookies are out for the taking each and every evening. Yes ma’am.
The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor & Marina is the new kid on the block. Across the harbor in Mt. Pleasant, The Beach Club opened its doors in 2016 and has received rave reviews, both from the travel press and quasi travel press (i.e. Trip Advisor). Pairing good ole hospitality and luxury amenities, The Beach Club is part of the Leading Hotels of the World collection and is located just over the bridge and minutes away from Charleston’s historic district. Each guestroom features elegant décor and stunning views of Charleston’s waterfront. While relaxing in your room and enjoying the view might be your first order of business (it was for me), there is no shortage of options at the Beach Club to keep you busy.
The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor & Marina
From the 30,000-square-foot Tropical Pool and Deck, to the Tranquility Pool with Whirlpool, to Private Poolside Cabanas, the pool scene is on par with even the grandest big city hotspots. Those not in the mood for lounging can indulge in a bit of seaside competition on the private bocce court or some lighthearted fun on a life-sized chessboard. Once you’re ready to explore, be sure to take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary trolley service and bikes to see the city. Alternatively, the Water Taxi, while a small fee, is the best ride into downtown Charleston. At night, head back to the hotel to enjoy a sumptuous seafood dinner at the Fish House, one of Charleston Living Magazine’s “Top 25 Restaurants in Charleston.”
Thanks in part to its sheer size, The Beach Club is also able to offer custom experiences that few hotels in Charleston can match. Its staff has teamed up with Suzanne Pollak, Dean of the Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits, to offer guests an insider’s view of America’s favorite city. Through cooking classes, hosting how to’s, wedding planning, cocktail party etiquette and even an exclusive intimate hands-on southern entertaining lesson, Pollak will teach y’all the true meaning of southern hospitality.
Charleston Hotels: Belmond Charleston Place ($325-$750) Vendue ($179-$419) The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor & Marina ($167-$567)
Dining
At FIG you’ll find elevated takes on Southern classics with seasonal ingredients served in an upscale-bistro setting. The restaurant prioritizes (if not exclusively uses) only locally grown & harvested goods to prepare an array of innovative menu items. Indulge in their smaller yet decadent plates, like sautéed mushrooms, fish tartar with whipped avocado, or their famous chicken liver pâté, or go big (but don’t go home just yet) with the ricotta gnocchi topped with lamb Bolognese or Suckling Pig. The options abound and the “Food Is Good” at FIG.
FIG
It’s not often you see a restaurant whose two locations are in Charleston and Nantucket but that’s the case at 167 Raw. And if you’re dealing with super fresh seafood it’s understandable why they chose these two locations. Take a seat on one of the bar stools for a feast of Atlantic coast seafood, from fresh oysters to yellowfin tuna tacos to voluminous lobster rolls, dense with claw meat and light on mayo—bringing some Nantucket magic to the Lowcountry. Of course scoring a seat at this tiny, subway-tiled bar is half the battle, so don’t go at peak hours and expect a short wait. Reservations are unfortunately not an option, so employ some nice southern manners and be patient.
Raw 167
When you walk in and are immediately welcomed by none other than the owner and proprietor, Ken Hall, you know there is something a little different—in a good way— about Halls Chophouse. This family steakhouse restaurant located in the Upper King District of Charleston has quite a following. Great hospitality, great American cuisine and a dining experience that is second to none in Charleston make Halls a true must visit if you’re willing to splurge a bit. Favorites? The New York strip steak was as good as any I have had in NYC, while the ribeye was out of this world, with all the flavor you expect yet a perfect texture and almost filet-like meatiness.
Halls Chop House
For more casual eats and drinks…
Red’s Ice House and Fleet Landing have you covered. Red’s, across the harbor in Mt. Pleasant, is perfect if you’re looking for a friendly spot to enjoy a cold beer & fresh local seafood in a laid back setting. Located on historic Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant, the original Red’s is the perfect spot for taking in Lowcountry wildlife and scenic Charleston sunsets. The food is not the draw here—rather cold beers and people watching is—but step out onto the deck overlooking Shem Creek and you’ll understand why it’s such a popular spot. Fleet Landing, is also all about the scenery, but the food sure isn’t shabby either (try the crabcakes). Offering unobstructed views of the harbor from a 1940s retired naval building, Fleet combines a commitment to quality food and sustainable practices with a delightful nod to the area’s maritime heritage.
Charleston Restaurants: Red’s Ice House ($$) Fleet Landing ($$) FIG ($$$) Raw 167 ($$$) Hall’s Chop House ($$$$)
Oaring and Touring
One of the best ways to relax and explore the Lowcountry is from the seat of a kayak. Paddling through the calm saltwater creeks nestled behind the aforementioned Folly Beach, you will discover the natural wonders and wildlife that call this area home. You can also get up close and personal with wading birds, oyster beds, barrier islands, wild dolphins and more.
Coastal Expeditions, whose slogan is, “You Haven’t Seen Charleston, Till You’ve Seen It From The Water” (some truth there) is one of the top outfitters in the area. Their three hour outings are the most popular, taking you into the saltwater estuaries to see dolphins, pelicans, ospreys and maybe even a sea turtle or manatee.
Coastal Expeditions
For a more practical jaunt around the city, there is always just good ole walking. And if you like history—and Charleston has plenty of it—there is no better way to get around the city than on foot. After all, downtown Charleston—also known as “the peninsula”—is only about 4 to 5 square miles. But in this area you can find at least 100 buildings from before 1776 and 1,000 from before 1861—state buildings, churches, mansions, and townhouses—almost all of which come with historic plaques explaining exactly what their function was roughly 200 years ago.
Charleston Strolls
While the resources on your iPhone should be enough to steer you in the right direction, there is nothing wrong with leaving your walkabout to the professionals. Charleston Strolls—recommended by both the NY Times and Southern Living—will take you on a historic walking tour of Charleston (where carriages and motorcoaches are not allowed) that highlights both Charleston’s rich history and colorful past.
Beaches
You can’t enjoy the complete Charleston experience if you don’t pay a visit to one of its beautiful beaches while in town. While there are 3 public beaches within a few minutes drive from downtown Charleston, Folly Beach is by far the most revered. Though the water will be a bit cool for swimming by November (though peak temps are actually reached in September), the beaches in Charleston are some of the prettiest in the country and there is never a bad time to visit. Water lovers can also enjoy kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating and fishing, while thrill seekers will enjoy the 72 suspended obstacles at Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park.
Folly Beach Pier (Photo: Shutterstock/Dave Allen Photography)
Perhaps known a little more for its golf courses, Kiawah Island is also a beach haven—rated the second “Most Romantic Beach in America” by National Geographic Traveler. Kiawah Island is unique among the barrier islands because—unlike Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach—commercial development is virtually non-existent here. This island was meticulously planned to be environmentally sound and very relaxing. A semi-tropical climate hosts alligators (often seen basking in the sun on the banks of Kiawah’s many lagoons), sea turtles, bobcats and some very friendly dolphins. Along with over 40 miles of bike trails, there are five world-class golf courses, several tennis courts, and 10 miles of the most beautiful beach on the Atlantic coast. Kiawah is a gated community with restricted public access, but absolutely a site to look into if you’re making the trip.
Kiawah Island Real Estate
Golf
Kiawah’s beaches are world-renowned and so are its golf courses. Named the #1 golf resort in the world by Travel + Leisure, Kiawah Island Resort is home to nine elite courses. Among the nine is the Ocean Course—home to the 1991 Ryder Cup matches (known as the “War by the Shore”), the 2012 PGA Championship (won by Rory McElroy) and will be host to the 2021 PGA Championship.
Where should I stay on Kiawah you ask? Because so many people have second homes on Kiawah that lay vacant much of the year, there are plenty of options to choose from on Airbnb at very reasonable prices—especially considering what you get. If you really want to splurge though, you can’t go wrong with the world renowned The Sanctuary. The exquisitely designed oceanfront hotel, just 21 miles from downtown Charleston, captures the spirit, history and charm of the beautiful south while still offering 255 spacious rooms and suites. Their king rooms are among the largest on the East Coast with the smallest measuring 520 square feet.
Ocean Course – Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Holidays
Maybe it’s the way the historic homes are grandly decorated for Christmas, or the unique view of Palmetto trees adorned in twinkling holiday lights. Pick your own reasons, but it’s hard to deny that Charleston is a near perfect blend of intimate historical ambiance and the luxuries and activities of a metropolitan city.
Photo: Shutterstock/Tymonko Galyna
Some seasonal favorites among locals and visitors include The Nutcracker, performed by the Charleston Ballet, the Holiday Walking Tour—a must for out-of-towners looking to see the city—and the Annual Progressive Dinner at Circa 1886 at Wentworth Mansion, one of the city’s grandest venues. Also held at Circa 1886, in it’s 15th year, is the Dickens Dinner. A night at Circa 1886 is always an indulgence, but on the night of the Dickens Dinner (Thursday, December 8th) guests will enjoy a live retelling of the classic Charles Dickens’ Christmas Story along with their meal. The annual dinner—while notably festive—is just as much about the food, with a lavish four-course holiday menu influenced by the tale itself.
Well, what are you waiting for? Temperatures are dropping, wanderlust is rising and Charleston is ready and waiting to charm you.
Like many delicious aperitifs, digestifs, liqueurs, and other items in bottles, Lillet was underutilized for many years. In those somewhat barren times (and here I’m talking about, oh, the early 1960s through about the turn of the century) many of the more intriguing mixtures fell a bit off the cocktail map. Continue reading →
It’s hard to imagine life without pickles — those crunchy delights straight out of the jar, the tangy, sweet surprises tucked into a burger, or the sliced spears served fresh, ready for the tasting on the side of your plate. Continue reading →
Looking for an alternative investment? Antiques can be some of the safest.
The erratic volatility in today’s markets could make any trader, however skilled, want to throw up his hands, cut his losses and toss his remaining money into a commode. A commode, of course, being a chest of drawers from France, circa 1750.
Vitamins & supplements are a $43.5 billion industry and nearly 50% of Americans take them. Consumers are inundated with options and many are self-prescribing their own vitamin cocktails. But it seems that almost every month a report comes out either blessing or blasting the efficacy of vitamins and the latest offerings from this unregulated industry. Continue reading →
Have you ever stayed at an impressive resort that, while teeming with the promise of pristine pools and soothing hot tubs, seems to be a bit lacking in any actual partakers? The offerings, sure, are plentiful, but the sauna and steam room in their world-class spa? Empty. This may sound problematic for their business, but in the efficiency-driven, “as-a-Service” economy we live in today, it also presents a smart opportunity for mutually beneficial partnership. Enter ResortPass, a service poised to connect locals and day trippers seeking relaxation with access to a partnering property’s all too available amenities.
Some might say the company has taken a page out of the Airbnb book by leveraging the under-utilized assets at resorts and selling them as an experience, for a fee. Well, the model is certainly working out for both parties. Launched in 2016—with Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Alba and “The Point’s Guy,” Brian Kelly, as early investors—ResortPass is starting to hit their stride this year. Not only have they grown their network significantly, but they also closed a $26 million “B” round this past November. They now partner with over 900 hotels and resorts around the world, all allowing users to enjoy luxury experiences on a day pass basis.
The price, you might be musing, is surely where the catch lies. Not necessarily, as it is more so reflective of the level of service and amenities offered, as well as the brand. The Four Seasons, for example, will likely cost you more than a Marriot. The range might be from $25-100 per day for a standard pass—more for daybeds and cabanas. The cost for children is less, if not free, depending on age.
Carneros Resort—Napa Valley, CA
It’s early days yet and hard to forecast the level of overall demand there will be for ResortPass, but I do have one prediction. The “stickiness” of this service will ultimately reside more with travelers than locals. According to Michael Wolf, CEO of ResortPass, the early data disagrees. So far, the majority of ResortPass’s users are locals who want to experience the amenities of hotels in their own or nearby cities. A staycation, or even “day”cation, as they say.
“Our local users never had the opportunity to access the hospitality industry locally,” says Wolf. “They thought they had to get on a plane to enjoy those sorts of amenities.”
Miramar Resort—Santa Barabra, CA
To be fair, ResortPass does acknowledge all types of users, from locals to cruise ship passengers alike, and I’m sure they are targeting all sorts of people in various situations where the service would be compelling. Whether the local demographic remains their top revenue source is anyone’s guess, but I would wager that the true value of this service lies with a certain type of traveler staying at a certain type of place.
For example, guests staying at a boutique hotel—one that offers a terrific experience but without resort-level amenities—would seem to be likely customers. Vacationers staying with friends are another plausible group to appeal to, as they might still want a bit of pampering and that vacation vibe while they’re out of town. And then there is their ultimate customer, the ones where the value of ResortPass truly becomes apparent—and for me, it’s full circle back to Airbnb and its guests.
I love Airbnb. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t appreciate the service. They created a whole new segment of lodging at price-points that are generally more attractive than hotels, especially if you require multiple bedrooms. What Airbnb sorely lacks, however, is amenities. Sure, you can get a great pad with a pool, large kitchen and epic view of the ocean or mountains, but you cannot get the kind of facilities and social intangibles that luxury hotels and resorts offer. There is no way to spell a bustling hotel lobby, or expansive pools surrounded by chaises and cabanas, with dining and cocktail service at your fingertips.
Williamsburg Hotel—Brooklyn, NY
Ritz Carlton Bal Harbor—Miami, FL
And therein lies the true value of ResortPass. The best products and services are the ones that fill a void. It’s fine to build a better mouse trap and plenty of companies have made a living doing this. Even the most innovative companies in the world owe a lot of their success to products and services that already existed which they simply improved upon. Apple didn’t invent the smart phone; they just made it better. A lot better. But filling a void is the ultimate goal for most entrepreneurs. See Uber, Venmo and yes, Airbnb.
I think Airbnb would be wise to partner with—or dare I say, even purchase—ResortPass. It may start out as just an incremental supplement to their service, as it’s only useful if there is a qualifying resort nearby. Nonetheless, it would be a natural fit that could yield larger, more impactful results in the future. The Batman and Robin of travel disruptors, if you will.
ResortPass gets the GLR stamp of approval as a rising star in the resort space. Mark my words, they’re going places—and not just for the day.
Pursuitist presents its Q&A with Maria Zec, Regional Vice President, and General Manager, at The Peninsula Chicago. Named one of the top luxury hotels in Chicago, renown luxury travel expert Christopher Parr interviews Maria Zec as the celebrated Peninsula property celebrates 20 years of luxurious travel, spa, and dining experiences on Michigan Avenue.
Maria Zec’s legendary hotel experience throughout the United States makes her a particularly valuable leader to manage operations in New York and Chicago, having worked at a number of luxury hotels in both cities and understanding the markets, communities and hospitality industries well. She also possesses considerable knowledge and expertise of five-star culture and what it represents to the hotel’s customers.
Zec joined The Peninsula Chicago in March 2002, shortly after the opening of the 339-room property, located at 108 East Superior Street at North Michigan Avenue. Under her leadership, The Peninsula Chicago achieved the Forbes (formerly Mobil) Five Star and AAA Five Diamond awards within her first year as General Manager for the property. The hotel has continued to receive these coveted awards since 2002, with recognition from Conde Nast Traveler to Travel+Leisure.
Christopher Parr, Q. By the numbers, what does 20 years look like at Peninsula Chicago?
Maria Zec, A. In 20 years, we have hosted 2.4 million hotel guests, which is an average of nearly 120,000 per year, 10,000 per month. We have served more than 8.3 million guests in our restaurants in 20 years, which averages to 35,000 per month, 1,100 per day. 20% of our staff have been here for 20 years. Very few people work for the same company for 20 years. In fact, our entire laundry department, have all been with us for 20 years.
Q. As the Peninsula Chicago turns 20, what does that milestone signify to the Peninsula Hotel brand?
A. Bringing Peninsula Hotels’ renowned hospitality to the Midwest, provided the company with the opportunity to build awareness for the brand in a region that would likely have no knowledge or familiarity with Peninsula Hotels. Over the past two decades, guests and residents are now very much aware of The Peninsula Hotels’ brand either via The Peninsula Chicago’s reputation or their personal experiences at the hotel. This exposure to a midwestern audience has broadened the brand’s reach with more customers.
Q. Compared to the other luxury hotels in Chicago, how has the Peninsula Chicago remained distinctively different and unique?
A. We describe our service approach as ‘Midwestern Hospitality combined with Far Eastern Graciousness.’ This is represented in the reserved, discreet, refined type of service style one would experience in Asia, blended with the genuine, warm, caring, and friendly nature you find in Midwesterners.
Our service style is also anticipatory. We engage guests during the reservation process to understand more about what brings them to the city and through this brief conversation, we can anticipate the types of services and amenities the guest will likely need, and we mobilize from here.
Our goal is to create beautiful, lasting memories for our guests. This starts with our compassionate employees who are genuine and considerate, taking great pride in their work to go above and beyond for our guests and their co-workers at every opportunity.
Q. Luxury hospitality means a lot different things to a lot of different people, but what does it mean to Peninsula Chicago?
A. We strive to provide an attentive, personalized service experience in line with each guest’s individual expectations. In some cases, visitors don’t require or want much interaction. In other cases, they seek our advice and assistance throughout their time with us. We are thoughtful in our approach to ensure we understand the personalized needs of each guest and then tailor our services around them. We aim to create a memorable and meaningful experience and want all our guests to feel welcome and at home at The Peninsula Chicago.
Q. The property has received many awards and accolades over its celebrated 20 years, what honor has meant the most to you?
A. We’ve been honored to have received numerous awards over the years, every one of which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible team members. Many of these accolades have been awarded by various travel-related organizations which demonstrate how The Peninsula Chicago is viewed by our industry colleagues. But for us, our main focus is always on the feedback provided by our guests.
Q. In looking back at 20 years, how has Peninsula Chicago transformed luxury travel on Michigan Avenue?
A. Our goal is to constantly remain the leader within the industry and not a follower. To do this successfully one has to evolve and adapt to the changing expectations from travelers. We’ve never been ones to rest on our laurels; we’re always thinking about what we can do next. An example of this was conceiving and building Z Bar. It was a few years in the making, but this new venture has kept us relevant and allowed us to expose The Peninsula brand to the next generation of luxury travelers.
Q. And how is The Peninsula Chicago going to transform and evolve for the next 20 years?
A. It is important we evolve with the changing times—ensuring we develop our products and services based on the future of customers’ desires and passions (while still providing for our current customers), providing the very best in terms of accommodations, cuisine, wellness, and cultural experiences.
One of the greatest elements of summer is the garden–may it be on a rooftop or balcony, in a backyard or wherever else the sun shines. There’s nothing like grabbing a ripe tomato from your garden and putting it directly into a salad. But summer’s spoils are not just relegated to the dinner table. Continue reading →
Fifi+Hop’s Corey Cook takes us to energetic Venice Beach which, despite it’s edginess, can be a great place to take kids. You just need to know where to go.
Some may look at the title of this post – Venice Beach with Kids – with speculation, but Venice was actually my girls’ self-proclaimed favorite part of our L.A. family vacation. They loved it. This post is all about things to do in Venice with kids, and why it should be on every family’s L.A. must-see list.
Venice, CA, bohemian in spirit, has always been the funkier side of town, filled with eclectic shops and people, restaurants, street entertainers, and, in general, an off-beat vibe all its own. It’s never really had a reputation as a family-oriented kind of hood. Yet it’s this colorfulness of Venice which is exactly why I wanted to take my kids – all the action and eye-candy, I knew, would entertain them for hours.
We decided to allot 1 day in Venice, out of our 5 days. How did we go about planning our 1 day in Venice itinerary? I knew just who I wanted to show us around – my blogging friend Hilary from the blog HilaryStyle. She is the eyes and ears of L.A. and would be the perfect person to show my kids everything that makes Venice, Venice.
Hilary and Me!
Hilary was on board for our visit, and then some. We covered it all, and by the end of the day my girls were reeling from all the fun they had. Here’s all the fun things to do in Venice Beach with kids. (Tip: we went first thing in the morning around 9:30, which was a perfect time to start our day, as there were hardly any crowds and it was very manageable with the kids).
WALK ALONG THE VENICE BOARDWALK (AKA OCEAN FRONT WALK)
The famous Venice Boardwalk spans about 1 ½ miles, with beautiful, white sand and the Pacific Ocean on one side, and funky storefronts and eateries on the other. Whatever bric-a-brac shops you can think of, the Ocean Front Walk has: souvenirs, sunglasses, surf and skate shops, t-shirts, tattoos, etc. My girls got their L.A. souvenirs here, in the form of sweatshirts, and have been wearing them ever since. Both say Venice Beach in different patterns, and they think they are the coolest girls in town when they wear them!
We walked for a while along the path, and Hilary pointed out all the other interesting things to see that make Venice the happening place it is. We saw people biking, rollerblading, playing paddle tennis, which are some of the activities you can do while you’re there (though we did not). And then there is of course Muscle Beach, an iconic part of the boardwalk where all the body builders work out. This is where Gold’s Gym got its start, begun by 70’s and 80’s superstar body builder, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Later in our walk the girls got henna tattoos, which was a big hit – there are tattoo shops, fortune tellers and other off-beat things like that scattered all over the boardwalk. As well as restaurants – we ate at Wee Chippy at the recommendation of Hilary as having the best fries anywhere, and I have to say, she was right! In general, the Venice Boardwalk has an energy that appeals to any age, and is just plain FUN.
WATCH THE SKATEBOARDERS AT VENICE SKATE PARK
Venice Skate Park is truly an amazing skate park, and definitely worth a visit. If you’re like us then you will love watching all the skate boarders do their tricks. The boarders span all ages, and you can see older men as much as younger kids skate about. It’s a lot of fun for the kids, and it can take up as much or little time as you want it to.
CHECK OUT ALL THE STREET ART AND WALL MURALS
Venice is known for its abundance of street art, and seeing as Hilary is the street art expert, she showed us mural after mural, art piece after art piece, all throughout Venice. I’ll get to some of these places below, but we saw street art in many of the side streets off of the boardwalk, on our way over to the canals, and along Abbot Kinney Boulevard. There are wall murals everywhere, some I would have probably walked right by had it not been for them being pointed out – so make sure to keep your eyes open and on the look-out. They are colorful and whimsical and great fun for the kids to pose in front of for vaca pics.
One of the highlights of our day in Venice was making some street art/ graffiti of our own! Hilary brought cans of paint with her, which the kids sprayed out on the beach. There is a designated area called the Venice Art Walls where the public can spray paint themselves, and the kids went to town – a great, unique activity that they will always remember!
WATCH THE STREET PERFORMERS
We’re from New York, and whenever there are street performers doing their thing (always) in the subway, on the streets, Union Square, Times Square, wherever, we like to check them out. The girls love watching their shows. Venice is no stranger to street performers so we of course had to see them too. They are a big part of the chemistry that makes up Venice, with a contagious energy that you can’t help but feel a part of. Until they want you to join the show! We watched one group do their break dance, gymnastic stunts, etc. until they started to head our way to get the kids to participate. We immediately high-tailed it, but up until then it was a lot of fun for the kids, with a huge crowd getting into it.
WALK ALONG THE VENICE CANALS
It is no coincidence that the “Venice of America” has the same name as its Italian counterpart. Venice was founded by millionaire developer Abbot Kinney and modeled after his favorite European city, Venice. In the early 1900’s the canals that we see today used to be wetlands, and the perfect spot to build canals. Today (especially after a major renovation project completed in the 90’s), they are one of L.A.’s most unique neighborhoods and so much fun to walk around. I really enjoy walking along the canals and over the bridges, and so did my kids.
With the renovation came many newly built, modern homes, and looking at the houses is just as much a part of the appeal. So many of the city’s beautiful homes are located in the Venice Canals. We particularly liked looking at all the different boats home owners had, from canoes to kayaks to unicorn rafts!
STROLL ABBOT KINNEY BOULEVARD
Perhaps the chicest part of L.A., Abbot Kinney Blvd. is filled with Boho fashion stores, home design shops, fabulous restaurants and an overall trendy vibe. You can’t go to Venice without hitting Abbot Kinney. What’s in it for the kids? Good question – it’s mostly for adults. But for the adults who are visiting with their kids and don’t want to miss out, there are some gems to take the kids. We went to Salt n Straw ice cream, which has amazing, unique flavors and which the kids loved. We found plenty of street art to take pics of them with, and we found fun stores to take them in too – one of them being Avatar Nation. The kids played ping pong in the back, it’s full of bright colors, and they loved it. It was a welcome respite for us adults too to take a break and let the kids play.
7 Farmers Markets To Visit This Summer
