What's next?

A little more than 3 weeks until New York City and along with that - a new addition to Tripscout.  We're calling it "the great video experiment".  

The word "great" is totally subjective at this point.

stay tuned....

Just the shirts on our backs...

In 4 short weeks, my family and I will be on our way to New York City.  As usual, I've begun packing...not literally - just in my mind.  I can't relax if I'm not organized and the earlier I start the better for everyone involved.  For this trip, I'm not just packing for myself, but I have two pre-teens to worry about and a husband who doesn't even start thinking about it until about an hour before the flight leaves.  Grrrr...

I shuddered with a little jolt of anxiety as I started adding up the checked baggage fees for our airline. Suddenly, the great airfare I thought I scored didn't seem so great anymore. On American, we'll have to fork over $25 for the first bag, $35 for the second and $100 for the third!  Holy cow. Multiply that by two, of course, for the round trip and there goes our "walkin' around money"... and then some.

I started looking for ways to get around it.  I found a lot of articles with tips that began with "pack light". Thanks, genius.  I never would have come up with that gem on my own. Next, I toyed with the idea of getting an airline credit card.  I could earn points and miles and my "first checked bag is free".  Delta and Continental seem to offer a pretty sound credit card deal but nothing for American.  The American Express Blue Sky card, however, will give me a $100 travel allowance that I can put toward bags, in-flight meals, wi-fi etc. on any airline. And just for future reference, JetBlue would have given us the first bag free and Southwest never charges for checked bags (up to two) but the fare would have been double what I paid and no direct flights to New York. Some hotels, Kimpton brand for example, will actually reimburse you for checked bags.  Alas, our hotel does not. My head hurts.

So, I'm left with this plan:  we'll cram as much as we can into a couple of carry-on bags and hope we make it to the gate.  The gate agent will surely say "those are way too big for the overhead bin, we'll have to stow them for you" and viola!  Checked bags at no charge.  Sneaky? yes. It's either that or the hubby will just have to wear the same clothes for the duration of the trip.  Sorry, dear.

Baggage fees for major airlines
New York Times - Getting Around Airline Fees 

Southern Charm...and golf too.

Charleston, South Carolina

Aaah... the simple joys of sweet tea, she crab soup and...what's this?  Men who open the door for me AND pull out my chair...?  I must be in the South.

Being the oldest city in the U.S., Charleston, South Carolina oozes history - great American history.  How many places in the U.S. have these kinds of stories to tell?  Where we have strip malls, they have 200 year old cobblestone streets, famous battle grounds of The Revolutionary War, the Civil War - and my favorite - the houses of some of the most important Americans in our history.  So much to see and a lot to learn.  But, beyond all that, Charleston has some of the finest seafood (or any food for that matter) great shopping, art galleries, golf courses and a beautiful waterfront. The people are laid back, warm & welcoming and beyond friendly.  For a great video that really sums up Charleston from a local's prospective click: here.

Although quaint historic inns are in abundance within the city, I've found a way to get two vacations in one: stay on Isle of Palms, an aptly named, palm tree covered, island community about 30 minutes from downtown Charleston. It's a cute town dotted with yummy beach side "shrimp shacks" and rows of pastel colored mini-mansions. Yeah, you'll have to rent a car, but so what?  The drive is fun and scenic.  Put the top down and relax...

At the very tip of the island is a gorgeous - but surprisingly affordable - beach & golf resort called Wild Dunes.  Rooms, condos, even vacation homes are available in various sizes - enough options to fit any group. Golf, tennis, spa and that incredible beach - a little something for everyone.

Wild Dunes Resort

I'm a big fan of the stylish Ethan Allen/Pottery Barn-like interiors - so homey (well, maybe the home I wish I had). The Hamptons-looking beach and boardwalks make you feel like you're worlds away from the city.

And for the golfer?  how's this...?

When you get back from Charleston, you might slip in a  "y'all" every now and then, or sense an unmistakable urge to find a rocker and sit on a porch, or notice that your hair is suddenly a little bigger..hey, that's the South.  It gets in your soul...

Historic Attractions to see:

The Battery

Fort Sumpter

Poogan's Porch

The Historical District - take a carriage ride
The Market
The French Quarter 
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Liberty Square
Waterfront Park


Eats:

WOW...so many places, so little time.  Magnolia, High Cotton, Hyman's Seafood, Cypress, Poogan's Porch (pictured) and anywhere in the French Quarter.  Go hungry!!!

Another great lodging option:  The John Rutledge House Inn

You Can't Even Go to Canada...

Did you know that nearly 2 out of every 3 Americans don't have a passport?  I've encountered people from other countries who have teased me about this fact.  I didn't realize our travel habits were such a big issue.   Here's an interesting post with more on the subject: Why Americans Don't Travel Abroad.

Perhaps it's because we like it here...and yes I have one.

A Whole Lotta History...and baked beans too.

Masculine sexiness....the perfect way to describe Boston's Nine Zero Hotel.  Ideally located in downtown Boston and named to Travel + Leisure's Best 500 Hotels in the World List, the Nine Zero is also home to one of the best spots in Boston to find a big slab of Kobe beef - KO Prime. Mmmm moo.

But, don't get me wrong - this hotel is not just for some macho guy on a business trip.  There's plenty for the ladies as well.  Recently, the Nine Zero became a Kimpton Hotel and I'm a huge fan of the Kimpton brand for several reasons; they are usually smaller properties so the service is very personal, the hotels are immaculate & elegant - but never stuffy, and no two ever look exactly the same.  Plus, there are some pretty nice benefits to becoming a Kimpton In Touch Member; free wi-fi, $30 off in-room spa services, and free license to raid the mini-bar (there IS a limit so settle down).  My favorite bonus? They'll also remember your preferences whether it be a certain newspaper, a particular room location, even the level of pillow fluffiness you prefer. Of course there are rewards for frequent stays, but who has the time or patience to keep track?  I'd rather it just be a surprise....

KO Prime

I've mentioned before how great Kimpton is at honoring their "best rate guarantee" so if you find a better rate on a different site - Expedia, Travelocity, whatever - just give them a heads up and they'll match it...happily.  Great user reviews on Tripadvisor.com and a perfect location near the Beacon Hill neighborhood make the Nine Zero a fantastic choice.  

I guess I'll add it to my list...

Broadway Show Tickets On Sale!

Hey, have you ever noticed those TKTS booths in New York where you can purchase Broadway show tickets for up to 50% off?  I found a cool new app for your phone that will give you fast, accurate, real-time listings of all the Broadway and Off Broadway show tickets available at either of TKTS three locations.  Get a jump on the crowd and save some bucks while you're at it....


TKTS app - click here

What's that smell?!

I was flipping through a hoity-toity travel magazine recently and I happened to notice one of those question-and-answer interviews with a travel writer.  The question was: "what one thing will you never travel without?"  Her reply? a candle. I remember rolling my eyes and thinking: whatever.  How high maintenance are you that you require "mood lighting" in your hotel room?  But, I was totally missing the point.  Shortly after reading this article, I checked in to a New York hotel room.  It was very clean and lovely, but it had a peculiar.....smell.  It wasn't bad or good - it was just a smell.  It was then that I scolded myself for my rush to judgment about our travel writing friend and I really, really wished I had a candle.

Now, I'M the princess who won't travel without a candle. Voluspa candles are my favorite.  They're small and cute and come with their own little lids.  They smell fantastic and they're so compact they won't take up any room in your bag.  I love the Pomegranate Patchouli - rich berries & spice...smells like a spa.

Some hotels are pouncing on this marketing opportunity and creating their own signature "scent" - it hits you right when you walk into the lobby. If you like it, look for it in the hotel's gift shop and get out your wallet, especially if it was created just for that particular hotel. 

BBQ and Blues, baby.

Mr. BB King

Although my husband claims to read all of my posts - I'm thinking perhaps not. I'm hoping he misses this one because he's got a big birthday coming this summer and I'm surprising him with his two favorite things:  barbecue and blues.  I'm taking him to Memphis.

I visited Memphis a long, long time ago and I still have vivid memories of hopping from one rockin' club to another on Beale Street. I was in awe because the music just seemed to get more and more unbelievable at every joint. (I'm so hip I threw in the word "joint").  Even the street musicians were so fantastic that it stopped me in my tracks and without thinking I was digging in my pockets for money- lots of money - to toss into their hats. Dancers, singers, saxophone players....each one so talented... and they're just the ones performing on street corners...

I know he'll love it... so back to the planning.  Where to stay?  It seems there's a bit of a shortage of unique hotels to chose from in Memphis.  I try to steer clear of anything with a Hampton, Holiday, Courtyard or Residence in the name. A little uppity maybe, but really I'm a sucker for unique and boutique. The most interesting place I could find is the art deco styled Madison Hotel.

From their web site:  The intimate martini lounge, lobby mezzanine, world-class fitness room, indoor pool and sweeping rooftop garden offer multiple options for a relaxing escape.   
They had me at "martini lounge" but the view of the Mississippi from their rooftop really won me over.

Pretty, yes?

Well, we have a place to stay, now on to the food.  Everyone has an opinion about BBQ.  Should it be sweet?  Should it be spicy?  Should it be spelled out?!

Guy Fieri

Finding the best barbecue in Memphis is a job that requires a professional. Enter Guy Fieri of "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives". A talented chef in his own right, Guy travels all over the country finding the best of the best food in places you'd most likely never find on your own - unless you're a local.  This Guy knows good food and there's so much great barbecue in Memphis, it required it's own episode.  See Guy's picks below.

Johnny Cash

Of course, our very first stop for music will be BB King's Blues Club.  You can't visit the home of the blues without paying respects to the legend himself.  And speaking of legends.....here it is in all it's cheesy glory - GRACELAND!  Really, I'm excited to go just to say I've been there....and to witness the Jungle Room, of course.  Another "must" on the itinerary: a tour of Sun Studio "the birthplace of rock and roll" where Elvis was first discovered and legendary music was recorded by the likes of Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Wow! I'm excited!!!  Wait, this trip is for my husband, right? 

Updates to follow...


Diners, Drive-ins and Dives: Episode 307 - Memphis BBQ Tour
Tom's Bar-B-Q
4087 Getwell Road
Memphis, TN 38118
Tel: (901) 365-6690

Marlowe's Ribs
4381 Elvis Presley Blvd
Memphis, TN 38116
Tel: (901) 332-4159

Leonard's BBQ
5465 Fox Plaza Drive
Memphis, TN 38115
Tel: (901) 360-1963

Cozy Corner
745 N Parkway
Memphis, TN 38105


from:  Foodnetwork.com

But, I really NEED these...

Every girl knows that half the fun of going on a trip is shopping for it.  If I was lucky enough to be headed somewhere beachy this spring, I'd make a pit stop at Nordstrom and pick up these fabulous things...(along with a big sack of money).

The Tory Burch nylon tote comes in small and large.  Orange is the color for spring - or so I've been told.  So cute. Get it at Nordstrom - click here.








 


I don't know why these shoes are $300....other than the fact that they are the most fabulous shoes ever.  The Tory Marissa Wedge - also at Nordstrom, click here.

If you see my big sack of money there, just leave it.  I'll be by to pick it up later.

Goin' to Mexico....in my mind...again.

Casamagna Lobby

Since I've been getting a lot of questions about Mexico lately, I decided to re-run this post about my favorite hotel in Cancun.  Also, see my post "Top 500 Hotels in the World" for more info on this resort.

I heard a Ricky Martin song today quite by accident.  Alright, so I listened to it on purpose (I know, I know...Ricky Martin, but he's hot...I mean talented).  I needed a little escape and sometimes certain songs will take me right back to the beach and the memory is so vivid it makes me giddy. Anyway, It reminded me of last February - being on the beach in Cancun with good friends - pure bliss.

There are so many hotels to choose from in Cancun - it's easy to get overwhelmed.  My favorite so far is the Marriott Casamagna Resort. It's the kind of place that is such a perfect fit, you don't want to mess with it.  Not too over the top yet still beautiful and the price is right. Good location. Great service.  Fantastic food.  You can bring a group of friends or your family or just go as a couple. It just hits all the right marks.  In other words, it's my sure thing. 

It's located along the hotel zone. Hop on the bus right outside the hotel and for less than a dollar and in less than 10 minutes you are in the heart of Cancun - shopping malls, restaurants and crazy dance clubs - it's all right there.  But, if good food is your mission, you don't have to travel very far.  One of my favorite restaurants in Cancun is located right inside the hotel. Mikado serves up fantastic Japanese, Thai, and delectable sushi.  Have a drink at their beautiful outdoor bar and then dine quietly or sit at a lively teppanyaki table and watch the chef work his magic. There's also a steakhouse and a sports bar among others.  Plenty of choices, so if you don't want to stray too far from the beach or your bed, the hotel does offer an all inclusive option.

Casamagna Guestroom

The guestrooms are spacious and so very, very clean. Nice linens and good pillows.  Each ocean view room has a balcony. Don't even bother with "lagoon-view" - that doesn't even sound good, does it?  The photo below illustrates the difference perfectly - which would you choose?  the gorgeous electric blue ocean? or the ho hum view from the other side?
  

The pool scene is relaxing and quiet - not exactly rockin' - which is a definitely appreciated after a night on the town. Great service at the swim-up bar and yummy pool food, plus waiter service on the beach.

Pool.  Swim-up bar is on the right.

I gambled once and stayed somewhere else - I was wooed by funky, chic decor.  Big mistake.  We ended up hanging out at the Casamagna Marriott anyway- enjoying an delicious martini in the lobby lounge while listening to the fantastic house band, buying ridiculously large hats in their gift shop and talking the bellman into getting us discounted passes into some of the clubs downtown.  They took great care of us even though we weren't guests of the hotel.  We were sad we weren't staying there - I won't stray again.

Now, back to my mental vacation....Tu Recuerdo is the name of song which in English means "your memory".  Isn't that ironic? 
Here's the video: Ricky Martin - Tu Recuerdo Video.

Casamagna Beach

Since winter has been so horrible everywhere this year and everyone is running for the sun, you're going to have to really hunt for a good deal - especially on flights.  Check Travelocity or Expedia and Kayak.  Also, check out the hotel's web sight for a "4th night free" offer. Casamagna Marriott Cancun Resort.

..oh and gracias, caliente Ricardo.

The Luv Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train

Oh dear men, listen to me please - I beg of you. Forget those tired old roses, this might be the Valentine's Day gift to top all other Valentine's Day gifts.  If you are willing to pull this one off, you might be able to get by with just a card from this Valentine's Day forward - at least for awhile.  Sigh. If only my husband liked wine...and trains. Wait.  He does love trains, but wine? not so much.  Perhaps he can just take this one for the team (and pack himself a cooler of Heineken for the trip).

The The Napa Valley Wine Train  "is a relaxing 3 hour, thirty-six mile round-trip journey between the historic town of Napa through one of the world's most famous wine valleys to the quaint village of St. Helena and back.  Guests aboard the Wine Train enjoy the option of a freshly prepared lunch or dinner as they view vineyards and wineries from any of the vintage 1915-1917 Pullman Dining, Lounge, or 1952 Vista Dome rail cars which have been lavishly restored."

O.K.  So you've got beautifully restored Pullman train cars chugging through the most gorgeous vineyards in California, a gourmet lunch (or dinner) and all you have to do is enjoy a little (or alot) of wine and make eyes at her.  You're so money. 

 
After your 3 hour tour, you'll need a place to....unwind? shall we say?  Avia Napa is a newer luxury boutique hotel in Napa that isn't your typical frilly, lacy B&B.  It's sophisticated and modern but still rustic and warm. Designed for romance, the hotel is perfectly positioned next to shopping, restaurants, tasting rooms and night spots, the Oxbow Public Market and the 140 year old Napa Valley Opera House.  Hey, take in a show - icing on the cake.


Guestroom.  They even encourage wine in the bathtub.



Firepit



Funky Lobby





The Terrace.  That bench-looking thing is actually a swing...awwww.

The Avia provides a wealth of local information on their web site that will make it so easy for you to hit the ground running and get the most out of your stay.  Plus insider information & tips directly from Napa locals - brilliant.

How Much?
As you can imagine, there are plenty of different packages to choose from starting at $209 per night and up to $759 per night for the "Vintner Suite".  They even have a wine breakfast - do people in Napa just walk around town constantly buzzed?  Maybe that's why everyone loves it there.

See links above for more info and Happy Valentine's Day.