A Mountain for all Seasons

I traveled to Mont Tremblant earlier this year in March to catch the last weekend of skiing before the official close of the season. Guess what? I hadn't been skiing for over 25 years! I was anxiously looking forward to getting back on the slopes in the Northeast where I'd skied most of my life. When I arrived in Tremblant, I realized that it had undergone a complete transformation in the past 25 years but still retained the character, charm and "French Canadian-ness" just the same.

The ski station itself is simply one of the best on the East coast. In fact, Ski magazine voted it number one for 2010. The mountain rises over 2,000 feet to the summit and the skiing is challenging enough for the advanced skier, but also offers something for the beginner. There is a state of the art snow making system called Avalanche that's comprised of over 1,000 guns and is one of the most powerful in North America. This accounts for the length of the Mont-Tremblant season - from late November until mid April.

The mountain is divided into four parts, a North and South side and the Edge on the North and Soleil on the South with 94 trails at all levels. Some of the offerings at the mountain include a ski school and a special kids ski school and my favorite, the "fast tracks." Fast Tracks allows anxious skiers to board the gondola at 7:45 am and be the first to hit the freshly groomed slopes. I got to experience Fast Tracks and since it was so long since I'd skied, the fresh snow was a welcome to get back in the groove. It was not long before I realized that skiing really is like riding a bike – you never forget. After a few easy runs, I was ready for the intermediate level! In the winter months Mont-Tremblant also offers numerous outdoor activities besides downhill skiing like snow shoeing and cross country, ice skating, sleigh rides, ziplining and ice climbing. Helicopter tours of the region are also a great thrill.

We had a morning of skiing then in the afternoon toured Mont-Tremblant village, or the Pedestrian Village as locals refer to it. Tremblant Village has almost 2,000 guest units, from 3 to 5 star accommodations. It also offers every style of lodging from luxury suites to fully equipped condos, mountain chalets or town houses overlooking the golf course. The choices range from romantic to family-centric. Tremblant Village also offers an array of restaurants and bars so it's a great place to spend an evening after the slopes. Amongst the choices is a Micro Brewery called Le Diable where you can down a flight of beers that are made right there. There is also a Swiss fondue restaurant called La Savoie which many say is like being in Switzerland.

During the day the village offers shopping with a mix of boutiques including Adrénaline, (a cool snowboard store), Joaillerie St-Onge (trendy jewelry), Boutique Salomon (well known ski brand) and L'Atelier du Pere Noel (Santa's studio.) with many of them open year round.

In the summer months there are three important festivals in the center of the village: Les Rythemes Tremblant (July to August), Festival International Du Blues De Tremblant (July) and La Fete de la Musique (September). There's also a New Year's celebration with a show on the slopes and in Place St.-Bernard, a traditional torch-light parade, music, dancing and a midnight fireworks to ring in the New Year.

And more is coming for the 2011-2012 season as Tremblant is investing over a half million dollars in the station to make it better for their guests. The improvements include new blowers and grooming machines plus state of the art rental equipment. At the beginning of the season, the pedestrian village of Tremblant will have a new Oakley shop on rue des Remparts (the main street). Famous for their cutting edge eyewear, the store will stock their activewear collection and accessories.

If you want a break from Le Village or perhaps want to get away from the hub, a great choice is Le Grand Lodge. It's a short drive from the mountain and offers a true mountain lodge experience with great amenities. Their Lakeview Suites have a panoramic view overlooking Lake Ouimet from your own balcony, a fireplace, 2 full baths and a fully equipped kitchen. Chez Borivage, their four star award winning restaurant has a cozy fireside bar and you might be invited to join the nightly folk singer in a song! You could call it a sophisticated kind of karaoke. Le Grand Lodge also has a full service ski shop on the premises for rentals and accessories should you forget something as well as an indoor pool and spa.

Although winter is fabulous at Mont-Tremblant, don't forget it also shines in the summer when it attracts more visitors. It offers swimming, sailing, windsurfing, wake boarding, canoeing, hiking, kayaking, bicycling, and mountain biking. They also offer hunting, fishing, walking tours, tennis and golf. Mont-Tremblant is practically a paradise for golfers offering them a full week without playing the same terrain. There is so much to choose and the scenery is breathtaking. You can take in all the beauty of nature which comes alive in the summer months.

Situated high on the mountain with a fantastic view is Le Casino de Quebec, where you can enjoy another kind of thrill: gambling. The Casino offers a great restaurant and lounge for those non-gamers and it's really worth checking out.

After all the activity you'll need to treat yourself to The Scandinave Spa. Located only five minutes from the Tremblant Village it's a must do after all the energy you've expended. This is a Nordic style spa and to enjoy the benefits of the hydrotherapy you first take some heat in the eucalyptus steam, then the wood burning Finnish sauna or hot baths to open up your pores. This will stimulate your blood and release toxins. Then you cool down by jumping into a Nordic waterfall or jumping into the chilly river flowing next to the spa. You conclude the circuit by relaxing on a terrace or by the fire to allow the cardiovascular system to regulate. You repeat the procedure until you are fully relaxed! Combine the baths with a massage such as their Thai-yoga massage and this is relaxation to the max.

While in the Tremblant area, one thrilling morning should be spent dog sledding. We tried Wolf expeditions and they offered a total experience. You choose your dog then walk him to join his team, and then attach him to the sled before you do the run. Six dogs pull each sled and the ride is exhilarating! We were able to have the experience on the last few days that Wolf was open in March. These dogs are in their element when they are out on the trail and we noticed with the Wolf team that no better care could be given to this sport breed and they handled them with kid gloves. The happy dogs were excited to get started as soon as they were in position. One person joins the guide at the sled's rear while the other gets to wrap in fur and enjoy the wind on his face. Take a guess where I was.

After a few days it was clear that the possibilities for amusement are endless here while in Mont-Tremblant, both in summer and winter. We had the winter experience and it was amazing. I got over my fear of skiing thanks to a great coach and instructor who worked at Le Grand Lodge. They always say if fear is in your way it prevents you from doing anything so let go of the fear and realize that you can do it. I listened to my own advice and had the time of my life adventuring in Mont-Tremblant, Québec.

Partake in the season of leaf-peeping as summer fades out and fall bursts in. As one of the most picturesque times of the year in Bucks County, Pa., autumn brings in a bounty of colorful foliage with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. A short 75 miles from New York City and 30 minutes from Philadelphia, visitors can experience the fall foliage with exciting airborne adventures or scenic drives through the countryside. Enjoy the country charm and all the seasonal treats the county has to offer.

Here are the Buck's County Top 10:

1. Experience the foliage at new heights with the US Hot Air Balloon Team! Drift above miles and miles of breathtaking landscapes throughout the county as you soar on a picturesque adventure.

2. To view the gorgeous fall foliage at ground level, take a scenic drive along River Road/Route 32. Stop by the eclectic bunch of restaurants and shops sprinkled along the way and enjoy the afternoon taking in the crisp autumn air with the wading sounds of the Delaware River in the background.

3. For a truly remarkable trip around the fall foliage of Bucks County, embark on the charming and historic adventure of the Bucks County Covered Bridge Driving Tour. View the twelve beautiful covered bridges and marvel at their incredible authenticity and rich historic backgrounds.

4.  Every weekend in October, board the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad for their annual Fall Foliage Excursion Train. Step into one of their 1920s vintage passenger coaches and take a 2 ½ hour journey through the picturesque country side. Relax and enjoy the scenic autumn landscapes.

5.  Bring the whole family to experience fall in Bucks County at Peddler's Village. Walk the cobblestone walkways and enjoy the 69 unique shops and wide variety of charming restaurants. Attend Scarecrow and Apple Festival to enjoy larger-than-life sized scarecrows or acres and acres of delicious apple treats.

6. Spend a leisurely fall afternoon strolling through Washington Crossing Historic Park. Learn about the rich history of the park and witness events from the past. For a bird's-eye view of the county, climb to the top of Bowman's Hill Tower and take in 14 miles of breathtaking fall foliage.

7.  For a romantic weekend away, book The Raven Rock Suite at the Black Bass Hotel and enjoy the picturesque views of the Delaware River. Warm up with a cup of coffee while relaxing on the suite's private curved deck overlooking the river and miles of fall foliage.

8. Spend an afternoon biking along the Delaware Canal Towpath for an afternoon of scenic views and family fun. Stop along the way to enjoy a picnic in the park while taking in the picture-perfect sights.

9.  Embark on a crisp fall hiking adventure at High Rocks in Ralph Stover Park. Spend the day admiring the views from the hiking trail or rock climb to its scenic sights.

10. Take a fall foliage tour by boat with the Bucks County Riverboat Company. The heated boats will leave guests feeling cozy while gliding through the Delaware River and enjoying the beautiful colors of the autumn leaves.

www.visitbuckscounty.com 

The JW Marriot gets a taste of Manhattan's contemporary fashion, while still keeping the natural Denver style. The New York based interior design firm d-ash, spices things up in the new hotel renovations with over five million dollars' worth of upgrades to the hotel's public spaces and 196 guestrooms.

The new design has the feel of a modern Denver Bungalow which d-ash president David Ashen calls "naturally refined". The hotel's lobby, Club Lounge, ballrooms, meeting rooms, Presidential and Junior suites, corridors, and guestrooms all have a splash of the new classic Denver.

The new design features a spectrum of dark blues with pops of orange and magenta and rich wood textures juxtaposing cool modern shapes. The guestrooms are calming with light blues and neutrals while elevator lobbies are boldly painted in dark blue. David Ashen didn't miss a single detail, printing the Colorado state flower, the Columbine, in an abstract in the public corridors.

The new guestrooms are luxurious, each one highlighting four piece marble bathrooms, new furniture, carpet wall coverings and accessories.

One main thing the d-ash team wanted to accentuate was Denver's distinct place in the pantheon of fine arts. Now the JW Marriot holds over 600 pieces of original artwork created by local Colorado artists and curated by the celebrated Paige Powell. The collection features photographer Mark Sink, mixed media artist Saben Aelll, sculptors Tsehai Johnson and Pard Morrison and painter Ian Fisher.

Next time you take a trip to Denver stay at the JW Marriot where you'll feel the organic and sophisticated feel of Colorado.

Contact:

JW Marriot Denver Cherry Creek
150 Clayton Lane
Denver, CO 80206
303-316 -2700

www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/denjw-jw-marriott-denver-cherry-creek/

The Redbury
 Bordello Chic on Hollywood and Vine

 What is the most famous intersection in Los Angeles?  The answer of course is the legendary Hollywood and Vine.  Once again these avenues are making history all over again as the location of the place to stay called The Redbury.

 The Redbury is the newest boutique hotel from the sbe group and it’s where bordello chic meets Hollywood style.  The ample sized rooms or flats as they are called come with full kitchens as well as a living and sleeping area and are inspired by the traditional English antique style, with design elements drawn from a variety of old-world ethnic cultures.  The bedroom area has one wall painted red with a collection of small artwork giving it the feeling of someone’s private art studio.   Ditto the kitchen with one red wall but this with an antique clock and a large island for inviting friends over for morning coffee.  Matthew Rolston, the well known art director, photographer and videographer created a relaxed, cozy environment and practically curated the rooms.

 The Redbury has 57 all-suite flats that range in size from one bedroom at 750 to 850 square feet to two bedroom flats at 1020 square feet.  Every room has a patio or balcony facing either the Hollywood hills or colorful Hollywood Boulevard and come equipped with washer/dryer units and oversized walk-in rain showers.  Amenities include fluffy bathrobes and top of the line bath and body products.   To add a little nostalgic whimsy each room contains a record player and a vinyl collection.  You can listen to the Mama’s and Papa’s singing California Dreamin’ while getting ready for your day in L.A.

 The public areas of The Redbury are decorated with traditional wood paneling and vintage photographs showcasing Hollywood history.  Gleaming antique bronze mirrors accent the walls and large leather sofas on every floor let you rest while waiting for the elevator.

 When the weather cooperates, which is most of the time in Los Angeles, you can sip a cocktail or after dinner drink in The Glade.  This outdoor space between the two wings of The Redbury is appointed with teak decking, oversized weathered wicker furniture and daybeds for taking in the surrounding scenery.  Creeping figs climb the walls and trees in large zinc planters define intimate areas for conversation.  What more could you ask for?

 Also on the premises is Cleo, a signature dining experience from Chef Daniel Elmaleh serving dinner and late night snacks.  The restaurant is named after Cleopatra and full sized images of the muse, including the three actresses that portrayed her in films, grace the dining room.  The cuisine is tapas and Mediterranean inspired small pates, including homemade Laffa flatbreads as well as a variety of meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes. Be sure to try the yummy fried Brussels sprouts.  Cleo also has a raw bar and an inventive drink menu that includes a fantastic tangerine martini.

 Thanks to The Redbury for giving us another reason besides the Capital Records building to visit Hollywood and Vine!

The Redbury

1717 Vine Street 

Los Angeles, CA 90028

 323-962-1717

323-962-1710 (fax)

www.theredbury.com

A Stay Worthy of a King

An escalator whisks you past a glamorous tropical entrance downward toward lush tropical gardens.  You hear a fountain gurgling in the distance and suddenly in front of you is an immense pond stocked with the largest koi you’ve ever seen practically jumping out of the water.  The out of the box landscaping is a sign that you’re not in Kansas anymore and as you turn and descend another flight of steps to reception, the sight of a massive ancestral canoe smack in the middle of the room delivers a poignant realization of the unique spirit of the island of Kauai, the “Garden Island” of Hawaii.

The centerpiece of the Kauai Marriott Lihue property is of course the spectacular 26,000 square-foot pool.  Fit for Esther Williams, the pool includes five Jacuzzi’s that are intricately set into the design – it’s practically an island waterway. This little bit of paradise in the Pacific takes you a million miles away from your cares and woes and offers optimum relaxation.  There’s also a children’s pool with slide and water spout.  Here’s a fun fact for you:  this is the largest pool in the state of Hawaii!

The W Hollywood

A Return to Glamour

Hollywood always loves a return.  That is why everyone in Los Angeles is excited about the opening there of new restaurants, stores and hotels that are revitalizing the neighborhood and bringing it back to life.  Hollywood Boulevard between La Brea and Vine, once the heart of tinseltown, fell into a spiraling decline in the eighties and nineties bringing in low income housing and rockers drawn to LA with dreams of stardom.

Hollywood’s long awaited rebirth began in 2001 with the opening of the Hollywood and Highland Complex, home of the Kodak Theatre and complex of stores, restaurants and hotel on the exact spot where the legendary Hollywood Hotel once stood.  Now, with the opening of the W Hollywood, the gentrification of the neighborhood finally extends to its famous corner, Hollywood and Vine. Constructed on t

A New Twist on Comfort Food

The Squire was struck by the ornate shell chandeliers gracing the dining room of Michy’s, Michelle Bernstein’s cozy, haunt on Biscayne Boulevard and soon learned that the whimsical lighting fixtures were made of Florida sand dollars.  Such is the unexpected nature of this self-professed “gourmet neighborhood restaurant” where the eclectic design blends modernity and antiquity with a little kitsch thanks to the illumination.  The place has the look and feel of an Asian tearoom re-fashioned by Kelly Wearstler, who knows a thing or two about Hollywood Regency style, and the Squire caught the anything goes vibe right away.  With white lacquered chairs upholstered in a bold floral print and comfy orange banquettes perched beneath cobalt blue and orange floral striped walls, the restaurant has the air of a vintage 1940’s Hollywood café.  Even the wraparound eat-in bar enclosing custom wine racks stacked high with unusual vintages invites pleasant company and in fact several patrons opted to relax on the cool white barstools while they feasted on Michy’s (Michelle’s alias) comfort food.  Since the pivotal Mango Gang era in the late 80’s and 90’s, almost no other Miami chef has made as big a splash on the local culinary scene as Chef Michelle and her menu is chock full of the vibrant flavors and lush compositions that have cemented her reputation.

The W Hollywood

A Return to Glamour

Hollywood always loves a return.  That is why everyone in Los Angeles is excited about the opening there of new restaurants, stores and hotels that are revitalizing the neighborhood and bringing it back to life.  Hollywood Boulevard between La Brea and Vine, once the heart of tinseltown, fell into a spiraling decline in the eighties and nineties bringing in low income housing and rockers drawn to LA with dreams of stardom.

Hollywood’s long awaited rebirth began in 2001 with the opening of the Hollywood and Highland Complex, home of the Kodak Theatre and complex of stores, restaurants and hotel on the exact spot where the legendary Hollywood Hotel once stood.  Now, with the opening of the W Hollywood, the gentrification of the neighborhood finally extends to its famous corner, Hollywood and Vine. Constructed on t