Valerie Gladstone
Valerie Gladstone writes for The New York Times, Boston Globe, Travel and Leisure and many other publications. She has published books on art and dance, most recently "A Young Dancer: The Life of An Ailey Student," with photographer Jose Ivey.
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Much More than the Alhambra
Situated on the rugged foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Granada has long been famed as the site of the Alhambra, the glorious 14th-century palace built under Moorish rule. But in recent years, ambitious efforts by the Andalusian Legacy Foundation to revive Granada's rich Hispanic-Moorish past have made many other areas of the city wonderfully inviting.
Orange Trees, Leafy Patios, Tapas, Flamenco and Red Wine
The sounds of stamping feet and lustily strummed guitars burst from every corner of this radiant city during the Bienal de Flamenco, which takes place this year from September 15-October 9. Day and night, in 16th-century plazas and Art Deco theaters, top-flight dancers and musicians celebrate the art over a four-week period packed with performances, workshops and classes. “It’s a fantastic time to visit,” says Miguel Marin, who presents Flamenco Festival USA every year, and grew up in a nearby village. “It’s where I go to find the best new artists and to see the legends perform. The city comes totally alive.”
Andaz Wall Street
“Invent something new, something personal, something that matters,” Hyatt Hotels challenged acclaimed architect David Rockwell, when it offered him the job of designing Andaz Wall Street, the third hotel in its elegant new collection. The first two are in London and West Hollywood and the fourth will open in mid-town Manhattan later this year with each distinctly different. “That got my juices going,” he says.
A Royal and Bucolic London Getaway
‘‘Richmond’s great for walking,’’ says a patron named Bruce, raising a glass of ale to his mouth. ‘‘It’s best for seeing real history, without running into crowds,’’ counters Alan, who shares a wooden bench with him near the crackling fireplace in the cozy Victoria Inn. It’s easy to join conversation here and they field my questions about the town with pride.
