While there is never an unpleasant season for weather in Napa Valley, fall is a particularly lovely time to visit. It is only this time of year in which those prized plants that are worshiped for their grapes also draw attention for their vibrant gold, red, and orange leaves. In addition to vineyard tours, another great way to witness the splendor of the season is on a bicycle. Smooth, winding roads roll over hills, forests, vineyards and meadows all sporting their flashiest colors right now. As an autumn cyclist you will not fall prey to the masses of tourists that are a serious summer hazard in the most popular areas of the valley. Still, if you are seeking seclusion on a bike regions such as the Pope Valley offer a wide range of leisurely to strenuous trails, all featuring privacy and peace. If you prefer your own two feet, Howell Mountain is a beautiful and challenging hike, eased by spectacular lookouts and opportunities for vineyard visits along the way.
In addition to a rich array of fall foliage hues, the bounteous farmer’s markets carry their own spread of autumnal tastes. The multitude of organic restaurants in the area also dress for the season, flavoring their sophisticated cuisine with freshness, health, and a culinary festiveness from ingredients that most certainly taste best in the season and scene of their origin. Terra, of nearby St. Helena, serves the local cuisine with a Tuscan aesthetic. Dessert and a nightcap are inevitable with the elegant Bounty Hunter wine bar just down the street. Further, a community of sophisticated lodging and spa options assures the thoroughness of your pampering.
If it is your intention to be eased into winter with gourmet meals, luxurious spas, scenic bike rides, and world class wine, there is no better destination than Napa Valley, California.
November 29, 2007 No Comments
As winter draws near our minds drift toward warmer, sunnier places. Lounging on beaches, swimming in the ocean, and slowly sipping cocktails all likely come to mind. While these are all activities it would be difficult to not enjoy, it could pay to consider alternative forms of relaxation as well. Why not try the ultimate exercise in seeking bodily and spiritual peace while in a naturally peaceful setting? This is the logic behind the private island resort of Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos. A wide range of yogic breathing therapy sessions will either introduce beginners or immerse those well acquainted with pranayama, a form of yoga which focuses on controlled breathing techniques as a way of fully releasing tension. Located on its own secluded island, Parrot Cay resort offers a way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Turks and Caicos far from the rowdy vacationers that flood its beaches during the peak season. In addition to offering privacy and serenity, this resort is extremely chic, creating an environment of simplicity yet indulgence. Comfortable yet minimalist beachside villas offer verandas and pools for luxurious relaxation and the ability to keep a clear mind. The resort’s top quality restaurant maintains the presence of nature on a wide wooden deck overlooking an infinity pool, and the airy bar allows the simultaneous enjoyment of drinks and the soft ocean breezes. The most enticing feature, however, may be the Shambala Spa. In addition to yoga and pilates retreats, this facility offers a wide range of decadent Asian-inspired treatments that are sure to chip away at your layers of accumulated stress. This award-winning resort provides an experience that is both of the highest quality and sophistication as well as a unique approach to relaxation in nature, which is sure to stand out against all those typical beach vacations.
November 15, 2007 No Comments
Fall is rapidly sliding by, and will soon take with it the opportunity to enjoy the wide array of hues currently put on display by trees all over the northeast. Now is a great time to escape the city for some fresh air, while it is still crisp fall breezes and not yet blustery, biting winter winds. Instead of the usual upstate and New England destinations, adventurous New Yorkers might find Shenandoah National Park an exciting alternative. Located just west of Washington, DC in Virginia, this expansive park has a wide range of hiking and camping options and is a spectacular way to experience the colors of fall. For example, the most popular hike known as the ‘Old Rag Ascent’ is a challenging 2.8 mile climb featuring thrilling rock scrambling, treacherous stretches along exposed ledges, slips through crevices and 12-foot cracks in the mountain, and several breathtaking views along the way that build the anticipation for the ultimate summit panorama. At this point many leaves have fallen, creating colorfully carpeted trails and clear views through the trees at more places than usual. Since the trees at higher elevations shed their leaves first, those less adventurous nature-seekers can easily enjoy the trees at peak foliage through a simple walk in the woods or even a trip along the scenic Skyline Drive which winds through the park, offering 75 different overlooks along the way. Additional ways to enjoy the park include bicycling, fishing, horseback riding, birdwatching, or searching for any of the numerous types of wildlife that are often spotted. This natural attraction is the perfect way to take a break from the city and really experience autumn at its best. Just rent a car, grab some hiking boots, and prepare to be dazzled by colors of nature.
November 8, 2007 No Comments
Now is a great time to visit all those colder locales before they become unbearably bitter. If you’ve been thinking about visiting Chicago, taking advantage of this mild autumn before it swiftly develops into a beast of a winter (as it always seems to do too quickly) might make an experience of this great city much more pleasant. There are deals at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile for several days in late November and early December. At $109 per night, this is a difficult-to-turn-down 45% discount from the usual rates for this time of year. The hotel itself has an excellent location in the heart of Chicago’s “Mag Mile,” known for its chic nightlife, shopping, and dining, as well as several impressive architectural landmarks. Additionally, the hotel is also close to Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum, and the Shedd Aquarium, offering an educational break from the indulgence of shopping and nights out. At a 46-story height, the hotel has many beautiful views of the city to the outside and modern, luxurious accommodations on the inside. This is just one option of many for exploring the Windy City, but visiting while the current crisp fall weather is an attraction and not a force to be reckoned with something to keep in mind.
November 1, 2007 No Comments
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