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Category: Travel

Unique Things to Do in October

Have I ever got unique things to do in October --  Latin Restaurant Weeks, film, smash hit SIX The Musical, Redland orchid festival, international auto show, and an art trip to Rome.  Plus, disturbing news about the Tower Theater and what to do about it.
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Fabulous Friday – Marques de Riscal Hotel and Vineyards

A stay at the 61 Room and Suite Hotel Marqués de Riscal designed by Frank Gehry has always been on my “to go” list. Having seen many images of it over the years, I expected it to be an extraordinary design along with memorable food and wine. What I didn’t expect was the exquisite taste and style of the furnishings and art which were also designed or chosen by Gehry. And then there’s the setting in almost 30 acres of vineyards in Spain's Basque country, picture book worthy countryside. Its bodega (wine cellar) dates from the founding of the winery in 1860 along with wines of the period .The bodega tours with tasting have been named among the world's best.
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Fabulous Friday – Breakfast at Maison Dedine

Blueberry pancakes the size of a plate with lots of Amish butter and bacon at Reading Terminal in Philadelphia, lox and bagel at Barney Greengrass in New York, jamon serrano on a crusty roll at a bar in Spain, they all make for a delicious breakfast. But then, on another level are the breakfast buffets at top hotels – the lavish spreads with a highlight of cheeses and cold cuts at the Adlon in Berlin, all matter of herrings and other fishes at the Grand Hotel in Oslo,  Asian and European buffet at the Peninsula in Bangkok, and now there’s a new and very different edition to the list worthy of Fabulous Friday—breakfast at Maison Dedine, a five room Small Luxury Hotel of the World in Tunis, This make you hungry for breakfast in Miami? Read on until the end for my eariier two part series on where to go here.
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Tips When Traveling, Summer/Fall ’22

Tips when traveling this summer and early fall 2022: Where for the past two years the challenge in international traveling has been staying healthy, navigating differing COVID requirements and lockdowns, and getting COVID tests before returning to the US, this year it’s the sheer number of people traveling. But don’t dismay, it’s still very much worth it, and there are strategies to keep traveling and keep stress levels low! As I write this I'm on an extended trip to Europe (Paris, Istanbul, Greece, Spain) and Tunisia and thought it’d be helpful to share some advice from my travels. Here are my tips and insights along with images of some trip highlights:
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Uvence Arte + Hotel, Chiapas

The best Chiapas hotel hands down is the 18 suite Uvence Arte + Hotel, a totally intriguing blend of contemporary architecture by Julio Amezcua in the finest Mexican tradition. It encompasses an 18th century flour mill converted to suites, its own museum and outdoor sculpture garden, all within walking distance of the historic center of San Cristobal de las Casas. Its special qualities will come as no surprise as soon as you hear it’s the passion of Mario Uvence, the foremost antique dealer in Mexico as well as collector and cultural figure. In case you missed part 1, things to do in Chiapas, click here.
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Getaway: Chiapas, Mexico

Finally, after wanting to go to the state of Chiapas in southeastern Mexico bordering Guatemala and Belize for many years. Mr. W and I headed there recently. I’d always heard from well traveled friends about its authenticity, diverse and beautiful natural settings and soft adventure, no fewer than ten indigenous cultures with their rich tradition of crafts for shopping, and great value for the dollar. And after a week, that’s what we found and then some. Here are things to do in Chiapas, Mexico  Part 1. Part 2 is where to stay.
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My Cruise Experience During COVID: Virgin Voyages

We went on the 5 day/4 night Virgin Voyages' Bahamas cruise, one of the new line's first, over New Year’s. We went with a girlfriend who booked a solo cabin. Sure enough, the Scarlet Lady review is we all loved it, and didn't get COVID. If you're concerned about wanting to be in open spaces, read on for the list of all the outdoor options at the end of the post. I haven’t been an ocean cruiser. My millennial son took the inaugural cruise of Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady and kept telling me, “Mom, you’re going to love this”. He seldom says that.  Richard Branson’s unconventional cruise ship has great energy, vibe, variety, an interesting mix of adults of all ages and the attractive public areas look like a boutique hotel. Its exterior even looks different with its sleek silvery grey hull and bright red touches;   the color palette reminded me of a Nike sneaker. Plus 20+ eateries for what were 1200 passengers and much more. I’m ready to go back and repeat the same cruise.
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Updated Dec. ’25: Best Palm Beach Restaurants

If you're planning on going to Palm Beach for the Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera show at the Norton Museum (until Feb.6) or just for a welcome change, here's my list of the best restaurants in Palm Beach with new additions from last time. Different price points as well. Note that in winter season restaurants can book up very early, so best to reserve two weeks in advance or think about going for lunch at the most coveted spots.  Here, too, is an updated list of new things to do and links to my posts on where to stay.
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Getaway: Hotel DU PONT in Wilmington – Part 2

The place to stay in Wilmington, Delaware for over a century  has been the HOTEL DU PONT and with the presidency of Joe Biden who has lived in the city for most of his life, it is enjoying a new day in the limelight. Its Impressive history includes having hosted 10 US Presidents and countless celebrities in culture and the arts as well as leaders of the corporate world. With its new owners, the Buccini/Pollin Group,  it has been  enhanced with a star chef/partner heading up its signature restaurant, an addition of a noteworthy spa, food hall/incubator,  refreshed guest rooms and suites, and a "new" Playhouse Theater. We spent several days there and felt pampered, steeped in history, and, at the same time, at home.  In case you missed it, here's Part 1 on things to do in Willmington and the Brandywine Valley.
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Getaway: Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley

I'd venture to say that many if not most Americans have not known where Delaware is, let alone Wilmington. Now, thanks to Joe and Jill Biden living there, more people have certainly heard of it. The place where I grew up after having been born in Philadelphia, I decided to return and do it like a tourist, besides visiting some of the President's favorite places (including eateries). What I found is things to do that were way better than I remembered, and insights into the person who is our 46th President. You'll see that if you have a trip to Philadelphia in store (a great place for art, history and eating -- see link below about my getaway there), Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley  make for an ideal add on, including a landmark, historic hotel to stay in -- the HOTEL DU PONT.
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