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| Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco, CA July 2008
The splendor of walking across the Golden Gate Bridge was cut abruptly short when my photographer husband's fancy camera fell to the ground due to a faulty camera stop. This shot was taken with my trusty Canon point and shoot camera after much ado, frustration and many curse words. I think it tuned out quite well despite my "inferior" camera's capabilities. It just shows that the shot is defined by who shoots it and not by mega-pixels and apertures. The rest of our west coast tour was shot with my little Canon and they're some of my favorite photos of all.
Thanks for F-stopping by! And stay tuned later this week for another extra special guest post from Iron Stef, food blogger extraordinaire! |
Roving Pic: Golden Gate
Web Roves of the Week: Frances Mayes' Tuscany
In a matter of days, I will be in Tuscany. I've only visited once, but there's something inside of me that says I belong there, that I should live there. Maybe one day I will. So today I pay homage to the romantic Tuscan landscape and way of life with an excerpt from Frances Mayes' classic, Under the Tuscan Sun.
"I AM ABOUT TO BUY A HOUSE IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY. A house with the beautiful name of Bramasole. It is tall, square, and apricot-colored with faded green shutters, ancient tile roof, and an iron balcony on the second level, where ladies might have sat with their fans to watch some spectacle below. But below, overgrown briars, tangles of roses, and knee-high weeds run rampant. The balcony faces southeast, looking into a deep valley, then into the Tuscan Apennines. When it rains or when the light changes, the facade of the house turns gold, sienna, ocher; a previous scarlet paint job seeps through in rosy spots like a box of crayons left to melt in the sun. In places where the stucco has fallen away, rugged stone shows what the exterior once was. The house rises above a strada bianca, a road white with pebbles, on a terraced slab of hillside covered with fruit and olive trees. Bramasole: from bramare, to yearn for, and sole, sun: something that yearns for the sun, and yes, I do."----- Excerpt: Under the Tuscan Sun, Frances MayesFor more on Frances' life in Tuscany, check out her blog. The most recent post features Sting's stunning Tuscan villa. Sigh...
Roving I Finds: $40 Southwest Fares and South Pacific Savings
Today's Roving I Finds: Two great deals that you need to act fast on. Like today fast.
1. Southwest Airlines is celebrating their 40th anniversary. And it's a win win for the rest of us for a few more hours. If you're in the market for some serious savings on air fares, you need to click over to Southwest's $40 Fares . Depending on how far you're flying, fares are priced at $40, $80 and $120 for travel August 23rd through November 16th, 2011. But hurry, the deals end today (6/23/11)!
2. Air Tahiti Nui is making flying to New Zealand or Australia this fall and winter (aka summer down under) even more appealing with a special 3-day stopover in Tahiti for around $1200 to Auckland from LA (slightly more to Sydney). You get your choice of three hotels on Tahiti or Moorea but for an extra $275 pp you get an over-the-water hut at the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort. And nothing says Tahiti like a grass hut. Book by July 1st, 2011 to get the Tahiti treatment included.
Thanks for stopping by! More tomorrow.
Roving IQ: The Art of Travel
I've been eyeing these vintage-inspired travel prints from JHill Design in Boston since last fall. Each city print is based on an "imaginary vacation" taken by the designer. The repeated, iconic visuals combined with destination details encapsulate the location simply, succinctly and beautifully.
Of course I selected two Italy prints to show, however there are multiple locations available - both big names and lesser-known locales from Pondicherry, India to Pittsburgh. You can get them here and start your imaginary vacation tomorrow.
A SPECIAL NOTE: A portion of each purchase of the blue-hued Block Island, Rhode Island print will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association.
A SPECIAL NOTE: A portion of each purchase of the blue-hued Block Island, Rhode Island print will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association.
Roving Pic: Lord Byron in Piccadilly Circus
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| Piccadilly Circus London July 2010 Photo: Scott Clark |
"...Though the night was made for loving, And the day returns too soon, Yet we'll go no more a roving, By the light of the moon." ----- Lord Byron
Roving I Recap: Summer Nights in Soho
On a recent trip to New York for work. A co-worker friend and I found ourselves obligation free on a Wednesday night. So we quickly gave ourselves two obligations, shopping and Mexican food. With those heavy burdens upon our shoulders, we set out on the streets of splendid Soho.
Soho and I go way back. On every trip to New York, whether it has been for business or for fun, I’ve ended up there. She calls to me with her hidden big-name and little-name shop gems, hip but inviting restaurants and cafes and diverse street vendors vending lovelies that I can’t get at home.
I find it wonderful to just wander the uneven Soho sidewalks with no itinerary in hand. The discoveries will be different every time you go, but they will be yours. Whether you're a foodie, a deal finder or a trend follower, Soho is something special.
Where We Roved in Soho:
So long for now, Soho. I will certainly see you next time!
- Dos Caminos: A mighty fine fix for our Mexican food craving. This phenomenal find was a recommend from a family member (Thanks Aunt Cat!) and was a welcome oasis after a long walk in uncomfortable heels. We sat nearly on the outside patio, enjoying the warm evening air through the open doors. One blue pom margarita, several salty chips and gobs of outstanding guac later, I was a little more in love with Soho.
- The Soho Grand: While in town, we attended a media event out in the comfortably chic Soho Grand "Yard." Weathered wooden seating covered by sprawling umbrellas provided ample lounge space for the post-sunset crowd while strewn piazza lights twinkled above the relaxed scene. Complimentary beverages and new friends sealed a simply grand summer evening in Soho.
- Ideya: Gotta love late night Latin. Just down the street from the Soho Grand, Ideya is brightly decorated in Latin American hues of yellow, blue and white. Stepping inside, you could almost hear ocean waves above the city sounds. From the plantains to the pollo asado, the food was fabulous - simple, freshly prepared and somewhat spicy. But it was the creamy coconut mojito that really wowed us. I only had one, but it wasn't nearly enough!
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| Ideya, Soho Photo: Ideya |
Roving I Find: 5 Clicks That Could Take You Places.
(Traveling for work this week set me back on blogging, so this week’s Roving I Find is getting a special Sunday feature. More on my latest trip soon! )
I’m a sucker for sweepstakes and contests, especially when the prize might involve a fabulous trip. Knowing that I can’t be the only travel promotion enthusiast out there (otherwise I would win way more often), I’ve collected of few of my favorite promotion finds below that are perfect for the wandering souls of the world or, at least the continental US. No purchase necessary, but if you win, can you send me a postcard?
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5. 1. The beautifully-designed and written blog, Oh Happy Day! is giving away a trip to Paris with a stay at the hip, new boutique hotel, Mama Shelter. Check it out through June 20th (that's tomorrow!) and find out how to enter here.
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| Mama Shelter Paris, France |
3. Another photo contest could land your shot on the cover of a Frommer's guidebook and give you $1000 towards your next trip. Enter here through June 30, 2011.
4. Have a Visa credit card? Then you may already be entered into Visa's $100,000 Trip of a Lifetime sweepstakes. Just use your card through October 31, 2011 for more chances to win. Odds may be steep but $100,000 pretty much opens the door to the world. More info here. Also, while you're there, check out the new Memory Mapper app from Visa. It's an easy way to track and share your travels with photos, videos and captions.
5. This one is for Dave in honor of Father's Day: Budget Travel Magazine and the state of Montana are giving away a trip for 2 to Montana and your choice of Glacier National Park or Yellowstone National Park. The best part: No camping required. Enter here through June 21, 2011.
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| Old Faithful and some uninterested bison Photo: visitmt.com |
Web Rove of the Week: Iron Stef's 4 Most Extreme St. Louis Food Challenges
I’m very lucky to be great friends with a true St. Louis celebrity, the Riverfront Times 2011 St. Louis Food Blogger of Year, “Iron Stef” aka Stephanie. She’s on a first name basis with Emeril thanks to her ingenious meatloaf cupcakes with mashed potato frosting. She knows every condiment from au jus to soy. She’s super quick with a knife, so watch out. But this Foodie also happens to be one fabulous human being.
Today, you’re in for a real treat: the first in a series of guest posts from the Iron Stef herself and she’s whipped up something special. So, read on. It’s about to get good!
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| Iron Stef Photo: Corey Woodruff coreywoodruff.com |
"Hello Roving I readers! I am totally smitten with my good friend Julie's travel blog here, so it is with honor that I am writing a series of guest posts about food in St. Louis. Whether you are visiting our fair city or already live here and are looking for fun "staycation" ideas, I am proud of St. Louis' food culture. We have lots of good places to eat, from fancy to hole-in-the wall. We have some of the best chef's in the country and we also have lots of diversity... virtually every nationality in the world is represented here. So when Julie asked me to write about the best places to eat, I just could not narrow it down to a single post. So this is the first in a series of... well, however many Julie lets me write... :)
I'm gonna start extreme. Are you a fan of the Travel Channel show Man vs. Food? Do you fancy yourself a bottomless pit or a steel-tongued superstar? Here are some food challenges in the area for when you're feeling... well... gluttonous.
1. Crown Candy Kitchen Malt Challenge. (http://crowncandykitchen.net/) Crown Candy Kitchen has been a St. Louis favorite since 1913! Located in the north side of the city, Crown Candy is famous for its delicious chocolates and ice cream malts. If you can drink 5 malts in 30 minutes, you get them for free. You also win bragging rights. This is a big feat... one that beat Adam from Man vs. Food (video here). That's right. He had a reversal.... 5 malts does not sound like a lot, but they are big malts. Even if you are not up for the challenge, I encourage you to visit this old-school eatery. I love the BLT, as well as the candies and the fudge sundae.
2. The Pointersaurus Challenge at Pointer's Pizza
Only 16 teams of 2 have won this challenge since its inception in 2001. It's no wonder... the Pointersaurus is 28" in diameter and weighs 10 pounds. Not many people can take down 5 pounds of dough, meat and cheese. If you and a friend can, though, you'll win $500!
3. The Level 25 (and up) Challenge at Pearl Cafe http://www.pearlcafestl.com/
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| Photo: Corey Woodruff coreywoodruff.com |
Pearl Cafe is located in my neck of the woods in North St. Louis Country. They have fantastic Thai and Vietnamese food, worth a visit even if you are not trying to set your insides on fire. However, if you can stand the heat, the Level 25 challenge will test you. The heat level in normal dishes ranges from 1-5. For the Level 25, 50, 75 and 100, Pearl mixes in more peppers, including ghost pepper concentrate to make you sweat. You have to start at 25 and work your way up to 100 in subsequent visits... there is no jumping straight to the top. When you beat each stage you get your picture on Pearl's Facebook page. Some friends of mine took on the 25 challenge, a visit I documented in a recent Food Blog Mafia post. They beat it, then ordered a Level 50 dish just to try. I tried a bite of the 50. My lips were on fire for a good 20 minutes. This is serious stuff. The guy who runs the challenge told us that the people who beat the Level 100 would usually be pretty out of it by the time they finished... like in an altered state! That's HOT.
4. The Archinator at Pam's Chicago Style Hot Dogs
I only recently discovered Pam's, a fun little hot dog joint on the Delmar Loop, an entertainment district that is home to lots of fun shops, restaurants, theatres and music venues. Pam's is rebellious in that the back wall displays Cub's baseball memorabilia. In a Cardinals town, this is a risky move. They make up for it by offering an array of hot dogs, gyros and crazy, heart-clogging fried desserts (Twinkies battered and deep fried, balls of cookie dough battered and deep fried, Twix bar wrapped in cookie dough battered and deep fried... !!!). The Archinator is a 22-inch beef dog, served on a whole baguette and dressed the Chicago way (bright green relish, mustard, pickled peppers, tomatoes, onions, celery salt). The Archinator CHALLENGE however, includes Chili, sauerkraut, cheese and more (see photo for full description), and a large order of fries and a soda. If you can down this you get your photo on the wall and a $20 gift certificate to come back.
So, are you up to St. Louis' extreme food challenges?"
Special thanks to Iron Stef for her delicious first guest post. She truly has the recipe for wonderful.
Roving IQ: Top 5 Road Trip Vehicles
VW Golf Diesel: Scott says: "It's not as hip as the GTI, but it gets great gas mileage and has all the comfort bells and whistles one can ask for. Besides, there is not another car manufacturer who makes as nice of an interior as VW at nearly any price point. So keep the hybrids for the movie stars in Hollywood, as this is the car that gets nearly 550 miles to a tank of gas in comfort and style."
GMC Explorer Conversion Van: Scott says: "This is not your mom's mini van. This vehicle, more than anything else on the road has more luxury and comfort features. People driving Escalades may think they are in the know, but you know better. Up to six captain chairs, multiple TV screens, and enough lights and mirrors to throw a dance party in the back. You'll swear your staying in a high-priced luxury suite at the Bellagio in Vegas. A Dodge Caravan minivan can't hold a candle to this baby."
What's your road trip vehicle of choice?
Sorry for the late post! Thanks for reading!
Roving Pic: A Grand Shot
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| Grand Canyon December 2009 Photo: Scott Clark |
Roving I Recap: Cathedral Rock Cairns
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| Cathedral Rock Cairn Sedona, Arizona December 2009 |
In December of 2009, I had never heard the word "cairn." The landmark markers were known to me only by their photos, not by their name or purpose. As we began our hiking day on the flat and easy Cathedral Rock trail, we were already completely captivated with Sedona. Beauty was everywhere - from the massive Red Rock sculptures to the laid-back Southwest spirit. So I shouldn't have been surprised to discover unbelievable beauty in an elegantly stacked pile of rocks.
We came across one early on the path. It was simple, at most five stones. But the creator had taken the time to add a certain level of visual interest to it by placing a smaller stone underneath a large one. Despite its gravity-defying design, it stood proud in the pre-snow air.
When the trail opened up to a dry creek bed basin, we quickly realized that the first stack was only a preview of the feature presentation. Hundreds of cairns filled the basin. Stones were carefully stacked everywhere - on the ground, in trees, on fallen branches and on other stacks of stones.
The invitation sent, we quickly accepted, grabbing available stones to leave our own marks on the already over-landmarked landscape. It was great fun stacking and unstacking stones to build soaring, but precarious structures, others that were small and stocky and "mixed media" creations that combined smooth stones with natural elements including leaves, shells and twigs. When it was time to make our way to our second hike, I was sad to leave my new contemplative playground.
I later learned that cairns are left on hiking trails to help passers-by find their way. On that December morning, we found ours, in the shadow of a Sedona legend.
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| Cathedral Rock Sedona, Arizona December 2009 |
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| Cairn Central Sedona, Arizona December 2009 |
Web Rove of the Week: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
This book had me laughing out loud on a plane, much to the annoyance of my fellow passengers as their not-so-subtle sighs and glares revealed. Witty and wonderful, Bryson's books never fail to impress, intrigue and side-splittingly entertain. It's storytelling at its best. And it's travel writing that inspires me every time I read it. Maybe enough to even consider going camping. Well, probably not.
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| Photo: A Walk in the Woods, Bill Bryson |
"When, after ages and ages, you finally reach the tell-tale world of truly high ground, where the chilled air smells of pine sap and the vegetation is gnarled and tough and wind-bent, and push through to the mountain's open pinnacle, you are, alas, past caring. You sprawl face down on a sloping pavement of gneiss, pressed to the rock by the weight of your pack, and lie there for some minutes, reflecting in a distant, out-of-body way that you have never before looked this closely at lichen, not in fact looked this closely at anything in the natural world since you were four years old and had your first magnifying glass. Finally, with a weary puff, you roll over, unhook yourself from your pack, struggle to your feet and realise--again in a remote, light-headed, curiously not-there way--that the view is sensational: a boundless vista of wooded mountains, unmarked by human hand, marching off in every direction. This really could be heaven. It's splendid, no question, but the thought you cannot escape is that you have to walk this view--and this is the barest fraction of what you will traverse before you've finished.
You compare your map with the immediate landscape and note that the path ahead descends into a steep valley--a gorge really, not unlike the gorges the coyote is forever plunging into in Roadrunner cartoons; gorges that have actual vanishing points--which will deliver you to the base of a hill even more steep and formidable than this, and that when you scale that preposterously taxing peak you will have done 1.7 miles since breakfast, while your schedule (blithely drawn up at a kitchen table and jotted down after perhaps three seconds' consideration) calls for 8.9 miles by lunch, 16.8 by teatime, and even greater distances tomorrow.
But perhaps it is also raining, a cold, slanting, merciless rain, with thunder and lightning playing on the neighbouring hills. Perhaps a troop of Eagle Scouts comes by at a depressing trot.
Perhaps you are cold and hungry and smell so bad that you can no longer smell yourself. Perhaps you want to lie down and be as the lichen: not dead exactly but just very still for a long, long time.
But of course I had all this ahead of me. Today I had nothing to do but traverse four middling mountains over seven miles of wellmarked trail in clear, dry weather. It didn't seem too much to ask. It was hell." --------- Excerpt: A Walk in the Woods, Bill BrysonHappy Weekend!
Roving I Find: Chic Savings in St. Louis
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| Photo: Moonrise Hotel |
SniqueAway.com (free membership site) has a phenomenal deal on the helplessly hip and ever-so-stylish Moonrise Hotel in St. Louis, MO. Through October, you can book a superior room for as low as $105 per night (normally $169 and up). Ready for a romantic, urban getaway? Want to be within walking distance to top-notch noshes, music venues and shopping? Then, read on.
What makes the Moonrise rise to the top:
- Two refreshment establishments on site: The Rooftop Terrace Bar and Eclipse Restaurant
- Its prime "Loop" Location - Resides on one of St. Louis' most famed neighborhood streets, Delmar Boulevard, with restaurant and entertainment options galore
- Close to some of St. Louis' top sites in and around nearby Forest Park: The St. Louis Zoo, The Muny (historic outdoor theater), The St. Louis Art Museum, Washington University, etc.
Thanks for reading!
Roving IQ: You are a Tourist
And so begins my perfect playlist for travel. I've loved Death Cab for Cutie's newest single from the moment I first heard its sweet beat. It fuels that "burning in my heart" for travel. Whether it's meant to be taken that literally or not, I do, and I think it makes my summer trip soundtrack that much better.
As we approach our upcoming Italian immersion, I'm carefully selecting the songs that will accompany us on our adventure. My working playlist is below. Some songs are destination focused, some are all about the journey and others are just great songs to travel by.
1. "You are a Tourist," Death Cab for Cutie
2. "The Light," Album Leaf - I sleep to this song on almost every plane ride.
3. "Laredo," Band of Horses
4. "Impossible Germany," Wilco - Beautiful guitar solo, beautiful song.
5. "Lost in My Mind," The Head & The Heart - One of my new folksy favorites.
6. "Seaside," The Kooks
7. "Quiet Town," Josh Rouse - I like to visit quiet towns. Living in one, even better.
8. "England," The National - About someone somewhere in London.
9. "KC," Matt Pond PA
10. "Summertime," Mae - An ode to my favorite travel season.
11. "Ocean Breathes Salty," Modest Mouse
12. "Strawberry Swing," Coldplay - Reminds me of Sonoma wine country every time I hear it.
13. "An Olive Grove Facing the Sea," Snow Patrol
14. "Pink Moon," Nick Drake - The perfect song to listen to while driving at night, as proven by VW.
15. "Such Great Heights," Postal Service
16. "Take this Waltz," Leonard Cohen - Always makes me want to be back in Vienna.
17. "Airplanes," Local Natives - Wistful and lovely.
18. "All the Photos," The Sea and Cake
19. "Big Jet Plane," Angus & Julia Stone - Plane ride perfection.
21. "The Dock of the Bay," Otis Reading - A relaxing classic.
22. "Goodbye Sky Harbor, Jimmy Eat World - I can't think of a better song to close a travel playlist with.
We have a 9+ hour plane ride to fill so if you have an addition for my playlist, please leave a comment. I'd love to hear it. Thanks for stopping by!
As we approach our upcoming Italian immersion, I'm carefully selecting the songs that will accompany us on our adventure. My working playlist is below. Some songs are destination focused, some are all about the journey and others are just great songs to travel by.
1. "You are a Tourist," Death Cab for Cutie
2. "The Light," Album Leaf - I sleep to this song on almost every plane ride.
3. "Laredo," Band of Horses
4. "Impossible Germany," Wilco - Beautiful guitar solo, beautiful song.
5. "Lost in My Mind," The Head & The Heart - One of my new folksy favorites.
6. "Seaside," The Kooks
7. "Quiet Town," Josh Rouse - I like to visit quiet towns. Living in one, even better.
8. "England," The National - About someone somewhere in London.
9. "KC," Matt Pond PA
10. "Summertime," Mae - An ode to my favorite travel season.
11. "Ocean Breathes Salty," Modest Mouse
12. "Strawberry Swing," Coldplay - Reminds me of Sonoma wine country every time I hear it.
13. "An Olive Grove Facing the Sea," Snow Patrol
14. "Pink Moon," Nick Drake - The perfect song to listen to while driving at night, as proven by VW.
15. "Such Great Heights," Postal Service
16. "Take this Waltz," Leonard Cohen - Always makes me want to be back in Vienna.
17. "Airplanes," Local Natives - Wistful and lovely.
18. "All the Photos," The Sea and Cake
19. "Big Jet Plane," Angus & Julia Stone - Plane ride perfection.
21. "The Dock of the Bay," Otis Reading - A relaxing classic.
22. "Goodbye Sky Harbor, Jimmy Eat World - I can't think of a better song to close a travel playlist with.
Roving Pic: Sedona in the Snow
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| Sedona, Devil's Bridge December 2009 Photo: Scott Clark |
Roving I Recap: Snowdona
When planning a winter trip, snow, ice and cold are extremely low on my wish list. I aim to go somewhere with an average temperature at least twenty degrees warmer than our hometown of St. Louis, MO. Sedona, Arizona seemed like a safe bet. It's in the middle of the desert, offers endless places to hike, dine and explore and it has an average snowfall of a mere nine inches per year. Sold.
When we arrived in Sedona two days after Christmas in 2009, in a holiday haze, it was dark - desert dark. As we approached town, we could make out silhouettes of sleeping giants when the headlights hit them on turns. It's was an incredibly tantalizing sight and we wanted more.
The next morning, we were not disappointed. Coming from the flat, green, corn and soybean-covered Midwest, the Sedona landscape was foreign and fantastic. The sleeping giants from the night before awoke as burnt orange, cream and brown rock formations. They provided a buffet of spectacular views in every direction. We were in absolute awe, enjoying every last morsel of the surroundings until we got wind of the approaching cold front.
Knowing snow in Sedona is a rare event, we set out to hike expecting a chilly but dry day. However, our expectations failed to line up with the weatherman's. As we pulled into the parking lot for our second hike, Doe Mountain, the sky was filling with flurries.
The flurries quickly turned to fluffy flakes and proceeded to playfully smack us in the face as we made our way up the trail to the top of the mesa. About halfway up I was struck by the realization that this was actually a perfect day for hiking in Sedona. The trail was deserted, aside from a few hikers on their way down. The landscape was covered in snow, a truly unique state for this dry terrain. And the sky, peaks and plateaus provided endless opportunities for our breath to be taken away. And it was with every step.
The snow in Sedona gave us more than just incredible photo opps. It gave us time alone with Sedona, time to see its hidden, softer side, and time to fall in love with the place. I know we'll be going back, probably in a more temperate time of year, but I'll be hoping for that impossible dusting of snow to bring back a little of the wonder from our first snowy visit.
When we arrived in Sedona two days after Christmas in 2009, in a holiday haze, it was dark - desert dark. As we approached town, we could make out silhouettes of sleeping giants when the headlights hit them on turns. It's was an incredibly tantalizing sight and we wanted more.
The next morning, we were not disappointed. Coming from the flat, green, corn and soybean-covered Midwest, the Sedona landscape was foreign and fantastic. The sleeping giants from the night before awoke as burnt orange, cream and brown rock formations. They provided a buffet of spectacular views in every direction. We were in absolute awe, enjoying every last morsel of the surroundings until we got wind of the approaching cold front.
Knowing snow in Sedona is a rare event, we set out to hike expecting a chilly but dry day. However, our expectations failed to line up with the weatherman's. As we pulled into the parking lot for our second hike, Doe Mountain, the sky was filling with flurries.
The flurries quickly turned to fluffy flakes and proceeded to playfully smack us in the face as we made our way up the trail to the top of the mesa. About halfway up I was struck by the realization that this was actually a perfect day for hiking in Sedona. The trail was deserted, aside from a few hikers on their way down. The landscape was covered in snow, a truly unique state for this dry terrain. And the sky, peaks and plateaus provided endless opportunities for our breath to be taken away. And it was with every step.
The snow in Sedona gave us more than just incredible photo opps. It gave us time alone with Sedona, time to see its hidden, softer side, and time to fall in love with the place. I know we'll be going back, probably in a more temperate time of year, but I'll be hoping for that impossible dusting of snow to bring back a little of the wonder from our first snowy visit.
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| Scott in Snowy Sedona December 2009 |
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| Scott standing on Devil's Bridge Sedona, AZ December 2009 |
Web Roves of the Week: Six Links to Linger Over
In honor of the first Friday in June, here's a list of travel web finds that are sure to make your passport itch. Enjoy!
1. Jetsetter.com: Featured in yesterday's post, this membership-required travel site (it's free to join), is a feast for travel lovers' eyes. The photos are as phenomenal as the deals.
2. Snapshots of Provence: A beautifully-designed interactive experience dedicated to the Provence, Marseille and Camargue regions in France. Explore by sight or sound. On y va!
3. Vintage Postcard Passport Holders: Add a unique look to your passport with these covers available in vintage, travel-inspired designs. And they're a bargain at only $5 each.
4. Discover Ireland Trip Planner: Ireland tourism site with a handy interactive planner tool to help you customize your trip before you go. Make sure to plan in plenty of time for Guinness.
5. Around the World in 80 Days: Explore 80 Hotel Offers in 80 Days with Luxury Link's limited-time offers. We're halfway through at Day 40. Today's deal: Terme Manzi Hotel & Spa on the island of Ischia in Italy. It looks spectacular.
6. World's 20 Coolest Hotel Pools: It's 95 degrees here today. That inspired me to check out Forbes' list of awesome hotel pools from around the world. If only they were within diving distance. (Sorry - couldn't help myself on that one.)
Hope you're roving somewhere great this weekend! More on Monday.
1. Jetsetter.com: Featured in yesterday's post, this membership-required travel site (it's free to join), is a feast for travel lovers' eyes. The photos are as phenomenal as the deals.
2. Snapshots of Provence: A beautifully-designed interactive experience dedicated to the Provence, Marseille and Camargue regions in France. Explore by sight or sound. On y va!
3. Vintage Postcard Passport Holders: Add a unique look to your passport with these covers available in vintage, travel-inspired designs. And they're a bargain at only $5 each.
4. Discover Ireland Trip Planner: Ireland tourism site with a handy interactive planner tool to help you customize your trip before you go. Make sure to plan in plenty of time for Guinness.
5. Around the World in 80 Days: Explore 80 Hotel Offers in 80 Days with Luxury Link's limited-time offers. We're halfway through at Day 40. Today's deal: Terme Manzi Hotel & Spa on the island of Ischia in Italy. It looks spectacular.
6. World's 20 Coolest Hotel Pools: It's 95 degrees here today. That inspired me to check out Forbes' list of awesome hotel pools from around the world. If only they were within diving distance. (Sorry - couldn't help myself on that one.)
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| Photo: Forbes Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah |
Roving I Find: Business Meets Pleasure
I've been fortunate enough to stay in some nice places when I travel for business. And I'm pretty sure it was business travel that helped to "season" my taste for finer hotels. But now, when I travel on my dime, my preferred hotel star level still hovers somewhere between four and five when my desired per night price is closer to the two-star or three-star range.
I'm a Hotel Snob. I'll admit it. I like pristine, comfortable beds, opulent interiors, helpful staff and amazing amenities (Hello Mr. Spa). Two flash sales on Jetsetter this week offer all that and more at prices that please. Hotel Snob approved.
I'm a Hotel Snob. I'll admit it. I like pristine, comfortable beds, opulent interiors, helpful staff and amazing amenities (Hello Mr. Spa). Two flash sales on Jetsetter this week offer all that and more at prices that please. Hotel Snob approved.
The Find:
- Mondrian LA: If you're in LA, you might as well live it up on the iconic Sunset Boulevard. This deal knocks the nightly price to a digestible $210 for most dates through September. (The same room goes for $295 or more on Mondrian's site, depending on the dates.) The views from the rooftop pool are reason enough to stay here.
- Sofitel Philadelphia: Whether you're visiting "The City of Brotherly Love" for the Liberty Bell or Geno's Cheesesteaks, staying in style is easy and a lot more affordable through August, with rates as low as $130 per night. Two of Philly's major hot spots, Rittenhouse Square and the Walnut Street shopping district, are within easy walking distance.
Roving IQ: Keen to Hike
From climbing virtually vertical trails in Red Rock Country to early morning wanderings around a sleeping volcano, while half asleep, hiking has been on the itinerary on five of my last six trips. When we reach our destination, we hike as much as my patience allows, and sometimes more. And while I enjoy the fresh air and change of scenery, the act of hiking can be a daunting task for a known concrete diver. Having the right footwear is an absolute must.
When I discovered the Keen Voyageur hiking shoes, I knew I was saved. With the breathable and lightweight design, cushioned foot bed, wide toe box and aggressive tread, I can remain comfortable while remaining upright. If only I could wear these to dinner instead of heels, my knees might actually stand a chance.
When I discovered the Keen Voyageur hiking shoes, I knew I was saved. With the breathable and lightweight design, cushioned foot bed, wide toe box and aggressive tread, I can remain comfortable while remaining upright. If only I could wear these to dinner instead of heels, my knees might actually stand a chance.
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| Photo: REI |
The Keen Voyageur is available for Men and Women at rei.com and keenfootwear.com. Average price: $100.
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