Roving I

Roving I Recap: Sedona Rouge - Approachable Luxury in Red Rock Country

2012-03-06T21:45:00.000-06:00

Sedona Rouge

Our second trip to Sedona in two years was a bit last minute - booked, bought and paid for after a discussion (with wine) on a Friday night last fall. Flights secured, my search shifted to finding suitable accommodations. After scouring my trusted sites for last minute deals, I found a bargain at the Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa.

It's convenient location on Highway 79A had me a bit worried that the road noise would travel, but checking in, I knew I had booked the right place. Our room was located near the back of the property and it was spacious and tastefully decorated with Moroccan touches. The shower was positively enormous. And the view, as in most of Sedona, was jaw-droppingly spectacular.

Sedona Rouge Spa Suite Room

Daily yoga classes (I almost made it to one!), full-service spa, heated pool and rooftop fire pit make a stay at any time of year even more comfortable. Reds, an upscale restaurant located on the property next to the main office serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. (We very much enjoyed our meal there our last night in town.)

Sedona Rouge Courtyard

Returning to the Sedona Rouge each day with red rock dust covering our shoes after hiking, after winery visits with more wine in hand and after filling mid-winter dinners, we felt very much at home. And the knowledge that we would be waking up to a view of Thunder Mountain made falling asleep that much easier.

Sedona's Stunning Red Rock Views

Roving I Finds: Central America Getaways

2012-03-02T17:46:00.000-06:00

Gaia Hotel & Reserve
Costa Rica

Central America is new to my "To Go" list. And as I began to explore possible locations, I found some deals that would be perfect for those of you planning a trip there this year. Enjoy!

Costa Rica: If you've always wanted to stay in the rain forest, the luxury Gaia Hotel & Reserve sits on a private nature reserve. For $1220, you get a 4-night stay, a free upgrade to an ocean-view studio and $1000 in dining, spa and transportation credits with this special offer from Travelzoo.com. More info here.

Nicaraguan Beach

Nicaragua: Jetsetter.com has savings on the unique tree house accommodations at eco-friendly Aqua Wellness Resort. Private plunge pools, a secluded horseshoe-shaped beach and open-air yoga classes make your stay even more enjoyable. Get more details and book here for as low as $132/night.

St. George's Caye Resort
Belize

Belize: If Scuba is your thing, Luxurylink.com has a 5-night package for 2 at St. George's Caye Resort including ocean cabana accommodations, round trip airport transfers, all meals (and unlimited rum punch!) starting at $2059. Dates are available through October. Find more information here.

Roving Pic: Siena Today

2012-02-17T19:10:00.000-06:00

Siena
July 2011

Siena's past was pressed beautifully into every stone, structure and side street, making the present difficult to see.

Roving Pic: Red Rock Sunset

2012-02-07T17:50:00.000-06:00

Sedona at Sunset
December 2011

Majestic. Muted. Magical.

Roving Pic: Lone Tree

2012-01-25T22:49:00.000-06:00

Lone Tree
Sedona, Arizona
December 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

Left alone and lovely, its twisted form scattered delicate slivers of shade on its red rock resting place.

Roving Pic: On the Edge

2012-01-19T23:27:00.000-06:00

Private Property
Jerome, Arizona
December 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

On the edge of a cliff, supported by a never-ending view and ever-shifting red and gray grit. On the edge of destruction, cracked, crumbling and awkwardly crooked. On the edge of time, suspended in a past that still lingers in the dry, high desert air.

Roving I Finds: Great Escapes for Winter

2012-01-09T22:14:00.000-06:00

We're just back from a far-too-short-stay in Sedona and I'm already searching my trusty travel sites for where I can go next, even if it's just for a short getaway. Below are some amazing destinations with equally amazing savings for winter travel. Only three months to go until Spring!

Dublin, Ireland: If you're looking to enjoy some Guinness goodness this March or April, Travelzoo.com is featuring a Sceptre Tours package for air and four nights hotel stay at the 5-star Four Seasons in Dublin's City Center for just $799 per person from JFK (other departure cities are available). More info here.
Scottsdale, Arizona: Named after its towering prickly neighbors, the hip Saguaro Hotel is offering rooms starting at $99/night through Sniqueaway.com for stays through March. Book by Saturday.
Palm Springs, California: The swanky desert retreat and former Rat Pack hangout, Riviera Palm Springs has just completed an extensive renovation and is celebrating with big savings this winter through vacationist.com. Book for as low at $148/night by Wednesday.
Austin, Texas: Nab a stay at Starwood's trendy Aloft brand in Austin (and other Texas towns) for as low as $119/night for stays on dates through March. Visit Travelzoo.com for more info and to book by January 20th.

Roving Pic: Red Rocked

2012-01-03T22:40:00.000-06:00

Red Giants
Sedona, AZ
December 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

As we followed the trail deeper into canyon, the red giants slept, growing taller and more magnificent with every step. Sufficiently awed and thoroughly amazed, we walked on in wonder amongst them.

Roving Pic: Edge of the World

2011-12-13T19:00:00.000-06:00

View from Ravello
July 2011

Our time in lovely Ravello can be summed up with this: One short-lived afternoon with a never-ending view.

Roving Pic: Day on the Bay

2011-11-29T20:37:00.000-06:00

Bay
July 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

On the surface, it appeared to be a dreary, drizzly day in Positano. But, as the hours slipped by, I realized it was right as rain.

Roving Pic: Positano From Above

2011-11-22T18:49:00.000-06:00

A Positano Evening
July 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

Below us, a twinkling gem was tucked neatly into the hillside. In front of us, the gray sea stretched out, engulfing the horizon. Above us, night slipped in, one delicate shade of darkness at a time.

Roving Pic: Hide & Seek

2011-11-15T10:42:00.000-06:00

Hide & Seek
Positano, Italy
July 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

The Amalfi Coast air was warm on July 5th. A fingernail moon floated above us and on the waves as we walked, gelato in hand, toward the water. A group of children were already there, dodging each other in the darkness, taking turns counting to "dieci." As they stealthily ducked out of site, cloaked by vacant lounge chairs and closed umbrellas, I realized that a summer night at the beach in Italy was a lot like a summer night at the beach in the States.

Roving I Recap: Dining Al Fresco in the Chianti Hills

2011-11-07T23:10:00.000-06:00

Before spending time in Tuscany, when I imagined dining in the Tuscan hills (which I often did), I envisioned al fresco meals with candle-lit tables near ancient stone dwellings with rows of deep green cypress trees lining the horizon. After reading the review for La Cantinetta di Rignana in my ever-present Frommer's book, I knew I had found my authentic Tuscan dining experience. Next, we just had to get there.

A rigorous day of sight-seeing in Florence and a bout of Italian rush hour traffic had left us famished for dinner and for the familiar, relaxed Tuscan countryside. We couldn't wait to get back to our peaceful, cypress-lined paradise that I had started to regard as home.

Once back in Greve in Chianti, we followed the somewhat daunting directions in the book that went something like this: Exit Greve to the east. Drive past Montefioralle, follow the one lane road up a steep hill, through several switchbacks until you get to a fork in the road. A simple sign for La Cantinetta di Rignana will guide you left down an unmarked rock road. Follow 3 miles (in the dark) until you reach a tiny stone hamlet perched on the hillside and La Cantinetta di Rignana.

We wandered through the marked entrance and into a place straight out of my dining daydreams. Once seated at a cozy, candle-lit table, wine was ordered along with a house speciality, "carciofi" (artichoke hearts). The appetizer consisted of ten artichoke hearts that were easily the size of small plums. But, after the first one, the next nine didn't stand a chance. Grown on the property, each one was infused with notes from the native soil and air and sufficiently soaked in inky balsamic vinegar. The flavors of Tuscany lingered in every layer.

As we dined on fresh regional entrees of cinghiale ravioli, a well-fed cat hunted in the moonlit olive grove adjacent to the restaurant. A snail on the sill lazily made his way out the partly open window into the night. And soft lights flickered on the neighboring hillsides.

Al fresco perfection achieved, we left our new found find behind and took the long way back to Greve.

Roving Pic: Cellar

2011-11-02T23:05:00.000-05:00

Verrazzano Cellar
July 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

Dimly-lit and with a distinct chill even in the Tuscan summer heat, the cellar surrounded us with scents of French oak and warm, waiting Chianti wine. The barrels stood guard, silent and proud, reflecting a stream of morning light and centuries of tradition.

Web Roves of the Week: Posts about Paris

2011-10-28T16:34:00.001-05:00

Photo: Misha Ashton Photography

Twelve short years ago tomorrow, we got engaged in Paris. So, because I'm in a bit of a sentimental mood, my Web Robes this week favor all things French. Bon week-end!

Everyday Musings created a phenomenal little movie about Paris. Find it here.
Frommer's has some inspiration for a Parisian getaway in the 13 Favorite Paris Moments Slideshow. (I'm a big fan of #9.)
Need a place to stay while visiting the City of Lights? Check out Andrea Reh's post about Le Royal Monceau, beautifully designed by the legendary Phillipe Starck.
If you're strolling through Paris and need a quick bite, read Lost in Cheeseland's review of an adorable little eatery, Pain et Chocolate.
And, if you're planning on heading to Paris or anywhere else in the world, maybe Jenn's Travelogue Blog can save you money. Check out her recent three-part post on Getting Great Deals on Travel - Part 1, Part 2, & Part 3.

Roving Pic: Fork

2011-10-26T22:26:00.000-05:00

Chianti Country Fork
July 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

Getting lost wasn't our plan. When we reached this sparsely-marked fork, we searched in vain for a sign that would tell us we were headed in the right direction. Then we realized that we already were.

Roving I Recap: Midwest Road Trip in a Lotus, Part 2

2011-10-24T23:08:00.000-05:00

The Lotus
The day after the long drive home.

Buckle up for Part 2 of my husband Scott's cross-country adventure in a tiny car.

"I quickly settle in to the car and I already love it. The motor is singing behind me and there's nothing but the open road before me. Every mechanical sound most car manufacturers try to conceal and muffle is amplified in full stereo spectrum in the Elise. The hum of the motor carries me across the beautiful landscape of Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, a light rain followed me through most of the state and made the view of the mountain range difficult. It was mid afternoon but due to the weather, it seemed much later. In the rain and fog, I cut through and went up and over each silhouette of a mountain. They were majestic, but I would have enjoyed seeing them in the sunlight. I quickly discovered that a car weighing less than a ton and clad with high-performance summer tires do not mix well with rain. It is a little unsettling going twenty miles an hour below the speed limit and still losing traction. After many hours of white knuckle driving down highway 70, I was approaching Pittsburgh and due for my first gas stop.

Before I left Art’s home earlier, he shared with me that when you stop to get gas, you will be asked about the car and he was right. People would flock to the car asking all kinds of questions. What is it? Who makes it? What type of motor does it have? How much does it cost?

I saw two guys having a debate a few pumps over and they finally yelled over to me. “Hey, is that a Ferrari?” “Nope, a Lotus,” I replied back. The guy laughed and screamed out a “told you so” to his passenger like he had just won a $100 bet. They both said “nice car” and drove off. I hoped back into the car and continued on.

With Pennsylvania and the rain behind me, I was able to get a true feel for the car and finally enjoy the scenery. Well, that was my plan but in all honesty, Ohio was a blur. There are only two things I remember about driving through Ohio. One, the sun went down as I drove through the state and the other being that I was photographed by a car full of girls. I would like to believe, like most guys, that they were taking a photo of me, but I know this was not the case. I think they did everything to keep up with me in their beat up Cavalier as they took photos. After a few shots, a wave and a thumbs up, they dropped back and took the next exit. I laughed, turned up the radio and drove into the sunset.

Before I knew it, I was approaching the Indiana state boarder and I had covered a large portion of the trip. I perked up a little bit and decided to stop to get gas and a quick bite to eat. If I have to get fast food on the road, there are two places I like to eat: Arby’s and Subway. I know, pretty strange. There wasn’t an Arby’s in sight so Subway would have to do. It was in the back of a run down Mobile gas station operated by an attendant who had more fingers than teeth. Subway had been closed for five minutes, so I grabbed a gas station sandwich. It was horrible, but I survived eating it without needing a tetanus shot. As I walked back to my car, the Subway worker ran out and complimented me on the car. He asked a few questions about the Lotus but quickly shifted the conversation to his own ride. He stated he had owned a twin turbo 2010 Chevy Camaro, but recently ran it into a pole. He told stories of running three second 0-60 passes and how the cold air intake he put on the car added over 100 horsepower. I have never heard so many ludicrous things come from one mouth. His stories were harmless so I played along, but in all honesty I wouldn’t trust the guy to sit on a toilet correctly. He was in mid sentence and all of sudden decided he had to go. He jumped into a beat up Pontiac Sunfire and one-tire-fired it out of the parking lot and he was gone, out of sight. Can this trip get any more interesting? Yep.

I want to go on official record saying that Indiana has the worst roads I have ever seen. The potholes were the size of manhole covers and they were dead square in the middle of the highway. I drove the whole state of Indiana like a slalom course. One hundred and fifty miles of swerving back and forth would drive anyone nuts and I couldn’t wait to enter Illinois.

It was 11:00 p.m. and I was now somewhere in eastern Illinois. I wouldn’t know that my third and final stop for gas would be the most entertaining. I filled the tank and needed a quick restroom break. As I entered the restroom, there was a group of four guys arguing with one another. At first, I thought I had walked right into the middle of a fight, but I soon found out that they were having one of the craziest arguments I have ever heard.

“You know damn well I can swim across the Mississippi!”

“Not after it's rained!”

“It doesn’t matter! I can swim across it anytime. When it’s low, I’ll walk right across it!”

The argument went back and forth. I was going to ask how far we were from St. Louis, but I felt it would be best to back away, hop in the car and never look back. I was twelve and a half hours into the trip and the last hour was the longest. The last 80 miles might as well of been 800 miles. Each mile seemed to last longer than the one before. It was 40 degrees outside and I had the windows rolled down, music cranked and slapping myself in the face just to stay up.

Finally, Highway 70 turned into Highway 255 and I was nearly home. By now, it was two in the morning and there wasn’t a car in sight and I got a second and final wind. The last thirty miles were bliss and I knew I had made the right choice purchasing the Elise. It was a great experience driving the car halfway across the country (maybe not Indiana). It was also great meeting Art and sharing our passion about cars with one another. I hope this new friendship lasts and we have the opportunity to share many other car stories in the future. I hope my number 25 sticks around for some time, but I’m not promising anything. So until number 26…

Special thanks to my dear husband for his trip recap. Number 25 better stick around for a while. But, I could be due for a different car one day soon. Or just a couple of vacations.

Roving I Finds: Brushes with Greatness

2011-10-20T20:24:00.000-05:00

Me, Matt, Iron Stef and Knuckles Handerson

I met Matt Nathanson on Tuesday night. If you don’t know Matt’s music, check it out. He’s an incredible singer songwriter, musician and, on top of that, he's a super nice guy. How many artists stick around to meet their fans after the show?

So, for my Finds this week, I’m featuring destinations where you can get your celebrity meet and greet fix.

Find your Island in the Sun. For the 2012 Weezer Cruise, the band has invited a great group of indie rock bands to join them on the high seas. And you can go, too. A four pack of tickets/reservations starts at just $499/pp for the 5-day cruise. Check out their promo video below.

Get your fill in South Beach. If you're a true Foodie or just have an appetite for Food Network shows, check out the the South Beach Wine & Food Festival February 23-26, 2012, where you'll find Anthony Bourdain, Bobby Flay, Emeril Lagasse and countless other fabulous food celebs.
Rub shoulders with A-Listers. Before you plan a winter trip, check out this article from Travel & Leisure on Celebrites' Secret Winter Vacation Spots. It's from 2009, so some of the couples mentioned are no longer a couple, but the spots are still celeb-worthy.
Travel like Royalty. Already known as a luxury travel location, the Seychelles' fame reached new heights in May when Prince William and Kate Middleton selected the island nation as their honeymoon destination. If I had a royal bank account, I'd stay here.

Photo: Four Seasons

Roving I Recap: Midwest Road Trip, in a Lotus

2011-10-17T16:33:00.002-05:00

PA to MO

Our family has a new baby - a 2007 Lotus Elise Type 72D. It's 1,984 pounds, 149 inches long and it marks our 25th car since we were married, 10 years ago. Over the years, we've gone to some lengths to get cars: endless hours in dealerships dealing with salesmen in loafers and one saleswoman, also in loafers, flying one state over and driving back one afternoon and finding out a seller falsified the title and then tried to cover it up. Good times.

But, so far, getting this car takes the cake. It involved extensive travel over one very long day. And, luckily, I didn’t have to go. So, you’re in for a treat today – another guest post from my wonderful, car-obsessed husband, Scott. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll shake your head at our insaneness. Enjoy!

“This is stupid.”

“What, waking up at four in the morning on a Saturday or driving a Lotus half way across the country?”

“Both.”

My wife Julie was not happy about taking me to the airport that early so I could catch a flight to pick up my most recent car purchase, a 2007 Lotus Elise Type 72D. I would be flying into Newark and driving the car nearly 900 miles from Macungie, PA back home to the St. Louis area. This was not my original plan. My search for a Lotus started back in July when I sold my 2006 Pontiac GTO, soon to be followed by the sale of my second car, a 2005 Mazdaspeed Miata. Both were great cars and fed my need for raw power (the GTO) and handling (Miata). However, the Lotus Elise had always caught my eye from its arrival to the states in 2005; it’s just that my wallet could never afford it. I have gone through my fair share of cars, attempting to find my perfect car. Short from building one on my own, I believe I have finally found my perfect driving companion in the Elise. While most new car buyers check every option box possible, I prefer most items to be left off. No heated seats, ok. No cruise control, I’ll survive. No power steering, yes, please. I like it raw and the Elise delivers.

The Elise has been available in England since 1996 and some would say it was the replacement for the Lotus Elan, although I do not agree. To meet tough regulations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Lotus would be given a three year exemption due to the lack of meeting headlight restrictions and no bumpers. In 2007, Lotus would make minor tweaks to the headlights and add 2.5 mph bumpers to the car. Unfortunately, these changes would not be enough for the NHTSA and 2011 would be the last model year for the current Elise. What I love so much about the Elise is also what brought it to its end. Light, raw and totally impractical. I would find out what these three words mean while driving half way across the United States.

I barely slept the night before as I was eager to see the car. I arrived at the airport early and was one of the first to get on the plane. It was a small plane with less than 19 rows. Luckily it was less than half full, but my ticket had me sitting in the last row, next to the restroom. I was hoping this would not be a tale tell sign of how this trip would work out for me. As I began to get comfortable, a middle-aged woman was putting her items in the overhead compartment just a few aisles from me. She bent over to take a seat and slammed her head right into the overhead compartment. She appeared confused, turned around to the other side of the aisle and began to sit and slammed her head once again. And I thought my day was off to a bad start because I was sitting next to the crapper. The plane took off on time and I dozed off looking out the window at a beautiful sky filled with all the primary colors.

Two hours later I was at the Newark Airport where Art, the current owner of the car would meet me and drive me back to his home in Macungie, PA. I have been talking with Art for nearly a month and as I mentioned before, it was not my plan to drive the car home. After purchasing the car in early September, I made arrangements to have the car transported from Art’s home to mine using Reliable Transport. After waiting over two weeks and no confirmation from Reliable, I decided to give them a call. They told me that they were having difficulty getting a truck to that area. The gentleman on the phone promised that he would continue to work on the situation, but it would probably be in my best interest to look for other transporters. I could read between the lines and I knew I was in for a road trip. I called Art about the situation and he laughed.

“Kind of ironic that a company called Reliable couldn’t help you, huh?” We both had a chuckle and made flight arrangements to pick up the car.

Art was waiting out front in his wife’s red Audi A3. I threw my backpack in back and we were off. Art is a true Lotus enthusiast along with an interest in Porsche and Ferrari. He is a walking dictionary of knowledge about Ferrari 308s and even Testarossas. So much so, Art is often asked to judge pristine examples of Lotuses and Ferraris at coveted car events. I asked him what has been the craziest car he has had to critique.

“I had a guy pull up in his Testarossa with tinted windows, huge 22” chrome wheels and neon lights. Testarossas are usually hard to judge. You have 12 red Testarossas sitting there that are all the same and perfect. You could flip a coin to pick the winner and no one would know any better. Not this guy. He had the balls to show up and park his car right next to everyone. It was great.”

The stories continued as we made the hour long drive back to Art’s home. We both shared the cars we have owned and Art discussed his options for his next purchase, either a 1983 Lotus Turbo Espirit Investor's Edition or a new VW Golf GTI. While the general public would cross shop a Honda Accord and a Toyota Camry, enthusiasts think from the heart and not the brain. I understand his dilemma, as I have been there before. We pulled up to the house and the garage door opened, revealing my new car. I checked the car over and everything was perfect. After gathering all the paperwork and some small talk, it was approaching 11:00 am. Art, his wife, Nadine and I decided to go get Mexican for lunch at a nearby restaurant. Thank god I was taking this road trip by myself. After lunch, we took a few photos, shook hands and promised to stay in touch. I hopped into my new purchase and started out on the long drive home.

Scott, Art and the Lotus

Stay tuned for Part 2 of Scott’s adventure and, of course, the big reveal of baby Lotus!

Roving I Finds: Southwest Savings

2011-10-13T22:42:00.000-05:00

Photo: Encantado Resort

There's something magical about the desert. After growing up surrounded by green grass and leafy trees, the first time I saw the deep orange and red rock-laden landscape I was in complete awe. And I still am every time I go back. Today's finds are focused on the Southwest. Enjoy!

Santa Fe, New Mexico: The Encantado, A wonderful retreat, nestled deep in the high desert hills. We stayed here last winter and enjoyed the setting, the amenities (in-room Casita!) and delightful details that make this place a truly indulgent escape. Book through Jetsetter.com for rates as low as $235/night for available dates through February 2012.

Photo: Encantado Resort

Sedona, Arizona: One of my favorite places in the world, so far. With its looming Red Rock giants everywhere you look, Sedona is simply breathtaking. The Four Diamond Sedona Rouge has an incredible Midweek Special through the end of the year where you can save 20% off regular rates for midweek stays. More info here.

Photo: Sedona Rouge

Austin, Texas: Travelzoo.com has a Luxe Body & Soul package at the Travaasa Austin that includes unlimited access to classes including yoga, pilates, meditation and cooking demonstrations. Book a 2-day weekday stay for $429 for dates through February 2012. Details here.

Photo: Travaasa Austin

Thanks for reading!

Roving Pic: Curious in Italy

2011-10-11T14:42:00.000-05:00

Hiding Place
July 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

He was watching us as we were watching him. From his hiding place in the doorway of an ancient stone façade, he sensed our foreign-ness but remained cautiously curious. In this passing moment, it was just him, the native and us, the strangers, finding common ground on Tuscan soil.

Roving I Finds: The Great Outdoors on Sale

2011-10-06T16:00:00.000-05:00

The Haylofts
Photo: Valde

I pretty much suck at camping. I admit it. Why would I trudge into the wilderness to sleep with the wildlife when I can pay perfectly good money for a nearby 4-star hotel with a comfy bed, hot shower, continental breakfast and lovely wilderness views? My finds this week are focused on those very properties - amazing hotels and accommodations that make experiencing "The Great Outdoors" so much more enjoyable.

Valde Haylofts, Italy: I've never heard of "glamping" but if it's anything like what this place offers, count me in. About an hour from both Milan and Zurich, high in the mountains above Chiavenna, Italy, the Haylofts are a small grouping of restored cottages from the 1700s that offer luxury and simplicity at the same time. Book through Jetsetter.com by next week for special savings on stays through February 2012.

Photos: Valde

Evergreen Lodge, Yosemite: Another Jetsetter find. Situated just outside of California's legendary Yosemite National Park, these cedar-sided cabins offer coziness and comfort after a long day of exploring the wonders of Yosemite. Prices are as low as $125/night for stays through March 2012 if you book by Sunday.

Photo: Evergreen Lodge

Tenaya Lodge, Yosemite: Also near Yosemite is Tenaya Lodge, a 4 Diamond property with lots of amenities. Travelzoo.com has a deal for 50% off rates for dates through December, bringing your per night price to as low as $129.

Photo: Tenaya Lodge

Snake River Lodge, Wyoming: And one final pick from Jetsetter - A little rustic, a little modern, Snake River Lodge is located near Grand Teton National Park and is perfectly placed for skiing. You can book dates throughout ski season for as low as $190/night.

Photo: Snake River Lodge

Bear Creek Lodge, Colorado: Book by tomorrow through Travelzoo.com to get savings of up to 40% off a one-bedroom condo at this modern Telluride ski retreat. The savings include peak ski season dates through March with rates starting at $211. More details here.

Roving Pic: Walking in Radda

2011-10-04T21:11:00.001-05:00

Afternoon Walk
Photo: Scott Clark
July 2011

They stepped out of their doorway and stepped back in time as they turned down a familiar path in Radda in Chianti. They were no longer in their later years. They weren't slowed by time. They were just two people in love, walking arm in arm on a cloudy afternoon, surrounded by vineyards, cypress-lined hills and memories.

If, in the twilight of my life, I spend my days walking through Chianti country with the one I love, I have no doubt that I will die with a very satisfied soul.

Roving IQ: Mario and Linguine

2011-09-28T20:03:00.000-05:00

Photo: Epicurious

In my effort to cook more and to cook more traditionally Italian recipes, I purchased Mario Batali's Molto Italiano: 327 Traditional Italian Recipes to Cook at Home on a recommend from a friend. I've just begun thumbing through the recipes and delicious-looking photos, but a few have already been added to my "must make" menu. In search of more from Mario, I found this Linguine with Clams recipe from epicurious.com and decided it seemed like something I could pull off without massive amounts of culinary know-how. Now, I just need some of these signature orange Crocs and clams - where do I find those in the Midwest?

Linguine con le Vongole (Linguine with Clams)

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons kosher or coarse sea salt
1 pound linguine
12 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 pound New Zealand cockles or 24 Manila or littleneck clams, scrubbed
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup dry white wine
1 (14-ounce) can whole San Marzano tomatoes in juice, juice reserved and tomatoes coarsely chopped
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped

Directions:

In large pot over moderately high heat, combine 8 quarts of water to boil and salt. Bring to boil, then add linguine and cook to 1 minute short of al dente according to package directions (pasta should still be quite firm).

Meanwhile, in large sauté pan over moderately high heat, heat 6 tablespoons extra- olive oil until hot but not smoking. Add garlic and sauté until just golden, about 30 seconds. Add clams and 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes and sauté 1 minute. Add wine, tomatoes and juice, and 1/2 cup parsley and simmer, uncovered, just until clams open, 7 to 8 minutes.

Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain linguine and add to pan. Simmer, tossing occasionally, until linguine is just tender, about 1 minute. If necessary, add some of reserved cooking water to keep moist. Remove from heat. Add remaining 2 tablespoons parsley, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and extra-virgin olive oil, tossing to coat. Transfer to serving dish and serve immediately.

Roving Pic: Towers of San Gimignano

2011-09-27T13:34:00.000-05:00

Towers
Photo: Scott Clark
July 2011

We could see the towers of San Gimignano as we approached from the hills to the east. The majestic, medieval structures grew taller with every passing mile until we entered the city walls and stood beneath them. Amidst the fifteen towers, we walked in wonder as the mid-afternoon sun caused them to cast shadows on the ancient, winding walkways below. Guarded by their winged inhabitants, the towers stood tall, unwavering, unyielding and unaware of time.

Roving I Finds: All About California

2011-09-22T17:49:00.000-05:00

California Coast
Photo: Jetsetter.com

I'm already looking forward to our next trip even though we have five months before we go. Since California is the planned destination, these lovely deals including some Californian hotels and inns and a special savings card for wine country caught my eye.

La Jolla: La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla near San Diego has a flash sale deal on Jetsetter.com for dates through January with rates starting at $185/night.
Sonoma Wine Country: If you're headed to wine country, Jetsetter.com has another great deal for the Applewood Inn in Guerneville. Rates begin at $110 with available dates through April 2012.
LA: Travelzoo has a deal for the hip Mondrian on Sunset Boulevard with rates starting at $215/night through January, including weekends.
San Francisco: Save 50% off of the 4 star Le Meridien San Francisco with this Travelzoo deal for select fall dates. The per night price could be as low as $169 if you book by tomorrow (9/23).
Yosemite National Park: The AAA 4 Diamond Tenaya Lodge is located just 2 miles from the park's south entrance. With rates starting at $129/night, you can save up to 60% off peak season rates. Click here for more info.
Napa Valley: The Napa Card can save you on wine tastings, spas, hotels, restaurants and more across Napa and Sonoma. You can get yours for $45 (normally $100), just in time for harvest season travel. Book by 9/23 and travel by 12/31. Learn more here.

Thanks for reading!

Roving Pic: Columns of Pompeii

2011-09-20T21:40:00.000-05:00

Victorious Vesuvius
July 2011

Century after century, the columns stood in the shadow of a giant, in defiance of its power. And centuries later, we stood in awe of them.

Roving IQ: Casa Mariantonia, Capri

2011-09-15T18:44:00.000-05:00

Positano is a mere 13 miles from the island of Capri. But after driving from Positano to Sorrento, returning the rental car, hauling the entirety of our luggage a mile or more through the streets of Sorrento down to the harbor in the 90 degree heat, catching the hydrofoil to Capri and taking a taxi to Anacapri, I was relieved beyond belief to walk through the front gate of Casa Mariantonia.

Stylish, simple and sublime, Casa Mariantonia is a relaxed oasis residing at the top of another long-established oasis in the Mediterranean, the island of Capri. Its location, in the shadow of Monte Solaro and the iconic chairlift, make Casa Mariantonia as convenient as it is chic.

At check-in, we were greeted by genuine Italian hospitality, elegant surroundings and a bowl of the largest lemons I have ever seen, grown on the property.

After being shown our lovely, lemon-scented room, we finally landed poolside for the remainder of the afternoon. The morning's marathon transfer to the island was more than enough to warrant some down time in the sun. Lucky for us, invitations to relax were everywhere. Lounge by the pool, in a hammock in the lemon tree grove or on your private terrace.

Breakfast was served al fresco near the pool and offered a serene start to a summer's day on Capri.

ALL PHOTOS: Casa Mariantonia

When returning from dinner each evening, Casa Mariantonia appeared welcoming and inviting, its softly lit exterior highlighting the property's best features.

Understated. Unassuming. Elegant. Casa Mariantonia shines as a moderately-priced Mediterranean retreat.

Roving Pic: Sunset over Capri

2011-09-13T18:09:00.001-05:00

Anniversary Sunset
July 8, 2011

It took 10 years to the day, 5200 miles and countless perfect moments to get to this place. Nine years, nine months and 25 days from now, I can only hope the view will be this good - and that we'll be the ones on that boat.

Roving I Finds: Sin City Savings

2011-09-08T18:28:00.000-05:00

Photo: Sniqueaway.com

Opulent high rises. High rollers. The Strip. Strippers. And lots and lots of slots. Whether you approve of Sin City's ways or not, Vegas is always in style. And this fall, you can snag some fantastic deals for stays, shows and more. Here are a few I found this week:

Book the 4-Star The Signature at MGM Grand for as low as $79/night on Sunday through Thursday stays through December 22nd. And it's only $40 more for weekends. Details here.
If you're a fan of Penn & Teller's Bull$hit on Showtime, check out Travelzoo.com's deal for mezzanine tickets for their Vegas show at the Rio Hotel for as low as $45 (40% off) through November.
On select dates through November, you can book a suite at The Palazzo at the Venetian for $129/night. More info here.
You can secure your stay at the swanky Palms Place Hotel & Spa at SniqueAway.com for as low as $85 for a Studio Suite and $149 for a 1-Bedroom Suite. Dates are available through December but the flash sale ends next week.
Take a break from the rigors of the Strip with a spa voucher for Planet Hollywood's Spa by Mandara. For $99 you get a 50-minute massage and two other Balinese-inspired services. Get more info and purchase here. Redeem by March 15th, 2012.

Happy Travels!

Roving Pic: The Wrath of Grapes

2011-09-06T22:39:00.001-05:00

Grape Drying Racks
Castello di Verrazzano, Greve in Chianti
July 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

Ancient grape torture devices hang in the drying room at Castello di Verrazzano. Oak strips spiked with simple nails stretch from the centuries old ceiling to the floor far below. For several months each year, they sadistically dry white grapes in the warm, ventilated air, unknowingly sweetening them, one by one, in pursuit of Holy Wine perfection.

Web Roves of the Week: Learn Something New

2011-09-02T12:50:00.000-05:00

I started graduate school a couple of weeks ago and it started me thinking about how we learn, what we learn from and what makes us want to keep doing it throughout our lives. Travel for me is learning in its purest form. From discovering new sights, foods and things to do to simple geography, I learn best from going places and experiencing them first hand. I consider each day I'm away a part of my "life" education and it's one degree I hope I never finish.

When I'm not traveling, I learn in other ways. Reading books, articles and blog posts from other travelers out there is currently feeding my wanderlust while I'm stationary at home. Here's a list of a few of the things I'm learning/learned this week:

Six plus years of French and a semester of German should be enough to sufficiently mess with my Italian lessons I'm starting this weekend via Rosetta Stone. Has anyone used this program? Would love to hear your thoughts!
We lived in Vienna for a time several years ago (hence the German lessons) but I learned five things I didn't know about this incredible city in this Frommer's Slideshow.
I learned about the Indie Ink Writing Challenge for bloggers and I think just might give it a go.
The Travel & Leisure Global Bazaar is happening September 17th and 18th in NYC. Looks like a very cool way to learn more about the world through "immersive installations and events."
Buffalo Mozzarella cheese is probably my favorite cheese on the planet. This post taught me about its origins and some new ways to enjoy it.

Have a wonderful Friday and if you're in the US, enjoy the long Labor Day Weekend! Thanks for reading!

Roving Pic: Santa Maria Assunta and the Sea

2011-08-30T23:08:00.000-05:00

Santa Maria Assunta and the Sea
July 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

The clouds had cleared leaving behind blue skies and bluer seas. Positano was positively in bloom as we made our way down the steep cobblestone street to the seaside. To our right were shops with hand-crafted ceramics painted by hand, limoncello vendors vending their legendary liqueurs and balconies with the locals' laundry billowing in the lemon-scented breeze. To our left was this view. Heads sufficiently turned, we continued our descent, eagerly awaiting the next discovery Positano had planned for us.

Roving I Recap: Artisan Sandals from the Island of Capri

2011-08-29T16:28:00.000-05:00

Antonio Viva's Shop Window
Anacapri, Italy

We passed Antonio Viva’s shop on our first night on Capri. The name on the awning intrigued me. The window lured me over. Glimmering and glamorous island walkers in colorful leathers and beads stood side by side, framed by photos of their creator and decades of satisfied customers, patiently awaiting their perfect fits, night after night.

My Capri to-do list got longer as I stared at the hand-crafted soles and straps behind the pane but the “closed” sign and late hour meant that my footwear pursuit would have to wait until the next day.

When we passed by the next afternoon, Antonio’s dog was the first to greet us, wagging his tail as we wandered closer. Antonio himself was seated outside his shop. Dressed in a bright green shirt and a simple, striped apron, he expertly navigated the tray of tools in front of him as he chatted with potential customers and locals in broken English and elegant Italian. His window display from the night before now provided a makeshift wall of sparkling soles. The smell of leather was intoxicating, even outdoors.

While his existing inventory was expansive, the idea of having sandals created especially for me was far too appealing. And after inquiring about the price, I started searching his wares and designs for my perfect fit, for one that could be uniquely my own. The island’s powers and vivid color palette must have wooed me, leading me to choose a very un-me but very Capri deep purple leather upper with gold attachments.

Antonio began assembling my new shoes, proudly reciting stories about the times he created sandals for the legendary Sophia Loren and Jackie O and, more recently, American Food Network personality Giada DeLaurentiis. As I listened intently, I wondered if he tells all his customers about his brushes with famous feet or if I just appeared to be someone who would appreciate his tales. Either way, his light conversation was a welcome side effect of his work.

Twenty minutes later, I slid my feet into my completed sandals for the very first time. Simple, comfortable and crafted of timeless traditions, they left their creator that day. And just like Sophia Loren, I left Capri with a little piece of its skill, its art and its unmistakable style.

Antonio at Work

My Sandals, in Progress

My New Sandals

Roving I Finds: Wine Country Savings

2011-08-25T13:43:00.000-05:00

Healdsburg, California
Photo: Jetsetter.com

Amazing Harvest season travel deals to wine country are abundant right now. Below are a few I came across this week that I wish I could take advantage of. Hopefully, you can!

Healdsburg, California: Smack dab in the middle of Sonoma Wine Country, this charming little town is one of my favorite places to visit in the state. Jetsetter.com has great discounts on the stylish Healdsburg Modern Cottages property. Rates are as low as $255/night. More info here.
Willamette Valley, Oregon: Travelzoo.com has a breakfast and dinner package starting at $89/night at the peaceful and picturesque Oregon Garden Resort. Book by August 31st and travel by November 19th.
Santa Rosa, California: The Vintner's Inn has a Harvest Getaway Package good for a 2-night stay with lots of extras, including a $100 certificate for the incredible John Ash & Co Restaurant on site, starting at $600 through November 20th. We stayed here on our visit to the area and loved it.
Paso Robles, California: If you're headed to California in October, check out the Paso Robles Harvest Wine Weekend October 21st-23rd for 3 days of events celebrating harvest and its delicious results.

Roving Pic: Capri's Sandal Maker

2011-08-23T13:59:00.000-05:00

Capri's Sandal Maker
July 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

He was jovial for a hot and humid afternoon in Anacapri as he wove leather through his fingers and into art. Part historian, part artisan, part celebrity, he sits outside of his shop among pairs of pre-made footwear perfection, laughing and chatting with passers-by. Dressed in a simple apron with well-worn tools in hand, he works every day, fitting soles to feet and finally, sandals to souls, each pair leaving his hands crafted of timeless tradition and love.

Web Roves of the Week: Link Stew

2011-08-20T13:11:00.000-05:00

Enniskerry, Ireland
July 2010

Traveling for business this week threw the blog schedule off a bit so I'm combining Finds and Web Roves for today's post. Hope you're all enjoying the weekend!

Win a 4-Night Stay in Ireland: Green Earth Travel is hosting a contest for the next 4 weeks through Facebook where you can win a trip to Dublin. Week 1 is now underway. Friend them on Facebook for this week's contest questions and details on how to enter. More info here.
Thailand Find: If you're headed to Phuket, Travelzoo.com has big savings for the 5-star JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa through December 15th. Get an upgraded room, spa treatments and more for only $100/night with a 3-night minimum stay. Learn more here.
Foodie Fun: Rue La La has savings on one and four-day classes at The Culinary Institute of America in New York, California and Texas starting as low as $200. Sale ends Monday, August 22nd.
Moving to France or just want to? Check out Chez Loulou's post about the cost of living in France. Good info for potential expats and dreamers alike.

Roving IQ: Recipe for a Roman Lunch

2011-08-17T16:16:00.000-05:00

A little hungry and a lot heart broken, we arrived in Rome for our last night in Italy before our return trip home. Lunch was on the immediate menu and we set out to find a suitable spot. Seated in a sidewalk cafe, my eyes wandered to the next table where a Scandinavian couple was enjoying a simple salad comprised of a combination of ingredients that could only equal perfection. One lunch order later, I learned I was right.

My last afternoon meal in Italy has translated into a small obsession for me. Since coming home, I've prepared my new favorite "recipe" no less that 7 times - 75% because I love how the flavors and textures combine together, 20% because it's so darn easy and 5% out of wistfulness.

Here it is, modified slightly from the above photo:

4-5 slices of prosciutto
Fresh arugula
Shaved Parmesan cheese
Cherry tomatoes
Extra virgin olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Cracked black pepper

Layer a dinner plate with prosciutto slices. Pile with arugula. Top with shaved Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite recipe that you brought back from a trip?

Roving Pic: Lone Boat in Positano

2011-08-16T06:14:00.000-05:00

Lone Boat in Positano
July 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

The boat didn't go out that day. It, along with the other Positano residents, stayed safely on shore. Gray skies reflected in grayer seas as drizzle soon turned to drops. Tourists and Italians alike retreated to covered cafes while we wandered ever closer to the white-capped water. Wooden, worn and beautiful, the boat met us where the surf surrendered to the sand and welcomed our brief companionship. As we made our way back from the seaside, we left the boat just as we found it, proud and pure in the pouring rain.

Web Roves of the Week: Move, Learn, Eat

2011-08-12T16:58:00.000-05:00

My Web Roves of the Week are three outstanding short films commissioned by STA Travel Australia that illustrate the beautiful, wonderful and delicious aspects of travel.

The project description:

"3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage, all to turn three ambitious linear concepts based on movement, learning and food into 3 beautiful and hopefully compelling short films."

I think they achieved their goal. Brenna from This Battered Suitcase shared these videos in a post this week and I was in complete awe. For those of you who haven't seen them, I think you will be too.

MOVE

LEARN

EAT

You can get more info on the films here. Have a wonderful weekend!

Roving I Finds: 5 Fall Finds in the USA

2011-08-11T18:58:00.000-05:00

Jackson, Wyoming
PHOTO: Vacationist.com

Labor Day, the classic close of summer in the States, is almost here. To help you make the most of your long weekend and kick off your fall travel plans, I'm featuring some finds a bit closer to home this week.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Travelzoo.com has a deal on their Top 20 list for the sassy, 4-star Sax Hotel. Rates for a king room start at just $129 if you book by August 19th. And the Sax is super close to oenophile paradise Bin 36, a great place for a meal, a glass or three.

JACKSON, WYOMING: This one doesn't work for Labor Day but it's still worth a mention. Vacationist.com has a deal for the luxe, western-style Rusty Parrot Lodge with rates as low as $121 from October through December.

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI: The hip Moonrise Hotel on the Delmar Loop has a "3 is Free" Promo. If you stay Friday and Saturday night, you get Sunday night free. Perfect for a Labor Day in Lou.

NYC: Another Travelzoo find, just in time for Fashion Week. You can nab a stay at the 4-star Bentley Hotel for only $289 any night of the week from September 9th through 30th. Book by August 14th using promo code TZOO081111.

VEGAS: Visit Jetsetter.com by Sunday, August 14th to save on the posh, non-smoking, casino-free Vdara Hotel and Spa. Midweek prices are as low as $93.

Thanks for checking in! More tomorrow.

Roving I Guest Post: Meat me at Iron Stef's!

2011-08-10T12:31:00.001-05:00

You read it right. I started this post with a bad meat pun in the title. That means it can only go up from here.

I've tapped into my fondness for the foodie lifestyle and cooked up my very first guest post. Click on over to Iron Stef's award winning food blog and read about my encounter with the legendary "Butcher of Tuscany" Dario Cecchini and consider this post your first course of the day.

5 Fascinating Facts about Dario:
1. His shop is known as the "Uffizi of Meat."
2. He organized a mock funeral for the fiorentina steak in 2001 when it was outlawed because of Mad Cow disease fears. (See below.)
3. He often recites Dante's Inferno by memory while working in the shop.
4. Mario Batali has called Dario "the Maserati of butchers, the Bob Dylan of the Tuscan cow, the Jimi Hendrix of juiciness."
5. Elton John once paid $2500 for one of Dario's steaks.

Funeral Plaque for Fiorentina Steak from 2001

Antica Macelleria Cecchini
Panzano, Tuscany, Italy

There's much more meat to this story at Iron Stef! And a special thanks to Stef for letting me take over for a day. I've definitely got some big shoes to fill.

Roving Pic: Night Walk in Anacapri

2011-08-09T11:15:00.000-05:00

Anacapri at Night
July 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

We turned off the pedestrian street onto a narrow, residential walkway. Behind stucco walls and elegantly scrolled, wrought iron gates, we could see people gathered together in softly-lit gardens, on balconies and in dining rooms, celebrating a mid-summer evening. Glasses, heavy with wine, clinked together, toasting a beautiful moment in the Mediterranean. Laughter, lovely Italian phrases and lightness filled the air around us. And we walked back towards the main road in the dim light, taking our tiny snapshot of island life in Anacapri with us.

Roving I Recap: 8s Across Italy

2011-08-08T14:22:00.000-05:00

Villa Key
Greve in Chianti

You could say that I live my life by the number 8. I was born on December 8th. I graduated college on May 8th. I was married on July 8th. My wedding rings have a total of eight diamonds. I have eight best friends from high school. I wear a silver eight on a chain around my neck most days. And I always, always bet on eight.

Some of these encounters with eights happen by chance and others I arrange. I'm not sure what it is about the graceful number that I'm drawn to. Maybe it's the rounded form. Maybe it's that there's no end to its shape. Whatever it is, eights mean something to me. Maybe one day I'll figure out what it is.

In Italy, I immediately fell in love with the way eights would manifest in small towns, big cities and seaside escapes. They were more than mere address plates, they were art. Every eight was different, elegant and understated. It became a game for us to "find the eight" everywhere we went as addresses don't always follow logic. And I was enamoured with what we discovered.

Greve in Chianti

The Greve in Chianti eight surfaced on our first night in Italy on a dimly-lit side street near the main piazza. It's where "8s Across Italy" was born.

San Gimignano

The eight in San Gimignano was the color of Tuscan earth.

Siena

Simple, secure and elegant, Siena's eight resided on a nondescript wall in a shaded alley just doorways from Piazza del Campo.

Florence

We almost missed an eight in Florence until we found this one, high up and hidden in muted bronze on a gray stone wall.

Monsanto

This eight stood guard on tall, gated walls for an ancient castle with a history dipped in wine.

Radda in Chianti

Not even a tremendous downpour could dampen the beauty of Radda. This eight surfaced, shiny and slick after the storm.

Montefioralle

We stepped into Montefioralle's walls at sunset and stepped back in time. We found this eight about halfway through our walk on our last night in Tuscany.

Pompeii

An eight marking an uncovered area of ancient Italian history solemnly stood on a side street in Pompeii.

Positano

The Positano eight was discovered on a winding walkway leading to the Spiaggia Grande, amidst draping bougainvillea and lemon-scented, sea air.

Ravello

All eights and other numbers in Ravello showcased a artistic interpretation of the same stunning, mile-high view.

Capri

A warm evening walk led to a fast discovery of a hand-painted tile eight in island colors that provided a vivid contrast to a worn, white-washed wall and orange-framed doorway.

Happy August 8th!

Web Roves of the Week: 5 Travel Blogs That Take Me Places

2011-08-05T17:06:00.000-05:00

It's Friday and I would like to be here:

Since I'm not anywhere close to there, I'll make the best of it by sharing some other travel-focused blogs I've come across since beginning this little blogging journey of mine. Some of these have been around a while and some are just getting started, but they're all pretty new to me. Here are five that have me intrigued and keep me coming back:

The Frugal Traveler: This one is a biggie - a New York Times blog. And the writing is definitely up to New York Times standards. This summer, Seth has been making his way around the Mediterranean on a teensy budget and it has been entertaining to watch how he squeezes the most out of every Euro in different cities. Check out how he did it in Naples.
Jenn's Travelogue Blog: Jenn and I forged a fast friendship after a recent meet-up in Kansas City. She recently held a Blog Winner Weekend Contest to celebrate her 200th post and took one of her readers to Jamaica. Can't wait to see what she's got planned for her 300th!
TravelGirl: I write, a lot. I even do it for a living. So witty wordsmiths and well-written posts appeal to me. TravelGirl's recent post about Researching Unreasonable Train Routes showcased the absolute absurdity of some travelers. I laughed out loud reading it. You will too.
100 Miles Highway: I just discovered this blog today but with an "Eat. Travel. Photography." subhead, how can I not enjoy following along?
Mr. & Mrs. Globetrot: Clean design and really beautiful (and plentiful) travel photos make this team effort blog a treat to look at.

Leave me a comment and share your favorite travel blog. It can even be yours! I'm always on the lookout for awesome blogs about travel to add to my ever-growing reading list. And then, with all of my new found reads as fuel, I can make this a reoccurring series for the first Friday of every month!

Happy Friday! Hope it's fabulous wherever you are in the world!

Roving I Finds: Europe's Best Fall Deals

2011-08-04T13:57:00.004-05:00

Photo: National Geographic

Even though we just left Italy, I'm ready to go back to Europe. This week I've been drooling over Provence thanks to a jaw-droppingly beautiful No Reservations episode on my DVR and a dwindling travel section at my local Borders store (RIP). The south of France is definitely in our consideration set for next summer's "big" trip, but it's probably about six months too early to start planning. I did, however, secretly check out a few Provence villa rental sites. Nothing wrong with a little head start!

If you have the luxury of taking a trip to Europe this fall, you're in luck. Low(er) season offers less crowded cities and beaches and cooler temps. It's a perfect time to hop the pond and the deals are in full swing. Here are just a few I came across this week:

FRANCE: Air France dropped rates to cities in France and other places in Europe for the months of August and September. Chicago to Paris checks in at $451 one way. Book by August 8th for travel through September 30th.
CROATIA & SLOVENIA: Travelzoo.com is featuring a 9-night Croatia and Slovenia Tour for dates this fall and winter starting at $1499 pp. Includes air, some meals and four-star hotels each night.
IRELAND: Sceptre Tours has a phenomenal deal on a 6-night Estate Package including RT air, car rental and accommodations on the magnificent Adare Villa property for as low as $599 from JFK if you book by August 12th. Multiple dates and departures are available for slightly more.
SPAIN: Gate 1 Travel has a great, 8-day independent package for three stellar Spanish destinations - Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona. Includes air, hotel and rail for as low as $1149 for November to March dates.
PRAGUE, VIENNA & BUDAPEST: European Destinations is offering a 6-night Air and High-Speed Rail package including two nights in each of these cities starting at $1309 for dates through November.

On y va! More tomorrow!

Roving IQ: My Vintage Globe

2011-08-03T14:02:00.000-05:00

I have a hard time with "antiques." They can be weird, obviously outdated, overly ornate and sometimes, a little bit creepy. I know there are some true treasures out there but the scavenging, searching and digging through the weird, outdated, ornate things to find them just isn't my thing.

However, this logic does not apply to globes or maps. I love them. I'll search the world for fine, original pieces. And I'm even willing to spend money on them. When it comes to globes and maps, consider me antique phobia free.

A couple of years ago, I was a world traveler without a globe of my own. So, I did some safe searching online (that way I'm not required to step one foot into an antique mall). I immediately fell in love with this spherical specimen. The condition was excellent and the land mass colors were in warm earth tones that fit in perfectly with my living room decor. But, it was the black seas that truly sold it for me.

When I purchased it, I was told it was from the 1940s and I haven't investigated any further. To me, its true value comes from how happy I am to have it resting high up on my living room shelf where I can admire it and appreciate its unique beauty daily.

Do you have a favorite vintage find?

Roving Pic: Lock of Love

2011-08-02T14:17:00.000-05:00

Love. Locked.
July 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

We first noticed the locks in Florence and then we saw them everywhere a river flowed. The story goes that lovers across Italy secure their love by latching golden locks to bridges and throwing the keys into the rushing water below, locking their love together - forever.

Maybe it was because it was almost our 10 year anniversary or maybe it was because we were in Italy, but we were suddenly in search of a lock. One finally surfaced in a city market near its now permanent location. Simple, small and shimmering in the evening lights, our lock was latched together, sealing its fate to an ancient structure and ours to each other.

It may be a silly, superstitious tradition, but you have to admit, it's awfully sweet. Thanks for stopping by!

Roving I Recap: Familiar Firenze

2011-08-01T17:59:00.000-05:00

Duomo
June 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

We had visited Florence once before in 1999, newly engaged and deeply in love with Italy. We were wooed, big time - by the food, by the deep red wine, by the endless, winding, cobblestone walkways that only led to more wonderfully Italian things.

On our recent day trip to Florence on day four of our Tuscany stay, we were already so spellbound by the Tuscan countryside, the “big” city seemed not quite as grand as it had been the first time. And while Florence is still more beautiful and more captivating to me than most other places I’ve visited, when it came time to go, leaving the traffic congestion, tour groups and crowds behind for the much greener pastures of Chianti Country to the south was easy to do.

But our Florence wanderings did yield some familiar finds and some new discoveries. Our favorite meal of all time took place on our first visit to the city in a tiny trattoria not far from the Duomo. The path to the pasta bliss was burned into my memory and we found the very place exactly where I remembered it be. Too late for lunch and far too early for dinner, we could only gaze inside at the late lunchers, worn wooden tables and dwindling dishes of lightly sauced pasta and hope to remember a bit more of what will always be a dear memory for us.

A Missed Opportunity

We then set out to find a quick bite before what would be hours of walking. I Fratellini’s cheap and delicious sidewalk stand served up simplicity along with a novel dining format. Sandwiches, cold sodas and sidewalk seating (literally sitting on the sidewalk), made for a perfect pranzo, pronto.

After walking through the leather goods mecca of San Lorenzo Market and through the Uffizi area, we arrived at the Arno. The late summer afternoon light painted orange and yellow streaks onto the buildings while an approaching shower shadowed sections of the city. As we reached the Gold Bridge, we noticed a shiny, massive collection of locks latched together on chain. It was nothing more than a photo opp to us at that moment, but we later learned the love-laced meaning behind the locks.

Arno Locks
June 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

Storm Clouds

We walked slowly back to car, surely retracing some of our footsteps from a weekend stay so long ago. A little older, a little smarter but a lot like our former selves, we left Florence for a second time. But this time, we knew exactly where we were headed and we couldn’t wait to get back there.

Thanks for reading! More on the lovely locks tomorrow.

Web Roves of the Week: Two Arty Blogs and Anthony Bourdain

2011-07-29T12:36:00.000-05:00

Whisper
Oil on Canvas
Artist: Scott Clark

Scott Clark Art and Scott Clark Photography: Same great guy, two passions. My husband is very artsy to say the least. He can do and does it all, from painting to photography to music - all while being the principal of an elementary school. He recently created two blog spaces to show his work. I think both collections are absolutely amazing but of course, I'm a bit biased. (If you live in the Lou, you can check out Scott's paintings in person at 33 Wine Bar in Lafayette Square.)

Photo: Travel Channel

Anthony Bourdain's Blog: I know I'm about seven years late to the party on this but No Reservations is my new favorite show. Part food, part culture and all pure writing perfection, this week's Naples/Amalfi Coast episode was a vividly illustrated reminder of our recent visit to the area. Check out Mr. Bourdain's blog post about following the Red Sauce Trail here.

Bloglovin: If you're an avid blog reader like I've recently become, you probably follow lots of blogs. Keeping track of them can be a tricky and unorganized endeavor. Bloglovin is the answer. It holds all your favorite blogs in one place, shows a condensed version of the the most recent posts and puts them into an easy-to-read list. Plus, they have a new moblie app for iPhone and Android. And it's all free. Neat-o.

And finally, a special thanks to Roving I's recent Google Friend Connect additions - Murissa, Hannah, Christy and Meghan! Thanks a bunch to everyone who has joined so far. If you're new to the blog or are on the fence about clicking that little "follow" button, go ahead and give it a go. I promise I'll do my best not to disappoint!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend!

Roving I Finds: Gone in a Flash

2011-07-28T03:30:00.002-05:00

Walking on Rooftops in Memphis
Photo: Me

I'm addicted to travel flash sale sites. I can't help it. They lure me in with their sexy destination slide shows, 5-star hotel packages at phenomenal prices and their ever-present ticking clocks reminding me that fast action is required. It's a near-perfect way to snag a fast online travel deal. And I'm smitten with the very idea.

So, it's only natural I rove several travel flash sale sites daily. Most are members only but free to join. See the included invite links along with the featured deals below.

MEMPHIS, TN: SniqueAway.com has big savings at the iconic Peabody Hotel through November. Room rates run $155-$215 through November.The ducks who live at the hotel take the elevator every day to swim in the lobby fountain. Ducks living at the hotel = awesome place to stay. Other current hotel deals include Baltimore, Boston and Budapest and other non-B destinations. Check them out and join Snique Away here.

UTAH: If you're still looking for Labor Day week plans (September 4th through 9th) and you want to end summer with a ridiculously-active hiking, 4x4-ing, rafting trip in and around Moab and Arches National Park, Jetsetter can hook you up. Less active vacay packages in other places are available, too. Join here.

Photo: Arches National Park

ISCHIA, ITALY: Vacationist.com is featuring the Terme Manzi Hotel & Spa on quiet Ischia starting at $182 per night. While we didn't make it to this lovely island on our recent trip, we heard that it's awesome. Imagine a less-crowded Capri. You can check out more great deals and join Vacationist here.

Photo: Terme Manzi Hotel & Spa

Do you have a favorite travel flash sale site? Thanks for reading! More tomorrow.

Roving IQ: Acing it in Portland - Hotel Review by The Veda House

2011-07-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

Ace Hotel
Portland, Oregon
Photo: The Veda House

Today's Roving IQ features a guest post from my dear friend Cassie from The Veda House. On her recent vacation to Portland, she stayed at the helplessly hip Ace Hotel. I couldn't have picked a more perfect place for Cassie to stay. Its vintage style, repurposed materials and unique room designs are right in line with Cassie's personality and interests. Check out her brand new vintage store, Market 203 for some great finds from the past!

"When Julie asked me to write a hotel review for the Ace Hotel (Portland), I couldn't resist sharing my amazing experience. I've never been happier with a hotel choice and our hotel stay only added to our overall vacation experience. If you've ever been to Portland, Oregon you know the atmosphere is extremely laid back, people are wrapped up in their cozy clothes, and every one is huddled together in the nearest coffee shop. I wanted a hotel that felt like that. I didn't want to have to leave the hotel to get the "Portland" atmosphere and the Ace Hotel was the perfect solution.

Situated on one of Downtown's most popular streets, the Ace Hotel is surrounded by quality restaurants, cafes and shops. Some of my favorite restaurants from the whole trip were located right next door. Very convenient for late night outings or rainy days when you don't want to stray too far. As you walk into the hotel lobby, you feel as if though you are in walking into the most comfortable living room you could dream up. Take a seat on the large wraparound, extremely loved, worn out couch, and read the variety of coffee table books at your disposal. You could plop yourself down and not move for hours if that's what you choose. If sitting and relaxing isn't your thing, grab a friend and take some pictures in the photo booth! Oh, did I mention how friendly and helpful the hotel staff was?

Moving on up to floor 1.5, you arrive at a landing with a balcony overlooking the lobby. Here you'll find more cozy couches, book cases, an over sized computer table, large card catalogue display, wall mural, and lots of mood lighting. I think this area is commonly used by Portland locals who need a nice quiet place to get some work done.

Our room was on floor 2. In my opinion it was the best floor because it was easily accessible without using the SUPER slow, rickety, and questionable elevator. I guess you could say the elevator added to the charm of the old converted apartment building. Our room overlooked Stark Street where you could see all the hustle and bustle of the people passing by. We even had the occasional street car pass by! Each room in the Ace Hotel has its own character and style. After looking at several rooms online before arriving, I was very pleased with the one we were given. As you walk into our room, you see a large "headboard wall" that was completely covered in torn out pages from an old history book. On top of the book pages was a painted mural of a fox with birds flying overhead. Side tables were crafted out of stacked encyclopedias and a computer table built from reclaimed wood sat by the window! Other notable details of the room were the vintage alarm clock, claw foot bath tub, old crates and bins to hold snacks and other goodies, clever signage throughout, and the characteristic fire escape out the window. It took us the entire week to soak in all the unordinary details.

At the reasonable price of $150 per night, the Ace Hotel is worth every penny. If I'm ever in Portland again, I know I'll be staying at the Ace. Every room is different, so you never know what you're going to get, but I bet it's going to be a little slice of heaven."

Photos: The Veda House

For more on the Ace Hotel, visit today's The Veda House post. Then, stick around and explore! It's a beautifully designed blog and store. A big thanks to Cassie for sharing her review and thanks to you all for reading!

Roving Pic: Quintessentially Italy

2011-07-26T16:07:00.000-05:00

Amalfi Coast, Italy
July 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

What is Italy? A mint green scooter leaning against a peeling, faded facade. Wrought-iron balconies draped with blooming bougainvillea. A string of loosely-tied Italian phrases drifting out of an open kitchen window. Dining al fresco with flavors from surrounding lemon trees, olives groves and grape-draped vines. Tradition. Simplicity. Effortless elegance.

Roving I Recap: Morning Walk in Greve

2011-07-25T18:19:00.000-05:00

Villa Gate

The sounds of Greve in Chianti greeted us each morning: a tractor working in a nearby Chianti vineyard, a hammer trying to undo time in a stone structure in the distance and a perfectly-timed but cliched rooster crow. In Tuscany, even sounds are beautiful.

On our last full day in Tuscany, I was awake and dressed as soon as the bright Italian sun beamed through the open balcony doors, beating the rooster's mildly raucous alarm. Meeting my cousins downstairs, we began our walk into town via the well-worn vineyard path. The sunlight, already reflecting off the grapevine leaves, was warm on our backs as we made our way through the antique, scrolled, wrought-iron gate.

My Fellow Morning Walkers, John and Isabella

We were in search of the perfect cup of coffee and Italian pastry. Fighting jet lag, my cousin John had wandered into town earlier in the week and discovered a sugar-covered, custard-filled beauty at a tiny coffee shop. The tale of its deliciousness had spread throughout the villa making this very pastry the reason for my unreasonably early wake up call.

As we made our way through the grapevines and olive groves and down the hillside to the city center, we passed children in pajamas hanging their legs over the balcony watching with curiosity as three obvious non-Italians walked by, an old woman wearing a crimson kerchief meandering slowly towards the church on the square and a crowded bakery packed with loud-speaking locals pointing at the gorgeous selection of pastries behind the glass. We narrowly escaped the alluring scent of warm, sweet cream and powdered sugar.

Greve in Chianti Square (or Triangle)

Three coffee shops on the town square promised exceptional espresso but offered no custard-filled indulgences. So, on we went. Our search ended ten minutes later at a tiny coffeehouse near the grocery store. In the morning light, the legendary donut-like pastry was a beautiful sight with its glittering, sugar-coated exterior. The coffee shop owner was an older man who looked at us as though he could see through us as we attempted to order in Italian. But I did catch a tiny grin on the left side of his lips when I pronounced “per favore” correctly.

My caffé latte arrived seconds later with special touch, a cinnamon heart with an arrow through it floating in the froth, proving that the cafe owner was not as aloof as he seemed. John’s Caffé Americano was served with a cinnamon smiley face with a big nose. One bite into the pastry, I knew it was worth every step of the exhaustive search.

Italian breakfast perfection achieved, we headed back to the villa at a considerably slower pace but a little more in step with the Tuscan way of life.

Breakfast Perfection in Greve

Sweet Surprise

Path Between the Olive Grove and Grapes

Lone Flower

Web Roves of the Week: Fun Finds and Deals

2011-07-22T15:39:00.000-05:00

Soon to be Mine.

I'll keep it short today. Happy Friday (and clicking)!

I came across these printed canvas banners with simple typography and vintage style from Michigan artist Michael Jon Watt at TransitDesign earlier this week when researching a project for work. After I pay off a few more travel bills (damn Euro to US Dollar conversion rate), I'm hoping to snag the Italy one pictured above. There are several available location themes but you can also have one custom printed for you to document your travels.
Southwest Airlines is running another stellar sale for late summer and fall travel. This time, you can catch a flight for as low as $59 one way from August 23rd through December 14th. Details here.
To the baseball fans out there, Travelzoo.com has special offers available for MLB games across the USA. And for all the St. Louis area readers, you can save big on next week's series against the Astros. More info here.
I'm not much for cruises but, if I were to take one, it would probably be on one of the luxe, small ships from Windstar Cruises. Rue La La (member-only site, free to join) has fall excursions on sale for up to half off regular prices with different itineraries including Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Spain. You can sign up to view (and buy) through this link (a personal invite from me).

Roving IQ: Fiat 500 - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

2011-07-20T23:23:00.000-05:00

Photo: Fiat USA

During our trip to Italy, we rented two cars in two different locations. And both times we ended up with a gray 2011 Fiat 500, an automobile staple in pretty much every part of Italy. I didn't drive one mile of either car, but from a passenger's perspective, it was fairly comfortable and allowed enough room to slightly recline the seat and ample window space for me to easily gawk at the stunning views out the window. My car-obsessed husband Scott spent a considerable amount of time behind the wheel and apparently gathered some pretty strong opinions about our tiny but functional mode of transportation.

Introducing Scott, in his second automotive-focused guest post!

"One of the most stressful parts of any vacation can be the mode of transportation one chooses to use. Whether it's by plane, boat, train or automobile, you can travel in luxury or borderline squalor. During our last vacation in Italy, we experienced vices and virtues of all of the modes of transportation listed above. Aside from the ten-hour flight to and from Italy, Julie and I spent most of our time in a new 2011 Fiat 500. Keep reading for the good, the bad and the ugly on this Italian favorite.

Before I get to the good qualities about the Fiat, here's a little history lesson. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? You may be asking the same question about the Fiat 500 and its direct competitor, the Mini Cooper. Both were created due to the need of small, practical and efficient cars in a post-war economy. The Cooper came off the assembly line in 1959, two years after the Fiat 500 was released. The Cooper and the Fiat 500 were originally powered by motors that were smaller and less powerful than the motor you will currently find in my riding lawnmower. From 1957-1975, Italians and many other Europeans counted on their Fiat 500s, along with their trusty Vespa scooters as their main modes of transportation. Even today, you will see an entire family packed into their small egg-shaped, 1960-something Fiat driving down the cobblestone roads in Rome or up and down the hilly roads in Positano. In 2007, the Fiat 500 model returned to Europe, following the re-release of the Mini Cooper and the Volkswagen Beetle and has just recently gone on sale here in the States.

THE GOOD: You never know what you are going to get when you rent a car in Europe, literally. When we met up with Julie’s cousin John and his family in Greve, we took a few moments to look at each other’s rental cars.

“What car did you get?” he asked me. “A new Fiat 500. You know, they just came out in the US.” He looked at me with a stumped look. “What did they give you?” I asked. “Some diesel Ford. It’s alright,” he replied back.

It was actually an Opel, but I didn’t have the heart to tell him. I mean really, how many Americans know Opel, or Lancia, or even Fiat, for that matter. Well, you better get to know them, especially Fiat. Here's why: Fiat currently owns a majority percentage of the Chrysler Corporation and will be supplying the chassis and powertrains for many of their future cars that are smaller, lighter and more efficient. Size is definitely the first thing that draws your attention to the Fiat 500. The car blends in with the other compact cars in Italy, where great gas mileage and the ability to park in tight places mean everything. However, if you are driving down a typical suburban neighborhood road in the United States, many onlookers will think that you’re driving a go-kart. But truthfully, size is one of the greatest things about this car. From the driver’s seat, there's plenty of shoulder, hip and legroom with space to spare. Pop the hatch in back and you will have a generous amount of space to store your luggage, multiple bottles of Italian wines (red of course) and a couple of bottles of Olive oil and Balsamic vinegar.

Even loaded down with a lots of luggage, the 500 handled quite well. It was eager to turn in on sharp corners with fairly minimal understeer and the rear end would track closely to the front. If pushed hard, the rear end would slightly step out for a brief moment. Quiet fun in a front-wheel drive car. The steering had a nice weight to it, but when the car was being pushed hard, the steering feel would go numb and offer little feedback. I’m sure this doesn’t mean much to most American tourists, but I’m not sure if I can overlook it. So we have a willing chassis, but how about the motor? Read on.

THE BAD: The motor. Although it’s fairly smooth and quiet, it just doesn’t have the zip to be driven on the long, flat and boring stretches of asphalt we call our American highway system. If you want to enjoy it on twisty canyon roads, you better be ready to keep the motor singing near its 7,000 rpm redline to wring out all 101 horsepower from its 1.4 liter four cylinder engine. Luckily, the five speed manual transmission is fairly willing to work with you as you row the gears. I couldn’t even imagine driving this car with an automatic.

I could nit pick the somewhat cheesy, hard plastic interior dash and other interior bits, but I also think they add to the charm of the car. However, I cannot overlook the motor in the Fiat 500 and for me it is the deal breaker. If you are power hungry as well, wait for the Fiat 500 Abarth model that will offer a turbo charged motor and nearly 150 horsepower.

THE UGLY: I know you are expecting me to say its looks and its gaudy dashboard, but truthfully, the only thing ugly about this car is how the American public will receive it. Has America wrapped its mind around smaller, more efficient cars? I’m getting there, but I still like cars that are loud, have a healthy appetite for high-octane fuel and scare the neighborhood kids when I start them. Many Americans feel they need twenty cup holders, air-conditioned seats and enough cubic space to haul an entire basketball team, even if they only have one child. I really don’t care for the Fiat 500, but it makes perfect sense. Do we really still need huge, gas guzzling SUVs to haul around our seven-year-olds to soccer practice? Chevy and Ford no longer think so and that is why we have seen a major shift in their marketing plans and their current line ups. They no longer brag about hauling capabilities but gas mileage, and this is where the Fiat 500 shines. The Fiat 500 has been moving Europe from point A to point B for nearly 50 years, and I can guarantee that it is also up to the task of moving Americans from point A to point B with charm, efficiency and practicality."

Our Fiat 500
Outside of Radda in Chianti

Roving Pic: Roman Intersection

2011-07-19T18:04:00.000-05:00

Photo: Scott Clark
July 2, 2011

When we reached this worn yet wonderfully colorful intersection, we went left and discovered an ancient modern city built on centuries of tradition and pride. Thousands of yesterdays were elegantly and elaborately entwined with today down every grand pedestrian street, cobblestone sidewalk and dimly-lit alley. With the past partially revealed, the present was suddenly more powerful.

I wonder what we would've found had we gone right.

Roving I Recap: Italy Itinerary

2011-07-19T00:21:00.000-05:00

Us, in Siena

I'm kicking off a series of Roving I Recaps about our Italy trip with a brief overview of where we went and how long we stayed in each location. While the recap posts ahead will focus more on specific aspects of each location and the unique moments we experienced throughout Italy, today's post is a big picture look at our travel plan.

June 26-27: 2 Planes, 2 Trains and a Very Small Automobile
After zipping up the luggage, obsessively checking and rechecking appliances, doors and windows and catching our first flight from St. Louis to Chicago, we boarded our 9 hour flight to Rome. Upon arrival, we shifted into true transportation mode, taking the Leonardo Express local train to Rome Termini where we caught a second train to Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence. In Florence, we took a cab to the airport to pick up our beyond tiny and extremely under powered Fiat 500 (more to come on its vices and virtues later in the week). One painfully expensive wrong turn on the Autostrada A1 later, we were finally on the last leg of our lengthy journey to Greve in Chianti, Tuscany. Despite being drowsy, hungry and frustrated with the Italian highway system, the Tuscan view out the window as we sped away from Florence was the perfect reward to our almost 24 hours straight of travel.

June 27-July 2: Chianti Country Charm
I've never been so in love with a vacation location. Seriously. I knew it would be good but never expected this level of sheer admiration. Days were spent enjoying time with family (we stayed in a fantastic villa with my cousins from New Jersey), driving the Chiantigana, visiting nearby hill towns (more to come about specific locales), eating extraordinary local food and drinking famous Chianti Classico wine every chance I got. (I could devote a week's worth of posts to this beautiful burgundy beverage.)

July 2- July 4: Roving About Rome
We were typical tourists, but active ones. After being pushed, shoved and stepped on by the flag/flower/ridiculous hat following tour groups at the Vatican Museums, we ventured out on foot for day 2. Walking from the Vatican area to Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, back up to the Spanish Steps, down Via Condotti, we made it back over to Ponte Sant'Angelo area in time for dinner. Legs thoroughly stretched, we left Rome by car for southern Italy on the 4th of July.

And one more of us, in Rome

July 4-7: Pompeii, Positano and Amalfi Coast Amazingness
Pompeii wowed us, an accidental drive through Naples shocked us and Positano welcomed us with warm Italian arms. A world away from Rome, we settled into a leisurely lifestyle amongst the steep hills, hidden beaches and stellar views of the Amalfi Coast.

July 7-9: Celebrating on Capri
After hauling our growing luggage collection through Sorrento, and arriving by Hydrofoil to the island of Capri, Casa Mariontonia appeared as a stylish, lemon-scented paradise. A private boat ride, some shopping and a very special ceremony capped off our Capri time.

July 9: Rome, Again
Arriving by train from Naples for our last day in Italy was beyond bittersweet. Walking shoes reinstated, we wandered from our hotel near Termini to Galleria Borghese to Trevi Fountain, proving that the coin toss tradition really does work.

July 10: Home, Again
A wonderful whirlwind came to an end, until the next trip.

Another Italy trip recap next week. More tomorrow and thanks for reading!

Web Rove of the Week: A Walking Guide through the Tuscan Hills

2011-07-15T14:20:00.000-05:00

A Chiantigana View

During our lazy days spent zipping along the curves of the Chiantigana Highway (the incredibly scenic SR 222), I enjoyed breathtaking views through the open window to my right and the tiny Fiat 500 windshield ahead of me. After discovering Mary Novakovich's article "A Walking Guide through the Tuscan Hills," I realized how just amazing it would be to meander on foot through the steep hills, hidden hamlets and cypress-lined paths of Tuscany. Maybe on the next trip, we can work in a long walk not just through the hill towns but to them. When we get there, I hope to find a scene like the one described below.

"At first I thought we had walked into a massive family gathering. About 20 people were seated at a long table under a shady vine-covered pergola, gossiping loudly in Italian over grappa and coffee. Cheerful, noisy, arms flying everywhere – a typical Italian family at Sunday lunch. Only it was Tuesday and it wasn’t a family; they were the guests at Franco and Umberta Lazzari’s Agriturismo Orgiaglia in the Tuscan hills, doing what comes naturally when you’ve had three courses of Franco’s delicious cooking, plus large quantities of Chianti and grappa.

The Lazzaris’ daughter Silvia spotted the two dusty and rather exhausted new arrivals. “We’ve been expecting you. Sit down over there, away from the noise. My mother will bring you a cold drink.” Within minutes Umberta was plying us with sparkling water and speaking excitedly, the odd German or French word punctuating her Italian. She seemed genuinely thrilled to see us, and we soon discovered that we had collapsed into the most convivial and yet relaxing agriturismo in Italy." ------- Excerpt from A Walking Guide through the Tuscan Hills by Mary Novakovich

Roving I Finds: Italy Deals and Discoveries

2011-07-14T19:29:00.000-05:00

Montefioralle
An amazingly beautiful little town in Tuscany

I may be physically back from Italy but my mind is definitely still wandering through the hillsides of Tuscany. (I'm not sure it will ever leave.) Today's Roving I Finds are all about where else, but lovely Italia. Featured below are one of the resources I utilized when planning our trip to Italy and some excellent deals currently available if you're planning yours.

Chianti and More: Karin Dietz was a huge help in locating and securing a spectacular villa for our Tuscan holiday at a reasonable cost. She also provided us with invaluable information and insider opportunities for our time in the Chianti region. Check out her site for available properties, testimonials and Chianti region info.
Sceptre Tours has a Tuscany Wine Tasting Package for $799 (land only) including castle stays, tasting opps and more.
8 Day Amalfi Coast Fly and Drive from Virgin Vacations. Starting at $1099 for air, car and hotel from NYC. Dates available for Fall 2011 and Spring 2012.
Trendy and affordable NH Hotels is offering discounts up to 48% off regular, high-season prices in 4 and 5-star hotels throughout Italy with the Italian Summer promotion. Dates available: July 22 through September 3.

Happy Booking!

Roving Pic: Roving Rome

2011-07-13T10:54:00.000-05:00

Me, jumping in front of the Colosseum

We are just back from spending two weeks in Italy! And it was amazing. I have lots to share about our experiences - from the locations we visited to the food and wine to the people we met to the individual moments that will stand out in my memory for the rest of my life.

So today, I'm kicking off my Italy recap with a picture of me jumping in front of the Colosseum. It's kind of my "thing" to jump in front of landmarks and our visit to ancient Rome provided a perfect opportunity. I may get some strange looks from people in the area while attempting this but the resulting photos are usually keepers.

Over the coming weeks and months, I'll try to somehow encapsulate our trip through posts here and get back to the established blog schedule. (I realized very quickly how traveling straight for 15 days poses a challenge to any blog.)

And finally, a very BIG "Thank You" to my dear friend Iron Stef for her awesome guests posts while I was away. I owe you one (or three)!

More tomorrow and thanks so much for reading!

Roving I Recap: A Kansas City Rendezvous

2011-07-11T21:29:00.000-05:00

Kansas City's Country Club Plaza
Photo: Country Club Plaza

Despite living in St. Louis, Missouri, I had never made the four-hour trek cross-state to visit Kansas City until this year.

The first visit took place in April 2011 with an amazing bunch of college seniors. My second trip was over a weekend in June to see the great Peter Gabriel in concert with the New Blood Orchestra. Both were wonderful experiences that made me realize that I should’ve ventured west sooner.

My mid-June work trip to New York City translated into a quick flight to KC. And my husband’s professional conference in mid-Missouri made for an easy drive west. And so, our two travels met on the famed Plaza on a sunny Friday afternoon in Kansas City.

Friday night began with a somewhat impromptu meeting with a fellow travel blogger and KC resident, Jenn from Jenn's Travelogue Blog. When I stumbled across her blog a month or so before, I could already tell we had a lot a common. And it turns out that we did. We met for a drink which turned into a 2+ hour conversation. Our husbands even joined us for a while. Our new friends made for a warm Kansas City welcome.

The weekend getaway continued on Saturday after a leisurely lunch at Ingredient, with me shopping on the Plaza and Scott heading to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. And as the afternoon turned to evening, we made our way to the stunning Starlight Theater where we were under the stars and under Peter Gabriel's spell from the very first note. (Click on the video below for a taste of the concert experience.)

Starlight Theater
Kansas City, MO
Photo: Thinkkc.com

We may have only visited Kansas City because of concert tickets, but the entire weekend turned out to be one great show. And I'm already looking forward to the next one.

Web Rove of the Week: Iron Stef's St. Louis As Seen on TV

2011-07-08T08:06:00.000-05:00

These days, with so many specialized channels, television is a major way to learn about travel destinations. My favorite travel shows focus not just on travel, but on food destinations. As you may have figured out by now, I am extremely proud of my city's strong food culture. I am therefore very pleased when some of these places are recognized on national television.

In my first guest post, about eating challenges in St. Louis, I mentioned that the show Man vs. Food had visited and attempted to take down Crown Candy Kitchen's milkshake challenge. Adam also visited a couple of other favorites in that episode... Iron Barley (Which Guy Fieri also visited... see video here) and Pappy's Smokehouse. Both are popular among locals and worth a visit (just be prepared to wait... did I mention they were popular?). Here is a video of Adam from Man Vs. Food talking about his time in the Lou. It seems he also visited Ted Drewes frozen custard... a landmark to locals for decades.

One of my most trusted television food personalities is Alton Brown. I loved his travel show Feasting on Asphalt, in which he traveled across the country on his motorcycle. When he rolled through our Neck of the woods, he stopped at Alton, IL's famous Fast Eddie's Bonair. Fast Eddie's is a lively bar with cheap and tasty food.

Alton is just a skip over the river from St. Louis. Worth the short jaunt for the Chick-on-a-stick... skewered chicken drummettes that Alton Brown claimed to be the first chicken wings he had ever actually liked! When he passed through the city of St. Louis, Alton chose to highlight our plethora of tasty donuts. Read more about our donuts here.

BBC News ran a feature last year highlighting St. Louis' beer culture. See the video here. As the home of Anheuser Busch, this has always been a beer town. But now the scene is shifting, and craft beers are taking over. Craft breweries and brew pubs have been popping up like mad the past 10 years. To keep track, check out the excellent website STL Hops, and the local beer column Hip Hops. Evan Benn, writer of the Hip Hops column, also just published a book, Brew in the Lou, that is brimming with St. Louis's beer history, present and future. Great information!

While Guy Fieri grates on me (Anthony Bourdain likened him to Poochie from the Simpsons :D), I have eaten at several of the places featured on his show, Diner's Drive-Ins and Dives, and I have to say he hasn't steered me wrong yet. When he was in St. Louis he went to Sweetie Pie's, a fantastic soul food restaurant. Check out the video:

And for dessert...local cupcake shop Jilly's Cupcakes just won Food Network's Cupcake Wars! Cool! Who doesn't like cupcakes? People say the trend is dying, but so far I haven't seen proof.

Roving Pic: Public Market Afterhours

2011-07-05T10:00:00.018-05:00

Public Market
Seattle, Washington
July 2008
Photo: Scott Clark

The Opera-etic and coordinated fish mongers, bundles of beautiful bouquets and fresh fruit merchants had gone home long before this picture was snapped. As we wandered the empty market aisles, remnant flower petals danced in the breeze across the cement floor. Stepping outside into the July evening, the "public market" took on a very not-so-public persona.

Special thanks to Iron Stef for her phenomenal and delicious recent guest posts! More to come from Stef herself later this week. She's truly a gem!

Web Rove of the Week: Iron Stef's Italy via St. Louis

2011-07-01T09:02:00.000-05:00

Hi Roving Fans! I'm back for another guest post. Jealous that Julie gets to travel to Italy, I thought I'd share some of my favorite Italian delights right here in St. Louis.

Milo's Bocce Garden

This city has some strong Italian roots. The first place you will here about when you start to research Italian food in St. Louis is not a particular restaurant, but an entire Italian neighborhood, The Hill. With it's Italian flag-painted fire hydrants, The Hill is familiar to most St. Louisans as the place to go for small family Italian eateries, bakeries and grocery store. Whether you live here or are visiting, consider taking a tour! I know it's now on my list of staycation activities!

Milo's is a bar, restaurant and Bocce Garden. Bocce is a game (sport?) in which 2 teams try to roll their balls closest to one small ball on a dirt court. Power up with a salsiccia and some beer and get tossing!

Pizza, 3 ways!

Photo from TheGoodPie.com

The Good Pie

The Good Pie is Neapolitan-style pizza; hand-tossed crust cooked in a super-hot wood pizza oven. I LOVE this pizza. And this place. Besides the delicious pizza, The Good Pie has a great beer list with craft beers that will pair well with your meal and a relaxed, fun atmosphere. The Caesar salad is phenomenal... get the extra anchovies!

Pi became famous when Barak Obama said it was his favorite pizza. The controversy? Well, Obama is from Chicago and Pi is Chicago-style pizza... giving Cubs fans yet another reason to be jealous of St. Louis :). Our Prez has great taste, though. Pi's deep dish pizzas are fantastic... I could eat the crispy-tender crust all day. Pi is located on the Delmar Loop, a fun entertainment district with shops, music venues, bars, and more. Pi also has a roving pizza truck. Find out where they are each day by following them on Twitter.

St. Louis Style Pizza

This is where I get controversial. St. Louis-Style Pizza is essentially a thin crust pizza, topped with a sweet sauce and Provel cheese, cut into squares. Why controversial? Provel is... well... an acquired taste. It's gooey, okay? It's a processed cheese developed just for thin-crust pizzas because it melts fast and isn't stringy, making for a clean, non-chin burning bite. My friend Andrew Veety wrote a very interesting research post on this processed regional favorite, if you want to learn more (I know you do!). Non-natives usually dislike Provel. I hated the stuff growing up, but now I enjoy the occasional St. Louis-style pizza for nostalgia's sake. My favorite is Faraci's in Ferguson, where I grew up. Only do take-out there. Pirrone's Pizza, also in North County, is also a favorite.

Acero

Acero is an Italian restaurant in the Maplewood (right next to the Schlafly beer Bottleworks!). It's a nice, somewhat upscale, but comfortable, little restaurant with a good wine selection and great food. Whatever you do, get the egg yolk raviolo, a large ravioli that has a whole, deliciously runny and rich egg yolk inside! My friend Kelly and I loved this so much we recreated at home.

Stellina Pasta

Stellina is known for their home-made pasta and their fresh, local ingredients. They also have great sandwiches.

Photo by Corey Woodruff (www.coreywoodruff.com)

Salume Beddu

Also known as "Cute Meat Guys", Mark Sanfilippo & Ben Poremba make some of the finest sausages and cured meats in the country. Mark originally did charcuterie at one of Mario Batali's restaurants, then moved back to St. Louis and started making sausage and selling it on his own. It was so popular at the local farmer's markets that they were able to open this shop. Check out this Food Blog Mafia post about Salume Beddu, and go get yourself some amazing meats. They also serve lunch!

Okay. I'm feeling better now. I mean, I still wish Julie could let me crawl into her carry-on... but I have options for getting my Italian fix here at home. Arrivederci!

Roving Pic: Golden Gate

2011-06-28T10:00:00.010-05:00

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!

Web Roves of the Week: Frances Mayes' Tuscany

2011-06-24T17:40:00.000-05:00

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 Mayes

For more on Frances' life in Tuscany, check out her blog. The most recent post features Sting's stunning Tuscan villa. Sigh...

Sting's Home, Il Palagio
Photo: Frances Mayes
I can and will do a whole post on the Italian Cypress trees. They truly are dreamy.

Roving I Finds: $40 Southwest Fares and South Pacific Savings

2011-06-23T17:32:00.001-05:00

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)!

Over-the-Water Huts
I would like to be here. Right now.
Photo: Intercontinental Tahiti Resort

I would also like to be here. Right now.
Photo: Air Tahiti Nui

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

2011-06-22T21:36:00.000-05:00

Travel Prints from JHill Design

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.

Roving Pic: Lord Byron in Piccadilly Circus

2011-06-21T17:04:00.000-05:00

Piccadilly Circus
London
July 2010
Photo: Scott Clark

My recent NYC stay reminded me of this photo taken last year in London. Times Square's little brother may not be as big as the original, but the old-world details and charm hidden beneath the vivid lights and commercial messaging more than made up for it. The old rover himself, Lord Byron, even made an impromptu appearance just in time for the shot. Cheerio!

"...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

2011-06-20T23:16:00.000-05:00

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:

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.

Dos Caminos Soho Patio
Photo: Dos Caminos

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.

The Soho Grand Yard
Photo: The Soho Grand

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!

Ideya, Soho
Photo: Ideya

So long for now, Soho. I will certainly see you next time!

Roving I Find: 5 Clicks That Could Take You Places.

2011-06-19T18:23:00.000-05:00

(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?

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.

Mama Shelter
Paris, France

2. Picture yourself in National Geographic? The 2011 Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest could put you there. You could win a trip for 2 to Alaska, Morocco or Bhutan plus your photo will grace the pages of the December issue of National Geographic. Check out last year's winner and enter through June 30, 2011 here.

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.

Old Faithful and some uninterested bison
Photo: visitmt .com

Thanks for the Sunday rove. Hope you’re having a great weekend wherever you are! And a very Happy Father's Day to Dave. I love you lots and thank you for all your support in all that I do in life, even this blog!

Web Rove of the Week: Iron Stef's 4 Most Extreme St. Louis Food Challenges

2011-06-17T23:14:00.001-05:00

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!

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/

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

2011-06-16T09:50:00.000-05:00

My husband is a true gear head - the kind of person who can tell you what kind of car is coming down the road just by the engine sound. He knows the performance numbers for almost every vehicle and how they’ve changed each model year. He even knows how many quarts of oil they take. Freaky, freaky stuff.

In almost 10 years of marriage, we've owned 24 vehicles. Stupid? Very. Educational? You bet. We've become experts on traveling by car. So today, we're sharing some of our hard-earned wisdom with the world. I'm thrilled to introduce my husband, Scott, in his first guest post. The below reviews are his honest opinions about realistic road trip cars. (Much to his dismay, he was forced to take the Ferrari off the list.)

Jeep Wrangler: Scott says: "True all-around, on and off-road capabilities. Top down. Check. Doors off. Check. Lowered windshield. Check. Name another vehicle you can do that with. I didn't think so."

Honda S2000: Scott says: "When your spouse or significant other won't allow you to take a trip on a motorcycle, this is your second best choice. If you are looking for a two-wheel experience with four wheels, this is a close as it gets. This is the perfect vehicle to carve canyon roads or drive up the 101 with the top down, the motor singing at 9,000 rpms while you row through the gears of one of the best transmissions ever built. There's even room in the boot for a bag or two."

BMW 5-series: Scott says: "Comfort, technology, style and speed wrapped in one package. I'd pick the M5 so I could play with the 500 horsepower under the hood, but any 5-Series choice would be the right one for a road trip."

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

2011-06-14T14:40:00.002-05:00

Grand Canyon
December 2009
Photo: Scott Clark

I seem to be on a bit of a winter theme, in the heat of summer. So I'm embracing it for at least one more week. Today's Roving Pic was taken on a short day trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon from Sedona. I'm certain it snowed there because we were visiting, but the combination of sun, snow and shadows did make for some lovely shots. This is one of our favorites. Hope you enjoy it!