A Travel Blog from the Editors of T+L
Posts by
Charlotte Savino
Restaurant weeks are ubiquitous across the country, each one giving diners access to affordable, gourmet meals at the nation’s top eateries. This year, for the first time anywhere, Atlanta is home to a new event to highlight hotel restaurants. From April 2 through April 9, you can enjoy a $25 (not including tax and tip) three-course dinner at a multitude of the ATL’s hotspots.
March comes in like a lion (luxury safari anyone?) and out like a lamb (a wool beret from a Parisian boutique!) with this month’s globetrotting Contest Watch.
Kenya: iExplore.com Photo Safari Contest
Enter by April 22, 2011
The frequent T+L Best of the Web winner, iExplore has kicked off a new contest for shutterbugs. Simply visit http://photocontest.iexplore.com/, register, upload your best photograph, and then spread the word. Site visitors can vote for their favorites, advancing a group of 20 photographs to the finals. A panel of nine award-winning travel photographers and media writers will pick the winner.
After Snowmagedon 2011 ravaged 49 of the 50 states this month, the time is right to live it up away from icy driveways and slushy sidewalks. Whether you’re in the mood for a seductive escape to Thailand, Las Vegas, or New York or an energetic romp in Costa Rica or Utah, this T+L Contest Watch has you covered.
While the tree at New York City’s Rockefeller Center typically gets top billing when it comes to conspicuous displays of holiday cheer, the lobby at the Ritz-Carlton Charlotte, North Carolina has something else entirely: a 1500-pound, 140 square-foot gingerbread house, complete with flickering lights (and real moss!). Baked in-house by executive chef Jon Farace and the staff at the BLT Steak restaurant, the 100% organic display hopes to bring some warmth and attention to this LEED-certified luxury hotel—the first of the Ritz-Carlton brand.
Looking for a high-cal way to usher in the eating season? Look no further than the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. The triangle offers a fantastic mix of affordable southern comfort food as well as outstanding forward-thinking fare. Here, my personal favorites for an early winter pre-hibernation feast.
This month's contest watch is all about indulging. Whether it's a culinary trip through Italy, a $1,500 shopping spree, or sports fanaticism, leave the moderation at home.
Trip for Two to Italy, DK Books
Enter now through February 28
To celebrate DK’s inspirational new book, Where to Go When: Italy ($40, Oct ’10), DK Eyewitness Travel is giving foodies the chance to win a trip to Italy valued at $4770. The lucky winner and a friend will choose from more than 40 Epiculinary tours. To enter to win, simply sign up to receive the traveldk.com e-newsletter or visit their website.
You've carved the pumpkins and stocked up on candy. Now, hit the liquor store. Hotels across the U.S. are preparing for Halloween with signature cocktails that are the perfect adult treat. We've rounded up the best from bar-epicenter, New York City. Make the trip or concoct your own for a party at home.
Whether you're looking to skip town this winter or just skip some holiday stress, this month's Contest Watch has you covered.
Teva, "Teva House 2011 Fiji Giveaway," Enter Now - January 15
If you need something to look forward to, how about a 10-day trip to Fiji from April 1-11, 2011? Enter at tevahouse.com and you could win a $14,000 trip for two to Fiji, complete with round-trip airfare, seven-day Tui Tai expedition cruise, river tour, and Teva sandals (lest you step on a sea urchin while exploring). The winner will be contacted January 30 when the winter blues are at their worst.
Looking for a fall nature adventure that lands somewhere between "glamping" and actual camping? Look no further than Douthat State Park. Nestled in the Allegheny mountains of central Virginia, a four-and-a-half hour drive from Washington, DC, the 4,490-acre pet-friendly park offers charming cabins and plentiful hikes for the beginner leaf-peeper.
I cannot stress the "beginner" part enough. When we went last weekend, our party consisted of four couples, each lodging in a cabin outfitted with a full kitchen, working fireplaces, central heat and a/c, and clean simple bathrooms (with phenomenal hot water and pressure). The majority of our pre-hike-planning included a map-scan for the dirtiest sounding trail (our choice, Blue Suck Falls) and a very detailed après-walk drinking plan.
Must-pack necessities for the weekend: boardgames, whiskey, family dog, s'mores ingredients, food for the grill, hiking shoes (maybe).
Cabins range from $75 to $102 per night during this fall season, and include parking and park fees. Our cheapest cabin (#6) featured a queen bed and small communal space, while the more palatial options (#9 and #11) have capacious living rooms to enjoy the hearth. Larger groups should consider renting one of the property's three lodges (where, unfortunately, dogs are not allowed).
Charlotte Savino is Travel + Leisure's Listings Editor.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and many hotels around the nation are hoping to raise money for this worthy cause.
Teaming up with rocker Melissa Etheridge to get the word out about this widespread disease, Hard Rock Hotels worldwide are participating in PINKtober. Throughout October, properties will feature 300-count pink sheets, serve special pink drinks, and stock pink charity merchandise in stores and restaurants. Treat a survivor you know to a decadent pink Turkish-cotton bathrobe with ribbon detail ($80) or charm bracelet ($20). Visit www.hardrock.com for promotional information as well as dates for PINKtober charity performances. Proceeds benefit a variety of charities including The Caron Keating Foundation and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
