My winter loathing may have met its match at Utah’s Stein Erikson Lodge. What’s to dislike about one of the world’s premiere ski destinations?
Archive for the ‘
’ Category
Holidays and getaways. With updates on the regular, visit us often for news on money-saving escapes.
Absolute ski-luxe.
January 8th, 2010 by CatherineA chance to stay where Brad Pitt slept.
January 6th, 2010 by Catherine
A weekend of mayhem awaits...
If you’ve ever dreamt of sleeping amongst the (celebrity-esque) stars, then your chance is about to arrive. The Hotel Gansevoort just slashed prices, when ordinarily, rooms at this New York celebrity hotspot go for upwards of $450. Standard Rooms are currently going for $198 a night! So if you’ve dreamed of rubbing elbows with the who’s who of celebrity, you can now afford to do so without bankrupting yourself. That’s so D-List.
With a swanky rooftop pool and loft, bustling bar and amenities aplenty, you’ve got plenty ways to create your very own celebrity scandal, right in the heart of the West Village. No word on how long the sale will last, so if you’ve been thinking about a trip to New York, I’d hop to it and book already!
Come on pretty mama…
December 17th, 2009 by CatherineWithout trying to sound like a broken record, I miss the heat. I’ve mentioned my love for warm weather here and here, and while I try to remain optimistic that winter won’t be that bad this year, it’s hard to do so when an arctic chill hits you in the face before 7 in the morning. Brr.
This is what bliss looks like.
The folks at CheapCaribbean.com must sympathize with winter whiners like myself, because they’ve drastically slashed prices on trips to the Bahamas starting in early January through June 23rd. Bookings must be made by March 3rd to land the package, which includes airfare, four nights at the Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino in a guaranteed ocean view room, and a $100 resort credit for food and beverage, all for around $500-$600, depending on your departure city. Be sure to include promotional code BAH300SPR for $300 in instant savings.
With access to golf, beautiful beaches, a Las Vegas-style casino, and 8 restaurants and bars, there’s an abundance of things for you to do, no matter what your age and preference of activities. And with average winter temperatures of 70-80°F, it’s the perfect debut my new favorite dress on for size.
Gift Guide: Pack it in. Under $30
December 2nd, 2009 by Ruth
Ultralight Packers in Stem Green, llbean.com, $29
With the traveling season in full swing, I’ve uncovered the niftiest packing accessory known to man – the Ultralight Packer from LLBean! Available in four colors; Black, Blue, Red and Stem Green, these graduated packers keep clothing neatly folded in your suitcase, carry-on or duffle bag.
Perfect for the organized traveler, I plan to gift these to a few snowbirds, bi-coastal friends, and vacationers this holiday season.
Turkey trot.
November 17th, 2009 by CatherineWith Thanksgiving just about a week away, we’re sure that by now you’ve made travel plans for the day. But just in case you’ve left it to the very last minute, we’ve got a few deals that might make it easier (and cheaper) for you to get to that pumpkin pie. Experts agree that traveling on the day of any holiday guarantees cheaper tickets (if you’re flying or taking the train) and less traffic on the roads, should you choose to drive. Whatever your mode of transportation, there are ways of saving money. Check out a few we’ve found, after the jump! (more…)
Friendlier skies.
November 12th, 2009 by Catherine
Dropping temperatures are directly correlated with my desire to escape the cold East Coast. It’s been this way for as long as I can remember, and as I get older, it doesn’t get any easier. This is especially true when killer deals like these from Virgin America come along. With one way fares as low as $45 (plus taxes and fees, of course), I’m going to find it difficult to not book a trip to Los Angeles or Las Vegas…
Viva Las Vegas (Part Deux)
November 5th, 2009 by Catherine
What happens in Vegas...
It’s been about two months since I returned from my summer holiday in North Carolina’s Outerbanks and I’m already itching to get away again. Even a creature of habit like me needs to escape and recharge my batteries, which is why I’m so jazzed about a deal I found at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas. Having long been regarded as the best in the business, the chain’s rates are consistently far beyond my travel budgets, but with rates as low as $169 a night at their Vegas hotel through December 2009, I’m about to start packing my bags right now. There are more specials available on the hotel’s website, so click here to learn more, and cross those fingers for luck!
Frugal Firenze – Day 3.
October 19th, 2009 by Ruth
Currently working and studying in Florence, Italy, graphic designer and photographer, Rachel Graham (www.rbgarts.com) from New York, New York tells us how to be frugal in Firenze.
In a historic city such as Florence, you’d be surprised at how many mediocre meals you can eat if you’re not in the know. As an artist and student in this city, it’s always nice to save a buck (or with the current euro/dollar exchange, €0.60) on a nice meal. So, want to paint Firenze red like a true Fiorentini? Below her suggestions for a great stay.
Day 3:
If you did go to Blob or Teatro on day 2, you might be in need of a hearty breakfast. From the same owner of Acqua al 2 is The Florence Diner. Here you can get an italian twist on many American favorites, for a very good price (lunch for two around 20 euros).
If you have a sweet tooth check out VESTRI. There you can find great chocolate and gelato in many interesting flavors.
If you like opera (who wouldn’t when you’re in the birthplace of Bel Canto), take a look at the schedule at St. Marks’ Church. Here, they perform operas nightly in a very intimate space with voices from all over the world. Tickets are very reasonable, but you’ll need to reserve in advance (12 euros for student, 25 for adults), but its worth it.
For one of the most incredible views of Florence, you have to cross the river and take a little climb up a couple dozen stairs to Piazzale Michelangelo. I suggest buying a bottle or two of wine and some cheese (a good supermarket is Standa) and setting up a picnic at sundown. There you have a view of the entire city and the sunsets are unbelievable. Best of all, it’s free.
For dinner on day three, I’ve saved the most authentic for last. Full of both tourists and locals, Buca Mario is a large underground restaurant with an incredible staff and very traditional
Northern Italian cuisine. The menu is extensive and whatever your budget, you can find something amazing.
One more suggestion, check out www.theflorentine.net. It is a free newspaper in english catered toward the english speaking Florentine population.
Buon Viaggio!
Frugal Firenze – Day 2.
October 17th, 2009 by Ruth
Currently working and studying in Florence, Italy, graphic designer and photographer, Rachel Graham (www.rbgarts.com) from New York, New York tells us how to be frugal in Firenze.
In a historic city such as Florence, you’d be surprised at how many mediocre meals you can eat if you’re not in the know. As an artist and student in this city, it’s always nice to save a buck (or with the current euro/dollar exchange, €0.60) on a nice meal. So, want to paint Firenze red like a true Fiorentini? Below her suggestions for a great stay.
Day 2:
If you have yet to see the David, it is quite a sight and in one of the two museums that are a “must see”: Galleria dell’Accademia (where you’ll find Mr. David) and Galleria degli Uffizi. which houses several paintings by many of the great Renaissance artists. Just be aware, none of the museums are open on Mondays. Located right past the Galleria degli Uffizi is the notorious Ponte Vecchio. Built first by the Romans in 996 AD and used Medici family in the 1500′s, this footbridge has been a huge business center for hundreds of years. The bridge is even mentioned in on of the most famous arias, “Oh mio babbino caro” from Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi.
For lunch on day 2, I suggest true italian pizza. This is not like your pizza in Brooklyn from Joe’s (although that’s good too!). Buca Niccolini makes the best pizza I’ve had yet here in Florence. Located right next to the Duomo on a little side street you can get a great pizza for around 7 euros. They also have an outdoor terrace that looks at the side of the Duomo, which is an incredible site.
One of the newest bar/restaurants in Florence is The Clubhouse. A larger space than most other florentine eateries, this restaurant serves great food for a great price (pastas for 7 euros, meat for around 10 euro). Also, be sure to try a Dirty Martini or German Chocolate Cake shot from bartender, Ivka.
Now, if you are ready to party late night, and I do mean late, check out one of two private after hours clubs in Florence: Teatro or Blob. With a one time membership fee of 10 euros (or going with someone who has one) you can party until the wee hours of the morning.
Check back next week for day 3.
Frugal Firenze – Day 1.
October 15th, 2009 by Ruth
Currently working and studying in Florence, Italy, graphic designer and photographer, Rachel Graham (www.rbgarts.com) from New York, New York tells us how to be frugal in Firenze.
In a historic city such as Florence, you’d be surprised at how many mediocre meals you can eat if you’re not in the know. As an artist and student in this city, it’s always nice to save a buck (or with the current euro/dollar exchange, €0.60) on a nice meal. So, want to paint Firenze red like a true Fiorentini? Below are my suggestions for an unforgettable stay.
Day 1:
Ahh, day one. You wake up refreshed and ready to explore. Grab a pane cioccolata (chocolate croissant) and un cappuccino from a nearby pasticceria (pastry shop) and head to the Mercato Centrale. This incredible market is where locals and visitors alike buy the freshest ingredients. A building that covers an entire block houses booths run by local farms and wineries. Many of the shops also ship their products internationally, so it’s a nice place to buy gifts or to stock up for your own kitchen!
After the market, it’s lunchtime. Trattoria Mario has been open since 1957 and is the place to go for a truly authentic Tuscan experience. Only open for lunch, their specialty is the Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak). The pasta dishes range from 6 to 10 euro and the steak is about 35 euro a kilo (to share only! It is really big). The minimal décor and communal seating arrangement give this place a very homey feel. You’ll want to go back on Day 2, but I’ll give you another option, I promise.
For dinner, I suggest an amazing Zagat rated place called Acqua al 2. Be sure to make a reservation because it fills up quickly. They have a chef sampler platter that is a nice taste of all the best dishes, and also a Nobile di Montepulciano red that is amazing, and only 20 euro. Give yourself a little time to find this restaurant gem though, because unless you have an iPhone with GPS it can be a little tricky, but totally worth it.
For an after dinner drink, head down to the Santa Croce area and take your pick. There is a lounge called Moyo that makes great cocktails. Or if you’re in the mood for a perfect Guinness head over to the lively Lion’s Fountain or The Old Stove, which is a little more laid back and has a great terrace.
Check back tomorrow for day 2!
