Final TravelMusings’ Book Giveaway: 500 Places for Food & Wine Lovers
Posted by Donna M. Airoldi Jun 26, 2009At least half the fun of travel is to enjoy the food and wine (and spirits) of places around the world. The folks at Frommer’s understand this too.
For our last book giveaway on TravelMusings, we’re offering three copies of Frommer’s newly released 500 Places for Food & Wine Lovers, (Wiley) by Holly Hughes, she of 500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up (Wiley, 2009, second edition) and 500 Places to See Before They Disappear (Wiley, 2008) fame.
The nearly 500-page guide is divided into eight chapters, some of which at first glance seem to overlap (Food Vacations, On the Road in America), but the Good Spirits, Caffeine Buzz and Just Desserts chapters are nicely differentiated.
Recommendations include places you would expect in a culinary book, including some of my favorites (Au Pied de Cochon in Montreal; O. Fournier in Mendoza, Argentina; Manresa in Los Gatos, Calif.), as well as a few finds I somehow managed to miss over the years that are on my now-updated, must-visit food list: the newly rebuilt Bowen’s Island Restaurant in Charleston, S.C.; Schwa in Chicago. I was also happy to see the Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School in Thailand—where I took my first cooking class 10 years ago—included in the Food Vacations chapter.
So what do you have to do to be one of three lucky readers to win your own copy? Leave a comment, naming your favorite food, wine or spirit find—be it in your hometown or one you discovered on the other side of the world—and why it has left a memorable impression on you.
To be eligible, comments must be made by Thursday, July 2, at noon Pacific Daylight Time. Additional rules and regulations are below.
Happy eating and drinking!
Rules
The TravelMusings 500 Places for Food & Wine Lovers book giveaway runs June 26, 2009 to July 2, 2009, 11:59 a.m., Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). By submitting an entry, each contestant agrees to the rules of the contest as stated below.
• Entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Employees, vendors and partners of TravelMuse and their immediate families are not eligible to win.
• Submit one comment that describes a favorite place for food, wine or spirits and why you recommend it.
• Prizes include three copies of 500 Places for Food & Wine Lovers (Wiley, 2009)
• The three winners will be selected at random in a drawing to take place on July 2, 2009.
• The contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law. TravelMuse reserves the right to cancel the contest or modify these rules at its discretion. Decisions of TravelMuse will be final.
• No substitutions, including for cash, are permitted, except that TravelMuse reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater monetary value for any prize.
• The winner will be responsible for paying any taxes that they owe on the prize.
• Winners must claim their prize within seven (7) business days after the notification of the win, or the prize will be considered forfeited and an alternate winner will be awarded.
If you have any questions please contact: editorial at travelmuse dot com.
I’m currently in the fourth week of my travel and journalism adventures in Berlin, and I must say that I’m already beginning to feel like a true Berliner—it seems as though I’ve lived here for much longer. Aside from getting to know the fellow students in my journalism internship program, shopping for my weekly meals at the local grocery store and experiencing Berlin’s exciting nightlife scene, one of my most memorable moments to date was taking a free Sandemans New Europe tour of some of Berlin’s major attractions.
Founded by Chris Sandeman in 2004, Sandemans is a city tour company based out of Berlin that offers free (tip-based) daily walking tours of 11 major European cities including Amsterdam, Hamburg, Munich, and Madrid in addition to Berlin. The tours, which are mainly offered in English and Spanish, last around three and a half hours and lead you past sites of historical significance within the city you are visiting.
The free tour of Berlin started at the Brandenburg Gate with a lively storytelling session of the early history of Berlin. Our guide continued to reveal interesting facts throughout the tour—the city was built on a swamp (Berlin means “swamp city” in Slavic), hence its light, looming stench.
Photo of the Brandenburg Gate: forki23
Smells and all, I got to see many of Berlin’s major attractions in a reasonable time frame, including Babel Platz (the famous site of the 1933 Nazi book burnings), Checkpoint Charlie, Museum Island and Gendarmenmarkt, which houses a French and German Cathedral. At one point, our tour guide led the group to an unpaved parking lot which houses the remnants of Hitler’s former bunker. Aside from a small plaque signifying the location, you wouldn’t think the area is anything more than an empty parking lot.
I found the Holocaust Memorial most impressive. Officially called Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Holocaust Memorial was designed by Peter Eisenman and consists of 2,711 concrete slabs of varying heights covering approximately 4.7 acres. The memorial, which was completed in 2005, doesn’t include any sort of description of what the solid concrete blocks symbolize—our guide explained that Eisenman left it open for interpretation. For me, walking through the memorial was like weaving through a maze of massive gravestones, each signifying the life, pain and story of a Holocaust victim.
Photo of the Holocaust Memorial: Andrea Pyka
Despite becoming familiar with the city’s history, transportation system, culture and quirky student traditions (instead of clapping, students in Germany knock on their table multiple times), I can’t claim that I’m a Berlin expert. I still have so much to see and do, including trying a döner kebab, a popular Turkish dish of vegetables and slices of lamb meat covered in yogurt dressing all stuffed into a pita bread. But that will be for a future post.
Ever been to Las Vegas? Step into the massive Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn., and you might find yourself asking, “Which way to the casino?” With 2,881 guest rooms, this hotel is grand— you could indeed get lost in there, just like the huge hotels in Vegas.
Don’t spend too much time looking for that casino, however. The hotel is the largest non-gaming facility in the continental United States, and wonderfully family friendly.
The last time my family visited Nashville to visit relatives, we had merely poked our heads into the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. This time, though, we decided to get a room, er, suite. We had a great corner room that opened up to a living room and kitchenette, with a sleeper sofa and extra cot for my two boys. What can I say? We like our sleep and my kids snore.
Pool Perks for Everyone
When we travel as a family we like to spend ample time at the pool. Gaylord Opryland has three pools, which were a huge hit with the kids.
The centrally located Magnolia outdoor pool area is surrounded by a gorgeous fountain and small waterfall with a brook winding toward the pool and a wading pool. There’s a bar and outdoor eating area located poolside, ensuring that the little ones and grown ups always have something to munch on.
The Relache indoor pool is adjacent to the full-service Relache Spa. It’s a beautiful pool that has a designated lap lane—which help to keep frolicking kids well separated from adults working out. On the deck you’ll find plush, padded chaise lounges throughout—perfect for cat naps. A large, heated whirlpool and outdoor sunning area are just outside the pool area.
Enjoying the Relache Indoor Pool - Creative Commons - Kevin Fliess 2009
Hints of Disneyland
With the hotel’s four-story waterfall, a boat ride through the property’s interior moat, more than 10,000 tropical plants in the atrium and fountains, we thought it was the Disneyland of the Bible Belt. Well, almost. But, we never felt the need to leave (though I think my parents may have been miffed if we didn’t visit them).
A morning stroll by the Cascades waterfall - Creative Commons - Kevin Fliess 2009
Walking through the Cascades section of the hotel, I was transported to Bourbon Street, New Orleans. Some walkways and footbridges tricked me into thinking I was inside Vegas’ New York New York Hotel and Casino; there was a hint of Paris, with Opryland’s lofty glass ceiling adorned with lights mimicking the night sky. Great restaurants and shops on property made it worth every penny for the suite. Despite the lack of slot machines, we’d hit the jackpot!
Kevin & Sue Fliess
Eco-tourists may be interested in a new earth-friendly program offered at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. Experience Balinese farming culture during your stay at the luxury resort, which offers a farm program to introduce guests to Bali’s important agricultural culture.
Rice paddies in Bali. Photo: Clav
The one-day program begins with a guided trek along jungle paths and among the terraced rice fields of the Ayung River valley. Participants will witness farmers at work and learn about the complicated paddy field irrigation system, subak. Later, guests can get some hands-on farming experience by planting rice seeds. After a day’s work, relax and cleanse with a traditional Balinese stone bathing ritual called batukali. Breakfast, lunch and refreshments are included.
Program cost is US$168 per person plus 21 percent tax and service charge. Tel. 62-361-977-577. www.fourseasons.com
Many enjoy the fine flavor of delicious beer on a warm summer’s afternoon, but few understand how the brew came to be. Now, you can learn. With Samuel Adams’ “Hopfenpflücken Adventure” (Hopfenpflücken means ‘Hop picking’ in German) through the Abercrombie & Kent luxury travel company. Visit some of Germany’s top breweries (with samples of the product, of course), the hop fields where the key ingredient to Samuel Adams beer is grown and more, non-beer related stops like the BMW Museum, medieval Regensburg and the Zugspitze for a great view of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Hops! Photo: Abercrombie & Kent
You’ll dine at one of Munich’s best-known biergartens, Augustiner Keller; visit the Schlenkerla Brewery Tavern in Bamburg to sample smoked beer; tour the world’s oldest brewery, Weinhenstephan Brewery. If you love beer, you’ll love this trip.
The trip is July 31 to Aug. 6, 2009 and costs $2,979 based on double occupancy, $3,784 for solo travelers. Airfare not included. Abercrombie & Kent says if someone tried to organize and book this tour on their own, the price would be closer to $5,400. Visit www.abercrombiekent.com or call 630-725-3400 for more information.
(For more “beer travel” info, read about brew tours in our current Texas Hill Country Breweries article.)
Great Room Deal in Chicago for Cops, Nurses, Teachers and Military Professionals
Posted by A.E. Smith Jun 18, 2009
Chicago Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Do you know a teacher, nurse, police officer or soldier who could use a vacation? As worthy as these professions are, their value is rarely reflected in a salary that puts a stay at a fancy urban hotel within reach. But from now through Sept. 12, 2009, the Chicago Sheraton Hotel & Towers is recognizing the service of these “Everyday Heroes” with a special nightly room rate starting at $129 (up to 30 percent less than the regular rate) and half-off food and beverage purchases. For those traveling with family or friends, a second room will run just $99 per night. That should leave enough in the budget for an extra deep-dish pizza.
I can think of a certain former community organizer who would agree that Chicago is a great destination, even for those with limited resources. For a real insider’s guide to the Windy City, check out this list of President Obama’s favorite haunts in his home city.
If your Fourth of July plans have consisted of backyard barbecues and the same tired fireworks displays, then maybe 2009 should be the year you celebrate your independence with a side of swank instead of a side of baked beans. Check out these travel deals throughout the country and treat yourself to a Fourth of July worth celebrating.
Photo: Palms Place Hotel and Spa
Boston Pops Spectacular
The Deal: 4th of July Dress Rehearsal Package at The Liberty Boston.
Details: Package includes overnight accommodations in a guestroom, breakfast for two at CLINK. and two tickets to the July 3 dress rehearsal (everything but the fireworks) to the Boston Pops Fourth of July Spectacular. The Liberty Boston is the official sponsor of Boston’s 2009 Fourth of July festivities. It’s conveniently located close to the Esplanade: the center of all of the weekend’s activities. Some of the Liberty’s guestrooms even offer magnificent views of the Charles River.
Cost: Package starts at $445 per room, per night; two night minimum stay.
To Book: Call 866-507-5245 or go to www.libertyhotel.com.
Family Fun in Upstate New York
The Deal: Fourth of July weekend package for the family at The Otesaga Resort in Cooperstown, N.Y.
Details: The Otesaga turns 100 this year and is offering a Fourth of July weekend package that everyone will appreciate. The package includes breakfast and dinner daily, as well as an abundance of activities that include: manager’s cocktail reception, fireworks over Lake Otsego, cooking demos and cocktail tastings, patriotic lawn games, family bingo, ghost stories on the lake dock, watermelon-eating contest, a fishing derby and much more. Kids activities include: a clown, magic shows and balloon-making classes. A Fourth of July parade is also featured in the nearby town of Springfield.
Cost: Package starts at $465 per night, per room (double occupancy). Children 5 to 11 are an additional $60 a night each and children 12 to 18 are an additional $75 a night each. In honor of The Otesaga’s 100 birthday celebration, if you are able to stay three nights, you save $100.
To Book: Call 212-206-6700 or go to www.otesaga.com.
Jay-Z Concert Package in Vegas
The Deal: Fourth of July Jay-Z Concert Package at Palms Place Hotel and Spa in Las Vegas.
Details: Receive one night in a Palms Place Studio Suite, two tickets to the Jay-Z concert with special guest Ciara and a VIP Nightlife pass, which grants access to Ghostbar and the Playboy Club. Package available on July 3 and 4.
Cost: Package starts at $475 and is subject to availability.
To Book: Call 702-932-7777 or go to www.palmsplace.com.
Fireworks on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The Deal: Fourth of July weekend special at The Churchill Hotel.
Details: Package includes two to-go meals for two, two bottled waters for each day you stay, two all day metro passes and an upgraded guest room if available at check-in. The Churchill Hotel is located right in the middle of all of Washington, D.C.’s Fourth of July activities, including: the Independence Day Parade, the National Archives where you can see the Declaration of Independence, the Capital Fourth Concert on the steps of the Capitol and fireworks on the National Mall.
Cost: Package starts at $209 per room, per night.
To Book: Call 800-424-2464 or go to www.thechurchillhotel.com
Ah … summer. It’s finally here! And it’s time to get outside and play—just so long as we tread lightly on Ma Earth. If you’re into golf—and eco-travel—this package from Chicago-area Hotel Arista will help you get your game on and be kind to the planet, too.
Guests can choose an inclusive package that offers a game at one golf course (of three) with one night’s accommodation, or stay two nights and play at all three courses. Features include a stay for two guests in a deluxe room and breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant, SugarToad.
Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Arista
The Courses and Green Hotel
The three golf courses are Cantigny Golf, comprised of three nine-hole courses amidst hills and lakes; Prairie Landing Golf Club, a five-star championship 18-hole course; and Seven Bridges, with two nine-hole greens, featuring heavily wooded and watery courses.
Hotel Arista, located 45 minutes west of Chicago in Naperville, is slated to achieve the Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The luxury hotel uses 30 percent less water, 21 percent less energy and uses natural lighting and green cleaning products. (Read more about Top Green Hotels</b>.].)
Golf package rates start at $309 per night based on double occupancy. 2139 CityGate Lane, Naperville. Tel. 888-504-0088. www.hotelarista.com
For those of us who still miss bringing a bottle of homemade liquid courage (iced tea, of course!) with us on flights, help may be on the way. Trials of a new liquid scanner begin this month at Newcastle Airport in Britain, according to the London Times, and if the device proves successful, liquid bans may begin to be lifted as soon as next year in airports that have installed the new technology.
The scanner, which was created by British researchers from the firm Kromek, uses X-rays to detect the “spectral signature” of various liquids and is designed to distinguish innocuous draughts from explosive ones in about 20 seconds. It can even be configured to detect dissolved narcotics.
Photo: Kromek
Some design benefits that distinguish the new scanner from other recent airport security initiatives—it’s small enough to fit on a desktop, noninvasive and requires “minimal operator training.” This is good news for all of us inadvertent drink smugglers who have lost property since the liquid bans went into place in 2006—the Times article notes that two tons of alcohol are confiscated each month in security lines at Heathrow alone. One case study notes a recent security alert at the Newcastle airport over a serving of pease pudding.
Starting June 17, Southwest Airlines will begin to allow pets to fly with their owners on vacation. If your small dog or cat fits in a hard-sided carrier that can be stowed under the seat in front of you, then you win! Think of how much more fun you’ll have with your buddy along for the ride!
Alas, if your pal is larger than snack size, Southwest can’t help you out. No pets are allowed in the cargo section of its airplanes. Not like we want to fly in cargo, but sheesh, big dogs want to go on vacation too. It’s just not fair!
Fees for pets will be $75 each way, and no more than five carriers per flight will be accepted, however Southwest may reduce that number during the evaluation period, so be sure to check with the airline when making your reservation. Currently, pet reservations cannot be made online; you need to call 800-435-9792 to reserve one of the limited spaces. Each person can have only one carrier, however if your pets are teeny, you can squeeze up to two of the same species per carrier—as long as they’re not smooshed.
For more information about the program, as well as seat dimension measurements (so you can make sure your carrier will fit), visit www.southwest.com.
