As weather warms, you might be itching to get out of city limits and somewhere where honking is replaced by the gurgling of a river or, simply, the silence of a sparkling lake. So set your GPS for the Finger Lakes, which Gov. Andrew Cuomo just this week called a state tourism “treasure.”  Whether you want a light hike or a great waterside wine, a few hours’ drive will deliver you into a weekend in the sun. Their warm weather is just beginning, so book your trip during their super-quick summer season.

Hike

For a quick hike you can wedge in between wine tastings, head to Grimes Glen in Naples, N.Y., where you hear water gurgling as you step outside the car. This is perfect for a packed itinerary — squeeze it in and get as close as time allows to a beautiful waterfall. Prepare to get shoes muddy or even wet – you may pick your way along large rocks in the creek. Relax after at the famed Monica’s Pies, where locals insist you must try a grape pie.

Ride

Take in the scenery by horseback in the 22-acre land around Painted Bar Stables in Burdett, N.Y., where the owner will select among dozens of horses for you, whether beginner or a practiced rider. The stable offers rides from 45 minutes to overnight, rain or shine, and by moonlight. Right now is the perfect time to swing by — a few horses are expecting foals, and you might glimpse a wobbling baby horse

Explore

Watkins Glen, N.Y., is a great town to use your walking shoes. Explore the quaint downtown and then head to the nearby Watkins Glen State Park to hike.

Watkins Glen State Park is a must-see in this area, boasting 19 waterfalls along trails that wind along the natural wonders and overlook a magnificent gorge. A stream in the glen descends 400 feet, passing 200-foot cliffs that park officials promise will leave you spellbound.

After the hike, stop by the Seneca Lake General Store downtown, which sells breakfast sandwiches in the morning, pastries and candy out of barrels. Nearby, the Village Variety Bookstore is a taste of the past: they have everything from old records to yellowed John Grisham novels and current DVDs, and the owners might share with you what is happening in the Jimmy Stewart movie they’re watching by the cash register.

Sip

Belhurst Castle in Geneva, N.Y., is a property fit for a king — or you, feeling like a queen or king as you sip wine in a chair on the back terrace. Like many wineries dotting Route 14, it overlooks serene Seneca Lake, the deepest of the Finger Lakes and which seems to change color with the clouds. Despite the lavish surroundings, wine tastings are only 50 cents a try, and the Castle is also one of the few wineries open later than 5 p.m. in case you arrive late in the day.

If you are more of a liquor fan, stop by Finger Lakes Distilling on the opposite side of the lake in Burdett, N.Y. The modern, window-paned building has views of the lake from the tasting room. The owners are often nearby for a tasting recommendation, like the rich, aged McKenzie bourbon whiskey or the maple jack liqueur.

To drink with locals, order a beer at Two Goats Brewing in Hector, N.Y. This brewery’s wraparound porch has nearly 360-degree views of the water. Inside, the pointed wooden roof is covered with dollar bills — customers compete to see who can send one sailing with a tack. Brews will only set you back a couple bucks, ranging from cream ales to what one bartender called an IPA “on steroids.” If you’re hungry, you have one option – they only sell roast beef sandwiches, with a verbal warning about the hot sauce.

Eat

After a long day outdoors, reward yourself with dinner.

In the Finger Lakes, farm-to-table isn’t a trend – it’s what has made sense for years already. Spots like Leaf Kitchen in Geneva, N.Y., get everything, and they mean everything, from local sources. You can taste it in the freshness of the pasta (from Flour City Pasta in nearby Pittsford, N.Y.) and the cilantro in the black bean dip. The manager is an East Harlem native, and she and her fiancée (the chef, who makes everything himself) have created a homey atmosphere, literally: the restaurant’s in a refurbished home.

For waterside dining, you can’t beat Seneca Harbor Station in Watkins Glen, N.Y., right alongside Seneca Lake. Tables are covered with white linen napkins, but the casual atmosphere leaves you comfortable enough to dig into your pulled pork sandwich. Another option? Meal cruises that leave out of the station.

For a local fine dining experience, try Stonecat, crafted out of a former farm market. Entrees feature pasture-raised chicken with chipotle-cider barbeque sauce, and local wines are suggested for each. Live music filters out of the different dining rooms, and on a recent weekend celebrating their spring reopening, the place was packed.

Where to stay

If you have your eye on wineries, the Ramada Geneva Lakefront in Geneva, N.Y., is just a quick drive from a string of wineries that flanks the west side of the lake. The hotel is right on the water, and many rooms showcase the views.

For a rich bed-and-breakfast experience, reserve at The Idlwilde Inn in Watkins Glen, N.Y., a gorgeous Victorian mansion. This bed-and-breakfast sits on a hill above Seneca Lake, and you can take in the impressive view from the wraparound porch. The owners retained as much of the original home as possible, and their loving restoration shows, literally, in staircase photos.

If you go

Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival
Begins May 29
Showcases musical theater throughout the summer, beginning with “Singin’ In The Rain”

GlassFest
May 23 through 26
Four-day celebration including glass sculptures at region’s Corning Museum of Glass

Finger Lakes Wine Festival
July 12 to 14
Boasts the largest showing of state wines with more than 90 wineries

The post For an outdoor adventure, head to the Finger Lakes appeared first on Metro.us.

Newport’s super deluxe hotel Chanler at Cliff Walk and its restaurant, the Spiced Pear, celebrate their 10th anniversary this summer. By that time, you’ll risk long waits and crowded conditions as the vacationing hordes fill the destination overlooking Easton’s Beach. It would be smarter to plan a spring daytrip, or perhaps an Easter brunch fieldtrip.

The Spiced Pear is surprisingly small and inviting. You enter through a cozy mahogany-paneled bar and it’s edged by a large covered terrace, which opens April through October, weather permitting. A sweeping lawn with neatly lined up white Adirondack chairs and the vast and relentless Atlantic Ocean makes a perfect view that just doesn’t get old.

Through summer, the Spiced Pear opens for breakfast and then all-day lunch on the terrace. Then comes dinner, which isn’t as stuffy as you might expect as the restaurant’s initial regal image is softened by chef Thomas Duffy’s more playful approach. The Rhode Island native packs the menu with free range and organic meats and local often-organic produce, and spices it with a sense of fun.

Take his version of profiteroles. The unsweetened dough is cooked to a nice crispness and the bittersweet sauce has lots of natural spicy chocolate flavor. Both work perfectly for the super-sweet interior of, well, what is it? Dr. Pepper ice cream!

Then, there’s Duffy’s riff on surf and turf: a flakey, tender pork cheek with a sweet cherry vinegar reduction and big tasty shrimp as a garnish. A bed of creamy white corn grits softened and seasoned with Vermont cheddar makes it a comfort dish to be savored until next winter.

Specials for Sunday
The Spiced Pear’s three-course Easter Sunday brunch welcomes spring with an early heirloom tomato salad with organic baby lettuces and Moody Blue cheese. There are also Maine diver scallops with truffled leeks, chanterelles, and fiddlehead s; pistachio crusted Texan wild boar chops with morels, ramps, and a Madeira jus; and a simple, sweet chocolate Belgian waffle with bananas, berries, and the restaurant’s signature spiced pear compote.

Easter Sunday Brunch
$75 per person
Entrees: $32-$42
Spiced Pear
117 Memorial Blvd, Newport
401-847-1300
www.thechanler.com/dining

The post Newport’s Spiced Pear offers a different kind of egg hunt appeared first on Metro.us.

The post St. Maarten appeared first on Metro.us.

For a flavor of the Caribbean, fused with all the different cultures sailing to and from this island enveloped in emerald waters, visit St. Maarten.

The 37-square-mile island has a beach for each square mile, most framed by mountains, and they utilize their many waterfronts with bars plopped on the water and multiple marinas. St. Maarten fulfills cubicle fantasies: crisp white sailboats against emerald waters, fresh and flavorful seafood and imaginative rum drinks. But the island, which is half Dutch and half French, also has a bonanza of different cultures, shown by more than 360 restaurants in surprising variety. So whether you’re stopping over before sailing on to nearby St. Barths or St. Kitts or staying for a while, here’s where to shop, sip and sun:

For filling your suitcase


Philipsburg, the capital on the Dutch side, is a must-visit for the island’s legendary duty-free shopping. Stroll along the winding narrow roads and pop into the numerous jewelry and watch stores. Also a must-see? The Guavaberry Emporium, built in an old cedar house, where you can sample not only the berry liqueur but also a guava colada. The fruit has a mild, unusual sweetness. This shop is also a great place to pick up gifts, like rum bottles with colorful hand-painted sunsets and parrots.

For practicing your French


Shop around the market at Marigot, the capital on the French side, browsing rows of wares like delicate seashell jewelry or bags of Caribbean spices. At night, it becomes a bustling spot to grab dinner with menus in French as boats bob in the marina, their masts glowing in neat rows.

For Caribbean blue skies and seas

Sailing aficionados should schedule their visit during the annual Heineken Regatta, where sailboats race around the island, creating picture-perfect views of colorful, billowing sails dotting royal-blue water. The event promises “serious fun” with parties every night, visitors and locals dancing the night away in flip flops on the sand. Even if you can’t sail, make sure to get out on the water – the ocean is so clear, if you jump in, you can see your toes. Even that doesn’t impress locals – clear to them means seeing the bottom.

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  St. Maarten

For Caribbean seafood and embarrassed Americans


Cheri’s Cafe promises to make patrons laugh, and whether yours is a belly laugh or out of awkward nervousness, it’s a promise they keep. The seafood spot has sequin-clad performers that try to get guests involved in saucy dancing contests — the restaurant hosts lots of kids, but unless you are up for a parental talk, don’t bring any old enough to understand the sexual insinuation of a banana.

For avoiding tan lines

Stop in at clothing-optional Orient Beach, filled mostly with tourists applying sunscreen in sensitive places. The nearby Pedro’s Bar boasts pictures of naked patrons and sells icy drinks like a $7 mudslide you can sip (clothed) while watching parasailers glide over the turquoise sea.

For an East Coast fix

For the surreal experience of a Manhattan-ambiance restaurant steps away from Caribbean waters, stop in at Bamboo Bernies, which could have been transplanted from Midtown with its sleek low-lit design and high-end sushi, like the Sexy Salmon Roll, with eel. After, pop in to the nearby Sky Beach bar for rooftop sand and beach chairs.

Where to stay


The Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino, undergoing a $3 million renovation, is ideal for travelers who want a sea breeze and tropical drink 10 minutes after landing. The hotel is within walking distance to multiple restaurants, although it is all-inclusive, covering all your meals and rum punches. The Sonesta has access to a small beach and plenty of spots to sit by the sea. Pack some patience, though – on a recent visit both power and water were out for a brief time. The hotel is offering 35 percent off for stays three nights or longer, plus $200 in resort credits for stays at least five nights, through Aug. 31. Book by April 30.

Don’t miss

Considered one of the most unique runways in the world, pilots landing at the Princess Juliana International Airport fly directly over Maho Beach, where the landing gear seems to just barely avoid grazing beachgoer’s floppy hats. Take in the view at Sunset Bar and Grill, where you can sit at the wooden bar and watch planes descend, framed by the sunset.

Follow Alison Bowen on Twitter @reporteralison

The post St. Maarten: The French (and Dutch) connection appeared first on Metro.us.

Amtrak travelers experienced delays on Sunday after a derailment caused service disruptions for much of the day.

Train service between New York and Boston was temporarily suspended Sunday morning because of the derailment of a freight train in Connecticut. 

The Northeast Corridor service was suspended at about 5 a.m., according to a service alert by Amtrak. It was restored at about 4 p.m.

The freight train derailed in New Haven, Conn., and blocked the tracks causing the disruption in service.

“Crews are on the scene working to clear the tracks and restore service as quickly as possible,” Amtrak said in its service alert.

Service was not impacted between New York City and Washington, D.C. The Springfield shuttle is also operating as scheduled.

Passengers who paid, but did not travel during the disruption can receive a refund or voucher.

Follow Michael Naughton on Twitter @metrobosmike.

The post (Updated) Amtrak service between Boston, New York restored after derailment appeared first on Metro.us.

Mess up your Valentine’s Day with the wrong gift? There’s still some time to save face  (and your relationship) with a romantic trip for two. These specials are geared toward sprucing up your love life, and they aren’t just for Feb. 14.

Tuscany NYC
New York City, N.Y.
www.stgilesnewyork.com
For couples looking to go beyond flowers and chocolates, the Lofty Pleasures Romance package literally puts you “on cloud nine” with a helicopter ride over Manhattan. After taking in the view, couples return to find their room stocked with a surprise treasure chest and champagne. Since Tuscany NYC is a new property, you’ll take advantage of grand opening rates beginning at $239; the Lofty Pleasures Romance package is additional.

Schroon Lake Bed and Breakfast
Schroon Lake, N.Y.
www.schroonbb.com
The B&B, nestled high up in the Adirondack mountains, offers five well-appointed room choices. Make a memory worthy of a Currier and Ives postcard with a 45-minute sleigh ride through the Adirondacks, complete with blankets and hot cider.

Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa, Atlantic City, N.J.
www.theborgata.com
This Atlantic City getaway has a plethora of packages for the discriminating romantic, such as Winecation, Wake Up Smiling or even the Up All Night special, which involves food, drink, entertainment, spa treatments and more.

Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort
Lake Placid, N.Y.
www.golden-arrow.com
Get mushy with a dogsled ride around Mirror Lake in the Adirondacks, complimentary with the resort’s (still running) Valentine’s Day package, which includes a host of romantic add-ons to make the experience cozy and complete. Is your sweetie green? The Golden Arrow became the first and only resort in the United States to achieve a 5 Green Leaf rating from the Audubon Society for its eco initiatives, which include guest recycling programs and alternative energy sources like solar panels.

The post Romance is alive in these snowy spa getaways appeared first on Metro.us.

A historic hub
Before the LIRR connected to Penn Station, LIC was the end of the line. Commuters awaiting ferries to Manhattan met at Tony Miller’s Hotel on Borden Avenue (now the fabulously kitschy Waterfront Crabhouse). Teddy Roosevelt drank there, as did architect Stanford White and actress Lillian Russell. By 1910, with expanded LIRR service and the opening of the Queensboro Bridge, LIC fell into decline. Ferries stopped running, and Prohibition turned Miller’s Hotel into a phonograph factory. LIC remained a quiet, industrial neighborhood until the late ’70s, when artists flocked to the area’s lofts. In the ’90s, new waterfront high-rises attracted young professionals and their families. Today, LIC it has reclaimed its status as a hub of vibrant people, culture and art.

10:30 a.m.: Eat
You can’t find a bad brunch on Vernon Boulevard, with El Ay Si, Cranky’s, Dorian Cafe, and Tournesol. We like 4-month-old Alobar (www.alobarnyc.com) for its superb bloody mary and its duck confit Sloppy Joe with smoked ricotta (pictured).
     
Noon: See
After brunch, head to Gantry Plaza State Park, a 10-acre waterfront walk with spectacular views of Manhattan. In addition to contemporary art Mecca MoMA PS1, LIC is home to three sculpture parks: The Noguchi Museum, Sculpture Center and the Socrates Sculpture Park.

Across the street from PS1 is 5Pointz Aerosol Art Center, a 5-story warehouse covered in legal graffiti. Visit between May 12 and 20 for the LIC Arts Open (www.licartsopen.org), when hundreds of artists open their studios to the public.

3 p.m.: Drink
LIC has the kind of relaxed neighborhood bars that will make you think seriously about moving, or at least staying for another beer. In fair weather, grab an outdoor seat at Dominie’s Hoek (www.dominieshoek.com) or LIC Bar (www.licbar.com). Sweet Leaf (www.sweetleaflic.com) has a good selection of coffee and tea, which you can enjoy while playing DJ in their record room. Sage General Store (www.sagegeneralstore.com) has great  baked goods; try the bacon brownie.

4 p.m.: Laugh
Wind down with open-mic stand-up at The Creek and Cave (www.creeklic.com), one of the area’s two comedy clubs. Free shows start at 4 p.m. on both Saturdays and Sundays.

The post Take a daytrip to Long Island City appeared first on Metro.us.

While you don’t need a boat to visit there (plenty of people arrive just fine via airplane), the laid-back boater’s vibe permeates the area —- the one-stoplight island of Great Abaco doesn’t have any structure taller than three stories, and is so surprisingly pristine, it feels like a rare gift that such an unspoiled tourist destination still exists in the world.

Where to stay

Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour
Since 1955, this laid-back, easy-going hotel has been a favored place where boaters, beachgoers and adventurers congregate. Centrally located in Marsh Harbor on Grand Abaco, next to a collection of restaurants and shops, Abaco Beach Resort (abacobeachresort.com) is a perfect jumping off spot to spend the day cay hopping. 

What to do

Boats, boats, boats
You don’t have to arrive via boat to get to the Abacos, but you need to get one to fully experience it. A little geography lesson: The Abacos are comprised of the main islands of Great Abaco and Little Abaco (where most of the commerce is located). These are surrounded by 11 smaller, beautiful cays. If you have a little boating experience, you can rent a boat for a day to visit them. Or you can seek out legendary local Lincoln Jones, who will take you fishing for bountiful red snapper, yellow tail and silver snapper, as well as lobster spearing and snorkeling. He’ll then host you and your group for a deserted beach fish fry to cook up your catch (go-abacos.com/lincoln).

What to see

Abaco nature tours
Be sure to book an eco-tour with the spitfire Ricky Jones, who will teach you all about the Abaco Islands (abaconature.com). Bird watching your thing??He’ll take you to see the endangered Bahama or “Abaco” parrots. Or book him for a kayaking and bike trip — or even a tour to visit Abaco’s blue holes. Sure, bird watching and an ecotour might not have the same allure as, say, drinking Goombay Smashes while overlooking a pristine harbor, but the intrepid Ricky makes topography interesting.

What to drink

Goombay Smash
The Bahamian national drink is the Goombay Smash. You’ll need to take a ferry over to Grand Turtle Cay to try where it (allegedly) all originated, the sun-baked Blue Bee Bar. Violet, the daughter of the bar’s founder, Miss Emily, welcomes locals and in-the-know tourists alike. The Smash is also on the menu at most Abaco restaurants and bars. 

Follow Dorothy Robinson on Twitter @DorothyatMetro

The post The Abaco Islands: A boater’s and beachcomber’s paradise appeared first on Metro.us.

Ski Santa Fe, a ski area 16 miles northeast of the city, has received more than 132 inches of snow this winter. Angel Fire Resort reported 126 inches, and the season isn’t over yet. “We’ll be skiing through the first week of April,” says St. John.

Northern New Mexico’s excellent ski conditions may be an unintentionally well-kept secret. Even though the state is home to the venerable Taos Ski Valley, a recent focus group held by the state tourism department revealed that many Americans were unaware that it even snowed in New Mexico. And it’s not just any snow: The region’s combination of high altitude and dry, desert air creates ideal conditions for the light, fluffy and eminently ski-able snow known as “champagne powder.”

St. John describes New Mexico’s snow as “user-friendly.” The snow back east, he says, is wetter, more dense and turns into ice very quickly. “Western snow is dryer and lighter, and so much easier to ski.”

New Mexico’s snowstorms don’t linger. After depositing fresh snow on the trails, the clouds clear quickly, giving way to the warm sun that the state is known for, even in the winter. “There’s lots of sunshine to ski in, along with the powder,” says St. John. “That combination is just extraordinary.”

More ski spots

Taos Ski Valley
www.skitaos.org
Taos offers a challenging ski area. Book early for a chance to stay at the St. Bernard (www.stbernardtaos.com).

Red River Ski Area
www.redriverskiarea.com
This is “a funky little ski hill in the middle of a funky little town,” per local institution Wally Dobbs. Don’t skip the sunset snowmobile ride.
 
Angel Fire Resort
www.angelfireresort.com
A casual, family-friendly resort that includes a Nordic Center for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The post Follow the powder to Santa Fe, New Mexico appeared first on Metro.us.

Lather, rinse, repeat
This may seem obvious, but it bears a
reminder: Wash your hands regularly. To do it effectively, experts
recommend scrubbing your hands with soap, under warm running water, for
at least 20 seconds. But in a pinch, a hand sanitizer will do. Plus,
it’s nice to have a quick-clean option after touching surfaces like
sticky arm rests and tray tables.

Keep moving
Long-haul
flights can do a number on the body, causing cramps, muscle pain and
neck strain. Taking periodic walks up and down the aisle is one remedy,
but there are other alternatives, like yoga poses. A sun salutation in
the aisle may not be appreciated, so try these less space-consuming
moves. Seated twist: Place one hand on the opposite knee and twist your
torso toward that hand. Hold for 30 seconds, then switch. Hip stretch:
Cross one leg over the other and lean forward, folding over your legs.
Hold, then switch legs and repeat.

Stay hydrated
While flying, it’s best to avoid drinks that will
dehydrate you. The list includes all of our favorite vices, from
alcoholic beverages to caffeinated sodas and coffee. Try drinking water
or juice instead, and don’t rely on the airline to provide enough during
your flight. It’s always a good idea to bring a water bottle with you,
filling it up at a water fountain before you board the plane. This
alternative is better than buying bottled water at the airport — not
only for environmental reasons, but because you’ll want to stay hydrated
on your trip too, whether you’re spending time on the beach or
gallivanting around a big city.

Get rest
Improve your
mood and boost your immune system by staying as well-rested as possible
before, during and after your trip. To help aid in-flight sleep, pack
your own travel pillow and blanket. A great set of noise-cancelling
headphones and an eye-pillow are also recommended. And if all else
fails, a glass of warm milk is always an option.

The post Tips for staying healthy in flight appeared first on Metro.us.

Costa Cruises said the fire on the 29,000-tonne Costa Allegra had been put out and none of the passengers or crew were hurt.

The giant Costa Concordia capsized on January 13 after hitting rocks off the island of Giglio. Divers and rescue workers are still searching for the bodies of seven people who remain missing.

The much smaller Costa Allegra, with 636 passengers and 413 crew on board, was sailing some 200 miles southwest of the Seychelles when the fire broke out and it sent a distress signal, the company said.

The Italian coastguard said in a statement it had alerted authorities on the Seychelles, which was sending rescue vessels. An aircraft had spotted the ship’s position.

Lieutenant Massimo Maccheroni of the coastguard told Reuters

two fishing boats had been diverted towards the liner and the first was expected to arrive around 2300 GMT.

Two Seychelles tugs were also on the way and would arrive tomorrow afternoon.

Maccheroni said the ship had no engine power but was able to steer.

Seas in the area were moderate with winds gusting at 25 knots, the coastguard said in their statement.

Shares of Carnival Cruises fell slightly in London trading after news of Costa Allegra’s difficulties and were down 2 percent at 1600 GMT.

A spokesman for Costa said the passengers included 130 each from Italy and France, 100 from Austria and 90 from Switzerland.

“It’s a fairly positive picture that we are nevertheless continuing to monitor, until the hopefully positive and swift outcome,” Italian coastguard spokesman Cosimo Nicastro said.

A Seychelles coastguard official confirmed that support vessels were “on their way” but said they would give no further information until authorized by Costa Cruises.

The company said the passengers were “all in good health and, having been promptly informed of the situation, were assembled at the muster points as a precaution.”

Costa Cruises was accused by some passengers of long delays and a lack of organization in the evacuation of the Costa Concordia.

That vessel’s Italian captain is under house arrest near Naples accused of multiple manslaughter and abandoning the ship before the 4,200 passengers and crew were evacuated.

The Costa Allegra left Diego Suarez in Madagascar on Saturday and had been due to dock in the Seychelles capital of Victoria on Tuesday.

The post Costa Cruises liner Allegra adrift after fire on board appeared first on Metro.us.

What to eat
Everything, if possible. The state’s distinctive cuisine is based around local chiles, which range from tongue-tingling to face-melting. For a large-scale dining experience visit El Pinto (10500 Fourth St. NW), which resembles nothing so much as a southwestern Tavern on the Green on steroids. The restaurant, which has catered more than one White House Cinco de Mayo celebration, is justifiably famous for its tamales, a New Mexico Christmas tradition. For a quick breakfast, stop by Golden Crown Panaderia (1103 Mountain Rd. NW) for empanadas, green chile bread and half a dozen varieties of the official state cookies, biscochitos. Wherever you go, we recommend smuggling home as much local salsa and chile sauce as you can fit in your suitcase.

Pack your gloves
First, a note for the map-challenged: New Mexico and Arizona are not only different states, but they have vastly different climates. So you shouldn’t expect Albuquerque to feel like Phoenix in the dead of winter. The city’s elevation ranges between 4,000 and 5,000 feet above sea level, and the air can be parchingly dry. Winter temperatures are in the 40s to 50s range, and can be sub-freezing at night. Yes, it snows (which means you can go skiing if you drive about four hours north). Pack gloves.

The post Where to stay and what to see in Albuquerque appeared first on Metro.us.

While the Southeast Asian capital of sugar, spice and everything iced has suffered a number of blows over the past decade — most recently 2011’s floods, which the World Bank ranked the fourth costliest global natural disaster in history — it remains vibrant. Since December, flood waters have receded and business looks to rebound. “We are a nation of resilience,” says William Heinecke, CEO of Minor International, owner of Thailand’s premier hotel franchise, Anantara. Booking a holiday now benefits visitors and nationals alike: tourism not only boosts the economy, but room rates and airfare are also inevitably cheaper and more widely available.

If that’s not enticing, Metro offers this itinerary to nourish your mind, body and spirit.

Do
Hail a tuk-tuk — a motorized rickshaw that audaciously weaves through traffic — to the Grand Palace complex where inside pristine white walls are gold-leafed architectural marvels. Get lost trailing 800 meters of murals depicting the Hindu epic Ramayana. At the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, cover shoulders and knees, respectfully bow your head and take a mental picture of its wealth of beauty. In walking distance, Wat Pho’s red ceramic rooftops house more than 1,000 Buddha statues as well as a Thai massage school for an affordable indulgence.

Stay
Thailand’s notoriously humid climate justifies bathing at least twice daily, but so do the Metropolitan Hotel’s limestone showers and COMO Shambala eucalyptus, mint and lavender spa products. In suites overlooking Bangkok’s upscale Sathorn district, Eastern teak Ming-style chairs compliment modern European platform beds and streamlined decor. In addition to its staff’s unmatched hospitality, the boutique hotel boasts a wellness center, two restaurants, an exclusive bar-cum-nightclub and an outdoor lap pool. www.metropolitan.bangkok.como.bz

Dine
While 7-11 is Bangkok’s most omnipresent pit stop to get your Thai iced-coffee fix, for quality bites, discover The Deck on Chinatown’s waterfront. Sure, pad Thai is a safe lunchtime bet, but don’t skip their deep-fried garlic and cilantro soft-shell crab and save room for sweet black sticky rice with sliced mango. For dinner, nahm offers a feast for all senses. Chef David Thompson’s classic Thai canapés served on traditional pottery match the atmosphere’s authenticity. A dining tip: contrary to popular belief in the States, Thais primarily eat with a fork and spoon, not chopsticks.

A royal retreat

Trade traffic jams for a tranquil weekend jaunt in Hua Hin, a developing coastal city just 2.5 hours from Bangkok and home to the first of Anantara’s 30 properties nationwide.

Stay: Anantara Hua Hin
Canals encircle bungalows, wild branches weave into stairwells and terra-cotta fish heads illuminate landscaped pathways in this organic oasis. Beachside, spy fishing boats along the horizon. Lagoon-side, wade to the gentle hum of fluted bamboo fountains where an infinity pool meets a lily-blanketed pond. Find nature even indoors — orchids and well wishes written in gold ink on banana leaves rest on your pillow each night. The royal treatment continues at the resort’s spa, three restaurants and cooking school. www.huahin.anantara.com

Dine: Night market
Among handicrafts and souvenirs is a street food paradise. Buy a Singha beer cozy for an ice cold one, pick up a plate of dried shredded pork or fried mussels with bean sprouts and pour on the Sriracha sauce.

Drink: Hua Hin Hills Vineyard
Ascend winding roads through lush terrain to a vineyard guarded by elephant topiaries. At its Sala bistro, stain your lips sampling wines that compliment the spicy national cuisine with fruity aromas. Take home Monsoon Valley’s signature White Shiraz made from grapes harvested there. www.huahinhillsvineyard.com

Do: Mrigadayavan Palace of King Rama VI
Honor a strict dress code at the hallowed “palace of love and hope,” constructed in 1923 as the Royal Family’s summer home. Take respite from the heat on a barefoot walk down the teak corridors of its oceanfront pavilions. Guests are warned not to smell the garden’s hand-pruned flowers; their fragrance is an offering to Buddha.

Shop: Khomapastr
Founded in 1948, the textile factory and store produces traditional Thai screen-printed cotton. Measure out a yard of its gold handprint design for dressmaking. Drool over contemporary home linens that eclipse IKEA, like playing card and lobster printed pillowcases.
www.khompastrfabrics.com

The post Bangkok summons you with a warm “Sawadee,” or welcome appeared first on Metro.us.

Great for families
“Parents magazine just rated our Fort DeSoto Park the No. 1 Family Beach in the USA,”  Downing says. He attributes this ranking to the fact the shallow beach is “almost like a swimming pool.” The picnic areas, campgrounds and bike rentals all add to the family-friendly destination.

Drink up!
Although St. Petersburg might have a reputation as a sleepy beach town, Downing boasts that the nightlife is world-class. “In a five-block radius, there are 25 bars, restaurants, nightclubs, dancing, live music — and most stay open until 3 a.m.” He tells us one of the best things about St. Petersburg is you don’t need a car. “If you stay in our downtown, you can just walk around or rent a golf car for a couple of bucks to hit all of the sites,” he says.

Pack your shades
Leave the umbrella at home. “We hold the world record for the most consecutive days of sunshine,” boasts Downing. “We had 762 days of sunshine — in a row.”

Meet Florida’s cultural side
“The Dali Museum just celebrated their first anniversary of a new facility,” says Downing of the Yann Weymouth-designed building. “It’s the most comprehensive collection of Dali’s work in the world.” Downing looks forward to the first major visiting exhibition by Jeff Koons in October. Also a must-see? The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg — the new director of its world-class collection led the education department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York for 18 years.

Live the movies
You can meet Winter, the world’s most famous animatronic dolphin and inspiration for the film “Dolphin Tale,” at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The exhibit  “Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure”?showcases Winter as well as sets from the film and interactive games.

The post Reasons to visit St. Pete/ Clearwater this winter appeared first on Metro.us.

Montana may not seem like a culinary destination, but that’s changing quickly. A bounty of local produce and traditionally raised organic beef, lamb and elk are attracting top culinary talent. Chef Josh Drage of The Ranch at Rock Creek is one of the innovators of Montana’s modern rustic cuisine, dishing up bison short ribs with cilantro chutney and elk rib eye with flathead cherry demi-glace.

Beer-lovers can sample suds from more than 20 microbreweries. Saddle up at a local bar and order a Kettle House Cold Smoke Scotch Ale or local favorite Moose Drool. For a treat, stop by Philipsburg’s Sweet Palace, the second largest candy store in the country.

Where to stay

The Ranch at Rock Creek (www. theranchatrockcreek.com) offers the best of Montana recreation by day and fine dining by night. Situated on 10 square miles of wilderness just north of the Pintler Mountains, the ranch offers fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, sport shooting and archery, as well as a full-service spa. The ranch provides all necessary equipment, from footwear to fly reels.

What to do

Montana’s wide-open spaces make it ideal terrain for hiking, horseback riding and biking. Here’s what we like to do in Big Sky Country:
   
Camping: Montana houses two spectacular national parks, Glacier and Yellowstone (of Old Faithful fame). Just stopping through? Try Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile drive through some of the park’s best scenery.

Fly fishing: Montana is home to the world’s best fly fishing, in a network of sparkling ri-vers and creeks. Hire a guide to show you where the locals cast. Also, read Missoula native Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs Through It.”
   
Ghost hunting: During a mining boom in the late 1800s, a number of small towns and mining camps were created in the western part of the state. Abandoned long ago, many of the ghost towns are preserved and open for tours.

The post Home on the range in Montana appeared first on Metro.us.

Top 3 reasons London’s calling
   
London has gotten a huge, expensive face-lift.
“We’ve seen [more than] 11 billion pounds’ worth of investment — that’s everything from new stations to new rail lines to new hotels,” says Couchman about the huge improvements the city has undergone since it was picked as host by the International Olympic Committee. “Getting the Olympics means a huge halo effect for the entire city. The amount of regeneration and change because of it is huge.” Couchman points to the new Stratford International station, which will connect visitors from the Olympic Park to central London, as one of those major, once-in-a-lifetime improvements.

Londoners are ready to party.
“We’ve been hosting the Cultural Olympiad since they handed the baton over to London in 2008; it’s the largest cultural celebration in the history of the modern Olympic and Paralympic Movements,” Couchman notes. “That means amazing art shows and famous artists who come to take part in special, one-off exhibits and events here.” With the Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee taking place, as well as The World Shakespeare Festival and the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens (to name just a few), she notes: “Londoners are in quite the party mode and ready to welcome the world.” She suggests checking out the Limited Edition London segment on their website, www.visit
london.com, to learn more about other cultural events taking place in 2012.

Even if you don’t have an Olympic ticket, there are still plenty of ways to take advantage of the London Olympics.
Couchman names three such events: The Triathlon held in Hyde Park, the marathon and the road cycling event. “You can still see amazing athletes with London as an iconic backdrop,” she notes. There will also be communal spaces all over the city for visitors and locals alike to watch the broadcast competitions.

Where to stay

Couchman says if you want to plan a visit in 2012 to visit London, it’s best to do your research first. “Try to use official websites, like Visitlondon.com and London2012.com to find out essential information,” she advises. She says there are accommodations for every price point, from campsites to 5-star hotels. One such 5-star hotel? The Jumeirah Carlton Tower, which is located right in the heart of fashionable Knightsbridge, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping havens. If you can tear yourself away from one of their luxurious rooms, Harrods and Harvey Nichols, as well as luxury designer boutiques on Sloane Street, are just a stroll away for those who consider shopping a real Olympic sport. 

The post 2012: All eyes on London appeared first on Metro.us.

This bohemian enclave is the answer to that vacation holiday dilemma — lounge on an exotic beach or take a cultural city break? Essaouira won’t make you choose.

Amble down its maze of narrow streets, with shadowy doorways and blue shutters clattering in the wind, and you feel like you are trespassing on a film set. The thick ramparts with their cannons pointing out to sea hint at centuries-ago strife in this forgotten bastion, left behind by the Portuguese.

Essaouira is a three-hour drive from Marrakesh and popular with day-trippers, but it is ideal for a longer stay. It is one of the world’s most popular spots for windsurfing and kite boarding, and it’s possible to rent a bike and explore the sand dunes.

Spend time doing nothing

You can easily while away an afternoon strolling down the glistening beach, negotiating your way past the constant offers of hashish and space cakes from street hustlers. If you want to escape a nose full of fish, wander to Essaouira’s central square, the picturesque Place Moulay Hassan where you can listen to the muezzin’s call. While the sun sets, enjoy an African coffee and pastry slathered in argan honey, a regional delicacy.

Traveler’s tips
   
Stay: Villa Maroc
Villa Maroc was Essaouira’s first boutique hotel and has a luxury edge on the others.  Boasting 21 bedrooms, seven lounges and a roof terrace overlooking the ocean, it somehow still manages to retain a homey feel. www.villa-maroc.com
   
Do: Any number of festivals
Essaouira plays host to a number of festivals, the most popular of which is the Gnaoua and World Music Festival in June which celebrates fusion with collaborations between jazz, pop, rock and traditional  — plus the hypnotic lute-fuelled sounds of Gnaoua. Most festivals are free.
www.festival-gnaoua.net
   
Eat: Street stalls
Follow the squawks of the seagulls down to the sea walls and eat freshly caught crab or sardines. Watch it being grilled before you as the blue fishing boats bring in their gleaming catches.
Alternatively, stop off at one of the many food stalls and try a chicken and almond or pigeon pastilla.

The post Morocco: Sun, sea and souks appeared first on Metro.us.

We’ve brought you the grim news of the top ten colleges that have graduates swimming in the most debt. On a brighter note, let’s take a look at the top ten schools that result in the lowest amount of debt for students. See the list here.

Just over a week after a Columbia University professor announced she would be teaching a course on the Occupy Wall Street movement, the school says it will not be offering any such class. Find out more about it here.

Ever wonder where to find Paris’ finest sex shop? Do you wish you knew
which countries are best for cheap volunteer gigs? What is Bunny Chow? Freddie Pikovsky and his small, but well-traveled team of three other
full time staffers, have set out to answer those questions with the
launch of Off Track Planet, a blog-turned-magazine, aimed at young
explorers on a budget. Learn more about it here.

A guiding hand to help you navigate the confusing world of internships,
resume drafting and job interviews can make all the difference when
you’re in college or fresh out of school. Find out more about a website that matches students with professionals in their chosen field here.

The post Mentors and budget travel this week on EducationOption appeared first on Metro.us.

Freddie Pikovsky and his small, but well-traveled team of three other full time staffers, have set out to answer those questions with the launch of Off Track Planet, a blog-turned-magazine, aimed at young explorers on a budget.

The Brooklyn-based publication is now in its fourth print issue, with copies sold for $4.95 at Barnes & Noble and on college campuses across the United States. Metro caught up with Pikovsky, co-founder and CEO of OTP, to hear about the trip that inspired it all, why it’s easier to hire younger writers and what it means to be young, sexy and broke.

Metro: How was Off Track Planet born?

Pikovsky: Four years ago, I took my first trip abroad. I started in Israel and made my way through Western Europe to Greece, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands.  It was life changing to see how other people lived their lives. I came home to LA and I was on a mission to inspire other people to travel the world because I felt it would create positive change to see life through others. I realized there was nothing connecting independent youth travel to an audience in the US., so I decided to come up with something edgy and truthful. I moved to NYC, where I spent my first year living and working at a youth hostel in Brooklyn, then began to develop a team.  

What is the “young, sexy and broke” theme all about?

I qualify anybody who is young to be automatically sexy. Broke means you might still be living off your parents or you’re not able to afford luxury cruises and five star hotels. You want to do it and you can, but in a fashion that is very low budget. A lot of the topics are about sex culture and party culture around the world. It’s easy to say we’re edgy, but we are trying to get their attention and the way we relate is that we are truthful about what’s at the top of the list when you’re a young traveler.

What kind of information can travelers expect to find in Off Track Planet?

We do tips and advice, best destinations on a budget — not just destinations for budget travelers, but we will talk about going to expensive places on a budget. We write about the sexiest people from different countries, movies you should see before you travel to a country and how to haggle. We brand a lot of things we do, like the “What the F—” section, which is anything that you’d say that would cause somebody to react that way. We use it to discuss cultural issues.

What has the response from readers been like?

People love us because we are so honest. We are taking traditional travel writing and turning it upside down in the sense that most writers typically paint a very beautiful picture. We like to be more risky and very upfront and honest because that’s what this generation really responds to. We have a high demand from people who want to write for us, but we tend to work with younger kids in college who haven’t done actual travel writing. It’s easier than re-training a travel writer in the new style that we use.

What’s next?

We really set out to create more movement around the world. One of the most rewarding things is that we’ve been able to accomplish that. We get emails from people who decided to take on volunteer programs or travel abroad. We hope we are on the right path and continue to grow.

Co-founders Freddie Pikovsky and Anna Starostinetskaya.

Follow Cassandra Garrison on Twitter @CassieatMetro

The post Off Track Planet: For the young, sexy and broke traveler appeared first on Metro.us.

“I would go to the Chino Ranch, which supplies most of my vegetables. It’s only a two-hour drive from my place, but I have often rented a house there on the ocean just so I could eat their vegetables for two weeks — I became almost a vegetarian,” he says of the farm that supplies his restaurants with produce.

But when pressed, he admitted to other, favorite gastronomic destinations. “I like Hong Kong, I love Japan and the fish market in Tokyo, and I like to go over to France, Italy and Spain. Last year, we went to Barcelona and went to the Boqueria market for simple Spanish food and good ham.”

His gastronomic globetrotting is limited only by his long-suffering travel companion, his wife. “My wife says, ‘I have eight courses for lunch and eight courses for dinner, I don’t want to do it anymore, take somebody who likes to eat that much.’”

Puck’s top three gastronomic destinations:

1. The Fat Duck, Bray, England: “I was particularly surprised by The Fat Duck because I didn’t expect that I would like it that much, but I liked it better than el Bulli. I had a baby lamb chop which was really delicious. The quality of the food was perfect.” www.thefatduck.co.uk

2. Alain Ducasse at Plaza Athenee, Paris, France:  “I liked the last meal I had at Ducasse at the Plaza Athenee because it was very simple [and] of great quality. You’d have a braised veal shank with carrots and you’d get a braised veal shank with carrots. But it tastes as good as you think it would.” www.alainducasse.com

3. Moulin de Mougins, Mougins, France: “I remember the first time I went to the Moulin Mougins, when [chef] Roger Verge was there — it must be probably 30 years ago or so. I had lunch by myself and I thought it was fantastic.” www.moulindemougins.com

The post Gourmet traveler: Wolfgang Puck appeared first on Metro.us.

Where to stay
The Trump International Beach Resort offers 390 oversized rooms, including junior and deluxe suites with kitchen facilities for families who want to make their own meals. Feel like eating in? The resort has two restaurants: Neomi’s, offering contemporary American cuisine, and Fusion Restaurant and Lounge, offering a new take on Asian, located off the lobby. The grounds of the resort — which is in the final stages of an update — includes tennis courts, two pools and beach access.

Where to visit
Once destined to become a housing development, Oleta River State Park has been allowed to grow back into a natural reserve in the midst of a city. The park, with more than 1,000 acres, is popular with joggers, hikers and anyone who just wants to get away from the hustle-bustle of the city for the afternoon. The Blue Moon Outdoor Center rents kayaks, canoes and bicycles so visitors can explore waterways frequented by manatees and dolphins, or bike through 15 miles of trails. Rough it, Miami-style, in one of 14 air-conditioned “primitive cabins” that come with double beds and bunk beds. You need to bring your own sheets. 

Shopping
Sunny Isles Beach is close to some of the region’s premiere shopping centers. Anchored by Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, Aventura Mall features more than 300 stores and restaurants; it’s among the top five highest-grossing shopping centers in the U.S. A short drive away is The Village at Gulf Stream Park, an outdoor shopping and entertainment center where you can also drop a few coins in the slot machines or place a bet on the horses — just like the Rat Pack did in the mid-’60s.

The post Sunny Isles Beach: Where the sun doesn’t set appeared first on Metro.us.

Think like a business traveler and avoid checking bags altogether. But be sure to adhere to carry-on limits, as they’re especially enforced during holiday travel periods.  If you must check bags, don’t over-pack; some overweight bags cost $100 if they’re more than 50 pounds — or $400 if they’re more than 70 pounds on international flights.

2. Be transparent

The plastic baggie is your friend, so know the TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule: limit liquids and gels to 3-ounce containers in 1 quart-sized zip-top baggie, and 1 bag per flyer. Also, do not wrap Christmas gifts, as anything that looks suspicious could be unwrapped at security.

3. Use technology to your advantage

Download apps to help keep track of things like schedule and gate changes, weather and alternate flights; Travelzoo’s iPhone app (and others on the market) allow travelers to browse, book and redeem geo-targeted travel and entertainment deals from their phone, without having to print from a computer.  Also, check in from your computer as close to 24 hours before your flight as possible — and program as many details of your itinerary as possible into your smartphone.

4. Package as much as you can up front

Bundling as many aspects of your vacation as possible will save you money. Include things like hotels, show tickets, tours, transportation, etc. to make your overall travel simpler and easier.

5. Consider alternate modes of transportation

Want to avoid airport lines, fees and delays?  Map out a highway route and make it a family road trip; just be sure to keep tabs on the weather. And look at travel by train or even bus to both cut travel costs and to create a unique, memorable travel experience. 

The post Tips for (nearly) painless travel this Thanksgiving appeared first on Metro.us.

Keystone, Colo.,, will be throwing open its pistes on Nov. 4 with early-season skiers reaping the benefits of sophisticated snowmaking, sheltered tree runs and a superb snowpark without the crowds. The resort shares the Epic pass with nearby Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Vail and A-Basin so good snow is not hard to find (www.keystone.com).

Grand Targhee, Wyoming saw 14.8 metres fall last season and its dry powder is the stuff of legends. The resort is so confident you will love it, it even offers a refund on your liftpass should your skiing be less than satisfactory (www.grandtarghee.com). Alta, Utah has a base elevation of 2,600 metres making skiing a definite possibility come Christmas, or before – it plans to open on 18 November (www.alta.com).

Three of the best powder resorts

Mount Baker, Wash. (www.mtbaker.us)
In 1999 Mt Baker held the record for the most snowfall in a season – 29 metres. Last year the small resort (only nine chairlifts) recorded 21.7 metres with 2.6 metres falling in November. Want powder? Head west.

Jackson Hole, Wyo.(www.jacksonhole.com)
If you like a bit of Wild West with your skiing then head to Jackson Hole. Its rustic frontier town feel hides some spectacular off-piste terrain and an impressive snow record, last year reaching almost 1.8 metres by December.

Revelstoke, British Columbia (www.revelstokemountainresort.com)
With over 1,214 hectares of skiable area and North America’s greatest vertical drop, this modest resort near Golden is a powder-hound Mecca offering heli and cat skiing from the village base to access some truly remarkable terrain.

Travelor’s tips

Eat
Empire Burger, in Breckenridge, Colorado is the perfect place to stop off mid-day: solid yet inventive burgers, decent prices and close to the bus stop. Job done. (www.empireburger.com)

Stay
Located on British Columbia’s ‘Powder Highway’ Revelstoke is the small resort with big powder stashes. If you’ve cash to splash the beautifully luxurious Bighorn lodge is new for 2011 and has it’s own spa, pool and 1,263 hectares of terrain on its doorstep. (www.bighornrevelstoke.com)

Learn
If you fancy upping your ski game Custom Coaching in Beaver Creek, Colorado, is launching an alpine ski coaching school for 2011/12 tackling tree runs, deep powder, bumps and steeps. Instruction is in a maximum group of four so when you faceplant not many people will see. (www.beavercreek.com).

Event
Snow-blessed Californian mountain, Mammoth, opens for business on 10 November and is celebrating with three days of music, events and giveaways with The Big Winter Kick Off. Expect snowboard film premieres, pro-riders and après tunes provided by visiting DJs. The Black Lips and Ra Ra Riot provide Sunday night’s soundtrack. (www.mammothmountain.com)

The post Early ski season in North America appeared first on Metro.us.

Readers will have the chance to enter “The Metro Race for Space” competition launching next March. Hopeful civilian astronauts should submit an inspiring proposal on why they deserve to go to space and answer a “quiz” to test their knowledge of the cosmos.

Metro editions across the world will select their local nominee based on the quality of the submission, plus a voting component involving the number of a potential space traveler’s Facebook “likes.” Nominees will then face a global jury made up of real-life astronauts before the ultimate astronaut-to-be will be chosen.

For this mission, Metro has teamed up with Space Expedition Curacao, a leading commercial space flight enterprise that boasts the Lynx spacecraft, a first generation rocket-powered spaceplane.

The winning candidate in “The Metro Race for Space” will receive astronaut training ahead of the trip scheduled for 2014. The civilian astronaut will be able to chronicle his or her preparations and space flight itself in a series of reports published in Metro across the globe.

The competition will start next March; a global winner will be announced on April 12 in a global special edition dedicated to the topic of space and the future of space travel.

Up, up and away

A history of space tourism:?
   
2001: Italian American multimillionaire Dennis Tito became the world’s first space tourist, reportedly paying $20 million for his trip. Travelling on a Russian Soyuz mission, he spent nearly eight days on the International Space Station.
   
Six other space tourists have since followed Tito to space on Soyuz spacecraft, the most recent being Guy Laliberte in 2009, the founder and CEO of Cirque du Soleil.
   
Russia stopped space tourist flights in 2010 but plans to resume them in 2013.
   
2004: SpaceShipOne, an air-launched spaceplane, completed the first manned private spaceflight. The flight made pilot Mike Melvill the world’s first commercial astronaut.

The post Metro contest: Who wants to be a space cowboy? appeared first on Metro.us.

Upgrade your accommodations:

Toronto is a town swimming with high-end hotels. Check out the Gladstone Hotel, a grand Victorian on West Queen West. While rooms here are small, each is a commissioned work of art. Playful options include the Faux Naturelle, a riff on cheeky pastorals, or the Model Citizen, sporting a peacock theme (light-up tail feathers, anyone?).

Indulge in the little things:

Ogling the goods at Chanel or Cartier is a fun diversion, but not many people can afford to leave with a shopping bag in hand. Why not shop somewhere you can afford to buy? Confections at SOMA chocolatemaker are just as gorgeous as any Bloor Street bauble. The fair-trade, organic sweets here have been winning awards for their smooth and unexpected flavors like gianduja laced with Pop Rocks (don’t worry, more traditional pairings exist, too).

Find nourishments at haute bar restaurants. Dining in the Ritz-Carlton’s TOCA restaurant — complete with a glass cheese cave holding $1,100 wheels of Gouda — will set you back plenty. But who says you need a dinner table to do dinner? Belly up to the TOCA bar and make a meal of their Latin-inspired small plates, like pulled pork tortillas. While you eat, you can also enjoy some of the best cocktails in town. Mixologists here combine molecular gastronomy with fine spirits to concoct delicious potions; try the Minted Cucumber Collins.

Travel in style:

Let the stars keep their limos — streetcars are the best way to get to know the city. Like San Francisco’s cable cars, they give the city a dash of personality, and jumping on a cheery red car as it rolls downtown is a cinematic moment no visitor should miss.

Hotel hookup

If you’re visiting a new city — or just want to see a different side of your own — the navigators at Renaissance Hotels want to make sure you can access all that it has to offer, on your own terms. As part of this navigation program, you fill out a questionnaire that asks your food, drink, shopping and activity preferences for a night on the town. And from there, leave it up to the experts. They’ll curate a night based on your interests. No need to worry about how you’ll ever get into that trendy restaurant or buzzed-about walking tour that they recommend — the hotel hooks you up with reservations and transportation. Can’t make it to the hotel? Download the Renaissance’s iTunes app ($4.99) to unlock hidden hot spots in your city. - Meredith Engel

The post Tour Toronto like a celebrity (but on a budget) appeared first on Metro.us.

Right off the bat is Atlantic City’s convenience, but if the golf stinks, then what’s the point? There’s no problem there, as AC offers more than a dozen golf courses within a 20-minute drive in all ranges of cost and quality, offering the perfect mix for a completely customized itinerary.

The highlight of the AC region is the top-rated public golf course in New Jersey, Atlantic City Country Club, a true destination course. Built in the 1800s, a round on this seaside gem brings to mind Boardwalk Empire and the early days of Atlantic City as a vacation hot spot.

Midseason rates of $225 are at the top of the charts for New Jersey, but it’s during the shoulder season that bargains abound (midweek rounds well below $100 is one of the great deals in golf). Doubling the benefit, golf courses in the Northeast are always in better shape in October and November than they are in July and August.

A charming Old World locker room adds to the experience, as does authentic Atlantic City history.
The 18th hole is named for the bell once used to warn golfers that the final trolly was headed back to town (about a 15-minute drive from the casinos today).

Options aplenty

Need a more relaxed round after a day at ACCC? Try Harbor Pines, which rates on the “player friendly” end of the design spectrum. In pristine condition on a recent visit, just like ACCC, Harbor Pines is very playable. Ask most course architects what they strive for and they’ll say, “I want it to be challenging for the good golfer, but fun for the casual golfer.” At Harbor Pines, Stephen Kay accomplishes this. Wide, welcoming fairways and five sets of tees help keep the round enjoyable for all. Greens with all sorts of humps and hollows guarantee a challenge, no matter how far you can hit it off the tee, providing a nice defense for the course and keeping golfers on their toes all day long.

If you’re looking to break away from the casinos, Seaview Resort might be the ticket. A full service hotel complex, this sprawling property features 36 holes and hosts an LPGA event. With more than just golf, Seaview would be ideal for a family, or a group with more than a singular interest in golf.

Fun facts

• ACCC was once private before being converted into a playground for the highest of high rollers. It’s now fully open to the public.

• Golf legend Arnold Palmer recently celebrated his birthday at ACCC.

• The term “birdie” was coined at ACCC.

Also read:

Follow Ron Varrial on Twitter @ronvarrial

The post Atlantic City golf: A sure bet appeared first on Metro.us.

Pamper yourself

Check in at the Otesaga resort and let the relaxation begin.  This historic hotel was built in 1909 and offers fine dining, grand ballrooms, a lounge, an 18-hole golf course, a heated pool and a terrace overlooking Lake Otsego. The hotel was once used as a school for girls and is said to be haunted with the pitter-patter of little feet and the laughter of children. “Ghost Hunters” once paid a visit to the resort and deemed the third and fifth floors to have the most supernatural presence. Don’t worry though — they’re said to be friendly spirits. www.otesaga.com

Taste the season

Really get into the season with an apple-picking trip to Middlefield Orchard. Let your inner child run wild through the rows as you fill your bag with dozens of varieties of apples or hunt for pumpkins. Don’t leave without sampling the homemade jams. www.middlefieldorchard.com

Eat like an aristocrat

Eat in Otesaga’s main dining room for a formal five-course experience with dishes like New Zealand rack of lamb or veal Osso Bucco. Or head down to the Hawkeye Bar & Grill for Seafood Fra Diavlo or a casual burger and fries. Enjoy live music and dancing into the late night hours at Templeton Lounge.

Drink like a Belgian

Spend the afternoon tasting Belgian beers at Brewery Ommegang. Sample a range of ales from the light and crisp Witte to the dark and spicy Abbey. See how the beer is made on a tour or snack on moules and frites in the newly built Cafe Ommegang. www.ommegang.com

Get spooked

Head to the Farmer’s Museum after dark for their Things That Go Bump in the Night ghost tour and let your imagination run wild. You can also take a walking candlelight ghost tour through Cooperstown and hear the eerie history of the town’s oldest homes. Brave tour-goers will walk through the Christ Episcopal Church Graveyard. Make sure you look up into the trees — you never know what you might see. www.cooperstownghost.com, www.farmersmuseum.org

The post Fall into the season at Cooperstown, NY appeared first on Metro.us.

The specialties at these authentic restaurants taste just like abuela used to make.

Pork
Every city has its celebrity chef. Cookbook author and “Top Chef Masters” contestant Wilo Benet is San Juan’s local culinary hero. His wood-fired oven at Varita turns out a stellar lechón, spit-roasted whole pig with a tangy marinade infusing the succulent meat and crispy skin. Tucked inside the Conrad Hotel, it’s also a great spot to try local snacks such as alcapurrias — a deep-fried mixture of plantains, squash and local tubers stuffed with ground beef.
999 Ashford Ave.,
787-919-7818

Seafood
The Waterfront Restaurant is not only known for its tranquil, oceanside setting on the Pinones boardwalk, but for its excellent preparations of local fish. Try the pastelillos, savory turnovers filled with chapin (trunkfish), the mild and meaty grilled dorado (mahi mahi) and sweet Caribbean lobster in a rich butter sauce.
KM 187, Pinones, 787-791-5989

Rice and beans
Family-style Bebo’s Cafe started as a tiny cafetin, but its terrific local fare required expansion for the Sanjuaneros that love its home cooking, particularly platters of rice and choice of white, pinto, red or black beans.
1600 Loiza, 787-726-1008

Plantains
Cafe Puerto Rico sits in a quaint townhouse in Old San Juan with a kitchen that excels at a local staple: plantains. They’re starchy and potato-like when green and sweet when ripened. Have them here in a terrific creamy soup, as twice-fried rounds known as tostones or as mofongo, moist, mashed green plantains stuffed with pork, chicken or seafood.
208 O’Donnell, 787-724-2281

Rum running
   
Home of Bacardi, Don Q and Ron Rico, Puerto Ricans know their rum. And colorful Jam is the place for connoisseurs. Along with classics like mojitos, the bar pours contemporary cocktails like the Kiwi Libre, kiwi puree with white rum and lime juice. An in-house playroom makes it a great place to enjoy a drink while keeping the ninos busy.
1400 Magdalena, 787-721-5991

The post Puerto Rico: Savoring San Juan appeared first on Metro.us.

Minaret Station, New Zealand

This newly opened spot is the first camp pitched at the end of a dramatic valley in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, and it’s only accessible by helicopter. Despite its remote location, the level of luxury here is outrageous: Each tent is fully carpeted with sheepskin and has a deck with a hot-tub. Guests can unwind in the shared Mountain Kitchen, complete with a library, dining room and open fires.
www.seasons.co.uk
    
Longitude 131, Australian Outback

What could be more romantic than waking up in the wilderness of the outback to watch the sun rise over Uluru (Ayers Rock)? Guests at any one of these cabins with tented roofs don’t even have to get out of bed to marvel at this dawn spectacle. All they have to do is flick a switch and the blinds will rise. www.longitude131.com.au

Kinnikinnick Farm, Illinois

Camping here is less tent, more cabin; but still, the experience gets you back to nature, like a return to “Little House on the Prairie.” The tents are set on a working organic farm in the middle of rural Boone County, Ill., just 85 miles northwest of Chicago. There’s an emphasis on leaving the modern world behind and enjoying the countryside, with farmyard animals for the kids to meet and long slow-food dinners made with farm-fresh produce. A new camp near San Francisco is set to open in 2012.
www.featherdown.com

The Serai Jaisalmer, India

This luxury 21-tent camp in the Great Thar Desert, just outside the medieval fortress town of Jaisalmer, boasts its own spa. The entry-level tented suites, set up on a base of local stone, have their own lounge area, bedroom, bathroom and outside deck. They share a swimming pool, al fresco bar, library tent and a dining tent where guests can dine on dishes using produce from the camp’s organic vegetable and herb garden. Meanwhile, the Luxury Tented suites have private walled gardens and pools, and the Royal Suite boasts a private spa, pool and separate dining and lounge tents. Guests can take a camel trek across the desert, visit the fabled desert kingdom of Jaisalmer or venture to the Mulana Dunes, which are for guests only. www.transindus.com

Clayoquot, Vancouver Island, Canada

This luxury eco-retreat might be located in the Canadian wilderness, but it’s just an hour away from Vancouver via seaplane. Only open from May to September, there are 20 tents offering guests a well-deserved night of sleep after a day spent doing lots of outdoorsy activities like mountain biking, fishing, climbing, kayaking and bear-watching. There are additional tents for dining and spa treatments, and there’s a games tent designed with the leather and dark wood of a gentlemen’s club.
www.wildretreat.com

Uma Paro — Bumdra Wilderness Camp, Bhutan

Bhutan, a tiny Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas, is very remote. The state has restricted contact with the modern world and has strict limits on tourist numbers. But guests at the luxurious Uma Paro hotel are offered exclusive access to the Bumdra Wilderness Camp, a remote spot in a clearing under the epic Bumdra monastery, offering breathtaking views of the iconic “Tigers’ Nest” Taktsang Monastery and the rest of the Himalayas. www.seasons.co.uk

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“The first two weeks after Irene, there were a lot of phone calls and a lot of questions about cancellation policies,” says Chuck Tomajko, proprietor of the Fairlawn Inn, located in Hunter. “But now the area is mostly open for business. It just depends on where you want to go.” Tomajko recommends calling ahead to check, but he notes that most area attractions — like hiking, restaurants and antique shopping — are ready for visitors.

Where to …
   
Visit: Right now, the region is resplendent in spectacular fall foliage. Greene County is home to five of the ten highest Catskill peaks and Catskill State Park. There are hikes for every activity level, but we especially recommend hiking the Kaaterskill Falls Trail, a popular day hike which takes you past the highest falls in New York. The recently opened Hunter Mountain Zipline tour has been very popular with families and is a great — and adventurous — way to see the beauty of the Northern Catskills.
   
Stay: There are many quaint inns or bed and breakfasts in the area, many of which don’t require a two-night stay, meaning it’s great for a super quick getaway. But we especially recommend Fairlawn Inn, with its comfortable, handsome rooms and a delicious, local breakfast in the morning. It was recently given a three-leaf eco-rating in from Audubon International and I Love NY.

Follow Dorothy Robinson on Twitter @DorothyatMetro.

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