The Black Dress Traveler

Dresses, Drinks, & Destinations: Daydreams of Provence

My daydream: moi enjoying a picnic in Hecht & Bannier's vineyard in Côtes de Provence.

I was recently given a delicious bottle of Hecht & Bannier Cotes de Provence Rosé 2012 ($13) and before I even took a sip, I started to daydream. Just looking at the delicate and translucent pink wine shimmering in the bottle immediately swept me away to a picnic in a lavender scented field in Provence. Although, I enjoy Rosé throughout the year, I can't deny the special allure of a perfectly chilled glass of this wonderful wine on a beautiful spring or summer day.  A blend of Grenache (45%), Cinsault (40%) and Syrah (15%), Hecht & Bannier Cotes de Provence Rosé 2012 tantalizes with vivacious notes of lilac, clementine, and pink grapefruit with hints of raspberry and ripe currants. The fruit is artfully balanced with an elegant minerality and subtle herbal flavor that will pair perfectly with virtually all of your warm weather meals of seafood, grilled chicken, and salads.

Of course, in addition to a great wine, my picnic in Provence requires a fabulous dress. I'm loving this Floral Corset Style Dress ($79.95) from online retailer eShakti. Fitted at the bust with a flared full skirt, it is feminine without being too fussy. The canary yellow print is balanced out with the cream background - chic and perfect for the season!

To plan a trip to Provence, consider the luxury travel company Petite Peche & Co. In June of 2013, they are launching a seasonal B&B in Provence. Guests can choose between 6 and 12 night stays in their luxurious Bastide, breakfast daily, afternoon cocktails, full assistance with personal itineraries, and more. They can book you a cheese making class, wine tasting, sunset cruise along the Mediterranean, or a
Michelin-starred dining experience. You can also find useful information, at www.visitprovence.com.

TV for Travelers: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown on CNN

I must confess that I don't watch CNN too often, but I am one of those travel loving food fanatics who will tune in on April 14th at 9pm (ET) to check out their new show Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown.

Few television personalities can spark wanderlust as strongly as Anthony Bourdain. I've been missing his old Travel Channel show No Reservations since it ended in 2012, so I'm hungry for his new one-hour lifestyle series on CNN. Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown will follow the chef, author, and raconteur as he travels across the globe to uncover non-touristy and off-the-beaten path areas of the world. Bourdain will explore some war-torn areas, meet with locals, and occasionally spend time with an internationally acclaimed hot shot chef. 

The premiere episode of Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown offers an inside look at Myanmar. In his maiden voyage to the country formerly known as Burma, Bourdain and his crew discover the beauty and cuisines of a country that had been, until recently, off-limits to outsiders. Future episodes include tours of Libya, Colombia, the Quebecois side of Canada, Koreatown in Los Angeles, Tangier, Peru and the Congo .

Will you be watching? Following original episodes of Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown on Sunday nights at 9pm, encores will air on Friday nights at 11pm, Saturday nights at 9pm, and Sunday nights at 8pm. (all times Eastern)  Click here to learn more about Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown.

Be A Cultured Couch Potato: Anthony Bourdain "No Reservations" Collection 7 DVD

Anthony Bourdain in Cuba

Being a couch potato just got way more interesting thanks to the Anthony Bourdain No Reservations Collection 7 DVD. So, pour a nice glass of wine, curl up on the sofa, and spend 645 minutes traveling the world with the witty, fearless, sometimes cranky and always engaging Bourdain.

I was sent an advance copy of No Reservations Collection 7 and I was thrilled to see that this 3 DVD set features some of my favorite episodes - Bourdain's unforgettable journey to post earthquake Haiti that included a visit to a relief camp and explorations of the local music and arts, an entire episode dedicated to the legendary Catalan restaurant El Bulli where Bourdain works the line and looks very dashing in chef's whites, and a jaunt to Cajun Country where his cholesterol gets raised to deliciously dangerous levels at a boucherie (a celebration featuring a whole hog roast). Other destinations include Nicaragua, Macau, Naples, Boston, Vienna and more.



Bourdain in Spain with renowned Chef Ferran Adrià

But apart from the amazing meals and breathtaking scenery, what I really admire about Bourdain is that he doesn't shy away from the truth. Too many travel shows deliberately ignore some of life's harsher realities - poverty, war, class, racism, and corruption. Not Bourdain - he looks right in the camera and tells it like it is. I'll miss seeing Bourdain on the Travel Channel when he wraps up No Reservations this season (his new series launches on CNN in early 2013) but I'll just pop in a DVD when I need to escape or want some of his insightful tips for my next trip.

Anthony Bourdain No Reservations Collection 7 (list price $24.98) is available at Amazon.

Dresses, Drinks & Destinations: The Paris Edition

In my unofficial, utterly unscientific but eerily accurate poll, Paris dominates the list for the destination that many women dream of visiting and revisiting. And, why not? Breathtakingly beautiful, the City of Lights is renowned for the finest in food, fashion, wine, beauty, and cultural offerings - what more could a discerning lady ask for? 

Get there with Je Suis. Paris - an 8-day tailor-made luxury extravaganza designed exclusively for women by women. Living up to their tagline "celebrate yourself in the city that celebrates women," Je Suis. Paris focuses on the finest fashion, gastronomy, wine, art, history, "joie de vivre" and more. Space is limited to 10 guests per tour and activities include wine tasting, a tour of the legendary San Germain area, VIP access to professional stylists to assist you in creating your perfect Parisian fashion statement, and many more special events.

The dates of the inaugural Je Suis. Paris tour are August 4-12, with subsequent dates in October, November and December. The price per person is in the mid $7k range (land only) and includes a deluxe single room in a 5-star boutique hotel, roundtrip deluxe airport transfers, meet & greet at the airport in Paris where you will be whisked through customs, a day in the Champagne region, several meals, and many fantastic perks. 

Once you've booked your trip, celebrate with a petite bottle (375 ml) of Pol Roger White Foil ($30). Founded in 1849, Pol Roger is one of only a few Grande Marque Champagne houses that remains family owned and operated. Pol Roger White Foil is a beguiling blend of equal parts Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay, with a minimum of 3 years of aging. The citrus flavors and notes of toasty brioche make Pol Roger White Foil the perfect bubbly to sip while planning your Parisian extravaganza!

Of course, shopping is a must when you're in Paris but you'll still want to bring some fashionable frocks with you! This black and white striped dress from French designer Agnes B. subtly reminded me of the Sonia Rykiel ensemble that Carrie Bradshaw wore for her arrival in Paris. Admittedly, this dress is a simpler and much less expensive interpretation but it can be played up with accessories.  (Agnes B. Robe Marino - $325)

Have You Heard of Ascoli Piceno? A "Secret" Spot In Italy

image courtesy Italia Living

Could Ascoli Piceno be Italy's best kept secret? While gaggles of visitors flock to Rome and Tuscany, only a savvy few have explored Ascoli Piceno in the Le Marche region. In fact, the NY Times actually deemed Ascoli Piceno "the new Tuscany." I was recently invited to attend a get-to-know Ascoli Piceno event at the International Culinary Center in NYC and I am very intrigued by this town of towers (more than 50) just 2 hours from Rome that offers beaches, mountains, fine food & wine, and so much more. If you are visiting Italy, here are a few reasons to add Ascoli Piceno to your itinerary.

Location: Italy's Le Marche region is bordered on the east by the Adriatic Sea and Ascoli Piceno is the southernmost province. Ascoli Piceno has a population of about 60,000 people.

What to See: The Piazza del Popolo is the heart of Ascoli Piceno. No cars are allowed in this travertine paved square.

image courtesy Italia Living
Piazza del Popolo



Ascoli Piceno also hosts a variety of medieval and renaissance festivals. Local museums include the Modern Graphic Art Gallery, the Pottery Museum and the Municipal Art Gallery. I was even told that Ascoli Piceno has the world's largest seashell museum!


Chef Emilio Pasqualini and Francine Segan

Of course, you can't talk about Italy and not mention the food. Chef Emilio Pasqualini flew in from Italy to prepare a few of Ascoli Piceno's signature dishes. He didn't speak a word of English but was so charming. My friend Francine Segan, food historian & cookbook author, acted as translator and presented a short overview of the region and the food. Francine actually dined at Chef Pasqualini's restaurant Cantina del Picchio and said, "the hands-down best meals I’ve ever had in Italy and I’ve been going there for months at a time for 20 years!"


Our culinary journey to Ascoli Piceno began with Oliva all' Ascolana. Large green Ascolana olives are pitted and stuffed with a savory mixture of beef, pork, chicken, pecorino & parmigiano cheese, nutmeg and more. They are then breaded and fried. Crispy on the outside and juicy in the middle, these are very tasty little morsels!


 Chef Pasqualini then dazzled us with Sugo al ragu' Piceno. The tomato sauce is emboldened with three meats - ground beef & pork, and minced chicken liver and gizzards. The dish uses a very special pasta called campofilone. Very thin and delicate, campofilone contains twice as many eggs as most Italian pastas. A very rich and satisfying dish. I really wanted seconds!


We ended our tastebud travels to Ascoli Piceno with this Savory Cheese Bread (Pizza con il formaggio). Made with a sourdough starter and Pecorino cheese (fresh & aged), it is a dense bread that would pair perfectly with salami.

Of course, the dishes were paired with wines from the Le Marche region. Le Caniette Lucrezia Passerina DocG is a refreshing white wine made from 100% Passerina grapes. The wine is fruity with notes of citrus but not too sweet - a real pleasure to the palate. Le Caniette vineyard was founded in 1897 and these 4th generation winemakers take pride in their certified organic wines.  About $12 per bottle.


Founded in 2003, Domodimonti specializes in natural wines with minimum additives and minimal impact on the environment. In 2010, they opened a state of the art tasting room. Several of their acclaimed wines are in the $20 and under range.



Domodimonti Winery

So, are you also intrigued by Ascoli Piceno? To learn more, I recommend Francine Segan's article in Italia Living. The official Ascoli Piceno website is also a resource  - it is written in Italian but you can use Google Translator to read it in English.

Good Morning Baltimore!

Although one of my dearest friends is from Baltimore, I must confess that everything I think I know about the city comes from watching John Waters movies and The Wire - talk about two extremes! Well, I was thrilled to hear about all of the fun and exciting things happening in Bawlmer, including new restaurants and fun festivals.

New Restaurants

Wit & Wisdom, A Tavern by Michael Mina
Four Seasons Baltimore, Harbor East
Wit & Wisdom offers a menu inspired by the cuisine of the mid-Atlantic region, focusing on the Eastern Seaboard’s culinary heritage. Keeping the area’s history in mind, the restaurant offers American cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients, prepared through classical wood-fire-grilling and hearth-cooking techniques - it sounds delicious! I would definitely pay Wit & Wisdom a visit - I had a chance to dine at Michael Mina's restaurant at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and the food was great.

Waterfront Kitchen
1419 Thames Street, Fell’s Point
Waterfront Kitchen is located on the first floor of Fell’s Point’s Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Museum. The menu, designed by long time local chef Jerry Pellegrino of Corks Restaurant, emphasizes seasonal ingredients, including those grown by participants in Living Classrooms Foundation's BUGS (Baltimore Urban Gardening with Students) program. BUGS, which serves inner-city grade school children, maintains a greenhouse and gardens just a few blocks away.

Special Events/Arts & Culture

Touch and the Enjoyment of Sculpture: Exploring the Appeal of Renaissance Statuettes
The Walters Art Museum
January 21-April 15, 2012
This groundbreaking show will explore the implications of tactile perception for enjoying sculpture by melding the research of a Johns Hopkins University neuroscientist studying how the brain reacts to tactile stimuli and a Walters’ curator interested in the increased appreciation of tactility as an aspect of European Renaissance art – a period marked by a new availability of small “collectibles” meant to be held.

Maryland Film Festival
Maryland Institute College of Art/The Charles Theater
May 3-6, 2012
Designed to advocate for films and filmmakers as they enter the marketplace, the Maryland Film Festival celebrates the art of film in the tradition of famous Baltimoreans like John Waters and Barry Levinson. Documentaries, short films and features are screened at several locations throughout the city.

HonFest
Hampden
June 9-10, 2012
Get out your teasing comb and Aqua Net, hon! Baltimore’s annual celebration of all things “Bawlmer” takes place along 36^th Street in Hampden and pays tribute to the neighborhoods, distinctive dialect and people of Baltimore. Enjoy live music, classic Bawlmer foods and Hampden’s eclectic merchants, and indulge your bouffant cravings and inner hon at the Glamour Lounge.


To learn more about what to see, do, and eat in Baltimore, check out the Visit Baltimore website.

Take Me Away: Join Grape Getaways in Long Island Wine Country

The summer is going by way too fast, take a moment to stop and smell the Rosé! Last summer, I went on an amazing day trip to Long Island wine country organized by Grape Getaways and not only did I smell the Rosé, the Pinot, and the Cabernet, I swirled and sipped them too! (Click here to read about my trip last summer.)

If you are in the New York City area and want to experience a relaxing and delicious day away from the city, Grape Getaways is heading back to the North Fork on Saturday, August 20. The bus leaves midtown at 9:00 am and will return around 6:30-7:00 pm. Readers of The Black Dress Traveler pay the discounted affiliate rate of $99 (regular price is $115.) The fee includes:

- Round trip bus transportation
- Tastings at 2 wineries-  Castello di Borghese and Clovis Point.
- Three course lunch at Claudio's Restaurant . Open since 1870, apparently Claudio's is recognized by the National Restaurant Association as the oldest restaurant run by the same family in the United States -wow!


The Tasting Room at Clovis Point overlooks the vineyards.

For more information and to sign up, visit the Grape Getaways website.

Welcome to the Black Dress Traveler! Destinations, Dresses, Drinks & More!

Wanda Mann Founder


Image: Missy Photography

 No matter where I travel, I always have at least one little black dress in my suitcase. More than a garment, the LBD is a reminder to live life with a dash of flair whether you are traveling to work or circling the globe. Travel is a state of mind and even our hometowns can elicit feelings of wonder and inspiration. Films, food, wine, books, fashion and music all have the power to transport us to new places. Try to have a little black dress approach to life no matter where you are or what you are wearing. Remember, adventure is always in fashion!



 

 

Haute Vacation: Accessible Luxury in Tortola at Frenchmans Lookout & Frenchmans Paradise

 
Do you want your next vacation spot to include 360 degree sweeping views of the Caribbean sea and British Virgin Islands?Then gather your favorite travel pals together for a luxury vacation at  Frenchmans Lookout (a fully staffed five room villa) and Frenchmans Paradise (a brand new 3 bedroom villa) in Tortola - the largest island in the British Virgin Islands. The two properties can be booked together or separately.

Frenchmans Lookout is a 10,000 sq. ft. luxury property with 15 rooms, including 5 bedrooms. The villa's perks include daily breakfast, housekeeping, transfer to and from the airport and a full day on a power boat with a captain. At Frenchmans Lookout there is no need to worry about added room costs and extra costs - you pay one price for your group and they pamper you.

  Tucked into the hillside just below Frenchmans Lookout, Frenchmans Paradise has three bedrooms, a terrace with stunning views of the sea and neighboring islands, and a swimming pool.

Pricing
Prices for Frenchmans Paradise, January 4 to April 24 are $5,000 for seven days for up to six people (less than $150 per person for day!) and April 25- Dec. 19, 2011, $4500 per week for up to 6 guest. Prices include 3 days of housekeeping. Does not include 7% BVI tax.

Prices for Frenchmans Lookout, Jaunary 3 to April 24 are weekly, $12,500 for 1-6 guests and $16,500 for 1-7 guests. This price includes full use of 5 bedroom villa and grounds, staff, daily breakfast , housekeeping, managerial assistance, and transfer to and from airport AND a full day on our power boat with captain. (4% gratuities and 7% tax not included)

Blame it on Barcelona

I am obsessed with all things Barcelona. Really, I've told anyone that will listen how I dream of living 6 months of each year in this bold and beautiful city. Even when I am in the deepest and darkest funk, I will break into a smile at the mere sound of the word Barcelona.

MANY years ago, when I was an awkward yet eager 16 year old, I spent my junior year of high school studying in Barcelona. A young Catalan couple took me in and I immediately became a big sister to their 3 little kids. Although it's been a long time, many of those memories are as clear as yesterday: walking down Paseo de Gracia to school, getting lost in El Barrio Gotico, snacking on sugary xuxo pastries, and clumsily flirting with cute Catalan boys (still a favorite pastime when the opportunity presents itself).

My latest trip down memory lane was prompted by the slide show,  A Beloved Corner of Barcelona, that recently appeared in the travel section of The New York Times. The images focus on the neighborhood of Gracia - "Visitors in Barcelona rarely cross the city's broad Avinguda Diagonal, sticking close to the harborside Gothic quarter. But Barcelona natives love — and many live in — the quirky residential neighborhood of Gràcia, which fills the urban grid on Diagonal's north side, between Passeig de Gràcia and Passeig de Sant Joan." If you've been to Barcelona, these images will make you miss it. If you've never been, they will spark your interest.

Do you love Barcelona? If not, what city is YOUR Barcelona?

Click on the following link to view the slide show www.nytimes.com

Traveling Green

Being queen of your green castle is one thing but staying eco-friendly on the road can be a challenge. Away from home, many green decisions are simply out of your hands. After all, traveling with your own environmentally sound cleaning products or recycling bin isn't too practical. In honor of Earth Day on April 22, here are a few ways to green up your next getaway!

Make your nest in a green hotel. The Hotel del Sol in San Francisco has been certified as a green property. In addition to their extensive conservation initiatives, this Marina District property encourages guests to reduce their carbon footprint. Their earth friendly packages include bike rentals, sustainable wine, and walking tours. You can even get an eco-friendly pedicure. Starting at $179, you'll be left with plenty of green in your wallet when you book one of these packages. Call 877-433-5765 for more information. Hotel del Sol is part of the Joie de Vivre hotel group and their Green Dreams program is focused on preserving the environment by incorporating sustainability into their core business operations.

Do you want to help conserve coral reefs in Aruba, or restore an archaeological site in New Mexico? Or maybe you want to unwind at The View, a Navajo owned environmentally sound hotel in Monument Valley, Utah? If so, check out these eco-friendly adventures that were featured in the NY Post.

Green up your gear. This TraveLite Wheeled Carry-On by GoLite ($175) is made from Tier 1 Recycled 210 Denier Nylon Double Ripstop and more than a third lighter than comparable bags.

Dress green. GoLite also makes a really cute reversible travel dress. Available in granite/pale blue or black/beet, the Cayambe dress is a reasonable $80 - a great price for 2 dresses in one!

Sip green. If you are traveling to a place where the tap water is safe to drink, reduce plastic waste by bringing your own water bottle.  I'm a big fan of CynerGreen's BPA free, stainless style, usable bottles ($9 -$15). Their motto is "saving the world, one bottle at a time."

Ten in My Town: Elizabeth Bard's Paris

American girl goes to Paris. Meets charming French man. Falls in love with Monsieur Right and French cuisine. Lives happily ever after. Yes, this may sound like the plot of a Hollywood movie, but welcome to Elizabeth Bard’s life. Her new memoir Lunch in Paris: A Love Story with Recipes is chock full of engrossing prose and tasty meals. (Click here to read my review of the book.)

Elizabeth told moi, "there's a lot I've discovered in France - not just about effortless chic, but about how we as women can make better choices - pleasure and ambition, love and self." Although she has been busy traveling the world on her book tour, Elizabeth generously agreed to share a few of her favorite places in the City of Lights. Let her picks guide you to a great meal in Paris, or maybe even a romance of your own. Ooh la la!

 PS. Elizabeth will be making an appearance at Barnes & Noble (Tribeca, NYC) on Weds. April 7 at 7:00 pm.


To Buy the Perfect Little Black Dress – Galeries Lafayette. They have everything – and if you don’t find your little black dress, you can go shopping for a hot red lipstick underneath the breathtaking stained glass dome. If you want some color – go try one of the raw silk wrap dresses from Antoine et Lili. For browsing – I’d hit the small streets around rue du Dragon and rue de la Cherche Midi in the 6^th.

For a Night Out with the Girls - I find ice cream inspires girl talk better than alcohol – get yourself a double scoop of Berthillon on the Ile Saint Loius. Cacao Amer (bitter dark chocolate sorbet) is my favorite.

For a Romantic Dinner - Picnic on the tip of the Ile Saint Louis. 

To Take Out of Town Guests - We usually end up at L’Homme Bleu – a terrific Moroccan place, for tagine. We are lacking a favorite French place at the moment (ours changed hands a few years ago), but we often take people to Chez Denise near Les Halles – it’s one of the holdouts from the area’s market days – in fact, it used to be a brothel. The portions are huge (I love the cote de boeuf and the lapin au moutard), but save room for dessert – they make the best baba au rhum in Paris! The place is very well known, you should book – and you’ll probably be eating with an equal number of tourists and locals. 

For Something Sweet - Ladurée for macaroons (I’m a purist, so I tend to stick with vanilla, lemon, pistachio, and orange flower water (fleur d’oranger). Jean Paul Hevin for hot chocolate – it’s a quick walk from the Louvre, the tearoom is just above the shop. The hot chocolate is divine, and it’s much less crowded and touristy than Angelina’s. La Bague de Kenza – This Algerian bakery makes the best North African pastries in Paris. Choose in the boutique and have your pastries delivered to the tearoom next store.

For Cocktails  - I’m not a cocktail drinker in Paris – plant yourself at any sidewalk café with a glass of wine and watch the world go by. My neighborhood, along the Canal Saint Martin, is great for going out…if you like hipsters and men who haven’t shaved…

To Connect with Nature - The Buttes Chaumont is my favorite park in Paris. Sculpted from the ruins of one of Napoleon III’s old gypsum quarries, it has rolling hills, a man-made lake (complete with swans), and a fake waterfall.

To Connect with the Past - I’m a museum fanatic – but I prefer to have the place all to myself. The Louvre is open late on Wednesday evenings – and it’s completely empty! If you haven’t been to the Musée Jacquesmart Andre, do go – it’s the mansion of a 19^th century industrialist and his wife - much like the Frick collection in NY. Check out the hydraulic walls in the ballroom! There’s a great English Audioguide.

Where I Go to Unwind  - The market – every neighborhood has an outdoor market on a different day of the week; it’s a Paris experience that shouldn’t be missed! The markets are open from 8am-1pm, so get up early, grab a croissant and an expresso in a local café – then do your shopping for a lunchtime picnic. Ask your hotel (or local café) which days you can expect a market near you.

To Learn Something New - When I’m searching for inspiration. I usually end up at Librairie Gourmande – the best cookbook shop in Paris. Most of the cooking supply stores are on this street as well, so you can pick up some madeleine molds etc. on your way…

If you are interested in art history and design (and speak fairly high level French) – the week long summer courses at the Ecole de Louvre are a great value. The focus can be as specific as Art Deco doorknobs or as broad as “Paris under Henri IV”.

Jessica Simpson Travels the World to Learn the Price of Beauty

On paper, I really like the concept of Jessica Simpson's new VH1 show The Price of Beauty: Jessica travels around the world learning about how women in different cultures define and pursue beauty. I'm just not entirely convinced that pop singer/actress Jessica and her entourage (hair stylist Ken Paves and assistant CaCee Cobb) are the right hosts for this show.

Their first stop was Thailand where Jessica retched when trying some local cuisine (ok, they were fried bugs) and laughed uncontrollably during her meditation lesson with a Buddhist monk. Sure, travel can be very unnerving and uncomfortable but I was really dismayed by her immaturity and lack of respect.  And, Jessica honey, 4 inch heels are not the most practical choice of footwear for walking around when traveling.

However, by the end of the episode Jessica seemed to have learned something and said,"tradition is a beautiful thing in Thailand. I'm lucky to have experienced this." On another positive note, Jessica is using her show as a platform to raise money for Operation Smile, a charity that transforms the lives of children born with cleft palates.

The Price of Beauty is Jessica's response to the very ugly treatment she received by the media for gaining a little bit of weight last summer and wearing some unflattering jeans. (Really, who hasn't?) Jessica seems like a sweet soul so I am keeping my fingers crossed that her journey not only takes her around the world but within herself and that she will remember the words of the monk who told her that "Buddhists believe that true beauty comes from within." Amen to that!

Student Travel Rates Available for the Young at Heart

Check out this very interesting article in the Travel section of the NY Times about student travel agencies extending their discounts to those of us who have not seen the inside of a classroom in many years. Some of the agencies are more liberal than others with allowing travelers of all ages to participate in their travel deals but it is still a great resource to consider. Who doesn't want to save a little money?

"Student travel agencies are beginning to actively court nonstudents and older travelers, extending their low prices to the not-so-youthful set. Though it has quietly offered discounts to nonstudents for years, STA Travel began actively promoting “flights for everyone” on its home page late last year, highlighting sales and negotiated discounts available to travelers of any age, like round-trip flights from Los Angeles to Sydney from $798 or New York to London from $476."
via travel.nytimes.com

Image: Isabel Klett

Ten in My Town: Amy Reimer's New Orleans

Amy Reimer
General Manager, International House

New Orleans is perhaps America's most magical city. Known for great jazz, mouthwatering cuisine, stunning architecture and spirited people who live life to the fullest and bounce back in the face of adversity, New Orleans magically melds diverse cultures into a unique and seductive social gumbo.

If anyone knows New Orleans, Amy Reimer does! A New Orleans native, Amy is general manager of the acclaimed boutique hotel, International House, and its sister property, Loft 523. She is a past Chairman of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau and was selected by New Orleans CityBusiness Magazine as one of fifty New Orleans area women who have made notable contributions in business and the community. Currently President of the Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association, Amy also sits on the Boards of Directors of the Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, and on the Executive Committee of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. 

Amy is an avid runner and loves to travel to see what other places have to offer. If you are heading to New Orleans, check out Amy's picks on the best places in the Big Easy to let the good times roll!

1. To Buy the Perfect Little Black Dress: The place that I can always find that perfect dress is a shop on Metairie Road called Elizabeth’s. The 2 men that own it always have a great eye for the dress that is just perfect.

2. For a Night Out with the Girls: We always start at Loa, the bar in International House, the hotel that I am the General Manager of. It is the perfect place to start and finish a night of fun!

3. For a Romantic Dinner: Café Degas on Esplanade is a great French bistro. The food and the setting are always great.

4. To Take Out of Town Guests: There is so much to do in New Orleans but a night out must always include Frenchmen Street. There are 8 or so live music venues that allow you to see and hear great music from 6pm until 3am so you never feel like you are missing anything.

5. For Something Sweet: My favorite picks for dessert are Emeril’s banana cream pie, the flan at Rambla and, of course, the Bread Pudding Soufflé at Commander’s Palace.

6. For Cocktails: Loa in International House is not to be missed, the bar at Arnaud’s is a perfect setting and has great drinks and, of course, a Pimm’s Cup at the Napoleon House.

 7. To Connect with Nature: The parks in New Orleans are great. City Park has a great lake that has a jogging path around it that you can take to wind down after jogging through the majestic oaks. There is also a bike path that starts downtown and takes you all of the way to Lake Ponchartrain.

8. To Connect with the Past: The French Quarter offers so much history as does the Garden District. You can walk through the French Quarter and then take a Streetcar to the Garden District to see the magnificent homes.

9. Where I Go to Unwind: The best place to unwind is with a group of friends at one of the many outdoor restaurants and bars in NOLA. There are so many to select from: Martinique, The Columns, Lucy’s, Nona Mia and the courtyard at Commander’s Palace.

10. To Learn Something New: Don’t miss the New Orleans Museum of Art. There is always something to learn as you take in all of the exhibits.

To learn more about New Orleans, visit the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Ten in My Town: Alva Johnson's Atlanta

From where to buy the perfect little black dress to the best spot for a romantic dinner, reaching out to local ladies with a zest for life is one of the best ways to get the inside scoop on a destination. Ten in My Town asks savvy ladies to name their top ten picks for the places to see and be seen in their hometowns. Our first stop is the land of juicy peaches, sweet tea, spicy reality TV drama queens, and so much more – Atlanta! Glamorous Georgia girl and globetrotter Alva Johnson is our guide to this sexy southern city.

Alva Johnson
Co-Founder, Independent Champagne and Sparkling Wine Invitational
www.icswi2010.com

Whether staffing 22,000 temporary employees for the Olympic Games, training personal assistants for celebrities such as Vera Wang and The Dave Matthews Band, or planning large scale events in Brazil and Germany; Alva Johnson is the consummate planning professional. As the co-founder of the Independent Champagne and Sparkling Wine Invitational (ICSWI), which will take place in New Orleans in April 2010, Alva brings the same energy and enthusiasm to bubbles that she’s used to ignite crowds worldwide. Alva passionately believes champagne isn’t just for special occasions – it’s the ultimate celebration of life! Let Alva's Ten in My Town picks inspire you on your next trip to Atlanta.  

1. To Buy the Perfect Little Black Dress - I love to shop at Fa'brik in Buckhead or Wish in Little 5 points. Both have sexy yet eclectic styles. Fa'brik is more designer driven while Wish has more fashion-forward options.

2. For a Night Out with the Girls - The St. Regis Hotel Bar- great crowd, cool atmosphere...after that possibly Club Opera or The Cheetah (this IS Atlanta).

3. For a Romantic Dinner - Canoe or Joel. Canoe when I want to see the Chattahootchie River or Joel when I want great French food and sexy atmosphere. 

4. To Take Out of Town Guests - my favorite local place by my home, Bistro VG's (formerly Van Gogh's). I live in the suburbs, 45min from the city, so I take out of towners to my favorite place by my home.

5. For Something Sweet- Bistro VG's again or Krispy Kreme. Bistro VG's for great crepes and homemade sorbets. Krispy Kreme for those days I do not have to fit into my little black dress.

6. For Cocktails - Drinkshop in The W Hotel Downtown or my home is pretty infamous for Champagne gatherings.

7. To Connect with Nature - my backyard...one of the great things about living in the suburbs is having a large backyard, a lake across the street, and a brook flowing in my back yard. My backyard is a haven for butterflies, they congregate in my yard and I love to step out of my stilettos and just be.

8. To Connect with the Past - Auburn Ave. in Atlanta. This is a historical street which has the Martin Luther King Center and Ebenezer Baptist Church.

9. Where I Go to Unwind - to the kitchen. I love to cook and naturally I have lots of great wine and champagne at my home, so my kitchen is a great source of relaxation. I pop a bottle of champagne, and enjoy it while I create a feast. My children love to cook with me so I buy them sparkling grape juice which makes them feel "fancy."

10. To Learn Something New- Easy one- the library, any library, usually the library at Crabapple Middle School (my son's school). I have always been an avid reader, a true lover of books, and any time I can spend in the library is a happy moment for me. I go to my son's school library without him knowing until he sees me in the hallway or the librarian tells him I've been there for hours.

The Ladies Specials: Commuter Trains for Female Passengers in India

The New York Times ran an engrossing article about the Ladies Specials commuter trains in India. These eight trains are reserved exclusively for the use of female passengers in India's largest cities: New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Calcutta. According to the article, the number of working women in India has almost doubled in the past 15 years. Along with this increasing economic independence and freedom, women have encountered violence and animosity from men. Getting to work has become such a traumatic ordeal for women that the government has decided that removing men from the trains is the only way to keep women safe. Click here to read the article.

(photo: Chiara Goia for The New York Times)

Cougars Prowl for Cubs at Sea: Seriously, A Cruise Just for Older Women and Younger Men

When I first heard about the World's First International Cougar Cruise, I thought it was a set-up for a skit on Saturday Night Live. Silly me - I should have known that someone always tries to make a profit in matters of the heart and hormones.

The Singles Travel Company, which produces vacations for singles of all ages, is hosting a cruise specifically targeted to older women (cougars) and younger men (cubs). The 3-night cruise departs from San Diego on December 4 to Ensenada, Mexico.  Hey, why not give Madonna, Demi and all aspiring Mrs. Robinsons the vacation of their dreams! Growl!

A Chic Beach Wedding is a Breeze at Casa Marina

Many brides dream of a destination wedding but orchestrating these long-distance fantasy nuptials can be an expensive and logistical nightmare. If your wedding vision includes a venue with history and charm set against a beautiful ocean backdrop, Casa Marina in Jacksonville Beach, Florida merits your serious consideration.

One of Florida's premier wedding venues, Casa Marina offers top notch dining and a staff committed to making your wedding a day to remember.  A member of the Historic Hotels of America, Casa Marina first opened its doors in 1925. Not just for weddings, Casa Marina is great for anyone who wants to pamper themselves with a vacation at Jacksonville Beach's endless expanse of pristine sand.

I am not one of those girls with elaborate wedding fantasies but you can't visit the Casa Marina without getting a little swept away. Certainly, Casa Marina's courtyard that faces the ocean would be the perfect setting for me to say "Indeed, I Do" to (insert groom here). After our pledges of eternal love, photographer Damon would capture our joy with some candid snapshots on the beach.  Sand in our toes, we would head back to the Casa Marina's dining room for a grand meal prepared by Chef Aaron. A decadent buttercream confection by Classic Cakes would be a sweet ending to this perfect day. At the end of the night, I would reluctantly toss my Liz Stewart Floral Design bouquet to the single ladies. Our feet tired from dancing to the sounds of dj's from McGee Entertainment and live music by local lovebirds The Johnston Duo (Debrann & Kurt), me and Mr. Wonderful head back to our ocean view suite and.....

(Oops, I am just getting a bit carried away.)

Back to reality.

Seriously, if easy elegance is your style then Casa Marina is a wonderful option for a wedding, a romantic interlude, or a solo excursion. Start your day with yoga on the beach and end it with a martini at Casa Marina's Penthouse Bar with an outdoor terrace that overlooks the beach. Simple perfection.

 Here are a few photos from my recent escape to Casa Marina. (www.casamarinahotel.com)

 

A floral centerpiece by Liz Stewart Floral Design.

Chef Aaron works his magic with a red snapper.

Beautiful cakes by Classic Cakes. (904-246-6408) And, they taste delicious too!

A martini outside at Casa Marina's Penthouse.

Sunrise on Jacksonville Beach. This is the "backyard" at Casa Marina!

Vacation Deprivation Can Lead to Health Problems

I cringe at the thought of hard working people not taking advantage of their earned vacation time but a recent Expedia.com survey reports that more than one third of American workers do not use their entitled time off. Of course, in this climate of economic uncertainty many people simply can't afford to go away but recent studies indicate that, in terms of of our health, as women we can't afford NOT to take a break from the rat race. Look at these sobering facts that appeared in the article, Breaking News: Many Workers Skimp on Vacation - and Pay the Costs (The New York Post).

- "Women who took vacations only once in two years were more likely to experience depression, tension, fatigue and marital dissatisfaction than women who took time off at least twice a year, according to a five-year study of 1,500 women by Cathy McCarty of the Marshfield Clinic."

- Women are twice as likely to have a heart attack - while men are a third more likely - if they don't take regular vacations, according to research by Elaine Eaker of the Framington Heart Study project."

- Women are more likely than men to feel guilty about taking time off from work (40 percent of women vs. 29 percent of men), according to Expedia's Vacation Deprivation Survey.

"The studies that are out there seem to point to a correlation between vacation and long-term physiological and psychological problem," says John de Graff of Take Back Your Time, a vacation and paid leave advocacy group." According to Take Back Your Time, working Americans average a little over 2 weeks vacation per year, while Europeans average five to six weeks.

Ladies, the prescription is simple - pack your little black dress and go!!!!

Five Tips for Writing an Effective Complaint Letter & SuperShuttle Issues Refund to The Black Dress Traveler

I promised to keep you updated on the status of my complaint letter to SuperShuttle. Well, I am happy to report that I received a full refund in the amount of $29.18 for the horrible experience I had using their service home from the airport. 

Bad customer service can ruin the happiest and most well-planned vacation so when something goes awry, take the time to write a complaint letter. Not only will the letter help you let off some steam but it will usually garner you a refund or some other form of compensation. For example, a few years ago I wrote American Airlines to complain about a broken seat on a 9 hour transatlantic flight that made my journey very uncomfortable. They awarded me 15,000 frequent flier miles. 

If I take the time to write a complaint letter it means that my experience was really dreadful. My hope is not only that the company will rectify my situation but also to make sure that other travelers are not impacted in the same way. Here are a few tips to writing a successful complaint letter that will get you the desired response.  

1. Give as many facts as possible. The time the incident happened, your reservation number, flight number, vehicle number, etc. are all key information. Let them know how long you have been a customer - they want first-time customers to give them another chance and want long-time customers to remain loyal.

2. State what you expected.  Remind the company of the service that you paid for and what you were told you would receive. 

3. Detail how the company failed to deliver the service you paid for. Be as clear as possible in showing how the company did not satisfy you as a customer. Show how the service delivered was not the service they promised. Did their bad service cost you time and/or money? Did you feel uncomfortable or unsafe? Was an employee rude to you? Give as many relevant details as possible.

4. Clearly state what you want the company to do in order to resolve your complaint. I asked SuperShuttle to refund my money and they did. In other situations, a voucher or frequent flier miles might be an appropriate form of compensation.

5. Keep it professional. Profanity is never appropriate. If there was one positive moment in your negative experience, let them know. I let SuperShuttle know that I had used them before and that the previous level of service had been acceptable. This made the negative experience stand out even more.

Where the Boys Are: Jacksonville Beach

Go ahead, call me shameless but I couldn't resist taking a photo with these handsome young men during my recent trip to Jacksonville Beach in northeast Florida. Yes, Jon and Tom are over 18 years of age and lest you think that I am a cougar prowling the beach for cubs, they actually work for a great company called Rent Beach Stuff.

So, if you plan on visiting Jacksonville Beach, all you need to bring is your sunscreen and bikini because Rent Beach Stuff has virtually everything you need for a day at the beach. (In addition to Jacksonville Beach, they also serve Ponte Vedra, Neptune, and Atlantic Beaches.) You can place your order online or by telephone for beach cruiser bikes, surf boards, boogie boards, kayaks, fishing poles, umbrellas, jogging strollers, lounge chairs and everything you could possibly need for a day of fun in the sun. Or you could just go and flirt with the very cute attendants!

For more information, visit www.rentbeachstuff.com.

Pack the Perfect Bras & Panties: The Best Lingerie for Travel

Too often our underwear is the very last thing that we toss into our luggage when packing for a getaway. Stop making your undergarments an afterthought! The right bra, underwear, shapewear and layering piece will improve the fit and feel of your sexy little dresses and outfits and help you feel more comfortable and confident.

The Black Dress Traveler reached out to Lingerie Fit Expert, Lisa Cole to get the scoop on the lingerie pieces that should have a featured spot in every woman’s overnight bag. As a Leading Lingerie Expert for over a decade, Lisa has helped thousands of women. Her clients include the NFL Wives, Doncaster Women’s Clothing, Odyssey Medi Spa,The Oaks Spa and Resort, dress designer Kathlin Argiro, and private clients around the country.  Lisa is also passionate about helping breast cancer survivors and devotes a percentage of her business to the cause yearly.

Here are Lisa’s fantastic tips!

• Convertible Bra – A well dressed woman has options! A convertible bra is your friend for evening, day or play time events. Packing tip: You can eliminate having to take multiple bras by owning a convertible.

Camisoles with and without a shelf bra – You can use this in place of a bra or to solve a fashion challenge. A little lace detail is perfect for a dress that is cut too low.

Drawstring Pants – Sometimes you don’t want to get dressed in the morning. Lounge pants are ideal for the run to the coffee shop. You can mix and match these with your camisoles.

•  Boy Shorts – No lines and no seams! Super comfortable for long car or plane trips. A must have!
  
  Mix and Match your Underwear – Bring several different styles of underwear, including stretch mesh bikinis and lace thongs for easy washing in addition to your cotton basics. Packing tip: Always bring more underwear than you need.

Shapewear – This category has changed – get that image of Grandma’s bulletproof girdle out of your head! There are now light weight fabrics to firm your figure for every fashion challenge. There is underwear that doubles as shapewear.  Don’t let a tummy bulge or rolls stop you from wearing that “little black dress”.

Visit Lisa’s site, www.lingeriefitexpert.com ,for more recommendations and fit advice. You can also purchase wonderful undergarments on her site.

Seven Simple Tips for Preparing for Medical Emergencies When Traveling

As the summer winds down, many of us will pack our overnight bags with bathing suits, walking shoes, beach reads, and of, course, a little black dress! But don’t forget to prepare yourself for any medical mishaps that may happen while you’re away from home.

Follow these seven useful tips from The Black Dress Traveler’s favorite medical professional, Mary Stein (RN, NP-C). She is a Nurse Practitioner based in New York City specializing in Primary Care & Travel Medicine. Mary offers more travel medicine advice and complete travel medicine consultations (including yellow fever vaccination) at Plaza East Internal Medicine in Manhattan. Call 212-750-7404 to make an appointment or you can reach Mary at marystein4@gmail.com. 

1.   Before you travel, be honest with yourself about your health status.  Are you well enough to travel? Have you had a recent physical exam or annual check-up?  You may want to talk to your primary care provider before planning your excursion.  

2.  Plan your itinerary.  Then, have other people –friends, family, colleagues, people who’ve been on the vacation that you’re planning - look it over.  An overly-ambitious itinerary can make for a very tired (and thus, accident-prone) traveler. 

3.  See a travel medicine expert for a consultation prior to any foreign travel.  A trained travel medicine expert will prepare you with the immunizations and medications you need to protect you from everything from hepatitis to malaria to altitude sickness.

4.  Find out and take with you: the addresses and phone numbers of the clinics, hospitals, and the U.S. embassy nearest where you are staying, the numbers to call in case your wallet/credit cards get stolen, and the numbers for your insurance company.

5.  Bring your U.S. health insurance card and information with you.  Call your health insurer; find out if they will cover you overseas in the event of an emergency.  Don’t let their answer influence your decision to buy travel insurance.  You should! 

6.  Buy travel insurance.  It may seem like an unnecessary expense.  Again, accidents and emergencies happen (even if you are doing all this preparation to try to prevent them!).  The small amount of extra cash you’ll spend will be so worth it if it means you’ll be reimbursed for a cancelled vacation or if you need medical assistance or evacuation during your trip.

7. Consider sleeping aids.  This may seem a strange thing to put on a list of “how to avoid travel emergencies.”  Here’s why it’s here:  many emergencies occur because of jet-lag or lack of sleep.  Simple use of sleeping aids will assist you to combating jet-lag, getting into the local time rhythm, and beating fatigue.  There are several prescription sleep aids that do not cause morning hangover. In addition, some over-the-counter medicines (like Benadryl) work just fine for many people. I suggest you “test drive” your sleeping medication prior to your excursion.   

Click here to read more of Mary’s tips.

Inn Style in St. Augustine: Easy Elegance at the Inn on Charlotte

It is not surprising that America's oldest city, St. Augustine (Florida), has more than its fair share of quaint inns and bed & breakfasts. How does one choose where to stay with so many options? Well, if your criteria includes a luxurious bed, a well appointed room, gourmet breakfast, and a welcoming innkeeper then the answer is easy: make the simply divine Inn on Charlotte your home away from home while visiting the city of Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth, cobble stone streets, and bay breezes.

Lynne Fairfield, Inn on Charlotte owner, enjoying her oh-so-pretty porch.

Owned by the beautiful and gracious hospitality veteran Lynne Fairfield, the Inn on Charlotte is conveniently located just steps away from St. Augustine's main attractions, including the lovely bayfront. (to learn more about tourist attractions, click here to read about my previous trip to St. Augustine). I have never been much of a bed & breakfast girl but now I realize that those other B&B's were not a good match for my travel style. Staying at a bed & breakfast is almost like staying with a friend and l'll be honest - I love my friends but there are very few that I actually enjoy staying with. A good innkeeper has to possess the right combination of professionalism without being distant and warmth without being clingy. They have perfected this magical formula at the Inn on Charlotte. From the moment I arrived, I felt at home and at peace. When I wanted to chat, Lynne and her fabulous assistant Sharon were charming and a real joy to spend time with. And when I just wanted to relax, they were respectful of my quiet time on the porch.

The Inn is an elegant brick home that was built in 1918 for a local attorney and was tastefully restored in 2003. Gorgeous antiques and reproductions pay homage to the Inn's past while modern amenities such as whirlpool tubs in every room, cable television and WI-FI accommodate the needs of the modern traveler in each of the Inn's 8 rooms. 

Tiffany's Studio with the fantastic bed - see the step ladder!

The sunny and spacious Tiffany's Studio is where I nestled for two glorious days. The room's decor was inspired by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the legendary artist and designer whose famous stained glass windows can be seen in all their glory at nearby Flagler College.  In fact, all of the rooms at the Inn on Charlotte are named after a prominent person in St. Augustine's history.  My room had tasteful Tiffany inspired accents such as lamps and stained glass panels in the bathroom windows. And the bed, how glorious. Plush and inviting, the little step ladders on each side of the Queen bed made me feel like a princess. Next time, I will pack my tiara to make the experience complete!

Outside of my room, I spent a great deal of time relaxing with a book and a glass of wine or sweet tea on the Inn's shady porch. As visitors walked by, many of them would stop and comment on the loveliness of the Inn on Charlotte. I would raise my glass and smile - that's what you do in the South! The Inn keeps a small refrigerator in the living room stocked with iced tea and lemonade that you can help yourself to during the day. In the evening, red and white wine magically appear in elegant crystal carafes along with fresh baked cookies and savory homemade cheese pennies.

The Inn on Charlotte takes their responsibilities as a bed & breakfast very seriously and realize that where you lay your head at night and what you eat in the morning define the experience. Stepping out of my Princess bed, I was greeted both mornings with breakfasts that were visually appealing and absolutely delicious. Cleaning the elegant China plate of stuffed french toast and quiche with sausage and granny smith apples was a pleasure with every bite.

Breakfast quiche with oven roasted potatoes and fresh banana bread.

I have a very simple test for judging how much I enjoyed my stay at a hotel: do I get up eager to leave or does a bit of melancholy enter me as check-out time approaches?  I handed over the keys to Tiffany's Studio begrudgingly: bye bye Princess bed, farewell sweet porch, adieu delicious breakfast. Maybe I'm still not a bed & breakfast girl, but I am certainly an Inn on Charlotte girl!

(The Inn on Charlotte is currently offering a special rate. Stay any 2 MidWeek (Sunday - Thursday) Nights in August and September 2009 and receive the 2nd night for only $19.18. Applies to rooms $169 and above. Click here for more details.  )

To learn more about the Inn on Charlotte, visit www.innoncharlotte.com.  To learn more about St. Augustine, visit www.getaway4florida.com.