Monday, October 13, 2014

5 REASONS TO VISIT CLEVELAND NOW


Unlike Chicago, its Rust Belt brother to the West, Cleveland and its charms require an appetite for discovery. Many are familiar with "Iron Chef" Michael Symon, basketball megastar LeBron James, and the city’s I.M. Pei–designed Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame, but for most, Cleveland remains a mere blip on the tourist trail from New York to Chicago. And yet, this Midwestern hub on the shores of Lake Erie, where John D. Rockefeller founded Standard Oil in 1870 and where the Cleveland Orchestra has produced critically-acclaimed music for nearly a century, is experiencing a cultural and culinary renaissance that calls for travelers to sit up and take notice. Here are five great reasons to visit Cleveland now.

EXPLODING VISUAL ARTS OFFERINGS


After a decade-long, $350 million expansion, the Cleveland Museum of Art recently opened a new wing housing the museum’s Chinese, Indian, and Southeast Asian collections. Its most prominent feature is an enclosed 39,000-square-foot glass and steel atrium, which links the museum’s Greek Revival and contemporary buildings and springs to life on Fridays during a popular nighttime cultural program called Mix at CMA.
Not far away, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Cleveland reopened last year in a geometric mirrored building at the corner of two main thoroughfares in the flourishing University Circle district. MOCA regularly holds exhibitions from local and international modern artists in this striking new structure, the first U.S. design by prominent London architect Farshid Moussavi.
Farther west, Cleveland’s eclectic Ohio City neighborhood is home toTransformer Station, an industrial-chic art space housed in a former power converter station, and the Gordon Square Arts District, a cluster of galleries, restaurants, and shops that saturate the city’s once-blighted Detroit Shoreway.
Even more expansion is on the way: the Cleveland Institute of Art broke ground this summer on an 80,000-square-foot building, which will contain the refurbished Cinematheque, an art-house theater showing independent and foreign films.

BEAUTIFUL GREEN SPACES


A notorious 1969 fire on the Cuyahoga River challenged Cleveland and resulted in the unfortunate nickname, "The Mistake on the Lake.” Today, that same river is the cornerstone of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which stretches south of Cleveland into winding trails and lush forestland. Jump aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, hop on a bicycle, or hit the hiking trails to explore the park.
Meanwhile, Cleveland's Metroparks System, founded in 1917, is one of the most extensive city park systems in country, encompassing more than 20,000 acres of parkland. Worthy of a walk are the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, three leafy miles along the Doan Brook Valley created in the 1920s to remind Clevelanders of the diverse ethnic groups who contributed to the city’s heritage. Highlights include the 10-foot bronze Mahatma Gandhi statue in the India Garden and the iron trellis, fountain, and bust of composer Béla Bartók in the Hungarian Garden.

EXPANDING CULINARY SCENE


The fact that Anthony Bourdain filmed an entire episode of No Reservations in Cleveland in 2007 is proof enough that the city's foodie scene is one of the strongest in the country.
Thanks to countless TV appearances, Michael Symon has become as recognized nationwide as he is in his hometown, while Jonathan Sawyer, who tutored under Symon at Lolita Restaurant in Cleveland's trendy Tremont district, has introduced four seasonally-inspired eateries here in the last five years, starting with Greenhouse Tavern in 2009.
Combining Clevelanders' taste for fine art and fine food, CIA-schooled Doug Katz has recently opened Provenance Café at the Cleveland Museum of Art, using authentic cooking methods to highlight global cuisine mirroring the museum's changing exhibitions. Katz's Fire Food and Drink at Shaker Square is one of the city's most popular restaurants.
Downtown in Cleveland's theater district, Zack Bruell's fifth Cleveland restaurant, Cowell & Hubbard, serves his take on Parisian bistro fare in a former jewelry store with a diamond vault for private events.

VIBRANT MUSICAL COMMUNITY


Disc Jockey Alan Freed not only coined the term "rock and roll" while hosting a radio show in Cleveland, but he is also credited with holding the first ever rock concert in the now-defunct Cleveland Arena. "Rock and roll" was formally born in Cleveland during the summer of 1951, and to commemorate this, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame opened along the shores of Lake Erie in 1995, housing everything from Pete Townsend's Gibson guitar to John Lennon's eyeglasses.
Less raucous but equally robust, The Cleveland Orchestra, known as one of the nation's "Big Five" orchestras, is widely regarded as having the most distinctly European sound of the bunch. Led by Austrian Franz Welser-Möst, former conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra regularly tours Europe but performs locally at Severance Hall, a dazzling Art Deco concert hall that offers free scheduled tours.
Cleveland doesn't skimp on jazz either. At Nighttown—an East Side jazz institution named after the red light district in James Joyce's Ulysses—you might find Wynton Marsalis taking the stage in a surprise appearance or the Count Basie Orchestra playing at full throttle in the often packed, dimly-lit back room.

STRIKING ARCHITECTURE


Oft-touted as the most attractive example of the suburban garden city in America, Shaker Heights offers walking tours of stately homes built along curving roads in Colonial, French, and Tudor styles. At its center is octagon-shaped Shaker Square, the second oldest shopping district in the country, the design of which is patterned after Copenhagen's Amalienborg Palace. 
A light rail connects the square to Downtown Cleveland, where architecture buffs can follow a downloadable iOS app, City Maps and Walks, highlighting downtown Cleveland's most unique buildings, including Old Stone Church, Terminal Tower, and The State Theatre, or printable maps of the city's public art and architecture created by the city's convention and visitor's bureau
Author: Kristan Schiller is a travel editor for Fodor's, specializing in cities and cultural destinations. Follow her on Twitter @KristanSchiller.
Photo Credit: Top to bottom: Courtesy of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Frank Lanza, Courtesy of ThisisCleveland.com, Amy Viny, Roger Mastroianni, Peggy Stern.

20 OF THE WORLD'S BEST ROMANTIC HOTELS


ESPERAS HOTEL
Where: Greece


Some of the best sunset views in Santorini can be found at Esperas Hotel, located on the side of a high caldera. Order the seafood paella or slow-cooked lamb shank at Ombra, Esperas' Mediterranean restaurant, and sip on local Santorini wine as you delight in the end of a picture-perfect Greek day.


AUBERGE DU VIEUX-PORT
Where: Montreal

Located in a renovated warehouse building in a historic Montreal neighborhood, Auberge du Vieux-Port provides a luxuriously quaint stay. Visit the Terrasse sur l'Auberge for romantic rooftop views of the St. Lawrence River and city scenery over a delectable seafood dish for two.


THE YEATMAN
Where: Portugal

Wine is the motif at The Yeatman—here, you can find a decanter-shaped outdoor infinity pool and a 20,000-bottle collection. Check out the vino-inspired literature and artwork in any room, or for the premium experience, book the Bacchus Suite with an in-room copper tub for two.


THE SAVOY
Where: London

At The Savoy, the glamorous lobby and panoramic view of the Thames give way to butler-served suites and four restaurants, including the legendary Savoy Grill, that all carry superb reputations guest lists. During summer months, book a luxury Thames River cruise on The Savoy's private yacht.


SOFITEL MONTEVIDEO CASINO CARRASCO & SPA
Where: Uruguay

A former summer escape for the elite of Uruguay, the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa offers not only tastefully modern accommodations, but also an on-site casino, restaurant, and bar. If you're looking for a great class of wine, stop by the restaurant, 1921, for guidance from one of Uruguay's best sommeliers.


ELLERMAN HOUSE
Where: Cape Town

While Ellerman House can only accommodate a handful of guests, the hotel boasts two lounges, two dining rooms (with chefs who gladly cook custom orders), a spa, and a whisky bar. The pool, lined with striped lounge chairs and a lush green lawn, offers awe-inspiring views of nearby Bantry Bay.


AUBERGE DU JEU DE PAUME
Where: Ile-de-France

All the guest rooms at Auberge du Jeu de Paume carry the elegance of an 18th century French mansion, so the hotel is the perfect place to live out your French countryside dream. Enjoy exquisite dishes at the Michelin starred La Table du Connétable, and explore scenic Chantilly just outside the hotel.


TWIN FARMS
Where: Vermont

All-inclusive bookings at Twin Farms will get you a whimsical cottage or suite, customized picnics and farm-to-table dinners, and fine wines at any hour of the day. Set in 300 acres of bucolic landscape, this resort aims to inspire guests and make them feel right at home.


SOLAGE CALISTOGA
Where: California

For a romantic Napa wine country getaway, look no farther than Solage Calistoga. Rooms include premium-quality linens, vaulted ceilings, and two complimentary cruiser bicycles you can use to explore downtown Calistoga and the nearby biking trails.


HOLUALOA INN
Where: Hawaii

Honeymooners who book the Holualoa Inn can stay in a private, vintage cottage, but anyone looking for a romantic getaway can find it here. Book a package that gets you rose petals on the bed, a chilled bottle of champagne, tropical flowers, and macadamia nuts.


CAVAS WINE LODGE
Where: Argentina

Nestled into the foothills of the Andes, Cavas Wine Lodge delivers bohemian-style luxury and private accommodations. Go horseback riding or stroll through the vineyards before hitting up the spa, which provides aromatherapy and vinotherapy treatments.


JAMAICA INN
Where: Ocho Rios

Have breakfast served on your own private veranda, relax with a couples' sunset massage, and enjoy a five-course dinner with live entertainment under the stars when you book the Celebration of Love package at Jamaica Inn, a luxurious getaway that guarantees an unforgettable romantic trip.


HOTEL ST. REGIS PUNTA MITA
Where: Puerto Vallarta

24-hour private dining and personalized butler services are only two of the alluring perks at the Hotel St. Regis Punta Mita. Privacy and rejuvenation are big here, from the adults-only pools and restaurants to customized spa treatments available in nine private rooms and in a luxury suite.


LE ROYAL MONCEAU RAFFLES PARIS
Where: Paris

Artsy meets luxurious at Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris, where guest rooms feature handcrafted furniture and claw-footed tubs alongside coffee table art books and acoustic guitars. The on-site French and Italian restaurants, La Cuisine and Il Carpaccio, both have Michelin stars.


AMANGIRI
Where: Utah

Natural beauty and world-famous luxury go hand-in-hand at Amangiri. Each artfully designed suite at the hotel has its own outdoor fireplace and large private terrace, and some even have their own pools. Soak in the view of the surrounding plateaus from the central swimming pool, or schedule a guided day hike for more action.


PUNTA TRAGARA
Where: Capri

Couples who stay at Punta Tragara will enjoy amazing views of the Faraglioni rocks and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as a garden with two pools. A candle-lit dinner of Neapolitan cuisine and Capri favorites on Monzù Restaurant's panoramic veranda is sure to be one to remember.


CLIVEDEN HOUSE
Where: England

The stately Edwardian charm and antique-laden guest rooms of Cliveden House transport guests back in time. Days here are best spent relaxing by the pool in the Walled Garden, exploring the nearby woodlands, and taking boat trip down the river on one of Cliveden's vintage launches.


ST. REGIS RESORT, BORA BORA
Where: Bora Bora

When you stay at the St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora, you'll enjoy a private villa with a sundeck (and often a private pool) and breathtaking views of Mt. Otemanu. The resort's white sand beaches are the place to be during the day, and at night, hit up one of the property's four ambient restaurants.


THE PENINSULA BEVERLY HILLS
Where: Beverly Hills

An exclusive hotel located amid lush gardens on Santa Monica Boulevard, The Peninsula Beverly Hills gives guests a taste of the Hollywood elite life. The rooftop swimming pool will dazzle, as will the complimentary chauffer service to and from Rodeo Drive and its high-class shopping.


LAS VENTANAS AL PARAÍSO
Where: Los Cabos

To help every romantic guest make their dreams come true, Las Ventanas al Paraíso has a Department of Romance that helps plan everything from weddings and engagements to candlelight dinners in the Herb Garden. The tequila welcome amenities and discreet butler service also help set the mood.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Saturday, January 26, 2013

#TravelQuoteTuesday

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Leaping full force outside your comfort zone is easier said than done, but that's what travel is all about...losing sight of the shore. The more exotic and far-flung the trip, the easier it gets if for no other reason than you absolutely have to try new things.
For more inspiring travel quotes, check us out on Pinterest. And to chat with us on #TravelTuesday, check us out on Twitter.

Insider's Guide to Cartagena


Few Caribbean cities can match the history, vivaciousness, and cultural offerings of Colombia's Cartagena de las Indias, known simply as Cartagena. During Spanish rule, the port city was a wealthy and bustling epicenter and money was poured into building up and protecting the city. Today the Spaniards' constructions, particularly the fortresses and walled city, now functioning as the historic city center, constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city balances the old and the new, with its colonial downtown and, opposite the bay, flashy new constructions of the Bocagrande. With safety concerns within Colombia's metropolitan centers at a low, now's the time to discover the highlights of this beachy city. (Note: The US government warns strongly against traveling into rural areas of Colombia and to remain cautious in cities, as of October 2012, though they note no specific threats against US citizens in the country.)
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Head to the Beach

While Cartagena has miles of coastline right within town, each morning a fleet of boats departs from the bay taking groups of sun seekers to nearby coastal islands. On the tranquil Playa Blanca on Barú island the water is warm, clear, and has bright hues of blue and green gemstones. It gets bonus points for having fewer vendors along the beach than those within Cartagena city limits. Looking to do more than just lie on a beach? Spend half your day at Islas de Rosario, for dolphin sightings and an aquarium visit, and the other half basking in the sun on Playa Blanca.
Don't Miss: All operators more or less offer the same day-long jaunt to the islands, as well as optional lunch. Pay the full price to take the lunch, not just because food options are limited on the islands, but also because it means a full plate of fresh, authentic Colombian food.
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Sleep Within the Walls

Inside the city walls in the town's center sits one of the most impressive buildings in Cartagena. A convent built in 1621, it has been converted and renovated over the last few centuries and it now operates as the luxury hotel Charleston Santa Clara Cartagena. The structure, painted in Caribbean hues of burnt orange and yellows, has more than 100 rooms and suites and offers guest sweeping views of the city and sea beyond.
Don't Miss: Perched on the colonial wall steps away from the hotel and overlooking the water is Cafe del Mar, the picture-perfect setting to catch the sunset with a cocktail.
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Scope Out Some Colonial History

Cartagena's colonial history is still very present, particularly downtown and in the Getsemaní neighborhood. Castillo San Felipe de Barajasatop San Lázaro hill is the crown jewel of the city's network of colonial walls. The fortress was erected in the 1600s for the Spanish shipping out gold to defend against pirates and today is open to tourists.
Don't Miss: For those looking to learn more about the darker side of Cartagena's history, the Palacio de la Inquisicion, or Spanish Inquisition Palace, is where many were tried as well as tortured during the Spanish Inquisition. It now operates as museum.
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Find the Day's Fresh Catch

In coastal Cartagena, fresh fish dishes (like ceviche) figure prominently on most menus. The food is often light (to help combat sweltering temperatures) with bold Caribbean flavors. Porton de San Sebastian(Centro Calle 2 Santo Domingo #3-63), with its exposed brick, arched entryways, courtyard seating, and soft white walls is one of the most romantic spots in the city. Donde Socorro (Cl 25 8 B-34 Calle Larga) in Getsemaní is pricier than Cartagena's average eateries, but it's considered one of the best restaurants in the city, serving mouthwatering (and generous) seafood dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
Don't Miss: If you want a quick bite to tide you over before the late dinner hour—most people start heading out to eat around 8 pm—stop at a local bakery or trustworthy-looking food cart to taste the Colombian coastal version of the arepa, which is palm-sized and made with yellow corn dough, then deep fried with an egg inside.

Salsa the Night Away

Salsa is the sound and dance of Colombia and in Cartagena it is how everyone whiles away the nighttime hours. Cafe Havanna is the hottest spot in town starting on Thursday nights and through the weekend. A live band on stage keeps the couples dancing, and though the place has a classic dance hall feel, people of all ages queue outside to enter and crowd the floor.
Don't Miss: For a somewhat less active night, Donde Fidel, situated off the main plaza within the walled city center, is a laid-back bar with rows of tables outside and a few inside. Sip a cold beer, people watch, and chat over salsa music that plays across the plaza.
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Shop for Stones and Suits

Colombia is known for precious goods, and notably emeralds. Jewelry workshops and manufacturers run storefronts and showrooms throughout the city and sell both unpolished and polished emeralds.Lucy Jewelry in particular is a reputable, popular option for jewel buying. Wherever you buy, be sure to ask to see a certificate of authenticity.
Don't Miss: This is a beach city, so once you tire of perusing the cuts and colors of beautiful stone after beautiful stone but still want to shop, check out the many beach and swimwear boutiques in the city. Bettina Spitz is a go-to for bright, colorful bikinis that fill Colombia's beaches.
Photo credits: Baru Island via Shutterstock; Charleston Santa Clara Cartagena courtesy of Charleston Santa Clara Cartagena; Castillo San Felipe de Barajas via Shutterstock; Cartagena restaurant via iStockPhoto; Lucy Jewelry courtesy of Lucy Jewelry
More by Fodor's Contributor

Look Inside: Emirates Airlines' First Classes


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As if chauffeured airport transfers, free-flowing Champagne, and Bvlgari amenity kits aren't enough, my flight attendant asks "Miss, may I bring you a mattress?" as I electronically recline my seat to a lie-flat position. Curious what it's like to fly up front in one of the world's most posh airlines, I took off on a 15-hour, nonstop journey from Seattle to Dubai in search of airline enlightenment. Flying over sunsets and across time zones I found it, arriving relaxed and rested (partly thanks to my digital, in-flight masseuse). Welcome to luxury—make that Emirates luxury—at 37,000ft.
We know, testing mattress-covered seat-beds and gourmet fare cruising above cloud nine is a tough job. But in the name of research, here's a look inside what one (us) might call the Benz of globe-trotting, the Maybach of jet-setting, or, perhaps, the Aston Martin of gallivanting.
Getting settled in seat 9D is anything but daunting. Seconds after sitting, a silver tray of Moet & Chandon flutes is before me. As coach passengers walk by, I feel sheepish sipping bubbly in my petite pod, but realize that Emirates 'back of the bus' seats are akin to most North American airlines' domestic upper class. (This justification helped me sleep.)
Once in the air, part one of a six-course meal service began. Before sipping more Champagne—when in Rome—I nibble on fresh greens topped with feta and cucumber, and savor roast tomato and thyme soup before my second course arrives; a hearty chicken korma. It pains me to dodge dessert, but the lure of sleep persuades me to skip the sugar. My attempts are valiant, but when a box of Godiva chocolate arrives on my tray, I stay awake for the indulgence. I find solace in my 17" screen for the next few hours—Tetris anyone?
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In a head-bobbing haze, I finally recline my seat all the way—78 inches to be exact—at which point I'm given a spongy mattress to go between my fleecy duvet and my seat. By now, I should have known a mattress would magically appear, but other upper class experiences I've had in the past failed to pave the way for this kind of comfort. Nodding off, I look up and spot the Big Dipper. Huh? Yes, the ultra long-range Boeing 777 ceiling twinkles like a planetarium. Nighty night.
Thirteen hours into the 15-hour flight, I wake-up to the smell of warming croissants. One by one everyone around me attempts to open their eyes with a jolt of coffee (delivered by way of silver carafes, of course). At this moment, the concept of morning and night hovers in Middle Earth-territory, so I trust the luxury airliner employs some sort of timezone expert to program optimal awake-versus-asleep transition time for a smooth arrival. 
Wooed by the smell of croissants in the early morning, I forego the mushroom omelet in favor of two flaky, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pastries to which I add strawberry jam and an extra dose of butter. Calories fall off in the sky, right?
My hair in an awkward I've-just-been-sleeping bun, and my face not even close to people-ready, I scurry to the lavatory to try and emulate the look of my picture-perfect, Emirates flight attendant. After freshening up, I drop Visine into my eyes, and apply moisturizer, rose blush, and red lipstick, followed by an attempt to coif my hairdo into something presentable. Mission accomplished, kind of.
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Traveling nearly 7,500 miles across the world, I concede that part of me would prefer to continue my sejour in the sky, an experience which could only be enhanced by an in-flight infinity pool or eucalyptus steam. Currently, I'm not aware of any airliner with these resort-like features, yet I wouldn't be surprised if Emirates—born in Dubai, a land that turns impossible upside down—is the first to introduce them.
Want to try your hand at sky-high luxury? Emirates nonstop flights to Dubai take off from the following North American gateways: Toronto, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, New York, and Washington, DC.
Photo credits: All photos courtesy of Trish Friesen
More by Fodor's Contributor