Nestled in the heart of Mexico’s burgeoning wine country, Valle de Guadalupe, El Cielo Resort & Winery stands as a testament to the region’s rich cultural tapestry and thriving viticulture.
Why search for paradise when you can escape to the Finger Lakes? This upstate New York region boasts 11 stunning lakes; 9000 square miles; terrific trails; rolling hills; peace and quiet; farm-to-table food; craft beers; and raw, unprocessed honey — who needs more?
ONONDAGA COUNTY: SYRACUSE & MORE
After flying into the Syracuse Hancock International Airport, I checked into the lovely Craftsman Inn & Suites in nearby Fayetteville. My group left right away for a guided tour of the Beaver Lake Nature Center, part of Onondaga County Parks, in Baldwinsville. The indoor Observation Bee Hive was the coolest thing ever — the first time I looked at bees that were behind glass and couldn’t sting me!
Observation Bee Hive: Image Courtesy of Beaver Lake Nature Center
We toured downtown Syracuse and saw people playing in a pretty fountain in Clinton Square where the Erie Canal used to run through. In the winter, people ice skate there.
Clinton Square: Image Courtesy of Visit Syracuse
Whimsical names of nearby restaurants included “Pastabilities” and “Oh My Darling.” Already familiar with Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Manhattan, I was excited to see its original location next to our dinner spot, Apizza Regionale!
Our group loved “The Calabrian.” This wood-fired pizza consists of fermented, organic, stone-ground wheat; tomato sauce; soppressata; homemade mozzarella; caciocavallo; fresh oregano; and Calabrian-chili infused honey. Vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-free options are available upon request.
The next day we had breakfast in Liverpool at the amazing Hope Cafe, where choices abound! Their famous “Breakfast Sangwich” consists of ciabatta; and American breakfast fillings — including fried egg, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms — all with tasty Peruvian sauces. The profits go to The People Project, formerly known as Shekinah Gloria Ministries, which created a free school in an impoverished area of northern Peru. Now the charity’s work spans 13 countries, across the globe.
Then it was off to Onondaga Lake Park, also in Liverpool, an eight-plus mile, linear greenway with four, wonderful trails. The group bicycle was a hit with my colleagues!
Group Bicycle at Onondaga Lake Park: Image by Laurie Heifetz
SENECA COUNTY: ROMULUS & INTERLAKEN
Then we went on a fascinating, bus tour of Deer Haven Park in Romulus, part of Seneca County. It’s on a property formally occupied by the Seneca Army Depot, a US Military munitions storage and demolition facility. We got to explore some of the structures. Deer Haven Park is home to the Seneca White Deer, and we spotted a few. Our tour guide, Dee Calvasina, is the author of Beyond the Fence: The Amazing World of Deer Haven Park. She told us how beavers are the most industrious animals after humans, and we got to see a beaver dam.
Inside a Munitions Structure at Deer Haven Park:Image by Laurie Heifetz
Lunch at the Finger Lakes Cider House at Good Life Farm in Interlaken was followed by a tour of the 69-acre, organic farm. My colleagues loved dunking their grilled cheese sandwiches in the delicious, homemade tomato soup and tasting the flight of hard ciders: 2021 Funkhouse, 2022 Pioneer Pippin, 2022 Honeyoye, and Rose.
Honey Bee Mural at Good Life Farm: Image by Laurie Heifetz
We checked out the handsome D&K Ranch in Interlaken, where people stay in cabins, go horseback riding, have wine tastings, and just relax. In addition, abused horses are tamed here. The co-owner, Kelly, is a former social worker.
TOMPKINS COUNTY: ITHACA & MORE
Ithaca, the county seat of Tompkins County, was up next! We checked into Cornell University‘s elegant Statler Hotel and experienced the ultimate in service. Many of the workers were interns at the Ivy League’s school world-renowned, Nolan School of Hotel Administration hospitality program, and they — including two football players at the bell station — sure showed it!
I slept like a baby on the Stearns & Foster Estate Plush Euro Pillow Top Mattress and the New Generation King-Size Pillow by Borden, with polyester fibers and 100% cotton outer covering. I’m told neither is available for residential purchase, but I certainly want to check out what is!
Statler Hotel at Cornell University: Image Courtesy of the Statler Hotel
Ithaca Beer Co. was our dinner spot. The Tap Room Burger was quite tasty. Beer was made on the premises. The Lava Lamp Mocktail made with Ithaca Ginger Beer, lime juice, and raspberry puree was a big hit.
The following morning we had breakfast at Cafe Dewitt in Ithaca’s Dewitt Mall. Nothing like looking out at an amazing aquarium while dining on granola with house-made fruit compote, yogurt, and local honey! The farm-to-table peaches (which weren’t on the breakfast menu) were among the best I’ve ever had! I asked about the Braille writing underneath the aquarium and the owner revealed that it’s excerpts from William S. Burroughs, intercut with Baudelaire‘s poems:
“don’t touch
the whole thing
is no longer there
swallow up the
dead languages
of fish and all mute
things
drink up the
alertness in eyes
glinting with slow
fish lust
communicate in the
silent medium of
twisting fish spasms
dream ecstasy blind
words falling in
fish colored
flashes”
Aquarium at Cafe Dewitt, Ithaca: Image by Laurie Heifetz
It was such a privilege to tour the beautiful Ithaca Downtown Conference Center, the first fully electric conference center in the United States. Not only is sustainability and accessibility front and center, but the eight floors above are for residential housing, the only place in the U.S. with that feature.
Ithaca Downtown Conference Center: Image Courtesy of the Conference Center
Don’t miss Ithaca Murals in the car-free, downtown Ithaca Commons! Be sure to check out “No Justice, No Peas,” the striking, electric-box mural by Brooklyn-based, multi-media artist, Samarra Khaja.
Mural by Samarra Khaja: Image by Laurie Heifetz
Afterward, we explored the Cascadilla Gorge Trail. Cascadilla Gorge is one of “more than 150 waterfalls — carved out by glaciers that formed gorges” — in Ithaca and the surrounding area. No wonder why the slogan “Ithaca is Gorges!” is so popular!
Cascadilla Gorge Trail: Image by Chelsea Fausel
We ate lunch at none other than the famed Moosewood Restaurant, home of the eponymous cookbook. The Mushroom Lentil Pate, with caramelized mushrooms, brown lentils, vegetable crudité, and baguette toasts was a big hit at our table. All food is either vegetarian or vegan. Don’t miss the gift shop, which includes a great selection of food and books.
We had a great time kayaking with Paddle-n-More on the Blueway Trail in Cayuga Lake. After changing in our hotel, we hiked to the breathtaking Ithaca Falls. It has a drop of 150 feet and a width of 175 feet!
I was thrilled to see Pan-Seared Salmon on the dinner menu at North Star Public House, and it was one of the best I’ve ever had! Callaloo, which I last ate in Jamaica, was on the menu that night, too. Head chef Nathan Miller prides himself on serving non-allergenic, as well as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options and also on keeping track of the customers’ choices. The restaurant proudly touts itself as being one of Ithaca’s black-owned businesses.
In the morning it was off to Ithaca Bakery, where we intended to grab and go, but stayed instead. There’s a huge selection including turkey and smoked turkey sandwiches; green and grain bowls; and vegetarian and vegan choices. Breakfast sandwiches are served all day. I just opted for eggs and cheese, no bagel.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Sapsucker Woods with 230 bird species seen or heard is not to be missed. Catch the grand reopening of the Visitor Center on September 14, which has a great, gift shop!
We didn’t get to visit Bright Raven Farm & Apiary in Jacksonville, but we got to taste their delicious, Aster Goldenrod raw, unprocessed honey!
CORTLAND COUNTY: CORTLAND & HOMER
Outdoor Adventure at Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Cortland was not to be missed. I bravely went on the gravity-fed Mountain Coaster, and I’m glad I did! The rider controls the brakes. I’m also happy that I skipped the zipline, which is not for the fearful! One can go skiing at the resort in the winter.
Lunch at Rex’s Pasta in Cortland West was a real, Italian experience. In addition to the many choices of pasta and fresh vegetables, delicious grilled chicken was on the menu.
Lime Hollow Nature Center in Cortland was our next spot. Executive director Ilya Shmulenson gave us a tour. The center is a leader in accessibility with its Action Trackchair, “the ultimate all-terrain wheelchair” that is a “game changer.” The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation gave Lime Hollow a grant to purchase it. People with mobility issues don’t need a standard wheelchair that has to be pushed — they can use the Action Trackchair by themselves.
The Action Trackchair: Image Courtesy of Lime Hollow Nature Center
The Art Meadow at Lime Hollow Nature Center is awesome. “Moon” by artist Tony Ferro of Frog Pond Farm Art Gallery is out of this world!
"Moon" by Tony Ferro of Frog Pond Farm Art Gallery: Image Courtesy of Lime Hollow Nature Center
We checked in at Hope Lake Lodge, part of the Greek Peak Mountain Resort. It was rustic, and my room had a terrace. We didn’t have time to experience the Indoor Water Park, which looked like a lot of fun. We ran off to Dasher’s Corner Pub in Homer, New York, also part of Cortland County. The cocktails and the steak were big hits.
Live music by “Band by the River” was happening at Homer Hops Brewing in Cortland! Owner Jason Kristof gave us a tour of the brewery and the hops yard, followed by a tasting. The flight consisted of (from left to right): the peach-pureed Peach Kolsch; the sour, fruited Pleasure Craft; the blueberry, raspberry, and marshmallow Real Freaky Naughty and the non-nitro stout with raspberry puree, Sweet Surrendering.
Flight at Homer Hops Brewing: Image by Laurie Heifetz
The Exchange Restaurant in Homer was our charming breakfast place for the last day. I was happy to see the fresh fruit bowl (with berries!) on the menu which was “drizzled with local honey and cinnamon!” One person enjoyed the Route 11 Skillet with corned beef hash, smoked pork chop, three eggs, home fries, and toast. Shakshouka was another skillet choice.
Then it was off to the Syracuse Hancock International Airport. I was excited to spot the Syracuse Regional Aviation Museum, which focused on sustainable design and construction.
Got back to NYC safe and sound. Can’t wait for my next adventure in the Finger Lakes!
Calling all weekend warriors! Royal Caribbean is calling your name for the best short cruise trip on the planet!
Calling all weekend warriors of the seas! The treasure map is pointing to paradise found thanks to Royal Caribbean.
Remember that thrill of going away to summer camp — likely somewhere wonderful, near lots of trees and lakes, and with outdoor activities all day long, and never really wanting to leave and go home?
Calling all Swifties — as well as anyone who likes checking out picturesque New England towns.
Upstairs at The Kimberly is going to be the best summer rooftop spot in NYC
Catalina Island is a picturesque oasis only an hour ferry ride away from L.A. County, and I got a front row seat to witness it’s beauty.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of pink and orange across the sandy shores of Miami Beach, my stay at The National Hotel became an unforgettable chapter in my travel diary. Nestled at 1677 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, this art déco gem is not just a hotel; it’s a journey through time, a tranquil oasis that seamlessly blends history with modern luxury.
A Walk Through History
Built in 1939 by the visionary architect Roy France, The National Hotel stands as a testament to the golden age of travel. Recently renovated, the hotel preserves its historic integrity while embracing contemporary comforts. The moment you step through the doors, you’re greeted by a nostalgic charm that transcends eras.
With 137 rooms and suites, The National Hotel offers a range of accommodations, each meticulously designed to cater to diverse preferences. The Historic Tower provides breathtaking city and ocean views, while the Cabana Building boasts 36 luxurious cabanas and suites, including the Penthouse and Artist Cabana Suite.
Poolside and Ocean Bliss
The pièce de résistance is undeniably the longest infinity pool in South Beach, stretching to an impressive 205 feet. It’s not just a pool; it’s a serene escape where time seems to stand still. The Cabana Rooms offer private balconies overlooking this aquatic marvel, providing a perfect spot to unwind and soak in the beauty that surrounds you.
The National Hotel’s poolside experience extends beyond its stunning infinity pool to a second oasis featuring the Aqua Bar & Grill. This charming spot not only offers refreshing cocktails but also a delectable menu featuring ceviche, tacos, salads, burgers, and more.
On weekends, a lively DJ transforms the atmosphere, turning the poolside setting into a vibrant hotspot. As the sun sets, the Aqua Bar & Grill becomes the perfect place to unwind, making weekends at The National Hotel an unforgettable blend of relaxation and entertainment. Dive into a world where every moment is a celebration of Miami’s lively spirit.
The National Hotel’s adults-only haven extends beyond the poolside bliss to a private beach area, offering tranquility and peace by the waves. With exclusive beachside chairs and umbrella service, it’s the ideal retreat for those seeking a calm escape amidst the vibrant spirit of Miami’s South Beach.
Dining Delights
Indulgence takes center stage at The National Hotel’s dining establishments. Mareva 1939, helmed by Chef Sergio Chamizo, serves up dynamic Spanish cuisine that’s a culinary journey through tradition with a modern twist. The recently opened Martini Bar, adorned with original 1939 decor, invites you to savor specialty cocktails and the full menu from Mareva 1939. Aqua Bar & Grill, nestled by a second pool, offers a poolside haven for lunch and cocktails, featuring a menu that delights the taste buds.
Wellness and Recreation
For those inclined towards fitness, the recently renovated 400 sq ft gym provides state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring a fulfilling workout. From Assault Elite Runner to Peloton Spin Cycle, the gym caters to every fitness enthusiast. They even have complementary yoga classes.
Tranquil Atmosphere
One of the standout features of The National Hotel is its status as an adult-only property. This creates an atmosphere of tranquility and peace, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a calm and quiet escape.
Exploring Beyond the Hotel
Centrally in Miami’s South Beach, The National Hotel is a gateway to iconic attractions. Whether it’s the sandy beaches of South Beach, the vibrant Lincoln Road Mall, or the upscale shops along Collins Avenue, the hotel’s strategic location ensures you’re never far from the heartbeat of Miami.
My stay at The National Hotel was nothing short of magical. From the moment I entered the historic lobby to the leisurely hours spent by the infinity pool, every detail exuded warmth and hospitality. The National Hotel Miami Beach is more than a place to stay; it’s an immersive experience, a harmonious blend of history, luxury, and relaxation.
For those seeking a retreat that transcends the ordinary, The National Hotel at 1677 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, is a destination worth exploring. To plan your escape, visit their website at nationalhotel.com and follow their Instagram @nationalhotelmiamibeach for a visual preview of the timeless charm that awaits.
In the heart of South Beach, Miami, there is a culinary heaven that not only captivates the taste buds but also embraces an era of elegance and style. Mareva 1939, within The National Hotel, has become a gastronomic sensation, earning the prestigious title of Best Spanish Restaurant in Miami according to the Miami New Times in 2022.
Helmed by the talented Chef Sergio Chamizo, Mareva 1939 offers a culinary journey that transcends the ordinary, presenting dynamic Spanish cuisine with a contemporary twist. The restaurant’s concept revolves around a sharing menu, inviting guests to experience the communal joy of dining together. Picture a table adorned with an array of traditional Spanish dishes, each with a unique and modern flair, inviting patrons to indulge in the art of shared culinary delight.
One of the standout features of Mareva 1939 is its commitment to providing an unforgettable dining experience. The venue exudes an old-world charm blended seamlessly with modern sophistication. The ambiance is warm and inviting, creating an atmosphere that fosters not only the enjoyment of exquisite food but also the creation of lasting memories.
For those seeking a unique gastronomic adventure, the menu boasts signature tapas that showcase the rich tapestry of Spanish flavors. From the traditional patatas bravas to the inventive twists on classic dishes, every bite at Mareva 1939 is a journey through the diverse and vibrant landscape of Spanish cuisine.
A must-try highlight of the menu is the “Arroces and Principales,” curated by Chef Sergio Chamizo himself. This selection promises a culinary exploration of Spanish rice dishes and other main courses, each crafted with precision and passion.
Dinner at Mareva 1939 is not merely a meal; it’s an event. The family-style service encourages a sense of togetherness, making it an ideal choice for gatherings and celebrations. Speaking of celebrations, the venue also offers catering services, ensuring that the culinary magic of Mareva 1939 can be brought to your special events.
On my recent visit to Mareva 1939, the delectable cuisine enchanted me not only but also by the enchanting surroundings. The National Hotel’s patio served as the backdrop for a stunning wedding, a testament to Mareva 1939’s versatility in hosting memorable occasions.
Adding to the allure of Mareva 1939 is the Martini Bar at Mareva 1939, an intimate space within the restaurant that elevates the dining experience. This stylish bar and lounge present a selection of specialty martini cocktails that perfectly complement the full dinner menu. Imagine sipping on a Truffle Vespour, surrounded by an ambiance that transports you to an era of sophistication, accompanied by live music that adds a melodic touch to your evening.
Mareva 1939 is not just a restaurant; it’s an immersion into the artistry of Spanish cuisine and the elegance of a bygone era. Whether you’re a connoisseur of fine dining or someone seeking a memorable experience, Mareva 1939 at The National Hotel is a culinary destination that promises to enchant and delight.
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