Archive for October 22, 2012

Get Spooked in Sleepy Hollow

October 22, 2012 / / Comments Off

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The Headless Horseman Pursuing Ichabod Crane, by F.O.C. Darley; Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian Museum

T’is the season for spooky! Our recent offer at The Tarrytown House Estates got us thinking that this might be the place to go this Halloween. After all, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, one of our favorite ghost tales, takes place in this very corner of the Hudson River Valley. Here a few locations connected to the story that guests can visit (though we suggest going during the daytime).

The Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow – Though renovated following a 1867 fire, this church, which features prominently in Irving’s Legend, retains much of its original appearance.

Sleep Hollow Cemetery – Adjacent to the Dutch Church, this is the final resting place of Washington Irving, as well as many other famous New Yorkers, including Andrew Carnegie and members of the Rockefeller family.

Sunnyside – Overlooking the broad Hudson River below, this meticulously designed 10-acre estate was Irving’s home until his passing in 1859.

The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze – We can all agree that being chased by a headless horseman wielding a flaming pumpkin is no fun, right? But harmless jack o’ lanterns? That’s another story. 4,000 (harmless) carved pumpkins light up the night at this annual event.

 

Category: In Season / Tags: , , , ,

Delightful Frights in Uptown Charlotte

October 18, 2012 / / Comments Off

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On our hunt to dig up (pun intended) some spooky spots in the U.S., we’ve come across The Dunhill in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was built in 1929 and is filled with 18th-century décor (minus the dust and cobwebs, of course). The best part? It’s just a short stroll from a few of the city’s reportedly-haunted hangouts. So if you happen to be in Uptown Charlotte this Halloween, why not check out some of our favorite spooky spots?

Spooky Spots in Charlotte, NC

Photos courtesy of Kelli Boling, Charlotte Magazine, Historic Charlotte and Interior Design Magazine

Clockwise from left:

1. Dubbed the most haunted neighborhood in Charlotte, Elizabeth is said to be home to a distraught female ghost that haunts the Cajun Queen restaurant.

2. Mysterious singing can be heard drifting through McGlohon Theater, which was originally the First Baptist Church sanctuary and is located in Spirit Square. Coincidence? We think not.

3. It may house trendy shops and restaurants now, but Founders Hall was once a medical school and is said to be haunted by the ghost of a postmortem patient.

4. Antique Kingdom was built in 1903 and has served as both a dormitory for wealthy women and a moonshine distillery … oh, and there’s a haunted mirror on the third floor.

 

Category: In Season / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Toast a Traditional Afternoon Tea in Bermuda

October 17, 2012 / / Comments Off

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Even though we missed all the excitement in London this year, we figured there was no reason we couldn’t get into that UK spirit. Think: English charm meets Bermuda sunshine (we love the sound of that).

The New York Times-praised Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Hamilton Princess offers freshly baked Devonshire-cream-topped scones alongside a generous helping of English pride. Pair that with heartier favorites like Golden Ale Batter Fish n’ Chips, and you’ll be channeling your inner Englishman in no time. That is, if your inner Englishman was miles from the motherland, chilling on a whitesand Bermuda beach.

Photo courtesy of Fairmont Hamilton Princess

Check out the Hertiage Court at Fairmont Hamilton Princess in Bermuda.

Category: Wine & Dine / Tags: , , , ,

A Fresh Take on Luxury Spa Treatments

October 15, 2012 / / Comments Off

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We all know it’s tough to combat those back-to-cold-weather woes, even on vacation. So let’s all join hands in our love of relaxation (and hatred of colder weather), and indulge in these not-so-standard treatments from the Lorien Hotel & Spa.

This Vincente Wolf-designed spa caught our attention with five treatment spaces, on-site steam rooms and a collection of Kerstin Florian products (to take home with you!). Give these treatments a whirl:

Lavender Dreams- Everyone loves a little lavender, and in this full spa experience you’ll get a full body scrub and a warm wrap—all with a healthy dose of that soothing wild purple flower.

Rejuvenating Caviar Dream Crème Facial- Protein-enriched caviar products improve skin while an Acu-lift massage sooths texture. No need to wait for dinner to indulge in some caviar, right?

Lorien Hotel & Spa

Photo courtesy of Lorien Hotel & Spa

Category: Fit & Fabulous / Tags: , , , ,

Dining in Kennebunkport: More than Just Lobstah

October 11, 2012 / / Comments Off

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(White Barn Inn Dining room, photo courtesy of the White Barn Inn)

Photo courtesy of the White Barn Inn

We love Maine. Love, love, love. There’s a lot that makes Maine special—moose, dramatic coastline vistas, L.L. Bean—but the state is perhaps most famous for lobster. From traditional steamed lobster to lobster rolls, people flock to the state for a taste of this snappy little crustacean.

But Maine cuisine is about more than just lobster. The Inn at English Meadows puts guests in the heart of Kennebunkport, home to several enticing restaurants (not to mention the Bush family compound). Here are three fine dining establishments we think are worth trying on your visit.

White Barn Inn – One of the most celebrated restaurants in New England, this restaurant, situated in two meticulously restored barns, is a splurge to remember. The prix-fixe menu changes with the seasons, but is full of clever preparations and New England flavor.

Old Vines Wine Bar and Tapas – Old Vines brings a hint of Spain to Maine. Small plates like Broiled Maine Shrimp and Chorizo are accompanied by an extensive wine list.

On the Marsh – Set in an historic home with views of the adjacent tidal marsh, On the Marsh is a romantic destination with an exquisite menu that changes regularly.

Category: Wine & Dine / Tags: , , , , , , , ,
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