Tag Archive for travel

Great Memorial Day Getaways with the Family (or Without!)

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Guess what?! Memorial Day is just around the corner, meaning the unofficial start of summer is finally, mercifully upon us. Here in Boston we’ve endured another typical New England winter, with January’s snow, slush, and ice giving way to March’s mud, chilly rain, and steel-grey skies.

But–but!–lawns are finally greening up, flowers are blooming, and we’re ready to plan some summer getaways.

To that end, Sniqueaway will be highlighting sales with Memorial Day availability, such as the Stage Neck Inn in York, Maine, and The Inn of Fifth in Naples, FL. Keep an eye out for more Memorial Day offers in the coming days.

Portsmouth, NH; photo courtesy of Shutterstock

 

Here are a few great options for the upcoming long weekend:

Washington, D.C. – To honor the patriotic side of this very patriotic holiday, there’s no better place to go than D.C. Expect a few crowds, sure, but fair weather for exploring the city’s sights.

Cape May, NJ – Beach towns all over the country start their season Memorial Day weekend, and this gem of the Jersey shore is a great spot to ring in another summer.

Santa Cruz, CA – “Summer” is relative here (expect wake up to chilly, foggy mornings) but this seaside surf haven kicks into high gear on Memorial Day–rides on its famous boardwalk are open until 11pm.

Portsmouth, NH – One of our favorite local towns, Portsmouth embodies everything we love about New England: Crisp, salty sea air; historic architecture; eclectic cuisine, and tight-knit community feel.

Austin, TX – Memorial Day is the de facto kick-off for boating season in Austin, making this a perfect chance to hit the water (and grab some of Austin’s famous BBQ, of course).

Seattle, WA – Everyone thinks Seattle has terrible weather, but the reality is that summers are fantastic–think temps in the 70s and less rain than we get here in Boston! Memorial Day, and May in general, is a great time to visit this beautiful, vibrant, and unique Pacific Northwest city.

Chicago, IL – Chicago, like Boston, emerges from its winter doldrums with much fanfare. The city’s beaches officially open, and on Sunday the 26th, Lakshore Drive closes (temporarily) for cyclists to enjoy.

Sanibel Island, FL – May is considered for this quiet Gulf Coast retreat–the snowbirds have gone but summer’s humidity is (usually) still holding off, meaning visitors in May get the best of both worlds.

Throw a Polynesian Feast at Home!

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Te Tiare Beach Resort in French Polynesia is a South Pacific paradise: Crystal blue water, lush terrain, and a perfect white sand beach. The resort also features a Polynesian dance and dinner program, featuring authentic dishes and traditional performances.

Photo courtesy of the Polynesian Cultural Center at www.polynesia.com

And while you may not have a tropical lagoon in your backyard, or a white sand beach for that matter, you can recreate the experience of a Polynesian gathering right in your own home. Here are a few recipes to help you get started, and no, you don’t have to bury a pig in the sand (though you can if you really want to).

Kalua Pua’a, or roast pig, is typically prepared in an underground steam oven. However, the dish can be easily replicated in the home oven with good results. Ti leaves, which are wrapped around the pork, can be difficult to find; check with your local Asian grocer or shop around online.

Poi is a doughy, sticky paste made from two ingredients: Boiled taro root and water. Traditionally the paste is made by mashing the root between a stone and wooden board.

Poke is similar to ceviche, but with a Polynesian twist thanks to sesame oil and soy sauce. If you’ve never prepared raw fish at home, don’t fear: Just ask your local fishmonger for sashmi-grade tuna.

Huapia is a traditional stiff coconut pudding that can be served in bite-sized cubes. Of course, a big platter of fresh fruit will suffice as well!

Affordable Art for All!

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As much as we love art, we admit that the often-high price points can deter us from actually buying it. Art should be fun and accessible, we say! And the Lancaster Arts Hotel in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, seems to agree. The former tobacco warehouse displays more than 250 pieces of fine art, along with rotating art exhibits, for all its guests to enjoy. Taking inspiration from this historical hotel, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite affordable-artwork sites that can turn any art lover into a buyer:

Lancaster Arts Hotel

Photos courtesy of 20×200, Tiny Showcase, The Working Proof and Etsy

{Clockwise from left}

20×200: Founded on the equation “(limited editions x low prices) + the Internet = art for everyone,” this user-friendly site offers small-batch, original prints starting at just $20.

Tiny Showcase: Each week, Tiny Showcase chooses a piece of artwork from an up-and-coming talent to turn into a limited-run archival print. The best part? A portion of the profits from each sale are donated to a charity of the artist’s choice.

“Museum: Third Gallery” by Rui Tenreiro (print: $20, framed print: $125)

The Working Proof: Similar to Tiny Showcase, The Working Proof promotes art and social responsibility by donating proceeds from sales to artist-selected charities. Plus, the prints are unique and affordable, so you really can’t go wrong.

“Bleuités” by Irwin Barbé (photograph: $30)

Etsy: The ultimate one-stop-shop for everything handmade, Etsy is a great source for affordable (and original!) paintings and more.

“Abstract Landscape” oil painting by wendydoakart ($40)

Make Today a Spa Day with Mineral-Rich Products

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Let’s face it: Sometimes we don’t even have enough time to throw a coat of clear polish on our nails, let alone treat ourselves to a full day at the spa. So while writing about the Mount View Hotel & Spa in Calistoga, California, we were inspired to bring the spa to us. Once a wellness retreat that catered to wealthy Californians, Calistoga entices travelers with its natural, mineral-rich hot springs. The hotel even offers mineral mud baths that help warm muscles, increase circulation and detoxify skin. Here are a few mineral products that we’re eager to add into our daily routine.

Photos courtesy of Glamour Box, Metro Beauty and Infomercial Reviews

{From left}

Aqua Mineral Redefining Facial Mud Mask ($149): Based on Dead Sea mud and water, this mineral-rich mask reduces blemishes, freshens skin and improves skin completion, making it worth the splurge.

Evian Mineral Water Spray ($11): Made with 100% pure Evian mineral water, this spray soothes and rehydrates dry skin, so it’s perfect for the office, the beach or just about anywhere.

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum ($27): This award-winning powder is packed with crushed minerals like zinc oxide (a calming ingredient with UVA and UVB protection) and mica, which makes skin appear smoother and more radiant.

Meet Us in Manhattan

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With Friday on the horizon, we can’t help but daydream about mid-morning lattes, leisurely walks through the park or a weekend getaway to, say, New York City. It is the weekend, after all. Anything’s possible. Especially since this week’s Secret Snique hotel is located in the Big Apple itself. Though we can’t announce the hotel name until tomorrow, we can assure you that it’s fabulous. If you can’t make it to Manhattan this weekend, you can still celebrate with a classic Manhattan cocktail. It’s traditionally made with whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters, but we love this elderflower variation. Cheers, fellow travelers!

Photo courtesy of Cheri Loughlin

Sainted Manhattan

3 oz. Eagle Rare bourbon

3/4 oz. St. Germain

3/4 oz. Noilly Prat dry vermouth

Dash Angostura bitters

Place liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Stir or shake according to preference until completely chilled. Strain into chilled martini glass. Enjoy!