All posts by Stefanie

The Lodge at Sea Island. Sea Island, Georgia

Known for it’s legendary elegance, Sea Island exceeds all expectations from an “island” hotel. Receiving the prestigious Five-Star award from Forbes, this hideaway hotel will have you coming back again and again. Located on Sea Island, just off southeastern Georgia’s beautiful Atlantic coast and along five miles of private beach, Sea Island has served as an unrivaled Georgia luxury resort vacation destination since 1928. 

From a bird’s eye view, Sea Island is an expansive resort with 8 distinctive buildings. The Main building is called The Cloister, and was built in 1928 with Mediterranean-inspired architecture. This renowned architectural icon extends into lush, captivating gardens, while rising boldly at river’s edge. Four dining establishments are housed within The Cloister area, including the renowned Georgian Room, Georgia’s only Forbes Five-star restaurant. The Georgian Room is filled with rich-mahogany arm chairs, shining chandeliers, and food is served on hand-painted china, reminiscent of a 1920’s men-only club. 

The Cloister has three luxurious accommodation options. The Lodge is a golfer’s paradise, surrounded by all three of Sea Island’s famed golf courses. The Cloister centralizes the Sea Island resort experience, encompassing beach access, the Cloister Spa, and the full spectrum of resort activities and amenities. Finally, The Cottages are available for year-round rental, giving families and couples the ultimate private escape. My favorite place to stay is in one of the Cloister Ocean Cottages, located along The Cloister’s miles-long private beach. The décor is warm and lavish, featuring rich wood hues, exposed beam ceilings, and exquisite furnishings.

The other buildings on the gapingly-large property are the Sea Island Yacht Club, The Cloister Spa, and The Cloister Beach Club. This icon of Southern hospitality is perfect for the multi-generational travelers. The Cloister at Sea Island is the perfect spot for any travelers looking for both luxury and relaxation.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

City Guide: 72 Hours in Savannah

Continuing our March feature of Up and Coming Cities in the U.S., Savannah, GA is a charming town filled with luxury, history, and a little bit of mystery. With long draping moss hanging from the trees over long cobble-stoned roads, Savannah is straight out of the movies. Yes, the weather can be quite a fete, but that just gives you an excuse to splurge on a chic fan.

Here are the best places to eat, drink, and be merry in Savannah. For the cutest clothes see the shop below!

Thursday:

 

2:00pm – Check-in to the cutest, most luxurious boutique hotel in Savannah – the Mansion on Forsyth Park (article coming Friday).  You will instantly be welcomed by exuberant Southern hospitality and a stunning art collection. Located on the famous, 22-acre Forsyth Park and only a hop, skip and a jump from many adorable eateries, galleries, and boutique shopping – you will find everything you need in this charming hotel.

Kessler-Mansion-Exterior-Day2 MOFP_Casmirs_Lounge home2

For an equally as charming but slightly less boutique-y feel, try The Brice. Or, if you’re willing to stay a bit outside of Savannah, The Cloister at Sea Island is the most amazing hotel in Georgia!

accomodations living-room-9219 20140517_pacci_0181

4:00pm – Start to get acquainted with this little town and wander out of The Mansion and onto cobblestone streets covered by a canopy of stunningly green trees.  You’ll feel like you just stepped into a Nicholas Sparks novel – swoon.

8:00pm – Head down to River Street, Savannah’s charming yet entertaining main attraction.  Here you will find bustling nightlife, from delicious and adorably quaint restaurants, to pubs to exciting nightspots, all of which are along the Savannah River.

Have dinner at Vic’s on the River – a fine-dining restaurant in a 19th-century warehouse. You’ll love the Southern cooking and hospitality.

19232-0

10:30pm – Savannah’s livelihood will surprise you once the sun goes down.  The “To Go” cup law lets you carry your drink from bar to bar along River Street, as long as it’s in a plastic cup! River Street is filled with bars, jazz clubs, live music and concerts, dance clubs and pubs.  Try Jazz’d Tapas Bar or Bay Street Blues for some real southern livin’!

184d22de1e7ebd4972ec6bd7406c2b06-661x496

Friday

 

 

10:00am – Work off that Southern meal from last night and kick your weekend off the healthy way with a class at Savannah’s best yoga studio – Savannah Power Yoga.  Choose from any practice starting at 6:00am, but if we’re being realistic, you’re on vacation, so try Power Max at 10:00am.  It will challenge you physically and mentally, and you’ll leave feeling invigorated and ready for the rest of your weekend.

spy

12:30pm – You’re sure to be starving after working your booty off during yoga, so treat  yourself to Bernie’s on River Street, where you will find fresh seafood and a traditional Southern cuisine.

301875

2:30pm – Walk off your lunch with a stroll around River Street in the daylight, and then head into one of the many brewhouses for a nice, cold one.  Try Churchill’s Pub – their rooftop terrace is perfect for a cold beer on a warm, Georgia day.

churchhills-interior-dinning-room_54_990x660_201406011258

8:30 – Have dinner at the eclectic Sapphire Grill, a modern bistro with fresh seafood and local meats.  Try the Chef’s Tasting menu or the tuna mignon.

sapphire-grill-interior-dining_54_990x660_201405311611

10:30pm – Go dancing at Club 51 Degrees.  It has three floors of great music and some of the best DJ’s in town. If you really want to commit to a night out, try Club One – a multi level dance show/entertainment venue.

387905-117946804991819-949421460-n_54_990x660_201406020141

Saturday

 

 

10:00am – After a bit of strolling on your Saturday morning, take the Farmer’s Market Tour and Cooking Class.  First you’ll wander and shop through Forsyth Park’s Farmers Market, which features some of the freshest produce, fruits and meat from local farmers.

Then, learn to cook a delicious meal with all of the ingredients from the market.  You’ll be able to take home a cookbook, so get ready to show off your skills to your friends and family after your trip.

IMG_07891

2:00pm – Take a little drive 20 minutes east of Savannah and find yourself among five miles of beach that is kissed by the Atlantic Ocean on Tybee Island.  Spend your afternoon soaking up the sun, whether it’s horizontally, on a fishing boat, a bike, or even a sailboat among the native Bottlenose Dolphins.

La-Jolla-beach

8:30pm – End your busy day right inside the comfort of the Mansion.  700 Drayton Restaurant is home to upscale Southern cuisine; dine in one of their six grand dining rooms or have a cocktail in the Bösendorfer Lounge or Casimir’s Lounge, which features live entertainment and a rooftop terrace right above Forsyth Park. Try the Buttermilk Fried Quail on a Sweet Potato Waffle to start and the Tuna au Poivre for your main.  We know – drooling, right?

041_reservations

Sunday

 

 

10:00am – Finish your weekend with Sunday brunch at one of the two of the best spots in Savannah, both of which reserve their famous brunches for Sunday mornings.  Try Soho South Cafe – a super hip spot that was once a mechanic garage and is now a gallery as much as it is a restaurant. Get the brioche french toast, shrimp and grits if  you’re going for something Southern, or the homemade split biscuit with scrambled eggs and grits.

Another option is the Driftaway Cafe; try the Crab Cake Bennie, a Southern spin on eggs benedict and it will melt in your mouth.  If you want something sweet, get  the Myers Jamaican Rum french toast or the Sunday Fried Chicken.

sohoinside

12:00pm- Wander through Savannah’s Historic District for one last glimpse of your new favorite up-and-coming city.  Stroll under the Spanish Moss and roam through parks, mansions, monuments and famous forts from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

savannah-historic-district

 

Shop:

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff. Bluffton, SC.

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff is a property almost certainly unlike anything you have ever experienced.  A Montage Resort, Palmetto Bluff sits on its own private property on a perfect South Carolina peninsula.

With 50 Cottages and Cottage Suites, situated among captivating, green forests and charming waterfronts, you are sure to find tranquility in your home away from home at Palmetto Bluff.  Watch the sunset from your own rustic porch, or relax in front of a cozy fireplace.

Each Cottage and Cottage Suite features pinewood flooring, a wet bar, bathtubs you’ll want to stay in forever, a perfectly secluded veranda for when you emerge from your relaxing evening to watch the sun say goodnight, and luxurious Italian bed linens to tuck into at the end of your lovely day.

Some may overlook Bluffton, South Carolina and onto Hilton Head, which is only eight miles east, but trust us, The Inn at Palmetto Bluff is a star in itself.  You don’t even need to leave the hotel’s sprawling premises to enjoy every bit of your Carolinian experience.  The property has a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, as well as alligator-spotting experiences, an expansive trail system for you to hike through and explore, daytrips to Daufuskie Island, kayak excursions from sunrise to sunset, paddle boarding along the May River, and a world-class spa for your complete and perfect vacation package.

When its time to fill your hungry tummies, the Lowcountry’s unique culinary flavors and history have found a perfect home at any of the four restaurants within the property of the Inn at Palmetto Bluff.  Start your day off with breakfast by the river at Buffalo’s – try the “Worth the Wait” Cast Iron Baked Pancake – then stop in to RT’s Market for your snacking needs. Have dinner at River House Restaurant, which features traditional cuisine from the Lowcountry and the South.  The casually luxurious ambiance and hospitable staff will make you want to stay forever.

If you’re looking for a bit more of a relaxed, southern comfort style of dinner, head to the Canoe Club – it has amazing views of the May River on one side and the Palmetto Bluff Water Trail on the other, and features local seafood dishes.

So, if you’re craving a new and unique adventure but addicted to the calm feeling of a home, search no further because The Inn at Palmetto Bluff is everyone and anyone’s perfect slice of heaven.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

City Guide: 72 Hours in Charleston

For the month of March, we decided to feature the top up-and-coming cities in the U.S. Condé Nast has rated Charleston as the “Top City in the U.S.” three years in a row, and once you’ve visited it’s easy to see why. When I picture the quintessential charming Southern city, I picture Charleston. With cobble-stoned streets and so much heritage and culture, it is no wonder that it’s one of Posh Voyage’s favorite cities in not only the U.S., but the world.

We have put together a hour-by-hour schedule of the chicest,  most luxurious, and quaintest places in Charleston. To see all of our favorite fashion pics from Charleston check out the shop below!

Thursday:

 

 

2:00 pm- Check-in to the most perfect little hotel in Charleston, Zero GeorgeWhat was once a carriage house built in 1804 has now been transformed into a chic hotel. The hotel’s decor has been described as that of “southern sophistication with a contemporary twist“. The design of each room is influenced by Charleston’s history as a colonial port.

2013_Zero_George_05001-868x579 2013_Zero_George_06951-868x579 2012_Zero_George_0269-868x579

If you’re wanting to stay a little outside of the city of Charleston, the perfect hotel for you is The Inn at Palmetto Bluff (article coming Friday).

May River spaciousness-is-not-in-short-supply-separate-bedrooms-are-a-defining-feature ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

4:00 pm- The hotel is located in the Historic District of Charleston, which is comprised mainly of residential dwellings in addition to commercial, ecclesiastical and government buildings, so take a stroll!

8:30 pm Dine at the hotel restaurant, Zero Café+ BarThe a-la-carte menu is approachable, hyper-seasonal, and features the freshest herbs and vegetables from the on-site kitchen garden. No wonder Zero George was name a “Top Foodie Hotel” by Condé Nast.

Zero-Cafe-Bar-Charleston-SC-1100x514

Or, take a cooking class at the hotel, The Cooking School offers guests an opportunity to create a range of traditional and contemporary dishes with Executive Chef Vinson Petrillo. 

CS_101714_16695-1-1100x514

10:30 pm- Head the The Gin Joint for an after-dinner aperitif and play “Bartender’s choice”. He’ll create you a one-of-a-kind cocktail based on your preferences. 

Agave_ginJoint

Friday:

 

 

10:00 am- Breakfast at The Butcher & BeeBrunch is BYOB at Butcher & Bee, so don’t forget to pick up a bottle of bubbly to pour in your OJ. My personal favorite is the French toast or venture out and try the shakshuka, a Tunisian dish of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce.

rs_1024x759-130529144130-1024.ButcherBee.mh.052913

1:00pm- Check out the Charleston City Market, the perfect place to buy some fresh southern spices, homemade baskets, and other homemade goods. 

Charleston-City-Market

5:30 pm-  In the late evening, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge lights up like a christmas tree. At dusk, take a bike ride across the bridge and watch the sun set across the river. 

96536646

8:30 pm- For a trendy dinner option, head to Husk. The archetype of what chef Sean Brock does best: heirloom Southern food prepared with a connoisseur’s sensibility and a deft culinary touch. Must-Order: The cornbread. 

img_12761

Or try The Ordinary, at chef Mike Lata’s high temple of Neptune’s bounty, the oyster sliders are the perfect combination of crispy and savory.

Downstairs-Wide

10:30 pm- Head to Belmont , this upper King Street bar pours a beautiful drink. One specialty is its sourcing of rare, small-batch whiskeys and herbal Fernet liqueurs that you’ve probably never heard of (but will be tempted to try).

265

Saturday:

 

10:30 am- For the typical southern breakfast head to Hominy Grill, which has been feature on every cooking/food show imaginable. Order the Charleston Nasty Biscuit—it’s a gluttonous construct of fried chicken, cheese, buttermilk biscuit, and sausage gravy.

Hominy-Grill

2:00 pm-  Spend an hour or two walking around the Charleston Farmer’s Market and sample the exquisitely fresh food and homemade goods. Located in Marion Square, the Farmer’s Market operate from 8:00am – 2:00pm every Saturday.

CFM

4:00pm- Wander along King Street, Charleston’s premier shopping street full of mom-and-pop restaurants and some of the cutest boutique shops.

secondsunday

8:30 pm- Eat at the local favorite restaurant, FIGThis local favorite with an excellent bar handles grits, shad roe, and pig’s trotters as a French chef with a thing for the American South would. 

rs_1024x759-130529144108-1024.FIG.mh.052913

The Two Boroughs Larder is a great alternative option. With rough-hewn wood, rickety tables the best thing on the menu is the Pork Scrapple Sandwich, on a hard roll, with aged Cheddar and a silky farm egg cooked over-easy.

tenboroughs

10:30PM- After a yummy dinner, head to McCrady’s, a Charleston staple. Built in 1788, with an entrance on an alley, parts of McCrady’s feel like an elegant cave, but then the bar ceiling soars to high windows. 

upload.0

Sunday: 

 

 

10:30 am- Edmund’s Oast is the place to eat breakfast on Sundays. With a vast beer selection, creative cocktails, and a country pâté sandwich (among other tasty treats), this restaurant has something for everyone.

upload.0.0

12:00pm- If you have time on your way out, stop by the South Carolina Aquarium on Charleston Harbor. The perfect place for a little family time, check out the Saltmarsh Aviary, albino Alligator exhibit, 4-D adventure theatre, and the interactive stingray exhibit.

202

Shop:

 

 

 

Four Seasons Denver. Denver, Colorado

One mile above sea-level is the beautiful city of Denver. Once part of the wild wild west, Denver has evolved into a metropolitan city that has grasped the attention of people all over the world. It is the most moved-to city by college grads, and with movement comes cultural expansion. Denver has transformed into an eco-friendly, outdoors-oriented, luxurious city that appeals to everyone of all ages. This is why we chose to highlight Denver as one of the biggest up-and-coming cities in the U.S.

Of all the hotels in Denver, the hotel that excelled in luxury and service was the Four Seasons. The hotel stays true to Four Seasons level of quality, while adding some urban sophistication and the friendly spirit of Denver. That’s the thing I loved most about Denver, everyone was so friendly it was shocking, and that’s coming from someone who lives in Texas. The hotel is nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, with 360 degree views of the city and the mountains because it is the second tallest building in Denver.

The rooms stay true to the Four Season’s palette of neutral colors, but they have added vibrant contemporary art and each room comes with a soaking tub and views of the city or mountains. If you’re traveling with a family, stay in the Premier One-Bedroom Suite, it could hold a family of 5! The room comes with it’s own dining table and kitchenette. If you’re entertaining clients or guests, the Executive Suite is perfect because it comes with it’s own office area and bar.

Hungry? Head downstairs to EDGE, one of the hottest restaurants in town. Highlighting Colorado raised cattle, this is the perfect place for a seasoned steak that has been cooked over a wood-burning grill, enough to satisfy any modern cowboy. Insider tip: start with the wagyu beef hot stone with truffled ponzu. After dinner head to the EDGE bar for a craft cocktail or a local microbrew, which Denver is known for.

A must-try at the hotel is the Spa, which offers everything from massages, to salon services, to body treatments. You must indulge in their Signature High-Altitude Revitalizing Gemstone Ormus Ritual. Not only does it cure altitude sickness (which I am very prone too and it helped me a great deal) but it is a one-of-a-kind treatment you won’t find anywhere else. Needless to say, the Four Seasons in Denver is the only hotel you need to stay at when you visit.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

City Guide: 72 Hours in Denver

For the month of March, we decided to feature the top up-and-coming cities in the U.S. Denver is the #1 most moved-to city by college grads. With it’s wild wild west history, Denver has evolved in a metropolitan cowboy city. There are so many reasons why you should love Denver: it’s full of young people, it has great outdoors activities, and without sacrificing the cool city vibe. Posh Voyage loves Denver because it is the perfect mix of outdoors and refinement, classy yet funky.

We have put together a hour-by-hour city guide of the coolest, yummiest, and most attention-grabbing places in Denver. To see all of our favorite fashion from Denver check out the shop below!

Thursday:

 

 

2:00 pm- Check-in to the most luxurious hotel in Denver, The Four Seasons (article coming Friday). With classic Four Seasons luxury, this high-rise tower has views overlooking the Rocky Mountains and Downtown Denver. TripAdvsior recently rated it the Top 25 Luxury Hotels in the United States.

cq5dam.web.1280.720 (2) cq5dam.web.1280.720 cq5dam.web.1280.720 (1)

For a hotel with a little more boutique-y feel with an urban touch, check-in to Hotel Teatro.

001575-02-bedroom 001575-06-bar 001575-07-exterior

4:00 pm- Take a stroll around Downtown Denver, the Four Seasons is located in the heart of the Theatre District so take a walk around and enjoy the architecture.

8:30 pm Dine at a restaurant that I think sums up what Denver is all about: fresh food, good eats, small carbon footprint, and healthiness. Fruition is the best farm-to-table restaurant in Denver, everything is locally sourced or made at their farm outside of Denver.

wpid-Photo-Oct-10-2013-846-PM

Or, if you want to stay closer to home, sample the delicacies at EDGE, from wood-smoked beef to prime filet, these are some of the best meats in town.

11:00 pm- Denver is super serious about it’s beers, so head to one of the best beer bars in town, Argyll Whisky Beer Gastropub 

Argyll-Dining-room

Friday:

 

 

10:00 am- Breakfast at Gather! Although the price is a little steep, the New York style bagels and  Saigon cinnamon buns are too delicious to pass up.

upload.0.0

1:00pm- A trip to Denver is not complete without a trip to the Red Rocks Amphitheater. Check out a day or night show and it’ll blow your mind!

Red-Rocks-Morrison-Denver-Colorado-Late-Night-EDM

4:00 pm-  From spring through fall, City ParkWashington Park, and the Aurora Reservoir all offer hourly boat rentals, so head to the park and row, row, row!

Washington_Park_Denver

7:30 pm- For a trendy dinner option, head to Acorn, the new hotspot in town. The restaurant is a mash-up of refinement and casualness. Try the fried pickles share menu space with house-made squid ink tagliarini. 

I21A2971

Or try Mizuna, the new Denver staple. The menu is french-inspired, heavy on the meats. Try the rich roasted corn agnolotti appetizer. 

10:30 pm- Even though Denver is famous for it’s bar scene, its nightclub scene is still thriving. Get your groove on at The Church Nightclub. Located in a reformed church built in 1865, your clubbing experience will be one-of-a-kind. Who can ever say they partied in a church?

CN_9853

Saturday:

11:00 am- Time for brunch at Harman’s Eat and Drink. Get yourself a steak Benedict that may well be the reason hollandaise was invented, or a plate of sourdough French toast with sweet cream, pecans, and bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup.

o

2:00 pm-  Enjoy the outside garden area while snacking on some gazpacho with a small tower of tomato and avocado topped with a seared scallop at Bittersweet

s12

4:00pm- Hit up the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art. Or, go a step further with cocktails at The Cruise Room, as sexy as the day it opened in 1933. Pro tip: you’ll soon be able to add Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club to the mix.

kirkland-museum-of-fine-and-decorative-art-denver-colorado

8:30 pm- Awaken the senses at ChoLon, the closest thing you’ll get to authentic Southeast Asian food without going to Southeast Asia. Try their yummy but simple dish: grilled calamari, avocado, heirloom tomatoes, and lemongrass dressing.

tacos

Or, opt for Sushi Den, Denver’s best sushi restaurant for the last 30 years. Sushi can’t be good in land-locked Colorado you say? Think again!

10:30PM- After a yummy sushi dinner, head to The Lowry Beer Garden, where you can Oktoberfest under the starry night sky.

bg1

Sunday: 

 

 

10:00 am- You can’t leave Denver without sampling breakfast at Snooze.  It is the winner of the #1 Breakfast Restaurant in Denver by Denver A-List magazine. The french toast is out of this world.

snooze-union-station2

12:00pm- Rent a bike and bike around Denver. Since the city is so walkable, explore the neighboring parks and trendy neighborhoods. The first 30 min on the share-a-bike program are free!

bike-sharing

Shop:

 

The Joule. Dallas, Texas

A revitalized 1920’s downtown landmark that has been transformed into a five-star hotel, The Joule has always sought and succeeded at perfectly capturing the energy of this vibrant southern city. Since Dallas has recently become a place of inspiration for the world’s leading taste-makers, such as Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel and the Dallas Museum of Art, the expansion of the Joule incorporates many features that truly emphasize Dallas as an emerging cultural scene. For example, the Joule boasts a world class museum-quality art collection with work from artists such as Andy Warhol, Tony Cragg, and Richard Phillips.

After a two year long transformation and expansion that enlarged the hotel by almost an entire city block, the Joule now boasts three penthouse suites, and an additional 29 guest suites. The renovation also includes event spaces, including a rooftop garden terrace with a climate controlled pavilion, 3 new ballrooms, 4 meeting rooms, a visually arresting cantilevered glass rooftop pool (which has some of the wildest summer pool parties),  an expanded lobby and lobby bar styled by TENOVERSIX. Also recently finished is the modern Texan cuisine restaurant CBD Provisions, and the subterranean craft cocktail lounge Midnight Rambler inspired by the 60’s New York hotspot Max’s Kansas City.

For the traveler really looking to splurge, booking one of the three ultra-luxe penthouses at $10,000 a night is definitely the way to go. Two of the penthouses are multi-level with private terraces while the third occupies the entire top floor of the building. Posh Voyage went up there for a photo shoot recently and it was breathtaking. You have your own private terrace overlooking the whole city, it truly is a dream.

For an indulgent experience, guests should be sure to book treatments at the Joule’s 8,000 square foot ESPA Spa- the US flagship location of this internationally renowned luxury spa company. Inside the spa is a co-ed body temp pool, sauna, steam room, and swedish shower. Not to mention yummy food and bubbly champagne can be provided upon request!  It is a true oasis for those looking for an urban escape. Opt for the facial- they use a special aromatherapy procedure to show you what your body is needing.

CBD Provisions has quickly become one of the standouts of Dallas’ culinary scene. The pig’s head carnitas are not to be missed.  They were named Dallas’ ‘most instagrammed’ plate of food as their deliciousness is enhanced by the wow factor of their presentation.

The Joule is a one-of-a-kind spot in a spectacular up and coming city that is very near and dear to the hearts of the Posh Voyage team.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

City Guide: 72 Hours in Dallas

For the month of March, we decided to feature the top up-and-coming cities in the U.S. Dallas is by far one of the most rapidly expanding and growing cities I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. When most people think Texas, they think cattle ranches, flat land, BBQ, and beer, but Dallas is far more Metropolitan that people think. The City-Planners have big ideas to expand Dallas into a walking city, with more pop-up gardens and parks around every corner of the big D.

If Dallas isn’t on your radar to visit, think again. We have also included a great packing guide for Dallas at the bottom of the article! Here are some of our favorite places, experiences, and things about Dallas.

Thursday:

 

 

2:00 pm- Check-in to our favorite hotel in Dallas, The Joule. It is a renovated 1920’s landmark building in the heart of Downtown Dallas. The Joule has a modern luxury with contemporary art from artists such as Andy Warhol, Tony Cragg, and Adam Fuss. Helpful hint: Ask to stay in the new tower.

Joule-9

Accomm_Large_ph47

Poule_Large_ph61

For another more contemporary option, The Ritz-Carlton is located on upper Mckinney Street, walking distance from some of the best bars and restaurants in Dallas. Stay at The Crescent if you are in town for business given that their location is prime. However, their rooms need a little facelift. The Crescent also has my favorite clothing store, Stanley Korshack, just a few steps away.

5:00 pm- Take a stroll around Downtown Dallas, there are many cute little shops and funny art pieces scattered around the city. Their newly opened Klyde Warren Park is the perfect place to people watch and have a delicious meal. If you are feeling a little more active, join their free weekend yoga classes, they are amazing.

If you still have time on your side, head over to my two favorite museums just a few blocks away from the park, the Ritz and the Crescent: The Nasher Museum and the DMA.

8:30 pm Looking for a delicious spot for dinner? If you’re ready to hop right in to Texan cuisine, dine at CBD Provisions, located in The Joule Hotel. Their infused cocktails are superb. Order the chili.

home-gallery-5

If you are looking for a more casual all american menu, try their new restaurant Americano. I cannot stop going and ordering their meatballs, fried olives, their pepperoni pizza and branzino.

11:00 pm- For some after dinner drinks downtown, head to the Midnight Rambler for some craft cocktails, also located at The Joule Hotel. 

MidnightRambler-5756.0

If you’re looking to take the party to a more upbeat place, Thursday nights’ at The Candle Room go till 3am.

 

Friday:

 

 

9:00 am- Stop for coffee and a delicious breakfast at Mercat, my favorite French Bistro in all of Dallas. Their latte’s and quiche Lorraine are mouth-watering.

Mercat+Bistro+photo+by+Daniel+Driensky

MercatBistro11306+copy

11:30 am- Check out the Dallas Museum of Art downtown. It has some of the most forward-thinking and rare art exhibitions around.

23846101_BG1

If you’re in the mood for something more interactive, my favorite place to be enlightened is the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Be forewarned, this place gets packed quickly, by tickets ahead of time.

1:00 pm-  In the mood to shop? Forty-Five Ten has been rated nationally as some of the best shopping in the US, if you’re willing to pay the price.  They also have a tiny restaurant in the back called T Room, and it is where most of the Highland Park socialites hang out. Their Asian Noodle Salad is yummy!

Forty-Five-Ten-Exterior-1

4:00 pm-  Its tea time! Head back to The Joule for some high-tea at TASCHEN library in the lobby. The cute decorations and tiny decorated cake are straight of out Alice in Wonderland. 

tea-at-taschen-dallas

7:30 pm- For dinner head over to Le Bilboquet, it is the hottest restaurant in town. The restaurant is the first expansion from their New York location, mixing French charm and Texan vibes.

If you couldn’t get a reservation at Le Bilboquet, Fearing’s is great second option for an upscale experience, located in The Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

10best-downtown-dallas-restaurants-fearing-s-interior_54_990x660

Lastly, if you are feeling adventurous head over to Bishop Arts and dine at Lucia. This is the best Italian in town. If you cannot get a reservation, try walking in and sitting at the bar. The restaurant only seats 30!

home7 home1

10:30 pm- No trip to Dallas would be complete without a pub crawl down McKinney Ave. Check out some of the most famous watering holes such as Renfield’s Corner, The Standard Pour, Trophy Room (ride the bull!).

standard_pour-Dallas_slide_680_340_85_s_c1

 

Saturday:

 

 

10:00 am- You cannot come to Dallas without trying Chicken and Waffles. Gross, I know, but it is actually one of the weirdest and most delicious combinations I’ve ever had. Oddfellows in Bishop Arts is the favorite breakfast among the locals. If you still have a little bit of space, try a slice of an Emporium Pie, known as the best pies in town.

index_10

12:00 pm-  A trip to Dallas would not be the same without a little day-drinking, a Texan’s second favorite past time! Star by walking the Katy Trail on down to the Katy Trail Ice House where all Dallasites will be on a Saturday afternoon, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

KatyTrailIceHouse

If you’re more of a music-lover and less into sports, head to The Rustic for some live music and some great cocktails!

garretthall_therustic10

 7:00pm- After freshening up at the hotel, wander around Highland Park Village for some window shopping. A few of my favorite stores are Carolina Herrera, Vince, Rag & Bone, and Stella McCartney, to name a few.

Highland Park Village'

8:30 pm- Enjoy the fine-dining of one of the best restaurants in Dallas, Bistro 31.  Known for its class and refined dining, there is no better way to end your stay in the beautiful Dallas.

 

IMG_1123

If you want a restaurant that is equally elegant, but want a little more daring cuisine, head to Abacus and order the lobster shooters, it’s what their famous for.

 10:30PM- After dinner, walk upstairs to Bistro 31’s 31 Lounge, an exquisite champagne bar with over 20 types of champagne. You will be rubbing shoulders with Dallas’ elite.

7_10

 

Sunday: 

 

 

10:00 am- Breakfast at Pecan Lodge, you better get there early or the line will be out the door.

Screen Shot 2015-03-11 at 11.00.27 PM

Screen Shot 2015-03-11 at 10.59.54 PM

12:00pm- Walk over to Klyde Warren Park, one of the most fun places to be on a warm sunny Sunday afternoon. Listen to some free live music and watch performers in the park. If you have time before you leave, grab a bite to eat at at one of the many food trucks surrounding the park.

location-map-link-new

If you’re in the mood for something a little fancier, grab some food at Lark in the Park.

Shop:

 

Disney Fantasy Cruise

Ready for a new adventure for the entire family? A Disney Fantasy Cruise will be the trip of a lifetime for your kiddos, and will offer an amazingly relaxing week for Mom and Dad.  Your vacation will be filled with entertainment, laughter, and even a stop at Castaway Cay – an island paradise exclusively available to Disney Cruisers.

Unpack just once but revel in the opportunity to sail the seas with the entire family while only having to endure the nightmare of changing accommodations constantly like you would on a land vacation.  You will find something for the whole family on your Disney Fantasy Cruise; relaxing time for adults include luxurious spa treatments and intimate dining, nightclubs and a secluded adult pool.  Disney ships also offer live Broadway-style shows, deck parties, and amazing port adventures at every stop.

The ships are equipped with world-class staterooms, daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and anything else your hungry tummies could desire.  The ship also features first-run films while onboard, and even some in 3D.  Your kids can also expect a run-in or two with their favorite Disney characters.

If all of these awesome activities are not enough to rev up the engines, the spectacular firework show for on-board guests is sure to put sparkles in the whole family’s eyes.  Amazing destinations include: Alaska, the Caribbean, Bahamas, the California Coast, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal, and a Transatlantic voyage.

The Disney Fantasy Ship is the regal fourth cruise liner in the fleet.  The 130,000 ton vessel has 14 decks, 1,250 staterooms, a capacity for 4,000 guests and 1,450 crew and cast members.  The ship is 1,115 feet long and 125 feet wide, and is the perfect floating paradise for the entire family.

How to Get Your Baby a Passport

One of the biggest hassles of travel is making sure your travel and legal forms are updated and not within the expiring time.  It is a necessary but a complete bore because unless I check with a client about their Travel Visa or passport, there is a chance they won’t be allowed to fly. Your passport must be valid for 6 months prior to your last travel date and some countries require a Visa upon arrival- but no one is there to tell you if you plan the trip yourself.

Getting your child a passport under the age of 16 is called a minor passport. It is only valid for 5 years but is much easier to get. If your child is over one year old, he or she is going to need a passport to travel.  Here are our tips for getting through this stick-in-the-mud process of getting a passport as quick and painless as possible.

Have your forms ready

 

You will need:

  • A completed DS-11 form- This is used for the first time you apply AND if you renew your child’s passport while they are still a minor. A child’s passport is only good for 5 years.
  • Birth certificate (Long Form)
  • Both parents present at application – if one parent can’t be there – you will need a form DS 3053 that is notarized.
  • Parent’s identification
  • If you are renewing your child’s passport you must bring the old passport but you CANNOT USE A RENEWAL FORM – you must use the DS 11

Photo

 

Don’t make this application more complicated than it needs to be, take your baby’s photo at the Post Office instead of somewhere else. The Post Office will take the right sized photo.

Make an Appointment

 

Make an appointment at your local Post Office. If it’s a busy travel season, there’s a chance there will be a long line of families trying to get their children their first-or new- passport. One time, I spent 4 hours at the Post Office because my mother didn’t come with the necessary documentation already filled out and there was a long line of rushed mothers just like her.

Get it Expedited

 

A routine passport takes 4-6 weeks to get to you, so you have to plan ahead.  An expedited passport takes about 3 weeks and, if you expedite your passport at a passport agency, it only take 24 hours!!  There is an extra fee you will have to pay for this, but in the end, peace of mind is free.