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Travel Feature
Winter, Wine & Food on the Rhone
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- Parent Category: Travel Info
- Category: Travel Feature
- Published on Tuesday, 19 March 2013 13:57
- Written by Barney Lehrer and Jesse Nash
Welcome to winter in the southern Rhône Valley. Yes, it’s the south of France, but don’t count on warm weather. It can be cold: sometimes freezing or below. It can be windy: the infamous Mistral winds can gust up to 50 mph and last up to ten days. Yet despite—in fact because of--the mercurial weather, for wine lovers and foodies, winter can actually be the best time to visit.
The winemakers are not too busy and have time to chat, and the best restaurants are eager to welcome you, as they are not packed with tourists AND it’s truffle hunting season. In addition, if you’re lucky, you’ll enjoy at least a few brilliantly sunny days with 60-degree temperatures, days when you can eat outside as you savor a glass of Rhône wine.
Le Pré Grourmand
We arrive on a warm Tuesday afternoon in late January and spend a few nights in a comfortable vacation rental overlooking the Rhône river, in the ancient town of Beaucaire. Our first stop after settling in is Le Pré Gourmand (or “field for foodies,” in our rough translation), owned by the couple Christine Fare & Patrick Léonce. A lovely modern building in the midst of a field in the tiny village of Eyragues — originally the Fare family farm — the restaurant offers seasonal menus made from local products.
Corsica, Hollywood, & Chocolate!
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- Parent Category: Travel Info
- Category: Travel Feature
- Published on Friday, 08 March 2013 14:40
- Written by Jesse Nash & Barney Lehrer
Corsica, Little-Known Jewel of the Mediterranean
Where do actors George Clooney and Kathy Bates, singers Tom Jones and Alicia Keys, and even socialite Paris Hilton (just to name-drop a few of Hollywood’s elite) go to escape the rigors of being in the spotlight day in and day out? Why, the tiny island of Corsica, that’s where.
Every day we read stories of Hollywood’s crème de la crème going on holiday to such destinations as the tony island of St. Barth’s in the Caribbean, Hollywood’s backyard playland, Cabo San Lucas in Mexico's Baja Penninsula, or the chi-chi ski slopes in Aspen, Colorado. But now a discreet group of Hollywood stars have discovered the crown jewel of the Mediterranean.
This writer has known about this enchanting island for over 20 years when there was only one automatic car on all of Corsica, and it was reserved for yours truly. Well, I knew my secret couldn’t stay hidden forever...
Corsica is a rock-hard, fragile paradise. It’s for beach lovers, hikers, divers, and culture buffs alike, combining dazzling white beaches with dramatic mountain ranges and picturesque old towns. There’s plenty of activities for your body and some rich history to engage your mind.
Meet the Queen of Burgundy
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- Parent Category: Travel Info
- Category: Travel Feature
- Published on Tuesday, 05 March 2013 23:34
- Written by Barney Lehrer and Jesse Nash
There are legends born every day. But sometimes it's not until after they're gone that we appreciate their greatness. Fortunately, there's one heroine in our midst who is very much alive and with us. She’s responsible for some of the best winemakers in the heart of one of the wine world's most prestigious regions. Her name is Jeanne-Marie de Champs, and for those who know her, she is truly the Queen of Burgundy. For this amazing woman, it's not about power. It's not about money. It's all about having the greatest wine in the world. And as Jeanne-Marie will tell you, there's only one way to accomplish that. "In Burgundy, the secret is in the vines!"
Ski Vermont and Snow Magazine Show The Fabulous Side of Snow
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- Parent Category: Travel Info
- Category: Travel Feature
- Published on Thursday, 21 February 2013 22:01
- Written by Elaine Ing
It's hard to think of anything remotely cold when we're sweltering through record-breaking temperatures. However, at this year's Snow Magazine Showcase and Ski Vermont, we had a temporary reprieve as we got a glimpse of the latest skiwear and resort amenities.
At the annual Snow Magazine Showcase, we were treated to a fashion show that will heat up any ski slope. The international line-up included well-known brands such Rossignol, Descente, Andrew Marc, Bogner, Kjus, and Arc’Teryx showing the latest ski (and to some, even more important, the après ski) wear from parkas, skiwear & accessories. Canadian haute fourrurre Leonard Gorski showed off their luxury fur collection with coats, jackets and wraps made of or lined with fur. In addition to the fashion shows, we were treated to menu tastings by Telluride, wine tastings from Valle Nevado, as well as a preview of the latest skiwear accessories from Transpack.
Vermont is known worldwide for its pristine landscape and back-to-nature wholesomeness. Images of verdant mountains and break-taking fall foliage seduce travelers from all over the world. While most only consider Vermont as the ideal winter location, Vermont is rebranding itself as a year round destination. Literally living up to its "Green Mountain" name, Vermont is focused on highlighting its "greeness" – with resorts offering amenities beyond the winter months to offering farm-to-table cuisine from local producers.
At the annual Ski Vermont event, we got to know more about the locavore movement by sampling delicious organic dishes and appetizers prepared by chefs from some of Vermont's most famous resorts who were specially brought in, while hearing about the latest developments in some of Vermont’s most famous resorts. Chef Scott EMerson (Okemo Mountain Resort) prepared a smoked trout micro green salad, while Chef John Carter (Jay Peak Resort) whipped up a melt-in-your mouth baby veal Osso-bucco with polenta dish. As a side dish, Gerry Nooney (Sugarbush Resort) delivered fried local wild mushrooms with an onion pickled pepper relish.
Stowe Mountain Resort is considered the best ski resort east of the Rockies. Having a legion of fans throughout the US & Canada, Stowe is known for its luxury snow & golf amenities. Comprised of two separate mountains, Mountain Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak at 4395’) and Spruce Peak, the 116 trails provide 39 miles (63km) of skiable terrain.
The Stowe Mountain Golf Club, a new addition to the Resort complex, was recently hailed in Condé Nast Readers Choice Poll as the #1 Golf Resort in the Northern US, as well as one of Golf Magazine “Top ten new courses in the United States”.
Killington Resort (aka “the beast of the east”) is a year-round destination resort and is the largest in the Eastern United States with the widest variety of terrain. The resort area spans seven mountains that are all interconnected by a system of 87 miles of trails.
For ski-lovers, it offers the most geographically expansive lift network and snowmaking system in the East and has one of the longest ski seasons in eastern North America. Its ski amenities consist of 200 alpine ski and snowboard trails, 22 lifts, two gondolas, and the largest vertical in New England at 3050 feet (Killington Peak). The extensive lift network features two high-speed gondolas that service everything from groomed cruisers to classic New England tree runs, terrain parks and one of the east's largest half-pipes.
During the non-ski season, golf-enthusiasts can enjoy the 18-hole championship golf course, while nature lovers can amble through the 45 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Killington remains a popular ski resort by New Yorkers due to its proximity and ski trails for all levels. A ride on the Metro North and a shuttle bus gets you there in no time.
Mount Snow Resort is located in the Green Mountains in southern Vermont. It is the closest big mountain to many Northeast metropolitain areas, making it an easy stop. The resort has 135 trails covering 633 acres serviced by 26 lifts.
New for the 2011-12 season is the Bluebird 6-seat bubble chairlift, America’s only high speed detachable six-passenger bubble chair. A total uphill capacity of 8,100 skiers per hour greatly increases the time skiers spend on the ski trails instead of waiting in lift lines. While providing shelter from the elements, the chairlift enable skiers and snowboarders to keep their ski gear on while riding unlike traditional gondola cabins.
Mount Snow’s new natural wellness spa is available year-round, while mountain biking, hiking and golf facilities are open during the warmer months.
Jay Peak is also located in the Green Mountains. Located just 4 miles south of the Canada–United States border, you’ll no doubt see visitors from both sides of the border and hear French intermingled with English at this popular spot.
Offering off-piste skiing, Jay Peak Resort offers 24 tree-skiing areas, or Glades, covering approximately 100 acres. Having Vermont’s only Aerial Tramway – one of eight lifts accessing 76 trails, covering 385 acres of skiable terrain. Its vertical drop of 2,153 feet (656 m) is the eighth largest in New England and the fifth largest in Vermont.
It has upgraded its facilities with the recent purchase of Berg Mountain. A recently installed $25 million water park (Pump House) consisting of a 5000-sq foot indoor waterpark ensconced in glass, makes it a year round hit.
Bolton Valley is a mid-sized ski area in northern Vermont consisting of 70 trails, and 5000 acres of alpine forest. Less than 10 minutes from I-89, less than 30 minutes from Burlington, and an one-hour flight from JFK Airport, the family-friendly mountain offers skiers and riders of all abilities three mountain peaks with 70 trails and 6 lifts, plus 3 terrain parks. In addition to downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country and backcountry skiing are also available.
Bolton Valley is one of only two ski resorts in the U.S. (Vermont’s first) to implement wind power as an energy source and is the recipient of the National Ski Areas Association’s 2010 Silver Eagle Award for environmental initiatives.
Approximately 100km of high elevation Nordic terrain, a complete Sports Center and Indoor Amusement Center (indoor pool, spa, Jacuzzi and sauna, basketball court, aerobics & weights, and a sports bar) and Vermont’s only top-to-bottom night skiing and riding are just a few of the extras available to guests.
Magic Mountain in southern Vermon offers the area's best downhill skiing, riding and tubing terrain, in a classic New England atmosphere. It features a 1,700-foot vertical drop, 40 trail runs over 195 acres of skiable terrain.
The new TimberQuest Park at Magic Mountain consists of a series of tree-top obstacle courses and zip lines throughout the park, offering a challenge and sense of self-empowerment in self-discovery, thrills, and excitement, in an authentic, natural outdoor experience. The park is situated at the base of Magic Mountain ski area with 18 zip lines going downhill, across hill and even uphill. There are 65 elements ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
Woodstock Inn & Resort offers both Alpine and Nordic skiing, a golf course during the warmer months and year-round spa facilities, all in a picturesque setting. Its old-fashioned quaintness harkens years gone by while providing contemporary convenience and amenities.
Woodstock's Ski Touring Center is one of the country's pre-eminent nordic centers which boasts 60 kilometers of groomed and tracked trails for classic nordic and ski-skating enthusiasts. Just out from the ski center are 10 km of gentle “meadow” (Nordic) skiing that connect the fitness center to the 20 km of woodland trails on Mt. Peg. There are also 30 km of trails located across the village green on Mt. Tom, putting you on century old carriage roads in the midst of Vermont’s first tree farm and Vermont’s first National Park site.
The Golf Resort has been named one of the world's "top 100 golf resorts" by Golf Magazine. The 6,000-yard, par-70 course 18-hole masterpiece designed by legendary course architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr., is a challenging sequence even for the most seasoned golfer.
Sugarbush is one of the largest ski resorts in New England. Located in the majestic Green Mountains, the resort encompasses more than 4000 acres total of which 578 acres are skiable, making it the second largest in Vermont after Killington, and the third largest in New England. It provides the only catskiing in the East which involves off-trail, downhill skiing that is accessed by a snowcat.
With 111 trails spread over 58 miles, 18 additional marked wooded area, substantial off-piste skiing and riding, a summit elevation of 4,083 ft, a vertical drop of 2,650 feet (810 m), and over 200 backcountry acres in the wilderness area, Sugarbush has so much to offer. Ranked #1 in terrain variety by Ski Magazine and Outside Magazine as “The Best Ski Town in the East.”
During the warmer months, the resort offers a variety of outdoor activities such as golf (18 hole, par-71 golf course), disc golf, mountain biking, hiking and plenty of fun for the kids and kids-at-heart (bungee trampoline, rock gym, zipline). A health and racquet club and spa is available year round.
With so much to do, in all types of settings, Vermont’s ski resorts offer something for everyone. From couch potatoes to the athlete-in-training, why not go away and enjoy Vermont at its best – year round!
