Wine and Spirits Travel

It was time to head home after another adventure with my friend Lisa, but I wanted to squeeze a bit more into the Michigan experience. We had an early breakfast with J. Michael DeAgostino, Public Relations Manager for Grand Traverse Resort . I wanted to hear about the seasonal activities available here that I might be able to check out on future visits.   He told me about the exciting winter he was looking forward to at the resort, with snowmobiling, snow shoeing, ice skating, cross country skiing and even dog sledding. All of these winter sports operate out of the golf pro shop, which is a busy spot in the spring, summer and fall as they have three award-winning courses and a golf school here. We bid J. Michael farewell and made a stop at the Dylan’s Candy Store in the hotel’s lobby. I had never been to this outlet and I definitely felt like a “kid in a candy store” with all these options. I was overwhelmed , and had a long drive ahead of me, so I decided...

We had a full day of Traverse City exploring, eating and drinking that started with a delicious breakfast at the Sweetwater Bistro in the Grand Traverse Resort where we were enjoying our stay. My friend Lisa feasted on the Salmon Eggs Benedict, while I was enthralled with the Cornflake-Crusted French Toast. It was a short meal as Michael Norton of the Traverse City Convention and Visitors Bureau was waiting to take us around town for the day.  I had met Mike on my last trip here and was looking forward to catching up and seeing what he had scheduled for us for the day. The first stop was at L. Mawby , known for their sparkling wines. I had visited them a few years ago, but was anxious to taste the latest. The winery had expanded their collection as well as opening a patio for tastings a year ago. Larry Mawby took us through the selection, which includes: Blanc de Blanc, a very good 100% chardonnay sparkling with a long finish; Cremant Classic, made from vigno...

I love to travel and there are so many places I’d have wanted to return to. Unfortunately, I don’t get to do it too often since new destinations are always presenting themselves. Traverse City was one of the first places I visited as a wine and spirits travel writer and I fell in love with the food and wine, as well as the beauty of Lake Michigan. I vowed I would return someday. It took three years, but I finally got to make that trip. My friend Lisa and I were staying at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa during this getaway. I had visited it briefly my last time here and was anxious to stay and check out this full service resort. Our stay started in one of my favorite places – the spa – and it happened that the Grand Traverse Spa has been voted when of the top spas in America so it didn’t get much better than this. We could see right away how this spa earned its honors. Within 7,000 square feet (on two floors) there were 23 treatment rooms as well as a rel...

It was an exciting year as I was able to visit new places around the country and around the world. I learned how to make gin in London, party Aspen style, taste my way through South Beach, find the best Moscato selection on a small island (Pantelleria) in Italy, and luxuriate in spas from Arizona to Colorado. My readership has grown quite a but over the last year and I appreciate the support. I' m looking forward to the adventures to come in 2013 and I look forward to taking you all along for the ride! Happy New Year! Marcia

It had been an incredible week of traveling around Sicily, seeing the countryside and tasting the wine and food, but it was about to come to an end. It was the final day for Tracy and I to enjoy this region and we were ready to take full advantage. I had been told that the breakfast at Hotel Carmine was wonderful and we were not disappointed, There was quite a selection of cheese, fruit, breads, cakes (loved the Nutella cake), eggs and meat. We certainly filled up our plates. After breakfast, we around the scenic downtown Marsala. The architecture was very European and the narrow alleyways led to a pedestrian mall filled with stores. I wandered around, picking up a bargain Italian leather pocketbook and a few gifts for family. We then walked back to the hotel and waited for Maria Elena from Donnafugata to pick us up. The Donnafugata Winery in Marsala was not at all what I expected. It was modern and casual, reminding me of a neighborhood in Southern California. ...

It seems like every time I cross one destination off my bucket list I add another. I have to admit that Peru was not high on my priorities. That changed when I was asked to post this video. I sat down to watch it and was really surprised by what I saw. I had heard Peru was a beautiful country, but I never imagined just how much there was to see, do and taste there. The scenery is just breathtaking and it appears there is a lot to discover. Take a few moments out of your day to sit back, relax and enjoy this video. It will definitely be three minutes that will make you smile. I’ll bet it will also have you planning your next vacation sooner than you thought you would. And, it just may be too Peru. If not, I’m also sure Peru will move onto your bucket list too. Happy Holidays, Marcia Viral video by ebuzzing sponsored post