Wine and Spirits Travel

It’s been a few years since I’ve been to the Poconos.  I had never been to the Skytop Lodge before.  Even though this was one of the few trips that I didn’t have a strict itinerary, I had planned the weekend in my mind.  There was a long drive to deal with from home and then I would arrive on time to enjoy a long, leisurely dinner, followed by some spirits and relaxation in the bar.  Sunday would be a light hike to the waterfalls, some canoeing or kayaking, yoga, and an hour or so relaxing by the pool.  I would finally get to unpack that bag with the bathing suit that had remained – untouched – in my suitcase for six months.  Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, none of that happened. I’m sure the phrase “making lemonade out of lemons” is a familiar one, but as the child of two disabled parents, it was a motto in my household.  The drive turned into 14 hours and the dining room was closed.  For the first time in a month here, it rained (poured is more accurate) and the indoor poo

I go into Chicago for events every few weeks.  It’s a bit far for me to drive back and forth the same day, especially since those events usually involve wine or liquor sampling!  I’ve stayed in a few Chicago hotels that I liked, but the latest one impressed me so much I am anxious to tell everyone about it. I managed to sneak into the Windy City between my big trips for an overnight at The James . To say I was impressed would be an understatement. This hotel is  in a perfect location on East Ontario Street.  The James is situated within blocks of the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park and some of Chicago’s best museums, and  it’s on a block with three important places – Trader Joe’s, Starbucks and home of my favorite deep dish pizza,   Pizzeria Due ! This hotel was remodeled and opened as The James Chicago in 2006. The strong detail to contemporary design and art reminded me very much of 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville, and it turns out that Deborah Berke is the architect respons