Wine and Spirits Travel

It was my first full day in St. Martin and it was packed full of activity. The tourism board for the Dutch side wanted to make sure that we had a good look at all of the island. I started with a good night’s sleep and a great healthy breakfast from the buffet at the Westin Dawn Beach . I sat outside at the Ocean Restaurant to get my first glimpse of the Caribbean Sea before the rest of the group of journalists came down and we piled into the van. We took a scenic ride to Orient Beach on the French side. It was one of the most beautiful Caribbean beaches I have seen and also includes a nude side for those who are so inclined. We had about a half hour to gaze at the turquoise water and I enjoyed every moment of it (along with the near 80 degree weather). We stayed on the French side for a while and got to walk around the town of Marigot, which included stores, French style cafes, and a great market.  The market went for miles and sold jewelry, clothes and even a select

It has been many years since I stepped foot on the island of St. Martin (the common spelling I will be using to keep things simple). I spent the day here while on a cruise around the Caribbean. I vividly remember it being my favorite island on the trip. From the colorful cobblestone streets on the Dutch side ( St. Maarten ) to the unique European-style buildings on the French half (Saint Martin), I had been impressed with the beauty of the towns and the beaches.  I remember strolling the streets and doing some jewelry shopping, as well as relaxing on the soft sand with a cool drink. A lot can change in twenty plus years and I was prepared for that when I decided to take this trip with the tourism board on the Dutch side.  I actually hadn’t done any Caribbean trips since Punta Cana in 2010 and it seemed like the perfect island with lots of restaurants and home grown spirits. It had been a long day of three flights and I was ready to get to the hotel, where Trish, our

After my morning tasting and exploring the North Market , I met Amy Weirick, who works with Experience Columbus . She put together a full day and it started at The Candle Lab in the city’s Short North section. We had time to mix our favorite fragrances into a candle (I choose hot chocolate and marshmallow), and do a little downtown shopping before heading off to lunch. We ate in the German Village, one of the many diverse neighborhoods in this Ohio city. Among the Cobblestone streets and brick houses was Lindey’s , a popular restaurant that was filled to the brim on this weekday. Amy ordered the Tuna Tartar, a favorite of hers, and I enjoyed a Spinach Quiche, that was very good with a hint of bacon. We stayed in the area a bit longer to head over to Pistacia Vera , which means true pistachio in Latin. You will find some pistachio items here, but the focus is all French. Like my favorite stops in Paris, there are macaroons that melt in your mouth, airy croissants and a se

Voli has been an advertiser of Wine And Spirits Travel ever since I met CEO  Adam Kamenstein and  discovered his delicious vodkas at the Food Network's South Beach Wine & Food Festival in 2010 . The Vanilla Espresso is my absolute favorite, but I'm always ready to sip on any of these low calorie, electrolyte-induced vodkas, which include Raspberry Cocoa, Orange Vanilla and Lemon. I am far from alone in touting the taste of Voli as the brand has become rather popular and has picked up some rather high profile fans. First, Pitbull  became a partner in Voli and now  six-time Grammy winner Fergie  is the latest part owner of the brand.  "I'm excited about my new partnership with Voli Light Vodka, a company that understands the modern girl on the go,” said Fergie. “A fit and active lifestyle can now happily co-exist with a sexy night on the town with your girlfriends or your man." The wheat-based low calorie vodkas of Voli made in Cognac, France