Month: March 2017

The phenomenal Fairmont Chateau Whistler invited me to experience their beautiful resort and village first hand. My buddy Debbi Scolari-Rowan, accompanied me for the three day funfest! We flew into Vancouver, followed by a two hour shuttle ride with picture perfect postcard scenery around every bend. From the moment we arrived at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler they treated Deb and I like royalty. We were spoiled with an upgrade to the 8th floor Gold Level. Here, a private staff ensures guests every need is met. We became fast friends with Gold manager Dale LeRose whose huge smile and friendly demeanor made us feel right at home. The Gold Lounge, with a spectacular view of the pool and Blackcomb ski slope, was only steps from our room. Everyday they served complimentary breakfast fit for a queen, afternoon canapes, hot beverages , and sweet treats before bed. Bearfoot Ice Bar  After talking with a few locals, we were advised no visit to Whistler would be complete without going to the Bearfoot Ice Bar. Off we went. It's the worlds coldest vodka tasting room at -25F ?, making it mandatory to wear provided Canadian Goose arctic parkas. I was the official photographer while the nice bartender in this pic topped off many shot glasses for the 18 other peeps in the sub-zero watering hole. Very cool hanging out in a room made of ice. A tour of the Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre The next day we toured the Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre to learn about Whistler's First Nations thousands of years ago. The structure is made mostly of glass with views of untouched forest, paying deference to the land. As with America's native settlers, Canada's bears, mountain goats, rams, and more were important to the early settlers for the fur, meat and trading. The younger generation

Palm Springs, California is the mecca of mid-century architecture, design, fashion, culture, and cocktails. This is celebrated annually at Modernism Week when the town showcases butterfly roofs and all-steel buildings, rattan furniture, far out wallpaper, bouffant hairdos, and martinis. In February, I along with thousands of other 1950's enthusiast, converged on downtown to partake in myriad tours, lectures, vintage car shows, and parties. Of the almost 100 events, I found the Illuminated Sunset Double Decker Bus Architectural Tour was a must. A historian rode along explaining the industrial elements it took to bring the landmarks to fruition, and told stories of when Hollywood's royalty, a.k.a. Frank Sinatra, began building second homes in the desert. Because the tour is conducted at night, prominent buildings were lit with the year it was built and the architects' names. To get a closer look at celebrities digs, the Rat Pack Playground and The Movie Colony walking tours were offered numerous times throughout the week. Old Blue Eyes pool is shaped like a piano Another crazy fun event was the Starlight After Party at the Christopher Kennedy Compound Show House! World-class interior designers restored a classic property into an mid-century masterpiece. Every room in the house was design perfection. Attendees were decked out in retro 50's clothing, and the bartender was mixing Singapore Slings and gin cocktails, shaken not stirred. People were buzzing from room to room, checking out the stellar decor. I fell in design-love about twenty times and was ready to move in.  LOVED this cart in the den !  The colors of this dining room were to die for Without a doubt, keep your peepers peeled for the 2018 Modernism Week dates. Check their website for details: http://bit.ly/2oyCjn9. See ya at MW!      

I've been to Baja, Mexico's Valle de Guadalupe wine country 30 or more times, so I thought I knew the area well. Until I stayed overnight at Adobe Guadalupe Vineyard & Inn. While it's only a two-hour drive SE of San Diego, California, it felt a world away. One-third mile down a narrow dirt road are the gates to 60 acres of sun-dappled splendor. Owner, Tru Miller, hosted me for a press trip. She and her husband purchased the land in 1997. They were only the sixth winery in the valley. Now there are 152. She was the first to provide overnight accommodations. Six fabulous guest rooms still welcome visitors today!  There are fountains everywhere creating a feel of a grand European estate Manager Luis Garcia, and the entire staff of 63 are paragons of hospitality and graciousness. The Chef prepares a five course dinner and wine pairing each evening in the formal dining room just off the fountain courtyard. Crystal, silver, and china fill the dimly lighted room which holds 50 people.  The adjacent living room offers post prandial relaxation  One of Miller's pride and joy is her 26 Azteca horses, a breed she was instrumental in bringing to fruition years ago. They are equal parts Andalucia, Quarter horse, and Criollo — a Spanish Wild Mustang.  Today, she breeds her beauties and sells them to people in Mexico, USA, and the Netherlands — her home country.  Marci Plopper — a Canadian trainer — and three ranch hands baby the equine daily. The stables are gorgeous. Each Monday Plopper teaches a riding class to kids with Cerebral Palsy. They range in ages from six months to six years.  There is also an opportunity for the general public to meet the horses at the Elegance in the Stable event. White linen clad