Kelley is USA TODAY’s FOODIE Host. Join her as she eats her way around the Las Vegas!
Heard of this infamously GIANT buffet? Well Bacchanal Buffet at Caesar’s Palace is bigger and better than I could have imagined. I ate my way through as much as could–king crab legs? check. Filet Mignon? Check. Fresh sushi? Check. My only sadness was that I couldn’t properly indulge in the dessert station–next time those make your own crepes are MINE.
Kelley Ferro is USA Today’s Luxury Lover and in Las Vegas she has the ultimate adrenaline rush, speeding through the red deserts in some of the world’s most fabulous cars of course.
Mercedes, Jaguars, Ferraris, oh my!
July Fourth is one of my favorite holidays (#2 on the list to be exact.) I mean, what’s not to love about a holiday that a). includes a day off from work, b.) involves hanging out all day with friends & family, c.) every American, regardless of religion, can participate and d.) promotes barbecues, cocktails and being outside. To me, it also marks that it is full blown SUMMER season. Oh, and Fireworks are just a cherry on top.
As an LA transplant, I scoured this little town for the best goings on this Fourth of July. Take your pick.
1. In a Pool
This partyparty pool at Mondrian will definitely make your Fourth one to remember (albeit hazily). The Skybar is hosting all day DJs, cocktails, fun pool floaties and jaw dropping LA views–what’s not to love? Tickets are reasonable at $25 and available here. I was sold by the photos of their recent Memorial Day party.
2. On the Water
Hit up Marina del Rey’s Burton Chace Park, make a reservation at a waterfront restaurant or find a friend with boat. You won’t get better sunset or fireworks views and as the nearest host of the fireworks on the beach, the atmosphere will be festive to say the least. If you are going the picnic in the park route, get there EARLY. Spots are usually filled by 6pm for the 9pm fireworks.
Whiskey Red’s, located right along the scenic marina, is hosting a buffet barbecue and reservations are being taken now for patio ($62.95) or indoor seating (52.95)–but come on people, you want the patio.
3. On a Roof
High, the rooftop of Venice’s funky hotel gives you unobstructed views of the fireworks, the sunset and the pretty people that are sitting at the tables next to you. A table reservation gets you 2 beers, a cocktail, a gourmet sausage and DJ to complete the perfect summer evening. What’s more American than that?
4. On a Boat
The Queen Mary is welcoming revelers on board for a day filled of events–from a circus to a Great Gatsby party, each decade from the 1940s will be represented, letting attendees party through the ages. The ticket gets you on board and access to the events, plus prime viewing of the Long Beach fireworks from the deck. Purchase your tickets here for a hefty discount ($26 vs $44 on their website).
USTOA Live Like a Local
A Colonial coastal city with history, culture and personality in spades, it’s easy to fall in love with Cartagena. What really makes it stand apart is it’s amazing local culture & tradition so come dive right in with me!
USTOA Live Like a Local
Food plays an integral role in the local life of Cartagena and I got a crash course in local cuisine from a chef. We explored the gritty and fascinating Bazurto Market, had a cooking lesson and then I hit up the old city to sample all the international flavors that come together to make Colombian cuisine.
USTOA Live Like a Local
The streets of Cartagena are filled with crafts and local treasures, it’s easy to get your shopping on. Don’t miss Las Bovedas–a former prison that is now converted into shops with local crafts, souvenirs coffees and more.
USTOA Live Like a Local
When in Cartagena, we dance! Come check out the local party atmosphere of this incredible city–from salsa lessons to party buses to dance halls–Cartagena knows how to heat up the night.
The Hotel Snob goes to the shishi Parker Palm Springs to see what all the fuss is about. She indulges her way through Norma’s, the Lemonade Stand, saltwater pools and the various lawn games, all underneath the swaying palms and bright blue sky of the desert. Watch her review.
Oceanfront views: check. Stunning grounds: check. Fantastic restaurant: check. Croquet: check.
The Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara ticks off a lot of boxes–watch the full review to find out if it’s worth the splurge for getaway.
Get Lost in Saint Lucia with Kelley Ferro
Chocolate Trail
Saint Lucian chocolate is known far & wide as some of the world’s best, and on the island you can find chocolate has a variety of uses. Kelley experiences chocolate not only as a sweet food, but as a savory spice. She also learns about it’s benefits for the outside of the body–at the spa. Through it’s handcrafted production methods, dating back to the beginning of the island, chocolate is much more than just a sweet treat.
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