Get Lost It might seem obvious that perfume was invented in Cologne, but the history behind this ‘eau de parfum’ is fascinating. This entertaining tour/performance brings you back to the Middle Ages and takes you through the process and development of the sweet scents that we’ve come to know today.
From the highest peaks, to the rowdiest beer halls to the loveliest outdoor gardens, Kelley takes her show to Germany to discover the best sights, bites & things to do in Munich, Bavaria and Cologne.
THIS EPISODE: Kelley explores the Bavarian capital city of Munich and shows her top picks for what you must do in this historic, beer filled, cultural city! From the Eisbach surfing wave, to the Viktualienmarkt, to donning a dirndl at Lola Paltinger, or even digging in to some pretzels & beer at Hofbrauhaus–she takes you to Munich’s finest!
Garmisch Partenkirchen–the postcard perfect Bavarian region with sky high mountains, deep gorges and wildflower fields.
Hotel Widder. If you go to Zurich, you have to stay here. There’s nothing more to say. Best location, best design, best staff, best food and best bar hands down. Don’t believe me? Then watch this:
Swiss Miss in Saint Moritz Video
Swiss Miss: Skiing in Saint Moritz Video
Saint Moritz. Glitz. Glamor. Snow. Furry boots. There’s a reason “ritz” is in the name. The city is just as popular among the jetset today as it was 50 years ago. St Moritz feels like a really upscale fairytale. Softly falling snow, gourmet chocolates, bustling pastry shops which may have taken advantage of equipment from shop supplies, chic shops in whimsical buildings and grandiose 5 star hotels. No wonder the likes of Grace Kelly and George Clooney have called St Moritz their winter retreat.
Just getting off the train, I had this overwhelming sense that Saint Moritz was THE place to be “wintering.” It didn’t hurt that I was there just days before the “White Turf,” a series of equine competitions all held on top of the city’s now frozen glacial lake.
I was experiencing the city in style, staying at the oldest and one of the most famous 5 Stars, the Kulm Hotel and skiing incredible ski area. Now this is what it’s like to live luxe.
id=”attachment_220″ align=”alignright” width=”224″ caption=”The peak of Corviglia in St Moritz”
I only had two nights in the city and was quite busy filming, eating sumptuous breakfasts, checking out the spa & gym and exploring the town. To be honest, I almost didn’t really feel like going skiing–trekking up to the hill in all my gear, freezing my buns off for a few runs just to say I did it.
Wow was I wrong. My few hours skiing ended up being the best skiing of my life and probably the biggest highlight of the trip (which is saying A LOT). Not only did the Engadin Tourism board make the rental process and transport to the peak extremely easy (the funicular literally takes you from street to peak in around 10 minutes), but the mountain itself was just stunning. I still lose myself in the mental images of the incredible peaks, the perfectly groomed trails, the open spaces and lack of lift lines. When Angela forced me to stop for lunch, I had the most delicious ski resort lunch of rosti with ham. I think she thought it was pretty funny how much I raved and I’m pretty sure my actual skiing wasn’t so pretty as I was so distracted. I told her that she was so so lucky to have this in her backyard and to be able to take a few runs on her lunch break (what!?).
I indulged, as the Saint Moritz-ers do, in an apres ski gluwein at the Hauser’s lively outdoor bar before returning for a swanky evening of cocktail parties, night ice skating, a delicious dinner and a jazz concert at the Kulm. My adrenaline was still racing all evening from the amazing trails and I truly understood why St Moritz was the birthplace of the winter ski holiday.
To see more photos from the trip, take a look here: [slideshow]
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Stay tuned for more St Moritz fun at the historic, and opulent, Kulm Hotel St Moritz.
If you want to get up close and personal with one of Switzerland’s most famous assets (and without freezing), take the Glacier Express. This panormaic train not only takes you through picture perfect villages but you literally scale blindingly white, epic glaciers. A major plus is the oversize windows that let’s you feel you could reach out and touch the snow, but you are warm & cozy in your immaculate cars with waiter service and excellent food.
Have you ever called a Palace home? Well I was lucky enough to call the Gstaad Palace, one of the best hotels in the world, my home for two glorious days. I’ll never forget the unbelievable food (yes champagne truffle fondue exists), the charming staff, opulent spa and every inch of this ridiculously beautiful hotel–inside and out. Yes heaven exist on earth and I believe it’s at the Gstaad Palace
I had no idea what to expect when the train rolled into Zurich. I knew it was the capital, one of Switzerland’s biggest cities, and from I had heard, very pretty. But I wasn’t expecting what I found.
I only had about 24 hours, but from the amazing macarons at Sprungli, to the hot bars out in Zurich West, to the culinary playhouse that is MarktHalle, I had a blast. And it didn’t hurt that my hotel, the Hotel Widder, was not only modern and stylish, but it was the PLACE TO BE in the evening at the Widder Bar. The food at this jazz bar was superb but the main draw was the “library of spirits” and the expert bartenders that made swanky, sexy named drinks.
I spent a lovely evening with Corina Sohner from the hotel, and she and I had fun tasting Markus Blattner’s concoctions. And Alexsander Kroll’s dinner was a dining experience that I’ll never forget. Dish upon dish was served and each were as beautiful as they were tasty. I insisted on going behind the scenes into the kitchen to see where the magic happened. The kitchen was just as pristine as the dining room and it’s no wonder that every dish is a marvel considering the time that is spent perfecting each detail.
I was sad to fly out from Zurich and wanted more time to explore the winding streets of the Alstadt–which looked like a page out of medival fairytales. However, I know my week as a Swiss Miss only confirmed that I’ll be returning and spending much more than a week in this vibrant, innovative and just plain breath-taking country. At least for now, I’ll have my videos so I can relive all those moments (and delicious meals!).
A NEW YORK MINUTE: Kelley’s Sweet on…Sweet Revenge Cupcakes!
New York City is obsessed with cupcakes, and I have to admit, I am too. I crave these moist, frosting topped bites of joy. But because the city has such a wealth of offerings, I refuse to settle for any old cupcake. I want the best of the best. So that’s why I chose Sweet Revenge in the West Village.
Not only does Sweet Revenge offer lip smacking cupcakes (emphasis on CAKE), but they offer unique flavors and pair each with a wine and beer.
The West Village location also makes it a charming stop for brunch, lunch, happy hour or after dinner sweets.
To learn more about the equally sweet owner, Marlo Scott, and her fabulous cupcake & wine bar go to http://www.sweetrevengenyc.com/
Goat milk soft serve? Skeptical? Don’t be. It’s amazing. This new boutique ice cream shop serves good-for-you goat milk soft serve in inventive flavors with out-of-the-box toppings. I try it for myself and go behind the scenes with the shop’s owner.
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