Martha’s Vineyard’s Oldest Hotel: The Kelley House

This historic hotel located in downtown Edgartown feels anything but old. The suites and rooms are classically New England yet modern wit a nautical twist. I loved the pool and the outdoor pool bar area. The Kelley House also has a great restaurant, the Newes from America, which serves up pub-style food and great drinks in a very cozy, local atmosphere.

An Island Hotel You Need to See on Martha’s Vineyard

If you’ve ever been to Martha’s Vineyard, you understand how quaint, historical, charming and transportive this little island off of Cape Cod truly is. I’ve been coming since I was a kid and I can definitely say it is on my short list of happy places.
There are a handful of towns and even more places to stay but where you should definitely consider is Edgartown and the Harbor View Hotel. Elegant, classic, and true to the personality of the town, this hotel is a destination on it’s own. An amazing pool, comfortable & spacious rooms and great dining options all contribute to this hotel’s charm. And don’t forget, the best views, in my opinion, are from the Harbor View Hotel’s deck. This prime viewpoint showcases the Harbor Lighthouse better than anywhere else.

Feasting in Montana: A Long Table Dinner Event

I’d NEVER been to Montana so getting to see it for the first time in the summer, while staying at The Resort at Paws Up, felt too good to be true. But it actually, got even better. The main event of my long weekend with my gal pal Valorie was The Bounty on the Blackfoot. Several times a year, Paws Up hosts these spectacular outdoor dinners featuring their own Executive Chef Ben Jones, as well as a well-regarded guest chef. In this case, we had Chef Brooke Williamson, Top Chef alum, and owner of 3 outstanding restaurants in Southern California.
This particular dinner was held on Saturday night, out in one of the wide open meadows, just as the sun was setting. It started with a farmer’s market, where local vendors came in as guests learned more about local Montana goods. Then later guests took their seats at one, VERY long table, to dine, drink and laugh as the sky turned pink.
I profiled the event and even got to interview Chefs Ben and Brooke, as they prepared from early in the morning to at the time of service out in the field.
It was simply put: outstanding.
Learn more about their Long Table events here: http://www.pawsup.com/montana-long-ta…

Food at The Resort at Paws Up

Open air dinner, picnic on the trail, campfire smores, riverside dinners–the food at The Resort at Paws Up is an experience all it’s own. Out in the middle of 37,000 acres of Montana wilderness, this resort is elegance meets rustic. From the ample breakfast spread to amazing cozy bar Tank, the upscale Pomp for dinner or even dining in your camp pavilion or wilderness estate–the quality is top notch.
My favorite part–there’s a huge focus on local vendors so you are drinking whiskey from down the road, enjoying meats from nearby farms and devouring vegetables from the farmer’s market!

Outdoor Adventures at The Resort at Paws Up

River rafting. Horseback Riding. Forest Picnic. Massage in a luxury tent. There’s SO much you can do at this huge resort, I definitely had a blast trying to fit as much as I could in just 3 days. Check out my favorite outdoor adventures at this working ranch and luxury glamping resort!

Special thanks to gal pal and camerawoman, Valorie Darling!

Hotel Snob: Borgo Santo Pietro

Driving through Tuscany, Borgo Santo Pietro appears almost like a mirage. The gates open until this tranquil oasis of gardens, fountains, majestic views and stunning vistas. The 13th-century farmhouse serves as the main house but the interiors are modern and classical. Be prepared to eat very well here as they have a Michelin star restaurant, Meo Modo. And do me a favor, swim in their infinity pool with a natural bottom. You won’t regret staying at this charming property.

Cooking with Locals: Silvia Baracchi of Il Falconiere

I love to EAT Italian food, so it’s high time that I learn how to cook it, the Italian way! Michelin star chef, Silvia Baracchi invited myself and my parents to have a cooking class with her at her cute Tuscan kitchen on the breath-taking relais & chateaux estate of Il Falconiere. We made a 3 course meal from scratch, sipping wine, learning tricks and laughing along the way. A bonus is you get to eat what you make later on at their stunning al fresco restaurant. A truly memorable afternoon and meal.

Hotel Raphaël, Rome, Italy

The HOTEL SNOB is at it again! I traveled to Italy this summer and spent a fantastic weekend in Rome. I chose to stay at Hotel Raphaël because of its location near Piazza Navona, it’s eco-friendliness and it’s amazing rooftop. I was pleased with my stay–the rooms were stylish and modern, breakfast was hearty & delicious and the rooftop was breathtaking, now with a new restaurant. The location is hard to beat if you want to be in the middle of all the sites and I enjoyed the surrounding small streets. See the hotel for yourself and let me know if you agree with my review!

Papua New Guinea: A Country Profile

Explore this remote part of the world with me as I go from Papua New Guinea’s mountainous Highlands to the Karawari River and Sepik in the Lowlands. With few roads, we took a charter plane between locations on the most remote experience of my life!

 

Sponsors: United States Tour Operators Association

Custom tour itinerary provided by Swain Destinations.

Love, Travel & Getting Married: The Best Day of My Life

People always say that their wedding day is the best day of our lives. I didn’t buy all those clichés until… I got married myself. I was lucky enough to wed the man that I’d been with for 6 years in the most special place to us in the world. Imagine saying your vows in an exotic place; your perfect destination weddings planner abroad with Designed Dream can make it a reality. If you need a wedding photographer Cape Cod, try calling Kelly Dillon Photography. Or search for Pamela Lepold Photography, an exceptional wedding photographer Northern Virginia.

Our expert team collaborates closely with couples, translating visions into breathtaking realities. From conceptualization to execution, we meticulously orchestrate every detail, ensuring a flawless celebration that reflects your unique love story. With an eye for elegance and a commitment to excellence, Designed Dream transforms venues into enchanting settings, captivating guests with enchanting decor and exquisite floral arrangements. With our comprehensive services, including budget management, vendor coordination, and timeline organization, we alleviate stress, allowing you to savor every moment of your dream wedding day, creating memories to cherish for a lifetime. If you’re looking for a Rhode Island wedding photographer, contact Stacy Smith Photography.

We were married barefoot on the sand in Saint Lucia, at the jaw-dropping Sugar Beach A Viceroy Resort (many of you may know me as a Hotel Snob, let me tell you–this hotel will knock your socks off, no matter how much of a snob you are ;).

There’s so much more to say about the catamaran cruise, the rehearsal dinner at Ladera and the big day on the sand and dancing at the Bayside Restaurant, but since it’s our ONE YEAR anniversary, I’m going to release the never before seen Wedding Video. Let me know what you think! Couples who didn’t have a happy ending may consider hiring Palatine divorce lawyers.