Tag: restaurants

I'll be the first to admit that not long ago, I would have been quick to declare that Valentine's Day is nothing more than a "Hallmark" holiday. I’ve often said, "It's just a reason for greeting card companies to push more product." While they certainly capitalize on the holiday, I had an epiphany that brought me on board with the celebration.

Even before the light bulb went off above my head, I still celebrated Valentine's Day and even enjoyed the holiday, although a certain piece of me felt it was contrived.

Kansas City has so much to offer newlyweds who are looking for a little something different on their honeymoon or early travels. From delectable cuisines and rich culture to Midwestern staples and activities that help build a stronger bond, Kansas City will not disappoint.

Here are three ways to spend your honeymoon in Kansas City like a local, avoiding places crawling with tourists.

Known for its natural beauty, wines, food, music, and art, Traverse City has so much to offer, it makes our heads spin. Here's our "Don't Miss" list for first timers.

Day 1

Start your tour just northwest of Traverse City proper at The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a 64-mile stretch along the shore of Lake Michigan. Named the Most Beautiful Spot in America in 2011 by viewers of Good Morning America, this stunning national park holds many treasures. Enjoy a walk or swim, or discover the Glen Haven “ghost port.”

Set on more than 1,200 acres of land in the heart of Napa Valley, Silverado Resort and Spa is a captivating landmark destination. The AAA Four Diamond hotel property features 370 guest rooms, two 18-hole PGA championship golf courses, two restaurants, a 16,000-square foot spa, 30,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and conference space, 13 tennis courts, 10 swimming pools, and a fitness center.

On the shores of the Puget Sound’s Olympic Peninsula, just a 90-minute drive or 15-minute seaplane ride from Seattle, The Resort at Port Ludlow is a charming oasis. Originally settled by members of the S’Kallam Tribe, it was named in 1841 during the first U.S. Navy expedition to map and chart the Puget Sound and Olympic Peninsula.

The resort is well-appointed, with a 37-room boutique waterfront inn, a 300-slip marina, and a championship 18-hole golf course, recognized as a Top Course to Play in 2012 by Golfweek. The resort’s intimate suites include gas fireplaces, jetted tubs, and sitting areas.

In the heart of California’s Central Coast, the Classic California town of Pismo Beach is living the dream. Each morning, surfers stop to assess the waves, fishermen cast lines from the magnificent pier, and owners walk their dogs along the sparkling beach. It’s amazing to realize that, in just a matter of minutes, they could all be standing in a rolling vineyard. Just up the road and around the bend, the wineries of South San Luis Obispo County, in Edna, and Arroyo Grande Valleys are waiting to be discovered.

At the foot of the Napa Valley, charming Downtown Napa has transformed into a culinary and entertainment destination that should not be missed.

Back in 1847, the town of Napa was founded at the uppermost point of the Napa River to act as a hub for trade and transportation. Today, Downtown Napa has become a hub of a different kind, bringing world-class wine, food, and culture into one vibrant place. It seems there’s always something exciting happening in Downtown Napa: the opening of a new tasting room, a new art exhibit, or a new restaurant featuring another great chef. Rest assured, Downtown Napa is not a tourist trap. It’s genuine and real. In fact, this urban spot has become a gathering place for locals to meet, hang out, and savor all the good things Napa Valley has to offer. So next time, when in Napa Valley, do as the Napans do, and "do" Downtown Napa.