Roving I

Roving I Recap: Weird in Reykjavik

2013-08-29T14:50:00.001-05:00

Maybe it was the jet lag or maybe it's just Iceland, but on a stroll through the streets of Reykjavik on our first night in the country, we found ourselves surrounded by several odd things.

Like the above image. Do you think it's supposed to be the House of Icelandic Design which includes Food, Art & Music? Or the House of Icelandic which includes Design, Food, Art & Music? Either way, there are kitties in the crest.

This little duck-footed gem was dangling in a residential street window near the Hallgrímskirkja, eerily twirling in the chilly July air.

I spotted this unconventional unicorn bust perched atop a modern home in the City Center. And, yes, that is a boob.

And finally, there's this guy. At least he has goals. And 3D glasses.

Roving Pic: Talisker Distillery

2013-08-25T22:03:00.000-05:00

Wind-worn, weathered, washed by the rain, Talisker Distillery stands watch on the edge of the Isle of Skye. With a tradition as rich as its mash tun air, it endures single-mindedly as single malt perfection.

Glamorous Iceland

2013-06-21T16:22:00.000-05:00

In a few weeks, we'll be traveling to one of the most remote and unpopulated countries in the world - Iceland. And while I'm looking forward to the adventure, I'm also a little nervous about it. I don't like the cold. At all. I dread winter. Snow generally disagrees with me. And ice, well, I'm not what you call graceful on solid ground and therefore significantly less so on frozen water. Luckily, we're traveling in summer when the days are long (20+ hours of daylight) and aside from the massive glaciers throughout the country, temperatures for the most part should be around 60F.

When I came across these posh places to stay in "the land of ice and fire," I started to feel a lot more comfortable about our vacation decision. And while accommodations of any kind can be few and far between outside of Reykjavik, these three promise to be worth the trek.

Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel - Golden Circle Area, Iceland
Hotel Grimsborgir - Grimsnes, South Iceland
Hotel Budir - Sneafellsnes Peninsula, West Iceland

Roving Pic: Window on Provence

2012-08-02T15:48:00.000-05:00

Moulin de la Roque

Noves, France

July 2012

The view from our kitchen window was a lovely distraction as we prepared dinner in the late evening light of summer.

Roving Pic: Lone Windmill

2012-07-20T17:00:00.000-05:00

Stone Windmill outside of Ansouis, France

In a Provençal landscape surrounded by ripening vineyards and golden wheat, the windmill stood alone, its hands lazily turning in the mid-summer breeze.

Roving I Finds: Places in Provence

2012-06-06T16:59:00.001-05:00

Provence Paradise

While planning our upcoming trip to the south of France, searching for the right vacation rental for two couples for a week-long stay yielded some amazing results. And while we have yet to visit our chosen location, any of the choices below would make excellent home bases for a stay in the Provence region. On y va!

Provence Paradise: Located near the lovely St. Remy de Provence, this hamlet of restored 17th Century farm houses provides families and couples alike with self-catering accommodations in the heart of Provence.

Photos: Provence Paradise

Moulin de la Roque: Between Avignon and St. Remy de Provence, next to the small town of Noves, a restored 18th Century flour mill and its surrounding homes make up this welcoming Provencal estate on 12 acres.

Photos: Moulin de la Roque

Le Mas de Bassette: An 18th Century exterior is the perfect vintage cover for this Bed & Breakfast's modern interior and furnishings. Located 20 minutes southwest of Avignon in Barbentane, it would make a perfect place to unwind in the French countryside.

Photos: Le Mas de Bassette

Roving I Recap: Dogs of Pompeii

2012-05-11T13:19:00.001-05:00

In the shadow of Vesuvius, the inhabitants of Pompeii wander among the ghosts of the past. Not alone, not a pack, they slowly make their way through the ruins and winding, well-worn paths. They live in a world of their own, ambivalent to the crowds of camera-clad visitors. And as the afternoon heat fades into the welcome relief of the Campania evening air, they keep watch in shifts from available posts in the shade, ever vigilant, always valiant.

Guardians of time. Keepers of history. Protectors of souls.

Roving Pic: Vintage Positano

2012-05-04T14:50:00.001-05:00

Vintage Shop with a View
Positano, Italy
July 2011

The Amalfi Coast treasures in front of us couldn't compete with the one behind us.

Roving Pic: Cliffs of Moher

2012-04-17T17:39:00.000-05:00

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
June 2010

We stood on green-coated cliffs high above crashing waves, precariously balancing on the very point where the beauty of Ireland meets the endless sea.

Roving Pic: Spring Break Vineyard View

2012-04-04T17:05:00.000-05:00

Charleville Winery
Ste. Genevieve, Missouri
March 2012

No beaches. No sun. No tan lines. Just a country winery on a rainy day and a glass of red before noon. Perfection.

Roving Pic: A Desert Winery in Winter

2012-03-15T22:38:00.000-05:00

Desert Winery Workhorse
Verde Valley, Arizona
December 2011

The grapes had long been picked. The desert air had cooled. But, despite the change in season, the winery workhorse remained in its place, guarding the bare vines and the promise of harvests to come.

Roving I Recap: Sedona Rouge - Approachable Luxury in Red Rock Country

2012-03-06T21:45:00.000-06:00

Sedona Rouge

Our second trip to Sedona in two years was a bit last minute - booked, bought and paid for after a discussion (with wine) on a Friday night last fall. Flights secured, my search shifted to finding suitable accommodations. After scouring my trusted sites for last minute deals, I found a bargain at the Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa.

It's convenient location on Highway 79A had me a bit worried that the road noise would travel, but checking in, I knew I had booked the right place. Our room was located near the back of the property and it was spacious and tastefully decorated with Moroccan touches. The shower was positively enormous. And the view, as in most of Sedona, was jaw-droppingly spectacular.

Sedona Rouge Spa Suite Room

Daily yoga classes (I almost made it to one!), full-service spa, heated pool and rooftop fire pit make a stay at any time of year even more comfortable. Reds, an upscale restaurant located on the property next to the main office serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. (We very much enjoyed our meal there our last night in town.)

Sedona Rouge Courtyard

Returning to the Sedona Rouge each day with red rock dust covering our shoes after hiking, after winery visits with more wine in hand and after filling mid-winter dinners, we felt very much at home. And the knowledge that we would be waking up to a view of Thunder Mountain made falling asleep that much easier.

Sedona's Stunning Red Rock Views

Roving I Finds: Central America Getaways

2012-03-02T17:46:00.000-06:00

Gaia Hotel & Reserve
Costa Rica

Central America is new to my "To Go" list. And as I began to explore possible locations, I found some deals that would be perfect for those of you planning a trip there this year. Enjoy!

Costa Rica: If you've always wanted to stay in the rain forest, the luxury Gaia Hotel & Reserve sits on a private nature reserve. For $1220, you get a 4-night stay, a free upgrade to an ocean-view studio and $1000 in dining, spa and transportation credits with this special offer from Travelzoo.com. More info here.

Nicaraguan Beach

Nicaragua: Jetsetter.com has savings on the unique tree house accommodations at eco-friendly Aqua Wellness Resort. Private plunge pools, a secluded horseshoe-shaped beach and open-air yoga classes make your stay even more enjoyable. Get more details and book here for as low as $132/night.

St. George's Caye Resort
Belize

Belize: If Scuba is your thing, Luxurylink.com has a 5-night package for 2 at St. George's Caye Resort including ocean cabana accommodations, round trip airport transfers, all meals (and unlimited rum punch!) starting at $2059. Dates are available through October. Find more information here.

Roving Pic: Siena Today

2012-02-17T19:10:00.000-06:00

Siena
July 2011

Siena's past was pressed beautifully into every stone, structure and side street, making the present difficult to see.

Roving Pic: Red Rock Sunset

2012-02-07T17:50:00.000-06:00

Sedona at Sunset
December 2011

Majestic. Muted. Magical.

Roving Pic: Lone Tree

2012-01-25T22:49:00.000-06:00

Lone Tree
Sedona, Arizona
December 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

Left alone and lovely, its twisted form scattered delicate slivers of shade on its red rock resting place.

Roving Pic: On the Edge

2012-01-19T23:27:00.000-06:00

Private Property
Jerome, Arizona
December 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

On the edge of a cliff, supported by a never-ending view and ever-shifting red and gray grit. On the edge of destruction, cracked, crumbling and awkwardly crooked. On the edge of time, suspended in a past that still lingers in the dry, high desert air.

Roving I Finds: Great Escapes for Winter

2012-01-09T22:14:00.000-06:00

We're just back from a far-too-short-stay in Sedona and I'm already searching my trusty travel sites for where I can go next, even if it's just for a short getaway. Below are some amazing destinations with equally amazing savings for winter travel. Only three months to go until Spring!

Dublin, Ireland: If you're looking to enjoy some Guinness goodness this March or April, Travelzoo.com is featuring a Sceptre Tours package for air and four nights hotel stay at the 5-star Four Seasons in Dublin's City Center for just $799 per person from JFK (other departure cities are available). More info here.
Scottsdale, Arizona: Named after its towering prickly neighbors, the hip Saguaro Hotel is offering rooms starting at $99/night through Sniqueaway.com for stays through March. Book by Saturday.
Palm Springs, California: The swanky desert retreat and former Rat Pack hangout, Riviera Palm Springs has just completed an extensive renovation and is celebrating with big savings this winter through vacationist.com. Book for as low at $148/night by Wednesday.
Austin, Texas: Nab a stay at Starwood's trendy Aloft brand in Austin (and other Texas towns) for as low as $119/night for stays on dates through March. Visit Travelzoo.com for more info and to book by January 20th.

Roving Pic: Red Rocked

2012-01-03T22:40:00.000-06:00

Red Giants
Sedona, AZ
December 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

As we followed the trail deeper into canyon, the red giants slept, growing taller and more magnificent with every step. Sufficiently awed and thoroughly amazed, we walked on in wonder amongst them.

Roving Pic: Edge of the World

2011-12-13T19:00:00.000-06:00

View from Ravello
July 2011

Our time in lovely Ravello can be summed up with this: One short-lived afternoon with a never-ending view.

Roving Pic: Day on the Bay

2011-11-29T20:37:00.000-06:00

Bay
July 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

On the surface, it appeared to be a dreary, drizzly day in Positano. But, as the hours slipped by, I realized it was right as rain.

Roving Pic: Positano From Above

2011-11-22T18:49:00.000-06:00

A Positano Evening
July 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

Below us, a twinkling gem was tucked neatly into the hillside. In front of us, the gray sea stretched out, engulfing the horizon. Above us, night slipped in, one delicate shade of darkness at a time.

Roving Pic: Hide & Seek

2011-11-15T10:42:00.000-06:00

Hide & Seek
Positano, Italy
July 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

The Amalfi Coast air was warm on July 5th. A fingernail moon floated above us and on the waves as we walked, gelato in hand, toward the water. A group of children were already there, dodging each other in the darkness, taking turns counting to "dieci." As they stealthily ducked out of site, cloaked by vacant lounge chairs and closed umbrellas, I realized that a summer night at the beach in Italy was a lot like a summer night at the beach in the States.

Roving I Recap: Dining Al Fresco in the Chianti Hills

2011-11-07T23:10:00.000-06:00

Before spending time in Tuscany, when I imagined dining in the Tuscan hills (which I often did), I envisioned al fresco meals with candle-lit tables near ancient stone dwellings with rows of deep green cypress trees lining the horizon. After reading the review for La Cantinetta di Rignana in my ever-present Frommer's book, I knew I had found my authentic Tuscan dining experience. Next, we just had to get there.

A rigorous day of sight-seeing in Florence and a bout of Italian rush hour traffic had left us famished for dinner and for the familiar, relaxed Tuscan countryside. We couldn't wait to get back to our peaceful, cypress-lined paradise that I had started to regard as home.

Once back in Greve in Chianti, we followed the somewhat daunting directions in the book that went something like this: Exit Greve to the east. Drive past Montefioralle, follow the one lane road up a steep hill, through several switchbacks until you get to a fork in the road. A simple sign for La Cantinetta di Rignana will guide you left down an unmarked rock road. Follow 3 miles (in the dark) until you reach a tiny stone hamlet perched on the hillside and La Cantinetta di Rignana.

We wandered through the marked entrance and into a place straight out of my dining daydreams. Once seated at a cozy, candle-lit table, wine was ordered along with a house speciality, "carciofi" (artichoke hearts). The appetizer consisted of ten artichoke hearts that were easily the size of small plums. But, after the first one, the next nine didn't stand a chance. Grown on the property, each one was infused with notes from the native soil and air and sufficiently soaked in inky balsamic vinegar. The flavors of Tuscany lingered in every layer.

As we dined on fresh regional entrees of cinghiale ravioli, a well-fed cat hunted in the moonlit olive grove adjacent to the restaurant. A snail on the sill lazily made his way out the partly open window into the night. And soft lights flickered on the neighboring hillsides.

Al fresco perfection achieved, we left our new found find behind and took the long way back to Greve.

Roving Pic: Cellar

2011-11-02T23:05:00.000-05:00

Verrazzano Cellar
July 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

Dimly-lit and with a distinct chill even in the Tuscan summer heat, the cellar surrounded us with scents of French oak and warm, waiting Chianti wine. The barrels stood guard, silent and proud, reflecting a stream of morning light and centuries of tradition.