great-grandchildren, and the wedding of my grandson, were among
the reasons that kept me from traveling abroad this past
year. However, in spite of the fact that there was no time
for traveling internationally, those reasons didn’t keep me from
having many fascinating experiences. Come along with me as I share my
favorite domestic travel experiences of the past year in our own beautiful
country.
EASTERN CITY: New York, New York…a city so great they say
their name twice. Nicknamed “The Big Apple” in
1971, the term was originally used in the 1920s and 1930s by jazz
musicians as a way of saying, “There are many apples on the
success tree, but when you pick New York City, you pick the Big
Apple.” It came to mean “the big time”.
 |
| NEW YORK CITY VIEWED FROM THE 86th FLOOR OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING |
MIDWESTERN CITY: St. Louis, Missouri offers much more than Judy
Garland sang about when she invited moviegoers to meet her at the
1904 World’s Fair. Symbolized by the
internationally recognized Eero Saarinen Arch on the west bank of the
Mississippi River, this Route 66 city oozes small town comfort and
exudes big city sophistication. You’ll get your kicks on Route
66.
 |
| GATEWAY ARCH IN ST. LOUIS |
COMEBACK CITY: Detroit’s resurgence is evident in the gleaming new
buildings that reflect the images of their aging neighbors…in
the grand restoration of the landmark Book-Cadillac Hotel and
the glorious Fox Theater…in the planned restoration at the
Downtown Synagogue…in the performance of traveling Broadway shows
such as “Motown the Musical”… in the flocks of people visiting the
Motown Museum, one of Southeast Michigan’s most popular
tourist destinations…and in the upcoming hotel, retail, and
condominium complex to be built on the site of the Joe Louis Arena.
 |
DETROIT’S RIVERFRONT WAS VOTED ONE OF TOP TEN IN AMERICA |
City’s newest luxury lifestyle hotel, provides the sophisticated traveler
a refined urban sanctuary. Situated on 57th Street, a
short block away from Carnegie Hall, this elegant 17-story pre-War
building has a history that is fully intertwined with an entire era
of world-class music. The former Buckingham Hotel, once home
to icons like Paderewski and Tebaldi, has been rechristened the Quin
and re-imagined as a new luxury hotel where art, design and nature
blend seamlessly to create a sanctuary from the
city. The Quin delivers the quintessential essence of New
York in an atmosphere of serene elegance.
Cadillac Detroit Hotel has been restored to its original
grandeur. This luxury landmark has returned its legendary
style and splendor to downtown Detroit. Built by Detroit’s
famous Book brothers, this Italian Renaissance-style hotel, with
sweeping views of the city skyline or the Detroit River, is listed on
the National Register of Historic Places.
hotel is known for unparalleled splendor, spectacular views, spacious
rooms and exquisite service. Located across the street from
St. Patrick’s Cathedral and only steps from Rockefeller Center, the
hotel’s world-renowned Madison Avenue courtyard, provides a dramatic
entryway to the hotel’s grand lobby. The
courtyard incorporates motifs from several 15th-century Italian
cathedrals and has served as the entranceway to the historic Villard
Mansion since 1882.
 |
| COURTYARD OF THE NEW YORK PALACE HOTEL |
BARGAIN HOTEL: I love getting value received. At the
Embassy Suites Ft. Lauderdale I always get just that…in
spades. Under the astute management of a young man named
Don Friedman, it has become one of Ft. Lauderdale’s most value-priced
destinations as well as the number one choice for pre-cruise tours in
Ft. Lauderdale. The reasonably priced hotel includes a lovely pool
area, a complimentary, full cooked to order breakfast; complimentary
Manager’s Reception; complimentary business and fitness
center…and the newly renovated atrium area is stunning.
 |
| LOVELY POOL AREA AT EMBASSY SUITES FT. LAUDERDALE |
pinnacle of luxury on New York’s Upper East Side, is The Carlyle
Restaurant, a must-do venue for an exquisite meal. The
gracious setting of plush banquettes, Aubusson rugs, mirrored alcoves, a
dramatic six-foot-tall floral arrangement, and English hunting
scenes, transported me to an intimate English manor House. A divine
dinner transported me to heaven. Following dinner, we headed to
the Carlyle’s Bemelmans Bar.
 |
|
THE CARLYLE RESTAURANT
|
BAR: Bemelmans Bar was named in honor of Ludwig Bemelmans, a successful
artist and the creator of the
classic Madeline children’s books. In exchange
for accommodations at the Carlyle Hotel, Bemelmans transformed the
hotel’s bar with whimsical scenes of Central Park that included
picnicking rabbits and ice skating elephants. Good taste and
sophistication with a dash of wit. This “veddy veddy” civilized
Art Deco Bar, with its 24-karat gold leaf-covered ceiling, is the only
surviving Bemelmans commission open to the public. And, oh
yes, in addition to the décor, the drinks and the “jazsical”
(jazz and classical) music are also divine!
wrapped in urban luxury. Tranquil waters…rich woods…soothing
light. I transcended relaxation with a thermal massage
that combined a soothing massage with heated basalt stones.
The heat from the stones was transferred into my stiff aching muscles.
 |
| ENTRANCE INTO MGM GRAND DETROIT, HOME OF IMMERSE SPA |
BREAKFAST: From the grand staircase of The New York Palace,
a glowing wall of gold Champagne bottles welcomed us
to Villard Michel Richard, a refined and elegant restaurant in the
New York Palace. This is a prime spot for power breakfasts or
that special luxury-priced breakfast. Amid the frescoes and
marble pilasters of the landmark Villard Mansion, renowned Chef
Michel Richard showcases his masterful culinary techniques and
vibrant artistic imagination.
BARGAIN SIGHTSEEING: For bargain touring in New York City there is a
thrifty trio that will save you big bucks…a ticket for the GrayLine
Hop-on Hop-off bus…a New York Pass book…and a New York CityPASS. The
first will take you on your choice of city loop tours on a
double-decker bus. The second and third will give
you admissions, discounts, privileges (such as line-skipping), etc.
to a plethora of attractions, museums, restaurants and
shops. As the saying goes: “You pays your money and
you takes your choice”.
DRYBAR: No cuts! No color! Just blowouts! Need your hair
styled in New York City? Forget those fancy salons with their
3-figure prices. For $40 you get a choice of hairstyles
from their menu. Their weapons of mass perfection include
brushes, flat iron hair straighteners, a high-performance arsenal of
products, and an assortment of clips, headbands, and scarves. And,
lest we forget Buttercup, the yellow upside down blow dryer that is
the official mascot of Drybar. Drybar will simply blow you
away!
 |
| DRYBAR’S SIGNATURE YELLOW BLOW DRYERS FORM THE SALON’S CHANDELIER |
JANET STEINBERG is an award-winning Travel Writer and a Travel Consultant
with THE TRAVEL AUTHORITY in Mariemont, Ohio.