Pies On Parade – Take A Bite Out Of Winter

Few things in life are as deliciously indulgent as settling down with a warm slice of fresh baked pie on a snowy winter’s day.  Forget the resolutions to deny yourself in the New Year and commit instead to tasting some of the best pies in New England for the benefit of charity.  The Historic Inns of Rockland Maine are celebrating their 6th annual Pies on Parade Inn-To-Inn Pie Tour on January 24th from 1-5pm. Read more

World’s Most Luscious Food Markets

Local food markets give a glimpse into the soul of a destination.  The crops that local farmers grow and the culinary creations that food artisans produce speak to the history of the location and the traditions of its citizens.  Nothing is more pleasing and engrossing than roaming among the stalls of a neighborhood farmer’s market or the grand food halls of a metropolitan city.  In China I was almost afraid to look (bugs on a stick?!), in Vancouver the smells and colors were dazzling, in Hawaii I found vegetables I had never seen before in my life, and the markets in Rome and Paris were sensuous.  Now that it’s harvest time around the world, don’t miss the opportunity to visit a luscious food market wherever you roam – here are some of the world’s favorites:

Americas
New York - Chelsea Market, a hub of foodie activity
San Francisco - Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, large Organics Markets, operates 3 times per week
New Orleans – Crescent City Farmers Market, Uptown and Downtown fabulous fruits
Seattle – Freemont Sunday Market – more than fruits & veggies – treasures of all description
Hawaii – Hawaii Farmers Markets Online, several gorgeous markets on every island
Vancouver – Granville Island Public Market, The ethnic diversity of Vancouver makes this market a sensory explosion
Mexico City - Mercado de la Merced, nirvana for chili pepper lovers – every color of the rainbow!

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Meet Petit Hotels – Small Hotels With Great Kitchens!

One of the great pleasures of traveling is meeting wonderful people along the way.  Recently while traveling in the Azores, Clint struck up a conversation with an engaging couple.  Turns out they are heads of a hotel association in Europe called Petit Hotels which consists of wonderful independently owned countryside Inns in Sweden, Finland, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, Kenya and South Africa.

What sets these delightful properties apart from the mainstream hotel scene, is their devotion to Joi de Vivre. Each charming inn is set in a serene location, adorned with stylish furnishings, and boast “highly creative kitchens with gastronomic menus”.  They pride themselves in cooking with local ingredients and presenting memorable dining experiences.  They delight in asking, “Do you love food?”  Now I ask you…. What could be more wonderful than a beautiful inn with fabulous food? Read more

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World’s Best Chocolate Dipped Vacations

A Great Getaway Day – ‘Lunch and Learn’ at Stonewall Kitchen’s New Cooking School

Where To Pick Your Own Apples, Pumpkins, Peaches and Don’t Forget the Christmas Tree