Wynwood Walls and Doors: Celebrating Graffiti Art

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Wynwood Walls and Doors in Miami celebrates the incredible art form of street graffiti. It creates the perfect “museum” for street graffiti art: a gorgeous park in an industrial neighborhood of Miami. Traditional museums offer an astounding wide variety of artist, styles, and genres. But most don’t feature the fun works of street graffiti artists. Street art is meant to be seen outside and surrounded by people. Wynwood Walls provides this amazing experience showcasing some of the leading street artists in the world! The Wynwood Art district is a must visit for any art lover or visitor to Miami. My daughter, who is a non-art lover, was wowed by the spot. It’s super hip, very cool and just simply awesome.

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The Museum of Ice Cream Miami, a Sweet Spot

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Everyone knows that I love museums. I work in a museum.  I write tours about museums. But there is no museum that I have been to that is anything like the Museum of Ice Cream Miami. My daughter, her friend (both who are not museum lover) and I visited Miami in early January. We planned to just relax by the pool and beach. The weather, however, didn’t cooperate with that plan. So, we looked for alternative ideas.  Miami offers a wide variety of cultural activities including this whimsical, pop up museum. It was a dream come true for the girls with hip rooms and displays, pink everywhere, candy treats and of course, ice cream! They was in heaven; it was an Instagram dream come true for them.

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The Andaz 5th Avenue: an Oasis of Art and Style in NYC

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There are so many different hotel choices when visiting New York City. Each hotel, just like each neighborhood, offers visitors a different experience and flavor of New York. This past week I was so lucky to stay at the Andaz 5th Avenue, a concept by Hyatt. Andaz hotels look to create a more intimate, sophisticated experience using local cuisine and the social scene of the local area. Andaz actually means “personal style” in Hindi. This hotel has major style of its own but also pays attention to each individual guest with incredible service.

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Masterpieces of The Museum of Modern Art NYC

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For any art lover, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City is a must visit. Throughout the year, MoMA presents many incredible exhibits showcasing different kinds of mediums including painting, sculpture, film, even performance art. But MoMA’s permanent collection is perhaps the most impressive collection of modern art in the world. Located on the 4th and 5th floor, the collection will appeal to all visitors. I have so many favorites but I’ve picked 10 to highlight for you. But first a little history of the MoMA.

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Discovering the Iconic Carlyle Hotel

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The Carlyle Hotel in New York City exudes luxury, glamour and elegance with a modern twist. Upon entering the hotel, a classy, refined ambiance greets any discerning traveler and provides a charming, graceful yet discrete experience. Located on the tony Upper East Side of Manhattan steps away from the shops of Madison Avenue, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and The MET Breuer Building The Carlyle (a Rosewood hotel) offers countless sophisticated experiences whether you decide to explore this fashionable area or never leave the hotel! Art and music abound throughout the hotel creating a beautiful atmosphere to the eye and ear. While the Carlyle is noted for its luxury and elegance, it also has a fascinating, storied history allowing guests to walk and stay in the rooms of many famous and influential people.

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One Day at the Grand Canyon

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Sedona is a fabulous place to visit for its own natural beauty and outdoor activities. It’s also a great place to use as a base for a day trip to the Grand Canyon. Sedona is located about a 2 ½ hour drive from either the West Rim or the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Each of the Rim areas has a very different feel from each other- the West Rim is a desert like landscape while the South Rim emerges from woods.  Neither destination disappoints visitors. There is nothing as awe inspiring and mesmerizing as seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time or the umpteenth time!

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Exploring Sedona and the Red Rocks

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One of my favorite places to visit in the fall is Arizona. The weather in September is gorgeous - warm, sunny days and crisp cool night. My kids have also fallen in love with this state. When we asked them where we should visit this September they instantly said, “We want to go back to Arizona.” Last year we explored the southern Arizona area of Tucson. This year we decided to head north to the beautiful red rock town of Sedona. We couldn’t have been happier with our choice.

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Horse Racing, Saratoga, and the Adirondacks

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Every August we head north to Saratoga Springs, NY for one of my most favorite weekends of the summer, The Travers Stakes. Horseracing is a fun sport to watch especially at Saratoga Racetrack, one of the oldest and most charming sporting venues in the United States. The horses are stunning, elegant athletes who streak down the dirt and grass tracks. And oh, the hats at the track! Ladies embrace this fashion trend some wearing beautiful, elegant hats while others opt for whimsical and crazy one. The Adirondack Park located a short drive from Saratoga Springs, offers visitors the outdoor experiences of this beautiful region. Saratoga Springs and neighboring Lake George (at the edge of the Adirondack Park) are wonderful places to visit during the summer but Travers weekend is even more special.

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The Ultimate in Luxury in South Florida: Acqualina Resort and Spa on The Beach

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There are a handful of hotels that I repeatedly visit that feel like home. Acqualina Resort and Spa is one of them. My kids would live here if they could! Southern Florida has so many gorgeous luxury resorts. Miami, South Beach, and Bal Harbour offer any discerning traveler a plethora of choices. Acqualina Resort and Spa, located on the beach in Sunny Isles, Florida  5 miles north of Bal Harbor, is unequivocally one of my absolute favorites. Acqualina provides five-star luxury, world class service and spacious, serene accommodations. I have stayed many times, celebrated many special events and never been disappointed. It is clear why Acqualina has been voted the #1 beachfront Hotel by TripAdvisor, #1 family resort in the world in Andrew Harper’s 2016 Reader’s Choice Award and has received the prestigious Forbes Five Star Award and the AAA Five Diamond Award several times.

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A NYC Day of Fashion and Luxury

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There are certain things that are just synonymous with luxury and beauty. Chanel is perhaps one of the most famous. Then pair Chanel with the luxury hotel, The Mark, on the Upper East Side of New York City and you have pure luxury heaven! My dear friend Dana, and I were invited by a fabulous personal shopper from Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC to attend a celebration of Chanel’s new collection, Paris-Cosmopolite. The event was held in one of The Mark’s penthouse. We were so excited to be invited- lovers of fashion and luxury hotels- what could be better! We were not disappointed.

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The Whitney Biennial 2017

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The Whitney Biennial 2017 presented by the Whitney Museum of American Art is an annual contemporary art exhibit displaying works of younger, lesser known American Artists. It is considered one of the leading shows of contemporary art, often setting trends in the art world. The 2017 Biennial is the 78th installment of the longest running survey of American Art. 63 individual artists as well as several collectives are featured. The exhibit occupies the 5th and 6th floor of the museum. The artists challenge us to think about politics, economy and race and how each affects us and our community. The exhibit includes all type of media: painting, sculpture, video game design, furniture, film, installations, even trees! Check out my highlights. There are so many incredible works to see its hard to pick a few!

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A Weekend in Niagara Falls and Artsy Buffalo

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Niagara Falls is one of those places that I have always wanted to visit. After visiting the waterfalls in Iceland, I really wanted to see this incredible natural wonder right here in North America. But every time I tried to plan a trip I couldn't find a hotel that appealed to me. The hotels along the border on both the American and Canadian side are just too touristy. I wanted to visit but didn't want to sacrifice luxury! So, when my husband asked me to spend a weekend with him in Buffalo, New York (for a work-related event) I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. Buffalo wasn't high on my must see list. But after a little research, I realized this was my answer to visiting Niagara Falls. I was pleasantly surprised at what else I discovered in Buffalo- a luxury, boutique hotel, a thriving art scene, and fabulous restaurants.  We set out for this weekend adventure.

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All American Road Trip To Cooperstown, New York

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Nothing feels more American than baseball and a quaint small town. For a true Americana weekend, we decided to spend a weekend in the quintessential small town, Cooperstown, New York. This baseball mecca, located in Ostego County is a charming weekend destination. Home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and an integral part of baseball history, Cooperstown will satisfy any baseball enthusiast., But there is so much more American art and history to be in experienced there. We packed our car for a true American road trip.

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New England Getaway- Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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With the Memorial Day weekend approaching in a month, what could be more patriotic than a weekend in New England? Most people think about the usual locations- Cape Cod, Maine or Nantucket. Miss the crowds in these places and head to the New Hampshire Seacoast. Your probably thinking right now- New Hampshire has a seacoast? And your probably also thinking I like luxury. Can I find that in New Hampshire? YES, you can!

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Highlights of Southern Arizona

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My kids and I were looking for a great fall trip so we decided to head to one of our favorite parts of the United States- Arizona. Arizona and the desert can be hot. Best times to visit April to May and September to October. Arizona makes for a great spring break trip! Natural wonders abound in this southwestern state. We picked the southern part of the state and spend four days in the Tucson area. We were so happy with our decision.

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Sarasota, Florida's West Coast City of Beaches and Art

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Florida has so many options when it comes to luxury vacations. I adore the Faena in Miami beach and Miami’s art scene but for a more island-y trip with a thriving art scene Sarasota on the Gulf Coast is the answer. We spent the first part of our two week break experiencing the sun and lifestyle of Sarasota and its barrier islands, Lido Key and Longboat Key. The perfect sunny weather, the white sand beaches and art everywhere we turned makes this a favorite place of mine.

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Exploring Santa Fe, New Mexico

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As a passionate traveler, I knew when I had kids I wanted to share this love with them. The trips that have been the most special to me have been the trips my son and I have taken. How to pick a destination? When my son was 10, he fell in love with studying history. What better way to remember what you are learning than to travel to the place! And that’s what began our trips together.

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Hollywood Glamour Meets ART at the Faena Hotel

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Glamour, Art, Hip and Luxury.. a few words to begin to describe this incredible Miami Beach hotel. Think old hollywood 1950s glamour meets art and luxury. The hotel is the anchor of the new Faena art district which has breathed new life into this Miami Beach neighborhood. The Faena Hotel is one of Miami Beach’s newest “it” hotels. From the moment you walk into the lobby lined by gold columns and breathtaking murals of lush tropical scenes you are surrounded by the utlimate in luxury. The staff and concierge cannot do enough to help.

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