How to Beat Jet Lag - What to Eat and What to Buy!
Hey Jet Setters! Thanks for stopping by She Comes With Baggage! Today we're talking about something that haunts over 50 million Americans…. And that’s Sleep!
Read MorePalm Springs Getaway
Looking for some low key luxury? You’ll find it at the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage in Palm Springs.
This high-end oasis boasts mountain desert views and provides the perfect setting for a romantic long weekend or golf filled getaway.
Poolside Carne Asada Tacos and Spicy Strawberry Margarita
With just over 240 rooms this Ritz Carlton leans a little more intimate than most. As expected, the service is incredible and with such few guests, they can fulfill that Ritz promise of going above and beyond.
If you are visiting for a romantic rendezvous, don't miss the adult only pool perched cliffside or the 90-minute couples massage at the spa.
Request a room on the first floor to enjoy your personal fire pit and make sure you ask for a window-side table at The Edge Steakhouse to soak in the infectious desert sunset.
Couples Lounge at the
If your schedule allows it, plan an ENTIRE day at the spa. We've experienced a lot of spas all over and this is one of our absolute favorites. The spa area features an expansive couple's waiting lounge with a waterfall pool and outside sunning area. Within each locker room, you'll find a steam area, small European plunge pools, aroma showers and all of the toiletries and supplies you would need for a mini makeover. We loved the experience so much that we bought the aroma infused shower head so we could get our daily Ritz fix at home.
If you decide to journey outside the resort you'll have plenty of areas to explore. Palm Springs, nestled in the Sonoran Desert, is known for its spiritual retreats, golf courses, and film festivals. It's also flooded with midcentury-modern architecture (à la Frank Sinatra) and happily serves as Hollywood’s hideaway located 100 miles southeast of LA.
Searching for a dinner spot? Ristorante Mamma Gina's was recommended to us from our friend Gennifer and it's a "Can't-Miss". Originating in Italy in 1956, Mamma Gina's has enjoyed its desert location since 1986. The authentic Florentine cuisine was impressive and filling. Save room for dessert and an after-dinner drink because you'll want to soak up the ambiance.
If you are planning a boozy lunch, our gold medal goes to Las Casuelas Terraza. A Plam Springs staple since 1958, this Mexican joint offers a casual environment and a street-side patio adorned with tiny birds and plenty of tequila.
But you don't have to just eat your way through Palm Springs... you can shop your way through it too! Its core shopping district along Palm Canyon Drive features vintage boutiques, mainstream stores, interior design shops and lots of local watering holes.
If you are looking to explore your adventurous side, the surrounding Coachella Valley offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Not to mention the Coachella Music Festival held every April.
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (Coachella), is an annual music festival held near Palm Springs in Indio, California. The festival features musical artists from a variety of music genres, including rock, indie, hip hop, and electronic dance music, as well as art installations. The origin of the event traces back to a Pearl Jam concert in 1993 held to boycott venues controlled by Ticketmaster. Some past acts include Madonna, Drake, Lady Gaga, Guns N' Roses, DJ Khaled and of course Beyonce. Since the festival is so close to LA you’ll find the place swarming with stars trying to get that perfect Instagram shot and dancing the night away. So if celebrity hunting is your game, it's well worth a ticket to Coachella.
Now, if golf is more your speed check out a round at one of many top-rated courses in the area. The prestigious PGA West Golf Club flexes its proverbial golf muscle with six courses designed by some of the biggest names in the business, including Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer.
Our concierge booked us at Desert Springs Golf Club located at the JW Marriott right across town. This course was very playable and a ton of fun. With two courses to choose from it caters to players of all skill levels. Taylor Made rental clubs are available if you aren’t into dragging your sticks around.
No matter what you are looking for you can find it in sunny Palm Springs. We couldn't have enjoyed our stay more can't wait for our next trip.
For more travel information and recommendations check out my other posts!
Viva Las Vegas : Where to Sip, Shop and Stay
In this podcast, I'm giving you all my Las Vegas favorites! No matter if you are looking for a great glass of Champagne or a new Chanel bag.... I'm dishin' out my recommendations.
Read MorePhoenix + Scottsdale
The first time you visit a city, it can be overwhelming to find the "BEST" places to go. I usually enlist the help of my friends on Facebook and Instagram to steer me in the right direction. Since this was my first trip to Phoenix I had to go on those suggestions and some online research.
Here are some of our favorite places we found to Eat, Play & Stay!
Eat
Blanco Tacos + Tequila
An afternoon at Blanco will make you wish that all your afternoons were spent south of the border, barefoot, with margarita salt on your lips. Trust the escapist thrill you get from a perfectly prepared plate of street-style carne asada tacos, or award-winning barbecue pork tacos with sweet corn fresh tomato salsa.
No matter where we are headed, we're always on the search for the best margarita and tacos in town. I just knew that Blanco wouldn't let us down.
Everything was so fresh! From the hand-squeezed juices they used in their cocktails to the accouterments that adorned the tacos. Blanco was an upscale place with a laid back atmosphere. Perfect for lunch or a casual dinner. (Just say YES to the pork tacos and jalapeño margarita!)
*Pictured above Mexican Street Corn + Pork Tacos + Jalapeño Margarita
Elements - Sanctuary Camelback Mountain
Indulge in the culinary delights and impeccable service at elements restaurant at Sanctuary Resort. This award-winning array of farm-fresh American Cuisine with Asian accents presented by Food Network star and Chef Beau MacMillan features innovative seasonal menus incorporating local, organic produce, sustainable seafood, and hormone-free meat. From its extraordinary views of Paradise Valley to its acclaimed innovative offerings, elements is a highlight among Scottsdale’s luxury dining options.
Wow, is all I can say about this place. The food, the wine, the view. Our friends recommended this resturant and thank goodness we landed a reservation. Tony and I arrived early and had a drink in the Jade Bar (highly recommend) to soak up the ambiance. If you are looking for a romantic spot, you can't beat the views here! Make your dinner reservation in time to see the sunset and request a booth that faces the valley or even better, a patio seat!
*Pictured above, Tony holding one of our favorite (and hard to find) wines, Overture by Opus One
Italian Grotto
For almost 40 years, we have been serving fantastic pasta and seafood. From our meatballs to our amazing Halibut Picatta, you won’t be disappointed. Our menu offers a wide variety of chicken, veal and seafood dishes, along with the tried and true pasta dishes. Be sure to leave room for one of homemade desseerts.
With our old-school vibe and cast of characters coming in and out, you’ll be guaranteed a entertaining time. Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, we offer a great patio, along side our “ocean-view” lounge.
If you want the true Italian experience stop here! This no frills, NY Yankee sanctuary is serving up sausage and peppers that impressed even my picky Italian.
Just being in the presence of the owner and bartenders will transport you right into the heart of NYC. The Italian Grotto is a hidden gem in Old Town.
*Pictured above Sausage and Peppers appitizer
Mora Italian
Without a doubt, a table surrounded by good friends, convivial vibes and a spread of soulful food makes for a great gathering. You’ll feel right at home at Mora Italian, where chef Scott Conant’s inspired cooking sets the scene for a remarkable meal in Phoenix's bustling Seventh Street Stretch.
We were so excited to get to try out one of our favorite chef's new restaurant, Mora Italian. Shout out to our main man Scott Conant for creating a vibrant, modern space that cuts through all the noise of heavy pasta and heavy cream that you would normally associate with an Italian restaurant.
Britt + Tony with Scott Conant at the Aspen Wine and Food Classic
I can sum up my first impression of Mora in two words : Rosé SnowCone. Made with rosé provencal, grapefruit, watermelon, peach, pink peppercorn tincture, served over shaved ice, this is not your average snowcone. I couldn't get enough!
As for dinner, we created our own tasting menu featuring: Focaccia di Recco, Pork & Veal Meatballs, Pasta al Pomodoro, Ricotta & Mascarpone Gnudi, Sea Bass and Salted Caramel Budino.
Yeah- we went a little crazy. But how fun is it to order a varitey of dishes for the table and try it all?
*Pictured above Rosé SnowCone and Pasta al Pomodoro + Ricotta & Mascarpone Gnudi
Play
Fiesta Bowl
Phoenix served as our holiday getaway this year for a very important reason : The Fiesta Bowl! It was a GREAT game (especially since Penn State won)! #WeAre
A couple of notes about attending the Fiesta Bowl. If you are staying in Scottsdale, grab an Uber. You are only about 25 minutes from the dome and they do sell alcohol during the game, so play it safe and don't drive. You can spend what you would shell out in parking on your own personal chauffeur. The event staff does an outstanding job of organizing and directing Uber and Lyft vehicles so you won't have to sit in hours of traffic after the game.
Do plan extra time to enter the stadium. They separate the security line depending on if you have a bag or not. There are size requirements on bags and if they exceed wristlet size, the bag has to be clear. Check the Fiesta Bowl website for specifics.
Old Town Scottsdale
Restaurants and Cocktails and Shopping, Oh My! There is enough to do in Old Town to last you for a week! We only made it to a few places on our very long list, but check out this website for a full listing of events, places to shop, eat and drink.
Shopping
- Scottsdale Fashion Square (ANY store or brand you want... they've got it! Over 250 Stores) See Directory Here
- Biltmore Fashion Park (5 miles away - Only Saks Fifth Ave in Arizona)
- Old Town Gypsy Boutique
Sipping
- Rusty Spur (Live Music)
- Itallian Grotto
- Coach House (worth visiting to see all the lights in the bar)
- Bottled Blonde
- The District
Stay
REFINED MEETS REVELRY AT THE CAMBY, PHOENIX’S NEWEST LUXURY, BOUTIQUE HOTEL.
Quirky elegance. Serious fun. A daring new fusion of work and play. Come mix it up at The Camby, where the unexpected is what we do best. Located in the renowned Biltmore neighborhood of Phoenix, Arizona, The Camby puts you in the heart of it all. Steps away from world-class shopping at Biltmore Fashion Park and surrounded by major players in Phoenix's business community.
At The Camby, you can revel in the edgy, yet classic sophistication of our boutique hotel rooms and suites. Delectable (and very sociable) restaurants and bars. Ultra-entertaining rooftop scene. Creative event spaces tailored to groundbreaking meetings and uncommon weddings. And savvy, attentive service that transforms each experience into a cherished memory. Join us soon at The Camby for a daring new view of work, play and everything in between. Welcome to the REVELution.
Ranked #11 on Travel + Lesuire's 17 Coolest New Urban Hotels... this hotel was just perfect for us! For all my Lexington folks- think 21C with more interactive pieces and eating spaces and less art. Very quirky, friendly and just plain cool. I would stay here again in a heartbeat!
Here's some of the coolest features of The Camby...
- Tipsy Tea Party happening weekly on Friday and Saturday afternoons from 2-5pm
- Head over to the Rooftop Red Zone from 6 pm-10pm and enjoy NFL Sunday tailgating poolside! Tailgating fun begins with free admission, the OPTIMAL 25 Ft. screen, team themed cocktails, bucket of beer specials, grill station, social gaming, and cabana rental packages
- Embrace your inner rockstar and check in & jam out! Reserve one of their complimentary guitars during your stay
I can't believe it took me this long to explore Phoenix! I just fell in love with the city and can't wait to go back for a round of golf and a nice relaxing trip to the spa! #StayTuned
Aspen Food & Wine Classic
It’s been over a month since we’ve returned home from the Aspen Food & Wine Classic. And it’s taken me that long to process how amazing this experience was. If the Aspen Food & Wine Classic is not on your bucket list, put it on there (immediately).
Up until about six months ago I hadn’t even heard of this event (and I consider myself a Food and Wine lover). Now perhaps it’s my southern geographic location or that I tend to get “stuck” on things and become a habitual event attendee…whatever the reason… unacceptable. This event is AH-Mazing.
So here’s the skinny… (and it’s the only thing skinny about this event).
What:
The Aspen Food & Wine Classic is one of the most regarded and prestigious wine and food festivals in the world. Tickets sell out fast. Like, “Taylor Swift concert tickets” fast so you’ve got to mark your calendars for December in order to score some tickets. And they aren’t cheap. So you better get Santa buttered up while you’re at it. ($1550/person for a consumer pass)
The event kicks off Thursday evening and lasts until early afternoon on Sunday. If you can plan to make it all four days, it’s worth it. If you want to narrow it down, Friday and Saturday are not to be missed.
What makes the Classic so special is the prestige that it carries. Not only do the top brands and liquors and vineyards show up to transform giant tents into a real life Willy Wonka fairy tale, but some of the best chefs in the world are there as well. They teach classes throughout the day in an intimate setting and in some cases you get to ask questions, act as their sous chef and taste their food. It is as awesome as it sounds.
Here we are with Scott Conant from Top Chef + Chopped. We were lucky enough to taste his gnoochi. #YUM
You'll spend the day bouncing back and forth from the tasting tents (giant tents with every kind of wine from Napa and around the world to taste and the yummiest appetizers to try) then hurry into a class about how to pair popcorn with champagne and then back to the tasting tents where this time you might hang out at the Patrón hacienda and have a grapefruit margarita popsicle and take some selfies with your friends. Wash. Rinse. Repeat… for four days. You get the idea.
Important tip for first timers: book the classes! The tasting tents close during the education sessions so if you don’t book a class you will just be wandering around like a lost pup waiting for the tasting tent to open again. Here is a link to the schedule from this year so you can get an idea of what the days looked like and what kind of classes were offered.
Where:
The classic is located in a very condensed section of downtown Aspen, Colorado. Have ya been to Aspen? If the answer is no? Then go! Especially in the summer. We just couldn’t get enough of the clear blue sky and the mountains that nearly touched the sun.
The town is sleepy and quaint. While you are there check out the local coffee shops and delis (ink! Coffee and Grateful Deli were two of my favs). Or just stumble down to the lobby of the St. Regis like I did on the daily for your cup of joe.
And on Saturday morning if you are looking for some extra circular activities … check out the amazing Farmer’s Market or some high end shopping (Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi, and on and on).
But back to the good stuff… The Food & Wine Classic is all within walking distance so no need for a car. Just arrange for transportation from airport and you’ll be good to go for the weekend.
As far as accommodations you cannot go wrong with the St. Regis. Luxury at its finest. Big entry fireplace, killer lobby bar and every room comes with fluffy robes and its own humidifier. But perhaps my favorite part was the milk on ice and chocolate chip cookies waiting in our room after dinner. (I’m a St. Regis fan for life)
Some rooms have fireplaces; some have full walk out patios so make sure you book early to get your preference of “extras”. Some of the sessions are even held in the ballrooms of the St. Regis so it makes it very convenient to make it to your early morning cooking class if you are just an elevator ride away.
When:
The Classic is held annually, during the second week of June. It was created to draw tourist during the summer since Aspen is such a “Ski Town”. The 2017 Classic will be held June 16-18.
Extra Credit:
The Grand Tasting ends at 6:15 nightly so you do have some flexibility with your evenings. That is if you can physically put anything else in your stomach. We got roped into going to a “Speakeasy Party” that was just down the road in Snowmass. BIG MISTAKE. There is no need to leave downtown Aspen. There are plenty of things going on right outside your door. If you have an American Express you will want to check with their travel concierge because there was one party we could only get into by booking with our Amex.
Also wear comfortable flat shoes! You will be walking a lot and in grass. I would even discourage wedges. Go for flats or flops (fancy of course) and make sure you bring a crossbody purse. You will have to carry a wine glass and a ton of little plates in the tasting tents so keep your hands free for food and wine!
For More Information:
Follow Aspen Food & Wine Classic on Facebook HERE. #Cheers