IT’S
Broker Linda Miller’s decades of experience on Scenic 30A have made her an expert in the market’s ebb and flow. Building strong relationships allows her to connect buyers and sellers to make sure ideal properties are found and investments are maximized. It’s time to discover your dream home on Scenic Highway 30A!
"It's a privilege to be the Architect of Record for Bella Mare Real Estate Holdings, LLC, on its nine lots nestled in the enclave of Heritage Dunes, tucked just off of 30-A."
For thirty-seven years, the picturesque U.S. Post Office in the New Urbanism town of Seaside, Florida, has been sending and receiving letters and parcels for the community along Scenic Highway 30-A and its serene white-sand beaches.
The building once sat on the south side of the Seaside Amphitheater, but the town carefully moved it to a permanent home on the northeast side of Central Square in 2018. It serves not only as a functional post office but also as a photo op, a meeting place, and a beautiful reminder of the American Dream.
by Jack Gardner
Vie is a French word meaning “life” or “way of living.” VIE magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication that focuses on human-interest stories with heart and soul. From Seattle to NYC with a concentration in the Southeast, VIE is known for its unique editorial approach—a broad spectrum of deep content with rich photography. The award-winning magazine was founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Gerald Burwell, owners of the specialty publishing and branding house known as The Idea Boutique®. From the finest artistically bound books to paperless digital publication and distribution, The Idea Boutique provides comprehensive publishing services to authors and organizations. Its team of creative professionals delivers a complete publishing experience—all that’s needed is your vision.
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HAILEY BETHKE, SALLIE W. BOYLES, CHRIS COLLINS, LAURIE CROWLEY, FELICIA FERGUSON, SARAH FREEMAN, ANTHEA GERRIE, KATHY KUO, MYLES MELLOR, CAROLYN O’NEIL, REMY PARK, TORI PHELPS, SUZANNE POLLAK, NICHOLAS S. RACHEOTES, SOPHIA RICHARDS, COLLEEN SACHS, HANNAH SUNDERANI
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VIE is a registered trademark. All contents herein are Copyright © 2008–2022 Cornerstone Marketing and Advertising, Incorporated (Publisher). All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. VIE is a lifestyle magazine and is published twelve times annually on a monthly schedule. The opinions herein are not necessarily those of the Publisher. The Publisher and its advertisers will not be held responsible for any errors found in this publication. The Publisher is not liable for the accuracy of statements made by its advertisers. Ads that appear in this publication are not intended as offers where prohibited by state law. The Publisher is not responsible for photography or artwork submitted by freelance or outside contributors. The Publisher reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor or the Publisher. VIE is a paid publication. Subscription rates: Printed magazine – One-year $29.95; Two-year $49.95. Subscriptions can be purchased online at www.VIEmagazine.com.
Since 2016, our friends Bogdan and Marianna have created our elaborate Christmas cards. Bogdan and Marianna utilize an intricate layering of paper to form each individual 3-dimensional card. They are true artisans. The husband and wife team live and work in the village of Horenka, Ukraine. Horenka is situated just 3 miles from Bucha, the city now known world-wide as the site of atrocities early in the war. Bogdan and Marianna were forced to take refuge with relatives further West in Ukraine. However they were constantly threatened by air raids and missile attacks. Amidst the tensions of war, because of how Ukranian citizens are helping one another, they have remained positive and hopeful for the future of Ukraine. At the time of this writing, Bogdan and Marianna have returned to their village. They now provide refuge for relatives of Marhanets, a town situated near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and still controlled by the russian army. In an email, Marianna wrote of her return home once russian forces were pushed back from Bucha. She described a cold and empty surrealness upon arrival. But soon she said, the coldness was replaced with energy and life as the people returned. Marianna wrote how it was the people and families that “made the village Ukranian once again.” And how by focusing on that which one still has, moments of peace can still be found amidst the chaos of war. This year’s card portrays a traditional Ukrainian Christmas market. The damage of war is visible, yet the scene focuses on people enjoying a moment of happiness together amongst the buildings spared from damage. Across the world, Christmas can offer a moment of respite amidst the surrounding chaos in our lives. This holiday season, we wish you and your loved ones Peace, Comfort and Joy. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at A BOHEME Design.
Since 2016, our friends Bogdan and Marianna have created our elaborate Christmas cards. Bogdan and Marianna utilize an intricate layering of paper to form each individual 3-dimensional card. They are true artisans. The husband and wife team live and work in the village of Horenka, Ukraine. Horenka is situated just 3 miles from Bucha, the city now known world-wide as the site of atrocities early in the war. Bogdan and Marianna were forced to take refuge with relatives further West in Ukraine. However they were constantly threatened by air raids and missile attacks. Amidst the tensions of war, because of how Ukranian citizens are helping one another, they have remained positive and hopeful for the future of Ukraine. At the time of this writing, Bogdan and Marianna have returned to their village. They now provide refuge for relatives of Marhanets, a town situated near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and still controlled by the russian army. In an email, Marianna wrote of her return home once russian forces were pushed back from Bucha. She described a cold and empty surrealness upon arrival. But soon she said, the coldness was replaced with energy and life as the people returned. Marianna wrote how it was the people and families that “made the village Ukranian once again.” And how by focusing on that which one still has, moments of peace can still be found amidst the chaos of war. This year’s card portrays a traditional Ukrainian Christmas market. The damage of war is visible, yet the scene focuses on people enjoying a moment of happiness together amongst the buildings spared from damage. Across the world, Christmas can offer a moment of respite amidst the surrounding chaos in our lives. This holiday season, we wish you and your loved ones Peace, Comfort and Joy. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at A BOHEME Design.
The years seem to be going by faster and faster, and this one was no exception. Looking back at all that was accomplished in our publish ing ecosystem and the numerous milestones we achieved, it is both amazing and humbling. It was the year of “let’s get back to normal”—or a version thereof that honestly wasn’t normal at all, as everything was moving at the speed of light in an effort to play catch up for time lost during the pandemic. We refer to it as the “boomerang theory” in the office. We celebrated our hundredth issue in February with the legendary Julian Lennon gracing the cover and leading the pack of Top Ten Change Makers curated by our team. The list included Emeril Lagasse, Dr. Hillary Glenn, the Davis family (Robert, Daryl, and son Micah), Lettye Burgtorf, Ashley Graham, Brené Brown, Christina Koch, Malala, Keanu Reeves, and Tiffanie Nelson.
Fast-forward seven months, and Julian Lennon was our guest of honor for the debut party at The Heritage – A VIE Legacy Show Home. We held a solo exhibit of his stunning fine-art photography throughout the home, with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse and his son, E. J. Lagasse, cooking in the kitchen for a celebration with two hundred guests. Proceeds benefited Dr. Hillary Glenn’s Point Washington Medical Clinic, which she founded to provide free medical care for those in need. Having some of our change makers partner with us for this epic event hosted by Carl and Tamara Tricoli—owners of Bella Mare Real Estate Holdings, the developer of the show home in Heritage Dunes—showed how important it is to connect and network when building a sphere of influence. We’re so honored that, through VIE, we are able to create some thing much bigger than ourselves by bringing together incredible people.
With this issue, we also pay our heartfelt homage to change makers the Davis Family, the founders and visionaries of the holiday beach town of Seaside
in Northwest Florida. The Seaside Post Office is our cover star, festively adorned for the season. It also happens to be the most-photographed post office in the United States. If you’re looking for a quintessential Christmas full of nostalgia and all the goodness life has to give, a visit to this widely decorated New Urbanism destination is a must!
We have a plethora of holiday-inspired recipes and articles inside, plus a robust shopping guide for our monthly C’est la VIE Curated Collection with gift ideas for everyone. “Making Spirits Bright: Recipes for Your Holiday Table” and our shopping guide were overseen by assistant editor Emme Martin, who finds the most unique and best new things for each issue—things you didn’t even know you wanted or were looking for until you see them. She said her intent when curating C’est la VIE was sharing that a thoughtful gift can show someone they are understood and cared for, and she hopes this guide inspires readers to think creatively for their loved ones this year. Make sure to delve into both articles, as this bright light is heading off to graduate school in January at my alma mater, Suffolk University in Boston. We could not be more proud of her.
In retrospect, this year was challenging but also a year of growth for me, personally and professionally. I see the growth my team has made professionally and personally as well. Striving to attain growth is a hallmark of mine, and I hope never to stop evolving, maturing, and seizing life with an insatiable zest for joy and love. I wish the same for you this holiday season and always.
To Life!
—Lisa Marie Burwell CEO/Editor-in-Chief
We collaborate with talented photographers, writers, and other creatives on a regular basis, and we’re continually inspired by how they pour their hearts and souls into their crafts. Follow these creatives on social media and don’t forget to check out our account, @viemagazine.
Writer, “Tellement à découvrir” @anthea_gerrie
It would be hard to think of a gift that has given me more pleasure than The Beaten Path, a huge art book filled with Bob Dylan’s amazing Americana paintings. They knocked me out when I first saw them in London a few years ago, and the book (sold out but reprinted a year later) brings the everlasting thrill of being able to revisit on a whim his evocative diners, motels, gas stations, bridges, and highways stretching endlessly into the distance. These are all the unique visual markers that draw me back time and again into the American landscape since my first glimpse cruising into New York past the Statue of Liberty when I was a teenager.
THIS SIMPLY MARVELOUS GADGET TURNS ORDINARY MILK INTO A DELIGHTFULLY WARM AND CREAMY FROTHINESS YOU CAN SWIRL INTO AND ONTO A CUP OF COFFEE, NO BARISTA REQUIRED.
Writer, “Travel Roars Back” @carolynoneil
I am so fortunate to have many close friends who are also entrepreneurs, and many of my favorite gifts are from companies owned by people who are close to me. It’s so special to receive something from the collections of loved ones because I know they have poured their heart and soul into their business and products. My dear friend Kimberly Lai is the founder of the luxury resort wear brand JAUNT and never fails to surprise and delight me with new pieces from her collection— incredibly meaningful and always stylish!
Author of The Two Spoons Cookbook, “Making Spirits Bright” @twospoons.ca
My apron-front kitchen sink! A funny answer, I know, but my husband splurged on it for me as a Christmas and birthday gift for our kitchen renovations, and I still absolutely love it. As a cook, I spend so much time at my sink! It’s large and functional but also stylish and pretty to look at. It’s also the first thing you see as you walk through the front door and really is a statement piece.
The best gifts are often ones you don’t realize you need and improve your daily life in little meaningful ways. That’s why my favorite gift received is the Nespresso Aeroccino Milk Frother sent to me by a friend as a hostess gift. This simply marvelous gadget turns ordinary milk into a delightfully warm and creamy frothiness you can swirl into and onto a cup of coffee, no barista required. The best gift I’ve ever given also falls into the culinary category. It’s the All-Clad Grill Pan. When it’s too cold or rainy outside, just place the grill pan on the stovetop. It sears meats, fish, or vegetables with handsome grill marks and allows you to deglaze the juices collected in the pan to create a sauce. I gave my son one of these grill pans; now it’s his go-to gift for friends.
KATHY KUO Founder & CEO, Kathy Kuo Home @kathykuohomeIN
WE ASKED THE CREATIVES: WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT YOU HAVE EVER GIVEN OR RECEIVED?CAROLYN O’NEIL
We love connecting with our readers and seeing what’s been happening in the community this season. Don’t forget to share, post, and tag VIE in all your exciting conversations and experiences! There is nothing we enjoy more than hearing your stories and sharing them with our audience. Thank you, and happy reading!
@liang_and_eimil We are pleased to be showcased in @viemagazine of Florida’s November issue! Check out the C’est la VIE Curated Collection: The Legacy Show Home Collection to see our Viva Chair.
@nicole_paloma_handsewn_designs Thank you, @viemagazine, for the feature and opportunity to be part of your auction and event with @thepwmc + @heritagedunes30a. Thank you, @tristansvisions + @alexiona.gettis, for the stunning imagery of this iconic Tailor-the-Drape Dress.
@fotografiadimoda.it From @carlopieroni –Summer Fashion Fun! Model @bellathedj for @viemagazine March/April 2017.
@tassoulak I was thrilled to receive the November issue of @viemagazine, which features a beautiful collection of photos by Julian Lennon (@julespicturepalace) that were part of a special fine art exhibit in Florida.
@maison30a We are excited to share the recent article on Maison30a featured in the November issue of @viemagazine. It was a pleasure working with all the talented teams on this stunning show home, The Heritage, located in Seagrove Beach, Florida. We wish the future homeowner many great memories ahead in this beautiful home!
@charlestonlitfest A fantastic opening weekend is now in the books, and we’re just getting started! What has been your favorite moment so far?
Send VIE your comments and photos on our social media channels or by emailing us at info@viemagazine.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts. They could end up in the next La conversation!
VIEmagazine.com
To purchase from or learn more about Elizabeth Hayt’s Holiday Collection, visit ElizabethHayt.net.
Flowers are a kind gesture of affection and care during the holiday season. A flower that will last forever—now that’s a gift that will keep giving! Elizabeth Hayt’s Holiday Collection contains a bouquet of one-of-a-kind handcrafted tulips made of silk, velvet, and vintage millinery and embellished with European crystals. The colors of the floral creation, Venus, capture all the wonderful seasonal feelings while the crystals add a touch of jewelry to your decor.
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Hayt
There are few more qualified than the award-winning interior designer, TV personality, and mother-of-two Kathy Kuo to advise on adorning one’s home for the holidays. It’s easy to get carried away while rummaging through the disar rayed holiday aisle at your local big-box store, but Kuo is here to tell you that you don’t need to subject yourself to that. As with all design projects, it’s always best to start with a plan, so she breaks down her most practical and luxurious holiday decorating tips from which anyone can take notes. Kuo covers everything from designing the ideal holiday tree to executing a showstopping table setting. The holiday season is about spending time with loved ones—even while decorating—so grab your favorite people and prepare to bedazzle your home with these seasonally tasteful tips.
Kathy Kuo: When it comes to holiday decor, what matters most is that you and your family really love it. So I wouldn’t say there’s any one-size-fits-all rule about too much holiday decorating—but I would advise against feeling like you must have specific holiday decorations. Likewise, there’s no need to put pressure on yourself to create the most magical winter wonderland on the block. Holiday decorations should make you feel joyful, not overwhelmed.
Interior designer and TV personality Kathy Kuo shares her favorite tips and ideas for holiday decorating.
Above: John-Richard Modern Classic Mirrored Tray with Alabaster Handles
Top: Shop the Kathy Kuo Home holiday decor collection on the brand’s website.
Right: L’Objet Haas Monster Hollywood White Porcelain Brass Legs Incense Burner
VIE: What are the essential design elements for styling the perfect holiday home?
KK: I would start with any holiday traditions that are meaningful to you and build your design elements from there. Factor in any special heirlooms or fun decor items for the kids, and then choose holiday pieces that complement your existing design style. It’s always lovely to add seasonal and holiday elements—like evergreen wreaths or swags—to a mantlepiece, the entryway, and your dining table or home bar.
VIE: What are your thoughts on mixing it up with your holiday decor color palette, as opposed to the traditional red and green?
KK: Palettes of red and green or blue and silver will always be popular, but I always encourage my clients to go beyond that and think about seasonal elements that truly fit in with their home’s design. You can’t go wrong with warm neutral tones combined with a metallic accent or pop of color. Winter whites and creams paired with a muted blush or an ice blue can also be a fresh and festive take on holiday colorways.
VIE: What are your top tips for tree decorating?
KK: Because I’m a mom of two young children, I often have two trees—a “pretty” tree and a “fun” tree. The “fun” tree is the one my kids fully participate in decorating. It features handmade ornaments and souvenir ornaments from any vacation or trip we go on—and knowing my kiddos, there’s probably a Pikachu or a plush soccer ball in the mix too. The “pretty” tree is the one I spend time planning out with a particular color palette or theme. Whether or not you have kids, the tree should be a source of delight, so even if you decide to go a more formal or highly designed route with tree decorating, I’d still encourage you to add a few personal touches, such as heirloom ornaments, here and there.
VIE: Can you tell us how to make a home feel cozier for the holidays?
KK: Cozying up for the holiday season is one of my favorite things! Textures are key to creating a cozy atmosphere—start by adding luxe cashmere throw blankets to your sofa and living room chairs and swapping out your regular decorative pillows for winter ones with chunky knit or faux fur covers. I also love adding seasonal greenery or winterberry branches to my vases and the arrangements on my mantel and dining
table. Finally, the perfect scent is the ultimate finishing touch on a cozy home. I love candles with sophisticated seasonal scents that have their roots in nature (think pine, cedar, and cardamom).
VIE: Describe what makes the perfect holiday table setting.
KK: The perfect holiday tabletop will always be a unique combination of surprise and delight! My first piece of advice would be not to shy away from using your “fancy” dishware and glassware—if not for a chic holiday dinner with your loved ones, then what’s it for? For me, this means delicate champagne flutes, bone-handle Forge de Laguiole knives, and all of my favorite Match Pewter pieces; for others, it’s going to be cut crystal tumblers and fine china. Whatever you have that feels special, find a way to incorporate that. Regarding tabletop decor, you can’t go wrong with matching your table linens and centerpiece to the other holiday decor in your home so that there’s a sense of continuity when you sit down to your meal.
Visit KathyKuoHome.com to learn more or pick out your new favorite holiday decorations, and follow the brand on Instagram @kathykuohome.
You can’t go wrong with warm neutral tones combined with a metallic accent or pop of color.
“
Founded by award-winning interior designer and TV personality Kathy Kuo in 2012, Kathy Kuo
embodies the mission that everyone should be able to love where they live. A premier e-commerce retail destination for
from top-tier vendors, the Kathy Kuo Home brand is proud to offer a robust menu of interior design services and a dedicated trade program.
Cheer up, buttercup! Loria Stern’s edible flower baked goods are sure to add an extra layer of joy (and melt-in-your-mouth shortbread) to the holiday season. From calendula to bright pink phlox and classic daisies, each order is unique and filled with various seasonal flowers sourced from Stern’s organic garden in Montecito, California, or local farmers. Her creations celebrate the inter section of botanical aesthetics and intentional baking, using only the highest quality ingredients.
To learn more about Meet The Source or order their delicious creations, visit MeetTheSource.com
Nothing says holiday cheer quite like the dessert table! From fruitcakes to gingerbread houses, the options are endless for festive sweets. Meet The Source is a whole-food bakery specializing in cakes, bliss balls, and cinnamon rolls. They make desserts with ingredients in their most natural state to produce a delicious treat that is both tasty and healthy. No need to fret over all those holiday calories!
It’s that time of year when the Christmas bells are ringing and holiday hosts are planning festive soirees and spirited spreads for gatherings with those they love most. Whether you’re planning an elegant dinner party, a merry brunch feast, or a workplace smorgasbord, this roundup is for you! VIE got in touch with some of our favorite foodies to find out what’s on their tables, and they graciously agreed to share the holiday cheer. Be sure to stop by their blogs or social media channels to say thanks! Bon appétit!
DontGoBaconMyHeart.co.uk | @dontgobaconmyheart_
When the author’s blog is called Don’t Go Bacon My Heart, you know the food will be rich and delicious. We love this fresh tomato burrata salad recipe for a small party appetizer, but the talented Chris Collins also says it’s a great lunch for two!
· Marinated tomatoes
· 1/2 lb (250 g) baby plum tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, for tomatoes
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
· 2 tbsp very finely diced red onion (approx. half a small onion)
2 tsp very finely diced fresh basil, plus a few small leaves to serve
2 tsp very finely diced fresh parsley
· 1/4 tsp each: salt, black pepper
1 x 5-oz (150-g) ball of burrata cheese (or similar size)
1 small baguette, sliced (see notes)
· 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, for toasting bread
· 1 clove of garlic, peeled (optional, see notes)
Tomatoes: In a large shallow dish, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, onion, basil, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Add sliced tomatoes and toss to coat them in the marinade. Leave in the fridge to marinate for as long as you have time (overnight best, 1 to 2 hours great, but even just 30 minutes will work wonders).
For the bread: Slice bread to your preferred thickness, then space it out on a large baking tray. Lightly brush both sides with oil, then pop under the grill and broil both sides until golden and crisp. Optional: Lightly rub one side of each slice of toast with garlic.
Place burrata in the center of a serving plate and add the marinated tomatoes around the outside. Drizzle left over marinade over the tomatoes, then dot over a few small basil leaves for garnish. Slice open burrata, then tuck in by spreading it over the toast with the marinated tomatoes on top (kind of like bruschetta). Enjoy!
Bread: Go for something firm, like sourdough or ciabatta. Here I’ve used artisan-style bread, which works nicely. You want a sturdy bread that will crisp up nicely and give you a nice crunchy contrast to the soft tomatoes/burrata.
Garlic: This is optional but gives an extra layer of flavor. The excess heat will gently “cook” the garlic. Don’t go overboard; just a gentle rub, otherwise it’ll be overbearing.
Serving: I usually serve this for lunch for two people, with around 3 slices of bread each. You could stretch to 4 servings with 8 slices, especially if it’s just a starter.
Remy Park of the Veggiekins blog brings us this tasty vegan, gluten-free appetizer or side dish that is sure to be a hit for any get-together.
PREP TIME: 45 minutes
YIELDS 6 to 8 servings
Grains
· 1/4 cup long grain brown rice
· 1/4 cup white or tricolor quinoa
1/2 cup wild rice
2-1/3 cup vegetable broth
1 red onion, minced
· 1 shallot, minced
1/2 cup celery, minced
3/4 cup carrots, minced
· 5 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz mushrooms of choice (I used button, oyster, and shiitake)
· 1 tbsp fresh sage, minced
· 1 tbsp fresh thyme, stems removed
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced
1 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce
· 1/2 large apple, diced
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
Salt and pepper to taste
· 1–2 tbsp vegan butter* (optional)
For the grains: Add grains and vegetable broth to a saucepan and bring to a low boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for about 30 minutes. Once grains are ready, give them a gentle fluff and set them aside.
For everything else: In a large saucepan, sauté the onion, shallot, celery, and carrots with a touch of neu tral oil until tender. Add garlic, mushrooms, herbs, and gluten-free soy sauce and sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the cooked grains to the mix and gently fold to combine all ingredients evenly. Finally, add apples to warm for a few minutes. If using vegan butter, toss into the drive until melted and nicely incorporated. Taste and season your rice with salt and pepper as desired.
When ready to serve, toss pomegranate seeds into the rice and enjoy!
*Adding the vegan butter gives the dish a nice extra oomph and richness. You can exclude it if you’d like.
“
Green beans amandine is a simple dish of sautéed green beans and garlic, toasted almonds, and a squeeze of lemon. It is bright, citrusy, and nutty for a healthy side dish worth sharing. “My family loves this classic recipe,” says author Hannah Sunderani of The Two Spoons Cookbook. “If you ask me, it’s far too delicious for how quickly it comes together.”
(Vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, soy-free, no sugar added, refined sugar-free)
YIELDS 4 servings
1/2 cup slivered almonds
· 3 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 shallots, finely chopped
· 1 lb (450 g) green beans, trimmed
· 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
· 1 tbsp lemon juice
· Zest of 1 lemon
In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds, stirring often, until fragrant and golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. (Keep a close watch on the almonds, as they can quickly go from lightly brown to burnt.) Set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallots and cook, stirring frequently, until the shallots are softened, 2 to 4 minutes.
Increase the heat to high and add the green beans, salt, and pepper. Sauté the green beans until al dente, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour in the lemon juice, and sprinkle with the toasted almonds and lemon zest. Toss to combine. Serve hot.
SophiaVictoriaVegan.com | @sophiavictoriavegan
Sophia Richards, also known as Sophia Victoria Vegan, is a Northwest Florida local and self-taught, allergy-friendly baker and food blogger focusing on nourishment and gut health. Each bite of these flourless, fudgy muffins will transport you to a chocolate paradise—perfect for a Christmas breakfast or brunch!
(Nut-free, oil-free, gluten-free, refined-sugar free, whole food plant-based)
YIELDS 12 muffins
· 1 cup unsweetened sunflower butter (can substitute your favorite nut butter)
· 1 cup organic pumpkin puree or mashed banana
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
· 1/4 cup date sugar or coconut sugar (optional for added sweetness)
· 1/2 cup cacao powder
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
· 1/2 – 1 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips or a roughly chopped bar of dark chocolate
· Flaky sea salt for topping
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with paper or reusable silicone liners. In a large mixing bowl, add the ingredients in any order you wish, except the chocolate chips. Once you have all of the ingredients (except the chocolate chips) added, combine them with a spatula. Then add the chocolate chips. At this point, taste and adjust sweetness and saltiness. Divide the batter evenly into 12 muffins. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each muffin. Bake for 25 minutes, let them cool, and enjoy!
Each bite of these flourless, fudgy muffins will transport you to a chocolate paradise— perfect for a Christmas breakfast or brunch!
“
TwoSpoons.ca | @twospoons.ca
“Lemon tart was served at our wedding in the Dordogne region of France,” says Two Spoons app creator and blogger Hannah Sunderani. “Even though all the food was a smashing success, it’s the lemon tart my mum always raves about. I created this recipe in tribute to that tart so I can serve it to my mum for years to come.” It’s sure to be a beautiful addition to any holiday table!
(Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, refined sugar-free)
YIELDS 12 servings
· 1 cup raw cashews
Crust
· 1 cup (133 g) gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup (60 g) raw walnuts
· 1/2 cup (50 g) almond flour
· 1/4 cup (50 g) coconut oil, melted
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
Lemon Filling
1 can (14 oz/400 ml) full-fat coconut milk
· Zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
· 1/8 to 1/4 tsp ground turmeric, for coloring
Pinch of fine sea salt
1 tsp agar-agar
Garnishes (optional)
1 lemon, thinly sliced
· 1/4 cup fresh raspberries
1 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes
Place the cashews in a small bowl and cover them with boiling water. Soak for 1 hour, then drain. (Alternatively, soak the cashews in room-temperature water to cover for at least 6 hours or overnight, then drain.)
Make the pastry crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). In a food processor, pulse the oats until they reach a flour-like consistency. Transfer the oat flour to a small bowl. Add the walnuts to the food processor and pulse into a fine meal. Add the oat flour, almond flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, and salt. Pulse until well com bined, 15 to 30 seconds.
Transfer the dough to a 9-inch round tart pan with a removable bottom, and press it evenly into the bottom and up the sides. Using a fork, poke 10 to 12 holes in the
base of the dough. (This will stop the base from lifting as it cooks. There’s no need to use pie weights with this crust.) Place on a baking sheet and blind-bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Let the crust cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the lemon filling: In a high-speed blender, combine the drained cashews, coconut milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, maple syrup, 1/8 teaspoon of turmeric, and salt. Blend on medium-high speed until smooth and combined. Add up to 1/8 teaspoon more turmeric for coloring, if desired. (Note that the color will deepen when the filling is heated.) Next, add the agar-agar and blend on low speed until combined, 15 to 20 seconds.
Pour the filling into a medium saucepan. Over medium heat, stir often with a spatula until the mixture has thickened to a pourable custard consistency (just before it reach es boiling) and there is a bit of resistance, 7 to 10 minutes. Working quickly, pour the filling into the blind-baked tart shell. It will begin to thicken immediately. If the filling is uneven, gently jostle the tart back and fork on the counter to smooth the top. Pop any air bubbles with a toothpick.
Let the tart cool completely in the pan on a wire rack at room temperature. Then cover with plastic wrap (it’s OK if it touches the filling), and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight. To serve, gently remove the sides of the pan. Garnish the tart with thinly sliced lemon rounds, fresh raspberries, and a sprinkle of coconut flakes if desired.
Storage: Store the tart in the pan with the top covered with plastic wrap, or in a round airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For covering the tart, plastic wrap works better than a reusable wrap. Plastic wrap is easier to peel away from the filling without sticking.
Cracks: If your filling cracks when it sets, it could be that you transferred the tart to the refrigerator before the filling had completely cooled to room temperature. Alternatively, it’s possible that the filling was overheated and got a bit too thick. The ideal consistency is a pourable custard. However, cracks are totally fine—it tastes just the same with or without cracks!
Do ahead: The crust can be assembled 1 day in advance. Press the dough into the tart pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature and bake as directed.
“ Bon appétit!
The beautiful mountain village of Ladis in Austria lights up a snowy winter night. Ladis is an ideal holiday ski resort desti nation at the foot of the Samnaun Alps. Visit Austria.info/en to plan your trip!
The holidays are a special time when we share fellowship and warm greetings. The tradition of gift-giving during this season can be overwhelming, but if done from the heart, you can’t go wrong. This month’s C’est la VIE collection is here to help you find the perfect gifts, from designer scarves for those chilly days to leather-bound heirloom books for the kids. Find something for everyone on your shopping list this holiday season; we hope yours is merry and bright!
Mrs. Icon 1
Valentino Rosso Coffee-Table Book, featuring these Valentino Garavani FW 2019–2020
Women’s
Valentino Rosso Coffee-Table Book by Charlie Porter Assouline.com – $250
NEST
Pinching
Versace Home Break the Bank Money Box in Pink Amara.com – $217
Jonathan Adler Large Checkerboard Lacquer Box JonathanAdler.com – $175
Fancy Florals
Venus et Fleur Lé Clair Cinq Eternity Roses SaksFifthAvenue.com – $189
Swirling Treat 39
Jonathan Adler Mustique Cone Vase JonathanAdler.com – $125
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Emery Wave Mirror MGBWHome.com – $927
Elizabeth Hayt Tree Ornaments
ElizabethHayt.net – $100–$140
Decadent Duo 36
1882 LTD Luster Boxed Espresso Cup Set in Gold/Black Amara.com – $191
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Cooper Leather Swivel Chair MGBWHome.com – $4,794
Classic Feel 58
Wool, Silk, and Cashmere Flannel Prince of Wales Jacket Shop.BrunelloCucinelli.com – $1,290
Baby Noomie x byrobynblair Pink Lollipops PJ Set AnnSandra.com – $42
Colorful 60
Made by Humans Balloon Money Bank Elephant in Pink AnnSandra.com – $65
Petite Plume Daisy Doe Heirloom Doll Petite-Plume.com – $34
Dreams 62
Iris Apfel: Little People, Big Dreams AnnSandra.com – $16
Yours Truly 63
Hot Air Balloon Baby Stationery DearElouise.com – From $235
Nensi
Everywhere
Travelcube White Noise Machine YogaSleep.com – $21
Rich Cacao 91
Rain Harvest 2021 (0 Hours Conch) Dark Chocolate ToakChocolate.com – $35
Soft Touch 90
Slip Queen Zippered Pillowcase in Caramel Slip.com – $89
Light 93 and Airy
Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream SundayRiley.com – $65
Range of 95 Expression C’est la vie
Divinity 94
Self Love Serum Ritual Bluem.com.au – $109
Roll It Out 98
Lululemon Reversible Mat 5mm in Black/White/Black Shop.Lululemon.com – $88
Make the world your oyster in 2023 with Pelorus’s bespoke yachting experiences. Inquire for rates and bookings at PelorusX.com.
Explore any corner of the world while chartering one of the Pelorus travel agency’s superyachts.
Vessels like the Boadicea feature spaces for up to twelve guests and luxuries like an onboard garden, a hot tub, a swimming pool, several formal dining areas, terraced decks for lounging, and a private spa. Explore the crystal clear waters of the Bahamas and Caribbean or charter the yacht for the summer season to venture overseas to the Mediterranean. Sail on!
When old-world craft meets new-world technology, an unprecedented level of quality is birthed. At E. F. San Juan, the quality and long-term function of our woodwork are the keys to creating elements that will transform a house into your dream home.
PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVE WARREN | VISIT CORCORANREVERIE.COM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS HOME
We do what we do because we are passionate about the field of Real Estate and we execute with objectivity. With more than 40 years of experience coupled with our strong community alliances, La Florida has evolved into the ultimate brand for expertise, advice and support.
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To learn more about Joali Maldives, visit Joali.com or check out the story in VIE’s March 2019 Issue.
Retreat to your dreamy cabana and rediscover the world of imagination. Joali is a luxury resort located on two private islands in the Maldives. Nestled among the blue lagoons of the tides, ivory sands welcome guests to an oasis blending ancient wisdom and modern technology. The transformative experience is marked by luxury hospitality and a wonderland of nature’s abundance. Enjoy a holiday surrounded by Maldivian craftsmanship while embracing the art-immersive island retreat.
Photo courtesy of Joali Maldives
sounds
jazz music. Slowly cruising down Canal Street, we rolled down our windows so we could be welcomed to the city by a second line that happened to be passing.
y husband, Alex, and I were thrilled to be back in his home state of Louisiana, where we met and got married. We also looked forward to a long weekend getaway in Crescent City at the new Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, which opened last year. For those in town for a wedding or event like we were, in need of a retreat that is truly the total-package destination of accommodation, relaxation, spa, and dining, you can’t go wrong here.
This was our first stay with Four Seasons, and we couldn’t wait to get on-site and start exploring the beautiful property, originally built in 1967 as the former World Trade Center. As we made our way through the luxurious lobby and up to our room, we were impressed by the atmosphere and energy buzzing throughout the hotel. Alex and I were both wowed as we entered our deluxe city-view room. The interior had a fresh, modern feel, while the shiplaplined walls made the room feel very welcoming and cozy. The shiplap pays homage to the many wooden boats that have traversed the nearby Mississippi River for centuries. No detail was overlooked when planning these rooms, and the customized lighting that transitions naturally from day to night was such a lovely feature. The Four Seasons guest room was the first where I could have been OK hanging out in our room the entire weekend.
You know you are getting close to the heart of New Orleans when you hear the faint
of
However, in New Orleans, food and drink almost always come first. So as soon as we checked in and dropped our bags in the room, we were off to enjoy dinner at Chemin à la Mer, the main restaurant on the property. Chemin à la Mer is led by Chef Donald Link, a Louisiana native and James Beard Award winner. He has created a fabulous representation of Louisiana dishes with a French flair for the Four Seasons. Thrilled to have the opportunity to experience it, we sat down and immediately began strategizing over the menu so we wouldn’t miss anything. Our server, AJ, shared with us that the restaurant had a selection of oysters available that evening from La Batre, Alabama; New Brunswick, New Jersey; and Coupeville, Washington. Naturally, we both wanted to try one from each location. We are undoubtedly Southerners because the Murder Point Oysters from La Batre were easily our favorite. We agreed that we also needed to try the tuna crudo, which did not disappoint! The blue crab boulettes and beef tartare rounded out our robust selection of appetizers. Being in New Orleans, we could not skip the seafood gumbo, which was fabulous. For our entrées, the filet mignon and the W. Black Wagyu skirt steak were terrific, but the Wagyu had an even richer flavor than the filet. We concluded our evening with coffee and cheesecake—needless to say, we did not go to bed hungry!
Day two in New Orleans started with a sixty-minute customized facial with Biologique Recherche, the spa partner at the Four Seasons. If you have never heard of or used Biologique Recherche, it is a skin-care line developed to be customized
for each individual’s skin type. The focus of my morn ing was nothing invasive but rather to leave the spa with a fresh glow for the evening’s event. My amazing esthetician, Monique, walked me through every pro cedure she performed and made me feel comfortable every step of the way. At one point in our session, I was pretty sure I looked like a mummy, but I can attest that my skin has never felt or looked better. Booking some “me time” at the spa is a must-do. Alex and I are already planning a return trip so he can try out the Southern Gentleman massage. Inspired by the most famed New Orleans cocktail, the Sazerac, this therapeutic massage targets key areas where men often carry tension. The back, neck, and shoulders are treated with rye whiskey-infused oil and deep-tissue massage techniques, followed by a namesake Sazerac and bar snacks in the relaxation lounge.
Left: Each guest room at the Four Seasons New Orleans is beautifully appointed with a view of the city or the river.
Above: Take advantage of drinks and Instaworthy beauty at the Chandelier Bar!
Right: Chef Alon Shaya’s menu at Miss River blends Louisiana tradition with interna tional flair.
Far right: Enjoy pamper ing through various treatments at the hotel’s sumptuous spa.
After a quick rinse and outfit change, we headed down to Miss River for lunch and kicked off our meal with some fun cocktails! The Four Decades (tequila, orange liqueur, passion fruit, basil, black sea salt) and the Unfound Treasure (amaro, rum, orgeat, Polynesian fruit, and bitters) were equally delicious and refreshing. Next up was the duck and andouille gumbo (of course) made with a rich dark roux, Louisiana jasmine rice, Yukon gold potato salad, and scallions. We were both thrilled to see this gumbo served with potato salad because that is how Alex's mom does it. For our mains, Alex ordered the giardiniera salad with pickled market vegetables, iceberg lettuce, cabernet vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, freshly shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, and added jumbo lump crab. I enjoyed the smoked muffuletta, fully dressed with Sicilian oregano dressing, cured meats, giardiniera, and aged provolone cheese. Chef Alon Shaya did a fabulous job keeping the tradi tion of Louisiana alive while also highlighting rich flavors. Chef Shaya has called New Orleans home for twenty years and is another James Beard Award winner bringing culinary magic to the Four Seasons.
fter lunch, we were fortunate to sit down with the hotel’s gen eral manager, Mali Carow, and its director of public relations, Vicki Bristol, at the gorgeous new Chandelier Bar to talk all things Four Seasons (over some cocktails, of course). I tried the classic French 75 (cognac, lemon, sugar, champagne), which was light, crisp, and effervescent. Alex had the Brandy Crusta (cognac, curaçao, maraschino, lemon, bitters), invented by renowned mixologist Joseph Santini in the 1850s. You cannot go wrong with either drink!
While we sipped, Carow shared that when the Four Seasons announced it was remodeling and moving into the former New Orleans World Trade Center,
there were many questions about who the space would focus on serving—residents or tourists. After spending time on the property, it is clear that the Four Seasons team has worked hard to make its dining establishments, bars, and spa welcoming to locals and hotel guests alike. The team also preserved many original elements of the building, such as the marble on the first level, to celebrate its rich history.
“New Orleans is magical in every way—a true sensory destination,” says Carow. “I am thrilled to lead the team bringing Four Seasons to this historic city, embracing its vibrant community, and offering travelers an exceptional way to discover the renowned Crescent City.”
“
Che f A l o n S h aya d id a fa b u l o u s j o b k e e p in g t he t r a d i t i o n o f L o u i s i a n a a l i v e w hil e a l s o hi g hl i g h t in g r i c h f l av o r s .
Left: With a rooftop pool and endless luxu ry amenities, the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans gives guests a resort-style experience amid the busy city.
Four Seasons is known for saying, “Luxury is our love language.” I can’t think of a better way to describe the level of personalization and attention to detail you feel when you stay at one of their properties. Alex and I are both now big fans of the Four Seasons brand, and with 126 properties in 47 countries, it’s just a matter of deciding where to plan our next stay!
Visit FourSeasons.com/NewOrleans to learn more and book your stay, or follow them on Instagram @fshotelneworleans.
The last thing vacationers want to worry about is if the reality of their accommodations matches what they booked online. They need to have confidence in the booking process and throughout their stay, so their biggest concern during the trip will be whether to get up and watch the sunrise or catch up on some much-needed Zzzs. It is just as impor tant for homeowners to know their Gulf-front condo or spacious beach house is well taken care of and producing a good return on their investment while they are away. A vacation rental property management company like Vacasa, which also specializes in Gulf Coast real estate, can ensure all of the above.
We sat down with a few homeowners working with Vacasa to find out how the process works and what they love about having a property manager handle their investment property.
Left: Lucy in Vizcaya is a Vacasa luxury vacation rental home in Dune Allen Beach, Florida, owned by Kevin and Tina White.
Opposite: The Sandbox, another beautiful Vacasa vacation rental home on Scenic High way 30-A, features interiors by Tanya Fitzgerald and is owned by John Chandler.
This page, above and right: The Sandbox’s Gulf-front location al lows endless gorgeous views from nearly ev ery room in the house!
Opposite left: Lucy in Vizcaya owners Tina and Kevin White
Opposite right: The Ocean Pearl vacation home, located in the 30-A neighborhood of Cypress Dunes and owned by Tom Hawkes and Fumiko Ito, offers the perfect blend of Gulf views and rustic coastal landscape.
Tanya Fitzgerald is an interior designer based in Little Rock who has designed several beach homes in the 30-A region of Northwest Florida with her business partner, John Chandler, one of which is on the Vacasa rental program. The team loves that these nicely designed homes are comfortable for guests while offering a stylish stay. “Most people come with their families and want a beautiful experience at the beach,” Fitzgerald says. “I always go in with the intention of making it bright and functional but a little more special than maybe what you have at home. I’ve found with the other rentals that if you make it unique, it becomes your guests’ vacation home, and they’ll return year after year.”
Although Fitzgerald and Chandler have managed properties before, they chose Vacasa for this one based on the comprehensive service and weekly reports they receive from the local management team. “It’s very hard to manage a property long-distance,” she shares. “Even though I get down there as often as I can, I have to depend on my people to send photographs, tell me what’s wrong, and anticipate my needs. It’s just like anything else: You have to find the right fit, the right person. I feel very comfortable with the property caretaker, Autumn Peden, there. It’s all about having a good team—and I value our relationship.”
Homeowners Kevin and Tina White purchased their luxury home in the gated neighborhood of Vizcaya because they loved being just steps from the beach and the privacy the area affords on Scenic Highway 30-A’s quiet west end near Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.
“We love to sit on the third-floor balcony and watch people walk by on the beach,” Kevin says. “Our home is in a gated community, which we think makes it special. There are only thirty-two homesites here. Basically, all of them are beauti ful. The name Vizcaya comes, I think, from the look—the buildings are white, and they have red barrel tile roofs, sort of indicative of Spanish architecture.”
The Whites chose Vacasa to manage their five-bedroom house—cheekily named Lucy in Vizcaya, a play on the Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” It sleeps up to fourteen guests and recently underwent extensive renovations, including redoing the luxurious primary bathroom with marble tile and a grand five-hun dred-pound soaking tub. They originally bought the home not only as an invest ment but also as a place where their growing family could enjoy the beach and spend time together for years to come. Kevin says, “We have two daughters, and
each of them has three children, so as we were shopping for a home, we wanted something big enough that all of the family could be here and be comfortable.”
He continues, “We retired last year and knew that supporting this house on our own wasn’t something we wanted to do. Costs are going up steadily, and the value of the property has gone up, but the only way to really leverage the property is to rent it. Renting pays the taxes and the insurance and covers the mainte nance. Having Vacasa manage it—although I’m pretty active in keeping track of it—is wonderful. We knew from the beginning we were going to rent. It was the only way we felt we could have a house at this level. We could have done a much smaller house and not rented it, but then we wouldn’t have had the family thing we’re talking about.”
You have to find the right fit, the right person. I feel very comfortable with the property caretaker, Autumn Peden, there. It’s all about having a good team—and I value our relationship.
Having a management partner, the Whites expound, is crucial for running a successful rental property when you don’t live nearby. “We inherited ResortQuest. They were already managing the property, although I think they’d only had one rental at the time we bought it. Doing it as the owner of the property yourself, I think, would be horrendous unless you lived here. Vacasa has a true infrastructure here to deal with this. I can drive a mile and a half from here, and there’s a facility for housekeeping and maintenance right in our neigh borhood. If we’ve got a piece of broken furniture, they’ll pick it up and get it out of here. You just have to have somebody who cares, and I think the folks in the local office do—and they’ve got the resources and infrastructure to do their work. Without good local management, I don’t think you can do it. If you don’t know the beach, you probably can’t make it work. And Vacasa makes it work for us.”
Fumiko Ito and Tom Hawkes booked their vacation rental stays through Vacasa before they purchased their investment property at the beach and decided to become customers of the management services. “Vacasa’s marketing is great, not just for owners but for guests, too,” Fumiko recalls. “If the guest is not happy with their vacation home, neither Vacasa nor us will make money. So I think that system is good for teamwork. I’m from Japan, which is such a small island. Our society is group-focused. When I came to the United States, I saw how huge it was and how people here are more individual. And in this business, we need teamwork. So even though I’m not a Vacasa employee, I am the owner—and Vacasa treats us like a part of the team. I like that we can work together.”
To learn more, book a stay, or get in touch with Vacasa about managing your invest ment property in Northwest Florida or beyond, visit Vacasa.com/30-a or call (850) 680-0620.
Vacasa has a true infrastructure here to deal with this....You just have to have somebody who cares, and I think the folks in the local office do—and they’ve got the resources and infrastructure to do their work.
A crisp winter day at Lake Steirer in Tauplitz is evidence of why Austrian winters are known for their picturesque views filled with generous snowfall. Visit Austria.info/en to plan your trip!
Since Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald lured the Beautiful People to the pine-scented beach colony known as the Côte d’Azur, this storied strip of Mediterranean coast has weathered a century as a playground for affluent Americans, Brits, and Russians—as well as French and Italian high society. Yet the Fitzgeralds came late to the game, two thousand years after the emperor Augustus made the South of France a beloved outpost of Imperial Rome. He built palaces and temples in which to sup the region’s succulent wine and local produce, arenas to entertain, aqueducts to bring fresh water, and—of course—magnificent spas to make the most of the glorious Med and its rose-colored healing salts.
While the focus shifted east toward the Italian border when the belle epoque villas and beach resorts were attracting hedonists two millennia later, a new generation is again looking west to the shores closer to Spain, which were once the only place to be. Here, historic towns of great beauty are now attracting design-conscious travelers as architects create new pleasure palaces within ancient buildings for those looking beyond the overcrowded Côte d’Azur to enjoy a Mediterranean lifestyle.
To discover the delights of “the other South of France” can take a bit of effort, involving a change of planes or one of the ultra-high-speed trains which have shrunk France for travelers. But, given that you can have breakfast in Paris and be in Barcelona by teatime these days, it’s no wonder many gourmands break their journey in Montpellier. There they can enjoy one of Europe’s finest Michelinstarred lunches before journeying on for a sleepover in one of the south’s newest and loveliest lodgings. The five-star Hôtel Richer de Belleval is housed in a former town hall on the city’s exquisite Place de la Canourgue. Its gourmet restaurant, Jardin des Sens, presided over by world-famous twin chefs Jacques and Laurent Pourcel, makes it well worth the trip. As Montpellier also fields an international airport, it’s the obvious place to start this particular voyage of discovery.
Located in the Occitanie region of France, Pont du Gard is the primary element of the expansive Roman aqueduct.
Opposite: Camargue cattle are almost as majestic as the region’s famous wild horses.
Photo by Zoltan Kovacs/Unsplash
Photo by Groul, Manade Saint Louis/ Gard Tourisme
If any town can seduce vacationers away from the Camargue, it’s Nimes an hour north, the original Roman metropolis unequaled in the region for its history, beauty, and sophistication
Overlooked by the Romans, Montpellier evolved as a seven teenth- and eighteenth-century architectural jewel, now the center of the booming Languedoc wine trade and a lively university town packed with bars and restaurants. It also happens to be the gateway to the magnificent Camargue, where the Mediterranean turns wild, frag mented into a series of lagoons ringed by marshes. It’s populated by flamingos, white horses, black bulls, and gitanes—those elegant cowboys who can strum a mean flamenco guitar and sing their hearts out; this is the area that spawned the Gipsy Kings pop group.
At La Camargue, the oldest and most atmospheric restaurant in the tiny walled town of Aigues-Mortes, you’ll be told the Kings got their start here. From spring to fall, their successors will serenade you on the weekends as you pick at an anchoïade—anchovy and olive dip served with a garden-sized bowlful of colorful crudités. Perhaps follow it up with octopus in a garlicky aioli, the fingernail-sized local clams known as tellines, or taureau, as the Camarguais call the beloved beef they love to cook over a wood fire and serve with potatoes from the embers.
There is a five-star hotel even in laid-back AiguesMortes—the art deco Villa Mazarin, distinguished by a peaceful garden and spa facilities. However, my inner hipster booked this new kid on the block on a recent visit: the four-star Hôtel des Remparts. It faces the city walls that can be walked on and explored when all the quaint, narrow streets packed with covetable local artifacts have been exhausted.
Still, getting out of town into the glorious countryside is the main attraction. All roads south lead to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a former haunt of Ernest Hemingway, where the Mediterranean finally makes its appearance unobstructed. Its sandy beaches, lined with seafood cafes, draw crowds promenading beneath the bell tower of a magnificent medieval church.
If any town can seduce vacationers away from the Camargue, it’s Nîmes, an hour north. The original Roman metropolis is unequaled in the region for its history, beauty, and sophistication—no wonder Augustus and his successors stayed here for five hundred years! The Arena no longer fields gladiators, just a dozen annual toned-down bullfights in which the beast is not killed, and the beautifully preserved colosseum also hosts musical events. A warren of limestonepaved pedestrian streets reveals a plethora of exquisite decorating shops, wine emporia, and fashion boutiques, including the flagship store of Souleiado. The brand’s Indian cotton goods, block-printed in sunshine yellows, the deep blues of Mediterranean skies, and the reds of the setting sun, have become synonymous with French provincial chic worldwide.
Opposite left, top to bottom: A beautiful vineyard in Uzès
Photo by Christophe Grilhé/Vignerons Duché Uzès
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon on the Rhône is a medieval destination known for art, markets, and cafes.
Photo by J.M.André/ Gard Tourisme
Margaret – Hotel Chouleur in Nîmes
Far right: A statue of French bullfighter Nimeño II outside the Roman Arena in Nîmes
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
The majestic Chevaux de Camargue Photo courtesy of Gard TourismeThere is more than one five-star hotel in Nîmes, another favor ite Hemingway haunt, but nowhere to stay more stylish than the Margaret – Hôtel Chouleur, the astonishing conversion of a seventeenth-century mansion into cutting-edge contemporary lodgings. Its restaurant gets a nod from Michelin, but this is one town where you really want to be dining and carousing with the locals, and all credit to the inspec tors for following inspired chefs into the super-buzzy covered market, Les Halles, where they have awarded what must be the world’s most gourmet lunch counter, La Pie qui Couette, one of their coveted Bib Gourmands.
Somewhat off the radar is the lovely medieval town of Uzès to the north—make a detour en route to the astonishing Roman aqueduct of the Pont du Gard, where hundreds of enslaved people labored for years to bring water from Uzès to the great and the good of imperial Nîmes. An excellent museum worth visiting after crossing the bridge to admire the golden arches from both sides and beneath tells the story and shows some of the amazing artifacts discovered on the site.
Uzès itself, despite a distinctly more rustic vibe than Nîmes, boasts a Relais & Châteaux hotel, the Maison d’Uzès, where we enjoyed a romantic room with a vast white marble bathroom in the rafters overlooking the city rooftops. Still, its Michelin-starred restaurant felt a little formal and enclosed in a town so rich in winding lanes and alleys. New Orleans architect Prisca Weems, who recently moved here, recommends buzzy local eateries Ten (“great wasabi oysters!”), Le Barry, and Villa Curti. Certainly, getting out into the town is the only way to enjoy its nocturnal spectacle. It would be hard to find a more breathtaking square than the colonnaded Place aux Herbes, lined with huge, ancient trees and home to the annual winter truffle festival when gastronomy is everywhere, with many special menus based on the rarefied tuber.
Far right and below: The beautiful streets in Collias, near Pont du Gard between Nîmes and Uzès, are worth exploring.
Photo by A.Rodriguez/ OT Destination Pays d’Uzès Pont du Gard
Right: A quiet street in Uzès, France
Photo by Anthea Gerrie
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Expect more anchovies, olives, seafood, basil, and oceans of golden-pink Provencal wine— the fragrant flavors of the south enjoyed all along the French coast.
Truffles bring us full circle back to the Côte d’Azur, where they are regularly served to the rich, if not cultivated right on the spot. The luxury lifestyle fielded by the Riviera should at least be sampled on a trip to the South of France, given that this is where it all started for fashionable Americans. The exquisite art deco villa rented by the Fitzgeralds is now the Belles Rives, the best hotel in the tiny, chic resort of Juan-les-Pins. Dine here on a private beach overlooking the marina. Its yachts moor up every summer for Jazz à Juan, the annual international jazz festival set in an intimate pine glade overlooking the Med.
During July, jazz is also served up in Nice, the cultural jewel of the Côte d’Azur awash in belle epoque villas and art museums, including those devoted to Matisse and Chagall. The jazz musicians stay at the chic Radisson Blu, where guests are entertained with free post-concert jams in the lobby lounge, but the most famous hotel is the eclectic Negresco, further down the iconic Promenade des Anglais. It fields a useful little address book of neighborhood eateries like Davia, where chef-patron Pierre Altobelli has won Michelin approval for the authentic “cui sine Nissarde” he learned from his grandmother. Expect more anchovies, olives, seafood, and basil—with oceans of golden-pink Provençal wine. These fragrant flavors of the south are enjoyed all along the French coast, which indeed is worth an odyssey from one end to the other, whether you start at the Italian border and work your way west, or vice versa, following in the footsteps of those canny Romans who got there first.
More information at Visit-Occitanie.com and CotedAzurFrance.fr.
Anthea Gerrie is based in the UK but travels the world in search of stories. Her special interests are architecture and design, culture, food, and drink, as well as the best places to visit in the world’s great playgrounds. She is a regular contributor to the Daily Mail, the Independent, and Blueprint
A year-round favorite of many city dwellers, Scribner’s Catskill Lodge in Hunter, New York, serves as a grounding getaway with ample mountainside property to explore. Designed for the “urban explorer,” the lodge features thirty-eight rooms adorned with cozy sheepskin rugs, dark maple floors, and custom-built furniture that reflects the beauty of the Catskill Mountains while provid ing top-notch amenities for the modern traveler. Whether you’ll be curling up with a house-made cappuccino on the porch, skating at the property’s rink, or crafting with local makers, the lodge offers restorative activities designed to foster a greater connection between nature and self.
According to insight surveys conducted by Virtuoso, a global luxury travel net work, travel sales in 2023 are already pacing 47 percent higher than in 2019. This bright news was unveiled at the Virtuoso Travel Week, which attracted five thousand Virtuoso mem ber travel advisors, destination representatives, and travel companies from over one hundred countries. The annual mega-event held at MGM Resorts in Las Vegas is recognized as the “fashion week of travel,” where the latest trends are shared to help industry professionals plan for what clients want next.
For many travelers, that means choosing a new experience, such as hiking in Bhutan or marveling at Malta’s seven thousand years of history. “I’m sending friend groups on exciting trips to Egypt and newly reopened Japan,” says Jennifer Falk Weiss, an Atlanta-based luxury travel advisor.
For others, it’s an opportunity to revisit a favorite destination but see things differently. In Rome, why not skip the lines at the Colosseum to join an archeological jogging tour? “We can also plan a tour of Roman street food or the best gelato shops, where you’ll learn behind-the-scenes techniques,” says Edoardo Giuntoli, general manager of the Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese. The seventy-room boutique hotel features contemporary Roman cuisine and a rooftop bar overlooking the Eternal City.
Have you been to Sydney but have yet to explore other parts of the Australian continent? Perth and beyond beckon: “Why not travel even further?” asks Carolyn Turnbull of Tourism Western Australia. “We’re the next Africa!”
Attention stargazers! On April 20, 2023, Western Australia will be the best place to witness the Ningaloo Solar Eclipse, the longest solar eclipse until 2172.
There’s a lot to see in 2023 as international travel restrictions relax and pent-up demand for exploring the world returns.Travel agency &Beyond is unveiling luxury tent and villa getaways in the Kingdom of Bhutan for 2023.
Top: Maroma, a Belmond Hotel in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, was recently renovated and is now ready to welcome travelers for the coming year.
Above and opposite bottom: The iconic Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro celebrates one hundred years in 2023.
Photos courtesy of Belmond
Global jet setters pretty much everywhere will happily also find a refreshed selection of accommodations, cruise itineraries, and destination activities because so many companies used the downtime of slow travel dur ing the pandemic to renovate existing properties and build new brands focused on the way we travel now.
The landmark White Elephant resort on Nantucket will celebrate its hundredth anniversary in May 2023 with a top-to-bottom restoration and renovation. Also that month, Mexico’s Caribbean coastline welcomes the reopening of the beach retreat Maroma, a Belmond Hotel on Riviera Maya, and the long-awaited debut of the Mayan Train project connecting Cancun to other hotspots in the Yucatán Peninsula.
In New York, a city reemerging with a welcoming newness, the art-filled Hotel Gansevoort’s renovation follows the Meatpacking District’s evolution from edgy to luxury. “It’s a grown-up version of what it once was,” the hotel’s general man ager, Anton Moore, says of the neighborhood. “The trees along the nearby High Line grew up, and so did we.”
Virtuoso surveys predict travelers will spend 34 percent more on average in 2023. “It’s a lifestyle approach to travel for our clients. They’re saying now more than ever that they’ve only got one life to live, and they’ll spend money on travel rather than other purchases,” says travel advisor Beth Washington of Washington DC-based Getaway Guild.
Still, there’s an accompanying reality check to consider. This is also a world where booking ahead is vital again, hotel rates are often higher, and cancellation fees have returned. The pandemic travel party—when crowds were thin and refund policies were flexible—is over because demand is outpacing supply.
“Africa is booking out three years in advance,” cautions Matthew Upchurch, CEO of Virtuoso. He adds, “And look out because in 2024, the youngest baby boomers turn sixty, so we’ll have even more mature travelers hitting the road.”
That also means an uptick in valuing the professional guidance of travel advisors who can help people navigate the ups and downs of booking vacations and the increasingly popular “work from wherever” getaways. “I think travelers simply want to make up for lost time and appreciate more than ever the enormous ben efit of working with a knowledgeable advisor who can put together a seamless trip full of fabulous experiences,” says Falk Weiss.
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Global jet setters pretty much everywhere will happily also find a refreshed selection of accommodations, cruise itineraries, and destination activities because so many companies used the downtime of slow travel during the pandemic to renovate existing properties and build new brands focused on the way we travel now.
Understanding personal motivations to travel remains the most crucial part of planning. “Travel with the grandkids is really big now since many hadn’t seen them during the lockdown, and they’ve missed two birth days,” says Australian travel advisor Anthony Goldman of the Goldman Group.
Travel Plans Are Shifting.
The hottest destinations in 2022 were the US, Italy, France, Canada, and Greece, followed by the United Kingdom, Spain, Mexico, Ireland, and Switzerland. The US dollar’s parity with the euro certainly plays a factor, but there’s a change afoot in 2023 as the focus on Europe shifts to the rest of the world.
“Demand for exotic destinations is coming back strong in Asia, South America, and Africa,” notes Washington.
Ready to welcome returning guests, the historic art deco icon Copacabana Palace in Rio De Janeiro, the first luxury hotel in South America, is preparing for its centennial year in 2023.
In the Kingdom of Bhutan, &Beyond will unveil its first luxury tent property in Asia in September 2023. Punakha River Lodge is billed as an adventure playground and base for outdoor activities such as rafting, fishing, and hiking through verdant landscapes.
Attitudes about what to do once you get to where you’re going are changing too. Purpose-driven travel is paramount, especially with Gen Z and Millennials. For example, enthusiasm for adventure escapes is morphing into a craving for well ness and mental health retreats.
Top left: Take in some of the world’s most romantic views from the Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese rooftop.
Photo courtesy of Sofitel
Top Right: In addition to Bhutan, check out &Beyond’s website for other exotic escapes— but book fast, as 2023 promises to be one of the busiest travel years in recent memory.
Photo courtesy of &Beyond
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The pandemic travel party— when crowds were thin and refund policies were flexible—is over because demand is outpacing supply.
Speaking of hotel rooftop views, these stunners are brought to you courtesy of the Park Hyatt Tokyo (above) and the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC (top and bottom right).
Photos courtesy of Park Hyatt and Gansevoort Hotels
Opposite left: The Copacabana Palace pool is calling!
Photo courtesy of Belmond
Opposite right: Read more about the White Elephant Nantucket in VIE’s September 2022 issue.
Photo courtesy of White Elephant
Culinary adventures are becoming more inclusive of cultural immersion. Turkey’s Tourism Board has launched a new campaign called “Delicious Turkiye” to highlight the nation’s diverse culinary cultures. Tour operator Collette specializes in culinary expe riences such as truffle hunting. “It’s so much more than a meal,” says Jeff Woods of Collette.
And while travelers might not specifically ask about sustainability policies, they’re paying attention. “Guests may notice a large bottle of shampoo in the bath instead of single-use plastics and appreciate that the chef has a kitchen garden where their kids can visit,” says Washington.
While the most popular way to travel is still with a significant other, the second most common category is traveling with friends, followed by family trips with kids under eighteen. “During the pandemic, we saw travel pods, a group of friends traveling together. But solo travel is on the rise,” says Virtuoso’s Misty Belles. “More recently, we’ve seen a shift from travel with friends to solo travel, which is especially pronounced in the sixty-five-plus age group, increasing from 4 percent in 2019 to 18 percent in 2022.”
Whether alone or with a group of friends, travelers will also find increased support at Virtuoso member properties, where the staff are well aware that things from delayed flights to misplaced baggage can easily get “lost in translation.” The concierge team at Park Hyatt Tokyo—perhaps the best example, as this is where Sofia Coppola’s movie Lost in Translation was filmed—knows Tokyo can be an intimidating city to navigate. They help guests find restaurants and bars, of course, but add important local advice such as the best times to visit popular shrines and when to check out—or perhaps avoid—the throngs of up to three thousand people at Shibuya, the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing.
Wherever 2023 takes you, Virtuoso’s Upchurch reminds us, “Meaningful travel delivers a higher return on life, and travel is a force for good, opening up borders and connecting the peoples of the world.”
Bon voyage!
Of Virtuoso travelers, 74 percent say, “Creating a travel experience that best fits my expectations is more important than price.” Visit Virtuoso.com to learn more.
Moskito Island, located in the British Virgin Islands, is part of Virgin Limited Edition—Sir Richard Branson’s collection of unique retreats and luxury hotels. Visit VirginLimitedEdition.com to learn more or book a stay.
Exclusivity is a private luxury that, when available, is priceless. Moskito Island is the newest jewel of the Caribbean Sea, complete with three expansive estates. Spend the day relaxing on your private beach and then escape to the hilltop bungalow for a signature cocktail while you watch the sun sink into the horizon. One of the best gifts that someone can give is an experience!
Having a friend and mentor— someone to trust—can mean the most during hard times. Every child deserves that, and through the Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation and similar organizations around the country, children in foster care are given a voice. A guardian ad litem is a special guardian appointed by the court to watch after and represent a child during a court case or suit to which the child is a party. When tragic events occur, children need someone to advocate for and protect their rights until they can safely reunite with their families or find a permanent home.
The Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation (GAL) was founded in 2011 by a group of volunteer advocates who identified the need to support children served by the state-funded Guardian ad Litem Office. The term ad litem is Latin for “for the suit.” The foundation is a nonprofit arm of the state funded by the Guardian ad Litem Office of the First Judicial
Circuit, which encompasses the counties of Walton, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Escambia. Its mission is to provide for the needs of abused and neglected children and support the volunteer advocates in the Guardian ad Litem program. The state of Florida utilizes a comprehensive multidisciplinary team com prising a volunteer advocate, a child advocate manager, and an attorney to represent the child in dependency proceedings. This team works to support and put the child first by visiting the child in their foster home, group home, school, or on visitations with parents to evaluate their circumstances and identify any needs. During a time of displacement and unrest, these visits offer a consistent presence in their lives and are often the only constant when children are moved from one foster home to the next.
Its mission is to provide for the needs of abused and neglected children and support the volunteer advocates in the Guardian ad Litem program.
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ike all of us, children have an innate longing to be heard and understood, yet being in a continual state of change and uncer tainty about the future does not usually allow for intimate connections. A child’s guardian ad litem is one of the first visitors they will have after being moved to a new setting. These visits occur a minimum of once a month, fostering a connection and eventual relationship built between the child and the volunteer advocate or guardian ad litem. One child said about her GAL volunteer advocate, “She listens when I am scared.” Volunteers build relationships and trust with the children by going to the movies, taking them out for ice cream, or playing at the local park.
A guardian ad litem or volunteer looks for ways to support a child, such as providing them with new shoes and clothes, tutoring in school, athletic fees, or summer camps. When these needs are identi fied, the volunteer can request the funds to meet that need from the GAL Foundation. This support allows the child to flourish outside the home and attempt to maintain a sense of belonging and normalcy. Through the foundation, transportation is often provided, and aca demic support for testing or tutoring is available. When possible, the foundation will provide funding for these needs. For example, one young student in high school wanted to participate in cheerleading, and after she made the squad, the team was required to attend a cheer camp at Florida State University. However, being in the foster care system, her funds were very limited. Determined to go, the young lady and her teachers fundraised to cover part of the fees, and the GAL Foundation was able to provide the rest.
Through fundraisers and donations, the foundation can provide and care for these children while sup porting the volunteers and guardian ad litems in our community. Approximately two thousand children enter the foster care system annually in Walton, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Escambia counties. With such a staggering number of children entering the sys tem each year, only about fifteen hundred are served by the state Guardian ad Litem Office. A guardian ad litem advocates for the best interest of the child in the courtroom and the community through the duration of their time in foster care; however, with the high number of children in foster care currently and the limited amount of guardian ad litems, only 74 percent of the children are assigned a guardian ad litem. Without one, the child’s voice, emotions, and needs can go unheard, and the tragic cycle continues. Through the foundation, hundreds of children are served each year, and the goal is to have every child in foster care be assigned a guardian ad litem.
The GAL Foundation has a Children in Need Fund that covers athletic fees, shoes, clothes, and transpor tation. In addition to this wonderful work, they are launching a new program called Cases for Kids, giving each child a special bag they can call their own. When a child is moved from one home to another, their few belongings, if they have any, are usually packed in a garbage bag or pillow case to be delivered to their new temporary home. In many cases, the children do not even own a toothbrush or a pair of pajamas. This continual ebb and flow of moving “homes” hurts the
“She listens when I am scared.” Volunteers build relationships and trust with the children by going to the movies, taking them out for ice cream, or playing at the local park.
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child’s emotions and leaves them feeling as if they do not matter. As a result, these children are scared and lonely. Cases for Kids will provide a rolling duffle bag filled with age-appropriate necessities and comfort items. This initiative will send the message to children that they are seen, heard, and safe, and their needs will be met. The goal is to serve three hundred children through Cases for Kids this first year.
With hearts so big and greatly needed in this commu nity, the members of the GAL Foundation are always looking to expand their reach through donations, rais ing awareness, and training volunteers. The abandoned and neglected children in the court and community are innocent of their circumstances and, at the very least, deserve someone to look after them. The Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation is filling a gap and answering the call of public service by supporting the volunteers who make this initiative possible and fundraising for children to have their basic needs met. The mission of this beautiful organization will touch families for generations to come.
Individuals and businesses can learn more or donate by visiting NWFGAL.org. Keep up with upcoming fundraising events and learn more on Facebook and Instagram. Those interested in volunteering as a guardian ad litem can contact Carita Smith at (850) 461-3877 or email carita.smith@gal.fl.gov. If you are unsure about becoming a guardian ad litem volunteer but want to volunteer with the foundation’s special events, visit the website to register or email gingerdavisgal@yahoo.com. Donations are also accepted via check mailed to the NWF Guardian ad Litem Foundation main office (1800 West St. Mary Ave., Pensacola, FL 32501) or through Venmo @NWFGALF.
Fine art photography was the reason for celebration as community members came together to experi ence Sirens and Silver, a series by Chandler Williams, visual artist and owner of Modus Photography in Grayton Beach, Florida. Guests enjoyed the sophisticated atmosphere upstairs in the new Modus Gallery, which set the tone for the collection and other fine art pieces through soothing sounds and ambient lighting. The event followed VIE’s October Issue with Williams’s work as the cover story. The cover shot, Aphonic, features sustainable clothing by Candi Gordon of Candi Skye Designs. The artificial materials used in the dress symbolize the destruction of mother nature juxtaposed against the stunning scenery; this piece, as with all of Williams’s work, tells a story beyond a beautiful landscape.
Photography by Hunter Burgtorf
The upstairs of Modus Photography in Grayton Beach now serves as an intimate appointmentonly gallery space.
Jeff and Gay Landreth with Lisa and Gerald Burwell
Andrew Brooks and Chandler Williams
Kelly Curry, Addie Strickland, Lisa Burwell, Jordan Staggs, and Emme Martin
Patti Labelle is an award-winning entertainer, author, and entrepreneur. Known as the Godmother of Soul, Labelle’s chart-topping hits include “Lady Marma lade” and “New Attitude.” The legendary songstress headlined Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Annual Gala on Tues day, October 11, aptly titled An Evening with Patti Labelle. The proceeds from the event benefited Sin fonia and its education and community engagement initiatives throughout Northwest Florida and beyond.
This October, the inaugural Alys Beach Crafted celebrated the thoughtful craftsmanship of the country’s top artisans, makers, and creatives. The weekend was filled with craft cocktail seminars, a Makers’ Market, and engaging workshops on topics like the art of succulent arrangements and silk scarf dying. The return of the Firkin Fête craft beer event was a crowd favorite. Here, the Southeast’s premier brewers tapped their firkin barrels to share small-batch beers while Northwest Florida chefs crafted delicious fall fare. Proceeds from the festivities benefited Food for Thought Outreach. Cheers, until next year!
Photography courtesy of Alys Beach
Grayton Beer Company at Firkin Fête
Firkin Fête attendees celebrating in Oktoberfest attire
The second Alys Beach Firkin Fête
The illuminated St. Vincent Church in the village of Heiligenblut am Gross glockner glistens on a calm winter night in the Austrian Alps. Visit Austria.info/en to start planning your trip!
Photo by Peter Maier, courtesy of Österreich Werbung
Photography courtesy of WALTON COUNTY TOURISM DEPARTMENT
And a true ecological treasure here are our rare coastal dune lakes, the likes of which are found only in a hand ful of worldwide locations such as Madagascar, Australia, New Zealand and Oregon. In celebration of these special bod ies of water, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners has even designated October as Coastal Dune Lake Awareness Month.
There are 15 named coastal dune lakes in Walton County. These shallow, irregularly shaped depres sions are only about 5 feet deep on average. Adding to their uniqueness, the local dune lakes have an intermittent connection with the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to maintaining the exchange of fresh and salt water, this so-called “outfall” also helps the lakes control flooding.
The pristine beauty is well documented in Walton County, where 40% of the land south of the Choctawhatchee Bay is preserved for nature.
Our dune lakes are highly impor tant to the coast because they store and filter water. And while the water may not be as stunning as the nearby turquoise Gulf, it is equally fascinating. The brownish color of a coastal dune lake is due to the breakdown of organic matter, similar to when you make tea. It makes for a com plex ecosystem that supports a diverse range of both saltwater and freshwater plant and animal species.
To help protect these rare natural treasures, Walton County has established several measures, including erosion control and a detailed stormwater plan. Almost every coastal dune lake here is afforded a 100-foot undisturbed shoreline setback buffer and a 50-foot undisturbed setback buffer from either side of its natural outlet. Seawalls, bulkheads, revetments and rip-rap are all prohibited.
Opposite Page: WaterColor is home to one of South Walton’s most picturesque coastal dune lakes, Western Lake.
This Page: In Blue Mountain Beach, this coastal dune lake outfall into the Gulf maintains the exchange of fresh and salt water and also helps the lakes control flooding.
There are also groups dedicated to protecting these rare bodies of water. In place for 20 years, the countyappointed Coastal Dune Lake Advisory Board utilizes a combination of public education and promotion, while making informed recommendations to the Walton County Board of County Commissioners. Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance is a county partner that assists with education and outreach, as well as water quality monitoring and the removal of nuisance plants.
So, regardless if you’re a resident of the area or a visi tor who was initially drawn by the nearby beach, take some time to explore these rare coastal dune lakes.
Some of the best launching points are found in local state parks such as Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, which provide direct access to the lakes. The Boathouse Paddle Club in WaterColor is situated right along the shore of Western Lake, arguably the county’s most popular coastal dune lake.
Each of the 15 lakes provides an amazing opportu nity to get out in nature, whether you enjoy fishing, birding or hiking, or taking to the water on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE RARE ECOLOGICAL TREASURES AT VISITSOUTHWALTON.COM.
So, regardless if you’re a resident of the area or a visitor who was initially drawn by the nearby beach, take some time to explore these rare coastal dune lakes.
One of Santa’s reindeer
Reindeer who came into his own on one “foggy Christmas Eve”
Direction that magi came from
Santa’s robe color
Annual carrier for the toys
Children in this category get presents
Member of Santa’s team
Tom Hanks Christmas film, The ___ Express
Transport to the North Pole in 26 across
Goes down (the chimney, perhaps)
It could be north or south DOWN
Reindeer on Santa’s team
Actors’ org.
Santa’s helper in many movies
Actor who played Tyler in the Hallmark Channel’s Next Stop, Christmas, ___ Freeman
One of the Manning brothers
Another of Santa’s reindeer
Route, for short
Melted caramel, for example
Nurse, for short
May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve.
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To learn more about Jewelry Guide: The Ultimate Compendium or purchase your copy, visit Assouline.com.
Sparkle and shine this holiday season with classic pieces that will never age. Assouline’s Jewelry Guide: The Ultimate Compendium takes your jewelry back in time to when it was just precious materials and raw gemstones. French author and editor Fabienne Reybaud takes readers on the journey of jewels through the centuries. The volume covers everything bling enthusiasts need to know, including the best museum collections to visit and up-and-coming designers to follow. Shine today and forever!
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