Iconic Destinations Beckon: Where Will You Go?

Some brand-new properties will be opening their doors to the public this year. Here’s a quick tease on which ones to watch out for…

Washington D.C. | Stay at The Morrow Hotel in burgeoning NoMa

The Morrow Hotel is a cornerstone tenant in the NoMa neighborhood of Washington D.C. which is positioned for massive growth over the next few years. The Morrow is the first hotel of its kind in the area, created to serve all this new growth through its rooms/suites, meeting spaces, event spaces, restaurants/lounges (from local Michelin-starred chef Nicholas Stefanelli), partnerships, etc. The Morrow Hotel, part of the new 3rd Street District development, is ideally situated at the nexus of NoMa, Union Market and H Street, with easy access to the NoMaGallaudet U Metro and Union Station.

Hudson Valley, NY | Experience The Ranch Hudson Valley

Just 90 miles outside of the city is Hudson Valley, NY, the region that has become a weekend getaway for New Yorkers wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to find nature and peace. The region is growing with more wellness-tied properties and has become a wellness hotspot. The Ranch, a celebrity-favorite wellness retreat best known for the Malibu location in California, is expanding to the east coast with The Ranch Hudson Valley. Nestled amidst 200 acres in a historic lakefront estate, it is located 45 minutes from New York City and immerses guests in nature as they experience the core elements of The Ranch program – hiking, fitness classes, yoga, deep tissue massage, and a plant-based diet.

Stockbridge, MA | The Berkshires Abuzz

The Berkshires is a cultural hotspot with visitors making their way here to experience local art, breweries, outdoor adventures, a thriving food scene, entertainment, and shopping, while offering activities suitable for every season. With lovely B&Bs, trendy cottages, Victorian houses and retro retreats, The Berkshires offers some hidden New England gems with some new and upcoming hotels such as Lifehouse, but The Red Lion Inn stays true to its charm as an iconic picturesque landmark located in Stockbridge, MA, providing a veritable playground to nearby attractions. An idyllic town that was home to Norman Rockwell and set the scene for many of his classic American paintings, Stockbridge offers rich history and old-world charm in the heart of the Berkshires, a destination that has been known and loved by travelers.

Newport, RI | Go in For The Gilded Age

A coastal city meant for a quick seaside getaway or staycation, Newport, Rhode Island, is having a moment with the help of HBO Max’s show Gilded Age. There are plenty of ways visitors can take part in the Gilded-Age fun of Newport’s storied past. As the first harborside hotel in Newport that debuted mid-pandemic in 2020, The Brenton and Hammetts Hotel allows guests stunning nautical views with luxury accommodations. Hammetts is a new kind of hotel on the Newport waterfront where guests can feel the footprint of the city’s historic past carefully blended with the aesthetic of a modern yacht club. With a subtle nod to the city’s turn of the century mercantile wharves in its design and decor, the hotel conveys quality while being engineered for simplicity and easy use. Hammetts offers not only a prime location in the heart of the city, but a portal to its art, dining and history, with a gallery on-site as well as Giusto, a freestyle Italian restaurant connected to the hotel. m

Mile High City Sights

Spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, unique live music venues like the famous Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, the giant blue bear public art sculpture—there’s all of that and more awaiting you on your next visit to Denver.

Get situated first at The Ramble Hotel in the RiNo district (River North Art District). The boutique hotel is the first in the area and offers 50 delightfully decorated rooms so ensure you reserve ahead if this is where you’d like to stay. Included in each room is a well-furnished mini bar with recipes to prepare your own cocktails if you’d like. Or you could head to the lobby bar where Death & Co has some creative libations on the menu. The outdoor space off the lobby is equally entertaining, with its neon lighting and casual cool vibes.

Among some of the local attractions to visit if this is your first time to the city 16th Street Mall and Larimer Square in Downtown Denver, Colorado Railroad Museum and Denver Art Museum,

Confluence Park and Washington Park, Denver Zoo, and Denver Botanic Gardens.

For an interesting day tour, one of the best experiences in Denver is a graffiti tour. A walking tour of the neighborhood guided by a local who can show you all the larger murals and the details behind them as well as some of the lesserknown works of art and their creators. Denver Graffiti Tour can give you a quick and easy or detailed and in-depth version, just check in on their site and let them know. Various public arts initiatives have resulted in a beautiful network of murals and graffiti walls that each tell their own unique story. You can enjoy the weather and the walk as you take in all the art.

Another cool experience?

Meow Wolf. There is no way to describe this unique experience other than to say it is multisensory and can be enjoyed by all ages. Innovative and interactive, this venue boasts work by multiple artists and creators, taking you through imaginary worlds and mediascapes that wow. There are only a few places in the world that have a Meow Wolf location and Denver is one of them so definitely opt for this experience if you have the time. Give yourself the better part of a day to access all areas and interact with the different exhibits.

All that sightseeing is bound to make you hungry and there’s a list of places you can try. Start the day strong with breakfast at Snooze, a local crowd favorite for brunch. Their seasonal menu features items made from scratch and with a creative twist. Or for the views, head to The Woods, inside The Source Hotel, and delight in both brekkie and beautiful sights. Or go all relaxed and casual at Mimosas in the Five Points neighborhood and remember to get the specialty beignets in this retro-style urban eatery. lovely El Five. Located in LoHi (Lower Highland), the restaurant gives you unobstructed views of the city skyline. Enjoy Spanish and Eastern Mediterranean small plates and drinks served in a funky topfloor penthouse. The drink menu is creative and the food menu delightful. Do not miss out on the paella which is a signature dish. Other suggestions are the lamb sausage, and then the malabi to end on a sweet note.

Another spot within walking distance from The Ramble is The Denver Central Market. Think of it as a gourmet marketplace and food hall featuring many vendors. You will find a bakery, coffee shop, fish market, butcher, rotisserie, chocolate shop, ice cream, wood-fired pizza, salad and sandwiches, lunch bowls, and more. Stay indoors for a taste of the buzz once the crowds start arriving or grab a quick bite to go as you explore the city.

For more of the city sights and sounds, consider Urban Farmer, which is close to the historic Oxford Hotel and Union Station, offering a chef-driven, seasonal steakhouse committed to locally sourced ingredients, sustainable practices and ethically raised meats. The cheeseboards are an absolute beauty and pretty much anything on the menu is guaranteed to be a win.

For a truly unique dinner experience though, head to Nocturne for a performance accompanying your meal. Your prix fixe menu does offer a few options for choice, or you can go with the a la carte menu as well, but the jazz performance is the highlight here. This is a short walk from The Ramble and a great idea for your first meal when you visit or your last meal to end on a memorable note. Watch out for the large murals inside and out and enjoy the music, the food, the ambience, and your time overall in this gorgeous city. m

Dinner spots are many but here are the top three we recommend. For the view, head to the

Cheers to Cocktail Creations

These cocktail recipes from Gray Whale Gin (benefitting Oceana), Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon and Redemption Whiskey will keep you cheering through the year.

Winter Fling by Redemption Whiskey

Ingredients:

2 parts Redemption

Rye

.25-part Cinnamon

Syrup

.75 oz Sweet Vermouth

Rinse of Dry Curaçao

1 dash Angostura

Bitters

3 dashes Pimento

Bitters

Instructions:

Stir all ingredients in shaker with ice and rinse chilled coupe glass with Dry Curaçao.

Strain ingredients over chilled coupe glass.

Whale You Be Mine by Gray Whale Gin

Ingredients:

2 oz Gray Whale Gin

5 oz blood orange juice

Instructions:

Shake with ice, strain over ice, top with soda water, and garnish with blood orange slices.

Whiskey Daisy by Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon

Ingredients:

2 oz Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon

1/2 tbsp sugar

2 or 3 dashes of lemon juice

1 dash of lime juice

.5 oz Yellow Chartreuse

Instructions: Shake with all ingredients (besides yellow chartreuse) with ice. In a cup, line a few berries at the bottom of the cup and then top with crushed ice. Strain contents of shaker, top with Yellow Chartreuse, and garnish with a few berries on top. m