instinct

Welcome to a pork lover's fairytale. With its woodland wonders, historic castle, tempting meals, deep sleeps and even the crowning of a sparkly-eyed prince, the historic Rocky Mountain town of Banff brought a dreamy adventure to life when it welcomed Cochon555.

This important heritage-breed pig culinary competition to raise awareness and funds for farmers and charities came to Canada for the first time this Spring and was an instant best-seller. Every available ticket sold.

May 8

May 8 The Palms at Sunset: Got Your Goat in Jamaica

I was delighted when my husband and I received Betty's invitation to join her for a picnic at the Sunset at the Palms Resort in Negril, Jamaica. The setting was lush, the food and wine enticing. Conversation, though, was a tad strained. But then her recent history was a bit dicey. Recently married, rumor has it was a shotgun wedding. Seems Betty had been knocked up and the kids already there. It was hard for her to attend to them and also focus on her guests. Still, she was already back at work maintaining the grounds -- Betty is a very resilient goat. And one of Sunset’s favorite staff members.

Apr 12

Apr 12 New Spa and Hotel in Los Cabos

HEATHER KIRK

Health, Travel

Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos is a new adults-only, all-inclusive hotel with 374 guest rooms and suites that range from 760 to 1,400, sq. ft. Each room features an ocean view. Distinction beyond its dining, spa, and recreational essentials expect personal butler service, nightly aromatherapy menus, a pillow menu, CHI blow dryers and flatirons and BVLGARI personal grooming products, Apple TV and Lavazza coffee makers.

Apr 9

Apr 9 Pints, Puppets and People in the Czech Republic

I’m not at all a connoisseur of beer. I know a Pilsner Lager is a good beer; Bud Light is not. I know beers from the Czech Republic are among the best in the world. But it wasn’t until I was marinating in a beer barrel in Ostrava, Czech Republic that I really got to experience a good beer that up close and personal. A beer massage is one of the de rigueur options offered at the Chateau Zamek-Zábřeh Hotel and Brewery in Ostrava, about a three-hour train ride from Prague. And why not? After all, it washes harmful substances from the body, relieves stress, rejuvenates skin and hair, moisturizes the body and boosts immunity. And you thought it was just to cool off with on a hot summer day!

Apr 8

Apr 8 Majestic Marais District of Paris

Strolling along the twisted streets lined by aged buildings in a jumble of architectural styles, my first thought was that the setting would be a city planner’s nightmare. Then my mind wandered to the rich history that has unfolded in the often-overlooked neighborhood in one of the most-visited cities in the world. Throughout the Marais district of Paris, crumbling mansions that cling to memories of past glory days are neighbors to trendy shops and galleries. Bustling restaurants abut small, offbeat museums.

Nov 13

Nov 13 The Past Comes Alive In Sicily

Style, Travel

“You can steal my money but not my food.” “If lunch or dinner doesn’t have at least five courses, it’s just a snack.” “If you want things to go exactly as planned, don’t come here.” These words, spoken by my Overseas Adventure Travel tour guide in Sicily who actually loves his homeland, tell a lot about Sicily. Yes food is important, plentiful and held in a place of near reverence. Plans don’t always work out as they’re intended, and the locals have learned to go with the flow. And residents of the triangular-shaped island just off the toe of Italy’s boot exhibit a warmth, friendliness and self-deprecating humor that make them a reason to visit there.

Nov 9
Nov 9 Voluntourism in Miami

Steve MacNaull

Work

Feeling virtuous, my wife and I tuck into the elaborate tasting menu at KYU. The wine-and-dine extravaganza at the Asian-inspired barbecue hotspot in Miami's warehouse-turned-hipster Wynwood neighborhood is justified after our stint of voluntourism earlier in the day.

Nov 7

Nov 7 Kauai Lives Up to the Hype

Remember when Maui was considered the undeveloped island of Hawaii, in the days before hordes of tourists -- and the commercialism that inevitably follows -- invaded its pristine coastline? Well quick -- before the same thing happens to Kauai, visit the Garden Isle, the lushest and prettiest of the Hawaiian Islands. Go before it loses its virginity to the ravaging developers already hovering about its shores. But more on that later.

Nov 3

Nov 3 Airports Aren't Just for Flying

Seated in a beer garden sipping a brew that was made onsite, Sam and Nancy Goodman tap their feet to the beat of music emanating from a band on the stage. Art is the focus of attention for Paul and Elizabeth Cantor, as they stroll past a collection that could be on display at a major museum – but isn’t.

Nov 1

Nov 1 Halloween NYC-Style

Harmon Leon

Style, Travel

Halloween in New York City, is that perfect combination of costumes and New Yorkers. The mix of the two always comes up with something unique. If you weren't in the Big Apple yesterday, here are some sights and sounds (but mostly sights) of New York on Halloween.

Oct 25

Oct 25 Stay Weird in the U.S.A.

Homes, Travel

Ari and Brad Nicholson settle for the night in the most luxurious setting they’ve enjoyed anywhere. Their penthouse is lit by chandeliers and includes opulent touches like a martini bar and hot tub. The ambience is very different where Lee and Laura Hockman are bedding down. As dog lovers, the opportunity to stay in “the world’s biggest beagle” gave them no paws (pun intended). These aren’t the only unusual accommodations available to travelers. Opportunities abound for those seeking a unique experience when it's time to check in and turn in.

Oct 11

Oct 11 Sleep in a Canal Boat In Amsterdam

Steve MacNaull

Channeling my inner Amsterdammer, I sleep in a canal boat and then cycle in the rain. It's all part of making my visit to the Dutch capital as authentic, and unique, as possible. I've been to Amsterdam before and stayed at DoubleTree, which is a very nice chain hotel with well-located properties. But this time around, I yearned for the quintessentially quirky and the delightfully Dutch.

Oct 4

Oct 4 Go for the Exercise. Stay for the Food.

Health, Play, Travel

Admittedly, I’ve never heard of Lo-Wei, a unique exercise class that combines yoga, strength training and flexibility that stretched my body in ways my mind never thought possible. But it is only one of almost three dozen fitness classes, all part of the dawn-to-dusk workout, weight loss and education focus of the one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive Deerfield Health Retreat and Spa in East Stroudsburg, PA where my friend Kathy and I spent three nights recently.

Sep 29

Sep 29 Magnificence in Miniature

The trail traverses one of the most dense and lush rain forests through which I’ve hiked anywhere in the world. Only a trickle of sun manages to penetrate the thick tree canopy above, from which a virtual aviary of birds entertains with a symphony of song. Not far away, towering, snow-capped mountains stretch to the horizon, overlooking valleys so packed with sheep they almost hide the carpet of grass on which they graze.

Sep 27

Sep 27 Disneyland Goes All Out For Halloween

Steve MacNaull

Shortly after we're startled by the Headless Horseman galloping by, we enter The Haunted Mansion. Then we hurl ourselves through a mostly-dark galaxy, get in an elevator with dodgy wiring, perilously hang upside down and ride a railway with sketchy tracks. It seems we can't get enough of deliberately scaring ourselves.

But, it's all good, safe spookiness.

Sep 25

Sep 25 Explore the National Gallery of Iceland

Harmon Leon

Style, Travel

Take time out from eating delicious lamb soup and go visit the National Gallery of Iceland. Located in the heart of Reykjavik, the main emphasis of this art museum is the collection is on 19th and 20th century Icelandic art. Though, the museum forget to give a nod to an array of , with works by internationally renowned artists such as, Pablo Picasso, Edward Munch, Karel Appel, Hans Hartung, Victor Vasarely, Richard Serra and Richard Tuttle. Let's grab an eyeful of the National Gallery of Iceland - then go grab some delicious lamb soup

Aug 31
Aug 31 Scary Creatures Around the World

Play, Travel

Aug 25

Aug 25 Music, Marvelous Meals, and Museums in New Orleans