Posts Tagged ‘Mini-Moons’

Chaplin, Monroe, Gable… other than being Hollywood royalty, these legendary stars all shacked up (though not together) at the property now known as The Charlie. Facing potential tear down to make room for a new development, this small, charming enclave in West Hollywood was acquired by Menachem Treivush in 2002 and lovingly restored to its former glory and reopened to the public as guest accommodations. Now, just in time for awards season, you can book your own bit of Hollywood history and sleep in the shadows of cinema giants.

Recommended Resort:  The Charlie. Not a traditional hotel, The Charlie is actually an assortment of bungalows surrounding a gorgeous garden. Built in 1924 by the Ruth Gordon family (of Harold and Maude and Rosemary’s Baby fame) these little pieces of heaven became temporary havens to the aforementioned stars, especially its signature namesake.

Following the multi-million dollar restoration, the property is better than ever and awaiting your close-up. Each is touchingly named in homage to a famous celebrity and styled in sleek Hollywood fashion. Most feature a kitchen and private area, be it a balcony or a patio. Units range in size from two-story to one-story living spaces.

Check In:  819 N. Sweetzer Avenue in West Hollywood. 323-988-9000, thecharliehotel.com

Check Out:  The Marilyn. Home to Marilyn herself in the ’40s, this stand-alone two story cottage features two bedrooms and one and a half baths. The dining room overlooks the lush gardens and the bedroom opens to a large wrap around patio, perfect for a post-Oscar champagne brunch.

Don’t Miss:  Hollywood…of course. The Chaplin has the benefit of being located in a quiet residential neighborhood without being too far away from the action. West Hollywood is a great spot for cafes, restaurants and shopping, especially along famous Melrose Avenue and ever evolving La Cienega.

For more reliable tourist fare, head up to Sunset and Hollywood Boulevards, where historical landmarks like the Hollywood Bowl, Grauman’s Chinese and the Walk of Fame await your camera opp. For a bit of Hollywood dining history, make a reservation at Musso & Franks…one of the oldest eateries in the area and a favorite hide out for the stars.

Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Contributor Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of The Charlie.

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True story: I left my heart in Paso Robles. With its pleasant Mediterranean climate, 200 plus wineries dotted throughout the surrounding hillsides, abundance of locavore eateries and hospitable inhabitants, it’s no wonder.

The best part? “Pass of the Oaks,” as the City’s Spanish name translates to, is only 4.5 hours from Sacramento – making it the ideal weekend destination for couples. Follow my guide below for a three-day trip that will leave you madly in love with Paso (not to mention your lover)!

DAY ONE:

Check in:  La Bellasera Hotel & Suites (labellasera.com). With easy access to all of Paso’s hot spots, complimentary wine tasting on Friday and Saturday evenings, and luxurious rooms that come complete with all the comforts one would expect from a AAA Four Diamond rated property – plush robes and towels, spa-quality bath amenities, premium linens, pillow top mattresses, and turndown service – Bellasera vaunts charm and elegance.

Check Out:  Downtown Paso and meander in and out of the locally owned, specialty shops. Vivant Fine Cheese (vivantfinecheese.com) and We Olive (weolive.com) both offer samples aplenty and promise to tease your taste buds until dinner.

When hunger hits, INDULGE at Thomas Hill Organics (thomashillorganics.com). The restaurant’s moniker comes from the owner’s farm where much of the dishes’ ingredients originate; what isn’t grown on the property is purchased from local farmers’ markets and ranches…ensuring ultimate farm-to-table freshness.

The menu changes daily, based on what’s in season, but never disappoints. Each item prepared by Chef Julie Simon – whether Tamarind Glazed Halibut Cheeks with bok choy, roasted shitake mushrooms and coconut cream or a Vietnamese BBQ Pork Belly and Fried Egg Sandwich – is teeming with flavor.

After, gallop a few blocks to the über-chic Pony Club (hotelcheval.com/food.php) for a glass of Port and their notorious S’more dessert.

DAY TWO:

Once the sun rises and it dawns on you that you’re hungry, ENJOY Breakfast at Enoteca Restaurant & Bar (labellasera.com/dining.php), the hotel’s on-property eatery.

The eggs benedict is egg-celent, as is the homemade almond granola served with yogurt, natural wildflower honey and fresh fruit from the region.

Post meal, JOURNEY through the serene Central Coast to Hearst Castle (hearstcastle.org). If you’ve never had a chance to tour this California State Park and impressive estate before, I recommend you plan a trip.

Rewind to the ‘30s and experience lifestyles of the rich and famous while you learn the history of the Grand Rooms, wander through the exquisitely manicured grounds and enjoy unparalleled ocean views.

On the drive back toward Paso, SIP the selections at the brother/sister-owned and operated Lone Madrone (lonemadrone.com), specializing in dry-farmed wines as well as a refreshingly crisp apple cider. In the summer months, the adjacent Fat Cat Farms nursery decorates the property with herbs and colorful flowers.

Stroll across the street to the state-of-the-art tasting room at Niner Wine Estates (ninerwine.com), which prides itself on estate-grown wines that are produced using traditional winemaking methods and cutting-edge technologies. Take my word when I tell you their vinos will leave you drunk with delight.

Quiet your buzz by EATing a hearty dinner at one of Paso’s newer fine dining yet not-too-stuffy establishments, Robert’s Restaurant and Wine Bar (robertsrestaurantpaso.com). Chef Ryan Swarthout executes classic American dishes with a fresh flair and emphasis on local ingredients. For dessert (which I advise you save room for), be naughty and nice with a slice of their Heaven and Hell Cake. Peanut butter mouse rests between layers of angel food and devil’s food cake, resulting in a sweet ending that is purely heavenly!

DAY THREE:

Don’t Miss:  What would a romantic weekend away be without a spa EXPERIENCE? Enter River Oaks Hot Springs Spa (riveroakshotsprings.com), the perfect last stop before the trek home.

Although numerous Special Packages are offered, you and your plus one can’t go wrong with the Winemaker’s selection. Just reading the description – a 60-minute couple’s massage and an hour soak in the mineral springs while you sip a bottle of red or white wine – makes the tension melt away.

Sparks flying, my special someone and I returned home refreshed and ready for reality.

Blog post by Managing Editor, Megan Wiskus.

Photo Credits: Heart’s Castle photos courtesy of California State Parks. Thomas Hill Organics photos courtesy of Thomas Hill Organics. The Pony Club photo is courtesy of Hotel Cheval. Niner Wine Estates photos are courtesy of Niner Wine Estates. River Oaks Hot Springs Spa, Enoteca and La Bellasera Hotel & Suites are courtesy of Travel Paso Robles Alliance.

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We love Napa…even in the chilly winter months. Spark some romance cuddled in a comfy robe with a nice glass of red wine overlooking the Napa River. A great place to get started is the River Terrace Inn, located in the heart of downtown Napa.

Recommended Resort:  River Terrace Inn. This tranquil retreat nestled along the River Trail and the Oxbow Park Preserve of the Napa Valley Wine Country is walking distance from downtown Napa’s charming wine tasting salons, restaurants, art galleries, nightlife and attractions such as Oxbow Public Market, Napa Valley Opera House and Napa Valley Wine Train.

Featuring a pristine riverfront setting, the River Terrace Inn is a refreshing blend of upscale elegance and cool California charm. Stretch out in their 106 luxurious guestrooms and suites where warm wood tones are accented by rich, vibrantly colored fabrics and rugs.

Check In:  1600 Soscol Avenue in Napa. 866-NAPA-FUN riverterraceinn.com

Check Out:  Restaurant Cuvée. Located in the center of downtown Napa adjacent to River Terrace Inn, this fun eatery offers a low country feel and living room ambiance complemented by distinctive cuisine with a high country flavor and polished edge.

Cuvée’s community-focused menu is solely dictated by regional availability and ripeness, producing rich comfort food flavors reengineered to a level of “high cuisine.” While offering an extensive local wine list, the bar also features a robust beer list focused on Northern California micro brews as well as fresh garden-inspired drinks.

Chef Mackey’s enhancements to Cuvée include an on-site garden to harvest organic herbs and vegetables for farm-to-table ingredients as well as new weekly themed guest receptions such as “Cupcake Happy Hour” on Tasting Tuesday and “Bubbles and Buckets” on Fried-day.

Don’t Miss:  Napa Valley Wine Country Honeymoon Package. Experience two nights of romantic bliss in a River Front Deluxe Jacuzzi Room with a private balcony overlooking the Napa River.

A lovely bouquet of roses, box of chocolates and chilled champagne await you upon arrival. Enjoy an intimate dinner at one of Napa’s most popular restaurants. Awaken to breakfast in bed or on your private balcony before enjoying an exclusive private wine tasting tour of three boutique wineries in a chauffeured limousine.

Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Contributor Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of River Terrace Inn.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

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Yellowstone National Park may have a reputation as a summer destination for nature loving campers and adventurers, but avid skiers will tell you it’s the winter months that draw them to the snowy slopes of southern Wyoming. At the southern entry point of the park, Jackson Hole has gone from sleepy old West town to bona fide world-class ski haven. One of our favorites is the “green” scene at Hotel Terra. This LEED-certified property is a must for romantic snow bunnies looking for ambiance and altitude.

Recommended Resort: Hotel Terra. Open, expansive windows bring Wyoming’s stunning outdoor natural beauty indoors at Hotel Terra. Eco-friendly by design, the property offers superior interior air quality, efficient temperature management, well insulated rooms, smoke-free environment, chemical-free cleaning products and state-of-the-art ventilation, collectively creating a healthier, restorative environment. Modern, yet cozy, the stylish interiors include inlaid gas fireplaces, contemporary western design features and rich material tones and textures throughout.

Check In: 3335 West Village Drive in Teton Village, Wyoming. 800-631-6281, hotelterrajacksonhole.com

Check Out: Free Ride (Air Credit Promotion)

Hotel Terra offers a rare opportunity for big savings on your flight to Jackson Hole. Get room credit to mitigate the cost of flight when you book five nights or more. Credit ranges from $300 to $850 per stay. The bigger the room type, the more you get back in your one-time credit at checkout.

Room type and savings breakdown are as follows:

• Terra Guest Room: One-time $300 credit

• One Bedroom Suite: One-time $600 credit

• Two Bedroom Suite: One-time $900 credit

Don’t Miss: The skiing. It doesn’t get much better than Jackson Hole, Wyoming, skiing and snowboarding. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is widely considered to offer the nation’s best and most exciting ski terrain. With more than 2,500 acres of beginner, intermediate and expert terrain set in the center of the famed Teton Mountain Range, Jackson Hole is the alpine experience of a lifetime.

Here are some of the amazing snow specs:

• Summit elevation of 10,450 feet

• Uphill capacity of 15,423 skiers per hour

• Open backcountry gate system allows expert skiers and snowboarders access to 3,000+ acres of additional, untouched terrain and snow

Runs:

• 50% Expert

• 40% Intermediate

• 10% Beginner

• 116 Named Trails on Map

Lifts:

• One New 100 Passenger Aerial Tram

• One Eight Px High-Speed Gondola

• Two Detachable Quad Chairlifts

• Four Fixed Grip Quad Chairlifts

• Two Triple Chirlifts

• One Double Chairlift

Snow:

Average of 459″/year (38.25 feet; 1166 cm; 11.6 meters) over the past 10 years

Instruction:

Jackson Hole’s Adult Mountain Sports School and Kids Ranch, offers instruction to every level, including guides to show your around Jackson’s legendary backcounty!

Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Contributor Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of Hotel Terra.

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Were you dreaming of a white Christmas yesterday? And didn’t quite get it?  Well, do the white beaches of Maui count? That’s what was on our wish list this holiday … and something you and your love one should put on yours for 2012. Check out these amazing private vacation homes on one of Hawaii’s most enchanting islands.

Recommended Resort: Wailea Beach Villas. An exclusive residential enclave in lovely Wailea, the beach villas give you all the amenities you’d expect of a five-star resort with the added value of total privacy. Beautiful beaches, the pristine blue Pacific in full view, lush gardens and plenty of room to stretch out and relax, you won’t find a nicer, more luxurious escape on the island then this property. Each home is furnished with two, three or four bedrooms and up to three and ½ baths depending on the unit. Central air and ceiling fans keep things cool inside, while garden and ocean views make for beautiful vista outside. The deluxe gourmet kitchen with Subzero refrigerators makes for great entertaining, and the cupboards and bar will be stocked with supplies upon arrival if requested. There’s also an outdoor Viking grill for taking the party outdoors, complimentary Internet access and daily housekeeping and turndown service.

Check In:  3800 Wailea Alanui,
Wailea in Maui. 808-891-6290, drhmaui.com

Check Out:  The Resort amenities. So many, we’ll just list them:

Resort Services:

• 24-hour front-desk service

• Bell and valet service

• Daily housekeeping and dishwashing services

• Dry cleaning service

• Grocery and liquor delivery

• On-site maintenance service

• 24-hour security kiosk/gate

• 20 elevators offering individual unit privacy and accessibility

• Additional daily security throughout the property

• Business center

• Conference room

• Owner’s lounge

• Three semi-private barbeque areas

• Airport and in-town shuttle service

• Complimentary self-parking

• Rentals available: cars, vans, jeeps, tennis racquets, beach equipment and snorkeling gear

Arrival Amenities:

• Lei greeting at the lobby entrance

• Hawaiian refreshments and cold plumeria-scented towels at reception

• Welcome basket and fresh, Hawaiian flowers in your villa

Don’t Miss: Resort Access. Booking here has its perks! The Wailea Resort offers many wonderful day and evening activities to keep you busy. Highlights include five champion, 18-hole golf courses nearby, as well as 11 world-class tennis courts. There are two pools (one for adults only), two whirlpools and a fitness center. The nearby natural treasures offer hiking, biking, diving, swimming, sailing, snorkeling and much more. Or, did we mention beaches? Yeah, so what are you waiting for? Mele Kalikimaka!

Photos courtesy of Wailea Beach Villas.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!