It seems that vacations have become the time to learn new skills, or polish up on your old ones. I’ve seen some great trip ideas come across my email recently. Here are a few of the most interesting ones that I wish I had time to check out myself… It’s no secret that I am a big fan of Francis Ford Coppola’s wines (and winery) in Sonoma, but that’s not the only venture the Oscar winning director has going. He’s also the proud owner of Coppola Resorts, which consists of luxury acommodations around the world. One of these properties is Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize and they are celebrating the year of the Maya calendar with fascinating opportunities. The cave explorations include the Rio Frio Cave trip, a dry cavern with a sandy beach that is appropriate for all physical abilities; the Barton Creek Cave, which requires paddling a canoe through the cultural exploration of the cave; the Offering Cave, through a 20-minute jungle walk in Noj Kaaz Meen Elijio Panti National Park;...

I’ve been doing a lot of traveling lately and am getting ready to head to London in a few weeks with Beefeater and Plymouth. In the meantime, I’m hearing about special events going on in some of my favorite places in the near future and I’d like to pass them along for those who have schedules with a little more time than mine. Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls-Logan, Ohio I had a wonderful trip here and hope to return someday. In addition to the beautiful Hocking Hills local and fantastic food, they offer fun activities, such as the Italian Wines from Super Tuscans to Orviertos on April 27 th . Or, a special Mother’s Day Brunch on May 13 th . Also look for cooking classes and wine & beer festivals closer to the summer. For more information or reservations, visit http://www.innatcedarfalls.com or call (800) 653-2557 Celebrity Cruises The Celebrity Wine Cruise I took last May was just a wonderful experience. The cruise line has a few others that look to be exci...

My friendly FedEx delivery man has been at my house again recently and he’s left some goodies. Here’s a sampling of what I’ve been sampling lately… Voga Italia Wine First, let me say that I love these bottles. They have re-sealable caps, but no one is going to accuse these of cheapening the wine’s look.  I wish I had room to store these bottles and urge other winemakers to check them out because I am a believer in the screw cap and Voga Italia has proven that it can be done with class. The Voga Italia Premium Sparkling, a bland of 80% chardonnay and 20% pinot grigio, was delicious. It was full of citrus and tropical fruit and would be easy drinking with any food. I wasn’t a huge fan of the Pinot Grigio. I do like light white wines, but felt that this one needed a bit more flavor. Voga also makes a rose, a merlot and blend, which I have not tried yet. All of the wines sell for under $20. Angel’s Envy Bourbon Angel’s Envy is the only Kentucky bourbon that is ...

What more could a reveler ask for? St. Patrick’s Day – the official day of partying – takes place on a weekend this year. I’m going to have to take it easy because I have a morning flight on the 18 th to Phoenix , where I’ll be celebrating food and spa treatments for a week. In the meantime, I’ve been collecting some ideas of how everyone else may want to celebrate (and some drink recipes in case you’d like to just party at home). If you are in Chicago, head to the Markethouse Restaurant and Bar tonight for Executive Chef Scott Walton’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration, which will include corned beef with potatoes and green cocktails. The fun will continue on Saturday as Chef Wilton will offer small bite sandwich specials (fish po’boy, hot pastrami and corned beef) as well as Irish Drink specials. CitySights NY is ready to take you to their top 10 locations to spend St. Patrick’s Day, which include McSorley’s Old Ale House, Manhattan’s oldest Irish pub; the Irish Arts Ce...

Valentines aren’t the only hearts being celebrated this month. February is American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women™ Month . It is a cause that is near and dear to my heart (pardon the pun) as my dad died of heart disease. The New York Palace Hotel is stepping up to raise awareness and help out this killer of not only men, but more women than any other disease.  For the month of February, they are showcasing the AHA’s “red dress” symbol throughout the hotel.  The GILT Bar has The Red Ruffle cocktail including Chambord, champagne and pomegranate juice.  The hotel’s restaurant Istana will have a heart-healthy Brunch menu each weekend, with dishes such as Steel Cut Oatmeal with Berries and an Egg White Frittata. To further offer its support to fighting heart disease, The New York Palace is offering a Have a Heart Package. It includes welcome drinks at the GILT Bar; accommodations; $100 per night food and beverage credit; and Commemorative Go Red For Women ...

It’s only a week until Valentine’s Day. I’m enjoying some time at home catching up, but these romance packages are almost good enough to make me give that up… Vancouver, Canada I loved my all too brief visit to Vancouver after my Celebrity Wine Cruise. One of my favorite parts was my visit to the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa. Their Valentine’s Day package is worth a trip to British Columbia even if it wasn’t on your radar. For around $500 per couple, you get one night’s accommodations; chocolate truffles; sparkling wine; a four-course dinner at their Bacchus Restaurant; and breakfast in bed.  Similar packages are available after Valentine’s Day if you can’t make it Tuesday – or you want to add on a few days. Book on their website . Cabo San Lucas, Mexico I am hoping to do my first trip to Cabo San Lucas later this spring and Capella Pedregal looks like another reason to go. This place could be romantic anytime (all suites include a private plunge pool), but the...

It looks like I will be enjoying some time not traveling this February 14 th , but for those of you who don't travel for a living and relish the idea of a “vacation,” I’ve got some good stuff for you. My inbox has been overflowing with so many Valentine’s getaways that I’ve decided to divide them into domestic and international. Here’s a selection of ideas for those who want to celebrate their love within the United States… Chicago, Illinois  The J.W. Marriott really knows how to bring couples together for quality time. Their “Disconnect to Reconnect” package includes accommodations in a luxury suite; a two hour Couples Connection Experience at the hotel’s spa, VALEO; a Chef’s in-room dessert bites tasting, complete with champagne; and a late checkout of 2:00 pm. The package rate begins at $534 and is available any night from February 10-20 (based on availability) if you reserve at 312-660-8200 or online . I love the Trump Chicago , and the Unforgettable Romanc...