As the Adelphi Hotel’s motto states, “Embrace the Extraordinary,” the renovations to this iconic Saratoga Hotel before the Covid pandemic are indeed extraordinary. The grand boutique hotel of years past is brilliant again. Its present state, is once again the beautiful face of Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs. The Adelphi was destined to live! With […]
Author Archives: Vikki Moran
Destinations, Lodging, Style
Bucolic charms that heal the soul and revitalize the spirit in Cotswold, England
05
Nov
Nov
Travel to Great Britain should be much more than a sightseeing trip to London. While the Tower of London, Harrods, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace are all beautiful to experience, going out to the Cotswold cannot be missed. I would add that away from the summer tourist months and before the holiday season is prime. […]
ANDRIS NELSONS LEADS THE BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S FIRST-EVER JOINT PERFORMANCES WITH THE LEIPZIG GEWANDHAUS ORCHESTRA—A MAJOR FOCUS OF THE FIVE-YEAR BSO/GHO ALLIANCE LAUNCHED IN FEBRUARY 2018 AND AN UNPRECEDENTED EVENT IN THE WORLD OF ORCHESTRAL MUSIC, OCTOBER 27–NOVEMBER 2 AT SYMPHONY HALL
When driving to Vermont this time of year, we’re most often on the hunt for yummy maple products, stellar leaf-peeping, or some major fall finds at those famous outlets. There is never a trip however, whether long or short, into Vermont when I fail to learn something interesting about the great state of Vermont. […]
28
Aug
Aug
Like turning the pages of a storybook with castles, forests, imaginary dragons, and of course the occasional damsel in distress, a river cruise through Germany sends your senses soaring. In my experience, the Moselle, Rhine, and Main rivers are the most consistently picturesque to enjoy via cruising. My traveling companion/husband and I recently sailed […]
13
May
May
As the Adelphi Hotel’s motto states, “Embrace the Extraordinary,” the renovations are indeed extraordinary. The grand boutique hotel of years past is brilliant in its present state and is once again the beautiful face of Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs, New York. The Adelphi has proven that it is destined to persevere. With the many […]
The city is packed with many wonderful attractions. These are some you may want to check out first. Source: Top 10 Sights to See in Leipzig
10
Jul
Jul
“When you get to dock at The Grand Tremezzo, you will see someone tall and handsome waiting for you. Tell him I love him.”
09
Jul
Jul
“you see nature and then emulate it”
Alexander Calder 1898-1976
THE GLIMMERGLASS FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2018 SEASON Festival Artists to Include Eric Owens, Thomas Hampson, Jamie Bernstein, Rosanne Cash, Margaret Atwood, Heidi Stober, Joshua Hopkins, James B. Stewart, Jeanine Tesori, Kevin Puts and more The Glimmerglass Festival has released the details of its 2018 schedule. For a second year, the Festival’s programming will explore themes of […]
22
Jun
Jun
310 beaches from over 70 countries, ranking them based on the price of a typical day at the shores.
Source: The Nuits de Fourvière Festival – Lyon Tourist Office and Convention Bureau
24
May
May
If God took seven days to make the world, he must have used one of those days carefully placing the rocks in the Pacific and along this coastline.
16
May
May
Normandy, France. It has always been a life wish of mine to visit Normandy, France. I am not a fan of the term “bucket list” so I term my travel wish list as my “life list” and always have a plan in mind for getting to see what both my husband and I desire to […]
Source: http://www.travelmarketreport.com/articles/Fewer-Americans-Looking-To-Visit-Cuba
09
May
May
An estimated 22 million Americans could take a culinary vacation this year. Source: Travelers Increasingly Influenced By Culinary Pursuits
Destinations, Lodging, Uncategorized
Twin Farms: Spring get-away A place so special you won’t want to leave
02
May
May
Being lucky enough to travel and stay in some pretty remarkable properties through the world, I have truly loved many. Rarely do I feel like I just don’t want to leave even though I have enjoyed them. This was a different stay and I truly did not want to head home. Nestled about 15 minutes […]
02
May
May
http://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Tourism-on-tap-Beer-related-travel#.WQiZaPkkitc.facebook
Uncategorized
I have been dreaming about the food in the Lombardy Region of Italy since leaving one week ago! It is sheer agony to wake up hungry for Risotto and an Aperol Spritz.
26
Apr
Apr
I have been dreaming about the food in the Lombardy Region of Italy since leaving one week ago! It is sheer agony to wake up hungry for Risotto and an Aperol Spritz.
22
Mar
Mar
Source: 10 reasons to visit Genoa next time you are in Italy
21
Mar
Mar
Maple Open House Weekend will take place on March 25 and March 26, all-day each day. What a sweet way to spend a weekend in neighboring Vermont. At the weekend-long event throughout the state, you can tour sugar houses big and small. Learn how the syrup is gathered, boiled down and made into fabulous […]
19
Mar
Mar
On this snowy day in the Northeast, I thought I would share some great times from a very short time ago in Daytona, Florida. What a good time attending the Daytona 500. I am not a NASCAR fan but wanted the travel experience. Actor Owen Wilson, the voice of the animated character Lightning McQueen in […]
Baltimore is one of the great American cities to visit or to have a well-earned romantic get-away. There is the Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, historic seaport, tourist attraction, and landmark of the city, is an ideal example for all cities about how to fashion a picture-perfect waterfront. The museums are classic, strolling to the many statues […]
12
Jul
Jul
Old Forge has long been considered “Adirondack Base Camp” for vacationers who wish to enjoy everything from tranquility to adventure. According to www.oldforge.com, the largest hamlet in the historic Town of Webb includes Eagle Bay, Big Moose and Stillwater. From there, you can explore the central Adirondack region and all of the Adirondack Park. Inlet […]
Companion and I had an amazing time visiting and enjoying the world class opera festival. It will run through August and here is the schedule. La Fanciulla del West “There’s a path to redemption for every one of you boys.” Minnie, the indomitable heroine of The Girl of the Golden West, can hold her […]
Want an American river cruise? Take an Un-Cruise voyage Un-Cruise Adventures boast small ships, BIG experiences and, I would add, laid-back adventure and charm. Intuitively, Dan Blanchard, owner an… Source: American River Cruise
08
Jan
Jan
We have all had a meal that will be remembered for a very long time. My meal was in Rouen.
Source: Families need to go to Normandy
In neighboring Pittsfield, Massachusetts, sitting gloriously on North Street is one of the coolest boutique hotels in New England. It’s named plainly Hotel on North. While located in the Berkshires where there are artisans and artists and entertainment of all kinds to enjoy, this hotel may just be reason enough on its own to take […]
The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester is an excellent start to a premier shopping weekend… Combining a wonderful hotel stay and spa visit could ease the pain or heighten the joy depending on your thoughts on” back-to-school” shopping. A tradition started some time ago for some families to travel outside their area to visit outlets or free-standing stores […]
There are two things in life that relax me more than anything else – perusing thrift and antique stores and reading old cookbooks. When I find some cookbook treasures that lovingly contain notes, comments and private family recipes scribbled throughout the book…well that’s the thrift store jackpot! I found one such culinary personal masterpiece in […]
I have made many road trips as the Grateful Traveler and one recently took me to Litchfield, Ct. to visit the wonderful Mayflower Grace. Hungry (as usual) we stopped at Patty’s Restaurant to find one of the best American breakfast establishments. Inexpensive, hearty food and prepared like a famous chef would on a sunday morning […]
18
Feb
Feb
Chances are if you are Italian American and live in Upstate, NY, you have roots in or near Cervinara Italy. Cervinara sits in the province of Avellino, located outside of Naples in the region of Campania, the second most populous region of Italy. Located in the fertile plateau close to the Partenio Mountains, Cervinara lies […]
14
Feb
Feb
If you had a Nona or Mama that taught you everything you know about cooking, or perhaps you are just a great cook who loves Italian food, I will bet your pantry and refrigerator looks like this… The pantry There are always at least two types of olive oil. One for cooking, the other for […]
Italian Torta di Noci 1/2 lb walnuts 8 tablespoons butter, room temperature 2/3 cup Sugar 1 Egg 2 tablespoons Rum, or or 1 teaspoon rum extract 2 teaspoons Lemon zest 1 cup Flour 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking powder Method Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, taking care not […]
Dresdner Stollen German Fruitcake This is one Fruit Cake worth the effort. Great with a German hardy beer too! Raisins or currants — 1 cup Candied citrus peel — 1 cup Active dry yeast — 2 (1/4-ounce) packages Lukewarm (110°F) water — 1/2 cup Flour — 5 cups Milk — 1 cups Butter, room temperature […]
Buche de Noel Une petite recette pour la bûche de Noël. Recipe for Traditional Christmas Yule log. Cake 1 cup white or cake flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 3 eggs 3/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup cocoa 1/3 cup water 1 tsp vanilla confectioner’s sugar Mocha Cream filling 1/2 pint whipping cream 1/4 […]
Speculoos from Belgium Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups of flour 1 1/4 cups of brown sugar (dark brown or regular) 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened butter 1teaspoon of cinnamon 1 egg 1 teaspoon of a ground mixture of cloves, nutmeg, ginger and anise 5 g of baking powder 5 g of salt Preparation: Pour the […]
Wonderful Warm Cinnamon Wine from Austria Ingredients: For 1 litre of wine: 1 l of dry red wine (quality) 3 sticks of cinnamon 5 cloves Zest of one orange Zest of one lemon Sugar according to taste Preparation: Heat slowly over 1 hour then let steep for at least another half-hour. Add sugar to your […]
I stopped by Hudson Valley Foie Gras to write about the award winning producers of Foie Gras as well as other amazing Duck products. I was treated to an amazing tasting by Chef Jenny. Pictured: The Grateful Traveler and Jenny Chamberlain, Chef of Product Development, Hudson Valley Foie Gras —>Read what Anthony Bourdain had to say after […]
27
Nov
Nov
On a recent weekend in Sullivan County, I stopped by to taste a super-premium vodka, “Bootlegger 21 New York Vodka”. Excellent! Spoke to one of the owners about his business and his wonderful Vodka. I also picked some up for a few special Christmas drinks! The tasting Room and Tour Hours: 12:00pm to 6:00pm Monday through Sunday. Prohibition Distillery USA […]
While traveling in Rome earlier this year, we came across these beautiful roasting chestnuts. The aroma was heavenly! It reminded me of this delicious recipe for Chestnut Soup that is just perfect for the chilly days of winter ahead. Chestnut Soup 4 TBL butter 1 medium onion, chopped 1carrot, chopped 1 rib celery, chopped 1 […]
On route to Saltman’s Hotel for dinner! Stone Arabia, New York and the Old Stone Church Our Dinner Destination! Saltsman’s Hotel Inside Saltsman’s Owners of Saltsman’s- Tammy and Jimmy Saltsman’s Dining Room Chicken Rice Soup. Fantastic! Along with everything else on the menu… Creamed Potatoes Mixed Berry Pie Made by Tammy Nunzio the Bartender Grape […]
Hungarian Mushroom Goulash Ingredients: 1 lb. mushrooms 2 large onions 2 Tablespoon butter 1 cup water or vegetable broth (could use beef too) 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. Hungarian Paprika Directions: Sauté onions in butter for 2-4 minutes Add mushrooms and broth or water with seasonings and simmer for about 20 -30 minutes. Serve with […]
This is a Sour Cherry Soup that I made in Budapest at ChefParade Cooking School. It’ a cold soup-perfect for Summer! Ingredients: 6 cups water 1 pound fresh sour cherries, pitted 3/4 cup sugar 1 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon confectioners’ sugar Preparation: large saucepan; cook cherries with water […]
05
Jun
Jun
From the moment I turn off Route 1 at the Kennebunkport sign in the great state of Maine, my body relaxes. It is a zen-like moment for me each and every time the voyage is made. I am happy to report that on this particular trip that suspended feeling of calm and happiness continued until […]
Destinations, Lodging
What do American Girl Dolls and Aurora, New York have in common?; Aurora, New York
21
May
May
What do American Girl Dolls and Aurora, New York have in common? The answer is Pleasant Rowland. The founder and original owner of the American Girl Company. Rowland donated $40 million to her alma mater, Wells College, to revitalize Aurora and thus help with college enrollment. The premise being, if you like an area you will […]
Gourmet Get – a- way. From the moment you step into this bastion of excellence to the moment you sigh and drive off the property, you can count on the most relaxing and tranquil of times away from home. The entire property seems to operate on a different time. I am not speaking of East […]
22
Apr
Apr
In Western Massachusetts one finds the Berkshires – a resort center of mountains, beautiful vistas, cultural events, fine dining and of course, fine accommodations. The Inn at Stockbridge, a Fodor’s Choice selection, is one of those special places you visit that you will remember always. Innkeepers Alice & Len Schiller great guests year round at […]
To find the Mirbeau Inn & Spa in the Finger Lakes region of Skaneateles you need only head west toward the sunset for a few hours to experience this lovely resort. Upon arrival I felt that I was literally walking into a Monet painting, with the ponds, the lilies pads floating over the Koi, the […]
So many travelers each year fly from the east coast to San Francisco or San Diego or L.A. for business and/or pleasure. They fly in, enjoy themselves and fly home, but I am here to point out how very short-sided that is! Would you intentionally miss Florence when traveling to Italy or Lyon when traveling […]
04
Aug
Aug
Acadia National Park is a National Park located in northern Maine. It reserves much of Mount Desert Island and smaller islands off the New England Atlantic coast. Northeast Harbor, Bar Harbor and Acadia are not quick jaunts from our area, but with so many great places to stop along the Maine seacoast as you travel north and east, it is a must-do for […]
Beautiful, inspiring and warm, Budapest, Hungary is certainly worth an investment of time and expense to visit. Hungary’s capital city is full of vast contradictions. Perhaps it comes from being split in half by a natural boundary (the Danube River) or perhaps it is because it has survived two brutal occupations, but for whatever reason, […]
01
Jan
Jan
The list of accolades written on the wonderful Relais & Chateaux Berkshire country house/hotel could fill pages of this magazine, and it is worth every morsel of the praise. This beautiful establishment is impeccably staffed, maintained and decorated. It is a treasure located within an hour’s drive of the Capital Region, making it the perfect […]
Ivo Tzankov’s Grandmother’s Homemade Sangria Recipe MS Beatrice Bartender, Danube River Cruise Recipe for 1 Jug (approx. 2 Liter) Ingredients: 1.5 liter expensive red wine 1 lime 1 orange 1 lemon 1 green apple Cinnamon (generous pinch) 1 shot limoncello or Amaretto (optional) Directions: • Cut the citrus fruits in small pieces. Place in […]
16
Oct
Oct
Last November, I wrote about a wonderful river cruise trip that did not cruise. With record rains in France affecting the medieval bridges on the Rhone River, the cruise was relegated to bus excursions throughout the South of France. You can read the story in its entirety in the February 2011 issue found on www.crlmag.com […]
01
Sep
Sep
Someone recently asked me what season I thought was the best to visit Newport, Rhode Island. That is like asking a person which child they like better. Every day, every month and every season is a great one to visit this historical seaside city. Now where to stay…that is the real question to ask. With so […]
01
Jun
Jun
Many ship captains built grand houses in Old Lyme, which is on the Long Island Sound at the mouth of the Connecticut River. The community hosted one of the nation’s first art colonies, from 1899 to 1937 and today, the town remains committed to supporting the arts and preserving its quiet charm. The Bee and […]
25
Feb
Feb
Waiting for my Cleopatra Moment I will openly admit to being fascinated by Cleopatra, her power, her reported beauty and her lifestyle. Having admitted this, you can understand that when I had the opportunity to travel to France for a Rhone River Cruise, the mental image of lying on a sumptuous bed, relaxing and watching […]