Grapefull Sisters Vineyard

Wine tasting can be a lot of fun, what with all that sipping of various wines, but a trip to Grapefull Sisters Vineyard creates a total wine experience that’s not just about tasting.  Located 17 miles north of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, this sprawling working vineyard offers gardens, a bed and breakfast, an RV camping ground and yes, wine tasting. Read More »

I was invited to Albuquerque, New Mexico a few weeks ago to enjoy the 40th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. I was ecstatic. I have ridden in a hot air balloon once before and couldn’t wait to do it again, and I was even more excited about the chance to photograph the visual spectacle of 500 balloons launching over the Sandia mountains at one time.

My camera broke in transit – strike 1 for my fantasy strip.

Wind and rain kept the hot air balloons grounded during my entire visit – strike 2.

And yet I had a fabulous time in Albuquerque and am eager to go back. Despite a lackluster experience with the 40th Balloon Fiesta, I discovered an old city surrounded by unique natural beauty and brimming with rich cultural traditions. I also had the best margarita(s) of my life.

Let’s start with the margaritas.

El Pinto (or The Spot in English) is one of the most popular restaurants in Albuquerque and arguably one of the city’s most successful businesses. What began as a family restaurant serving New Mexican cuisine has become a destination for locals and tourists, boasting an extensive chile garden and their own line of salsas. El Pinto is now the largest restaurant in the state, but guests still enjoy a level of hospitality associated with a family business. And really – you have to have the margaritas.

(Check out this video tutorial of how to make the perfect margarita.) Read More »

It is now December and along with Christmas, Luke: San Antonio has now opened its doors. The self-styled gastropub opened on the banks of San Antonio’s famed Riverwalk a couple of weeks ago, and the response seems to be fabulous. I had attended a preview for Luke in early October to give the local community an idea of what was in store. It was a very nice reception, filled with the promise of great things to come. Well, they have indeed delivered. Chef John Besh was even on hand to personally kick off the restaurant!

Chef John Besh and I

I was fortunate to attend their Grand Opening party last Thursday. It truly was a celebration of what Luke is all about, honoring Old World traditions while paying respect to the local cuisine as well. With its high ceilings, brass fixers, dark wood all adorn Luke, I was instantly transported to another place and time.

Read More »

This post is a contribution from the UpTake Getaway Crew Austin. Visit them today and get a local spin on the great city of Austin!

Lake Travis behind the tasting room at Stone House Vineyards in Spicewood. Photo courtesy of Stone House Vineyards

It’s true: the Texas wine industry is growing by leaps and bounds, and the Hill Country region is one of the fastest growing wine tourism areas in the nation.  Recently, the New York Times picked the region as the #1 place to go this summer.

With rolling hills that see warm days and cool nights, the Hill Country is prime terroir for growing a variety of grapes, and many wineries are taking advantage by producing fine estate wines out of Tempranillo, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, and even Pinot Grigio, to name a few. There are now 27 wineries in the Hill Country appellation, scattered among a number of routes known locally as Wine Trails. They are easy to navigate and explore by car on day trips; most of them include tasting rooms, and Flat Creek Estate even has an on-site bistro.  Read More »