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Fallingwater, Mill Run, Pennsylvania
As a child, I was an aspiring architect who took a great interest in Frank Lloyd Wright. I read up on all of his major works, from Oak Park to Taliesin to the Guggenheim Museum, and of course, Fallingwater. I remember feeling mystified by the Fallingwater design; how could a house actually be built over a running waterfall? I’ve always wanted to experience first-hand this ingenious Wright creation, and on a recent trip to Pittsburgh, that chance finally came to…
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Cure, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
There is a burgeoning food scene in Pittsburgh. Yes, you read that correctly. The culinary wave is making its way through the Steel City, and I got the opportunity to ride it this past weekend. In the transitional neighborhood of Upper Lawrenceville, you’ll find Cure, a newish hot spot serving up “local urban Mediterranean food.” The unassuming décor is modern yet rustic, with only a handful of tables, a four-seat bar, and several stools parked in front of the open…
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Marché du Pont de l’Alma, Paris, France
One of the best and largest open air food markets in Paris is the Marché du Pont de l’Alma. Also known as Marché Président Wilson, it runs along Avenue du Président Wilson from Pont de l’Alma to Trocadéro and is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7am – 2:30pm. While it is technically located in the 16th arrondissement, it also serves the residents of the 7th, right across the Seine on the left bank. The numerous stalls are filled with beautiful,…
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Mirazur, Menton, France
One of the most spectacular meals I’ve ever had was at Mirazur on the French Riviera. The dining experience was one of a well-directed, well-rehearsed gastronomic operetta, led by the Argentine chef extraordinaire, Mauro Colagreco. The restaurant’s cliffside location offers incredible views of the Mediterranean coast from Menton to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and beyond. Built into the hillside below the restaurant, a terraced garden cultivated by Colagreco and team provides fresh produce and flowers that make their way onto each and every…
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Parque Tres de Febrero, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Every world-class city has a quintessential urban park – a green space for its residents and visitors alike. Perhaps the most notable pairing is Central Park in New York. And of course there’s Hyde Park in London, Bois de Boulogne in Paris, Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, and the list goes on and on. One park that doesn’t get much recognition but should is Parque Tres de Febrero in Buenos Aires, which has been serving the Argentine porteños for…
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Musée National Fernand Léger, Biot, France
The Musée National Fernand Léger is a jewel tucked away in the quiet Riviera town of Biot. Fernand Léger was an avant-garde artist who dabbled in painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpting, and tapestry work. While his is not necessarily a household name, he was a tremendous contributor to the cubism movement in the early part of the 20th Century. His pieces are quite distinctive, known for their dynamic use of color and contrast of shapes and forms. Shortly before his death…
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Le Germain Hotel, Québec
Québec City is home to the most photographed hotel in North America – Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. It’s grand and historic and beautiful, but I wouldn’t recommend staying there. Instead, book a room at Hôtel Le Germain. It too is historic and beautiful, a bit more refined (in my humble opinion), and A LOT less touristy. Originally built in 1912 for Dominion Fish & Fruit Limited, at the time it was the tallest building in Québec. In 1997, the Germain…
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Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, New Mexico
Only a 35 minute drive from downtown, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is definitely worth a visit the next time you’re in Santa Fe. The adventure begins from the moment you turn onto Interstate 25, with a minimum speed limit of 75 miles per hour; being a New Yorker, this was quite exhilarating since on a normal day I’m usually creeping along in gridlock. From I-25, you take two-lane Route 16, which cuts across a sandy expanse with the scenic…
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Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
If you’re visiting southern Oregon or northern California, you absolutely must check out Crater Lake. I’ve had a fascination with Crater Lake for just about all of my life. As a child, seeing pictures of a volcanic island rising out of a lake in the Encyclopedia Britannica was such a curious sight to me. In 2011, While visiting the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in nearby Ashland, I finally got a chance to see it in person, after which I was even…
