Located on the Emerald Coast of Florida’s panhandle, Pensacola is more than a beach town. In fact, it’s a premier arts and culture community. As a hub of history and entertainment, creativity thrives on every corner of its vibrant streets. From museum gallery nights to operas and food festivals to ballet and more, Pensacola is the ultimate destination for getting lost in experiences. With ample ways to dive into the town’s community, traditions and performances, you’re sure to uncover more reasons to visit time and time again. Pensacola has all the ingredients for the perfect coastally cultured getaway and the recipe is at your fingertips.

The Pensacola Museum of History is the perfect place to soak in the importance of the town’s legacy as America’s First Settlement. The space transports visitors on a journey through time, spanning more than 465 years, and allows museum-goers to fully immerse themselves in Pensacola’s rich narrative. “From 1559 to the present day, the museum is a living timeline of our culture as a city and as a region,” says University of West Florida Historic Trust’s Director of Marketing, Claire Stewart. “It doesn’t just teach a history lesson — it serves as a venue to connect with the generations who came before us and understand the foundations upon which our city was built.” Located downtown, the museum is the ideal starting point on any trip to absorb centuries of stories that the town holds within its historic spaces.

Photography provided by Vacation Artfully

If museums aren’t your thing or maybe you’re just ready to party, there is no shortage of exciting events and festivals all year round. Gatherings like the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, Foo Foo Festival, Taste of the Beach and more lure thousands of visitors from around the world to Pensacola’s sugar-white beaches every year. More than 20 events each year are curated by the Fiesta Pensacola organization, which ensures that celebrating culture remains present, accessible and fun. “Fiesta Pensacola’s yearly events like the Pensacola Crawfish Festival, Fiesta Celebration and Pensacola Seafood Festival offer many opportunities for visitors to have a coastally cultured experience,” says Fiesta Pensacola Executive Director Bridget Middleton. “From the vast variety of music, food and artists at our festivals to the rich history we honor and celebrate during our Fiesta Celebration, there is something for everyone!” And they truly mean everyone. Speaking from experience, Pensacola is an inviting destination known for its top-notch hospitality. Locals welcome visitors with open arms, eager to share their favorite events and traditions. The pride of those who organize and participate in each festival or event is almost palpable, creating an atmosphere that’s as friendly as it is vibrant.

For more hands-on (literally!) experience with creative expression, the First City Art Center offers classes and workshops in mediums like glass blowing or pottery. And as for world-class live entertainment, there’s an abundance of options to choose from: Ballet Pensacola, Pensacola Symphony Orchestra or the eclectic local theater scene at Pensacola Little Theatre. My top suggestion? You’d be remiss not to enjoy an evening with the Pensacola Opera. “It is a wonderful experience to see grand opera in one of the world’s major metropolitan cities, and it is quite a different experience to come in contact with this beautiful art form in a small town steeped in culture,” says Pensacola Opera Artistic Director Corey McKern. “Pensacola Opera offers an accessibility to high-level culture that is indeed rare in the United States.” Whether opera is your passion or you’re new to the scene, any show this group performs is guaranteed to be memorable and meaningful.

“The ability to behold the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico while eating and drinking in our amazing restaurants and staying in a beach condo or a charming downtown hotel would already make a weekend getaway well worth it,” emphasizes McKern. “Adding to that itinerary, a night in the historic Saenger Theatre is a great way to immerse yourself in a city that takes pride in its culture. Being from the South, I am well aware that there is no place quite like Pensacola, and I love being a part of it!”

The post Experience a Coastally Cultured Getaway in Pensacola, Florida appeared first on Artful Living Magazine.

In recent years, American chefs have found novel ways to reinvent the burger joint, the roadside diner and the slice shop, so it was probably only a matter of time before they pounced upon the raw bar. And while a traditionalist might be inclined to grouse that raw bars have no need to be fussed with and fancied up — that the briny glory of Neptune Oyster cannot be topped — a few minutes at Holbox in Los Angeles or Penny in New York City’s East Village might get that staunch traditionalist to think twice. Borrowing innovations from cities like Barcelona and Copenhagen, amplifying their focus on sourcing the very best ingredients and rethinking everything from mignonettes to marinades, this generation of chefs has turned a formerly sleepy format into one of the most exciting categories on the American restaurant scene. Here are some of our favorites from coast to coast.

Photography by Catherine Dzilenski

Gift Horse

Providence, Rhode Island

You can’t think of New England without thinking of seafood, but Gift Horse nudges you to think about it in a new way. There’s kimchi in the mayonnaise and the mignonette, Asian pear and black garlic in the house salad and one of the menu stars is a fried pajeon — a Korean pancake — studded with tender mussels and squid. You’re tasting the influence of chef Sky Kim, who grew up in Korea and who has joined forces with local star Ben Sukle to explore what might happen if the cuisine of the Ocean State spent a gap year in Seoul.

Photography by Liam Brown

Holbox

Los Angeles, California

Before the Mercado la Paloma officially opens each day, a line of customers starts winding from the food court out to the edge of the parking lot. These people are waiting to grab seats at Holbox, chef Gilberto Cetina’s boisterous shrine to Mexican seafood. They’re hungry for the tostada piled with freshly glistening kanpachi from Baja California and uni from Santa Barbara; they’re dreaming of ceviche with wild shrimp and striped bass and Yucatán octopus. A few of them know that this modest-looking counter in South Central has managed to earn a Michelin star. Others know only that the seafood stew is delicious enough to leave you delirious.

Photography by Andrew Thomas Lee

Chubby Fish

Charleston, South Carolina

Walking by Chubby Fish is like walking by a jazz club in the midst of a jam session. You sense sparks flying inside — the room radiates that sort of energy. In fact, jazz is what chef James London and his team are up to. “Items change daily and are subject to seasonal availability” aren’t mere words on a website when it comes to Chubby Fish. Pray that they’re serving their signature “caviar sammich,” a squishy potato roll smeared with crème fraîche and piled with luxurious fish eggs. Secure at least two orders of the grilled oysters with crab-fat curry. Beyond that, well, anything might happen. London’s crew can create virtuosic crudo-and-ceviche riffs out of whatever local fishermen are inclined to deliver.

Photography by Teddy Wolff

Penny

New York City, New York

The word “cool” comes to mind at Penny. There’s the “wow, this is a cool place to hang out” meaning of the word: Penny, which consists of a single white marble counter that stretches like a runway from the front window to the very back of the room, occupies a sliver of space in New York City’s hippest neighborhood, the East Village. But place your fingertips on that marble and you’ll summon the other definition of “cool.” The owners of Penny understand that with a raw bar, as with a martini, temperature matters. The chill must be taken seriously. Start things off with an oceanic centerpiece, the Ice Box, in which oysters, razor clams and mussels perch upon frozen pellets and shine with splashes of inscrutably delicious sauces.

Photography provided by Found Oyster

Found Oyster

Los Angeles, California

Found Oyster brings a dash of Southern California sunshine and Hollywood levity to the raw bar genre. Its seafood smorgasbords are called the Baywatch Platter and the Overboard Platter; its chowder is identified on the menu as “chowdaaa.” There’s caviar, sure, but there’s also fun bites like the peel-and-eat prawns and party dips involving Jonah crab or smoked trout. Chef Ari Kolender and his crew take cooking seriously so you don’t have to. Grab a stool at the bar or a seat on the sidewalk, exhale and relax.

Photography provided by The Anchovy Bar

The Anchovy Bar

San Francisco, California

The Anchovy Bar is a celebration of a local delight. That’s correct — anchovies don’t just swim off the shores of faraway places like Portugal and Spain, and they needn’t always emerge from tins. There are fresh local anchovies in San Francisco, and this spot (from the team behind San Francisco’s beloved State Bird Provisions and the Progress) honors them by bedding them on toast with an heirloom tomato vinaigrette and searing them in a skillet that roars with the fiery flavor commotion of chile oil, yuzu kosho, sansho togarashi and fermented chile turnips. Beyond those tiny fish, everything on the menu expresses a radical approach to raw bar staples. Where else will you find a Pacific Rim-style crudo that involves halibut, Thai basil, fish sauce and nectarines?

Read this article as it appears in the magazine.

The post 6 Eateries Giving the Oyster Bar a Hip Culinary Makeover appeared first on Artful Living Magazine.

“Street food is an integral part of Mexican culture, prevalent in every corner, from metro stations to busy streets,” says chef Roberto Alcocer of Valle in Oceanside, California. “It’s a reflection of our daily life — a livelihood for many and a way to connect with our heritage.” Leche quemada burnt milk candy and tascalate hot chocolate with roasted corn are just a couple of cherished taste memories from Alcocer’s childhood that you’ll find on his menu today.

In recent years, Latin American street food has inspired fine dining chefs across the United States who are paying homage to these humble culinary traditions with a refined contemporary perspective, often garnering Michelin stars and international accolades along the way. Here are five favorites from Chicago to Oceanside worth their weight in epazote powder.

Photography by Grupo Xcaret

Ha’ Restaurant

Quintana Roo, Mexico

Chef Carlos Gaytan shot to fame as the first Mexican-born chef to earn a Michelin star in 2013 for his Mexican-French fusion restaurant Mexique in Chicago. More than a decade later, he oversees a mini-empire with restaurants in Chicago, Downtown Disney and Riviera Maya.

“For me, it’s so important to open a restaurant in Mexico and go back to my country,” Gaytan says. “It’s a dream come true.” His soigné tasting menu at Hotel Xcaret México earned a Michelin star in Mexico’s inaugural guide last year. The first course playfully nods to street food, with a meticulous quenelle of wagyu beef tartare served alongside a crunchy savory buñuelo dusted with epazote powder, proffered by a wooden mannequin hand. “Buñuelo is a traditional Mexican dessert normally coated with sugar and cinnamon,” he says. “It reminds me of when I was a kid.”

Photography provided by Valle

Valle

Oceanside, California

From birria and barbacoa to ceviche and aguachile, many dishes on Valle’s Michelin-starred tasting menu have street food roots. “Our ceviche is inspired by the seafood carts of Ensenada, where I grew up,” Alcocer says. “Street food was crucial to my childhood and culinary development. Near my parents’ auto parts shop, a seafood cart run by chef Simon introduced me to ceviche and seafood preparation. He taught me how to shuck oysters and clams, which fueled my love for food.”

Alcocer tops local rock cod aguachile with an elegant chayote rose and he uses two different types of masa to make a bi-color tetela, stuffed with chicharrón prensado (pressed pork cracklings) and garnished with edible flowers. Tetela is Oaxacan street food akin to a triangular quesadilla, traditionally stuffed with cheese and refried beans. Try the Mexican wine pairing featuring pours from Alcocer’s own winery across the border in Valle de Guadalupe.

Photography by Kelly Sandos

Cariño

Chicago, Illinois

A nine-month road trip winding through Mexico City, Oaxaca, Michoacan and Monterrey, followed by a stint cooking in Tulum inspired chef Norman Fenton’s playful modern Mexican tasting menu in Chicago. The classic hangover cure michelada is deconstructed with tomato dashi mignonette and beer foam garnishing a raw oyster, rimmed with hot sauce and tajin. Precisely plated empanadas, tostadas and quesadillas all make appearances, and a dainty riff on chamoyada serves as a palate cleanser before dessert. “I’m trying to replicate the emotions from my journey through Mexico,” Fenton says.

There’s even a late-night taco omakase at the seven-seat chef’s counter that highlights Cariño’s on-premise masa program, featuring varieties of corn from the Midwest and Mexico, with tacos, tetelas, tostadas and more. More experimental than the traditional dinner menu, the late-night menu helps curb food waste associated with fine dining by repurposing food-prep scraps into salsas, toppings and tortilla flavorings.

Photography by Rey Lopez

Causa

Washington, D.C.

Chef Carlos Delgado considers himself an ambassador of Peruvian cuisine and culture and has fond memories of street food as a kid in Callao on the northern side of Lima. “As soon as the sun goes down, the charcoal grills come out and the smell of anticuchos cooking always brings me back to childhood,” he says. “Getting a late-night plate of this with friends while enjoying an overly sweet chicha and some choclo — while fighting over which vendor has the best sauces — is one of my fondest memories from growing up.” Anticuchos are Peru’s most famous street food, consisting of various skewers basted in ají, a pepper-based sauce.

At Causa, Delgado takes this street food inspiration to a more complex level with salmon belly and wagyu beef anticuchos, ceviche made with liquid nitrogen–frozen leche de tigre and seafood choripan on housemade squash milk bread bun with ají amarillo seafood sausage.

Photography provided by Casa Vigil

Casa Vigil Miami

Miami, Florida

“Argentinean food is all about sharing and spending time with family and friends,” says Executive Chef Mikel Goikolea, who combines Argentine and Basque influences at this Miami hotspot. Meat is an integral part of every Argentine meal, often cooked over fire. “There are more than 20 types of Argentinean empanadas, but every region has their own recipe for the classic beef empanada,” he says. At Casa Vigil, Goikolea uses ossubuco or skirt steak to pay homage to Argentina’s Italian heritage, first grilling and smoking the meat in the Josper oven, then slowly cooking it with a malbec reduction for a rich, juicy twist on an everyday staple.

The restaurant’s Josper charcoal grill emulates the primitive but powerful grilling of outdoor street food, lending a smoky char to dry-aged steaks, whole branzino, octopus and vegetables. Dine on the outdoor terrace or rooftop overlooking Upper Buena Vista’s cheerful open air market.

Read this article as it appears in the magazine.

The post The Top Global Restaurants Reinterpreting Latin Street Food appeared first on Artful Living Magazine.

It’s not every day a designer is asked to spruce up a yacht, but Mara Darrow of Traditions Classic Home Furnishings was more than happy to oblige. “I knew this would be a fun challenge,” Darrow recalls. The owners of this 112-foot superyacht named Seaquinn were ready to sell. But first, the couple wanted to refresh the interior and decks to make it more appealing to buyers. “It had a traditional Tuscan vibe, which made the boat feel dated,” Darrow explains. “They have been customers for years,” Traditions owner Suzanne Schumann says. “So I was excited to partner with Mara on this beautiful yacht.”

Their inspiration was a luxury hotel, which made sense since a yacht is kind of like a posh hotel. Only it floats. “Yacht people spend days or weeks cruising to the Florida Keys, Bahamas, Virgin Islands and other destinations, often with guests,” Schumann explains. “So it needs to be comfortable and capable of accommodating different activities.”

Photography by David Seal

Unlike a hotel, a yacht is usually in motion, often wet and vulnerable to the corrosive effects of sea air. Darrow relished this aspect of the project, remaining vigilant about the seaworthiness of their selections. “I’ve spent a lot of time on boats, so the practical aspects are second nature to me,” she explains.

Darrow and Schumann started revamping all the furnishings, fixtures and finishes for the living room, bar, dining area, kitchen, four bedrooms and three outdoor decks — the spatial equivalent of a 3,000-square-foot house. They began by evaluating what was there, recommending that the client keep a few furnishings, a section of original wallpaper and the extensive mahogany woodwork, knowing it would shine in a fresh context. “The mahogany was beautiful,” Schumann explains. “We worked with the furnishings to update and enhance its traditional beauty.”

Beginning with the foundation — walls, floors and windows, Schumann and Darrow replaced the dreary beige tones with clean shades of white sand that instantly revived the interior: marine-grade synthetic leather on the wall and ceiling panels (“headliner” in boating terms), textured wool carpeting and crisp roman shades. Then, Schumann and Darrow moved on to the fun stuff, like light fixtures, which went from unremarkable to show-stopping. ​One example is a pair of glamorous sconces and a sophisticated linear pendant from Kelly Wearstler in the main cabin (“salon” in boating terms). “They’re fun but still timeless, so they work here,” Darrow explains.

Schumann and Darrow particularly enjoyed sourcing new artwork for the vessel to add splashes of color. One of their favorites is a large black and white giclee photograph — a Gatsby-ish nod to life on the water that anchors the dining area. Schumann and Darrow refinished the client’s mahogany dining table and added more sculptural white leather chairs to create a clubby feel. Even the kitchen (galley) got a facelift with a reupholstered banquette and new raffia and leather counter stools.

The lounge area in the main cabin features a custom sectional sofa with comfortable, clean-lined chairs in nautical shades of blue and white. “We used lots of performance fabrics,” Darrow says. “So people can relax.” Another decision that puts people’s minds at ease is that many of the furnishings, particularly the smaller pieces like end tables, are weighted and sturdy. Their heft keeps them stable in rougher water. When in doubt, Schumann and Darrow bolted down fragile accessories, such as a lamp in the salon.

Most would agree that one of the marks of a truly great hotel is the quality of the bed linens, and here, Schumann and Darrow delivered. Each of the four en suite staterooms has crisp, thick, white duvets and sheets and mounds of fluffy pillows that create an irresistible cocoon. The primary suite also has a generously sized bathroom with richly veined stone floors, walls and counters.

The yacht has three separate outdoor spaces to accommodate a variety of activities: reading, napping, sunning, happy hour, dining, playing cards and swimming. Schumann and Darrow paid attention to all of them, knowing each plays an important role, especially on longer cruises. “Every area serves a purpose, one of which is giving people space for quiet time,” Schumann says. “We wanted to make them comfortable whether they’re watching a movie in the main cabin, swimming off the back or chatting on the sun deck.”

The owners are thrilled with the changes and difficult though it was, they have put the Seaquinn on the market as originally planned, confident that with this sharp refresh, it’s sure to be a smooth sale.

Read this article as it appears in the magazine.

The post Traditions Classic Home Furnishings Delivers a Superyacht Design Refresh appeared first on Artful Living Magazine.

^{All products featured on ArtfulLiving.com are independently selected by our editors. We may earn commission on items you choose to buy.}

San Diego‘s sun-kissed brand of carefree fun has always appealed to families and friends seeking a laidback adventure. The sunny Southern California weather lends itself to outdoor activities like golfing, surfing, paragliding and kayaking among leopard sharks and sea lions at La Jolla Cove, but the city’s culinary and cultural cachet is growing, too. San Diego has the most small, family-owned farms in the United States, and independent restaurants and chefs relish the cornucopia of organic produce and sustainably caught seafood available locally all year round. Visit vibrant weekly farmers markets in Little Italy, Hillcrest and North Park to see for yourself.

Photography provided by Hotel del Coronado

Stay

Hotel del Coronado

San Diego’s beachfront grand dame resort wraps up a multiyear $550 million renovation this spring with a complete restoration of the iconic Victorian building. The hotel’s fascinating history began in 1888 when it opened with its own power plant, ice house, theater and — at the time, unheard of — manual elevators. Guests were entertained with various novel activities such as archery, glass bottom boats and even a menagerie of animals including parrots, monkeys and sea lions. Marilyn Monroe filmed Some Like It Hot here, and The Del has been a favorite vacation destination for presidents and movie stars for over a century.

Today, the sundeck is the heart of the resort, surrounded by dining, entertainment and a retail arcade. Beachfront rooms in The Cabanas neighborhood include spacious terraces and private fire pits, ideal for sunset drinks. Instead of a club lounge, book access to the Ocean Club for a complimentary breakfast buffet and exclusive beach cabanas.

Photography by Jim Sullivan

Dine

Marisi

This modern Italian restaurant in downtown La Jolla gives Amalfi Coast vibes with a rare combination of excellent people-watching and exquisite food. Purple and white bougainvillea dangles overhead on the spacious heated tile terrace, which is always buzzing for weekend aperitivo hour with bellinis, spritzes, stuffed zucchini blossoms and airy focaccia on every table.

Chef Cameron Ingle deftly uses the Italian hearth to cook whole branzino, Tuscan-style bistecca alla fiorentina and focaccia. A selection of fresh handmade pasta includes plump potato gnocchi swimming in verdant basil pesto. Vegetables here are outstanding too, mostly sourced from nearby Chino Farm. Ingle lets the flavorful produce shine, pairing earthy roasted carrots with pickled green tomatoes and the sweetest mara be bois strawberries with velvety burrata. Cocktails are fun and wine service is excellent, with elegant stemware and knowledgeable servers. A new soft serve machine whips up pine nut–studded swirls to conclude.

Photography provided by Shop Good

Shop

Shop Good

After an arduous personal wellness journey, Shop Good founder Leah Kirpalani understands that health and skincare are intricately intertwined. Skin is the body’s largest organ, after all. She created a clean beauty and healthy lifestyle boutique to help decode and demystify complicated ingredient labels and marketing claims. Every product sold here has been personally tested and vetted, with brands like Agent Nateur, Botnia and Ilia among her bestsellers. Kirpalani’s friendly team at both the North Park and Del Mar locations readily share their encyclopedic skincare knowledge, passionately helping guests find the perfect product or personalize a new skincare routine.

Holistic aestheticians with a compassionate and inclusive approach to beauty offer apothecary-inspired, results-oriented facials in two treatment rooms behind the retail shop. From back facials and scalp treatments to gua sha and high frequency, Shop Good facials are more effective and a better value than most floofy hotel spa treatments. You’re guaranteed to walk out feeling more beautiful.

Photography provided by San Diego Tourism Authority

Do

Balboa Park

Home to 18 museums and the world-class San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park is larger than New York City‘s Central Park, with a range of attractions for every interest. Comic-Con Museum is the newest permanent opening for a dose of pop culture superhero fun inspired by the annual entertainment convention, while the recently reopened Timken Museum of Art showcases work from European old masters, including Rembrandt and Rubens.

The Japanese Friendship Garden is a popular location for weddings and engagements, bursting to life each spring with an annual cherry blossom festival in March and hosting cultural workshops in black pine pruning, bamboo making and tea whisking throughout the year. Mingei International Museum is another thought-provoking stop, with 30,000 objects used in daily life from nearly 150 countries on display. Collections of textiles, jewelry, folk toys and delicately preserved ceramics range from ancient relics to contemporary designs.

Photography provided by La Jolla Ecological

Do

La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak

The La Jolla Ecological Reserve is a protected marine area with one of the highest concentrations of sea life in California. Everyday California’s eco-friendly guided kayak tours are fun and educational ocean adventures accessible even for beginners, and you never quite know what you’ll encounter. Wipeouts do happen on occasion, but everyone is outfitted with life jackets and athletic young guides help push your kayak from the shallows past the swells into calmer deep waters.

Enthusiastic guides share personal stories and fun maritime factoids, and you might even spot baby bat rays or baby whales if you’re lucky. With a fleet of 75 single and double kayaks, these tours are available year-round along with wetsuits for colder weather. While kayak tours are most popular, surf, snorkel and paddleboard lessons and rentals are also available. Shop the brand’s fun athleisure line at the retail flagship once you’re safely back ashore.

Photography by Kimberly Motos

Dine

Cellar Hand

This beguiling restaurant located in an unassuming strip mall is a collaboration between Santa Barbara’s Pali Wine Co. and Chef Ashley McBrady, a woman whose fanatical pursuit of the best ingredients has earned the respect of farmers, fishmongers and diners alike. The sprawling patio offers a casual indoor-outdoor ambiance and a well-priced wine list of easy-drinking and eclectic California bottles.

Begin with house-fermented wood-fired pita and colorful dips. Everything from pomegranate molasses drizzled over whipped tahina to pinipig dukkah sprinkled on tomato and fennel matbucha is made from scratch, and there’s even a dedicated fermentation chef.

Bluefin ‘nduja toast with thick cubes of tuna marinated in sweet smoky paprika and Calabrian chiles is a must, followed by brown butter pork chop generously dressed with cherries and smoked almonds to share. Sunday brunch takes breakfast classics to new heights, with ice cream–topped brûlée French toast and cheesy, pork belly breakfast sandwiches.

Read this article as it appears in the magazine.

The post Artful Living City Guide: San Diego, California appeared first on Artful Living Magazine.

^{All products featured on ArtfulLiving.com are independently selected by our editors. We may earn commission on items you choose to buy.}

The frigid mid-February air is a stark contrast to the warm and welcoming lobby of The Bowery Hotel. Settling into a leather armchair, I cozy up by the fireplace and observe the numerous walks of life enjoying cocktails and conversation. The Bowery, and what happens inside, is both familiar and special. Recently awarded a Michelin Key with the Michelin Guide’s debut of the new distinction recognizing the country’s most outstanding hotels, it is not “simply a room for a night” but a sophisticated hospitality experience.

Photography provided by The Bowery Hotel

Setting

Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, The Bowery Hotel is named after the neighborhood it resides in. Sandwiched between the ever-trendy Soho and East Village neighborhoods, the Lower East Side offers a blend of old school and new cool.

Upon entrance to the hotel, guests are greeted by uniformed bellhops clad in top hats and led into the dimly lit lobby to check in for their stay surrounded by hanging newspapers, ornate rugs and delicately carved wall paneling. Situated behind the concierge desk is a wall of keys adorned with red tassels; there are no electric door locks here. You’ll be asked whether you prefer a complimentary copy of the Times or the Post in the morning, paying homage to the time-honored ways of hotels of the past.

Vibe

The Bowery provides the quintessential old-school New York City experience. It’s luxurious, yet laid-back. Elegant, yet sexy. No detail is overlooked, yet it isn’t trying too hard. Sitting in front of the lobby fireplace feels like you’re at home, yet the waiter reminds you you’re not.

Amenities

The thoughtfully curated amenities offered align with the boutique hotel’s old-school ethos. Guests are welcome to peruse the Bowery’s film library to watch something in their suite, or stop by the lobby to rent a classic board game. In-room spa services include massage treatments and personal training available upon request. Complimentary bicycles remain parked outside the hotel’s entrance for a ride around the city.

The Rooms

Upon arrival to the room, guests are greeted by interiors much brighter than those found on the building’s main level. Crisp all-white beds featuring the Bowery’s signature red trim and monogram are overshadowed by the hotel’s lovable mascot seated right at the center — the famous Bowery Bear. White wood paneling and painted brick walls allow the patterned curtains to highlight the star of the show: sweeping views of the city. Marble bathrooms, rainfall shower heads and deep soaking tubs add to the elegance throughout.

Dining 

Known not just for the accommodations but also top-tier dining experiences, the Bowery boasts a lobby bar and a full-service restaurant. The Bowery Lobby is always buzzing, and for good reason. The aesthetic is second to none, like you’ve been whisked away into a mahogany, velvet and leather love triangle. Fireplaces and iron chandeliers light the way to an intimate patio in one direction and a small bar to the other. The bar is a hot spot for A-List names, but don’t fret — hotel guests are given priority for seating. Rest assured you’ll get to enjoy your Bowery 75 in no time.

Right next door to the hotel on the ground floor sits Gemma, an Italian Trattoria led by chef Andrea Taormina. Gemma serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night eats. Like the hotel, the eatery also boasts a more old-world vibe, with luxe wood paneling surrounding the bar, eclectic bottles lining shelves, and wood logs stacked and ready for the pizza oven. The short rib pappardelle is a must-order, as is the calzone di Nutella for dessert.

Cost

Rooms start at $495 per night + tax and fees.

The post The Artful Stay: The Bowery Hotel appeared first on Artful Living Magazine.

Photography provided by OMO5 Gion

Japan

Whether you have a Pokémon-obsessed kiddo or ramen connoisseur, Japan is perfect for one-parent one-child getaways, especially right now. Both the reopening of its borders after strict pandemic closures and the strength of the U.S. dollar have given way to a surge in travel to the archipelago. Efficient, clean and safe, Japan is also easy to navigate. With the logistics covered, parent and child pairs can dive deeper into the country’s fascinating, layered culture. Take in ancient Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples; learn to throw shuriken (ninja stars) at a ninja training school; join a food tour through Arigato Travel in Tokyo and slurp up bowls of noodles (as my own family has done). In Tokyo, the Shiba Park Hotel features a fantastic breakfast spread and self-service laundry facilities. A bullet train–ride west will bring you to Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital, which touts the centrally located, ryokan-style OMO5 Kyoto Gion. Each of the 36 rooms feature kitchenettes, perfect for whipping up a bite between adventures, and you don’t want to miss the hotel’s complimentary morning tour of the lively, historic Gion neighborhood.

France

A classic parent-child trip (particularly among mothers and daughters), Paris needs no introduction with world-famous highlights such as the Eiffel Tower; the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre; the Luxembourg Gardens and its darling pond where children can sail toy boats; and an endless parade of croissants and macarons. Those captivated by art (Monet! Renoir! Van Gogh!) will especially love destinations such as the Musée d’Orsay, housed in an old railway station, and the Louvre, considered the largest museum in the world with a collection of more than 500,000 works. A boat ride along the Seine is also a requisite experience. There’s no shortage of hotels in Paris, but among the more family-friendly are: the Four Seasons George V; the Maison Breuget, a boutique property close to the Marais; and the124-room Hôtel de Crillon, which is a short walk from the Tuilieries garden.

Photography provided by the Inn at Hastings Park

Massachusetts

You can bring U.S. history to life in Boston, a trip made even better if timing aligns with when your upper elementary– or middle school–aged children study the American Revolution. From the Boston Massacre and Tea Party to early battles at Lexington and Concord, the seeds of the Revolutionary War were sown in this New England city. Visitors can walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail with a costumed guide from the Freedom Trail Foundation, stopping at sights such as the Granary Burying Ground (the resting place of patriots like Samuel Adams, John Hancock, James Otis and Paul Revere) and the Old North Church, where Revere’s lantern hung as a warning of the British approaching. When it’s time for a break, the beautifully manicured Public Garden offers a charming respite and a chance to take a short ride aboard one of the famous swan-shaped boats. Just across the street from the garden is The Newbury, arguably the city’s premier stay (Pro tip: Book a corner park-view suite.) with the gorgeous rooftop restaurant, Contessa. In Lexington, the Victorian-style Inn at Hastings Park is a darling 22-room hotel that welcomes kiddos with their very own tricorne hat upon arrival. The property also sits close to the Orchard House, where Louisa May Alcott penned her beloved classic Little Women.

Photography provided by Anantara Golden Triangle

Thailand

Well-established as a tourism hot spot, Thailand is an ideal first foray into Southeast Asia. “Thailand has everything: wonderful culture, excellent hotels, delicious food, great beaches, friendly locals, adventurous outdoor activities,” notes Catherine Heald, co-founder and CEO of Asia tour operator Remote Lands. Most trips will start in Bangkok, where the Grand Palace (admission includes a 25-minute costumed dance show) and flower markets are a must.  Chiang Rai’s Anantara Golden Triangle in northern Thailand is the next mandatory stop. Here, you can spend the day up-close-and-personal with rescued elephants, walking with them to the river and feeding them sugar cane stalks. Be sure to make time for a cooking class at the legendary property, too, so you and your budding chef can learn to prepare herb- and peanut-laced pad Thai noodles and sweet mango sticky rice. From here, Phuket is just a quick flight away for some beach time. A short speedboat ride will bring you to Six Senses Yao Noi, a stunning and serene island oasis of 56 villas.

Photography provided by Under Canvas/Shutterstock

California

From soaring mountains to lush forests to vast deserts, national parks are a winner among outdoor enthusiasts and parent-and-kid duos alike. Home to nine national parks, California is an excellent year-round destination for one-parent one-child travelers. The more adventurous can tackle some big hikes before relaxing on the shores of crystal-clear alpine lakes in Yosemite (the Twin Bridges trail in Tuolumne Meadows is a favorite of my family). Or you can scramble atop granite boulders and spot roadrunners, jack rabbits and lizards in otherworldly Joshua Tree, named for the ubiquitous oddly shaped trees with spiky fronds. There are also mighty trees and vast caverns to take in at Sequoia National Park. In recent years, outfitters have expanded glamping-style offerings to these parks, like Autocamp’s tricked-out Airsteam trailers and Under Canvas’s luxe tents featuring West Elm furnishings and wood-burning stoves.

The post Top Global Destinations for One-Parent, One-Child Getaways appeared first on Artful Living Magazine.

Who

To fully enjoy Japow, one should be at least an advanced intermediate, but expert skiers will get the most out of a trip like this. No previous backcountry experience is required, but an above-average fitness level is mandatory: think all day slog more so than Crossfit-type short interval.

Equipment

Alpine touring, Telemark or splitboard. Avalanche safety equipment including beacons, probe and shovel is mandatory. All of the above equipment is available for rent in Sapporo, Niseko or from your guide.

When to Go

They don’t call it Japanuary for nothing. The sweet spot for Japow is January 1 to February 15.

Where to Stay

If it’s your first time, you should probably base out of Hirafu, the main village of the Niseko United, which comprises four interconnected ski resorts: Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and An’nupuri. Lodging options abound and your guide can help you to find the best fit for your budget and personal tastes. Last season, my guests stayed at Always Niseko, which is close to all the action and a good budget option. For those looking for a higher-end boutique hotel, check out Chalet Ivy or the Green Leaf.

Photography provided by Sushi Shin by Miyakawa, Niseko

Where to Eat

Hirafu offers everything from food trucks to fine dining.

Ichi Ichi Kitchen is a food truck located in the center of town with quick inexpensive offerings like takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) and other Japanese street foods.

Niseko Ramen Kazahana is known for its rich miso ramen with creamy, umami-laden broth and springy noodles. Don’t miss the “Niseko Black” ramen with squid ink.

Ebisutei is a small, intimate izakaya (pub) that serves traditional Japanese dishes, including yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), sashimi and tempura.

Sushi Shin by Miyakawa in the AYA Niseko hotel is perhaps the most prestigious and sought-after sushi experience in the area with a fixed menu that showcases the best of local Hokkaido seafood. The restaurant is sleek and minimalist, and you’ll eat at a counter made of hinoki (Japanese cypress) while the chef prepares the sushi right in front of you. Reservations are mandatory.

Backcountry Ski Guides

• Niseko Mountain Guides 
• Black Diamond Tours
• Synnott Mountain Guides

The post A Pocket Guide to Backcountry Skiing in Japan appeared first on Artful Living Magazine.

Photography provided by Casa de Campo

Wheeling into the stable area, we pass chickens, donkeys and a pig so large I suspect it might be some kind of giant forest hog. “It’s just a pig,” Arata says casually like he’s referring to a house cat, not a creature that looks like it might mistake me for a mid-morning snack (I’m told the humongous pigs, like all the other farm animals, are incredibly gentle). As Arata screeches to a halt in front of the petting zoo, the whir of the golf cart is replaced by a chorus of bleating farm animals. In addition to the aforementioned animals, there are goats, ponies, rabbits, roosters, sheep and turtles, among other creatures. “My kids come here every single day,” he says, rubbing a friendly mule’s nose. “The donkeys are super cool. My kids ride them [like horses].”

Wearing well-worn jeans, an untucked denim shirt and dusty brown stable boots, his long curly black hair tucked rakishly into a camo-print baseball cap, Arata looks like he stepped straight off central casting for a biopic on Nacho Figueras. He opens the gates so the animals can roam freely as we talk. “The petting zoo is one of the most popular places in the whole resort,” he says. “We just had J. Lo here with her kids. We’ve had Boris Johnson, Clinton. Everyone loves the petting zoo.” As we get ready to continue our tour, he turns and whistles loudly. As if summoned by Noah, all the animals quickly scamper back inside the gate.

We drive around another building and soon find ourselves face-to-face with some of the most athletic-looking horses I have ever seen in my life. If there is an equine equivalent to Jeremy Allen White’s shirtless Calvin Klein campaign, these prize polo horses are it. Their sinewy haunch muscles look like they’ve been carved from Carrera marble. “These horses are super trained,” explains Arata. “We are right in the middle of the season so they are in peak condition.” We pass more horses — the center houses over 220 — that belong to a famous polo player who owns a villa. “See these horses right here?” he says, pointing to three more absurdly toned polo horses. “These belong to a famous Latin singer. He’s super cool. One day, he called me up and said, ‘Fernando, please come to my house. I need three horses because I want to ride with two girls.’”

“‘Okay,’ I said. ‘I give you some —’”

“‘No, no, no, Fernando. I want to buy my horses. You have six hours to find some horses for me.’So I bought the horses. He rode them that one time and never came again,” he says with a laugh.

Unlike the “super cool” but also apparently very busy pop star, most visitors to Casa de Campo return to the magical resort — which just celebrated its 50th anniversary last year — again and again. And while the petting zoo remains a highlight, this family-friendly activity is just one of the resort’s many world-class amenities. Here, a snapshot of what you can expect.

The Setting

Nestled on the southern east coast of the Dominican Republic and sprawling across 7,000 lush acres bordered by the Caribbean Sea, Casa de Campo is home to three award-winning golf courses, private beaches and the charming Altos de Chavón — a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village perched approximately 300 feet above the Chavón River.

Strolling along Altos de Chavón’s cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time. Each stone has been hand-cut, each wrought iron detail of the handcrafted wooden doors forged by hand. On the morning I visited, I began my tour with a brief ride on a very agreeable donkey. Farther into town, you’ll find shops flush with gorgeous handmade linens (I bought some beautiful guest towels at Tienda Batey’s that remind me of my trip every time I dry my hands), boutiques selling locally-made clothing, jewelry, and a plethora of quaint workshops selling artisanal crafts like pottery, ceramics and weaving. There are art galleries, Mediterranean-style restaurants, museums, a church and a 5,000-seat amphitheater that has played host to legends from Sinatra to Santana.

Claim to Fame

Since opening in the mid-1970s, Casa de Campo has been a magnet for celebrities and other A-listers. In addition to Sinatra, Jennifer Lopez and A-Rod, Bill Clinton and Boris Johnson, the resort was a favorite haunt of fashion icon Oscar de la Renta (he helped design many of the interiors and owned a villa here for many years). Micheal Jordan and Derek Jeter both held bachelor parties at Casa de Campo. Jim Clark, founder of Netscape, hosted his 70th birthday party here (a swank affair attended by actress Naomi Watts and Sir Richard Branson). George W. Bush, Pharrell, the Kardashians, and Beyonce and Jay-Z have all been. Drake filmed his “Started from the Bottom” music video in one of the most lavish villas at the resort (Punta Minitas).

Vibe

At Casa de Campo, the laid-back energy of the Caribbean is suffused with a kind of understated glamour. The resort exudes effortless elegance; every detail is considered yet nothing feels forced. Golf carts hum softly along palm-lined pathways, guests sip guava mojitos poolside under the shade of swaying palms and the evenings pulse with the gentle hum of live music (unless of course, the resort is hosting an international superstar like Sting or Elton John, in which case the air literally vibrates).

Amenities

Designed by the renowned golf course architect Pete Dye, the resort’s three courses — including the iconic Teeth of the Dog — have garnered international acclaim. Named the number one course in the Caribbean, Teeth of the Dog features seven holes that hug the rugged coastline, offering breathtaking views that will take the sting out of even the worst shank. In addition to world-class golf and the aforementioned Equestrian and Polo Center (beyond traditional polo, the center also offers horseback trail riding and “donkey polo” for kids), the resort also boasts a Racquet Center with 13 courts (I took my first padel tennis lesson here and am now obsessed), a 245-acre Shooting Center, a full-service Marina and yacht club and three private beaches with water sports galore (I snorkeled among the colorful reefs in the crystal waters off Minitas Beach and saw a fascinating pageant of tropical fish including my favorite: the dazzling, electric-blue yellowtail damselfish).

The Rooms

Accommodations at Casa de Campo are as diverse as the resort itself, ranging from chic, family-friendly guest rooms to palatial villas. In the Premiere Club, where I stayed, the suites are vast and meticulously appointed with natural materials and luxe, minimalist furnishings. The suite comes with your own private golf cart that can take you wherever you want to go on the property. But with your private terrace, a giant Kohler soaking tub and a super cozy king-size bed with 1000-thread count Egyptian linens, you may never want to leave your room. Meanwhile, the villas, complete with waterfront views, private pools, dedicated staff and, in at least one villa I visited, a fully soundproof disco club — are so lavish, it’s no wonder Drake chose to shoot a music video here.

Dining

With six signature restaurants, the resort’s dining options span the globe, from the refined Mediterranean flavors of La Caña by Il Circo to an array of fresh seafood at Minitas Beach Club (the linguine alle vongole was excellent). Nibble on paella as yachts sail by at La Casita at the Marina or go for a more rustic, candlelit vibe as you dive into pappardelle with mushrooms and truffle in the cave-like La Piazetta in Altos de Chavón. There is something for everyone here, and — attention, families — the accommodating staff at each restaurant will bend over backward to make sure even the pickiest eater leaves satisfied.

The Spa 

The spa at Casa de Campo is the ne plus ultra of holistic wellness, drawing inspiration from the island’s natural beauty and Ayurvedic traditions. Treatments incorporate indigenous ingredients and practices, from detoxifying mud wraps to soothing massages infused with local botanicals. Yoga sessions on the beach and meditation classes add another layer of Zen. After an 80-minute Himalayan salt stone massage followed by a light lunch by the pool, I left feeling as though I had passed the afternoon inside some gloriously refreshing ionizer.

Cost

Nightly rates for guest rooms start at approximately $600, while private villas range from $5,000 – $16,000 per night, depending on size and location.

Feature image photography provided by Casa de Campo | Showcases Villa Palmeres, one of the property’s private villas

The post The Artful Stay: Casa de Campo appeared first on Artful Living Magazine.