Tag Archives: Travel Writing

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Rough Creek Lodge

This Valentine’s Day, escape to the Texas Hill Country for an unforgettable evening at Rough Creek Lodge, Ranch & Resort. Executive Chef Gerard Thompson, with Chef de Cuisine Raul Mujica and Sous Chef James Sowders, presents a multi-course prix-fixe menu featuring luxury ingredients, Texas-inspired flavors, and indulgent pairings—all set within the resort’s elegant yet rustic dining room.

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The Elmore Hotel for Grapevine Valentine Get-a-Way

Set in the heart of Southlake, The Elmore Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio, offers a distinctive blend of Southern hospitality and modern refinement. Designed as an independent, character-driven property, the 175-room hotel balances thoughtful luxury with a sense of place, making it as appealing for a weekend escape as it is for a special occasion close to home.

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Savannah, Georgia: A Southern Escape Full of Flavor and Charm

Savannah is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and modern culinary flair. Known for its oak-shaded squares, cobblestone streets, and pastel-colored historic homes, the city has an atmosphere unlike any other in the South. Visitors can explore its scenic riverfront, wander the squares, or simply enjoy the relaxed pace while soaking in centuries of architecture and storytelling. The city’s charm extends beyond its streets into a thriving food scene that satisfies both comfort-food enthusiasts and fans of elevated cuisine.

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Where to Ski in New Mexico: Taos, Red River & Angel Fire

New Mexico’s ski towns offer a winter experience that feels refreshingly grounded. Instead of oversized resorts and overproduced après scenes, these mountain communities focus on what actually matters: strong terrain, real places to eat and stay, and a pace that lets you enjoy the day rather than rush through it. The three towns below—Taos Ski Valley, Red River, and Angel Fire—represent the best of that balance, each with its own personality. What follows is a practical guide to where to stay at different price points, where to eat from splurge meals to casual bites, how to handle rentals and lift tickets, and what to do when you step off the mountain.

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Long Texas Weekend Winter Get-a-Way Vacations

Winter in Texas is a season of quiet discoveries, where the Lone Star State sheds its summer crowds and reveals hidden corners perfect for a long weekend escape. From the rolling hills of Hill Country to the breezy shores of the Gulf Coast, there are destinations where cozy lodging, local flavors, and scenic adventures combine to create a travel experience that feels both indulgent and restorative. Whether you’re craving fireplaces and wine tastings, historic inns and antique shopping, or fresh seafood with sunlit views, Texas offers a variety of winter weekend getaways within a few hours’ drive of Dallas.

These escapes are as much about the meals you share as the places you explore. Imagine savoring schnitzel and spaetzle in Fredericksburg, tasting brisket and pit-cooked pork in Llano, or enjoying oysters and Gulf fish in Rockport—all while staying in boutique inns, riverside cabins, or charming historic hotels. Each town has its own rhythm, and in winter, that rhythm slows just enough to let you savor the scenery, the cuisine, and the simple joy of stepping away from daily life. This guide highlights five of the best long-weekend destinations in Texas, with lodging, restaurants, and activities that make winter a season worth traveling for.

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Christmas in Texas – a Visitor’s Paradise

Texas turns undeniably magical in December, and a handful of towns take the season so seriously that a holiday-themed getaway feels almost required. Whether you want small-town charm wrapped in twinkle lights, a German-inspired Christmas village, or full-scale spectacle complete with ice sculptures and parades, these five destinations offer a rich mix of atmosphere, programming, hotels, and dining that make them ideal for going all out for Christmas.

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First Time’s Guide to Christmas in New York

This quick guide is your companion for a first visit to New York City during the holidays: where to stay depending on your budget or travel style, where to eat (from casual comfort to splurge‑worthy dinners), and how to spend your days and evenings — skating, sightseeing, theater, and city strolls — with a feel for what it will cost. Use it to build a trip that’s both realistic and magical.

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Vietnam Unfolded: A Luxury Train Journey Through Flavor and Culture

Traveling aboard Vietnam’s luxury train, SJourney, is less about reaching a destination and more about surrendering to the rhythm of the rails, noticing the small details, and absorbing the country at a pace that invites true attention. The polished carriages balance vintage charm with modern luxury, rolling past flooded rice paddies, winding rivers, quiet villages, and misty mountains while offering a suite of amenities that make every moment indulgent. Safety is woven seamlessly into the experience: secure cabins, highly trained staff, and meticulously maintained tracks allow passengers to relax, sip a cocktail, or simply lean against the panoramic windows and watch Vietnam drift by.

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