Winter Weekend Getaway Ideas

Whether you want to escape the cold or embrace it, head to these convenient U.S. spots during snow season.

Escape to LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort for a warm winter holiday.

Beach Scene: Naples, Florida

If the winter chill wears on you, retreat to the land of endless summer: South Florida. December through February, temps average in the mid to high 70s. The  powder-sand coast provides a place to relax, savor a Gulf sunset, and snuggle up by a beachfront fire pit at the 189-room LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. The hotel pulls out all the stops for the holidays. A four-course stars local seafood on Christmas Eve. On Christmas, expect a traditional Christmas dinner served on elaborate tables piled high with fixings.

The whole Naples area gets in on the fun, including the mid-December Christmas Boat Parade on Naples Bay. At the Naples Botanical Garden’s annual Night Lights event, thousands of twinkle lights illuminate the garden’s tropical plants, accompanied by live music and gourmet food (November 29 through December 23). With New Year’s Eve comes a spectacular fireworks display, followed by the Naples New Year’s Art Show. It features works by more than 250 artists from around the country.

Newport’s historic mansions are the perfect place for winter weekend getaways.

Urban Exploration: Newport, Rhode Island

Newport thrums with activity during the high season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). But during the destination’s unsung prime time, winter, a festive vibe infuses the city’s historic inns, colonial neighborhoods, and Gilded Age mansions.

November 23 through January 1, poinsettias, wreaths, and Christmas trees swathe the famous summer “cottages” of the Vanderbilts and other wealthy families. When attention shifts to New Year’s resolutions, Newport hosts a mid-January Wellness Week with spa treatments, fitness classes, and healthy-eating workshops. Come February, attend the Newport Winter Festival for a chili cook-off, concerts, and ice sculpting.

Where to stay? There’s nothing more intimate than the 20-room The Chanler at Cliff Walk’s period suites, outfitted with in-room Jacuzzis.

The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch sparkles with winter spirit.

Ski Retreat: Avon, Colorado

For purists in search of a traditional winter getaway, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch delivers. This 202-room ski-in, ski-out lodge sits on more than 1,800 acres of Beaver Creek Mountain terrain. Take advantage of the ski and snowboard school, as well as other handy services such as ski concierges and a ski-nanny program. For a change of pace, frosty fun also takes the shape of snowshoeing outings with the resort’s canine ambassadors, Bachelor and Scout.

Warm up afterward next to a fireside bar hosted by Moët & Chandon Champagne. Or, the pinnacle of hygge: ride a horse-drawn sleigh to a turn-of-the-century log cabin to dine on bison chili and Colorado trout next to a wood-burning fire.

Weekend Wanderings: Seattle Guide

Seattle is one of our favorite places to spend a long weekend. Despite the fact that Seattle has a reputation for rain and more rain, it's not quite as bad as people make it seem. Summers are often warm and dry in Seattle. And the dry weather often starts in the spring.

Where To Stay

Thompson Seattle: The 158 room Thompson Seattle, twelve story boutique hotel opened in the summer of 2016. The Thompson features floor to ceiling windows with incredible views of Pike’s Place Market and the waterfront. The first floor of the hotel is home to restaurant Scout PNW and the hotel has a rooftop bar and lounge, the Nest.

Some of our other favorite hotels include the Grand Hyatt Seattle and Hyatt at Olive 8. Plus the soon to open The Charter Seattle, Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel.

Where To Eat

Biscuit Bitch: This funky Seattle biscuit shop known for gravy-drenched, cheese-topped hangover cures is a must stop for breakfast, for a snack in general for any biscuit lovers. Be prepared for crudeness followed up by delicious biscuits. In fact when you order, they'll likely ask "Bitch, what would you like to order".

Il Corvo: Il Corvo is located in the Pioneer Square area of Seattle where Chef Mike Easton prepares fresh pasta using artisanal techniques and the finest ingredients. They are only open for lunch and you'll wait in a line even if you get there when they open at 11 AM. And you can't grab a table until you've ordered, it's a strictly enforced rule. But they do serve some of the best pasta we've ever eaten and we would wait for their delicious pasta each and every day.

The Pink Door: The Pink Door is an independently owned restaurant that has been quietly dedicated to fresh & local Italian food since 1981. The Pink Door serves delicious, uncomplicated Italian-American food during lunch and dinner with many offerings derived from long-lasting family recipes.

And with the recent expansion, The Pink Door's new space has incredible views overlooking Pike Place Market.

Where To Get Coffee

Seattle has a world class coffee scene. And you'll find coffee shops on nearly every corner. Here are just a few of our favorite places to get caffeinated when we are spending a weekend in Seattle.

Starbucks Reserve Roastery: The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is the Starbucks immersive, dramatic, theatrical expression of coffee craft and the ongoing pursuit of the world's rarest small-lot coffees. Plus the Reserve Roastery is housed in an iconic building that was originally a car dealership that opened in the 1920s. The Reserve Roastery in Seattle is a great chance to try Starbucks coffee drinks you won't find anywhere else.

And as a bonus the Reserve Roastery serves up Seattle's famous Beecher's grilled cheese. So enjoy a cup of delicious, small-lot coffee and a tasty grilled cheese.

Caffè Vita: Caffè Vita was founded in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood in 1995. And Caffè Vita has been named one of the top ten places "to get the best coffee in America. Rightfully so, because they serve up some of our all-time favorite coffee.

Moore Coffee Shop: Moore Coffee has two coffee shops near Pike Place Market in Seattle. And while the coffee and espresso at Moore Coffee is good, the latte art is even better. Plus the family owned coffee shop with a loungey vibe serves up delicious sweet and savory waffles.

Where To Go For Dessert

Indi Chocolate: Experience a whole new world of Chocolate at Seattle's Indi Chocolate located near Pike Place Market. Indi Chocolate is a bean to bar chocolate shop. They source cacao beans directly from farmers and cooperatives to make small batch, single origin, dark chocolate.

In addition to their delicious chocolate, you'll find a wide range of cacao based products including teas, spice rubs, and body care products made from cocoa butter. And they also serve up delicious coffee drinks including mochas made with their small batch chocolate.

Top Pot Doughnuts: Doughnuts aren't just for breakfast. And we don't ever need a reason to eat a donut. But they do make a good snack or dessert. Luckily Seattle has some incredible doughnuts shops. One of our favorites is Top Pot Doughnuts. And they do things the old-fashioned way with their hand-forged gourmet doughnuts.

What To Do

Pike Place Market: Pike Place Market is Seattle's epicenter of fresh produce, specialty foods and independent businesses. Within the nine-acre historic district you'll discover dozens of farmers, a bustling crafts market, and more than 200 unique owner-operated shops.

Pike Place Market has more than 80 restaurants to tempt you, from take-out counters specializing in donuts to fine dining establishments. So you'll definitely want to bring your appetite when you are exploring Pike Place Market and savor some of the delicious food options.

Seattle Space Needle: Built in 1962, the Seattle Space Needle has since become the symbol of Seattle, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The Space Needle has an observation deck at 520 feet and the rotating SkyCity restaurant at 500 ft.

The downtown Seattle skyline, as well as the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Elliott Bay and surrounding islands can be viewed from the top of the Needle.

Smith Tower: Smith Tower is a historic, iconic skyscraper in Pioneer Square. Completed in 1914, the 38-story, 484 ft tower is the oldest skyscraper in the city, and was among the tallest skyscrapers outside New York City at the time of its completion.

The great thing about the Smith Tower is not only does it offer stunning 360-degree views of the Seattle Skyline but you also have an opportunity to capture great views of the Seattle Space Needle.

Conclusion

Seattle is a vibrant, culturally rich city with an incredible food scene. On sunny days, there is plenty to do in Seattle including catching great views from the Seattle Space Needle or Smith Tower. On those rainy days, grab a cup of coffee at one of Seattle's craft coffee shops. And if coffee isn't your scene, Seattle is also known for amazing craft beer and cider.

Weekend Wanderings: Washington DC Guide

We spent a long 4th of July Holiday Weekend in Washington D.C. Not only is our nation's capital full of historical exhibits, museums and monuments, but Washington D.C. is a foodie's paradise with great restaurants and coffee shops. Here's our Weekend Wanderings, Washington DC Guide.

Where To Stay

Fairmont Georgetown: The Fairmont Georgetown Washington D.C. is located within close proximity to Georgetown, Dupont Circle and only about a ten block walk to The White House. And the luxury hotel is also located just a few blocks from the Foggy Bottom Metro station. It's great location and luxurious rooms make it a great choice for your Washington. D.C. trip.

Fairmont Washington D.C.

Where To Eat

Le Diplomate: We can't even begin to describe how great Le Diplomate is for any meal, but particularly brunch. The French brasserie is a must on your Washington DC Itinerary. Zagat described it as "Maybe the “hottest address in town – after 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue of course”. Do yourself a favor. Their french toast is incredible.

Founding Farmers: Founding Farmers is a Co-op-owned American eatery that dishes out classic comfort cuisine. This place transplants you to your grandmother's dining room with dishes like meatloaf, chicken pot pie and of course cornbread.

FireFly: FireFly is located in the Kimpton Madera Hotel near Dupont Circle. The restaurant is built around a large indoor tree, serving seasonal, local, New American comfort food. It's a place you'll find the locals in Washington D.C dining at. The steak, asparagus and truffle fries were very tasty. And the atmosphere is very quaint yet comfortable. Plus they serve up some delicious cocktails.

Where To Get Coffee

Bourbon Coffee: Bourbon Coffee offers direct-trade coffee from Rwanda. Their espresso featuring coffee blends from Rwanda is delicious. Plus you can grab a delicious sandwich or pastry. Bourbon Coffee has several hip and relaxed cafes across the Washington D.C. area.

La Colombe: No matter what city we are in, if there is a La Colombe, it's always on our list. They roast up some of the best coffee not to mention their draft lattes are incredible. With four locations in the District, it's pretty easy to sneak this place on to your list.

Where To Go For Dessert

Sprinkles Cupcakes: It's not a secret. We love Sprinkles Cupcakes. And they have a Cupcake Bakery in Georgetown. If you haven't already, do yourself a favor and try one. Don't worry about the calories, it's vacation!

Baked & Wired: Baked & Wired is a family owned coffee shop and bakery in Georgetown. This place is always packed. Don't worry, it's worth the wait. The coffee is incredible and the baked goods are made in small batches with the finest ingredients.

What To Do

When you visit Washington D.C., places like the Smithsonian, Lincoln Memorial, National Archives, etc. should already be on your list. Here are a few additions we suggest adding to your Washington. D.C. Itinerary.

Newseum: The Newseum is a dynamic, engaging and interactive museum of news. The museum allows visitors to experience the stories of yesterday and today through the eyes of the media. All this while celebrating the freedoms guaranteed to all Americans by the First Amendment.  The museum offers incredible exhibits including a powerful wall showing the front page of hundreds of newspapers on the day after 9/11.

Arlington National Cemetery: Arlington National Cemetery is the country’s largest military cemetery. It serves as the final resting place for more than 400,000 military veterans and their immediate family from the fronts of Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as World Wars I and II, the Korean conflict, Vietnam, the Cold War and America’s Civil War. The cemetery is open to the public 365 days a year with free admission for those who wish to tour the site and pay their respects.

Arlington Cemetery is also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, which is a tribute to unidentified fallen soldiers who fought in World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a large white sarcophagus that is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by Tomb Guard sentinels from the elite 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment.

Holocaust Museum: The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is another extremely powerful (and somber) place you should visit while in Washington D.C. The Museum is the United States' official memorial to the Holocaust. And the museum provides interactive exhibits showing how the Holocaust occurred, the lives it impacted and how the massacre finally ended.

Conclusion

Washington D.C. is not only our nation's capital, but it's a vibrant hub for culture, delicious food and of course great tasting coffee. If you haven't been to Washington D.C., it's a destination that should definitely be on your list. If you have any questions or need help making your Washington D.C. plans, be sure to let us know! Hopefully our Washington DC Guide helps!

Weekend Wanderings: New York City Guide

The Big Apple - New York City Guide

New York City, the big apple or the city that never sleeps. New York City is a great place to spend a weekend eating great food, drinking delicious coffee, seeing incredible Broadway Shows and of course emptying your wallet or purse on some unique shopping. To give you some tips on where to stay, what to do and where to eat we put together a New York City Guide.

Where To Stay

We love spending a weekend in New York City, but the city is spread out. So if you are only going to be in the big apple for a weekend, picking a hotel with a central location to your planned activities is very important. Keep reading our New York City Guide to see our favorite things to do in NYC.

Renwick Hotel: For a quick weekend trip, our pick would be The Renwick Hotel, part of Hilton's Curio Collection.

The Renwick

The Renwick is in a great location, just two blocks from Grand Central Station and a short walk to the United Nations, 5th Avenue and Central Park.

Hilton Honors Gold & Diamond Members get complimentary breakfast. The Gold & Diamond Member breakfast benefit is a special menu which features pastries, oatmeal, Greek yogurt or a homemade waffle. You’ll get to select three of the four items and breakfast includes juice or coffee. You'll need that breakfast before a full day of exploring the city.

If you don't mind being slightly displaced from a lot of the tourist attractions, the Conrad New York is another great option.

Where To Eat

New York City is full of amazing culinary adventures and is foodie haven. No matter what type of food you are looking for, you'll find it in the Big Apple. It was hard to narrow down our favorites places to eat in this New York City Guide.

Chobani Cafe: A few of our places include the Chobani Cafe . We are Greek Yogurt snobs and we are big fans of Chobani.

Whether you like sweet, savory or a little of both, the Chobani Cafe has a number of offerings that are sure to get you hooked! Their main feature is greek yogurt creations made from hand-selected artisanal ingredients. They have three types of yogurt creations; sweet, fruit and savory. Besides the yogurt creations they have Smit (Turkish Bread Ring) Sandwiches, salads, breakfast bowls and yogurt drinks. You can see their full menu here.

Eataly: Eataly is not only a place to eat, but it's a destination in itself. Eataly is the largest Italian marketplace in the world, comprising of a variety of restaurants, food and beverage counters, a bakery, retail store and even a cooking school. Every time we are in New York City, we make a point of indulging in at least one meal at Eataly.

Cookshop Chelsea: The Cookshop Chelsea is located near the High Line (another spot you must check out - see below). The Cookshop serves up farm-to-table” American fare that’s “creatively prepared” using seasonal, sustainable, and local ingredients. And the Cookshop has an incredible wine menu! If you are looking for cozy, romantic dinner, the Cookshop should definitely be added to your list.

Coffee

New York City is full of great coffee roasters and coffee shops. You'll never run out of options for caffeine in NYC. We would love to spend a weekend in the big apple just to have more coffee shops to feature in this New York City Guide.

La Colombe: We've wrote about La Colombe before, but La Colombe is probably one of our favorite coffee shops and coffee roasters. La Colombe, which started in Philadelphia, has not only landed all over New York City with numerous coffee shops, but also has changed the ready-to-drink coffee category with it's canned Draft Lattes found in most grocery stores and in most retailers. La Colombe's coffee and their lattes are some of our favorites, so make sure you add the coffee roaster to your New York City itinerary.

Irving Farm Coffee Roasters: With hip cafes popping up all over New York City, Irving Farm Coffee Roasters not only pours a delicious latte, but has a cool atmosphere where you can catch up on the news or just take a few minutes to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Where to have Dessert

Cookie DŌ: While there are dozens of great options in New York City, one of the most unique places you need to visit is Cookie DŌ! Cookie DŌ serves you guessed it cookie dough. Some of you are probably thinking it isn’t safe to consume raw cookie dough. Don’t worry this DŌ is safe to eat! Just a warning…once you try this you will be obsessed.

Cookie DŌ

What To Do

It's hard to fit everything there is to do in New York City in a weekend trip. But thanks to our New York City Guide here are a few of our recommendations to make the most of your weekend in the Big Apple.

Central Park: It's hard to believe that in the middle of New York City, there is a 843 acre park with over 20,000 trees! Central Park is an incredible place to take an early morning run, romantic stroll or afternoon bike ride. You won't even feel like you are in the middle of one of the biggest cities in the world. Central Park is a majestic place that has to be on your itinerary for a trip to New York City.

Top of the Rock: Yes, we know, everyone likes the Empire State Building for the picturesque view of New York City. But we actually prefer the Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Building. Not only do we think the view is better, but you can see the gorgeous Empire State Building plus the rest of the New York City skyline, making your picture opportunities even better. The Top of the Rock has two observation decks, 70 floors high with unobstructed 360° city views.

High Line: The High Line is an incredible experience that runs right through New York's Chelsea neighborhood. The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated linear park, greenway and rail trail. It was created on a former New York Central Railroad spur on the west side of Manhattan in New York City.

American Museum of Natural History: Not only are the Night at the Museum movies based off of the American Museum of Natural History, but the American Museum of Natural History is also one of the largest museums in the world. The entire museum spans 4 city blocks and consists of some 25 interconnected buildings which house 45 permanent exhibition halls, in addition to a planetarium and a library. A visit to the American Museum of Natural History is a must for your New York City trip but be sure to give yourself several hours to explore the dozens of exhibits.

Shopping on 5th Avenue: You won't find a better shopping corridor than New York's 5th Avenue. But if it's your first time shopping on 5th Avenue, it can be a bit overwhelming. Take your time and do a little research ahead of time to pick out a few stores you want to stop in. And do yourself a favor. Stop in Bergdorf Goodman, a New York City Institution. With that old-school luxury and service yet without that stuffy feeling, plus Bergdorf Goodman also recently renovated their main floor, the first redesign for the store in more than 30 years.

Catch a Broadway Show: There's no place better in the world for theater than Broadway. Do yourself a favor and book tickets to see a show on Broadway. We saw Wicked the Musical. Despite the fact that we've seen Wicked before, seeing Wicked on Broadway as truly an incredible experience.

Murray's Cheese:Murray's Cheese is an experience of itself. Murray's Cheese is essentially a foodie mecca offering an array of fine cheeses plus breads, cured meats, olives & other deli items. And Murray's Cheese sells Megpies.

We hope you put our New York City Guide to good use, you won't be disappointed.

Weekend Wanderings: Scottsdale, Arizona Guide

Scottsdale: A Luxe Oasis Surrounded by Dessert

We have been visiting Scottsdale, Arizona since we met. And it's one of our favorite places to spend a relaxing long weekend. Yes it's hot, but what better way to spend a weekend than laying by the pool with a cocktail in hand? Scottsdale is known as Arizona’s luxury watering hole. It's quickly become an oasis of Sonoran mountainside resorts offering, outdoor activities, lavish shopping and an incredible food scene. And Scottsdale has nearly 300 sunny days a year!

How to get there: Most airlines fly in to the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport but low cost airline Allegiant does utilize the Mesa-Gateway Airport on the Southeast side of the Phoenix Metropolitan area. Scottsdale is spread out and about 10 miles from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. While we normally take public transportation on our weekend trips, Scottsdale is the one exception and we recommend renting a car. Rental cars at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport are off site and you'll need to take a shuttle bus from the terminal to the rental car garage. We recommend giving SilverCar a try. What better way to visit luxe Scottsdale than driving around in an Audi A4?

Where to stay: Scottsdale is filled with amazing resorts. We've stayed at several resorts in the Scottsdale area and have enjoyed all of them. On our most recent stay, we stayed at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa. It was probably one of our favorite resorts we've been to thus far. When you check in to the Andaz Scottsdale you won't find a front desk. Guests check in via an iPad while relaxing on a couch in the lobby drinking a glass of complimentary wine or iced tea. You'll also find a complimentary minibar at the Andaz Scottsdale (soft drinks, water and snacks - alcohol is extra). The main pool (the Turquoise Pool) offers complimentary daily delighters (a spiked frozen treat or drink) each day at 11:45 AM. And if you don't want to drive into Old Town Scottsdale (about a 2 mile drive), the hotel has a chauffeured Tesla which will run you into town!

Another one of our favorite Scottsdale Resorts is the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. Nestled at the base of breathtaking Camelback Mountain, in the exclusive enclave of Paradise Valley, Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is an intimate oasis inspired by the exotic locale of Spain's Andalusia region.

Where to get coffee: Scottsdale is no Seattle or Portland in terms of coffee, but there are still several great coffee shops where you can get a delicious iced latte to help you cool off on those hot summer days. Our three favorite coffee shops include Press Coffee Roasters, Altitude Coffee Lab and the Cartel Coffee Lab.

Press Coffee Roasters was rated the best coffee roaster in the Phoenix area by the Phoenix New Times in 2015 and 2016. They normally offer two different types of espresso and you can pick which espresso you want your drink made with. Definitely a great coffee experience, so we highly recommend making the drive up Scottsdale Road for a stop at Press Coffee Roasters. And while you are up there, be sure to take a lap around Scottsdale Quarter, a beautiful outdoor mall featuring dozens of shops and restaurants.

And if you make it to the Cartel Coffee Lab, while they doesn’t serve actual food, they do have delicious pastries and we might have indulged in a homemade poptart, and trust us, they are worth a cheat day! So delicious.

Where to eat: Scottsdale is a foodies paradise. There are so many delicious restaurants and gastropubs.

While we have our usual spots that we always visit each time we spend a weekend in Scottsdale, on this trip we added a new place to our favorite list. After a morning hike, we decided to stop by Farm & Craft for a healthy breakfast and it completely hit the spot. Farm & Craft is focused on healthy and sustainable food in a community-style atmosphere. Think modern farm with a contemporary twist. F&C boasts a seasonal “Wellness-Menu” featuring 4 paths to optimal health, including an ‘Anti-inflammatory diet’, ‘Increasing probiotic levels’, ‘Maintaining high level of anti-oxidants’ and ‘Reducing your overall stress’. Yes, the food was delicious (the breakfast burrito was to die for). And they scored a few extra points with us for having Kombucha on tap! Farm & Craft also had sandwiches, salads and wraps for lunch and dinner.

If you're looking for somewhere to grab a bite for lunch, we would definitely recommend Olive & Ivy. Olive & Ivy which has a location near the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall is a restaurant & bar serving Californian-Mediterranean fare in a stylish, bustling quarters with a patio. Olive & Ivy offers small plates, flatbreads, bruschetta and pastas, alongside an extensive wine list and craft-cocktail menu.

For dinner, we really enjoy a visit to the Old Town Tortilla Factory in Old Town Scottsdale. With an incredible 1400 square foot patio, the food at Old Town Tortilla Factory is Southwestern with a Mexican twist. The restaurant has that intimate feel making it perfect for a date night!

If you want something quick, Scottsdale has two Shake Shack locations(one of our indulgences on our weekend trips since we don't have any in Idaho). Shack Shack has been serving up their delicious burgers and shakes since 2004. The fast food chain started in New York City and now has over 130 locations including the two in Scottsdale. You'll often find a line around the corner at Shake Shack, but don't worry. You can actually hop on their website to check the camera and see how long the line is.

Scottsdale also has a Hopdoddy Burger Bar. An Austin-born hamburger-and-beer chain, Hopdoddy has been featured on the Food Network. While Hopdoddy is known for their handcrafted beef hamburgers (a chuck and brisket blend), if you're not feeling beefy, the menu also includes bison, lamb, chicken, turkey and tuna burgers, as well as a vegetarian black bean and corn patty. We had an order of their truffle fries (large enough to share) and they were also quite tasty. And for dessert, be sure to try one of their adult only boozy milkshakes!

Where to get dessert: Portland has several great options for dessert. One of our favorite places that we've been stopping at since we originally started vacationing in Scottsdale is Shakes & Cones. Shakes & Cones located in Old Town Scottsdale, serves up their soft serve ice cream, which is made from scratch using their own exclusive recipe. It's gluten free and only made with organic, non-gmo ingredients! They of course are known for their soft serve shakes and cones.

Another place that we've often featured over the course of our travel and reviews is Sprinkles Cupcakes. And of course Sprinkles Cupcakes has a location right across from the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall in Downtown Scottsdale. Sprinkles Cupcakes is a Beverly Hills, California-based cupcake bakery chain which first opened in 2005. It is considered one of the first cupcake bakeries. The Cupcake Bakery features numerous flavors of cupcakes (some of our favorites include the Black & White and Cinnamon). Be sure to see our entire write-up on the Sprinkles Cupcake Bakery & Cupcake ATM.

What to do: Yes, we won't sugar coat it. It's hot in Scottsdale during the summer. Most days see temperatures exceed that 100 degree mark. So we typically sleep in each morning, get up for brunch and then spend two to three hours sipping cocktails by or in the resort pools.

The heat of the afternoon makes for a perfect time do some shopping and Scottsdale has some terrific shopping. We recommend checking out the Fashion Square Mall in Downtown Scottsdale and the Scottsdale Quarter, an open air mall in Northern Scottsdale.

By the time we've shopped and grab a happy hour drink or early dinner, we typically return to laying by the pool for the evening.

Another great way to spend the early morning or late evenings (before or after the heat of the day) is taking a hike. Scottsdale has numerous hiking trails including the famous trail up Camelback Mountain.

The Bottom Line: Scottsdale is a great place for a weekend getaway anytime of the year. Summer is an extremely affordable time to visit as resorts deeply discount their room rates due to the hot temperatures. But the hot weather has never impeded our weekend getaways. We lay by the pool in the morning and early afternoon, have lunch, go shopping and then return to the pool in the evening. Scottsdale has great food, great shopping and an incredible nightlife. It's definitely worth a visit if you haven't been and if you have, well it's time to go back! Let us know if we can help!

Weekend Wanderings: Portland, Oregon Guide

Portland: A Weekend Foodie Destination

We love Portland, Oregon! We visit the Rose City at least once a year. Portland makes for a perfect long weekend destination. So why do we love Portland so much? Portland has an incredible food, coffee and craft beer scene. Portland is way more than just Downtown. Granted, the downtown area (particularly Pioneer Courthouse Square) is great, but Portland has some incredible neighborhoods full of vibrant restaurants and shops. And on those sunny, clear days, you have a view of Mount Hood in the distance.

How to get there: The PDX Airport has been consistently rated the number one Airport in the United States for several years now. After you arrive at PDX, it's easy to get into downtown. The TriMet Max Train will take you straight from the airport to Downtown Portland. For only a few bucks, the 40-minute TriMet bypasses all of the Portland Traffic and you'll end up being able to choose between several convenient Downtown stops.

Where to stay: We like Hilton Hotels (in case that wasn't obvious yet) so consider us a bit bias. But The Duniway, a Hilton Hotel, which recently reopened following a massive renovation is an incredible hotel and probably one of our favorite Hilton hotels. The Duniway is located near Pioneer Place and a mere three blocks from the TriMet Pioneer Courthouse stop. One thing you'll notice in the hotel is all of the nods to the Portland Culture (art, history, etc.). The Duniway is a full service Hilton Hotel and Gold & Diamond guests receive a complimentary breakfast at the Jackrabbit restaurant located in the lobby of the hotel and the breakfast is top notch (try their fresh squeezed juices).

Where to get coffee: Portland is full of incredible coffee shops, so you definitely won't have trouble finding a Cup of Joe while you are visiting PDX. One of our favorite coffee shops in Portland is Barista Coffee. Another favorite for us is Stumptown Coffee (known for their incredible cold crew coffee). Our other favorites include Courier Coffee and Water Avenue Coffee (located just across the street from The Duniway Hotel).

Where to eat: This one is hard. Portland has SO MUCH good food. So we'll throw a few of our favorites at you. Mother's Bistro is an absolute must for breakfast/brunch. Mother's is extremely well known in the Portland area and for that matter much of the Pacific Northwest, so grab a reservation if you can (you'll need to call 2-3 weeks in advance).

We love Picnic House PDX for lunch (but would also be good for a romantic dinner). Picnic House PDX is located in the extremely Historic and original Heathman Hotel building and they utilize classic French techniques to prepare creative dishes that playfully reference the nostalgic comfort foods of childhood.

For dinner, we really enjoy the Departure Restaurant, located on the top floor of the Nines Hotel. The Departure Restaurant serves up Asian cuisine in a sleek, cosmopolitan setting with two outdoor decks and stunning views of the city, mountains and river. Another great place is Little Bird Bistro, an eclectic, inventive French bistro fare served in a sexy spot with red banquettes & a mezzanine level.

The same owners of Little Bird Bistro also one one of the most famous restaurants in Portland, Le Pigeon. Le Pigeon serves up a rotating menu of creative French-inspired fare served at communal tables or the bar in a snug room.

If you decide to stay at The Duniway Hotel, be sure to check out the Jackrabbit located adjacent to the lobby of the hotel. The Jackrabbit combines the creative approach of Chris Cosentino's behind the scenes kitchen craftsmanship with the grit, flavor, and character that makes Portland one of the country's premier dining and lifestyle destinations.

Finally, it wouldn't be a trip to Portland without a visit to one of their famous food carts (food trucks). Portland has over 500 food carts available at any given time. Most of the food trucks are organized into what are call “Pods.” And there is a food truck for everyone. One of our favorite food trucks is the Grilled Cheese Grill.

Where to get dessert: Without a doubt, we can't visit Portland without a stop at Salt & Straw. Salt & Straw is a farm-to-cone ice cream shop scooping up artisanal flavors (Nick's favorite is the pear, blue cheese and I'm a sucker for the cinnamon snickerdoodle).

If a scoop of artisanal flavored ice cream isn't quite what you had in mind, you could always stop by Ruby Jewel for a homemade ice cream sandwich. Ruby Jewel is a scoop shop selling freshly made, handcrafted ice cream sandwiches in both standard and the Portland style unusual flavors.

A few of our other favorite dessert places include Lauretta Jean's Bakery. Lauretta Jean's is a counter-serve bakeshop with seasonal handmade pies, breakfast & lunch sandwiches, plus beer & wine. But you'll want to try one of the delicious slices of homemade pies (flavors like Chocolate Banana Cream and Strawberry Short Pie).

And of course you can't forget about the famous Voodoo Doughnuts. Located in Old Town’s popular nightlife district, Voodoo Doughnut is one of Portland's most unusual (and delicious) foodie spots. The doughnuts are topped with creative ingredients such as bacon, Captain Crunch cereal and Oreos. And they are almost as fun to look at as they are to eat. You could try the official doughnut of the City of Portland, the Portland Cream. It's raised yeast shell is filled with Bavarian cream and then topped with chocolate and two eyeballs. Or you could try the namesake Voodoo Doughnut which is shaped like a voodoo doll and oozes blood red jelly. Voodoo Doughnuts is open 24 hours a day, and you'll almost always find a line out the door. If you are heading to Portland for a romantic weekend, good news! Voodoo Doughnuts offers legal wedding services, complete with doughnuts and coffee for the reception.

What to do: Yes, there is more to do than just eat and drink in Portland, haha! Portland is full of amazing neighborhoods, cute boutiques and plenty of outdoor activities. On our last trip to Portland, we took time to visit the International Test Rose Garden. The International Rose Test Garden is a rose garden in Washington Park where there are over 7,000 rose plants of approximately 550 varieties. The International Test Rose Garden will be holding their centennial/100 year celebration on Saturday, August 26 2017 from 11:00 AMto 8:30 PM.

We also took time to hike through Forest Park. At 5,157 acres, Portland's Forest Park is one of the largest urban forest in the United States. Forest Park flanks the hills on the west side of the city, just 10 minutes by car from downtown and has over 70 miles of walking and hiking trails.

Then when you need a break from the heat (or humidity), stop in Powell's City of Books. Powell's City of Books is the the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world. Located in the Pearl District on the edge of downtown and occupies a full city block between NW 10th and 11th Avenues and between W. Burnside and NW Couch Streets. It contains over 68,000 square feet, about 1.6 acres of retail floor space. CNN rates it one of the ten "coolest" bookstores in the world.

And our last two recommendations are to take time to explore a couple of the great neighborhoods in Portland. The Pearl District which was formerly occupied by warehouses, light industry and railroad classification yards is now noted for its art galleries, upscale businesses and restaurants. On a side note, another hotel we are looking forward to opening is the Canopy by Hilton which is under construction in Portland's Pearl District.

Another great neighborhood in Portland is NW 23rd Street/Nob Hill. There are so many wonderful and unique attractions around NW 23rd Avenue. Walk the street and find inspiring shops and boutiques, tantalizing restaurants, and comforting coffee houses.

The Bottom Line: Portland is incredible. As foodies and coffee lovers, we absolutely love spending a long weekend in PDX and having two or three cheat days in a row! Portland is a vibrant, culturally rich city and we could write a book about all of the wonderful things to do. Needless to say, you won't find yourself bored or hungry in Portland!