Rhode Island may be America’s smallest state, but there’s nothing diminutive about its food scene. This coastal paradise is chockfull of both culinary traditions and forward-thinking epicurean initiatives. Visitors to the Ocean State will taste iconic “only in Rhode Island” treats, like stuffies (minced quahog clams mixed with bread crumbs), New York system wieners (hot dogs topped with meat sauce) and energy-boosting coffee milk (cold milk … [Read more...]
The Surprising Sensual Pull of Providence
The red retro BILTMORE sign glistened through the rain-pelted floor-to-ceiling windows of the top floor of Providence’s recently renovated 1922 grande dame hotel. Its simple brashness was striking against the blue-grey sky and russet-brick building on the late-April evening. Inside all was toasty as waiters served cocktails and crostini, the pledge of a delicious dinner ahead. Chef Kevin Hale kept the promise. Named one of Coastal New … [Read more...]
What Makes Me Get Up and Move
I have been married to a wonderful man for 25 years. We got married very young so as he said we could: "have our children and still play with them." We had three children in 4 years - worked hard and played hard. My husband Wes worked 2 jobs when the kids were little so I could be home with them. Life was not always a bed of roses but we managed to get 3 children into college, two of which also became soldiers. When our youngest … [Read more...]
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Rhode Island
The late Rhode Island artist Maxwell Mays had long talked about giving the 300 acres he owned in that state's rural Coventry to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island upon his passing. Someone asked him why. Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge - cottage from across pond "I would like this land to stay open," he said. "I would like this land to breathe." He died in 2009, and gave the land that is now known as the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge. … [Read more...]
Matunuck Oyster Bar Rhode Island
Forget hands on. Think feet and bellies. When taking a tour of the aquaculture shellfish farm behind the Matunuck Oyster Bar restaurant in South Kingstown, R.I., you not only learn about where your food comes from, you walk through its breeding grounds, and if you're lucky, harvest a few oysters to eat later. Sometimes the nibbling is sooner. On a tour last summer, led by owner of the shellfish farm and restaurant, Perry Raso,who does them … [Read more...]
Ocean House: Luxury on a grand scale in smallest state
For a tiny state - the nation's tiniest - Rhode Island's got it all going on. There's the state's famous beaches (it is known as the Ocean State, after all), an incredible culinary scene, particularly in the capital city of Providence, world-class academia (think Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design) and a rousing arts scene which includes Trinity Repertory Company, the country's last full company theater. Photo courtesy of Ocean … [Read more...]
Luxury stays in Thailand
I had the happy occasion to be in Thailand in spring 2011, staying first in downtown Bangkok, then up in Chiang Mai, luxuriating in two hotels that were two of the most glorious and well appointed I'd ever enjoyed. In the thick of downtown Bangkok is Lebua at State Tower, a five-star, all-suite luxury hotel that towers over the rest and offers stunning views of the city and Praya River below. It is a massive place of glass and stone, and … [Read more...]
Thailand: One man’s virgin tour
Dried fish at a Bangkok street market I wake up at 5:30 a.m. on the 57th floor of the Lebua at State Tower, an upscale hotel in the thick of Bangkok, the Praya River snaking by below. I stand and listen, hearing a throaty growl seeming to gather steam in the distance and figure it has to be an airplane leaving the city from Suvarnabhumi Airport. But how can that be? For one thing, the airport is 19 miles away. For another, the sound doesn't … [Read more...]
Global Scavenger Hunt
Los Angeles, CA (October 20, 2009) - The Global Scavenger Hunt is EXACTLY what it says it is: A treasure hunt that takes you around the world! The one catch is, you have no idea where you are going until you get there! But when you are done, you will have circumnavigated the globe and done more than in a lifetime of vacations. The media has compared The Global Scavenger Hunt to The Amazing Race. The big difference between The Global Scavenger … [Read more...]
Amsterdam with an Attitude
Amsterdam - the name inspires thoughts of impressionists and culture. Rembrandt and Vermeer in Rijksmuseum and the disturbing paintings of Van Gogh. The historic downtown, the culture and the canals are one reason to visit this great capital. Of course, for others it's the spirit of 'tolerance' for things like soft drugs(pot smoking) and legal red light district which make it an interesting destination. As an observer at least. While Amsterdam … [Read more...]