Where to Stay in Porto and Douro Valley

We stayed in the Portobay Teatro Hotel, an upscale, recently renovated building covered in a glass facade.  It is conveniently located in the center of Porto; we did a walking tour of the city that kicked off just outside our hotel! We got ready for the day over a luxurious breakfast with fresh juices, a spread of fresh fruits, eggs made to order, granola and yogurt bowls, and freshly made loaves of bread served with jams, butter, and cheeses. Plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants are also within walking distance, and you are within 90 minutes of Douro Valley, so you can do multiple days of wine-tasting day trips to the vineyards. 

What to Do

Walking tour of Porto: A walking tour of Porto is a great way to get an orientation of the city. Walk along the many alleys that showcase its stunning architectural treasures. From the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge to the colorful Ribeira district, you’ll discover hidden gems and historical narratives that bus tours simply miss.

Visit the wineries in Douro Valley! Since we were staying in Porto proper, we took a tour of local wineries starting at 9:00 am because it takes over an hour to get to the wineries in the valley. Here’s where we went: 

• D’Origem: We kicked off our tour with a visit to this winery, where we were treated to a tour of the facility and learned about the Portuguese grapes and wine-making process. From there, we went to the deck where we sampled a series of wines, olive oils, honey, and bread,  all while admiring the breathtaking views of the Douro Valley. We were enamored with the rose and ordered a case for delivery back to the United States.

• Quinta do Bomfim: Next, we visited this vineyard, which specializes in Ports – the sweet, fortified wines that the Douro Vally and Porto are famous for. Dating back to the 1800s, this is one of the oldest port houses in the world. We enjoyed an informative tour, and then a fun tasting. 

Douro Valley Picnic + Boat Cruise: A great way to see Porto and Douro Valley is by water! The tour company arranged a picnic after the wine tasting for us, complete with stunning vantage points of the Douro Valley and plenty of wine, followed by a boat ride on the water, of course with more wine. It was unreal. Being surrounded by the water and the mountains and the rows and rows of grapevines – it doesn’t get much more beautiful than this. 

Where to Eat

After each day of activities, we enjoyed dinner in the city at one of the following spots:  

Jardineiro: As the name implies, this garden-inspired restaurant offers an idyllic green space for dining on exquisite fare. The cuisine is local and seasonal, and offers gems like mushroom skewers served with a bold garlic sauce, mushroom risotto, cannelloni with a tomato ragu, and, for dessert, crepes suzette with a super cool mint ice cream. Don’t skip the cocktails – the tropical gin and passion fruit concoction is perfection, and the colada punch will make sure you know you’re on vacation. 

Esencia: With dishes like Caesar salad croquettes, portobello carpaccio, and pasta in a sundried tomato pesto, we loved the innovative approach of this restaurant that serves vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Porto and Douro Valley: The Verdict

Porto and the Douro Valley offer an exceptional, immersive journey to those who love food and wine. The vibrant city of Porto, with its historic charm, seamlessly blends into the stunning, vineyard-laden landscapes of the Douro Valley. Here, world-class Port and local flavors combine with breathtaking views, creating a truly memorable Portuguese adventure. Whether you’re a wine lover or simply seeking a picturesque getaway, Porto and the Douro Valley promise a magical experience.

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Sintra for the History Buffs

Sintra, a thirty-minute drive or train trip from Portugal’s capital, is a must-see with its idyllic castles and picturesque scenery of forest and sea, started as a refuge for royalty. Sintra has an old town and a new town, and the old town is a UNESCO heritage site. We highly recommend a visit; it is easy to access, utterly charming, and full of history.

What to see in Sintra

Pena Palace: Built in the Middle Ages, this gorgeous castle is colorful and dramatic, located on the top of a hill with spectacular views of lakes, mountains, and forests. Various Portuguese royals used the palace as a summer residence, and the artifacts they left behind are a treat to peruse, as are the palace interior and the surrounding gardens of the castle. The best way to get there is to park in the historic center of Sintra and hike up the Villa Sassetti Trail, but there are also shuttles and drivers to take you to the top. The trail takes you through the Loureiros Forest, which is lush and worth a visit on its own if you’re more of a nature lover. Inside tip: Note that parking is limited, and you must arrive early to avoid lines! If you’re looking for days trips from Lisbon, a visit to Pena Palace is a must.

Castelo dos Mouros: Built between the 8th and 9th centuries, this Moorish Castle’s walls are still standing today. You can walk along them and take gorgeous pictures of the view.

Quinta da Regaleira: This 20th-century mansion is known for its neo-gothic architecture, gardens, and grotto. Its romantic and mysterious atmosphere begs for exploration.

Where to Eat in Sintra

Take a break from all your sightseeing to grab a bite at a small cafe in the historical center of Sintra. You really can’t go wrong, but don’t forget to try a ‘pasteis de nata.’ Portugal’s egg custard pasty is famous for a reason!

Medival Sights at Óbidos

About an hour’s drive from Lisbon, slightly farther north than Sintra, lies the medieval walled town of Obidos. The town was originally gifted to Queen Isabel of Portugal in 1282. This is a must for those looking for scenic day trips from Lisbon. Built on a hill, it is truly a delight to wander through the winding cobblestone streets within the walled city. Admire the traditional homes, visit the picturesque church, the Igreja de Santa Maria, sample local goods at the small shops like the local cherry liquor called ‘Ginjinha,’ and marvel at the Castelo de Óbidos.

Estoril and Cascais for the Beach Bums

These two glorious beach towns exist in a part of Portugal known as the Portuguese Riviera. Located just a thirty-minute drive or train trip from Lisbon, they offer the perfect opportunity to visit Portugal’s stunning beaches. The convenience can’t be beat. Hop on a train to spend the day in Cascais or Estoril, then return to your base in Lisbon without ever having to pack or change hotels.

What to See

Start off by arriving in Cascais and walk along the town streets. Delight in the unique architecture of Cascais and its homes. Then, choose from one of the many Cascais beaches. You can rent a few beach chairs and towels at the beach. Be sure to do so with Aperol spritz in your hand and take in the view! The water is clear, the sand is perfectly soft, and the vibe is one of relaxation and indulgence. When the sun starts going down, walk along the boardwalk that connects Cascais and Estoril. You will marvel at the beachfront properties in this resort town and should test your luck at Estoril’s famous casino.

Take in the Surf at Nazare

Two hours north of Lisbon is a former fishing town called Nazare. Small and sweet, this town has gorgeous beaches and is one of Europe’s most famous surfing spots. The North Beach is world-renowned for its stunning waves, which are supposed to be the largest on the planet that can actually be surfed. In fact, one can spend a whole day here just watching the surfers.

FOR FOODIES :
After your exciting day trips, return to Lisbon to dine at one of these spectacular destinations:

Arkhe: The small, charming dining room at Arkhe is as delightful as the food and service. The incredibly creative and seasonal menu offers dishes like a kimchi cannelloni served with a mushroom terrine and drizzled with a duo of carrot sauces: one with cream and turmeric and the other with orange. Beautifully presented, each dish has sublime textures and flavors.

Encanto: For the most divine vegetarian dining experience, visit Encanto. The restaurant is cozy and warm, and the plant-based cuisine is just irresistible. We relished the mushroom rice with a mushroom “scallop,” inhaled the hummus with dried flowers, marveled at the vegetable stew, and nearly cried over the summer tomatoes. This was our best dining experience in Portugal.

Afterwards, head to Lisbon’s famous pink street for a post-dinner drink (or drinks). All the bars that line Calle Rosa de Lisboa are full of fun and energy.

The Verdict

Make sure to add some day trips from Lisbon to your Portugal adventure! There is something for everyone to enjoy and indulge in, whether you’re an amateur archeologist or a professional beach bum. Be sure to give yourself enough time to soak it all in!

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The Vibe

The warm and inviting dining room at Mita includes an elegant modern bar, spacious dining area, and open kitchen. The rustic earth tones, array of green plants, and floor-to-ceiling windows add to the ambiance and create a rustic but elegant scene for your dining experience.

The Food at Mita

Now, let’s get to the most important part: the food! Mita’s innovative 14-course menu, divided into four “acts,” opens with a fun surprise: sweet and savory tamarind and mango candies wrapped in edible paper. Chewy and crispy, the treat kicks off the meal in the most delightful fashion. From there, the meal only gets dreamier. The endless, enticing parade of dishes includes a Venezuelan beverage called papelón, made with a non-alcoholic rum and served with a piece of sugarcane. The bread course includes a variety of mini arepas, some made with potato, others with yucca, and others with plantains, and a trio of dips including a sinfully creamy avocado dip; and a soup course that features a fluffy arracacha soup, made with the starchy, slightly sweet Andean root vegetable, and drizzled with a woodsy mushroom dashi. The dish is brimming with gentle earth tones and just the right balance of sweet and savory.

Other highlights include a savory watermelon dish with fermented carrots; an open-faced tortilla topped with a heady concoction of squash, kale, piquant green mole, and meaty huitlacoche; a delightful asado negro made with mushrooms, served on a bed of creamy corn and adorned with crispy onions. The textures and colors play a vibrant role in each dish, and the Latin American flavors, ranging from cilantro to sweet plantains to coconut, are ever-present and dynamic.

The dessert courses are as sublime as the savory courses. The winner is the one called Salar Uyuni, which is designed to resemble the famous Bolivian salt flats. It features a yuca cake crowned with a crunchy white tuile.

The Drinks

Mita’s wine list features off-the-beaten-path natural and sustainable wines, and the full bar offers any cocktail your heart desires. Try one of Lou Bernard’s famed Singhani cocktails, formerly of Casa Kantuta.

The Verdict

Mita is an epic, unique dining experience. Make your reservation now.

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How to Get to Valle de Cocora

Getting to Valle de Cocora from the United States is easy. You can fly into the Pereira airport directly from the United States from hubs like New York City or Miami. Expect a layover in Bogota or Miami, depending on your origin. The closest cities to the valley are Pereira and Salento.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Boutique Sazagua: This lovely hotel is the best place to stay in the region. With a lush lawn full of comfy lounge chairs, firepits, and hanging lanterns, a pool, spa, and a restaurant, you will be hard-pressed to leave the hotel. Rooms are large and rustic, with Colombian artwork and furnishings. The villa has a hot tub and fire pit; some suites have hammocks and other amenities. The hotel has plenty of places for lounging with snacks and wine.

What to Do:

Hiking: A visit to the Valle de Cocora will be the highlight of your trip! The hotel can assist you in arranging a guide, which I highly recommend. A guide will drive you to the Los Nevados National Park and lead you on a challenging hike through the stunning cloud forest in the valley, studded with the famous wax palm trees, the highest and most visually impressive palm trees in the world. A guide can also point out all the amazing flora and fauna of the valley and show you birds native to the area, including certain hummingbirds and parrots.

Visit the Plaza de Bolívar: On your way to the Valle de Cocora you will pass through this plaza in the Colombia town of Salento. Take a break here to admire the colorful buildings, peruse the small shops, and have a coffee or scoop of ice cream at one of the local cafes.

Coffee Tasting: No visit to this region of Colombia would be complete without a coffee-tasting session. Your hotel can arrange for you to do a coffee tasting at the hotel or can plan a day trip for you to visit a local coffee farm. Colombian coffees are medium-bodied and fragrant, with a hint of sweetness and nuttiness so that you can enjoy them black or with milk and sugar.

Spa Day: A day at the spa at the hotel is essential for your vacation. Enjoy massages and facials in the hotel’s spacious, peaceful spa, and afterward spend the afternoon at the pool. Staff will be more than happy to bring you cocktails and plantain chips with house-made tomato and avocado dips to enjoy while you relax.

Where to Eat at Valle de Cocora

Hotel Boutique Sazagua Restaurant: The hotel’s restaurant offers a wonderful outdoor dining experience with excellent service, delicious fare, and local cocktails. Breakfast was a dream, with fresh fruit, Colombia breads like buñuelos, cheese fritters made of cassava, and rice and beans topped with scrambled eggs. For dinner, enjoy empanadas, local soups, and grilled dishes.

Restaurante El Portal de Cocora: Close to the valley, this restaurant has epic views of the valley and tasty fare to give you sustenance after your hike. Enjoy patacones or fried green plantains with fresh salsa, stews, bread, salads full of local produce, freshly squeezed juices, coffee drinks, and desserts.

The Verdict:

The Valle de Cocora is a dreamy, wonderful place to visit. You will marvel at the wax palm trees, indulge in local treats like freshly fries patacones, enjoy local coffees, and appreciate Colombian culture.

The post Visiting the Place that Inspired Encanto: Valle de Cocora in Colombia appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

José Ignacio

Where to Stay: Punta del Este is one of South America’s most famous beaches. Brazilians and Argentines flock to Punte del Este for glorious, upscale beachside relaxation, glamour, and fun. We decided to stay in a smaller town adjacent to Punta del Este, José Ignacio, Uruguay which is quieter and cozier.

Playa Vik José Ignacio: The hotel we chose was the absolutely stunning Playa Vik hotel, owned by the well-known Vik family, who owns three hotels in the José Ignacio area, Playa Vik, Bahia Vik, and Estancia Vik. Playa Vik is located on the beach and offers absolutely stunning ocean views. Bahia Vik is also beachside, but try Estancia Vik, situated in the countryside, for something a little more rustic. To get to Playa Vik from Montevideo, you can hire a driver or take a local bus from the Tres Cruces bus station in Montevideo, which will drop you off at a small bus stop in José Ignacio. The bus stop is within walking distance of both Playa Vik and Bahia Vik.

What to Do:

Pool: At least one day must be devoted to lounging by Playa Vik’s epic infinity pool. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, it is the ultimate location for tranquility and luxury. Enjoy poolside cocktails and snacks while you relax and take in the views.

Beach: A stroll by the water and swimming in the ocean is an absolute must!

Spa: Although Playa Vik doesn’t have a spa, Bahia Vik is just steps away and has a full spa with great massages, a tranquility area, and yoga classes.

Wine Tasting: Playa Vik offers a curated wine tasting experience through The Wine Experience, where you can sample Uruguayan wines as well as wines from the Vik family wineries in Chile. A hearty platter of cheeses and bread are included, and the tasting takes place on a patio where you can marvel at the legendary local sunset.

Where to Eat:

Parador La Huella: This restaurant, which has a spot on Pellegrino’s illustrious Latin America 50 best list, is the quintessential beach restaurant I have ever been to. Grab an outdoor table, dig your toes into the sand, and kick off your meal with a craft cocktail. From there, indulge in dishes featuring local goods like a brie, hazelnut, and honey appetizer, delicate ravioli, housemade bread and dips, and fresh gazpacho. La Huella is within walking distance from Playa Vik, which means you can enjoy as many cocktails as you want!

Playa Vik: Playa Vik hosts a gorgeous waterfront restaurant with delicious fare like cheesy baked vegetable lasagna, a burrata and zucchini salad, and desserts like dulce de leche flan.

Estancia Vik: One evening, we reserved a driver from Playa Vik to take us to visit the acclaimed parrillero at Estacia Vik, where the hotel hosted a lavish pizza party with pizzas served straight from the wood-fired oven, free-flowing wine, and live music. We dined at a communal table and stuffed ourselves with a variety of pizza, including a creamy garlic and herb white pizza, pizza topped with locally foraged mushrooms, a bright margherita pizza, and more. We laughed, ate, danced, and drank the evening away – it was, quite honestly, one of the most fun evenings of my life.

Canelones

The charming vineyards of Uruguay are largely located in the Canelones region, which is about 90 minutes north of Montevideo. We booked a trip to Canelones through Wine Explorers Uruguay, who took us to the Pizzorno Vineyard and arranged for our adventure in Canelones.

Pizzorno Vineyard: The Pizzorno vineyard includes an inn, winery, and restaurant. The inn is a small bed and breakfast where you can reserve a cozy room with a patio overlooking the vineyards. Breakfast is included, and you can dine at the winery’s restaurant. We engaged in a lengthy winery tour where we learned about the local Uruguayan grape, tannat, and then sampled a series of wines with a multi-course lunch. From canapes to salads to the most luscious and flavorful vegetable risotto to a sweet strawberry dessert, it was an incredibly decadent meal.

The Verdict

Uruguay has much to offer beyond Montevideo! Be sure to include time in your trip to visit Uruguay’s beaches and wineries.

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Where to Stay in Montevideo

We spent a total of three nights on our weekend trip to Montevideo. We stayed in the tiny, quaint Hotel Palacio, which met all of our needs: close to different local sites and cafes, comfortable, and affordable. The hotel is located in the Cuidad Vieja, which is the old part of town where you can find most of the historical sites. It is within walking distance of the Cordón and Palermo neighborhoods, where you can find many of the best bars and restaurants in Montevideo!

What to do

Curioso City Walking Tour: We loved this walk through the Cuidad Vieja, where we learned all about Uruguay’s history. We visited Independence Square, stopped at the famous Puerto Mercado, took pictures at the Cuidadela Gate, and went into the Artigas Mausoleum. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the city and gave us detailed insight into the culture, politics, and history of Uruguay at large.

A Stroll Along La Rambla: La Rambla is one of the longest sidewalks in the world, and it happens to be along Montevideo’s beautiful waterfront. During a walk along La Rambla, you will see surfers, swimmers, sunbathers, volleyball players, musicians, beachside cafes, and more. Because we visited Uruguay in December, during its summer, the beach was packed with locals enjoying the warm weather. The walkway links Cuidad Vieja with Carrasco, although we didn’t walk quite that far. We strolled for several miles and then jumped off for a cocktail in Cordón. I highly recommend spending an afternoon wandering down La Rambla during your weekend in Montevideo. It’s a great way to enjoy the local life!

Where to Eat and Drink

Our weekend in Montevideo was not without several delicious culinary experiences. We tried to visit spots in the ciudad vieja and different neighborhoods such as Cordón and Carrasco.

Escaramuza Café: We loved this gorgeous café in Cordon so much that we went back twice. You enter first into a charming bookstore, where the bookshelves are filled with books all the way to the ceiling, and then walk straight back into a plant and light-filled patio, where guests lounge for hours over coffee and the most delicious pastries, including an absolutely divine dulce de leche lava cake. From scones to brownies to tortas to tartas this spot is a dessert lovers’ paradise and a dreamy location for whiling away an afternoon during your weekend in Montevideo.

Federacion: Check out this sidewalk café and treat yourself to hot chocolate and a buttery croissant.

Cafe Brasilero: Small but historically significant as the oldest cafe in Montevideo, a stop at this cafe is an absolute must during a weekend in Montevideo. Located in Cuidad Vieja, we found the cafe to be relaxing and cozy, with great cappuccinos!

Café La Farmacia: This is a great breakfast spot in Ciudad Vieja, with a charming old-world ambiance, warm lattes, and simple breakfast dishes like avocado toast and cheese empanadas.

Dueto Cocina Urbana: Like Argentina, Uruguay serves up plenty of delicious Italian fare, thanks to the influence of Italian immigrants. Dueto is a charming and elegant venue with simple Italian fare, including pastas, freshly made bread, salads, and desserts. Helpful tip: This restaurant is right next door to Hotel Palacio in the Cuidad Vieja!

Manzanar: For a super trendy dining experience during your weekend in Montevideo, try Manzanar. Tasty cocktails combined with a hip décor and menu eclectic menu featuring everything from pizza to sushi, we ate, drank and people watched for hours. Manzanar is located in Carrasco, a neighborhood that is a on the other side of town from the old city, but is a modern, high-end part of town where some of the more upscale dining venues are located.

Namaste: It’s always interesting to see how other countries interpret the cuisine of other cultures. We visited this unique spot for lunch and indulged in a fusion fare that included wok-fried noodles, curry-infused risotto, and vegetarian chivitos, which are traditional Uruguayan sandwiches.

Baker’s Bar, KFE, and Office Bar: Fun and filled with locals. Stop by any of these spots for a quick drink on your way to dinner or after dinner!

The Verdict

A weekend in Montevideo is fun, interesting, and relaxing. From the historical sites to the bevy of cafes to the lovely beachfront La Rambla to the variety of dining options, we had a blast and highly recommend this city for visiting!

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Where to Stay

The Crawford Hotel: We were madly in love with our hotel, located in lower downtown Denver. The lobby is designed like a train station terminal, but a super fancy one. The “terminal” includes an ice cream shop, a bar, shops, and a coffee shop. Guests at the hotel get a coupon book which includes free coffee, beer, and ice cream at the shops in the lobby, as well as discounts at local bars and restaurants. Sound amazing? It gets even better! The rooms are gorgeous, with a high ceiling and pristine glass-enclosed showers, and guests can reserve a complimentary tesla, complete with a driver, to visit local spots. The location and amenities served as the perfect backdrop for our weekend in Denver.

Where to Eat and Drink

Cholon: Dynamite South Asian fare is featured at this chic downtown venue. Don’t miss the scallion pancakes, the crystal dumplings, or the fried rice. The three of us ordered a handful of appetizers and entrees to share and it was the best way to sample a bunch of items. Be sure to compliment your meal with a cocktail!

Kachina Cantina: As you can probably tell, Denver offers a variety of cuisines. This Mexican spot is cute and charming, with a colorful décor and wall murals. The restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner; we went for Sunday brunch and had a fantastic meal. There are many delicious options, from chilaquiles to cauliflower tacos to warm vegetarian pozole. A mimosa is definitely a good idea, or a bloody mary if you prefer!

The Bindery: Located in the trendy Lohi neighborhood of Denver, The Bindery serves up fresh Italian fare like burrata including seasonal vegetables, beet ravioli, oysters, and risotto. The restaurant is contemporary and sleek, and it provides a gorgeous spot for a luxurious meal.

Lady Jane: For bold, bright, delicious cocktails in a stylish bar, visit Lady Jane. It’s a great place for drinks with friends, with the added bonus of plenty of eye candy for people watching!

Pigtrain Coffee Co.: Hot coffee and breakfast pastries are available all day at this coffee shop in the lobby of the Crawford hotel.

The Terminal Bar: The Crawford Hotel’s bar serves up 20 local craft beers, and features plenty of seating where you can sip your beer while watching the bustling activity of the hotel. I highly recommend the tater tots or pretzel bites as a bar snack to accompany your beer!

What to Do

Visit the 16th Street Mall: Don’t panic, this is no ordinary mall. Denver’s 16th Street Mall is a mile-long promenade with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Free shuttles go up and down the promenade, but we preferred to just stroll along so that we could peruse the shops and stop for coffee.

Visit the Denver Milk Market: Located on the Milk Block, where the original Windsor Dairy Farm of Colorado was once situated, the Denver Milk Market is a super fun food hall with a cocktail bar, a pizzeria, an ice cream vendor, and more. This was one of our favorite spots to visit in Denver, it’s definitely an iconic local venue.

Visit the Union Station Farmer’s Market: Filled with vendors selling freshly squeezed juices, croissants, live music, and artisanal goods, this is a lovely local market to visit. We had a great morning appreciating the goods of the different stalls, stuffing our faces, and absorbing the scene.

Weekend in Denver: The Verdict

Rocky Mountain National Park is an epic, iconic place to visit in Colorado but don’t pass up the opportunity to have a whirlwind weekend in Denver where there is food and drinks galore.

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WHERE TO EAT

Let’s start with what’s important – the food! As you can tell from the list below, I spent my few days in Bogota eating and drinking. The tropical climate in Colombia lends itself to loads of fresh produce, which chefs utilize in their cooking throughout the country. Fresh fruit, corn, bread, and arepas are also sold in food carts and food stalls in local markets. 

Restaurant Black Bear: This trendy restaurant shows up on all the best restaurants in Bogotá lists and for good reason. With a light-strung patio and bistro dining room, the atmosphere is vibrant and exciting, the kind of place where you want to linger over a glass of wine for hours. And the food is nothing short of fantastic. For a starter, we opened with a brie fondue, spooned over meaty local mushrooms, and drizzled with truffle oil, sweet carrots, and beets garnished with goat cheese, almonds, and honey. Then, we moved on to cheese ravioli in a chunky tomato sauce and orzo coated in a creamy mole sauce. The only challenge was dessert: choosing between sticky toffee pudding, goat cheese cheesecake, and chocolate cake with a butterscotch sauce. My advice? Get them all.  

Prudencia: Truth be told, my lunch at Prudencia was my favorite meal while I spent a few days in Bogotá. The sun-kissed dining room, which was once a colonial-style home, is rustic and filled with the scent of freshly baking bread. The food is fresh, local, and vegetable-forward, with dishes like charred asparagus with poached pears and a strawberry curd, wood-smoked cauliflower served in a puddle of spinach puree, and melt-in-your-mouth homemade cheesecake with a silky dark chocolate sauce. The menu changes daily, depending on what is in season. You can find each day’s menu on their Facebook page. Located in the La Candelaria neighborhood, it’s the perfect place to have a leisurely lunch in between sightseeing. Just be sure to make a reservation – it gets booked up!

Restaurante Leo: Leo is one of Bogotá’s most famous restaurants, featured in San Pellegrino’s 50Best restaurants in Latin America list. The meal is not for the faint-hearted, as it involves all kinds of exotic local Colombian plants and ingredients (crocodile anyone?) but as a vegetarian, my tasting menu didn’t involve anything too weird and almost all of the dishes were divine. With hearts of palm, local cheeses, greens, and fruits it was a delightful gastronomic experience. 

Oficial: This elegant restaurant has all the hallmarks of a fine dining experience – excellent services, a great wine list, and a menu full of beautifully composed dishes. The cuisine is international; we sampled carrots with tahini and pistachio dukkha, grilled hearts of palm with pecorino cheese, and burrata stuffed agnolotti. A must while spending a few days in Bogotá.

Apache: Located on the top of the Click Clack Hotel in Bogotá, this glass-enclosed rooftop bar is the ideal spot for a pre-dinner, post-dinner, or even mid-afternoon beverage. Cocktails, wine, and beer are in abundance, and if you need a quick snack there are tacos, burgers, and fries.

Amor Perfecto: Colombia is known for its coffee, and Amor Perfecto is serving up mugfuls of it all day long. Not only does this coffee shop have amazing coffee and a cozy atmosphere, but it also serves delicious, cheesy arepas that are the perfect mid-afternoon snack. There are three locations of Amor Perfecto, so at least one should be close to wherever you are staying! 

What To Do While Spending a Few Days in Bogotá

Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao: When spending a few days in Bogotá, you have to add the Plaza de Mercado to your list. This fruit and flower market is an absolute gem. Stroll through the market and peruse the stunning array of flowers and a wide variety of fruit. From guanabana to guavas to maracuya, plums, mangos, and more, you will go crazy sampling all of the exotic fruits. There are also stands selling buñuelos, which are small savory cheese balls, pan con queso, and arepas of all different flavors.  

La Candelaria: A visit to the historic district in Bogotá is a must. The cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture, gorgeous street art, and art shops make the district an enchanting place to visit. You can also wander through Plaza Bolivar, where the city’s Palace of Justice, the National Capitol building, and the Cathedral of Bogotá are located. The Museo Iglesia Santa Clara is also worth a visit, it is one of Bogota’s oldest churches.

Botero Museum: Home to the artwork of famed Colombian artist Fernando Botero, this museum is free and a fun spot to visit. Botero’s artwork is interesting and at times comical, featuring women and animals in larger-than-life proportions.

Spending a few days in Bogotá: The Verdict

Bogotá is a delight! The city is rich in culture, hospitality, and vitality.

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THE HIGHLIGHTS

Acadia National Park

The highlight of glamping at Mount Desert Island is being at Acadia National Park. This massive national park encompasses mountains, trees, and stunning views of the Atlantic ocean. The combination is breathtaking. The best way to enjoy Acadia is to purchase a National Park Pass for the 27 mile Park Loop Road. From here, you can stop at vantage points for pictures, and jump off the loop to go on various hikes. Sites not to be missed include Cadillac Mountain for great views and the carriage roads for a lovely stroll.

Bar Harbor

While glamping at Mount Dessert Island, add Bar Harbor to your itinerary. The famed town of Bar Harbor offers many interesting opportunities for exploration. Take a cruise on the water to see bald eagles, whales, seals, and picturesque homes belonging to the Rockefellers and Sears family along the coast. Stroll the streets and drop into one of the many shops to peruse books, buy sailing-themed attire, and sample local specialties like a blueberry lemonade.

THE ACCOMMODATIONS

There are a variety of accommodations on Mount Desert Island, ranging from camping to high-end resorts in Bar Harbor. We aren’t really the camping type but didn’t want anything too touristy, so we found something in between that turned out to be perfect. Terramor Outdoor Resort is a new glamping venue in Mount Desert Island, Maine that just opened in 2020. The resort is stunning, with the main lodge for food, a heated pool, and a hot tub. The individual tents are situated in the dense, rustic woods of Desert Island. The tents are spacious and comfortable, with huge beds, elegant showers, and amenities like Chemex coffee makers and cozy robes. Each tent has a patio and fire pit, to give you space and the opportunity to enjoy the bucolic scenery.

DINING AND IMBIBING

Bangor

The Fiddlehead Restaurant: When you fly to Mount Desert Island the closest airport is in Bangor, which is a small town known for being the home of Stephen King. We left right away for our glamping adventure in Mount Desert Island, which is about an hour’s drive from Bangor, but not before stopping to dine at The Fiddlehead Restaurant. This charming restaurant is one of the best in the state; it has an impressive farm-to-table menu, featuring all the best of Maine’s produce. We indulged in crunchy roasted asparagus, smoky mushrooms enrobed in puffed pastry, grilled romaine, and roasted tomato salad, local cheeses, house-made bread, and ramp butter. It was the best meal of the trip.

Acadia

The Jordan Pond House: The only restaurant in Acadia, Jordan Pond is great for quick lunch of salads or sandwiches while you visit the park. Be sure to order a popover; these doughy rolls are exactly what you need after a long hike! I enjoyed mine with a glass of Champagne.

Bar Harbor

Copita: Our favorite spot to dine in Bar Harbor was Copita, a tiny Mediterranean restaurant located in northeast Bar Harbor. With dishes like pan-fried gnocchi, roasted sunchokes and Brussel sprouts, cauliflower piccata, and pasta with fresh pesto, the cuisine is fresh and delicious. Don’t skip their innovative cocktails, listed on a blackboard in the dining room, which are also made with local and seasonal ingredients.

Side Street Café: Maine is famous for several food items. Blueberries, coffee, beer, and as it turns out mac n cheese. This café is great for a quick bite if you are out and about in bar harbor. The menu includes burgers, tacos, and no less than a dozen different kinds of mac n cheese!

Jeannine’s Great Maine Breakfast: If breakfast is your favorite meal of the day, look no further than Jeannine’s. From egg dishes to tofu scrambles to hot blueberry pancakes there is something for everyone. Coffee is plentiful and the blueberry pancake sauce is divine!

Terramor Resort Lodge

The Terramor Lodge serves breakfast and lunch to go, while dinner can be enjoyed at the lodge. I highly recommend snagging a spot by one of the fireplaces. The food is glamping fare at its best! Menu items include classic American fare like chowder and impossible burgers. You can get s’mores kits to go to enjoy at the fire pit at your tent. One of the highlights of glamping in Mount Dessert Island!

Atlantic Brewing Co: There are two locations of this, one close to Terramor and one in Bar Harbor. Stop by either one to sample a local beer!

THE VERDICT

Glamping in Maine was a grand adventure – one that I highly recommend! The trip included nature, good food, and relaxation all around.

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Vegas Getaway: Where to Stay & What to do

Where to Stay: The Cosmopolitan! This chic venue has a bevy of restaurants, bars and shops, two pools, a nightclub, and loads of game tables.  The rooms are spacious, with balconies and gorgeous bathrooms complete with a tub you can soak in after you stayed up all night or before you hit the sack. The concierge is incredibly helpful, and the staff is there to cater to your every whim (i.e. 4am room service!)

What to Do:

• A must do during a Vegas getaway is to see a show! Vegas has everything from magic shows to cirque du soleil to concerts. My favorite cirque du soleil show is The Beatles Love Show at The Mirage but that is because I am a major Beatles fan! Even if you are not, the acrobats, aerialists, and dancers are so impressive the show is worth seeing. This time around I planned my trip around Britney’s show at Planet Hollywood. The show is called Piece of Me, it was as awesome as I thought it would be! The music, the dancing, and of course: BRITNEY!

• Drink! Vegas is known for having some of the coolest bars in the country, and one of them happens to be at the Cosmopolitan. The Clique Bar has a “Tableside Mixology” option where one of the mixologists will come and whip up a super boozy, super fabulous beverage at your table while you watch. Other great bar options at the Cosmo include a James Bond themed bar called The Vesper Bar and The Chandelier, where you can enjoy a pre or post dinner beverage in a luxurious and upscale venue. Every hour is happy hour in Vegas, so hit up these bars any time of day.

•  Hit the Pool! The Cosmopolitan has two awesome pools, one is the Marquee which features a daytime pool party with loud music, dancing and drinks, and the other is the Bamboo, which is more low-key. Both have cabanas you can rent so you can relax and lounge around with your friends.
• Go Dancing! In the evening the Marquee turns into a nightclub, with an outdoor hip-hop dance floor and an indoor EDM room. Tables are available for bottle service, which is great if you want a private area to hang out with your friends.

Where to Eat:

• China Poblano: Jose Andres has no limits. Even in Vegas, his food is dynamic and delicious. China Poblano features an unusual combination of chinese and mexican fusion fare, which turned out to be delectable. Sample a cool hearts of palm salad with a sour tamarind dressing, unbelievably savory twenty vegetable fried rice, mushroom tacos, guacamole, fried potatoes, and much, much more. The chef’s tasting menu is only $55 and you will end up stuffed! Wash everything down with cava or one of Jose’s famous salt-air margaritas.

• Rose.Rabbit.Lie: This sexy restaurant is perfect for enjoying before a night out during a Vegas getaway.  Vegetarian diners will love the separate menu which features dishes like asparagus with an elegant parmesan tuile, cavatelli, herb brioche rolls, and corn with cotija cheese and huitlacoche.  Enjoy live music while you dine, and be sure to take advantage of the extensive cocktail and wine menu.

The Verdict: If you are looking for total decadence, a Vegas getaway is the perfect trip.  Entertainment, food, drinks and fun are limitless in America’s biggest playground. Experience the luxury The Cosmo has to offer the next time you go!

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