I have not done much travel in the Middle East, so a layover in Doha, Qatar seemed like a good opportunity to see a different part of the world. While I didn’t really know what to expect, Doha was lovely surprise – there was delicious food and plenty to do for a day. Here are my tips is you happen to have an overnight layover in Doha as well.

Where to Stay

Al Bidda Boutique Hotel: Downtown Doha is mostly concrete and skyscrapers, so I recommend staying in the Souq Waqif, which is the old part of town. Souq Waqif means “standing market” which is fitting because the area is consists of a huge market with shops selling clothes, handicrafts, ornaments, spices, jewelry, and more. The area also includes a series of Tivoli hotels called the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels.

The group of nine hotels are all walking distance from one another; all of them are opulent and Arabian-themed. We chose to stay in the Al Bidda boutique hotel, which featured a gorgeous lobby restaurant, massive rooms with a sitting area, walk in shower and stand alone tub. Service was impeccable, and all of the Souq Waqif hotels have any kind of amenity you could possibly want. It’s the perfect place to stay during a long layover in Doha, Qatar.

Where to Eat

 
There are plenty of places to eat during a long layover in Doha, Qatar. Most of the Souq Waqif hotels have a restaurant. Since you can walk in between the hotels you can choose to eat any of the restaurants. Considering how hot it is I do recommend that you take advantage of the free golf cart transport between hotels. Hotel staff will make a quick call and a chauffeured cart will appear in front of the hotel in a matter of minutes!

Al Terrace: We took a ride over to the Al Mirqub hotel from our hotel, where we had a decadent lunch at Al Terrace. The Lebanese restaurant serves delicious Middle Eastern fare; we stuffed our faces with hummus, pita, fresh salads, falafel, potatoes, fresh juices and more.

Spice Market: Because we wanted wine with our dinner, we jumped in an Uber to downtown. Qatar is largely a dry country, but Western-owned hotels are permitted to serve alcohol. We enjoyed spring rolls, dumplings, curries, fried rice and wok fried vegetables in an ornate, romantic setting.

What to Do During a Long Layover in Doha, Qatar

Experience the Souq Waqif

Take your time and wander through the souq at your leisure. Even if you don’t buy anything it is fun to wander through the market and see all of the interesting items for sale. Stop for an ice cream… or an iced coffee! I highly recommend a cold treat because Doha is brutally hot! Even in October it was 107 degrees! The market opens up at 4pm, due to the heat, so it’s a great pre-dinner activity.

Visit a Spa

One of the best things you can do during a long layover in Doha, is to get a massage! During the day, when it is too hot to be outside, I highly recommend treating to yourself to some spa treatments at one of the Souq Waqif hotels. I got a massage and it was delightful. There are steam rooms and gyms you can use, and the quality of the massage was surreal. I got to choose the scent of oils used, and the atmosphere was tranquil and relaxing.

The Verdict

The opulence of Doha alone is something to marvel at. From service to cleanliness to art and architecture, you will marvel when visiting this city. A long layover in Doha, Qatar is certainly not a waste and is undoubtedly an incredibly unique experience!

The post An Opulent Layover: Doha, Qatar appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

The Scene

We say 48 hours in Chantilly is always a good idea. Even a better idea is to stay at Auberge du Jeu de Paume, five-star Relais & Châteaux property on the Domaine de Chantilly. It was established in 2012, capturing the heritage of the region. It’s the perfect place for those who truly appreciate culture, horse riding, fine dining, and the wonders of nature.

The property is located in the heart of the Chantilly, just steps away from Château de Chantilly, the Great Stables, and the Hippodrome. The perfect place to either start or end your trip to France or for a weekend escape if you’re in Europe. The moment we arrived at the valet parking of the hotel, we were taken away by the beauty and elegance of this space.

The Rooms

Auberge du Jeu de Paume, built around a large patio, cultivates a personal, down-to-earth form of hospitality. The majority of the rooms face the gardens. They all are distinctly capacious, ranging from 28m² for the Classic Room to 200m² for the Arc de Triomphe Presidential Suite, which overlooks Chantilly with the lofty character of a private apartment.

Some suites extend beyond these ample dimensions, opening onto expansive terraces with views over the grounds. Simply magical. Just after our check-in, we were accompanied to our suite by a very kind member of the front desk who provided us with local insight.

The Food

The Auberge du Jeu de Paume carries on this grand culinary tradition by offering to their guests two restaurants:

La Table du Connétable, One Michelin Star restaurant lead by Executive Chef Julien Lucas and inspired by local terroir with a capacity of 40 guests. We had the opportunity to meet Chef Lucas and talk about what makes his cuisine successful, what inspires him, and lastly, some insider tips on Chantilly. We’ll be sharing that post soon!

Le Jardin d’Hiver: this stylish and sophisticated bistro is serving French cuisine. The elegant contemporary atmosphere is illuminated by light from the patio, warming the décor of rough wood and patterned silk. A must dine when spending 48 hours in Chantilly France.

The tables are arranged along a gallery inspired by the Musée Condé’s Grande Singerie, decorated with 18th- century porcelain and wooden horses from a 19th-century carousel.

We ordered cocktails with champagne and several plates from the menu. Every dish we sampled was delicious. We went along with the Maître wine/food pairing suggestions and were happy to trust him as we love coming to France and discover a new ‘gem’.

About our Menu:

• Cocktail with champagne called “Millionaire”
• Fois gras au poivre Sarawak, chutney de fruits du mendicant aux epices douces
• Tartare de saumon a l’avocat et mangue
• Care d’agneu, ragout de haricots aux olives et jus tajine
• Poisson de riviere, courgettes, amanders, girolles et abricots
• White Wine from Orenga du Gaffory, Muscat du Cap Corse 2013
• Red Wine: Comtesse de Cherisey, Meursault, 2016
• Red Wine: Charmes de Kirwan, Margot, 2015

The Facilities

Even if you only have 48 hours in Chantilly, don’t pass up on their beautiful “The crème de la crème of Spa”. This ample space with its decor inspired by the artistic traditions of the Middle East, offering a relaxation pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, showers, and treatment rooms. Need to work off those calories? Their gym is open 24/7.

The Bar at Le Jardin d’Hiver, is home to two ambiances in a single space. The patio is perfect for a spring or summer day with the stunning views of the gardens. The luxuriously furnished, warm colors, leather sofas, velvet chairs, wooden bookcases, and fireplace combine to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.

What to See During 48 Hours in Chantilly:

In addition to the Auberge du Jeu de Paume there is, of course, plenty to see and do in Chantilly. Here are our recommendations:

 The Castel Of Chantilly: one of the finest jewels in the crown of France’s cultural heritage.

• The Great Stables or Horse Museum are the largest stables in Europe, a masterpiece of 18th century architecture.
• The English Garden: located between the Castle and the Great Stables, the English garden is ideal for a romantic walk.
• Also, luxury sports like polo, golf, horse riding, and forest walks

Chantilly: The Verdict

Chantilly is a charming city of art, history, and equine tradition. It’s a must experience in France. If you want to immerse in the 18th century and have a luxury and comfortable hotel to return to at the end of the day, Auberge du Jeu de Paume is the place for you. Every member of the staff is eager to share their knowledge of the site’s treasures. The rooms are luxury and comfortable, the food carries the culinary traditions. A great mix of history, culture, and heritage.

La Table du Connétable, 4 Rue du Connétable, 60500 Chantilly, France Website

Disclaimer: we were hosted by Auberge du Jeu de Paume but as always, opinions are our own.

The post Escapes: 48 Hours in Chantilly, France appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

Where to Stay

Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg are two of the best neighborhoods to stay for a weekend in Berlin. Both have ample dining and drinking options and are in close proximity to the sites you will want to see. Berlin has loads of airbnbs and small hotels, so finding a place to rest your head will be easy. I would spend as little as possible; Berlin has so much to see and do you will be spending very little time at your hotel/airbnb!

What to Do

Where do I even begin? A weekend in Berlin is not enough to see it all, but you can get quite a bit accomplished!

• Berlin Wall Memorial: Visiting the site where the wall once was, as well as the open air exhibits that document the construction of the wall, life from 1961 – 1989 when the wall was in place, and the aftermath of the fall of the wall, is essential to any visit to Berlin.
• Berlin Stasi Museum: To learn about the period after WWII when German communists, under the guidance of the Soviets, developed the Ministry of State Security, i.e. the secret police or Stasi, this is the place to go. Learning about the dark and manipulative tactics of the Stasi was shocking and informative; we stayed for hours perusing the different rooms, which was the actual location of the Stasi operations.
• lRAW-Gelände: This cool spot is a must-see. It’s an area in Friedrichshain full of graffiti tagged walls, as well as biergartens, clubs, a swimming pool club called haubentaucher, and a weekend flea market. Wander around, admire the art, and definitely stop somewhere for a beer.
• Turkish Market: This open air market is about half a mile long, and is full of stalls selling food, tea, drinks, fabric, jewelry and more.
• Berlin River Cruise: Berlin has two rivers running through the city, Spree and Havel. You can buy inexpensive tickets for a one hour historical river cruise on one of these rivers any day of the week. See the government quarter, the Berlin cathedral, Museum Island, and other local sites.

Where to Eat

• Berlin Secret Food Tour: Because Berlin is known as such a foodie city, we kicked things off with a food tour pretty much as soon as we arrived. The tour included a stroll through different neighborhoods as well as an informative history lesson, and of course, loads of delicious fare. We sampled falafel at a Iraqi restaurant (Berlin has a significant Middle Eastern population), flammkuchen, which is a German pizza, at a local pub, a vegetarian schnitzel, local beers, and more.
• Thai Park: This was the best place I ate during my weekend in Berlin. The Prussian Park in the Wilmersdorf district of Berlin is taken over by Thai families every day, selling a bevy of homemade Thai dishes. This means everything from noodles to curry to dumplings to springs rolls to fruit juices. There are spicy dishes and sweet dishes and everything in between. Items are cheap and portions are plentiful. Fill up a plate and grab a seat in the park and stuff your face!
• The Lucky Leek: This elegant vegan restaurant is one of the best I have ever visited. Located in the upscale Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood, the restaurant offers a multi-course tasting menu with dishes like cucumber soup, dumplings, risotto, seitan medallions served with potatoes, a cheese course and dessert. It is ridiculously good. Be sure to pair your meal with local wines.

Weekend in Berlin: The Verdict

Berlin is a very dynamic city. From history to food to art to culture, you could spend weeks here and never get bored. A weekend in Berlin may be too short, but it will motivate you to return. It is a great place to go with friends and you could even explore. Just don’t get too hung up on running from site to site – take some time to stop, sit back, and enjoy a cold German beer.

The post A Whirlwind Weekend in Berlin appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

Getting There

If coming from Washington, DC, you can come by car in six hours. Once you leave the beltway, it’s smooth sailing. Depending on which lake you decide to go to, you can also fly into Rochester, NY, Syracuse, NY, or Binghamton, NY. Remember you want to bring some wine home, so I highly suggest you travel by car!

Pick a Lake

The Finger Lakes, as the name implies, has eleven narrow lakes which resemble fingers. If you’re spending only a weekend in the Finger Lakes, I recommend you focus on one to two lakes as there is so much to see and do in this vast area. I lived in Rochester, NY my high school years and my family still lives in the area. We make it a point to visit regularly and enjoy all the beautiful things this region has to offer. We find ourselves in Seneca and Canandaigua Lakes often because of their proximity to Rochester.

Things to Do

Wineries

If you’re spending a weekend in the Finger Lakes, I highly recommend you add a little wine tasting to your itinerary. I enjoy that they’re a variety of wineries in the region to cater to every taste. If you’re a serious oenophile, Hermann J Wiemer winery at Seneca Lake is one of my favorites. They continue to produce stellar wines. Another favorite is Dr. Konstantin Frank which offers an elevated wine tour with a pairing of gourmet German Food.
If you’re looking for a more informal winery, head to Lucas Vineyards with a stunning view of Cayuga Lake. They are one of the few wineries in the Finger Lakes producing one of my favorite grapes, Gewürztraminer.

Nature

The nature of the region is truly breathtaking. Whether you’re taking in the fall foliage or the frigid winter’s, the outdoors of the region are pure magic. While spending a weekend in the Finger Lakes, save room for a little outdoor time. Head to Taughannock Falls State Park for a short and sweet hike and some stunning views. I also love that the park is great for any season-the beauty of a frozen waterfall is worth bundling up for!
Each lake has its charm. In the fall, I love the sight of the colorful fall foliage against Seneca Lake. In the summers, the lakes are perfect for taking a boat out and going for a swim.

Food

Given the vast, rich soil, the region is booming with local ingredients. I love driving along the country roads and stopping by the quaint farmer stands. During the fall, I love seeing the little mason jars with homemade preserves and corn along the road.
Another thing to add to your “weekend in Finger Lakes” itinerary: a trip to The Windmill Farm & Craft Market. This sprawling country market sells a variety of local-made items such as maple syrup, spirits, vegetables, raw honey, among other items. The market also has stalls with local-made arts and crafts. I highly recommend grabbing a soft serve of maple vanilla ice cream. I still think about it!

Another recommended stop is FLX Wienery. I first discovered this place as a recommendation from the winemaker at Hermann J Weimer. A bite into their succulent white hots and I was hooked. We now make a point to stop there every time we’re in the area. Most of their sausages are housemade and they also offer the yummy Zweigles hots. If you’re from Western NY, you know what I am talking about!

Where to Stay

Since “my mother’s house” is not a good answer for this post, I decided to defer this section to my friend Carol Cain from Girl Gone Travel who spends an extensive amount of time in the region with her family. Here are her recommendations on where to stay for your weekend in Finger Lakes getaway:

The Harbor Hotel at Watkins Glenn: a luxury lakefront hotel recently awarded the “Hall of Fame by Trip Advisor”
Radisson Hotel Corning: a modern property in the town of Corning
The Farm at Fulkerson: a cozy Bed and Breakfast along the Seneca Wine Trail
The Grist Iron: beer lovers will enjoy staying at this craft brewery
The Black Sheep Inn and Spa: a farm to table spa close to the Keuka Lake

Museums and Other Attractions

You may be tempted to drink wine all weekend and I would not judge you. However, there are other fun activities. Feeling lucky? Head to Tioga Downs for their racetrack and casino. One of my favorite museums in the region is the Corning Museum of Glass. Not only do you get to see these impressive art installations and historical pieces, but you can also make your own hand-blown glass designs. For the aviation lovers, head to the Glenn H. Curtis Aviation Museum for a comprehensive collection of the golden age of aviation.

Weekend in the Finger Lakes: The Verdict

You need more than a weekend in the Finger Lakes to take in all its beauty but if all you got is a weekend or a long weekend, it’s the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle from cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.

The post Escapes: Weekend in the Finger Lakes appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

Getting there

I flew from Washington, DC and was lucky to catch a nonstop flight from Dulles Airport. I rushed to the airport right after work, and two hours later I was in Boston, ready for dinner and drinks! I like that Logan Airport is just a short drive to the city (20 minutes on a Friday night from Logan to Cambridge).

Friday Night the Ritz

Maria and I are both avid foodies. As a matter of fact, she wrote our very popular Antwerp Foodie Guide, and we were looking for a combination of exciting dining experiences in the city. We began our weekend with dinner and drinks at The Artisan Bistro and The Avery Bar at the Ritz-Carlton Boston. I am a big fan of the Ritz Carlton culinary program, and the experiences at their property did not disappoint.

We loved the farm to table menu at The Artisan Bistro. The dishes that stood out were the bacon and honeycomb appetizer and the octopus ceviche. Chef de cuisine, Micole is a fellow Puerto Rican, and she adds a Caribbean spice to her dishes. After dinner, we headed to The Avery Bar for a nightcap. Maria was jetlagged, and I was sleepy by 10 pm on a Friday (because #momlife), so we settled a drink each. I enjoyed a smoky mezcal concoction with a billowy marshmallow on top. Mezcal and marshmallow is something you don’t often hear in the same sentence, but it was surprisingly delicious.

Saturday: Boats, Wine & Steaks

Let’s Run!

Saturday we started our day with an early run along the Charles River. We knew our weekend in Boston revolved around food and drink, so we decided to start the day early with a workout. We stayed at the Royal Sonesta Cambridge and love that there was a bike/walk path right across the street from the hotel.

On a boat!

The followed our weekend agenda with a brunch boat tour with Classic Harbor Line’s Northern Lights boat. Must say, that was one of our favorite experiences of our weekend in Boston. If you know me, you know I love an excellent boat tour. When you first hear “brunch cruise” you may think of basic drunk girls causing a ruckus on a boat. Absolutely the contrary. The Northern Lights offers a delicious brunch buffet (they do not skimp on the bacon), cash bar, and a knowledgeable guide sharing facts and stories about the Boston area.

A Look at City Winery Boston

If you’re looking for a unique experience during your weekend trip to Boston, check out City Winery. This winery and events space adds something unique to the city. Check out their events calendar for performances at their concert hall. Their space also offers a tasting room where you can sample wines made in-house and bites at their restaurant. City Winery offers more than just wine-it’s an experience. City Winery Boston is perfect if you’re planning an outing with a group of friends.

Classic Americana Fare at Abe and Louie’s

I wanted to take Maria to a classic American steakhouse, and we decided on Abe’s and Louie’s near Boston Commons. The dining room has a traditional décor, with dark wooden furniture, the servers are dressed in black vests and bowties, and the menu has everything that you expect from a steakhouse. With all the creativity of modern American cuisine, it’s good to return to the classics. I had the ribeye and lobster: absolute decadence. The ribeye was tender, topped with the succulent lobster. Maria loved her experience so much, that she returned with her husband later during her stay in Boston.
I wish I had something exciting to share about Saturday nightlife in Boston. However, we were suffering from severe food coma. We walked a few blocks before we ordered the Uber back to our hotel.

Sunday Funday

Working off the Food

I introduced my friend to Classpass, which I think is a genius app to find boutique fitness studios throughout the United States and beyond. One of my favorite studios on the app is FlyWheel, an indoor cycling studio. There, we attempted to burn all the delicious food we devoured yesterday. The staff was friendly as always, and the class was energizing.

Sunday Brunch!

We had brunch at ArtBar Cambridge, a favorite restaurant in Cambridge. That Sunday was a bit chilly, so we were bummed we missed out on the great patio seating. We sipped on mimosas and indulged on a lobster roll. The roll had a generous helping of lobster meat on a buttery roll. Pass on the sweet potato tots and order the fries.

SoWa Vintage Market

We met up with a good friend who lives in Boston at the SoWa Vintage Market. We enjoyed checking out all the vendor stands with locally made products, ranging from handmade soaps to fresh produce. If you are spending a weekend in Boston, I highly recommend that you make this experience one of your stops. I liked that it gives you a glimpse of how locals spend a Sunday afternoon.

After the market, we went for a walk in South End neighborhood. We stopped at Café Nero, where we ordered lattes, sat in the patio area and did plenty of people watching. We walked our way back to Boston Commons and admired the beautiful brownstones of the city. We made our way through Copley square which faces the stunning Boston Public Library. The Library is the perfect contrast between the classic and the modern. A true reflection of Boston.

France Meets America at Bar Boulud, Boston

We ended our weekend in Boston with a decadent meal at Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Oriental Boston. The dining room décor takes you back to a wine cave in France with wine barrels, a vaulted ceiling, and lots of red. We started our meal with delicious oysters from the Northeast. For my main, I treated myself to a sinful burger with caramelized onions, a generous helping of blue cheese, and the perfectly baked bun. Did I mention that we did Fly Wheel that morning???

Where we stayed

We had a lovely stay at the Royal Sonesta Boston in Cambridge. Here’s my full review of our stay at the Royal Sonesta Boston.

Weekend in Boston: The Verdict

A weekend in Boston was just what I needed. I was starving for some girl time, and the city provided just that. We both had been to Boston before, so instead of monuments and other tourists sites, we wanted to focus on the food and walk around and take a pulse of the city. I wish we would’ve had more time to explore Cambridge, but you can’t do it all in one weekend!

The post Escapes: A Luxury Weekend in Boston appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

A perfect time to pack a sweater, some good hiking shoes and..go on a weekend getaway. Recently, we did just that by exploring the town of Roanoke, Virginia and we decided to make the most of our time by taking an Amtrak Virginia train to get there. Here’s all about our “railway” weekend:

Getting there: sit back and relax on Amtrak Virginia

Most of us know the drill when going on a weekend trip: don’t waste any time and hit the road straight out of work on a Friday night. Only to get stuck in commuter traffic. Unfortunately a reality in many big cities. This time, we decided to really unwind instead by booking our Amtrak Virginia train to Roanoke from Alexandria, Virginia. Despite the small parking lot at the station, we found several open spaces, right in front of the building. At a cost of $15 per day it’s a little bit more expensive than say – the long-term parking at Dulles airport – but for a weekend getaway, you’re not breaking the bank.

The Train Ride

Of course, we were also super excited to take our little one on the train and though traveling light, we did not have to worry about carrying snacks and beverages or about TSA lines for that matter! A very helpful train conductor helped us on board and to some comfy seats and we were happy to see there was plenty of space to stow the stroller plus our bags fit comfortably in the spacious overhead luggage racks.

And that’s when you can really sit back and relax. There are 120v outlets, a restaurant car (basic snacks, lunch kits, hot coffee, soft drinks) and a quiet car for those that want to really submerge into a good book, or take a nap. We did a little of both and after 4+ hours we arrived at our destination: Roanoke, Virginia.

About Amtrak Virginia

For most of us living in DC, we automatically think of DC to NYC as the classic Amtrak route. However, there are many great destinations to be reached in Virginia by rail. On this particular route, I spoke to a handful of travelers that were thrilled that they didn’t have to sit in traffic to make it to their Virginia Tech games. Check out more of their Virginia routes here.

Where to stay

The golden days of railroad transportation fueled the fast growth of Roanoke, a town then called “Big Lick”. Around 1882 railroad magnate Frederick J. Kimball picked this town to be a major railroad junction and with it came a steady flow of money from industry and travelers.  Those travelers found a place to stay at the newly built Hotel Roanoke.

Renovated and restored in 1993, Hotel Roanoke (a Hilton Property) with its Tudor style façade sits slightly elevated overlooking the city and of course, the railroad.  Which means our walk from the brand new Amtrak Virginia Roanoke Station to our hotel room was literally a two-minute walk. The rooms are comfortable, its classic details well preserved, its location very convenient to the downtown attractions, Hotel Roanoke was just what we needed for our weekend getaway.

What to do in Roanoke

Go on a brisk hike

Especially when arriving in Roanoke later in the evening, you will not miss the iconic “Roanoke Star”, beaming with pride on nearby Mill Mountain. It is actually the world’s largest freestanding illuminated man-made star. Mill Mountain (which has a zoo on it, and hiking trails) can be hiked all the way up to the star, and we certainly gave it a good try but one wrong turn and a baby in a stroller proved a little too much this time to go all the way. We hiked to Mill Mountain from downtown which is doable but allocate plenty of time for this day activity.

Visit the many craft breweries

The reward for hiking (even if you don’t go all the way to the top) is waiting for you in one of Roanoke’s craft breweries. And boy they have that mastered it here. We visited three craft breweries; Deschutes Brewery, Big Lick Brewing Company, and Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers. All three have a very own distinct character and you’ll simply have to try some beers at each of them. We loved the space at Big Lick, and the collaboration they have with Tuco’s Taqueria Garaje, a taco and tequila restaurant right across the street. They will deliver food to you at the brewery as you’re indulging in some fine brews. We thought it wise to eat some food before hitting three breweries so we actually had lunch there before, more about that below.

It’s difficult to pick a favorite but we certainly loved the barrel aged beers they served at Deschutes, we bought a friend a nice bottle as a little souvenir.

Eating

As mentioned, we were quite hungry after our hike so we chose Tuco’s Taqueria, conveniently located across from Big Lick Brewery. At the risk of sounding cliché, you really are transported to Mexico as you enter this stylish, colorful and modern space.  Tasty chicken, pescado, and chorizo tacos and plenty of chips and salsa with some solid margaritas made for a fine lunch, before hitting some of the local craft breweries.

Leisurely walking from brewery to brewery we made sure we worked up an appetite for dinner at Local Roots restaurant, a place that is consistently recognized for its quality food and wine by publications such as Wine Spectator and USA Today.

And it did not disappoint.  A vegetable salad (roasted broccoli, delicata squash, lemon, sweet potato, herbs, robiola cheese) and charcuterie board with lamb liver mousse were perfect appetizers to precede a handmade pappardelle with braised lamb neck and the Prince Edward Island mussels that I find myself still salivating over. Made with Benton’s bacon and rye whiskey, you should not be embarrassed to slurp up the leftover broth after there are no more shellfish left. So good!

The Verdict

Roanoke in Virginia’s beautiful the Blue Ridge Mountains celebrates the good things in life. There is no doubt that one travels to this place to enjoy the outdoors, and to be inspired by friendly Roanokers who take pride in their individual crafts. Traveling by Amtrak Virginia and seeing the gorgeous rolling hills slide by made our trip so much more relaxed and even more memorable.

Our point of improvement would be the departure time on Sunday. An 8:45 am departure keeps you from enjoying more of Roanoke. I spoke to some of the conductors about it and they said that there may be more departures in the future pending the success of this route.

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Amtrak Virginia. As always opinions are my own and I’ve done plenty of traveling on Amtrak on my hard earned Dining Traveler money. 

The post Discovering Roanoke on Amtrak Virginia appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

Getting There

When we were planning our Glamping in Lexington, Virginia adventure, we looked at several properties on the Glamping Hub website. Booking with Glamping Hub was a breeze. It was tough to choose where we wanted to stay as there was a great selection of rustic cabins in the central Virginia/Blue Ridge Mountains region. We finally settled for a cabin in Lexington, Virginia, a quaint college town surrounded by picturesque nature, idyllic streams, and photogenic livestock. It takes 3.5 hours to get there from Washington, DC by car.

The Cabin

As we took the winding road to our cabin, we passed cozy country homes lined with pine trees. Pity that it was winter as I can imagine how stunning the vegetation must be during summer or fall. The cabin comes fully equipped with kitchen supplies, bed linens, and even condiments to cook with. Also enjoyed how our hosts welcomed us with a bottle of wine and a packet full of local tips upon arrival. One of my favorite features was the fireplace which came with plenty of firewood to keep us warm.

With three ample bedrooms, this cabin comfortably fits six people. We brought a travel crib for piccola that fit perfectly in our room. Aside from the beloved fireplace, we all loved the deck in the rear of the cabin. It was still pretty cold during our visit but we still made a point to sit down and take in the winter sun with a cup of coffee.

Cabin Life

I believe one of the perks of being detached from the city is communing with nature and reconnecting with your loved ones. That’s what we did during the weekend. We had long, lazy breakfasts and we made dinner one evening. Loved that the cabin was equipped with plenty of pots and pans, colorful China, and even condiments. There was a Kroger supermarket nearby, where we bought our supplies. We chilled in the evenings with hot chocolate with yummy SmashMallows and shared stories around the fire.

Glamping in Lexington, Virginia: What to Do

Although the cabin lends itself to staying in, we also wanted to see a bit of Lexington. We had dinner one night at The Palms, a cozy restaurant where we indulged in pub food like chicken wings (so yummy we ordered a second serving), burgers, and country fried chicken. We also spent one afternoon at Devil’s Backbone Brewery. The space is warm and cozy, perfect to sample the wide range of beers the brewery has to offer. It’s pretty cool to see the place where one of the beers we drink at local DC restaurants such as Brookland’s Finest is made.

A Glamping in Lexington, Virginia trip is not complete without stocking up on Virginia wine. We spent a few hours at Rockbridge Winery with a rustic feel and an intimate tasting room. With a comprehensive tasting for $5, it’s a great deal. Although Virginia wine is known for their reds, it was the Gewürztraminer that captured our heart. It was dry, crisp, with citrus notes which took me back to a summer trip I made to Austria where I first fell in love with the grape. The staff is very friendly and the owner, Jane shared a bit about the history of the winery with us.

The Verdict

For a luxurious rural getaway, I recommend Glamping in Lexington, Virginia. Great wine, good company, and a beautiful cabin is what good memories are made of. City life is great but I truly enjoy disconnecting and spending time in nature. It really allows me to recharge my batteries and come up with new and exciting ideas. Most importantly, it was great to introduce our daughter to the beauty of the outdoors.

Disclaimer: This experience was hosted by Glamping Hub, but opinions are my own.

The post Escapes: Glamping in Lexington, Virginia appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

Getting There

If you have an extended trip to Amsterdam or Brussels, I highly recommend you add two days in Antwerp to your itinerary. There are direct trains from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and Brussels Zaventem Airport that will get you there in under two hours. If you choose to drive, there are plenty of reasonably priced overnight parking garages (we paid 24 EUR per 24 hours). Note that there’s a lot of traffic around the Antwerp ring (highway) during morning and evening rush hour.

What To Do

Shop!

Make sure to make extra space in your luggage for shopping. Anyone who lives in Belgium will tell you that Antwerp is the place to shop. The city center is filled with Belgian designer boutiques such as Essentiel with unique quirky pieces. I also love Galleria Inno, an upscale Belgian department store. Their baby clothes collection is ridiculously adorable! Don’t forget to shop for chocolates! One of my favorite shops, Pierre Marcolini has a small shop near the city center.  Dining Traveler Tip: Belgian sales occur in January and July, prepare yourself for some great sales. I picked up a pair of boots at one of my favorite Belgian shops, Cecil for 75% off!

Wander

The city is very walkable and with two days in Antwerp, onee of the things we enjoyed the most was walking around the city and taking in the details of the classic Flemish buildings, entering the small shops, walking into an anonymous café and sipping on a Chimay Blue (my favorite Belgian beer). We walked from the city center to the MAS Museum on a rainy Sunday morning. We encountered a small antique market with booths sparsely stocked with old China, fur coats, and art work. I bet that with a bit of patience you can encounter a gem to bring back home.

Our wandering took us to the Schipperstraat “sailor street”. As the Dutchman and I walked into the street, pushing the stroller with piccola, we realized something was off… Lots of men walking around looking suspicious. It just hit us that we walked right into the red light district where scantily clad women display themselves on the window for potential customers. Thanks, Google maps! Needless to say that it may not be a street you may want to take with young children!

See & Do

Two days in Antwerp is not enough to see all the attractions, so I will give you a shortlist of what I find special. We really enjoyed the MAS Museum. This modern art museum is an experience even before entering. Its cube like structure reminds me of an unfinished game of Jenga. The multi-level museum has a diverse range of collections. We enjoyed an exhibition on food ranging from the history of food to sustainable agriculture to how to combat food waste. Start your visit at the top floor with

If you love architecture, there are plenty of treasures in this city. I recommend you head to the Port of Antwerp to see Zaha Hadid’s building. The futuristic design is a friendly contrast to the old Flemish architecture of the city center. Another architectural gem is Antwerp Centraal Train Station. In my opinion, it’s one of the prettiest in Northern Europe. The classic facades, the touches of gold, the intricate vaulted ceilings are a sight to be seen.

Eat

You may think I’m being biased, but Belgium has some of the best food in Europe. When I first moved to Belgium 11 years ago, I was surprised how many times other Europeans would tell me: “oh you live in Belgium? The food is amazing there”. Antwerp is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants and once you’re there, you know why! Two days in Antwerp is not enough to savor it all, but you can try! I’ve drawn from my experience and some other local sources for a list of must-go places:

The Jane: This Michelin-starred restaurant is one of the favorites of my good friend Maria who wrote our Dining Traveler Foodie Guide to Antwerp. The innovative dishes are a once in a lifetime experience. Make sure to book well ahead of time.

Mercado: This new food hall in Antwerp is the perfect place to go with a group of friends with diverse palates. Indulge in French and Dutch oysters, stay warm with a savory laksa soup, or kick back a few Duvels at their bar. We loved the hip, relaxed atmosphere.

The Square: The restaurant at the Radisson Blu near Antwerp Central Station serves a creative menu of refined Flemish classics at a great price. For 35 Euros, savor a three-course meal. My highlight: the trio of chocolate that young Chef Jorn creates.

Brasserie t’Parkhuis: Our friend who grew up in Antwerp treated us to dinner at t’Parkhuis. This brewery features their own beers paired with hearty Belgian dishes such as Waterzooi, Carbonade, and vol au vent. I never had seafood vol au vent before and I loved it! The crispy pastry topped with a creamy, savory seafood sauce is the perfect indulgence.

The MAS Museum Storm Café: On my foodie wish list is dining at the Michelin-starred ‘t Zilte restaurant at the top of the MAS Museum. However, on this trip I settled with drinks at the Storm Café downstairs. Loved the relaxed vibe of the space and the selection of local beers of Antwerp such as De Konick.

Check out our Dining Traveler Foodie Guide to Antwerp for more picks!

Where to Stay

Local Charm: We stayed at Hotel Les Nuits, a small, local-owned Boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Antwerp shopping district. Their complimentary breakfast buffet with smoothies and a selection of homemade granolas is an added bonus. Full review here.

Modern Business: If traveling on business, the Radisson Blu Astrid is a great choice with its modern vibe and great restaurant. The hotel is just steps from Antwerp Central station, making it very accessible to public transportation and the city center.

Boutique Hotel: The laid back yet stylish Queen A is a short walk from the Antwerp Central Station and Antwerp Zoo (yes, Antwerp has a zoo in the City Center!).  Love the trendy design of their lobby.

Two Days in Antwerp: The Verdict

As I previously mentioned, two days in Antwerp is not enough. If you’re a lover of great design and delicious food, this is the perfect destination for you. Dining Traveler Tip: Head to the Antwerp Tourism Office,  for more info, loved their tourism information materials. Buy City Card for attraction discounts and inclusive public transportation with purchase of the card.

The post Weekend Guide: Two Days in Antwerp appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

Getting There:

Whether you’re spending a day or a weekend at National Harbor, it’s pretty easy to get there. It’s a 10 minute drive from Alexandria, VA, 25 minutes from Downtown DC, and an hour from Baltimore. It is also pretty accessible by Metro/Bus from Washington, DC, taking around 50 minutes to get there. A car is not necessary at National Harbor as there is a circulator that takes you to the Tanger Outlets, the Gaylord Convention Center, and the MGM hotel.  More details on how to get around here.

What to Do:

There’s plenty to do during a weekend at National Harbor. From gambling at the new MGM Casino to the Capital Wheel, there’s enough to keep the family busy. Here are some highlights of what we did during our getaway:

Capital Wheel: I don’t even remember the last time I was on a ferris wheel! This was a great experience to do with the family or as a romantic moment. Given that our trip was in the heart of winter, the lines were short and we had a carriage all to ourselves. I enjoyed taking in the views of National Harbor from the Capital Wheel.

Shopping: Make sure to make room in your luggage for shopping! Let’s start with the Tanger Outlets. No need to travel far from the city to get your outlet fix! So excited to see that some of my favorites: DVF, Tahari, and Nike have stores at the Tanger Outlets.  The Waterfront area is also home to great shopping as well with a good mix of national brands and local shops. Stay warm with sweaters and beanies from Carhartt and contemporary fashion from one of my local favorites, South Moon Under. Side note: I didn’t know Carhartt had such cute baby stuff, a must shop if you’re looking for cute and functional cold weather gear for tots.

Potomac Riverboat: We were bummed when we found out that Potomac Riverboat was closed for the season. If you read this blog frequently, you know I LOVE a boat ride. I can’t wait to return to go on the Mount Vernon boat tour.

Where to Eat:

When spending a weekend at National Harbor, bring your appetite! There’s so many places to eat and for every taste. Some culinary highlights:

Granite City Brewery: For a casual meal, head to Granite City Brewery. They have an onsite brewery and a wide selection of beers to choose from. The beer selection ranges from a light pilsner to a chocolatey stout. If you can’t make up your mind, they have beer flights with a sampler of their offerings. The highlight of our meal were the pulled pork nachos. Sooo decadent but sooo good! What makes Granite City a great stop, especially for families is the service. Everybody was super friendly and accommodating as we were dining with an infant. Local Tip: My friend who works at National Harbor recommends their margaritas for happy hour!

Portum at Harborside Hotel: This restaurant is a hidden gem. Located at the newly renovated Harborside Hotel, Portum offers a unique and refined menu. I indulged in a succulent lamb shank as the meat just fell off the bone. Away from the crowds of the Waterfront, this space makes for quiet yet delicious culinary experience.

Old Hickory Steakhouse: What makes Old Hickory interesting is the contrast of navigating through the maze that is Gaylord Hotel to this cozy dining space. This is perfect for a romantic dinner or a business meeting.

MGM National Harbor:

The culinary offerings at the MGM National Harbor are worth the trip! Bonus: the parking at MGM is still free! Make sure to head to Jose Andres’ newest restaurant, Fish. The restaurant features local seafood items from the Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay. Dining Traveler Tip: book a table at their kitchen bar to witness the culinary magic!  The Voltaggio Brother’s Steakhouse is also a culinary experience to be had. The highlight of dining at Voltaggio Brothers was the service. I’ve never encountered a staff who knew their menu as well as at this location. Must add the brunch buffet at Marcus by Marcus Samuelsson to your weekend at National Harbor itinerary. The quality and selection of the food, especially for a buffet is exceptional.  More about the MGM culinary experience coming up soon!

Where to Stay:

For this getaway, we stayed at Harborside Hotel, a newly renovated boutique hotel in Oxon Hill, MD. Although the hotel is not located directly in the waterfront, they do offer a free shuttle from the hotel to MGM, Tanger Outlets, and National Harbor Waterfront. The staff is super friendly, rooms are large and comfy, their restaurant Portum is excellent, and there’s free parking. Aside from experiencing National Harbor, this hotel is a great choice for families who want to visit the DC area who can use a larger room and free parking without the hassle of the city. My only point for improvement was the breakfast. The selection was quite limited as we waited 30 minutes for sausage and bacon to be refilled at the buffet. To be objective, that weekend there was a cheerleading competition at National Harbor and the hotel was filled with hungry teenagers!

Weekend at National Harbor: The Verdict

Whether you live in DC or you’re visiting the area from abroad, make National Harbor part of your itinerary.  Whether it’s been a short visit or a weekend stay, one thing is consistent: the staff at National Harbor is superb. From the friendly note from our housekeeper at the Harborside hotel to the staff at Granite City going out of their way to make sure our baby was comfortable, we encountered lovely people every step of our staycation! At every stop, we’ve encountered exceptional service from a vibrant and diverse staff. It truly reflects the richness of metro Washington, DC area.

Disclaimer: This experience was partially sponsored by National Harbor CVB. However opinions are my own and I have been to National Harbor several times on my own before this weekend staycation experience. 

The post Escapes: Weekend at National Harbor appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

What surprised me the most were all the great choices of where to eat in downtown Fredericksburg alone.  From a traditional German schnitzel to Salvadorian pupusas, there’s something for every taste when taking a weekend trip to Fredericksburg.  Here are my dining highlights:

FoodE:  Top Chef contestant Joy Crump brought FoodE to life in downtown Fredericksburg as she wanted to take advantage of the access to the many farms in the area.  Her food is not only delicious but casual and accessible.  Dining highlight: the mussels paired with cider from Charlottesville and a tall and spicy apple pie for dessert. Price range: moderate. FoodE, 1006 Caroline St C / D, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Soup and Taco:  Call me biased but I am always comforted with I go into a Latin restaurant and I can speak Spanish to the staff as it is a sign of authentic cuisine.  On a sunny Saturday afternoon expect to wait 15-30 minutes to be seated as it is quite busy. However, the wait is worth it when you bite into a cheesy pupusa (a traditional dish of El Salvador). Price range: budget. Soup and Taco, 813 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Kybecca:  This modern restaurant may look like it belongs in a big city like DC, but once you walk past the dapper bartenders and sit at your table, you see the southern influences when it comes to the menu.  We started our dining experience with oysters from Maryland and Virginia.  From there, I indulged in the sous vide pork loin which was one of the juiciest pork loins I’ve ever tasted. Definitely a must-have. Perfect addition to get your Saturday night started on your weekend trip to Fredericksburg as it is located on William Street which is lined with happening bars and restaurants. Price range: moderate. Kybecca, 402 William St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Goolrick’s Drugstore:  One of the places my sister said was a must was to have a drugstore root beer float at Goolrick’s Drugstore.  She was right, upon entering, you’re automatically transported to the 60’s with the vintage feel of the counter where teenage girls serve milkshakes and other soda fountain goodies.  They even make their own Cherry Coke!  Price range: budget. Goolrick’s Drugstore, Budget. 901 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

A. Smith Bowman Whiskey Distillery:  Less than a fifteen-minute drive from downtown Fredericksburg, you’ll find A. Smith Bowman Distillery which has won several awards for their small batch spirits.  There, you can take a guided tour around the distillery and learn about their process, take in the sweet scent as you walk around the barrels, and finish the tour with a tasting of the wide range of spirits the distillery has to offer.  If adding this to your weekend trip to Fredericksburg, make sure to check their website as they host plenty of live music events throughout the year.  A.Smith Bowman, 1 Bowman Dr, Fredericksburg, VA 22408, United States

Other Experiences:  For the record, I not only ate during my weekend trip to Fredericksburg but got to indulge in a few unique experiences.  Fredericksburg is a gem for those who enjoy military and civil war history.  Years ago, I spent several afternoons at the Chancellorsville Battlefield as a young Marine Lieutenant and still recall all the history lessons I learned during my tours.  The Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center provides tours and maps for lesser known battlefields.  National Park Service also provides a comprehensive list and maps. If a comprehensive battlefield tour is too much, I recommend the Fredericksburg downtown trolley.  The guide combines historical and architectural facts of the city, I left the tour loaded with new facts about the region.  Another unique experience was taking a soap making class at Lady Burg Soaps. Lady Burg is a family owned affair with husband, wife, and their children running the shop. There, we learned to make salt scrubs from scratch and had a tour of the shop.  It was a busy Saturday afternoon with locals stocking up on their favorite bath bombs or picking up ingredients to make their homemade concoctions.

Where to stay: The Caroline House  is an elegant Bed and Breakfast located right in downtown Fredericksburg within walking distance to restaurant, shops, and the trolley tour. Taking a longer tour of the area? Check out the Virginia Welcome Center in Fredericksburg.

The verdict: Whether you’re taking a weekend escape from Washington, DC like we did or looking for an interesting stop along I-95, Fredericksburg, VA is a great choice with friendly people and yummy food. Have you taken a weekend trip to Fredericksburg? What are your highlights?

Big thanks to Visit Fredericksburg for facilitating this “Weekend trip to Fredericksburg” experience! As always opinions are my own… 

The post Getaways: Weekend Trip to Fredericksburg, Virginia appeared first on The Dining Traveler.