Posts Tagged ‘Travel’
EatSmart Precision Voyager Digital Luggage Scale
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Monday, January 9th, 2012
- Photo Courtesy of EatSmart
By Lexi Ramage
No one likes biting their nails at the airport, hoping their baggage will be under the 50-pound weight limit so they don’t have to pay overweight baggage fees. The EatSmart Precision Voyager Digital Luggage Scale clips onto the handle of a suitcase or bag and allows for easy lifting of heavy items, up to 110 pounds. Once lifted, the scale weighs the bag and beeps when done. The weight will appear on the large backlit LCD, making over-packing a thing of the past!
Features include:
• EatSmart SmartGrip two-handed design for easier lifting of heavy luggage
• 110 lb./50 kg capacity; Graduation of .1 lbs./.1 kgs
• Easy-to-read backlit LCD display
• Compact and lightweight design, perfect for any traveler
• Auto Calibated; Auto Power-Off; Runs on one long-life lithium battery (included)
• 100 percent EatSmart Satisfaction Guarantee
EatSmart Precision Voyager Digital Luggage Scale, was $29.95 and now is $19.95.
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Friday, January 6th, 2012
By Lexie Ramage
Getaway this January and catch some snow on these beautiful international slopes.
Photo Courtesy Courchevel
Courchevel
Located in the largest ski area in the world, the 1,304-acre French resort Courchevel in Les 3 Vallées has it all–restaurants, family activities, nightlife, shopping, gorgeous slopes and more. Enjoy the breath-taking views of Mont Blanc massif in the North, the Les Ecrins massif in the South and the Swiss and Italian Alps. Regardless of your past skiing experience, Courchevel has runs for both the beginner and expert. It has a variety of accommodations such as studio apartments, five-star hotels, residences and holiday villages. Their ski equipment is state-of-the-art, which allows for less waiting and more skiing. Of course Courchevel offers the very meaning of après ski with all of their bars, pubs, tearooms, restaurants and night clubs. But Courchevel does not forget the kids; there are plenty of activities for them as well, such as bowling, cooking and learning how to fly.
Courchevel, France; www.courchevel.com; prices start at $431; 4,126 miles from Fairfax
Standouts: Shopping, Nightlife, Kid-friendly activities
Photo Courtesy Gstaad Palace
Gstaad Palace
Gstaad Palace attracts the rich and famous from all over to this luxurious village in Switzerland. Gstaad is one of the top three cross-country ski areas in Switzerland. It is one of the leading hotels in the world and has built this reputation since its opening in 1913. Experience wondrous views of the Swiss Alps from Gstaad Palace’s 104 rooms and suites. Indulge in Gstaad Palace’s spa, five restaurants, bars, night club and numerous year-round activities. Many members of their concierge staff have worked there for decades and are there for your every need. The children’s program is new each year and includes activities like going to a petting zoo, playgrounds, ice skating, sledding and more. Children under 9 can travel for free on the mountain railways and enjoy a bouncing castle or go tobogganing in the summer. Gstaad has both summer and winter sports, making the stay fun no matter when you go. The tennis and squash courts are located near the hotel and guests can sometimes learn from tennis stars like Roy Emerson, Marc Rosset and Frédéric Bouvier. From May 13 to October 31, guests can even play golf!
Gstaad Palace, Switzerland, www.palace.ch; prices start at $286; 4,121 miles from Fairfax
Standouts: Shopping, Nightlife, Sports, Spa, Kid-friendly activities
Photo Courtesy Alta Badia
Alta Badia
Alta Badia is one of the top ski resorts for beginners and one of the best for families. Although the majority of slopes are geared for the beginner to medium experienced skier or snowboarder, the views of the Alps more than make up for the easy trails. Take advantage of those gorgeous views by hiking and nordic walking on 50 miles of beaten tracks. Go on a moonlight snowshoe walking tour, go sledging, ice skating and enjoy other winter activities. Give your legs a break and go horseback riding or enjoy a carriage ride. Take a relaxing break from all the activity and enjoy the multiple spas that range in services. Naturally, being an Italian village, Alta Badia has numerous farm restaurants, gourmet restaurants, snack bars, pizzerias and more to keep your stomach satisfied. Alta Badia has many different types of accommodations, perfect for every traveler – hotel, bed and breakfasts, apartments, campsites and more. This is truly the place for la dolce vita.
Alta Badia, Italy; www.altabadia.org; prices start at $50; 4,313 miles from Fairfax
Standouts: Shopping, Nightlife, Sports, Spa
Samsonite Black Label Cosmolite Luggage
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Friday, December 9th, 2011
Samsonite’s new Curv technology is incredibly light, and absurdly tough. Don’t fall victim to random luggage deterioration. Protect your stuff without straining your arms.
• Hardside exterior
• Samsonite exclusive Curv material
• Unique design inspired by nature
• Monotube with smart sleeve bungee
• Fixed TSA combination lock
• Wheel-handle has carry-handle-position
• Cross ribbons in the bottom
• Zipped divider pad
• ID Tag
• Zipper protection
• Weight: 4.9 lbs.
• Dimensions: 20.0″ x 15.0″ x 9.0″
Samsonite Black Label Cosmolite Luggage, http://shop.samsonite.com, $450
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Friday, December 9th, 2011
Winter’s Overlooked Secret
By Matt Basheda
Winter is majestic. Snow sets off Christmas lights, and the frosted ground exudes moonlight. But one of the most underrated aspects of winter is the views—with the leaves off the trees and the air drier and clearer, you can see more and farther than in other seasons. So in honor of winter’s little-known treasure, we’ve compiled three of the best views in the area.
Catoctin Mountain Park
Climbing through Catoctin Mountain Park in the winter is cold, but immensely rewarding—one look at the view and you’ll agree. Catoctin Mountain Park delivers the highest views in the area. With three peaks above 1,000 feet, the park lets you experience the region from a completely new perspective. Find yourself at the top of any of its overlooks and gaze down on the sprawled-out Maryland suburbs. Take in all kinds of scenery on the way—secret waterfalls, stark rock formations and a profusion of wildlife. The tallest overlook is Hog Rock, at about 1,600 feet. But if it’s a challenge you’re after, try Chimney Rock. Chimney Rock is 1,400 feet high, and it’s the toughest hike available to park visitors. Also amazing is Thurmont Vista, at around 1,500 feet. Sure it’s winter, but the sights are at their most glorious with the clear winter air. There’s no summer haze or smog to restrict your view. 
Catoctin Mountain Park
Thurmont, Md.
www.nps.gov/cato
Free
Distance from Fairfax: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Amenities:
• When weather permits, cross country skiing
• Year-round hiking trails
Sheraton Premiere at Tysons Corner
Survey one of the busiest areas on earth from the middle of it all. The Sheraton at Tysons stands about 210 feet tall, which means you’ll be looking down on most of the Tysons skyline. The view is incredible. Office buildings gleam like beacons; streetlights glow like miniature flames, while cars dance endlessly. Thoughts of winter won’t exist; the rooms are as cozy as can be, and their glimmering indoor pool includes a sauna. And to ensure you’ve got the best view in town, several types of rooms are available on the hotel’s top four floors—Club Rooms, Tower Suites, Governor’s Suites and Presidential Suites. The latter two are quite luxurious, and located on the hotel’s top floor, the 24th. Also on the 24th floor is the Club Lounge, with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Sheraton Premier at Tysons Corner
8661 Leesburg Pike
Vienna, VA 22182
www.sheratontysonscorner.com
Prices vary.
Distance from Fairfax: 20 minutes
Amenities:
• Fitness facility
• Concierge
• Covered parking
• Racquetball courts
Bluemont Vineyard
If you want the best of both worlds—outdoors and cozy, simultaneously—Bluemont Vineyard is your new favorite place. Bluemont soars 951 feet above Loudoun’s neighborhoods; it’s one of the highest points in the county. “Elevation” is an integral part of the vineyard’s identity—the word appears many times on their website—and they live up to the definition. You’ll be shocked at what you can see from Bluemont’s airy heights—Tysons, Reston and Dulles Airport quite easily. And now in the winter, with no vegetation covering the land, you might even be able to see the Washington Monument’s distant point! Bluemont’s tastes are perfect for winter’s chill. Of course they offer plenty of their own wine, ready to warm you to your core. Choice meats, cheeses, chocolate and lots more are also available to compliment the many wine varieties. Warm up even further on most weekends with hot soup, stews, sandwiches and chowders. There’s even a fireplace.
Bluemont Vineyard
18755 Foggy Bottom Road
Bluemont, VA 20135
www.bluemontvineyard.com
Tasting fee: $5 per person; all other prices vary.
Distance from Fairfax: 1 hour
Amenities:
• Antique shop, called Lore
• Indoor and outdoor seating, covered seating, lawn space
• Group tours
Christmas Countdown: Winter Travel
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Monday, December 5th, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
'Tis the season to travel. / Photo courtesy: Shutterstock/egd
With relatives to visit, trees to buy, Christmas parties to attend and skating to do, the holidays are, well, packed, to say the very least. A lot of the time you’ll spend motoring to and from events will probably cover the congested highways and byways of NoVA. And as the winter months dip lower and lower on the cold scale, it’s important to have your car/SUV/minivan prepped and ready to face anything the soon-to-be-snowy months can bring.
Thanks to Debbi Mayster of Virginia Tire and Auto, winner of Tire Review’s 2011-2012 “Top Shop of North America” award, we have some handy-dandy tips to keeping you and loved ones on the road and out of (car) trouble.
Before you hit the road:
1) Check your tire tread. If it’s been awhile since you’ve had your tires looked at/replaced, don’t forget this crucial element to auto maintenance. Low tread means less traction on any icy roads, which means a possible not-so-good consequences should you hit a slippery patch on the road. At least 2/32″ of depth is what the National Highway Transportation Safety Board recommends.
2) Make sure wipers – and fluid – are winter-friendly. With all the potential branches and snowfall that could be falling on your windshield and blocking your line of vision, it’s recommended to ensure wiper blades are working smoothly. If not, stop by your local auto repair shop and have them replaced with winter blades. Also, switching out your spring/summer fluid for a heavy-duty winter fluid like this one promises protection from freezing down to 20 degrees below zero.
3) Confirm the freezing point on anti-freeze. “You want antifreeze to be at -34 degrees,” says Mayster. Many auto shops have special winter car maintenance deals going on now or can check this out for free. By keeping the anti-freeze at the correct level and freshness (every two years or 30,000 miles), you’ll keep your ride working smoothly and your engine corrosion-free.
If cars could speak ... / Photo courtesy: Shutterstock/Local Favorite Photography
As you go:
Keep in mind this easy-to-remember expression: “Driving in the snow, take it slow.”
By keeping these tips in mind, your annual trip home for the holidays can be a little less stressful and a ton more joy-filled.
Next up: Love Christmas tunes? Then visit our blog tomorrow for all the latest info on NoVA’s caroling, concerts and more. Plus, a post about great seasonal day trips and gift ideas for those travel bugs in your life.
–Lorin Drinkard
Getaway: Where Movies Are Made
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Friday, November 11th, 2011
By Lexie Ramage
It’s often said that movies can take people away from the little dramas of their lives. Getaway this November, and celebrate all the amazing movies that are coming out, such as “Breaking Dawn Part 1,” “The Muppets” and “My Week With Marilyn.” Escape to the places where these movies were made. Live, shop and dine like a movie star in Forks or Los Angeles. And if you have some more vacation time saved up, check out London and Surrey, England, too.
Forks, Wash.
Many Twi-hards recognize the town of Forks from the pages of Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” series. It may be far, but it’s definitely worth the drive (or flight). This small town has embraced the fame with open arms (or fangs). “Breaking Dawn Part 1” premieres on Nov. 18, so be the ultimate Twilight fan and check the town where the story was based. Despite its small size, there’s still a lot to do. Twilight Tours will show popular Twilight sites and throw in some information about Forks itself, too. Take pictures with Bella’s truck outside of the Forks Chamber of Commerce, stay at the Cullen House, eat “Twilight”-themed food, get all of your “Twilight” souvenirs and reenact your favorite “Twilight” scene at real-life places from the book. If you’re on Team Jacob then visit First Beach in La Push for some more photo ops (and hopefully some werewolf sightings). Even if you’re not a “Twilight” fan, Forks will show visitors small-town hospitality in a beautiful setting. Forks is also a scenic place for hiking, but beware of the rain (and the occasional vampire/werewolf war).
Places to stay:
The Miller Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast looks suspiciously like the Cullen house that Meyer wrote about in her series. Rates range from $115-230 per night.
“No Vampires Beyond This Point” says a sign at the Three Rivers Resort–obviously they’re for Team Jacob. Tent sites are $14 and up. Single cabins start at $89. Double cabins start at $99.
Jacob Black’s House Vacation Rental has the perfect name for anyone on Team Jacob and it’s modeled after the movie version of Jacob’s house. $198-250 per night.
Los Angeles, Calif.
You can now relive the nostalgic days of familiar characters like Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal, Gonzo and countless others by visiting the newest home of the Muppets. The newest installment of the Muppet movies, “The Muppets” will be released on Nov. 23. Fans can visit plenty of settings from the LA-based movie like Hollywood Boulevard, Disney’s El Capitan Theatre and The Jim Henson Company lot. Similar to the old Muppet movies, the new movie will include a few surprise celebrity cameos and, of course, lots of songs. “The Muppets” will include some new characters such as Walter (the world’s biggest Muppet fan), Walter’s friend Gary (Jason Segal) and Gary’s girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams). In this movie, Walter, Gary and Mary must help Kermit reunite the Muppets to save the old Muppet Theater from being torn down by a businessman looking for oil. Disney’s El Capitan Theatre also has a Muppets-themed menu and pre/post shows when you see the movie there.
Places to stay:
The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is located on Hollywood Boulevard and Disney’s El Capitan Theatre is only a couple minutes away. Rates start around $189 per night.
This Comfort Inn is very close to The Jim Henson Company lot and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Rooms start at $90.
The Rodeway Inn Hollywood is about halfway from the El Capitan Theater and The Jim Henson Company lot. Rooms start at $58 and up.
London and Surrey, England
Who wouldn’t like to be Marilyn Monroe for a day? “My Week with Marilyn” shows a somewhat different side to the Hollywood goddess. She’s falling apart during her filming of “The Prince and the Showgirl” when Colin Clark, an assistant on the set, spends a drama-filled week with her in the English countryside. See the movie on Nov. 23 and spend whatever your vacation time allows in London to celebrate. Follow in Marilyn’s footsteps and take in a show at the Lyric Theatre, do some serious shopping on the streets of London and relax by cycling in Windsor Great Park. Drive to the county of Surry, where Marilyn stayed while filming “The Prince and the Showgirl.” Or even book an introductory flight lesson at the White Waltham Airfield, which was transformed into London Heathrow Airport for “My Week with Marilyn.”
Places to stay:
If you’re a theater lover, stay at the Thistle Piccadilly, which is only a couple minutes away from the Lyric Theatre. Rooms are $167 and up.
If you’re a shopaholic, stay at The Courthouse DoubleTree by Hilton since it’s in the midst of the best shopping London has to offer. Rooms start at $319.
If you’re in the mood for relaxation, stay at the Savill Court Hotel & Spa near Windsor Great Park. Rooms start at $127.
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Friday, November 11th, 2011
No one likes to find those “TSA Inspected” notices in their suitcases, but increased airport security is a fact of life now. When traveling, especially around the holidays, people often bring sentimental or valuable items with them that need to be kept under lock and key. This Search Alert combination padlock is a mechanical re-settable combination with a TSA override. Fellow travelers won’t be able to crack the code, but the TSA will still be able to unlock it to search your bag.
Search Alert Lock, http://www.flight001.com, $12.
-Lexie Ramage
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Tuesday, October 25th, 2011
By Lorin Drinkard
Getaway to Winchester
64 miles
1 hr., 20 min. drive
Indulge in the opportunity to take a leisurely fall drive to Winchester for a weekend tour of a historic Civil War battlefield, quaint shops and great eats.
When Samuel and Helen Pritchard’s family farm home, Brightside, was overrun with Northern and Southern troops in 1862, it became the site for much Civil War action. Now, you can take a tour of the newly renovated, three-story house and visit the cellar where the family crowded during battles. Walk marked trails across the battlefield and almost hear the soldiers’ scuffles.
610 Battle Park Drive, Winchester; www.kernstownbattle.org; free (donations accepted).
Sleep Tight
Located in the heart of the historic district, the Old Waterstreet Inn boasts a charming 1840s ambiance, complete with five guest rooms, a second-story sunroom and an outdoor terrace garden. The inn’s grandeur carries throughout the décor—white columns out front, classic archways throughout, fresh flowers in every bedroom.
217 W. Boscawen St., Winchester; 540-665-6777; www.oldwaterstreetinn.com; rates from $125–$145/night
Courtesy of Old Waterstreet Inn
Wine and Dine
Lunch and dinner menus at Wyld Thyme Café and Wine Bar, the only wine bar in Winchester, feature fresh, locally grown foods that change seasonally. Pair with some of the café’s top-notch pours for a refined dining experience.
Creekside Station, 3031 Valley Ave., Suite 103, Winchester; 540-662-1535; www.wyldlthymecafe.com
Courtesy of Seth Freeman
Sweet Treats
Pop into Shenandoah Fine Chocolates for a treat of hand-dipped truffles and fudge. Snack on pecancaramel sea turtles and old fashioned toffee, then visit the shop’s latest addition: The Chocolate Bar, a storefront expansion featuring appetizers, entrees, craft beers and gourmet sipping chocolates.
3111 Valley Ave., Winchester; 540-535-0010; www.shenandoahfinechocolates.com
Courtesy of Seth Freeman
Pipe Perfect
From handcrafted pipes and tinned tobacco to cigar cutters and handmade tampers, John B. Hayes Tobacconist has made it their mission to meet each customer’s specific tobacco wants since 1981.
50 E. Piccadilly St., Winchester; 540-545-7000; www.hayestobacconist.com
Courtesy of Seth Freeman
Fine Feasting
With culinary master Ed Matthews in the kitchen, One Block West serves up what Chef Ed refers to as “sensational seasonal cuisine.” The relaxed upscale restaurant has a daily-changing menu featuring local, organic Shenandoah Valley produce as well as seafood and the big meats (beef, bison, duck and pork, to name a few).
25 S. Indian Valley, Winchester; 540-662-1455; www.oneblockwest.com
- Courtesy of Seth Freeman
(October 2011)
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Thursday, October 20th, 2011
Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011
Travel
If you are curious about Metro line names…
As WMATA picks silver, the psychology of Metro line colors
TBD
Travel this holiday season without breaking the bank:
Airfare Expert: How to get the best deals on holiday flights
USA Today
Technology
If you are thinking about upgrading your iPhone…
How the iPhone 4S Became Apple’s Best-Selling iPhone Ever
PC Mag
Or if you want to amp up the one you’ve already got…
50 Best iPhone Apps 2011
Time
And
A Surprising Fact About People With Lots of Facebook Friends
Cosmo
-Rebekah Lowe
Getaway for a Day: Kissing Bridges
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Wednesday, October 5th, 2011
By Lorin Drinkard
There’s something about the crisp days of autumn that makes it perfect hand-holding, picnic-lunch-on-a-blanket weather. With all the romance stirred up by the falling leaves this month, why not take advantage of Virginia’s historically lovey-dovey hot spots: kissing bridges.
Although the majority of the Commonwealth’s original 100 plus structures from the early 1900s have long since been lost to decay, several covered structures remain intact and make for a great day trip. Drive through the country, unpack a picnic, take in the scenery and steal a smooch or two.
Humpback Bridge
Humpback Bridge (Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation)
Built in 1857, Humpback Bridge stands as Virginia’s oldest remaining covered bridge, designed for the James River and Kanawha Turnpike Company years ago. Spanning over 100 feet across Dunlap Creek, the bridge gets its name from the added height (four feet) in the center, giving it a humplike appearance. Each of the hand-cut timbers is held in place by hand-crafted locust pins and there’s no middle support, making this design unique and one-of-a-kind. Humpback Bridge carried cars across its path until 1929.
After being rebuilt in 1953 through efforts of the Covington Business and Women’s Club as well as the Covington Chamber of Commerce, five acres surrounding the bridge were purchased and turned into a park area. The bridge is no longer open to traffic, and it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon in the shaded woods and sneaking an unseen kiss on the bridge.
Humpback Bridge
On Rte. 60, just off Exit 10 from I-64
Covington, Va.
www.covington.va.us/tourism.shtml
Features:
• Picnic tables
• Restrooms
• 100 + types of trees and shrubs
• Photo ops
Meem’s Bottom Bridge
Tucked away between New Market and Mount Jackson in Shenandoah Valley is another of Virginia’s historic kissing bridges: Meem’s Bottom Bridge. It was constructed near 1892-1893 as a single-span Burr arch and is the longest of the remaining bridges, stretching 200 feet over the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. Farmer Franklin Hiser Wissler erected the bridge so as to create a more direct way to access his apple orchards, constructing the huge arch supports and abutments from local wood and stone.
Meem’s Bottom Bridge stayed in the Wissler family until he deeded it over to the county in the 1930s for maintenance. On Halloween in 1976, vandals burned down the 80-year-old structure. Efforts were given to rebuild using as much of the original material as possible, also reinforcing it with steel and concrete to ensure the bridge would out-last fires and require fewer repairs. Today, it’s the only covered bridge that still carries traffic across. Drive the narrow road that once served as Wissler’s private lane, with an incredible view of the Blue Ridge Mountains alongside, and enter under the wooden covering for a journey back in time.
Meem’s Bottom Bridge
Wissler Road/Rte. 720 , off Rte. 11
Mount Jackson, Va.
Features:
• Driving access to the bridge
• Picnic tables
• Virginia Landmark and National Historic Register location
• Beautiful scenery
Bob White Covered Bridge & Jack’s Creek Covered Bridge
Both designed by Walter Weaver in the early 1900s, the Bob White Covered Bridge and Jack’s Creek Covered Bridge are historical reminders of the days of old. Weaver’s descendants still live in the area and it’s not uncommon to run into someone related to the initial construction.
Named after the nearby post office, which was named after a type of quail, the Bob White Covered Bridge was built in 1921 overlooking the Smith River. This 80-foot structure, dubbd “Woolwine’s Baby,” is uniquely designed in comparison to other kissing bridges. While the other bridges have one span, the Bob White has two. Also, instead of stacking stones for the substructure, concrete was used to solidify the bridge. The bridge’s inside also differs from others, as it’s diagonally sheathed to cover the truss system. It once carried cars from Route 8 over the river to the Smith River Church of the Brethren. Today, visitors can walk the same path under the kissing bridge, and share some affection away from the public eye.
Also named for its namesake local fellowship – Jack’s Creek Primitive Baptist Church, Jack’s Creek Covered Bridge is a similar, smaller version of Bob White. “Master Weaver of Woolville,” as a plaque inside the structure now reads, did design the original layout for the bridge, however the builder was a man from Buffalo Ridge Charlie Vaughn, while Peter Brammer was hired to cover the bridge. Constructed in 1914, the 48-foot bridge is uniquely constructed. Like Bob White, it’s inlaid with vertical board-and-board siding and also has diagonal sheathing over the trusses. Often referred to as the “no nonsense bridge” due to its efficient and functional appearance, Jack’s Creek remained in use until 1932. Take a romantic stroll under its wooden roof, just as lovers over the past decades have, and let the kissing bridge transport you back to a simpler time, full of nostalgia and days gone by.
Bob White Covered Bridge
1028 Elamsville Road
Stuart, VA 24171
Jack’s Creek Covered Bridge
1274 Jacks Creek Road
Woolwine, VA 24185
Features:
• Photos ops
• Virginia Landmark and National Historic Register location
• Romantic setting
• Nearby town attractions
