Platinum, december 6, 2015

High-tech HolidaysGadgety gifts to delight all ages. Page 3

That’s EntertainmentDon’t call it a man cave. Page 10

PlatinumL O O K S P A C E L E I S U R E

Gifts &GlamPresents with panache

and gorgeous gowns add sparkle to the holiday season.

Boots on the MoveWarm and versatile winter footwear. Page 5

®

THE FINDS

JAN 15 - 31, 2016NOV 20 - DEC 19, 2015

SPONSORED BY SPONSORED BY

DAVID & CHRISTINA LYNCH

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Also In This Issue

Upcoming Events

SPOTLIGHTPhilanthropy

The Cobra Polo Classic, one of the largest charity polo matches in the United States, features world-class polo, gourmet food and drink, auctions and more. The event at the Spokane Polo Club in Airway Heights on Sept. 13 raised over $500,000 with 1,200 attendees for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Spokane, which provides lodging and support for Northwest families with children in medical crisis. Photo by Keith Currie Photography.rmhcspokane.org

On Oct. 9, at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn, 230 fl appers and bootleggers gathered to celebrate the Roaring Twenties at The Great Gatsby Gala. The event with musical performances by Jadd Davis and Valerie Stichweh, and auctions raised over $50,000 to benefi t local charities. Benefi ciaries are programs of Coeur d’Alene Sunrise Rotary and Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre. Photo of Russell Volz and Alisha Hills by Studio Fontana Maria Photography.cdarotary.org, cdasummertheatre.com

PlatinumL O O K S P A C E L E I S U R E

Let us know what you think!

ContactPlatinumThe Spokesman-Review999 W. Riverside Ave.Spokane, WA 99201

WEBSITE spokesman.com/platinumEMAIL [email protected]

Publisher William Stacey Cowles III

Director, Sales & MarketingKathleen Coleman

Product Development ManagerDaniel Fritts

Art Director/DesignerAnne Potter

ContributorsTheresa Carpine Joe Butler

AdvertisingSarah Little

COVER PHOTO CREDITS

PHOTOGRAPHER Dan CooleyMODEL Lucy Watmore (Mitchell Artist Management)HAIR Douglas McCoy (House of POp)MAKEUP Julie Farley (The Make-up Studio)WARDROBE & ACCESSORIES A Finer MomentLOCATION The Chronicle Building/Review Tower (Centennial Real Estate Investments)

Now Serving Eliminate stress at your next private event with catering assistance. Page 4Silver and Gold Choosing jewelry with heirloom potential. Page 7 Remodel Remix From apps to appetizers, 21st century kitchen upgrades. Page 9

Dec. 31 Puttin’ on the Ritz Spokane Symphony, symphonyassociates.org/puttin-on-the-ritz

Jan. 29 Leadership Lights the Way Gala Leadership Spokane, leadershipspokane.org/events/gala

Feb. 28 Red Ribbon Gala Spokane AIDS Network, spokaneaids.org

Apr. 16 Chocolate & Champagne Gala Lutheran Community Services Northwest, Lcsnw.org/ccgala

Volume I, Issue III

3 High-tech Holidays3 Winter Reading5 Boots on the Move6-7 Wear It Out: Have a Ball8 Winter Warm-up10 That’s Entertainment11 See Your Home in a New Light11 DJ Santa

If your local organization is hosting a black-tie benefit that you would like included in Philanthropy Spotlight, please email [email protected] with event information (inclusion is subject to space availability).

Travel

Cheryl Strayed, author of “Wild,” delivered a keynote address about resilience and hope at the 2015 YWCA Women of Achievement IMPACT Luncheon on Oct. 1. The event recognized honorees Louise Kodis, Peg Currie, Asa Bradley, Janet Smidlkofer, Marty Dickinson and JoAnn Kauffman (from left to right) for their work to eliminate racism and empower local women. The 1,250 attendees raised $301,895 at the luncheon to support the YWCA of Spokane as it provides for it services and resources for victims of domestic vio-lence. Photo by Emily Fisher of E Fisher Photography.ywcaspokane.org

®

Special occassion, prom, pageant, bridesmaid over 3,000 dresses to choose from.

www.afi nermoment.net

Whether e-, audio- or actual paper, books are always welcome gifts.

Modern RomanceAziz Ansari and Eric KlinenbergPublished by Penguin PressPart dating memoir, part sociology project and completely hilarious, comedian and actor Ansari (“Parks and Recreation”) explores the search for love in the Internet age. He even reads text messages from audience members’ phones during his stand-up shows for research.

The Heart Goes Last Margaret AtwoodPublished by Nan A. TaleseSet in the near-future, a jobless couple participates in a socioeconomic experiment where they alternate life between a 1950s-style suburb and a private prison. Honestly, it’s less grim than Atwood’s previous imaginings (The Handmaid’s Tale, Oryx and Crake).

Welcome to Night ValeJoseph Fink and Jeffrey CranorPublished by Harper PerennialYep, a book based on a podcast. The mystery novel is derived from bimonthly radio serial—which visited Spokane for a live performance in April— documenting the supernatural happenings in a sleepy desert town.

You and Me and HimKris DinnisonPublished by HMH Books for Young ReadersKris Dinnison’s debut novel is for young adults, but anyone who pined over the cute new boy in school or listened to The Smiths on repeat will be charmed by the local author’s lively characters and conversational prose.

- Theresa Carpine

Winter Reading

December 2015 3

L E I S U R E

- Joe Butler

BUILD!Want to drive the Batmobile as Homer Simpson? You’ll get your chance with Lego Dimensions, a new interactive video game toy. Get the starter kit ($99), then add on modules featuring Dr. Who, Scooby Doo and others (around $20 each).

SPEAK!Siri, Cortana and “That Google Girl” have new competition with Amazon Echo ($179), a voice-activated personal assistant/tower which answers questions and reads your email.

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100

Forget toy trains and cute new dollies. Today’s kids – and their parents – want the gift of gadgets this year to make life easier and fun.

High-tech

STREAM! Instead of committing to a DVD or CD, Amazon Prime ($99 annual membership) lets you watch thousands of hours of television and movies and listen to millions of songs. Other perks include free two-day shipping, Kindle books and more.

MOVE!Wearable fitness trackers attach to the wrist or ankle to monitor mileage, pulse, even sleep. Garmin’s Vivoactive ($249) is designed for different sports, and you can even wear the super-affordable Misfit Flash (under $50) in the pool.

SWIPE!When all else fails, recipients may prefer iTunes or Google Play gift cards so they can download as many apps as their device can handle.

ROLL!The hottest (and hardest to get) tech toy this year is BB-8™ by Sphero ($149.99). A new character in the upcoming film “Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens,” the ap-p-enabled droid moves around your house, responds to commands and sends holographic messages.

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L E I S U R E

Passed Hors d’oeuvres Choose bite-sized dishes that don’t require a utensil; you quickly run out of hands when you add a cocktail glass into the mix. Keep things neat by keeping the sticky sauces to a minimum. While cold dishes like cocktail shrimp, cheese and crudités are easy to prep, serve at least one warm appetizer, like savory stuffed mushrooms.

Holiday Highlight Caprese bruschetta is all dressed up in traditional Christmas colors with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to flavor.

An Open BuffetOrganization is key to keep the line moving and guests satiated. Group dishes by type and provide buffet cards with ingredient information (gluten-free, contains nuts, vegan, etc.), especially if it’s not so obvious that the potatoes contain bacon. And just as important as dishing up is providing a clear spot in an out-of-the-way place where guests can dispose of dirty dishes and rubbish.

Holiday Highlight The cranberry’s Scandinavian cousin the lingonberry, makes a sweet and tart sauce or jam that complements savory meatballs or baked delights.

Plated MealsA plated multi-course meal at home seems extravagant, but it’s so unique that your guests will feel as if they’re visiting “Downton Abbey.” Achieve the appropriate ambience for such an elegant affair with real crystal, silverware and fine china place settings, not to mention cloth table linens. Have servers describe each dish as it’s presented, and consult with a sommelier and cicerone to serve the appropriate wine and beer with each plate.

Holiday Highlight A prime rib roast with a ground coffee and vanilla bean rub creates a sweet and smoky crust to give an old-school dish a Northwest twist.

Now Serving

- Theresa Carpine

Whether you’re having a casual open house or a formal dinner party, you’ll enjoy the whole affair much more if you let someone else sweat it out in the kitchen. But there’s still plenty of decisions to make and planning to do as you prepare for a catered event.

Beacon Hill Catering & Eventsbeaconhillevents.com

Black Tie Cateringblacktiecateringnw.com

Charley’s Catering Companycharleyscatering.com

Feast Catering Co.feastcateringco.com

Just a Couple of Moms Cateringjustacoupleofmoms.com

Mangia Catering Co.mangiacateringco.com

Simply Gourmet Catering & Event Planningmysimplygourmetchef.com

Nearby Caterers

December 2015 5

Tory Burch ‘Derby’ Leather Riding BootPolished almond brown

hue with a 17” boot shaft and a mini heel.

$550, shop.nordstrom.com

- Theresa Carpine

Boots on the MoveStay warm and stylish with versatile footwear that you can dress up or down as you cruise around town.

STRAP IN AND BUCKLE UP

RIDIN’ HIGH

DRIVING WEDGE

Embellished straps on a

slouchy, cream ankle boot. $90, dsw.com

Immortalia Ankle Boot

Distressed Portuguese leather featuring

dragon scales and an adjustable buckle.

$278, freepeople.com

Cynthia Vincent Fringe-Swept Boots

Gray suede with fringe detail and a 4” stacked heel.

$495, anthropologie.com

Red-brown leather with

3.5” stiletto heels and side zipper.

$275, us.topshop.com

Blowfish Bilocate Burgundy Fawn Belted

Wedge BootsSoft faux suede with a

rounded toe and brass accents. $63, lulus.com

Michael Kors ‘Thea’ Wedge Bootie

Black leather pull-on bootie with platform sole

and slim wedge heel. $169.95, shop.nordstrom.com

Koolaburra Mocky Moc with Twinface Sheep

Navy suede with a 3” wedge heel hidden by fringe.

$225, revolveclothing.com

Bubble Snake-Effect Over The Knee Boots

Børn ‘Leandra’ Modern Short Leather BootieRugged and rough with a

feminine touch. $164.95, shop.nordstrom.com

Not Rated Overload Western Bootie

L O O K

Come experience the magic of the holidays at River Park

Square. Find all the gifts you want at our special collection

of stores, including Nordstrom, Williams-Sonoma, The Apple

Store, Anthropologie, Sephora, The North Face and many

more. Then take a relaxing break in any of our inspired

dining and entertainment choices. It’s the perfect season to

nestle in the new love seats at AMC 20 Theatres with IMAX

or dine in the sky high above the Atrium at the new Twig’s

Landing. River Park Square. It’s the perfect destination.

DOWNTOWN SPOKANE AT MAIN & POSTriverparksquare.com

River Park

collection

Co

FIND THE

HOLIDAY MAGIC.

riverparksquare.com.

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WEAR ITout

SPARKLE MOTEthereal gunmetal with a crystal embebodice and illusion Jovani gown, $560Sassy South earrin

PHOTOGRAPHER Dan Cooley MODEL Lucy Watmore (Mitchell Artist Management)(House of POp) MAKEUP Julie Farley (The Make-up Studio) WARDROBE & ACCESS

LOCATION The Chronicle Building (Centennial Real Estate Investm

Have a Ball’Tis the season for parties, galas and kisses at midnight! From cocktail to formal, this winter’s gowns celebrate glitz and glam with embellished crystal, lace details and skirts that move.

Dresses and accessavailable at A Finer

- Theresa Carpine

When a gift box can fit in the palm of your hand, you know you’re about to unwrap something small, sparkly and special. Jewelry elicits squeals of delight on Christmas morning, and continues to shine for generations, if you do the proper research before purchase.

Arrows and infinity symbols are trendy, but will they stand the test of time? For potential heirlooms, choose styles and materials that are already classic. Pearl necklaces, whether a single pendant or a string, go with nearly every outfit (June Cleaver even wore them to clean house in the ’50s).

Keep pieces organized and in top condition with storage in a fabric-lined box with separate compartments. To clean, use polishing cloths to gently rub pieces with warm water and mild dish soap. If you see any nicks or cracks, seek professional help to repair.

As you acquire different pieces throughout your life, pass on jewelry with sentimental value to close relatives and friends. Make it a tradition to gift an heirloom at every graduation. And don’t forget the boys; consider reworking jewelry into watches, cufflinks or tie clips, or let them save the piece to give to a spouse or daughter.

December 2015 7

L O O K

TIONjersey

ellished neckline.

; ngs, $21.

TUTU TA-DAAbove the knee black tulle over lace with an illusion tank neckline and gathered waist. Christina Wu dress, $188; Sassy South necklace set, $22; Touch Ups shoes, $61.

Lipstick Queen Sinner RougeMatte opaque lipstick with 90 percent pigment for long-lasting color on kissable lips. Available at The Make-up Studio, $24.

) HAIR Douglas McCoy SORIES A Finer Moment ments)

R+Co Dallas Thickening SprayAdd volume, body and shine as you prep your curls for a night of dancing. Available at House of POp, $28.

Picking It Out

Preservation

Passing It On

ROSE REDBrilliant red with a lace bodice and crystal embellished waistline. Jovani gown, $810; Sassy South bracelet, $39; Sassy South earrings, $21.

sories Moment.

- Theresa Carpine

Silver and Gold

BOOT CAMPIf you hate, or just don’t have time for, long sessions at the gym, you’re in luck. With a thorough workout in less than 30 minutes, these group classes will push your body hard and use just about every muscle group, which is perfect for fi ghting the holiday pounds.

PERSONAL TRAINERSome gym memberships include a free initial consultation with a personal trainer to help establish and safely reach your fi tness goals. Some trainers will even make house calls, if you’re apprehensive about exercising in front of others.

ONLINE WORKOUTSFit in your workout anytime, anywhere. Daily Burn, Beachbody on Demand, Tabata Timer and other mobile apps get you access to hundreds of live or recorded routines, including cardio, yoga and strength training. Some require subscriptions, but they also provide access to online areas to download more exercises or post your results.

HOME GYMToday’s at-home fi tness equipment isn’t just a treadmill or a few dumbbells in the corner of the offi ce. Contemporary machines have ports for your smartphone, cooling fans, and LCD screens that allow you to “run” through different terrain. One option is the Sport Art Fitness’ T652M (approximately $12,500) with an extra-wide surface area and up to a 15 percent incline.

Winter is defi nitely the pits for fi tness fans who love

being outdoors. If shorter days and colder weather make a morning run too diffi cult, bring your workout inside with some new exercise routines.

WARM-UP

- Joe Butler

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L O O K

Take a behind-the-scenes look at

Platinum photo shoots, get to know the people who make it all happen and enjoy a sneak peek at what’s coming up in our March 2016 issue!

Look Closer...Online

spokesman.com/platinum/behind-the-scenes

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hard-to-reach shelves more accessible with pull-out drawers, freeing up space on your counter. Toe-kick drawers underneath cabinets are also commonly used for storing flat cooking sheets, or sometimes as a custom footstool for kids.

2SO CHILLIf you’re a wine collector, a cooler in the kitchen or dining room is a

fun conversation piece, so you can share stories about your various

adventures in pursuit of wine with guests. Consider a U-Line Wine Captain

Model, which includes a dual-zone option to store whites and reds at their

optimal temperature, as well as UV-protecting glass.

3SMARTEN UPWhen was the last time you opened a cookbook or recipe box before

making dinner? If you’re more likely to turn to a tablet for instruction, a

Diamond Tablet Holder stays hidden until ready for use, then keeps your device

safe from ingredient spills or cooking splatters. Smartphones also come in

handy to sync with the most advanced appliances, like LG HomeChat, which

allows you to check your fridge’s inventory from the grocery aisle or pre-heat

your oven remotely.

- Theresa Carpine

21

3

December 2015 9

S P A C E

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THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT

So long, shag. Try hardwood or laminate flooring, which are easy to clean when inevitable spills happen. Plus, a smooth surface makes moving tables, chairs and other furnishings for different kinds of parties, from poker games to movie marathons, a breeze.

Drink up. Beer memorabilia is a serious pursuit; the websiteVintageBeerCollectibles.com offers pre-Prohibition Miller posters valued at more than $8,000. Era-appropriate trays and lighted signs for old-school brands can enhance a room with a mid-century modern design, especially if you have a dry bar or home keg system.

Play time. An authentic arcade game at home is the dream, but beware of a coin-op “Space Invaders” that hasn’t been serviced since 1982. Consider an upgrade with Hammacher Schlemmer’s “Arcade Legend,” which repurposes 130 classic vids into a stand-up console for $4,000. Or keep it analog with darts and a classic pool table, if you have the space.

Media matters. Mountable flat-panel TVs maximize space, and Ultra HD 4K screens from LG are dropping in price each year ($999.99-$3,999.99). With such vivid pictures, home viewings of movies can be just as good as a trip to the multiplex, especially if coupled with a Bose wireless sound system ($1,499 and up).

- Joe Butler

How many times have you seen descriptions for “the perfect man cave” with football on the TV, oversized leather seating and gaudy décor that “the little woman” won’t allow in other rooms of

the house? Feels outdated, right?

Many women enjoy sports and video games, and no one likes cheap wood paneling anymore. So let’s create a classic game room where everyone feels comfortable instead.

Photo: decoist.com

S P A C E

December 2015 11

OverheadA room’s primary light source is usually overhead, but can be too harsh or bright. A dimmer allows you to adjust the brightness to suit the time of day or activity. A sensor or wave-activated light is another option if you’re worried about a stumble when searching for the switch in the dark, and it’s way more subtle than The Clapper.

SEE YOUR HOME IN A New Light

Household lighting comes into focus during the

winter; we spend more time inside and an early sunset makes extra light necessary just to see. Designers recommend installing three sources of lighting in each room for safety, productivity and atmosphere.

TaskRelying solely on light from electronics–computers, tablets, smartphones, etc.—strains the eye. Wall sconces with frosted glass add dedicated light beside desks or beds without creating a glare. Also, energy-effi cient LED strip lighting under cabinets is helpful for more detailed kitchen tasks.

AmbientDecorative lamps help fi ll in the gaps that hide from an overhead light in shadowy corners. Plus, they can be works of art, or showcase it! Triangulate secondary light sources throughout a room to optimize their effi cacy.

- Theresa Carpine

Left:quoizellighting.lightingdirect.com; Right:www.alexanderandpearl.co.uk

Santa

Leroy Anderson’s composition is the most performed Christmas song of all time, but the 1949 version recorded by the Boston Pops still stands out. It was the fi rst orchestral piece to make Billboard’s Top 10, and had nothing to do with Christmas – the words came later.

You’ll get coal from Santa if you leave Bing Crosby off your playlist. Rolling Stone has declared the crooner’s entire holiday recording No. 8 on its Top 25 Greatest Christmas Albums of All Time, making the bold comparison “What Jesus is to Christmas, Bing is to Christmas music.”

Everyone from Chicago to The Jackson 5 have tried their own reindeer games at re-recording this classic, but Gene Autry’s slightly twangy 1949 No. 1 hit recording still stays at the front of our sleigh.

The Idina Menzel/Michael Buble duet is new, certainly, but has the jazziness, richness and class of two polished singers, plus some cute kids in the music video.

- Joe Butler

Not that we want to pick a fi ght underneath the mistletoe on this holly-jolly holiday, but it’s possible your Christmas music playlist blows harder than Mr. Snow-Miser.

It’s hard to come up with holiday tunes that please everyone. But since this is the season of goodwill, trythese recommendations to pump up the holiday spirit.

DJ

S P A C E

SedonaDesert beauty and hospitality

in Arizona’sVerde Valley

Take a break in 2016 with a special vacation.Page 2

Explore France with self-guided walking tours.Page 3

Platinum

Italy 101Two If By FeetImagine All the Places to GoHow to plan the perfect Italian adventure. Page 4-5

®

London Where history meets modern culture Many travelers find that one visit isn’t enough to experience all of its historical landmarks, modern-day attractions and eclectic neighborhoods of this invigorating city.

Bora Bora “The most beautiful island in the world”High praise from American author James Michener of an island where dormant volcanoes fan out to a verdant jungle and an aquamarine lagoon. Snorkel in the warm waters, hike Mount Otemanu or lounge on the shores of luxurious resorts.

New York City Myriad Urban adventures Art, history and culinary excursions await visitors to the busy little island. Many Americans try to combine leisure with business travel these days; tack on a few days after meetings are through for Broadway, museums and more.

Maui Not too big, not too small, but just rightSome of Hawaii’s best beaches can be found on the tranquil yet bustling island in the Pacific. There’s excellent golf, along with history and culture, on the archipelago’s second largest island.

Rio de Janeiro Let the games begin! Although the site of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games will certainly draw crowds, the seaside city’s famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches have made it a popular destination for years.

IMAGINE

Story by Al Hague, Travel Smart Magazine

to Go!

All the Places

Almost half of the U.S. population did not take a single vacation day last year. If you’re part of this group, break the cycle and put a popular travel destination on your “to do” list for 2016.

Stuff those stockings with vacations of a lifetime this holiday season. AAA Travel experts can help you fi nd a cruise or land package perfect for anyone on your list. Or, wrap up your shopping with a wonderful selection of travel accessories, gift cards or even a AAA membership.

AAA SPOKANE:1314 S. Grand Blvd. | (509) 358-6900AAA NORTH SPOKANE: 7307 N. Division, Ste. 103 | (509) 358-7050

PLUS, don’t miss the upcoming AAA Spokane Cruise Show!FREE admission, presentations, specials, onboard credit* & more. ENTER TO WIN two roundtrip Delta Air Lines tickets to Europe!*

AAA Spokane Cruise Show – Red Lion Hotel at the ParkDate: Saturday, January 23 | Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Doors open at 8:30.)

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One reason Americans rarely take extensive vacations is partially due to the confusing and sometimes difficult planning process. Working with travel professionals who are familiar with all the options can keep planning stress-free.

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For more travel information and articles, visit www.travelsmartmagazine.net.

December 2015 TS3

T R A V E L

Travel France with the most sustainable resource there is: yourself. Self-guided walking tours allow for adventure and exploration at the right speed for you, with the convenient structure of pre-scheduled accommodations.

“Classic Cognac à Pied” with Belle France (bellefrance.com)

A leisurely, low-intensity tour along the River Charente from Angoulême to Cognac in France’s southwest. The tour finishes with complimentary tickets for the Hennessy distillery to sample the region’s renowned brandy.

Don’t MissAngoulême hosts an international comics festival each year. Many artists have left their mark on the city–literally. Wall murals and street art are frequently displayed on the city’s medieval stone walls.

PriceApproximately $1,347 per person covers six nights accommodation including daily breakfast, map and routes and luggage transfers.

“Menton to Nice – the Riviera Coast” with WorldWalks (worldwalks.com)

A self-guided tour with an Azure Alps backdrop over a sparkling Mediterranean seascape. Enjoy hikes to picturesque mountain villages like Sainte-Agnes, Castellar and Mont Baudon for panoramic views, plus a stop in Monaco to try your luck at the tables.

Don’t MissThe Nice flower market, Promenade des Anglais and the old historic town.

PriceApproximately $910 per person (based on double occupancy) includes six nights accommodation, daily breakfast, dinner on days 1-5, luggage transfers, route notes and maps, local tax and local back-up.

Story and photos by Al Hague, Travel Smart Magazine

Two IfBy Feet

Top, left and right: Monte Carlo, Menton Marina and Menton Beach.

BEFORE YOU GOGet solid advice on footwear and clothing appropriate for the terrain and season.

You might be walking up to 10 miles a day…start conditioning in advance.

Invest in a quality day pack to ferry any supplies you may need throughout the day.

“Côtes du Rhône” with On Foot Holidays (onfootholidays.co.uk)

Active travelers who appreciate fine wine and gourmet food will work up an appetite while hiking the mountainous terrain on this self-guided walking tour through the foothills of Mont Ventoux in southeastern France.

Don’t MissA ride on the town square carousel in Avignon, and the Tuesday Market during a rest-day in Vaison-la-Romaine at the end of the tour.

PriceApproximately $1,372 per person includes seven nights bed and breakfast accommodations, five evening meals, five picnics and luggage transfers between hotels.

DifficultMediumEasy

For more travel information and articles, visit www.travelsmartmagazine.net.

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What Kind of Accommodations Do I Prefer?

Hotel It’s all about location. Find a hotel that will allow you to get around with ease, especially if you’re staying in an urban area. During the summer, inquire in advance if a hotel has air conditioning; it’s not standard, and can come at a premium price.

ApartmentFor a longer stay, consider an apartment as it’s often more affordable. The accommodations are comfortable, safe and clean, and you can even prepare your own meals. Shopping at markets is a fun activity, and you’ll enjoy whatever is fresh and in season, just like the locals.

When Do I Want to Visit?

SpringWith fl owers in bloom and farms bustling, spring mornings are cool but the day warms quickly. Tourists don’t crowd the streets and museums, so sightseeing is a bit easier, and accommodations are not quite as expensive, yet.

Summer The high tourist season is June through August, which is also the hottest time of year. Most of the country is also on vacation in August; manufacturing comes to a halt and certain businesses temporarily close. Most stores in high-tourist areas remain open, but may close in the afternoon for a riposo, or post-lunch nap.

FallDuring September and October, vendemmia (grape harvest) is in full swing and many villages hold celebrations with music, local produce, wine tastings, parades and other festivities. With the tourist glut at an end, the streets are once again passable and prices recede a bit.

WinterExcept during the Yule holidays, bargain prices are often available. If you don’t mind the cold or damp weather–not unfamiliar to Northwest residents–you can enjoy a variety of offerings of theatre and opera at Teatro Alla Scala in Milan. And if you love to ski, there’s no better time to visit the Italian Alps.

Grand Canal, Venice

Hotel Gonzaga,Milan

Story and photos by Al Hague, Travel Smart Magazine

Italy 101Italy 101

Narrow down the nearly endless possible stops on your Italian vacby considering three simple questions…the answers will point your compass–and passport–in the right direction.

Sorrento,

Have you been dreaming about a cruise this spring.?

Maybe a river cruise is on your bucket list….

For expert help in planning your dream vacation

call Diane Hague today 590-230-2155

December 2015 TS5

T R A V E L

What About Italy Most Appeals to Me?

Cuisine Just like in the United States, the disparate climate and resources throughout the country create entirely different menus as you travel north to south. Tuscany’s agriculture yields a variety of produce and livestock, while the Veneto diet in the northeast region is heavily infl uenced by the sea.

Wine Tuscany is especially famous for its vineyards, although every region has fi ne wines with unique characteristics. Piedmont in the northwest corner of Italy produces more wine than any other region, and is known for its robust reds made with Nebbiolo grapes.

Shopping No matter what you buy, it’s great fun to tell admirers, “I got it in Italy.” While Florence and Milan house the fl agship stores of luxury brands like Gucci and Prada, you may fi nd better prices for designer goods in smaller shops off the beaten path, especially in Italy’s southern regions.

ArtWhile art lovers could spend hours (or days) at museums like the Uffi zi Gallery in Florence, every structure throughout Italy elicits a state of awe. The fountains, frescoes, churches and statues tell the history of the country, from its ancient civilization to Renaissance revival.

Hillside Village, Vellano

cation

Italy

Agritourismo A stay at an agritourismo (farmhouse) offers a fi rst-hand view at life on an Italian farm and the chance to explore the countryside and ancient hill towns. Driving on narrow, curvy Italian roads is an adventure, but worth it if you’re looking for an out-of-the-way ristorante (restaurant).

StateroomTraveling by boat along Italy’s magnifi cent coast allows you to see a variety of seaside cities in a few days. With a cruise, there’s no need to check in and out of a new hotel each day; just fall asleep as you sail away from one port and wake up for another day of exploration.

Trevi Fountain, Rome

Coming March 2016

Vineyard, Tuscany

For more travel information and articles, visit www.travelsmartmagazine.net.

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What does the name “Sedona” mean? Well, nothing, initially. The town’s first postmaster’s wife, Sedona Arabella Miller Schnebly, was given the name by her mother, who had simply made up something pretty.

Today, the city of Sedona is synonymous with generosity and hospitality, just like its namesake.

Getting to Sedona is easy. Either fly into Phoenix and drive about 90 minutes north on Highway 17, or land in Prescott, about 45 miles west. The quick drive offers exceptional desert views. Upon arrival, accommodations vary from high-end resorts to simple yet well-kept motels; be warned, though, most are quite pricey.

Located 4,500 feet above sea level, Sedona can get a bit chilly during the winter. After all, Flagstaff and its beautiful ski

slopes are only an hour away. The region’s mild weather means light layers of clothing are the perfect solution to any packing dilemma, no matter the season.

Sedona is surrounded by buttes and mountains of red clay, formed millions of years ago by the evolving oceans. The majestic red rocks photograph best at or near sunset, although patience is required to capture such vivid colors.

While the natural surroundings are a major attraction, the community itself appeals to a broad spectrum of people. Local artists and musicians frequently display their creativity at galleries, theaters and festivals.

Sedona is also a destination for seekers of spiritual healing and self-exploration, due to the vortexes of energy believed to lay beneath the landscape. Plus, a tourism-focused economy means Sedona residents keep the city clean and attractive.

Story and photos by Al Hague, Travel Smart Magazine

Bronze statue by Susan Kliewer of Sedona Schnebly at the Sedona Public Library; photo courtesy of City of Sedona.

SEDONAA JEWELIn the Desert

December 2015 TS7

For more travel information and articles, visit www.travelsmartmagazine.net.

T R A V E L

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