Caribbean Ziplining in St. Thomas, USVI
Ziplining can be one of the most unique and exhilarating ways to experience the environment that a destination has to offer and St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands is no exception. Blessed with lush rainforests and breathtaking views, St. Thomas has limitless possibilities to offer in the way of stunning scenery and rare beauty. If you're looking to pair your Caribbean vacation with adventure and exploration, ziplining through the tropical landscape and sailing among the treetops is the best way to do it!
Tree Limin' Extreme is the only zipline canopy tour among the US Virgin Islands. Tree Limin' Extreme offers six exciting ziplines, two awesome sky bridges and eight scenic aerial platforms. They also host the only "Yo-Yo" zipline in Caribbean, guaranteed to "take your breath away" (literally and figuratively).
The ziplining at Tree Limin' can be adjusted to cater to the adrenaline junkie looking for a challenge or a more relaxed, laid back adventurist who just wants to cruise and have fun. The local course expert guides will regale you with singing and stories of the island as well as allowing you the chance to meet other guests on the Caribbean island of St. Thomas. Tree Limin' is also accredited by the ACCT (Association for Challenge Course Technology) and boasts a course designed by a world renowned contractor who's company ranks among the top companies in the industry. Tree Limin' also takes care to exceed industry safety standards and all guides are trained in CPR and possess first aid certifications.
The concept of "Limin" is a large part of the local culture and is the term to define "to hang out." You will be engulfed with this concept from the moment you begin your adventure. Your tour guide will meet you at the base of St. Peter Mountain with your personal safety equipment and instruction tutorial. Then you will be taken to the top of the scenic St. Peter Mountain via a 6 wheel drive Pinzgauer, an authentic Swiss Army vehicle. Once you reach the top of the mountain, you will be met with unparalleled views of Magen's Bay, St. John, the British Virgin Islands, Jost van Dyke, Tortola and more.
The course is situated high in the rainforest of St. Peter Mountain and the course allows you to reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, should you desire a racing soar above the treetops. The top of St. Peter Mountain is also home to the St. Peter Mountain Great House Botanical Gardens, of which you can conduct your own self guided tour through and should! Don't miss the natural trails, streaming waterfalls, bird aviaries, lush gardens, and over 150 species of Caribbean plants and fruits that can be found at the top of this mountain possessing sweeping and phenomenal views to make your trip complete!
Luxury accommodations for the US Virgin Island of St. Thomas can be found at the Ritz Carlton Club in St. Thomas luxury condos complete with hotel amenities, multiple bedrooms, kitchen, living areas and beachfront property access. Book your luxury St. Thomas vacation rental today with Travel En Vogue.
Stern Grove Festival in San Francisco
Looking for a free fun outdoor activity to do on your upcoming trip to San Francisco this summer? This year marks the 76th year of the annual Stern Grove Festival concerts. Running up until the 18th of August, these admission-free concerts occur every Sunday in Stern Grove and are wonderful chance to enjoy some of San Francisco’s diverse cultural and picnic among a gorgeous landscape.
The Stern Grove park space was originally bought by Rosalie M. Stern in 1931, who gave the Grove to the City of San Francisco as a gift. The gift was dedicated to the memory of her husband Sigmund Stern, a renowned civic leader. Inspired by the natural acoustics that the Grove possessed, Rosalie Stern pushed for the area to become a park where anyone could enjoy music, theater performances and dance, free of an admission charge. The Festival committee works to maintain Mrs. Stern’s vision by bringing a diverse selection of high quality performances to serve all variations of audience tastes. The concerts remain a Bay Area tradition every summer where people can gather to experience a unique blend of exceptional nature, entertainment and socializing.
THE LINE-UP:
July 21: Red Baraat, Fanfare Ciocărlia
July 28: San Francisco Ballet (directed by Helgi Tomasson)
August 4: Shuggie Otis, The Relatives
August 11: Pink Martini, La Santa Cecilia
August 18: San Francisco Opera
The concerts begin at 2:00 pm and end around 4:30 or 5:30, depending on the performance. Benches and lawn space are provided but it is advisable to arrive early to secure optimal seating and chairs and blankets may help to make your stay more comfortable. Food vendors are set up during the concerts but you are welcome to bring your own picnic if you prefer. Alcohol is not sold at the events but you may bring your own beer and wine, which can be consumed in the Concert Meadow and West Meadow on Concert Sundays. Using public transportation to get to the venue is encouraged.
From the Ritz Carlton Club in San Francisco (located at 690 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94104), you would:
1. Walk to the Metro Montgomery Station/Outbound (about 1 min)
2. Take the Metro Montgomery Station/Outbound (M) Light rail towards Balboa Park Station (21 min, 10 stops)
3. Exit the Light rail at West Portal/Sloat/St Francis Circle and walk to 19th Ave and Sloat Blvd, where you will find Stern Grove (about 3 min, 0.2 mi)
For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Stern Grove Festival website.
Fourth of July at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch
This year’s July 4th celebration in Avon Valley promises not to disappoint. Start the festivities by enjoying the afternoon at the Ritz Carlton in Bachelor Gulch, where they will be hosting a clam bake and pig roast on the Mountainside Terrace. Guests will be able to partake in horseshoes, Bocce ball and enjoy live entertainment throughout the day. This event lasts from 4 – 7 pm and costs $35 per person and provides perfect precursor to an evening of spectacular fireworks over Avon Lake in Beaver Creek or the Vail fireworks show.
If you feel like venturing over to Vail during this year’s Independence Day, there is a celebration not to be missed within Vail Village. The annual Vail America Days 4th of July festival will be taking place and offers a variety of activities for all ages. The Vail America Days is just one of the many reasons people love to spend their 4th of July holiday in the Colorado mountains during the summer.
The Vail festival is no stranger to those celebrations. The festival will offer live music, children’s entertainment, the popular Vail 4th of July parade throughout Vail Village, an open air street festival through the town and of course, fireworks! All of the Vail summer activities are also still available including gondola rides, hiking, Adventure Ridge activities, biking and the like.
The Fourth of July Parade in Vail will start at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 4 at Golden Peak and will meander through the Vail Village streets to conclude in Lionshead. The parade can be viewed from practically any place within the streets of Vail Village. The Vail parade is ideal for an activity that the whole family will enjoy! For more information, visit the Independence Day festival in Vail official website.
Not to be missed is the famous fireworks display over Nottingham Lake, which is happening this year on July 3. The event will host the Dirty Dozen Brass Band as the headlining act for the evening with other fun bands throughout the night. Don’t forget to bring a blanket and get their early to pick a prime spot around the lake. There will also be food vendors, a beer garden and family activities in the Harry A. Nottingham Park. The event starts at 5:00 pm and ends at 10:00 pm.
ENJOY YOUR FOURTH!
Private Pool Cabanas at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch
New to the hotel this season are private pool side cabanas offered by 82 Degrees, the hotel's poolside service personnel. You can purchase any of the following packages and reserve the cabana for the time that fits your schedule. The Cabana Experience is one not to be missed at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch pool this summer! Don't miss out before summer's over!
The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch is offering the following Cabana Experience Packages:
Rocky Mountain Cabana
One Bottle Service of Either
Ritz Champagne, Grey Goose Vodka, 10 Cane Rum, or
Patron Silver with mixers
Chips & Dips
6 hour service | $300
Lounge & Lunch
Lunch for 2 Guests at 82 Degrees
Fiji Water
4 hour service | $200
Colorado Rockies Cabana
3 Pitchers of Select Colorado Microbrews
Basket of Bison Jerky & Mixed Nuts
4 hour service | $150
Casual Daze Cabana
Fiji Water. Selection of Board Games
Bowl of Sweets
4 hours service | $100
Daily Cabana
Ritz Carlton Water
1 hour service I $25 per hour
You may reserve your cabana experience with any of the 82 Degrees staff and can contact them for more information at 970-343-1092.
Market on the Mountain at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch
The The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch has started an exciting new summer mountain activities series in which they will be featuring 7 different local vendors as part of an on- mountain market that will take place each Wednesday beginning June 26 and continuing until September 18, 2013 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. The Bachelor Gulch mountain market will have local items from meat butchers, beer vendors, produce from local farmers and patisseries for guests to purchase.
In addition to the fresh local fare, market goers will have the unique option of the having the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Chef use the items they have purchased at the Market on the Mountain series, to create a personal dinner experience incorporating all of the local mountain market items. Guests are also welcome to enjoy a dinner experience off the regular menu which regularly encompasses local and fresh farm to table foods.
The Mountain on the Market is just one of the many Vail valley summer events that make Colorado summer vacations so relaxing and fun. The Bachelor Gulch Ritz Carlton will have picnic style seating on the front hotel lawn and live entertainment that will start at 4:00 pm and continue to 9:00 pm. Come enjoy the view, people, food and entertainment on a beautiful mountain summer evening.
Ritz Carlton Club - St Thomas Activity Ideas
The Ritz Carlton St. Thomas resort is loaded with activities for Ritz Carlton Club in St. Thomas guests to enjoy during their stay at this 5 star luxury resort in St. Thomas, not limited to wind surfing, Hobie cats, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, yoga, tennis and more.
But what if you wanted to get out of this luxury resort for a while and experience a piece of what the rest of the US Virgin Islands have to offer? Well, we have a suggestion that just might cure your craving: Carolina Corral Horseback Riding Stables in St. John.
You can easily take the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John and can reach the stables via bus or taxi to Coral Bay. The company was founded with the mission to rescue, rehabilitate and give abandoned or injured animals another opportunity. Carolina Corral offers both hour long to hour and a half long rides that take riders up into the lush scenic hills of St. John along a trail that affords breathtaking views of the British Virgin Islands, the east end of St. John and Hurricane Hole.
Tours are lead by a Carolina Corral guide and include information and stories pertaining to the history of the island, plant and flower identification and stories about the horses and other animals that live on this St. John Island farm.
Things to note before you go:
- Horses are not allowed on Virgin Islands beaches. The trail rides allow the horses to dip in the water but not along the beach.
- Make an appointment in advance or you may end up waiting once you get there.
The Ritz Carlton Club – St. Thomas concierge can assist you in booking your Caribbean horseback riding excursion to make your stay at the Ritz Carlton resort in St. Thomas the best it can be!
Carolina Corral Information:
Website: http://carolinacorral.vi/
Address: 16133 Spring Garden
St. John, VI 00830-9565
Phone Number: 340-779-4585
Vail Restaurant: The 10th
A new, upscale ski-in, ski-out dining option is available at Mid-Vail for the 2012 ski season. The 10th is a spacious restaurant with amazing views of the Gore Range. At over 13,000 square feet, The 10th can seat 160 people in the main dining room, 40 in the lounge, and another 40 on the south-facing deck. The bar offers Express Lunch for skiers who want to eat and dash. The bar is definitely a focal point of the restaurant, made of translucent green onyx lit from below. The deck is the perfect place to enjoy a long, relaxing lunch after an early morning run - it gets sun from at least 11:30am to 5pm, even on a short day.
You'll find modern alpine classics and a creative kids menu. The 3 course kids meal starts with veggie sticks and dressing and offers gourmet comfort food for the entree, including kid favs such as mac and cheese, chicken pot pie, PB&J with strawberries and bananas, burgers, pizza, etc. The dessert course is a delicious mini chocolate milkshake and homemade donut.
The "modern alpine cuisine" draws inspiration from the Swiss and Austrian Alps regions and Rocky Mountain cuisine. You'll find gourmet comfort food, like chicken noodle soup, and more refined fare, like the short ribs braised in Gruyere sauce. They make everything from scratch, including breads, cheeses, sausage, proscuitto, mustard, pasta, dumplings, pastrami, chocolate and more. If you're just in the mood for a light meal, they have great appetizers - try the French Onion soup, Parmesan truffle fries, and fried oysters. The sandwiches are created with the freshly baked bread, and desserts like the apple pie a la mode and in-house Nutella ice cream are not to be missed!
The 10th is open for lunch and "Morning Refresh" at 9 am, serving hot drinks and pastries only. Reservations are strongly recommended for lunch. Members of the Vail Mountain Club have the first shot at reservations a week in advance. Take the Vista Bahn lift, or ski in from Meadows or Over Easy (Beginners) and use Chairs 2-4.
Clicquot in the Snow
This past weekend, Veuve Clicquot hosted a pop-up champagne event at The Little Nell. Guests were given clues to find the mobile champagne bar, "The Oasis," where they found free champagne and gorgeous views from Aspen Mountain once they arrived. The event was held 11,000 feet above sea level and featured free champagne flutes, Veuve Clicquot branded lounges, umbrellas, and other decor.
The champagne was literally chilled to perfection in the snow from Aspen Mountain. Guests of The Little Nell received a Fresh for Veuve Clicquot in the Snow Beauty Survival Kit. Violinist Katarina Visnevska performed along with DJ Dylan Regan wearing the iconic yellow Veuve sunglasses.
New Winter Teva Mountain Games
The 2012 Winter Teva Mountain Games is a new event presented by Eddie Bauer, Teva, and the Vail Valley Foundation. Join Vail residents and visitors as they watch thousands of athletes compete for $60,000 this coming February 9-12!
You'll see fierce competitions in games such as uphill skiing, rock climbing, on-snow biking, telemark skiing, Nordic competitions, running, dog events, and an Ultimate Man/Woman combination event. There will also be an art and music aspect through the Mountain Click Photo Camp, snow and ice sculpture contests, free concerts, films and mountain lifestyle parties. Games will take place at several Vail venues, including Golden Peak, Vail Mountain, Vail Nordic Center, Lionshead Village, and Eagles Nest.
The creation of this new event is only natural following the success of the Summer Teva Mountain Games, which began in 2002. These human powered, environmentally friendly games include over 2500 adventure athletes and 40000 spectators throughout the four day event. Teva is a sandal brand that has diversified its offerings to include year-round adventure footwear. The Vail Valley Foundation offers leadership with athletic, cultural and educational endeavors to enhance the Vail Valley community.
Contact us at (800) 933-7704 or concierge@travelenvogue.com to reserve your Ritz Carlton Vail or Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Residence Club condo - the perfect accommodations for your trip to Vail this winter!
Big Beers Fest in Vail Colorado Craft Beer
The recent Vail beer festival, the Big Beers, Belgians and Barleywines Festival, at the beginning of January celebrated its 12th year of delicious beer sampling. This event is more intimate and laid back than the larger Great American Beer Festival and is a great way to experience the burgeoning American craft beer movement. You can bet that the person pouring your beer sample is the one who brewed it, giving you the perfect opportunity to learn about the process and flavors of the beer. This festival is taken seriously by owners, who attend themselves rather than send their sales reps, which is one reason why beer lovers travel from other states just to attend.
Colorado is home to over 120 established craft breweries. These specialty beers are sold at independent retailers across the state. CO's Gore Range Brewery, now under new management, participated at the Big Beers Fest with its Ryetous concoction. Crazy Mountain, a new brewery in Edwards, first introduced its beer to the public at the Big Beers Fest two years ago. This year they brought Lawyers, Guns, and Money as their anniversary barleywine.
The American craft beer movement began several years ago with a few brewers who were passionate about beer and wanted to experiment with tradition and innovation. Unlike many of the European breweries, these individuals are not constrained by tradition and as a result are able to create unusual and complex beers that are an international inspiration. The passion and progressive nature of American craft brewers has garnered respect for American beer from countries all over the world. The exportation of American specialty beers abroad is increasing and gaining quite a following. The movement has inspired brewers from several European countries to follow suit with their own creations, leading to more diversity and competition on a global scale.
Next time you visit the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Residence Club or the new Ritz Carlton Vail, check out some of the amazing local craft breweries!
Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week
As the only World Cup stop in the US, the Audi Birds of Prey has become North America's premier ski event. Each year, incredible skiers from all over the world come to Beaver Creek to watch three days of races. Races include the Downhill, Super G, and Giant Slalom. This year, as a special bonus, some of the races were relocated from Val d'Isere, France to Beaver Creek. A trio of additional men's and women's races were added to the schedule. The event is so important that the schools in the Colorado ski resort area gave their students excused absences so they could attend.
Ted Ligety took second place in the men's Slalom and Lindsey Vonn took first place, her 46th World Cup Win. According to Lindsey, this particular race was the most special to her since it was in her hometown in front of all of her local fans. This win has made Lindsey the first American to win four World Cup races in a row.
New Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Treats
This winter the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch is introducing delicious new traditions. The Gourmet Hot Chocolate Bar debuted at the annual tree lighting and will be continuing throughout the ski season. There are 3 house-made flavors featuring Gharardelli and Valrhona chocolate in white, milk, and dark flavors. There are over 30 toppings to add, and guests can even add liqueur. Hot chocolate is available at '7' daily from 4-6pm.
The German Bier Tent is located at the Mountainside Terrace, just steps from the Bachelor Gulch Express Lift. It offers authentic brats, house made pretzels, and brews. Grab a snack between runs or when you're finished every day between 11am and 4pm. Items range from $10 to $20.
The Gourmet S'mores Experience is an amazing collaboration between the Ritz Carlton and Dylan's Candy at '7'. Buy a $4 S'mores Kit which includes a marshmallow and graham crackers, and peruse the selection of chocolates to accompany your s'more. Then head over to the Fire Pit to roast and eat!
Zach’s Cabin Beaver Creek
Zach's Cabin is a picturesque log cabin restaurant situated above Bachelor Gulch with stunning views of Gore Creek. It is the Bachelor Gulch Club's private on-mountain dining cabin. It's elevated location requires open-air sleigh ride transportation only, which is provided periodically throughout dining hours. A blanket is provided during the ride, which can get very cold, especially at night!
The rustic cabin is open and spacious, with large windows and a patio. Upon arrival, guests are directed to the locker area, where they are provided with slippers and invited to take off their jackets.The service at Zach's is impeccable, as is their wine list, which has won the Wine Spectator's "Best of" Award of Excellence for seven consecutive years in a row.
Zach's serves a menu creative American cuisine served a la carte, heavily influenced by the game dishes that are so popular to the area. You'll find rack of lamb, elk tenderloin, salmon, duck and veal on the menu, and vegetarians can enjoy a plate of zucchini papardelle.
Zach's Cabin is open to the public for dinner from December 10 - April 2.
Ritz Carlton St. Thomas Named One of the Best Snorkeling Resorts
Caribbean Travel + Life named the Ritz Carlton St. Thomas one of the best snorkeling resorts. Their onsite Patagon Dive Center caters to divers of all levels and group sizes and offers a superior snorkeling and diving experience. The resort is located along 30 idyllic acres on the island's picturesque Great Bay, boasting private white sand beaches that feature Elkhorn Coral and yellow sea fans right off the shore. Snorkelers and divers can expect to see jacks, snappers and barracudas!
The Ritz Carlton St. Thomas offers certification courses and children's programs (age 5 and up), as well as a multilingual staff who can accommodate those who speak English, Spanish, French and Italian.
Dive boats depart daily:
- 9:30am 2 tank dive
- 2:30pm 1-tank dive
- 6:30 pm night dive
Private customized charters are also avilable for an extra premium. The staff at the Patagon Dive Center will discuss the specifics of the itinerary prior to booking, including preferred dive and snorkel sites, activities, and food and beverage options. They can accommodate families with young children, serious divers, and a mixed party of divers with a variety of experience levels. Patagon can also provide educational tours on the marine life of the coral reefs and sightseeing around the nearby islands, including a visit to an uninhabited island beach.
Patagon also offers a variety of specialty certifications for divers who want to broaden their underwater skills, some of which may offer the opportunity to earn college credit:
- Deep Diver: Learn techniques for diving 60-130 feet, make at least 4 deep dives with Instructor
- Night Diver: Illuminate a whole new set of night creatures with your dive light
- Underwater Photography: Learn the PADI SEA method for getting great shots quickly, learn techniques for taking good underwater photos
- Wreck Diver: Learn to explore wrecked ships, airplanes and automobiles that are teeming with wildlife
- Peak Performance Buoyancy: Learn how to be neutrally buoyant to avoid both floating and sinking
- Fish Identification: Learn to recognize the mail families and characteristics of fish that will help you identify marine life wherever you dive
- Underwater Naturalist: Observe the relationships of different marine life interacting together
- Underwater Navigation: Become the one in your diving party who knows how to get back to the boat
- Search and Recovery Diver: Learn effective ways to find lost objects underwater and bring them to the surface
- AWARE Coral Reef Conservation: Designed to inform about the world's largest coral reefs
- Boat Diver: Learn to dive from a variety of boats and how to safely enter and exit the water
- Drift Diver: Enjoy rivers and ocean currents by going with the flow
Donner Lake, Truckee
Donner Lake in Truckee, CA, is a freshwater lake located on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, about 11 miles northwest of Lake Tahoe. It's the perfect place for year-round activities. It offers swimming, sailing, water skiing, diving, and fishing, as well as hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing on the terrain surrounding the water. The north side of the shore features 1.5 miles of public boat docks and some public piers at the foot of Summit Drive. Fishing conditions are excellent and the Lake holds some of the state's biggest Lake Trout and plenty of Rainbow and Brown Trout and Kokanee Salmon.
The community hosts a slew of events around the lake every year, like the Turkey Trot, Mini Triathlon, Donner Lake Swim, and Cannibal Cruise (car show). Donner Memorial State Park wraps around the eastern and southern shores of the Lake. Many visitors like to go hiking in Lakeview Canyon on the south side, where you can take a tour with a Ranger through the state park.
Best San Francisco Restaurants
Embarcadero, Financial District, SOMA, Russian Hill, Nob Hill
Even San Francisco's casual restaurants offer first-class food. Any of these restaurants in popular San Francisco neighborhoods are perfect for a lunch-break from sightseeing, a casual night out, or meeting a group of friends.
Embarcadero
The restaurants along the Embarcadero boast amazing views and are the perfect spot to take a break from sightseeing and take in the scenery.
One Market
This spacious restaurant has large bay windows overlooking the Embarcadero. The pan-seared scallops with sweet breads come highly recommended, as does the Chef's Tasting Menu, the Tasmanian Ocean Trout, and the "Weekly Beast" (a whole animal, served on the weekends). They are the proud recipients of a Michelin Star.
The Slanted Door
At 1 Ferry Building No. 3 you will find delicious Vietnamese food with a great view of the Bay. The most famous dishes here are the clay pot chicken and wood oven roasted whole fish. The menu is tapas style and features great cocktails.
Piperade
Piperade serves California and Basque cuisine. Their unique menu offers different traditional Basque specialties each night of the week.
Waterbar
This seafood restaurant serves great seafood with a view.
Financial District
Bocadillos
This tapas restaurant serves Basque cuisine and has a great ambiance. Recommended dishes include the lamb burgers, tai snapper ceviche, and house made chorizo.
Contogna
Go here for the bustling energy, great bar menu, and amazing Italian food. The Chef/Owner Michael Tusk is the recipient of a James Beard Award, so it's no surprise that Contagna is considered by many to be the best Italian food in San Francisco. The exposed brick and wood paneled walls add to the trendy ambiance.
SOMA
Prospect
Prospect serves contemporary American food. It has comfortable, communal vibes and seating at the bar and main dining room.
Town Hall
The time the Chef at Town Hall spent in New Orleans has influenced his New American cooking style. That means you'll find items like cornmeal fried oysters, chocolate pot de la creme, and roasted veal meatballs on the menu. The restaurant is located in a 100 year old building with brick walls and industrial windows, which adds to its charm.
Bar Agricole
This collaboration of some of San Francisco's best bartenders is the perfect blend of bar and restaurant. All cocktails are handcrafted and creative. The bar is open late and they serve American/California food.
Russian Hill
Pesce
This Italian restaurant serves small plates of great seafood. Some of their best dishes include warm octopus with potatoes and their grilled sardines.
Zarzuela
Zarzuela is one of the oldest and best tapas restaurants in San Francisco.
Nob Hill
Canteen
This casual, 20 seat diner by a fine dining chef is a great neighborhood spot. The menu changes weekly and is a combination of American, California, and French cooking.
Swan Oyster Depot
Named an "American Classic" by the James Beard Foundation, this 20 seat retail store has some of the best oysters in San Francisco. It's a family owned business, and the sons and grandsons of the original owner can still be found behind the counter.
San Francisco Fine Dining
San Francisco is a renowned foodie mecca, offering everything from historic cafes to elegant fine dining restaurants. These five star restaurants are perfect for special occasions while you're in town.
Michael Mina, Financial District
Great for a relaxing dinner in an elegant setting. The modern American cuisine is prepared and presented with great attention to detail and the service is impeccable. Try the tasting menus or the "Counter Menu," which features gourmet bar food. The "Monk's Brew" cocktail, a combination of gin, Riesling, and Jasmin tea, is also highly recommended.
Bourbon Steak, Union Square
Michael Mina's American steakhouse is ideally located and offers a great view of Union Square. The steaks are slow poached in butter, then seared on the grill to create a crispy, juicy steak. It's a great combination of old-time steakhouse and modern restaurant.
Gitane, Union Square
This restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner or dinner with a group of girls. They serve a unique menu of Moroccan, Spanish, and Portuguese cuisine.
Fifth Floor, Union Square/SOMA
Located in the Palomar Hotel, on the fifth floor as it's name suggests. The Fifth Floor serves New American cuisine, contemporary cocktails, and a diverse global wine list. The ambiance is elegant and classic, and there is a tasting menu available.
Benu, SOMA
Benu serves American, Asian, French fusion. The space is chic, minimal, and calming. There are fixed price and a la carte options available. The Eight Treasure duck with gold leaf flakes is highly recommended. The Chef/Owner, Corey Lu, was the top chef at French Laundry for eight years.
RN74, SOMA
Another Michael Mina creation, this time focused on wine. The restaurant is named for the highway passing through Burgundy, the wine which is emphasized throughout the dining experience. It's the perfect spot for post-theater dinner or drinks as the bar stays open late.
Farallon, Civic Center/Union Square
This seafood restaurant features imaginative seafood themed decor, with jellyfish lamps, painted mosaic dome in the main dining room, and separate white room that feels like part of a ship. There is a raw bar, delicious seafood platter, and highly recommended is the tuna tartare with smoked heart of palm.
Jardiniere, Hayes Valley
This is the perfect place for a special occasion. The dimly lit dining room has a romantic ambiance. Standouts on the $95 tasting menu are the warm bread salad with artichokes and marinated Crescenza cheese, diver scallops and red wine braised short ribs.
Masa's, Nob Hill
One of San Francisco's oldest fine dining establishments. Masa's creates a formal dining experience with exceptional food and impeccable service. The current chef, Gregory Short, spent 7 years at French Laundry.
Gary Danko, Fisherman's Wharf
This is one of San Francisco's best fine dining options. Create your own tasting menu of 3-5 courses, enjoy the cheese cart and exceptional wine list, and sit back as the Gary Danko staff delivers a pampered dining experience. The cuisine ranges from American, California and French. Recommended dishes are the glazed oysters with osetra caviar and the lobster risotto.
Coi, Financial District/North Beach
Coi features New American cuisine with a daily changing, 11 course tasting menu with food from various SF Farmer's Markets. Every dish is conceptually and visually artistic and heavily vegetarian.
Saison, Mission
This innovative restaurant is located in a converted barn and offers a modern take on fine dining. The menu is a 7 course tasting menu with wine pairings available at an additional cost. An a la carte menu is available Tuesday - Thursday.
Commonwealth, Mission
On the casual side of fine dining, Commonwealth serves fresh, innovative food and employs a knowledgeable, helpful staff. They use the finest ingredients, a range of techniques and diverse flavors to create refined, progressive American cuisine. They have a very reasonable tasting menu at $65, $10 of which is donated to charity.
Ame, SOMA
Ame is an elegant restaurant in the St. Regis Hotel. They serve Asian and Californian cuisine with a dining room that overlooks Mission Street. Ame also features a sashimi bar, open kitchen, and private dining room. The Staff Meal, cuttlefish noodles and sea urchin, is highly recommended.
La Folie, Russian Hill
This fine dining option serves big portions of French food with California influence. There are 3, 4, and 5 course fixed price options. The adjacent lounge is a great place to hang out and features a separate menu. The different dining rooms manage to make the large space feel intimate and welcoming.
House of Prime Rib, Nob Hill
This San Francisco staple was created in the style of an English men's club. The interior is decidedly "old-school" and features fireplaces in both dining rooms. The prime rib is baked in rock salt and carved tableside, and the chef comes around and asks if you want seconds. Sides and desserts include mashed potatoes, English trifle, and Yorkshire pudding.
Aspen New Year’s Eve
Aspen has always been considered a winter hot spot for the rich and the famous and as such, Aspen New Year’s Eve marks the pinnacle of the winter seasons’ celebrations. A New Year’s Eve destination filled with magic, snow, fur, champagne, fireworks and luxury, Aspen is known for turning out a truly unforgettable New Year’s Eve no matter what your celebration style prefers. New Year’s Eve in Aspen wouldn’t be complete without the fashion adorned socialites, celebrities, street parties, and copious amounts of champagne. Whether you’re actively participating or merely observing, Aspen does not disappoint as a place to ring in the New Year.
We’ve compiled a list of activities going on in Aspen on New Year’s Eve below.
Hope to see you there!
Two free fireworks shows over Aspen mountain (8:00 pm and 12:00 pm)
Free DJ and Bonfire at Wagner Park (8 – 12am)
New Year’s Eve Bash at Wheeler Opera House:
- With Marc Broussard
- Open bar, food, party favors
- $65 per person
Terrace Bar at the Little Nell: - DJ, dancing, free flowing champagne
- 9 pm to close - $175 per person
39 Degrees at the Sky Hotel: - 2 DJ’s, dance floors, food buffet, open bar - VIP 8pm - $350 - GA 10 pm - $275
Cantina: - Live music – “Roaring Fork Rag” - $25 cover
Rock the Ice Aspen New Year’s Party at the Silver City Ice Rink (CP Restaurant Group): - Tented, heated, top-shelf open bar, music, champagne, sweets - $250 per person
Escobar: - DJ, open bar, and party favors - $150 per person
The Regal New Year’s Eve Gala: - DJ Danimal, all-inclusive bar - $150 General Admission - 9:00 pm
The Limelight New Year’s Eve Party: - Bottomless Moet Chandon Champagne - Open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, DJ Cerius, dancing and an amazing view of the fireworks - $250 per person
The St. Regis New Year Midnight Supper: - 7 course dinner with Krug Chamagnes - $1000 per couple - 9:45 pm
Jimmy’s - Prix-Fixe: - 3 course 6 pm seating - $85 - 4 course 9 pm seating - $275
San Francisco Shopping Guide
San Francisco offers a ton of upscale shopping options. From high-end department stores and independent retailers to fine antiques, vintage clothing, and home decor - San Francisco has it all! Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf are the most obvious choices, but San Francisco has plenty of other neighborhoods that offer a variety of shopping experiences.
Union Square
The Ritz Carlton San Francisco Residence Club is located in Union Square, offering direct access to this amazing shopping center. There are high-end department stores such as Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, and a new Barney's CO-OP. The huge new Westfield Shopping Centre is definitely worth a visit.
Jackson Square
Go there for fine antiques, charming cafes, and showrooms. Those who are avid collectors of tribal rugs and antique silver will love Jackson Square. Stores are located in old brick buildings that date back to the Gold Rush.
The Marina District
This shopping destination features the biggest cluster of independent retailers, making it a great place to find unique items that aren't sold in department stores. Union Street and Chestnut Street are especially popular.
Hayes Valley
This neighborhood is located west of Civic Center. The shops are trendy and feature housewares, jewelry, and independent boutiques.
Cow Hollow
Cow Hollow refers to the valley that lies west of Van Ness, between Russian Hill and Presidio. It was cow country at one time, but is now a charming neighborhood with 7 blocks of shopping. The restored Victorian buildings are filled with shops that sell home furnishings, antiques, art, linens, books, specialty food, and custom clothing.
The Castro & Noe Valley
This is a major shopping destination that features men's clothing, high end home decor, and kitsch items. Just south of The Castro is Noe Valley, a charming neighborhood that offers specialty food stores, bookshops, women's clothing, and specialty gift stores.
North Beach
North Beach is like a smaller version of NYC's Greenwich Village. It's located near Washington Square and Columbus Avenue and offers small restaurants and cafes, antique shops, clothing, and vintage items.
Pacific Heights
One of San Francisco's wealthiest neighborhoods can be found here, at Fillmore and Sacramento Street. There are local clothing ateliers and luxury international brands.
Chinatown
The entrance to Chinatown is located at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, where you will find 24 blocks of shops, restaurants, and markets. Chinatown is a great place to get souvenirs.
The Mission
This hipster neighborhood has plenty of vintage finds, thrift stores, alternative bookstores, and delicious bakeries and cafes.
Japantown
Japantown consists of 3 blocks of shops. Most notable are the Kintetsu and Kinokuniya buildings, where you will find bonsai trees, jewelry, and antique kimonos.
SoMa
You can find discount outlets here (a rare occurrence in San Francisco) and shop at the Museum of Modern Art Gift Shop.
Embarcadero Center
Head downtown to the end of Market Street to shop at the upscale national chains found at the Embarcadero.
Fisherman's Wharf
This tourist attraction features Pier 39, the Anchorage, and Ghiradelli Square. There are shops and entertainment, and it's a great place to find souvenirs.
Vail Shopping Guide
Fashion
- Gorsuch: High end ski apparel, men/women/children's clothing, home decor
- Axel's: Cashmere, leather, shearling, European footwear, hand-tooled cowboy boots, accessories
- Bella Italia: C&C California, Charlotte Tarantola, Rich & Skinny, Minni Rose, Moschino, J Brand, Zoa, Prada
- Blitz: Anna Sui, Nanette Lepore, Tracy Reese, Nicole Miller, Yoana Baraschi, Trina Turk, additional independent designers
- Arriesgado Clothing Company: Free People, Virgin Saints and Angels, True Religion, Splendid, T-Bags, Bugatchi Uomo
- One Track Mind: Outerwear, clothing, boots, accessories
- Patagonia: Jackets, fleece, footwear, alpine accessories
- Cashmere Vail: Cashmere clothing and accessories
- Valleygirl: Affordable, fun women's fashion for the mountain chic individual
- Alaska Fur Gallery: Women's furs, shearlings, specialty outerwear; men/women's leathers and accessories; proclaine eskimo dolls
- Charm School Boutique : Designer clothing and accessories
- Colorado Footwear: Family owned shoe boutique featuring wide variety of footwear
- Designer Furs: Largest and oldest fur shop in Vail
- Due: High end Italian clothing; second store by Luca Bruno
- Kemosabe: Unique cowboy store; patrons can reserve a beer online and a cold beer would be waiting for you upon arrival; high-end boots, belt buckles, cowboy hats and more.
- Manrico Cashmere: Innovative uses of cashmere, bedsheets to sportswear
- Laughing Monkey: Men/women's clothing, jewelry, accessories
- Loro Piana: Men/women/children's fine wool and cashmere, leather goods, gifts
- Vail Boot & Shoe: Men/women/children's fashion shoes and apres ski boots
Accessories
- Alpine Eyewear: Fashion, sport, prescription
- The Balance Wheel: Fine watches, repair services
- Currents Fine Jewelers: Unique and original designs
- Eye Pieces of Vail: High end prescription, goggles, sunglasses, eyewear accessories
- Golden Bear: Fine jewelry, original handcrafted Golden Bear Design
- Hughes Precious Metals: Boutique of orignial and designer jewelry; full-service design studio and goldsmith
- J. Cotter Gallery: Contemporary jewelry by American and European designers
- Karats of Vail: Create fine jewelry
- Squash Blossom: High Karat gold and gemstones, Color Craft Storywheels
Gear
- Vail Sports
- Bag and Pack Shop: Outdoor clothing and equipment, Mountain Hardware, Patagonia, The North Face, Ugg
- Boot Lab Vail's original custom boot fitter for 30 years
- Burton: Demo decks, boots and bindings, outerwear, casual wear, accessories
- Vista Bahn Ski Rentals: Next to the lift and ski school
- Buzz's Boots and Boards
- Charter Sports: Ski and bike equipment
- Christy Sports: Rentals, repairs, equipment for sale, clothign
- Vail Mountain Adventure Center: Ski and snowboard equipment, bike rentals
- Cordillera Vail Golf Shop
- Tommy Bowers Ski Shop
- Surefoot: Ski book specialty store
- Off Piste Sports: Demo skis, fine sports and casual wear
- Pepi Sports: Ski wear, equipment, home furnishings, women's clothing and accessories
- Performance Sports: Latest technology in ski wear and equipment
Art Galleries and Home Decor
- Wilderness Wonders: Fine art, wildlife and nature photography
- Alaskan Shop: Native Canadian soapstone art, wildlife lithographs, Inuit carvings, Native American totem poles
- Clagett Rey Gallery: Collection of original paintings and sculptures; wildlife scenes, European style paintings; all by American artists
- Cogswell Gallery: Fine art, sculptures, jewelry, photography, antique and contemporary Native American pieces and Indigenous art
- Vail Village Art: Bronze, stone, stainless steel, fiber art, mixed media
- Vail Fine Art Gallery: American and international impressionist artists
- Demott Gallery: Renowned artists, landscape, wildlife, still life, figurative works
- Englishman Fine Art & Antiques
- Finishing Touch: Regional home decor
- Gateway Gallery: Contemporary and traditional paintings, graphics, sculptures
- Gore Creek Gallery: Plata and harmony Scott Jewelry collections; original fine art by local and national artists; rare books, maps, prints
- Hot House Flowers
- Master's Gallery: Winner of Vail Daily's Best of; fine art, sculpture, paintings; Janis Joplin, Alvar, Maya Eventov
- Pismo Contemporary Art Glass: Fine glass, beads, jewelry
Souvenirs
- Wild Bill's
- Annie's: High-end gift shop, tabletop and home accessories, gifts, cards, bath and body
- Charlie's T-shirt Shop: Screenprinting, embroidering
- Covered Bridge Store: Souvenirs, stationary, resort wear
- Maui Traders: Souvenirs, t-shirts, gifts
- Moose's Caboose
Souvenirs
- Wild Bill's
- Annie's: High-end gift shop, tabletop and homee accessories, gifts, cards, bath and body
- Charlie's T-shirt Shop: Screenprinting, embroidering
- Covered Bridge Store: Souvenirs, stationary, resort wear
- Maui Traders: Souvenirs, t-shirts, gifts
- Moose's Caboose