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Get your drink on in New Orleans with craft brewery and distillery tours

Deals of the Week: Valentine’s Specials!

Aspen Beyond the Glitter

The word “carnival” usually evokes images of Brazil, New Orleans or Trinidad. Uruguay’s carnival is less famous, but it’s the longest carnival in the world, lasting 40 days. This colorful event began on January 26, 2012, and continues through March. While most Uruguayan communities have some sort of Carnival celebration, the main action happens in the capital city of Montevideo.

Carnival History

During the middle of the 18th century, wealthy families from Montevideo imported slaves from different African nations. The masters gave their imported slaves one day to celebrate their cultural identity. The drum-based musical form called candombe evolved from these celebrations. These fiestas continued after the slaves were granted their freedom. Eventually, candombe styles merged with traditional Uruguayan music, thereby creating a unique blend of African and Uruguayan rhythms.

Comparsa

Groups of candombe players are called Comparsa. The carnival begins with all of the local comparsa parading from La Rambla or waterfront toward the streets of Montevideo. Scantily, albeit elaborately dressed dancers perform to the pulsating drum beat.These processions are called  llamadas or “calls.”

Men dominated the Comparsa culture until 2005, when La Melaza, a group of female candombe drummers entered the scene. A total of 78 women now form the group. Candombe performances might last for three hours. Since many of the women lack the upper body power necessary for competing with their male counterparts, they alternate explosive segments with mellow periods. The La Melaza group makes regular appearances at the Uruguay Carnival.

Murga

The Murga, consisting of 17 people, is another vital feature of the Uruguayan carnival.These groups write and perform a 45-minute piece of musical theater, which is often a parody of the year’s current events. Performances take place in clubs and theaters throughout Montevideo. Judges give prizes to the best group of performers. Pariodistas also perform impromptu political
parody. They dance through the streets and joke with the crowds on the sidelines.

The Carnival Museum

The Carnival Museum, located near the port market, or Puerto Mercado in Montevideo, offers a time travel experience into history of the carnival in Uruguay.  The museum shows the different carnival costumes and drums used throughout the century. While you are in the neighborhood, don’t miss the opportunity for lunch or dinner at Puerto Mercato, where the cooks grill beef, chicken and vegetables over an open fire.

Side Trip to Buenos Aires

Busquebus has boat service between Montevideo and Buenos Aires. The Buenos Aires carnival takes place over the weekends, between February and March. The parades last on Saturday from 7 pm till 2 am, and Sunday on 7 pm till midnight. On Friday evenings, the Amphitheater Eva Peron in Parque Centenario holds special carnival performances.

Murga is the main focus of the Buenos Aires carnival. Teams of political satirists perform acrobatic dance moves as they sing their songs and parade through the streets and perform on the stage. The performers, however, avoid scanty costumes and opt for shiny, colorful garments that resemble business suits. During the 1990s, a punk-rock group called Los Auténticos Decadentes developed their own, modernized version of Murga. They are now a regular feature at the Buenos Aires Carnival.

If You Go

You will arrive in Uruguay during summer, so bring your bathing suit. If the non-stop party scene of Montevideo lacks appeal, but you still want a taste of South American carnival, the coastal towns of Atlantida, Piriapolis and Punta del Este feature just a one-day parade

by Emily Monaco

Even before I moved to Paris, I’ve always felt a strong link to France. I’m not of French origin, but for some reason, throughout school French classes, watching French films and finally visiting Paris when I was 10 with my father, I’ve always thought that there was something about the country that was a visceral part of me. We learned about other parts of the former French empire in school — the French Antilles and Haiti — but I never felt the need to visit places like this as much as I did the “hexagon.”

I spent three years in France, living here and pretending that I was becoming as much a part of it as I had always felt it was part of me, but at the end of my time as an undergraduate, time ran out before I came up with a plan to stay, and so I crawled back to my native America. At the time, I felt defeated; little did I know that this forced repatriation would help foster my love for the rest of the Francophone world, particularly in America, with Quebec and Louisiana.

While in my Spanish classes, we learned just as much about Spain as we did about South America, no French teacher had ever extoled the virtues of the Acadian immigrants from France and their development of completely distinct Francophone societies in America… so, back in the States, I decided to do some research of my own, and I fell in love with what I found.

The first heartstring that was pulled was that of the music: a mix of country and folk from chez moi and the French language and words I’d always loved, Cajun music became my new background music. And the more I learned, the more I loved. I loved the joie de vivre in New Orleans, the spirit that allows them to throw a party at the drop of the hat. I loved some of the older French expressions that have made their way into the daily speech of Cajun speakers, phrases that are no longer uttered in France but have been preserved, changed, renewed over the course of four hundred years of independent development.

Perhaps more than anything else, a comparison of Carnavale in the two societies shows just how different the two Francophone populations are. I’ve been to Nicois Carnavale before; the city that’s closer to Italy than to Paris takes a cue from its neighbors in Venice for the celebration and parade. It’s a fun day out, a sort of updated version of the Festival des fous that was immortalized in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, but it’s nothing like the party that envelops New Orleans. Nice’s Carnavale, like other parades I’ve attended, always leaves me feeling like a bit of an outsider; in New Orleans, no matter who you are or where you come from, the second you cross into the French Quarter, you’re part of the party. The entire city seems to be covered in streamers and beads in bright colors; the soundrack of the town becomes cries of Laissez les bon temps rouler !

The French know how to have a good time; I’d never say anything to the contrary. The proof is in the pudding, after all; I have returned to the hexagon. But there’s something about New Orleans this time of year, even in their food: while the French choose the pale and demure galette des rois, a puff pastry masterpiece stuffed full of almond paste, Louisiana opts for a buttery brioche covered in icing and multicolored sugars, a cake as bright as their celebration. While both are delicious, just looking at New Orleans’ version reveals the differences in the ways that the two populations celebrate a good time — le bon temps.

Today we are featuring Glen Abbott, a freelance travel writer/photographer based in New Orleans. He covers motorcycle touring for Harley-Davidson’s HOG magazine, and writes a weekly column on New Orleans life and culture for www.nolavie.com. You can follow Glen on his blog at www.TravelinGringo.com.

You might not realize it from a stroll down Bourbon Street, but there’s more to New Orleans’ drinking scene than just Hurricanes, Hand Grenades, and Huge Ass Beers.

Locals and insiders know the city offers some high-quality alternatives to the mass-produced swill offered by mega-brewers and distillers – unless that’s what you’re looking for, of course (and lots of people must be, judging from the staggering amount – pardon the pun – of such beverages consumed here).

But if you’re looking for a break from the craziness, cacophony, and chaos of the French Quarter, here are a couple of suggestions, each just a short cab ride away: one is a microbrewery tour, the other a craft rum distillery. Both are places you can still get your drink on – through generous sampling opportunities – and you just may learn something in the process, if you haven’t already destroyed too many valuable brain cells.

by Jenn and Hannah Miller

Rolling into NOLA during Mardi Gras, the day of the Saints’ Superbowl Parade with a van full of kids might not seem like the height of good family travel planning, and to tell the truth, it wasn’t. It was a complete accident! Nonetheless, it was one of the best travel experiences our family has had and one our kids are not likely to forget!

Where to Stay

There are lots of options in NOLA and most of them are either booked solid or extremely pricey during Mardi Gras. Our favorite option, no matter where in the world we’re traveling is to rent a house or an apartment. When we discovered that fully furnished & equipped rentals were available anywhere in the world for far less than a hotel stay with our four kids, it revolutionized our travel experience. FlipKey has 24 rentals available in New Orleans, in case you were wondering! Whether you’re a family of two or ten, you’ll find one that fits! The ability to cook for yourself, is an added money saving bonus with kids!

Stuck on what to get your Valentine this year? How about a romantic weekend away with nothing but privacy, relaxation, and your loved one? Pack up your box of chocolates and allow these deals to warm your heart for Valentine’s Day.

15% off your total stay

Take a Scottish getaway with your significant other and relax in the Mount lodge log cabin. The red cedar bath, large walk in shower, and heart shaped wash basins will add the perfect touch for your romantic time away.

20% off your total stay

This Portuguese beach house has everything you need for a romantic weekend away. Enjoy candlelit dinners overlooking the ocean, take a quick dip in your private swimming pool just before bed, and let the relaxation sink in.

10% off your total stay

Head to the privacy of this Tuscan Villa le Capanne and be swept away by the beauty of the surrounding nature. Enjoy a glass of wine from your private pool as you and your loved one gaze at the magnificent sunset.

25% off your total stay

Cozy up at the base of the San Juan Mountains and enjoy an area perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. A hiker’s dream and skiier’s paradise, this country home will leave you charmed. After a day of adventure take advantage of the on site hot tub and massage.

20% off your total stay

This luxury condo is ideal for two ski-bunnies looking for a romantic and ski filled vacation. Delight in the convenience of being only a short walk away from the chair lift with two free ski passes.

Thanks to Brenda P, who submitted this great Big Bear Lake photo via Facebook. This photo was taken on a summer hike where travelers are able to take the chair lift to the summit where there is a BBQ and lots of cold drinks.  If you are feeling up to it you can then hike down the mountain. Have a wonderful weekend!

If you’re like me you get the winter blues by mid-February. A mid-winter escape has long been part of my annual travel schedule and Valentine’s Day creates the perfect excuse (if you need one!) to grab the Love of your life and run away for a few days, or a few weeks! Here are five suggestions to put a little heat in your blood!

This Valentine’s Day, celebrating couples (or anyone, really) can feed their love of chocolate the ethical way with fair trade and organic chocolate. For the uninitiated, “fair trade” refers to goods that are produced under fair labor standards and with workers receiving fair wages at all stages of the process. Since cacao only grows well in tropical climates, it’s important that standards are in place so that we can trust in the process from afar. “Organic” refers to the lack of harmful chemicals used in the growing process. Both standards are worth considering when selecting the best chocolatey gift for your loved one.

Consider taking your valentine on a tour of a socially responsible chocolate manufacturer. In Seattle, Theo Chocolate makes organic, fair trade treats. Take a tour any day of the week for $6, and learn about where the cacao comes from, the difference between milk chocolate and dark chocolate, how chocolate is tempered, how truffles are made, and more. Then taste test all the varieties of chocolate in the store, and buy your sweetie his or her favorite bar.

Based in San Francisco, TCHO is a socially responsible business dedicated to a “no slavery” policy in sourcing its cacao. This company offers free daily tours of its factory, where you can learn about TCHO’s partnerships with farmers and how the raw beans turn into chocolate bars. Afterwards, visit the factory store for chocolate drinks and samples.

In Boston (Somerville, to be exact), Taza Chocolate makes organic chocolate and is committed to other environmentally sustainable standards. Factory tours are offered five days a week for $5 per person, but note that you will only see chocolate being made during weekday tours. Compare tastes with the free samples in the store, and then buy your date some artisanal treats.

And in Brooklyn, New York, the Mast Brothers Chocolate factory gives tours for about $10. Mast Brothers partners with small, cooperative farms that produce organic cacao. The end result is artfully packaged bars that make beautiful gifts, as well other fresh treats that you can try at the tasting room, open six days a week.

Besides factory tours, you could also attend chocolate tastings in other settings. Look for events that pair beer and chocolate, or wine and chocolate, to bring bliss to your taste buds and minds during your Valentine’s Day date.

During San Francisco Beer Week this year, the schedule includes plenty of chocolate-themed events, especially since the festival overlaps with Valentine’s Day. Sign up for an event where you can make your own chocolates using ingredients brought from home, or pair TCHO chocolate with craft beer and artisanal cheese.

In New York City on February 9, d.b.a. and Mast Brothers are coming together for a craft beer and artisanal chocolate tasting event. The creative mixtures of bitter, sweet, salty, nutty, and fruity flavors on your palates will give you and your sweetheart something deep to discuss.

Or, if you can’t find a chocolate tasting near you, consider hosting your own chocolate tasting to educate yourself and friends about the most ethical ways to produce and buy chocolate. This guide from the Global Cocoa Project includes details on how to pair wine and chocolate and how to engage all of your sense while tasting chocolate.

Joanna Eng is a New York-based writer and editor who covers travel, green living, food, careers, entrepreneurship, and more. Her travel experiences have ranged from hostel hopping in Mexico to staying with distant relatives in China to renting a beach apartment in New Jersey.

Today we are featuring Tim Breunig, a Big Bear Lake expert. Tim Breunig, with his wife Tamara, is co-owner of the United Wood Craftsmen Gallery. Tim’s blog, explorebigbearlake.com is a current and up-to-date look at shopping, dining, events for Big Bear Lake Getaway and Leisure Travel Visitors.

Big Bear Lake gets a lot of mention on southland TV news in the way of snow and ski conditions in the winter months but what you don’t hear about, and that consistently surprises many visitors, is just how much there is to do here that is not related to winter sports. A virtual Getaway Paradise in your own backyard, perfect for families and couples looking for clean air and blue skies in a lakeside alpine forest environment less than 3 hours driving from San Diego or Los Angeles.

Getting to Big Bear Lake from anywhere in Southern California is easy by car on one of the 3 highways into the Bear Valley. For pilots, Big Bear Lake has a 5000 foot runway at its Municipal Airport. The drive from San Bernardino or Redlands is absolutely inspiring as you climb in altitude from the coastal desert landscape to the heavily treed alpine forest. Big Bear Lake is located in the Bear Valley of the San Bernardino Mountains and sits at more than 6,700 feet above sea level. More than 18,000 people call the Bear Valley home.

A great place for the outdoor enthusiast, Big Bear offers visitors great Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Biking, Kayaking and Standup Paddle Boarding. Think you can paddle with the best? Then don’t miss the annual Big Bear Lake Paddlefest in late July. If you’re looking for a little less demanding experience on the lake, try a paddlewheel boat tour or rent your own boat at Pine Knot Marina  located on the lake’s south shore, in the Village.

If you’re considering when to visit Big Bear, you need to know that the busiest months are July and August for sure. However, the really great weather starts in early June and really runs well into late October and even early November. So if a little less stress and more choices and enjoyment are important, I would recommend booking your getaway in the off-peak months, June, September and October.

The Changing Face of Big Bear’s Alpine Experience

Copper Q Shop

Shopping has really never been better than today in the Village, Big Bear Lake’s retail shopping and dining district. With its many shops, galleries and restaurants, the Village offers something for everybody and there’s always lots of free parking in the Bartlett and Indian Village public parking lots.

Big Bear Lake destination events start this year in May with the Amgen Tour of California Stage 6 Finish, The Big Bear Climb. June is the Big Bear Lake Summer Jazztrax Festival, a 2 day music event held on the beach at the Marina Resort in the Village. In July events include the Pine Knot Village Artwalk, Big Bear Lake Paddlefest and the Chili Cook Off.

August events are the Big Bear Lake Classic Car Show and the Cowboy Gathering. In September Big Bear Lake is home to Southern California’s premiere International Film Festival and October is Big Bear’s 42 annual Oktoberfest Celebration.

When it comes to dining out, Big Bear Lake has a number of fine restaurants to choose from. In the Village, Big Bear’s Best includes the Peppercorn Grill, The Himalayan, El Jacalito and Sweet Basil Bistro.

Black Diamond Tavern

Big Bear Lake’s newest and most exciting dining experience is the Black Diamond Tavern on Moonridge Rd. Proprietors Daniel and Jessica Miller have brought their considerable restaurant and food service skills and applied them well at their new restaurant. Redefining the Big Bear Lake dining experience, the Black Tavern’s dining rooms have a comfortable, warm and relaxed décor and there is a sharp focus on service and detail. The seasonal comfort food menu and extensive wine list is perfect for Big Bear and the Cocktail Bar is maybe the best on the mountain. I recommend reservations at any restaurant on the weekends or if you are on a schedule.

Some of Big Bear’s newer offerings include Wine Tasting at Le Dolce Vita Tasting Room and Cocktails at Club Bombay both in the Village and both offering live entertainment on the weekends. New for kids is the Big Bear Funplex with games, laser tag and rides for the little ones.

California has more to offer than sun and beaches; so grab your snowboards and skis and head to mountains layered in snow. From Big Bear Lake to Mammoth, these California deals provide the convenience of comfort and location for you and the family to put some fresh tracks in the powder this winter.

10% off total stay!

Residing in Upper Moonridge by Big Bear Lake, this home offers exceptional on property sledding in addition to the nearby ski slopes. Warm up at the end of the day by star gazing from the hot tub and lounging in this award winning property.

$200 off President’s Day Weekend stay!

Snowshoe right out the door into a Winter Wonderland.  This family friendly cabin is a short drive to the slopes and ideal for a President’s Day getaway. The hardwood floors and fireplaces complete the cozy cabin feel needed after a day in the snow.

$100 off per night!

This luxury condo is part of the Chamonix complex at Mammoth Lakes, moments away from the chair lifts. Rest by the fireplace or soak in one of the complex’s three outdoor jacuzzis to ease those aches and pains after a great day on the mountain.