october 23, 2009

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Jan Gets a Blog!
I realized one of my long-time goals and launched my Girl on the Go blog covering travel-related news, events in Atlanta and relationships. Check out other blogs from travelgirl contributors here.

Ghost Sightings?

I just returned from the enchanting city of Santa Fe, where I stayed at La Posada, which had been featured on a Travel Channel show "Mysteries of Route 66." Part of the hotel is a converted Victorian home that had originally been built for Julia Staab by her husband. Her ghost has been seen on occasion and I stayed in the Julia Staab suite, the room where she spent the last years of her life. I actually kind of hoped to see her, but I had no such ghostly experience. I would have settled for a sighting of Robert Downey Jr. though. He was staying there while filming a movie called "Due Date." http://laposada.rockresorts.com/

Fall Colors in NYC

I always love a clever hotel package and this one from Jumeirah Essex House follows the theme of the colors of fall: Yellow is two glasses of champagne; red is access to view from Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center; brown is a Bloomingdale's 15% shopping pass and orange is a picnic in the park featuring carrot cake cupcakes from Crumbs Bake Shop. Good through December 20, the package includes a room upgrade and starts at $560 a night. www.jumeirahessexhouse.com

One Paid,
One Free

I may need to check this one personally – the Royal Hideaway Playacar, an all-inclusive, all-adult Mexican resort on the Yucatan Peninsula is offering a free night for every night you stay through December 22. In addition to six a la carte restaurants to choose from, the resort has cooking classes, free Wi-Fi, high tea every afternoon and a spa. You have to book by November 10, and rates start at $300 per person. http://www.royalhideaway.com/

Girls Getaway –
to Bermuda

Get a two-hour ritual at The Spa at Elbow Beach and a wine and cheese tasting with the restaurant sommelier with the "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" package at the Mandarin Oriental at Elbow Beach, Bermuda. Also included is breakfast, dinner at Seahorse Grill and a fourth night free if you stay three. Rates start at $430 per person, double occupancy. http://www.mandarinoriental.com/bermuda/

pick of
the week

Take a chill pill. On your next trip that is. This small mini travel speaker is so cute and gives great sound. It's only about 2" x 4" so packs easily and it separates into two speakers. They work on a rechargeable battery and will last for about six hours, or you can use an AC adaptor. $39.99 at www.smalldog.com