January 21-23 Foodie Activities for Adults and Kids in NYC

Kids Food Festival: At this weekend’s Kids Food Festival at Citi Pond in Bryant Park, Chefs Jehangir Mehta, Sam Talbot, Ben Pollinger and David Burke join other food personalities to present culinary demonstrations and offer healthy samples designed to educate parents and kids about the importance of making balanced food choices. The festival will engage families through fun activities such as the “Balanced Plate Scavenger Hunt” influenced by the USDA ChooseMyPlate.gov guidelines, a puppet show, and the “Silly Workout.” General admission is free from 10am-6pm on January 21 and 22, but tickets are required for cooking demos and other chef events. Festival partners are the James Beard Foundation and Share Our Strength. To purchase tickets or for information, www.kidsfoodfestival.com. Bryant Park, Sixth Avenue, between 42^nd and 41^st streets.

Mehtaphor’s Global Dinner Series: Chef Jehangir Mehta launches a unique concept this week at New York City’s Mehtaphor—the global New Year dinner series. Chef Mehta and his amazing culinary team will be creating menus influenced by New Year celebrations of various cultures worldwide. The series kicks off with a celebration of the “Year of the Dragon” with a Chinese-inspired New Year feast on Monday, January 23. The six-course wine-pairing menu is as eclectic as the dishes found in Mehta’s Graffiti and Mehtaphor restaurants, including cucumber ginger slaw with lychee granita, sesame scallion shrimp with chickpea bitter gould, a crab almond roll with chili reduction, garlic tomato pork dumplings, persimmon green chili duck with bok choi, and a chocolate steamed bun with red bean ice cream. In addition to providing detailed descriptions of each sweet and savory dish, Chef Mehta will share the pairing rationale for each of the evening’s six wines, which include selections from Italy, France, Austria and Spain. The prix fixe menu is available for $75 per person. Seatings are from 5:30-11pm. 130 Duane Street; 212-542-9440; http://mehtaphornyc.com

Free Winter Whale Watching Trip from Solmar Hotels in Los Cabos

Now that the weather has changed from freakishly temperate to ridiculously freezing, I am lusting for a beautiful warm-weather vacation in a favorite location. Perhaps it’s my most recent cuisine encounters at the new Agua Fresca in Harlem or the new Toloache on the Upper East Side, but I can’t seem to get Mexico off my mind. In my last post about my visit to Los Cabos, I mentioned how unfortunate it was that I didn’t have time to go on a whale-watching trip.

I guess the Solmar folks read my lament, as they now have an offer that’s designed to ensure my quick return. The “Whale Watching Special,” a bonus for guests who book five or more nights at any of the five all-suite Solmar hotels, gives a chance to view the hundreds of whales that settle into their “snowbird” home around the Baja Peninsula. Included are tickets for two adults and two children to an intimate whale watching tour where spouting (when the whales exhale air) and breaching (when the whales leap out of the water and dive back in) are the order of the day. The special is available for travel through March 31, 2012. Call 1-800-344-3349 or visit www.solmar.com for reservations or more information.

How to Keep the Pounds off When Traveling: Eat Well and Smart

Travel and Food Notes welcomes guest blogger Judie Fein, author of LIFE IS A TRIP: The Transformative Magic of Travel, www.GlobalAdventure.us.

Five pounds, ten days. That’s what happened to me on a trip to Puerto Rico. I couldn’t help it. The food and I were both there, and we met, in tropical environments, under moonlit skies, with balmy breezes, fluttering palm trees and no scale in sight. The food was offered, and I consumed. Shamelessly. Often.

Rather than launching into a cautionary tale about what can happen to roving foodies, let me reference Puerto Rico as an example: devouring yucca and malanga chips that are placed in the middle of the table with tomato and mango-laced salsa; eating mofongo (roasted and mashed plantains topped with anything from chicken to lobster), duck breast with daikon radish, Caribbean paella, or a slice of 26-layer chocolate cake. Still not convinced? How about vanilla sour cream sorbet, sweet yucca corn bread or multiple servings of a seasonal pistachio coquito cocktail made with rum, coconut cream, cinnamon and milk?

So what is a hungry human with a normal waistline to do? The answer is: say “yes” to most things, consume other things in moderation, and just say “no” to those things that push you over the top. You know what the “yes” foods are—reasonable amounts of protein and fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and all those other comestibles on the food pyramid or the food plate or whatever is the latest icon of foods that are good for you.

What can you consume in moderation? Grains (whole, preferably), dairy, a little wine, a sorbet here and a chocolate treat there. What should cause you to shake your head from side to side? More than one drink, bread and butter that are served while you wait for your meal, deep-fried foods, anything cooked and served in its own body fat, heaps of rice, mounds of potatoes, clumps of cheese, breakfast pastries, and more than an occasional dessert. In fact, the best strategy is to decline the dessert menu or, better yet, excuse yourself and leave the table before desserts come.

And when you come home, your scale will thank you for your restraint. You’ll be proud of your ability to travel, really enjoy food, and respect your body enough to be the gatekeeper for whatever enters it. But if you have tried to practice moderate consuming on the road and failed, if your trips are movable feasts with increasing girth, then come home, cut the carbs, savor your salads, drink a lot of water, omit sweets, and soon you will be ready to hit the road and practice restraint again.

January Restaurant Week in NYC: It's Time to Try Out Some New Places

From January 16-February 10, New York City restaurants are on sale with three-course prix fixe dining for $24.07 for lunch and $35 for dinner at a wide array of Manhattan restaurants. I've booked five reservations thus far. Care to join me? Reservations and information.

Valentine's Day in Fiji: Two Free Nights at Namale Resort & Spa

Travel is my favorite Valentine's Day gift, and with the cold weather descending in a major way tomorrow, I'm hoping for something warm (and romantic). The uber-romantic, all-inclusive Namale Resort & Spa in Fiji has a Holiday Romance Package that has me swooning. The resort encompasses all the things dreams are made of: gorgeous, sexy locale; 19 private villas and bures (bungalows); small, intimate setting; and dedicated service by its more than 120 staff who will treat you like any of the celebrities who frequently hide there.

Starting at $975 per night, based on double occupancy, you and your sweetie will enjoy seven nights for the price of five with all meals and beverages (including mini-bar), round-trip airport transfers, daily laundry service (amazing!), complimentary fitness center, hydrotherapy center at the spa, and indoor entertainment center. If you want to be busy, there's kayaking, snorkeling, waterfall hikes, movie theater, horseback riding, and even bowling (yes, seriously). And did I mention the spa? Pick an indoor or outdoor locale for your massage as you're transported into a world where time is meaningless. Delicious.

Namale Resort celebrates Valentine's Day through the end of February (a great idea) February 28, 2012. http://www.namalefiji.com/ 1-800-727-3454

Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve 2012 in New York City

I love the app MyCityWay. It's a great resource for finding fun things to do in 40 different cities (so far, with more to come).

Thanks to them, I've cherry-picked some of the most classic and most unusual things to do tomorrow night in the City:

Times Square: This is the mother of all New Year’s Eve events. An estimated one million people descend upon Times Square each year with more than a billion watching throughout the world. Revelers arrive around 4 p.m., opening ceremonies commence at 6 p.m., and then musical performances and celebrity appearances take over until the ball drops at midnight. Mayor Bloomberg gets to invite whoever he wants to help drop the ball: this year it’s everyone’s favorite, Lady Gaga.

Here's the schedule so you can watch on TV if you're not crazy enough to go to Times Square

Webster Hall: America’s first nightclub, Webster Hall has 126 years of party experience. The legendary Village venue has four dance floors, six rooms and four massive floors to celebrate. But the main reason thousands of people choose to ring in the New Year here is for the world’s largest balloon drop. Oh yeah, in case you’re bored, there will also be aerial performances, fire displays, and a performance by Nero after hours. 12 East 11th Street, New York City.

Madame Tussauds: Located a mere block away from the ball drop, the party here will be full of food, cocktails, and 200 life-size wax figures of celebrities. Madame Tussauds will host a live DJ, themed rooms and 85,000 square feet of party space to help you mingle with Miley Cyrus, Diddy, Robert Pattinson, Madonna and many more. 234 West 42nd Street, New York City.

Murray Hill’s Annual NYE Extravaganza at the Knitting Factory Brooklyn: Williamsburg's the destination for debauchery done right. The Knitting Factory will be full of booze and burlesque babes, and the event’s host, Mr. Murray Hill, will be keeping the laughs going all night long. 361 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, 347-529-6696, Tickets $25-$100.

1st Annual New Year’s Eve Comedy Festival at AMC 34th Street: 2011 hasn't been the easiest of years. So why not say goodbye with a good laugh? I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the new year's arrival. $55 general admission, 312 West 34th Street, New York City.

Deadmau5 Unhooked at Pier 36: Love electronic music? Break out your glowsticks because the comically costumed dance-master is taking over the three-tiered 64,000 square-foot pier. General admission with four-hour premium open bar costs $215. 299 South Street, New York City.

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden: This historic beer hall in Astoria, Queens knows how to ring in 2012 with a buffet and bierhaus bang. 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, 718-274-4925. $90-$100 per person; $160-180 per couple.

Best Travel Ideas for 2012: I Want Your Thoughts

In preparation for the travel year ahead -- so far, Cuba, Boston, Thailand, and Sicily are in the works -- I'd love to know what you'd like to hear about. Travel? Food? What else is on your mind? Write your comments here or send me a tweet to @merylpearlstein or leave a Facebook post at MDP Publicity.

Best Places for Chanukah Meals in Manhattan

I'm not one to grate potato latkes or slave over a brisket for an entire day as part of my Chanukah celebration. But I am all about the eight days of Menorah lighting, playing dreidl with the kids, and enjoying a fabulous meal. For me, the latter means taking it to the streets, that is, to some of the best restaurants in Manhattan.

Here's where I'll be going for Chanukah (December 20-28):

Toloache/Yerbabuena:
Chef Julian Medina adds a spicy spin on the holiday classics with his impressive Mexican Hanukkah menu. Served at all four of his restaurant, Toloache 50, the new Toloache 82, Yerba Buena Avenue A, and Yerba Buena Perry, the special menu will be available for all eight days of Hanukkah with amazing dishes like the Latkes Trio (potato jalapeño, zucchini, and Mexican ricotta) and Tacos de Brisket, Bohemia braised tacos with tomatillo salsa options. The Pollo Marrakesh entrée paired with the Hanukkah Margarita, made with Mexican chocolate-infused Herradura Reposado and strawberries and agave nectar, are reasons alone for indulgence. To top off the entire experience, enjoy the Mexican Sufganivot dessert of donuts filled with dulce de leche. Toloache 50, 251 W 50th Street, 212.581.1818; Toloache 82, 166 E 82nd Street, 212.861.4505; Yerba Buena Avenue A, 23 Avenue, 212.529.2919; Yerba Buena Perry, One Perry Street, 212.620.0808

Neely’s Barbecue Parlor: A sweet and edgy blend of brown-sugared sour cream and bourbon-spiked applesauce tops off Executive Chef Wade Burch’s Sweet Potato Latkes at the new Neely’s Barbecue on the Upper East Side. For the eight nights of Hanukkah, you’ll get your fix of eight Sweet Potato Latkes for only $8.88. This unique take on the traditional latke transforms sweet potatoes into golden-brown, slightly crispy patties on the outside, while keeping the soft consistency we all love, on the inside. 1125 First Avenue, 212.832.1551

Brooklyn Diner: Free Latkes! At this Manhattan favorite for upscale comfort and diner food, complimentary potato pancakes will be served throughout the eight days of Chanukah, with your choice of sour cream or applesauce. At both West-side locations, you will find absolutely scrumptious Jewish-American classic dishes. From the Smoked Fish platter of Nova Scotia Salmon and Sturgeon to the hand-carved Hot Pastrami, you’ll find plenty of choices for a holiday feast. 212 W 57th Street (between Broadway and 7th Avenue, 212.977.1957; 155 W 43rd Street (between Broadway and 6th Avenue), 212.265.5400

Celebrating Chanukah with Beer in Oregon and Restaurants in NYC

I’ve been writing about all the wonderful New York City Chanukah dining feasts on www.allny.com, but there are others happening throughout the country that deserve mention as well. My favorite of all has to be this one at the Lompoc Brewery in Portland, Oregon. In honor of the Eight Nights of Chanukah, they are introducing 8 Malty Nights, specially brewed for the celebration. I would have never associated beer with Chanukah, but why not? Better still, it’s in partnership with Shmaltz Brewing Co. of New York (gotta love the name of that one), and they’re offering yet another brilliantly named brew Jewbelation 15 anniversary ale, celebrating 15 years of the brewery with 15 robust malts, 15 unique hops, and a striking 15% ABV. I think they should be offering a Jewbelation 8 as well for the holiday and for those of us with lower tolerance.

On Saturday, the Green Dragon in Portland holds the "Chanukah vs. Christmas: The Royale of Beers." From the Shmaltz camp, the line-up is: Jewbelation 15; Genesis 15:15, a 13.4% barley wine brewed with pomegranates, figs, dates and grapes and aged for 9 months in Sazerac Rye barrels; Hop Manna Test Batch #2, Shmaltz's new unreleased IPA; Vertical Jewbelation, a barrel-aged blend of all seven Jewbelation recipes; and Geektoberfest, a blend of seven beers from Shmaltz, Ithaca and Captain Lawrence that served as the official beer for New York Craft Beer Week.

Christmas contenders include 2010 Franc'ly Brewdolph, a Belgian red aged for one year in Cabernet Franc barrels; Cherry Christmas, a blend of four different unique beers; Old Tavern Rat, a dark, amber colored barley wine aged for nearly a year prior to its release; and Bourbon Barrel Aged C-sons Greetings, a deep copper colored beer with caramel and resinous hop notes that was aged in Heaven Hill Bourbon barrels.

December Festivities at the Royal Sonesta in Cambridge, Massachusetts

In the spirit of the holiday season, the Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston has designed a wonderful itinerary of events and activities for family members of all ages. Located in the heart of Cambridge, along the left bank of the Charles River, the hotel makes for a beautiful mix of culture and flair, especially during December. Spectacular city views, beautiful art, wonderful dining, and amazing hotel offerings mark this as one of Boston’s most comprehensive luxury hotels… and the place to celebrate the holidays with your significant other, or with the family.

The hotel wants you to feel like one of the Sonesta family and is offering special “Home for the Holidays” rates to keep you pampered (and sane) while you spend time with your family. Rooms start at a super-low $119 per night per room, and the hotel promises to cater to all of your family needs.

For the grown-ups in your party, cocktail-making classes will be offered every Friday in December, under the guidance of Troy Clarke, the hotel’s über-talented Director of Food and Beverage. Classes are $20/person for ages 21+ and include lessons on how to design the perfect holiday cocktail (think hot toddy’s, rum cocktails and spiked coffees). Complimentary appetizers keep the creative juices flowing. The classes are open to novice mixologists as well as those more experienced and guarantee a lively time for all. Reservations are required.

The Sonesta never loses sight of its younger guests at any time of the year, and the hotel’s holiday activities will put a sweet smile on their faces as well. Sundays in December from 10am-Noon will find kids up to their figurative elbows in colorful frostings and trimming as they decorate cookies in their own special way. Prices are $10/child, or free for children aged 3 and under.

The traditional Christmas brunch and dinner offered at the riverview ArtBar is perfect for small and large appetites, with a full holiday buffet or a la carte brunch selections. Christmas dinner features a variety of chef specials. Christmas Brunch is $50/adults and $24/children. Reservations are required for Christmas Dinner. 617-806-4122.

Park the car in the hotel’s garage, settle in for a luxe evening, and enjoy the hotel’s lavish New Year’s Eve festivities without worrying about driving home afterwards. A six-course Chef’s tasting menu and live musical entertainment set the stage to usher in 2012. Dinner is priced at $65 per person, with a wine pairing menu offered for $90 per person. Seating will be available from 6-10pm and reservations are required.

Further details are available at www.sonesta.com. 617.806.4250

Celebrate, Shop and Be Charitable at Winter's Eve - Time Warner Center and Lincoln Square, November 28

If you’re a holiday (and shopping) junkie, here’s yet one more night to celebrate, Monday November 28, and kick your holiday charity-giving into gear. There will be lots of food (as if you haven’t had enough this weekend), plus free entertainment and lots of good holiday energy. Monday night is Winter’s Eve night in Lincoln Square, Manhattan.

The 12^th annual Winter’s Eve, sponsored by Time Warner, kicks off at 5:30pm with a performance by Arlo Guthrie and the Newark Boys Chorus, followed by the Upper West Side traditional neighborhood tree lighting ceremony at Dante Park (Broadway & 63^rd St). Events will continue throughout the night along Broadway from the Time Warner Center to 68^th St.

The best of all musical genres will be featured throughout the night, from performances by Big Apple Circus and various school groups including the LaGuardia High School Show Choir at the Time Warner Center, jazz artist Catherine Russell at the American Folk Art Museum, and rhythm and blues bassist Christian McBride at the West Side Apple Store. Don’t miss the live ice sculpting by the father-son design team of Okamoto Studio in front of the Time Warner Center on at Columbus Circle.

One of the best events of the evening is the signature dish sampling by Lincoln Square’s favorite restaurants, with dishes priced from only $1 to $5 each. The stellar line-up includes A Voce, Bar Masa, Ed’s Chowder House, Francesco’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, La Boite en Bois, Luce Restaurant & Enoteca, Magnolia Bakery, P.J. Clarke’s and others. Tastings will also be held in front of the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle from 6-8:30pm.

Some of the activities throughout the evening, catering to both children and adults, include Arts & Crafts with the Big Apple Circus on the 2^nd floor of the Time Warner Center, a World Dance presentation by Dance Parade, Inc, and free admission to The American Folk Art Museum’s 9/11 National Tribute Quilt & Super Star exhibition.

Most Lincoln Square retailers, including all stores at the Time Warner Center and many on Broadway, will remain open late for the night, offering special values and holiday features for this Monday evening only (much better than Black Friday or Cyber Monday).

The New York Cares Coat Drive asks you to bring any new or used coats to the event. The annual coat drive is in particular need of children’s coats and large men’s coats this season.

All in all, this is a great way to morph one holiday into the next. For more information and entertainment listings check out: www.winterseve.org or call 212.581.3774.

Happy Thanksgiving: Dining Tips to Keep You Healthy during the Holidays

Travel and Food Notes welcomes guest blogger Sarah Wickline. Continuing our tradition of providing tips for staying food-sane and calorie-healthy during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, Sarah shares her tips for healthy dining survival.

Great food on the road

The holidays are here, which means many of your meals will be enjoyed with family and friends. It also means a lot of travel for some, which can also lead to bad food. You probably already have plenty of easy dinner recipes, but what about finding good food on the road? Follow these tips to make sure you don’t find yourself underwhelmed during your holiday travels this year.

Preparation is key

There are two ways to eat well while travelling: Being spontaneous or making a detailed plan beforehand. The former used to be harder when all you had to rely on were suggestions from locals or the concierge. They might have sent you in the right direction, but what if your taste didn’t match theirs? Nowadays, technology makes it easy to find great food almost anywhere. If you’re a smartphone user, there are many apps like Yelp and Urbanspoon that also have web versions, so you can also plan ahead if you don’t feel like researching on the go. Crowdsourcing is the surefire way to make sure you dine at tried and true restaurants during your travels.

Leftover goodness

Homemade goodies can still fit into your travel plan, even leftovers. Holiday food is almost as good on the go as it was straight from the oven. Thanksgiving food is perfect for the road. Make a turkey sandwich with cranberry spread. Pumpkin pie is as good chilled as it is warm.

Create a balance

When you’re traveling, it’s easy to get stuck in the same routine, so use the holidays as inspiration to keep the rest of your travels more balanced. You’re naturally going to be eating more home-cooked food around this time of year. There’s no reason you can’t make that happen the rest of the year. Make a New Year’s resolution to find lodging with a kitchenette and start making your own food while on the go!

I Miss Basketball: How to Get Your Basketball Fix while Staying at Home

If you're like the fan in this picture (who probably travels to cities around the country as I do), you're probably Jonesing for some basketball right about now. Given that no games are likely in the near future, how about watching some movies to fill in the blanks?

Here are some of my favorites:

White Men Can't Jump -- (1992), Larry Bird would certainly disagree with the title of this comedy with all-star performances by Woody Harrelson, Wesley Snipes and Rosie Perez.

Coach Carter -- (2005), a touching success story starring Samuel L. Jackson as the phenomenal high school coach who transformed a team by putting education first.

Hoosiers -- (1986), Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper bring to life this story of teamwork and spirit.

And, lastly, for kids of all ages,

Like Mike -- (2002), a fun basketball romp with Bow Wow, Eugene Levy, Morris Chestnut as the NBA star... and real all-stars like Allen Iverson.

Los Cabos: A Perfect Vacation at Land's End

I’m in love with Los Cabos, Mexico – the beach, the iconoclastic arch, the town, the craziness of Cabo Wabo and the three oceanfront Solmar Hotels & Resorts within walking distance to town (a real plus compared to some of the other resorts in the area). The setting on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula feels like you’re at the end of the world, and the views are world class. Looking straight out onto the Pacific Ocean where it meets the Sea of Cortez, you could opt to stay and chill from gorgeous sunrise to gorgeous sunset without leaving the pool or your terrace. But there are lots of other things to do nearby like whale watching, kayaking or snorkeling around Los Arcos, or negotiating for fab silver or handicrafts en El Centro. Sadly, swimming isn’t one of them here, as only a few areas in Los Cabos offer safe access to the ocean which is otherwise characterized by riptides and rogue waves.

Opened just a few months ago, the five-star Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa commands a privileged location as close to Land’s End and the arch as you can get, with a blend of old-world architecture and royal garden landscaping. The resort is all about pampering with beachside massage cabanas, welcome massages, butler service, luxury transportation and fine dining at La Roca International Restaurant. Luxury accommodations in private suites, complete with kitchen, marble flooring and a private balcony overlooking the sparkling surf and white sand beaches. The vistas from the outdoor decks are magnificent with water surrounding you on virtually all sides.

Similarly set behind granite cliffs, and just a few minutes down the beach from its newest sibling, the Solmar Resort creates a romantic ambiance that is serene and intimate, with outdoor massage tents by the pool and whitewashed adobe buildings. The first of the Solmar properties in Cabo, this resort has a high loyalty factor and is revered for its open-air restaurant, sushi bar and quiet pool ambiance. Open fire pits are evening gathering places for marshmallow roasts and nearby private on-the-beach dining.

Just a few minutes’ walk further down the beach is Solmar’s Mexican hacienda-style resort, Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa on eight acres of beach. Recently named one of the Top 35 Resorts in Mexico in the Condé Nast Traveler “Readers Choice Awards,” the four-star resort, Playa Grande has multiple restaurants, themed dinner nights, and a lively lounge to keep you busy. From a variety of variously placed pool and rooftop seating areas, you can see both the quiet Pacific Ocean and Los Cabos harbor with its many boats and sea-going excursions. The resort’s Repêchage Spa is world-class. There’s nothing more divine, in my opinion, than the five-layer Repêchage facial preceded by a relaxing soak in the spa’s outdoor thalassotherapy pool, overlooking the Pacific. If only I could replicate that experience at home. Sigh.

Solmar Hotels & Resorts offers several water adventures for ocean lovers, including sunset cruises, snorkeling tours, dolphin adventures and scuba diving. Year-round land activities are equally entertaining with horseback riding, safaris, ATV tours through the desert and beach regions of Migriño, and sightseeing tours through Los Cabos, Todos Santos, La Paz, and various hideaway villages.

Venturing into town is great fun with lots of authentic (and inauthentic) taco joints and silver shops. One of the hosts at a really cool jewelry shop was so excited that I spoke Spanish that he offered my group tequila on the spot. “Arriba, abajo, a dentro por centro”(or however it goes!).
While you’re still sober, however, walk over to Cabo Expeditions where you can take a quick boat ride to Cabo’s famous arch for kayaking and snorkeling. It’s a mind-blowing formation and shouldn’t be missed. The fish are pretty beautiful, too. You can tie up at Pelican Point and snorkel, or kayak close to the rocks to catch a glimpse of the sea lions. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to go on a whale-watching trip, but, if you do, that should be on your activity list, too. Sightings are pretty much guaranteed. Cabo Expeditions also offers parasailing, scuba, and snuba and will give you lessons so you feel secure. As rough as the ocean water is on the beach, the water to Los Arcos is quite smooth and you shouldn’t have any problems picking out a water trip that will keep everyone in your group happy. This company impressed me in other ways, as well, with their eco-sensitivity. They are active in promoting care of the area’s wildlife and eco-systems and also take it upon themselves to clean up any trash found on land or in the water during their excursions.

Still not sure you’ll be busy enough? Solmar Hotels & Resorts will schedule sunset cruises, snorkeling tours, dolphin adventures and scuba diving for ocean lovers, and land activities such as horseback riding, safaris, ATV tours through the desert and beach regions of Migriño, and sightseeing tours through Los Cabos, Todos Santos, La Paz, and various hideaway villages. And, of course, there’s the shopping….

Through December 22, 2011, you can receive a $400 credit and 50% off a four-night or longer stay at Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa in celebration of the resort’s grand opening, or a $200 resort credit when you book a three-night minimum stay at Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa. The resort credit comes in handy on those spa services, late-night cocktails or poolside snacks. Information at Solmar Hotels & Resorts or call 1-800-344-3349.

Halloween, Salem MA, Snow and NYC

I've been anticipating Halloween all week -- loved what I saw at "Haunted Happenings" in Salem. But S-N-O-W in New York City in October? This is ridiculous. And it's C-O-L-D.

More Halloween Festivity: Sight and Sound

Salem, MA was absolutely crazy with tourists this past weekend with more fright fests, witch parades, and costumes than you could imagine, even at the NYC Halloween Parade. I'm going out now to decorate the apartment door in preparation for the kiddies who go trick-or-treating in Manhattan buildings -- it's an entirely different experience here. We also have lots of houses decorated in NYC, too, with fabulous lights, but mostly for Christmas. I wanted to share with you this wonderful Halloween sight-and-sound set-up that's taken YouTube by storm. Enjoy!

Haunted Happenings in Salem, Massachusetts

For a real Halloween experience, I always go back to the source of all things witchy: Salem, Massachusetts. This season marks the thirtieth year of Haunted Happenings in this most haunted city, known for its dark history and the Salem Witch Trials.

There’s something to scare (or entertain) everyone in the next two weeks. Some of the fun happenings include The Stop by for a Spell Children’s Costume Brunch at the very-haunted Hawthorne Hotel (October 23), pumpkin decorating with Halloween treats, and music. Taking advantage of the city’s myriad historical venues, the month also offers the Pumpkin Festival and Hay Bale Maze on Salem Common, and the Sea Shanties at the Ship Stage event at Derby Wharf with theater performances and singing.

A stone’s throw from the Salem Witch Museum, the Haunted Movie Series on Salem Common will be featuring the classic Halloween films Hocus Pocus on October 22 and Beetlejuice on October 29. All movies are free; age discretion is advised.

For older kids, there are plenty of spooks at several haunted houses, cornfield mazes and other eerie attractions.

Somewhat less frightful, Salem Common’s Family Fun Days, on October 22-23 and October 29-30, will entice the little ones with rides, face painting, and other Halloween fun. All proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations such as Salem Main Streets and the Salem Common Neighborhood Association.

Finishing up the month of fright, through October 31, are the Carnival on Derby Street, and trick-or-treating at historic Pioneer Village on October 29-30 and the Phillips House on October 31. All ages are welcome.

A full list of entertainment and event information can be found at http://www.hauntedhappenings.org/.

Looking for a place to stay? Check out the Hawthorne Hotel (Member of Historic Hotels of America, on Salem Common), Salem Waterfront Hotel (on Pickering Wharf), and the Salem Inn (near the Salem Witch Museum) – you might even see a wandering ghost down their corridors. If you’re hungry, stop by Capt's Waterfront Grille & Pub (with its fabulous deck) or Finz Seafood & Grille on Pickering Wharf – they’re both within shouting distance of the “office” of Salem’s Official Witch, Laurie Cabot (her paranormal workshop is on October 28, for those of you who are curious). I’ve been told that lobster and a good local brew keep the goblins away! Happy Halloween.

Alarm Clocks, Housekeeping and Hotel Stays: Forewarned Is Forearmed

I just learned an invaluable lesson in hotel travel -- always check the alarm clock in your room. It's an unwelcome surprise when the alarm goes off at 6am and you've planned to sleep until 9 or later. On a similar note, don't forget to leave the "Do Not Disturb" door hanger outside if you'd like to sleep in. I had a one-two-three punch this morning: the alarm sounded at 7, the snooze feature made it re-sound at 8,and housekeeping arrived at 9. My first appointment was scheduled for 10:30am. My dumb luck.

Das Best Oktoberfest -- Where to Celebrate in NYC

If I can’t make it to Germany (like last year), I love celebrating Oktoberfest in New York City. This year there’s a full-day celebration on October 22 - Das Best Oktoberfest- that has me salivating for pretzels, spaetzle, beer and other treats. You don’t have to attend all day – in fact, you choose one of two sessions – and then go to party, see who will be crowned Miss Oktoberfest, and enjoy a variety of other German hilarity. I’ll be at the evening session if you’re planning to attend.

The one-day mash-up of authentic oompah, German bands and fun contests happens at La Venue and The Tunnel in West Chelsea (608 West 28th St. between 11th and 28th), on Saturday. There you'll find unlimited samplings of more than 150 international and craft beers, wines and schnapps, plus German-inspired cuisine.

You can buy tickets for either or both of the two sessions: 12 Noon- 4pm or 5:30pm-9:30pm, for $65 in advance or $80 at the door. You must be 21 or over to attend. A Grand Oompah Tasting Session is also available at $150 for a limit of 100 brave souls who care to attend both sessions and are interested in attending a special German Tasting Seminar.

To entertain you while you eat and drink, there will several photo-worthy contests, and winners each win $100. The Beer Belly Competition calls out the gentlemen who think they have the best ‘figure’ with judging based on appearance and personality; the Miss Oktoberfest Contest critiques the best merry maid on her appearance, costume and knowledge of Oktoberfest; and the Pretzel Necklace Competition shows off food and creativity.

This over-the-top taste, eat and dance experience is dubbed as ‘das’ best day of beer sippin’, sausage tastin’, music listenin’, and lederhosen wearin’ (at least on this side of the Atlantic). Tickets and additional information are available online at www.nyoctoberfest.com.

More Important Packing Tips

Just when you think you know it all...never leave home without...

Brought to you by the Gutsy Traveler, Marybeth Bond, who's packed for travel to over 100 countries.

It seems like every time I visit a new country I discover something I forgot or “should have packed.” For example:

Duct Tape. May seem silly but comes to the rescue if a strap on a sandal snaps, a purse handle or backpack strap breaks, or luggage gets ripped.

A large safety pin or a clothespin to fully close the hotel drapes. To help you sleep for an extra hour after early morning sunshine illuminates your room.

A bathing suit. You never know when there will be a Jacuzzi or roof-top pool you wish you could have used.

A rubber door stopper. Regardless of the hotel ranking, many doors do not have security locks. Many hotel rooms have doors to adjoining rooms and they are not always locked or secure. Play it safe and kick that door stopper under the door.

Moleskin (cut in small squares) and Band-Aids. Pack a few in your wallet. Walking on a hot day with sweaty feet can cause hot spots or blisters even when you’re wearing your most comfortable shoes.

Umbrella, raincoat, sunscreen. Check the weather for your destination and pack layers, umbrella, sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen.

HARD TO REPLACE ESSENTIALS

Zip lock bags to keep wet bathing suits separate from clean clothes, to keep shampoo or liquids that may leak separate from clothing, and clean and dirty underwear organized. Reading glasses

Individually wrapped nail polish remover pads

Band Aids, moleskin

Dental floss

Q-tips

Silicon ear plugs

Over the counter sleep aids

One dollar bills for tipping

Hand Sanitizer

International toll-free 800 numbers for your credit cards in case of theft