Three Castles of Bellinzona :: Ticino, Switzerland

The picturesque capital of the Ticino region of Switzerland is home to one of the greatest surviving examples of medieval fortification, the Three Castles of Bellinzona. Due to its strategic location, Bellinzona has always been a key trading center and the three castles and walls that surround the ancient city were constructed throughout the years to fortify the area. Although the area has been occupied since the Neolithic age it wasn’t until the late 1st century BC, under Roman Emperor Augustus, that the first fort was built in the area. The three castles, walls and ramparts were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000 as outstanding examples of late medieval defensive structures and are composed of Castelgrande, castle Montebello and Sasso Corbaro. Read more

Marqués de Riscal Hotel :: Elciego, Spain

Nestled in the mountains of northwestern Spain is a hotel that is as much a piece of breathtaking art as it is a magnificent luxury hotel. The Marqués de Riscal Hotel is located in Elciego, Spain, an amazing medieval town that sits in the heart of the Rioja wine region. Elciego, also known as “City of Wine”, is loaded with fine dining, a vivacious culture and a wonderful history to enjoy and explore during your visit. The Marqués de Riscal combines modern design and luxuries with an old traditional winery to create a unique comfortable atmosphere with amazing views of the town as well as the beautiful vineyards from any of its eight terraces. The hotel is made up of two wings that house forty three guest rooms including eleven suites as well as a variety of restaurants and leisure facilities like the Caudalíe Vinothérapie Spa. The new wing of the hotel was designed by world renowned architect Frank Gehry and is no doubt the most eye-catching element in the area. Read more

Kings Island :: Mason, Ohio

The city of Mason, Ohio is home to one of the most popular amusement parks in the United States, Kings Island. The park opened its gates in 1972 as a replacement for Coney Island (not the New York park, a popular park on the Ohio River that was forced to relocate due to flooding) and it is currently the third most visited seasonal theme park in North America behind only one of its sister parks, Cedar Point and Canada’s Wonderland. The park stuffs 364 acres with over 80 rides, shows and attractions including Boomerang Bay, a 15 acre water park. One of Kings Island’s most notable features is the 1/3 scale replica of the Eiffel Tower that greets visitors as they arrive to the park, providing them with a view of the entire park as well as one of the best viewpoints for the parks nightly fireworks display. Kings Island has also won the “Golden Ticket Award” from Amusement Today Magazine for Best Kid’s Area for 9 years in a row. Read more

Forbidden City (Gugong) :: Beijing, China

Constructed in the early 1400s, it is home to the biggest collection of fully preserved ancient wooden buildings in the world. For the first 500 years of its existence, it was completely off limits to all but the most elite of the emperor’s inner court. The Forbidden City in Beijing, China is a glorious adventure into East Asia’s magnificent past. Covering over 183 acres, it’s actually a city, within a city (the Imperial City), within a city (the Inner City). The central Forbidden City saw 24 emperors over five centuries of along with numerous wars, culture shifts, zeitgeists, and takeovers. Several of these rulers (and many of their workers) never saw the world outside the gilded walls. Which is understandable, seeing as they believed this palace complex lied at the center of the universe. And as you view the fantastically intricate and beautiful grounds, it is easy to appreciate this belief. Read more

South Beach Wine and Food Festival :: Miami Beach, Florida

The siren songs of balmy temperatures and turquoise blue waters have been calling northerners to the beaches of South Florida ever since Henry Flagler built his railroad leading to paradise. And no time more so than in February when months of cold dark days and icy storms have blanched the skin and withered the spirit. This is the time when South Beach fills up with festive beats and skimpy outfits. It’s also when one of the greatest culinary experiences ever hits the hot sandy beach that everyone loves. Yes, it’s the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. Read more