(finally)
going somewhere?
we've got you covered.

About 13 years ago, we purchased a farmhouse in New York's Hudson Valley about 2 hours North of our home and business in NYC. Our house is located in the town of Hudson, NY and is a starting point of many day trips. In addition to the time spent in our own garden of nine acres, we enjoy taking advantage of the area's many cultural venues on many weekend excusions.

Each summer we see the Boston Symphony at Tanglewood in nearby Lenox, Massachussetts. It is a very special outing as the open-air theatre allows you to picnic on the lawn while listening to Beethoven under the stars with views of the Berkshire Mountains in the distance. I often keep a travel meadowfoam oil balm for my hands and lips with me. One of our favorite farms to visit is the Kinderhook Farm. It is picture-postcard-perfect for a stroll, buying fresh eggs, chicken, beef or lamb. Hiking at Olana or Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskill Mountains offers unforgettable views and experiences. Back in our town of Hudson, we have some of the best restaurants and antique shops in the entire state.

We have spent many summer vacations in Provincetown, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. It is a magical destination in driving distance from NYC and very close to nearby Boston (another favorite city). Even the five-hour drive is a delight as we often stop mid-way in the coastal town of Noank, CT at Abbott's Lobster, and on the way back at Costello's Clam Shack or Mystic, CT for Mystic Pizza.

It is architectural perfection dating America to the 1700's and earlier. In fact, every detail--man made or natural beach landscape--is eye candy. The long and sunny days are spent swimming and sailing in the ocean, biking the dunes, walking the charming village streets, taking in a drag show (there are many), and people watching, of course. Provincetown was politically correct and inclusive BEFORE those words existed. There are also short boat rides to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, two similar destinations. Writing this makes me want to be there, walking the beach with our dog. One of my favorite tips for beach grooming is to keep a travel sage styling cream with you to run through your hair after a swim and achieve that perfect "beach hair" look.

We have both been business visitors of Hong Kong for the last 25 years (that's before the UK's hand-off to China). Similar to NYC or London, it is one of the most cosmopolitan places in the world. Over this time, we have developed friendships and currently have two sets of friends that live there part and full time. When traveling to Hong Kong--a tropical city that is usually more hot and humid than not--I always make sure to have a travel eucalyptus deodorant with me to keep myself healthfully fresh all day long.

One of the greatest draws to HK is the food. It is truly world class on every level--high and low. Must-haves for us are Peking Duck, endless Dim Sum and the crab and pork soup dumplings from Happy Valley. As an international stomping ground, food of any cuisine is exceptional. Views are also of note from most buildings and harbor boat rides between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon are a fun touristy afternoon activity. Of course, shopping is a blood sport and there is no end in sight to the multiple luxury destinations. Even the summer heat and humidity, like New York, makes us feel at home.

After NYC, our home, London is easily our next favorite place to visit. We often talk of living there. While the city, not unlike NYC, offers many similar activities, we have discovered that it is the proximity to the nearby countryside that makes it a favorite destination. There are countless, perfect English villages to explore, and should we end up at a bed and breakfast for the night, I make sure to pack an essential kit to ensure I am never without the basics: grapefruit face cleanser, vitamin e face moisturizer, vitamin b5 body moisturizer, bergamot hand+body wash, peppermint shampoo, and cilantro hair conditioner.

As avid gardeners, our favorite area to explore is the Cotswolds. Three summers ago, we took a driving tour to gardens in England and Wales for three weeks with a week focused on the villages and gardens of the Cotswolds. Next up, we will be looking at Scotland!

LA is one of our most important markets in the US. We also just love it and enjoy going there. It is the exact opposite of NYC and London--it is as sophisticated but yet not as urban. It is more like a collection of towns and villages. And, like London, we have grown comfortable exploring greater Los Angeles for day trips and overnight stays. Unlike Hong Kong's humidity, Southern California is DRY.

We cannot be anywhere without a trusty lip moisturizer (and, we usually travel with enough to have one in every pocket!). I am a personal fan of Palm Springs and we both love to take the architectural tour there. It is a must if you love Mid-Century Modern design. Joshua Tree for hiking is perhaps an answer to perfection. Don’t forget the meadowfoam oil balm! In the other direction is the incredible coastal town of Santa Barbara. The weather is a perfect 75 without humidity all the time. It is no wonder that LA celebrities often have a second home there. We could see ourselves doing the same!