The Musings of Ron Kapon

Oregon Wine Country

Oregon has produced wine since the Oregon Territory was established in the 1840s, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that the industry came alive when California winemakers opened several vineyards in the state. There is a lot of space available for vineyards because of the state’s land use laws limiting land from being turned into homes and businesses. The Judgment of Paris tasting in 1976 had California wines beating out their French counterparts, thus validating the California wine industry. In 1979 Eyrie Vineyards entered its 1975 Pinot Noir in the Wine Olympics and took second place behind a 1959 Drouhin wine, gaining international recognition for Oregon wines. Robert Drouhin, who had been visiting Oregon since the 1960s, purchased an Oregon property in 1988 and named it Domaine Drouhin Oregon. His daughter Veronique is still their winemaker.

Oregon’s wine laws require at least 90% of the listed varietals be in every bottle (it is 75% elsewhere in the US). Red and White Bordeaux and Rhone varietals, as well as Zinfandel and Sangiovese need only be 75%. There is also a lack of pretense in the Oregon Wine Country where wineries are not cheek-to-cheek, all along one road, as it is in Napa. King Estate is Oregon’s largest winery yet only produces 200,000 cases. It was established in 1991 and has over 1,000 acres of vines as well as 30 acres of fruits, vegetables and flowers.

There are three main wine producing areas in Oregon. The Willamette Valley is about an hour southwest of Portland, along the banks of the Willamette River. The main towns are Newberg, Dundee, McMinnville and Carlton. I spent most of two days in that area visiting wineries as well as attractions. This AVA (American Viticultural Areas) as well as the Southern Oregon AVA (resulted from the union of the Rogue Valley and the Umpqua Valley) are entirely within the state of Oregon. The third area, the Columbia George AVA is in both Oregon & Washington State. The Walla Walla Valley AVA is primarily in Washington State but does descend into Oregon. The Snake River Valley AVA is the only AVA in Eastern Oregon, along the border with Idaho. Pinot Noir (50%) and Pinot Gris (15%) are the top grapes grown, followed by Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon. There is also some Syrah, Merlot, Pinot Blanc and Gewurztraminer grown.

Grapes are one of 25 cash crops in the Willamette Valley. Wineries are owned by new grape farmers and self-taught enologists who came here looking for a quiet, comfortable life. The average output of a winery is under 5,000 cases and is mostly sold only at the winery tasting room and to club members. Western Oregon’s rainy season is October through June. 20 years ago I attended the International Pinot Noir Celebration, which takes place in McMinnville in July. Many wineries in other states have restaurants that are quite profitable. Zoning laws in Oregon wineries bans most restaurants. The Willamette Valley AVA stretches from the Columbia River in the North (Portland is at the northern end of the valley), through the state capitol Salem (try Orupa in downtown Salem for lunch) to Eugene in the South, and from the Oregon Coast Range in the West (the Pacific Ocean is 50 miles to the west of the valley) to the Cascade Mountains in the East (year-round skiing on Mt. Hood). It is the largest of the states 16 AVA’s with 90% of Oregon’s Pinot Noir grown here. There are 12,000 acres of vines and over 200 wineries. The state has a total of 419 wineries as of the date this article was written. The climate is mild year-round, with cool, wet winters (I visited in January and had beautiful sunny weather) and warm, dry summers. Most rainfall does not occur during the growing season and snow is rare.

Things are changing with the opening a few years ago of the first luxury hotel in the valley. The Allison Inn & Spa is an 85-room hotel with an excellent restaurant- JORY (I had the tasting menu, paired with Oregon wine). I actually stayed at the Black Walnut Inn & Vineyard with its 9 rooms that reminded me of a European villa set in the Utz family’s 42-acre property. There are over 100 wineries within a 20-minute drive of the inn. Another night I stayed at the 20-room The Campbell House Inn, which was built in 1892 and overlooks Eugene on one acre of landscaped grounds. Dinner that night was at Marche Restaurant a few blocks away in the bustling Fifth Street Public Market.

I used the hotels to visit several small wineries including Four Graces Vineyards in Dundee (sold throughout the US); Pfeiffer Winery in Junction City where Robin Pfeiffer has 700 acres planted. He used to sell his grapes to King Estate but now sells all 1,200 cases out of his solar-powered winery. And there's the 300 case Quailhurst Vineyard Estate in Sherwood that pairs Oregon Horse Country beauty, a stable filled with championship steeds, along with a cellar of full-bodied pinots. In Aumsville I visited Sandee Piluso at Piluso Vineyard and Winery. Her 4 acres of vines produce 9 wines (1/2 are Pinot Noir) and the 500-600 cases are all sold in the tasting room.

Do not miss Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville. They kept the place open so I could sit in the original Spruce Goose (think Howard Hughes) cockpit. They are there to educate, promote and preserve aviation and space history. On the way I stopped at Bob’s Red Mill in Milwaukie (not Milwaukee). Bob Moore has a passion for health and started Bob’s after his retirement at age 60. Lunch was at Milwaukie Kitchen & Wine where Chef Pascal Sauton teaches cooking classes and it serves as a specialty deli and market.

In 2010 Oregon’s wineries produced 1.7 million cases of wine and wine-related tourism contributed more than $158 million in revenues to the Oregon economy. Oregon wine production increased by 38% in 2010. This area is Napa 30 years ago. There is now a native casino in the Willamette Valley which puts further strain on Route 99W which is the main road through the Willamette Valley Wine Country.

In another article I will describe my two days in Portland and my two days on the Central Coast of Oregon. I wondered why I was coughing so much after arriving in Oregon. Then I realized it was all that fresh air. As a New Yorker my lungs were used to car and bus pollution. Lucky Oregonians.

For More Information-

www.oregonwine.org

www.traveloregon.com

www.willamettewines.com

www.oregonwinecountry.org

www.blackwalnut-inn.com

www.fourgraces.com

www.campbellhouse.com

www.pilusowines.com

www.marcherestaurant.com

www.evergreenmuseum.org

www.quailhurst.com

www.milwaukiekitchen.com

www.bobsredmill.com

www.theallison.com

www.kingestate.com

www.domainedrouhin.com

www.orupasalem.com

www.pfeiffervineyards.com

The Diplomat Hotel- Then And Now

Greater Fort Lauderdale



“A diplomat’s life is made up of three ingredients: protocol, Geritol and alcohol.”- Adlai E. Stevenson Jr.

The Diplomat hotel began in 1953 as the 150-room Envoy, erected by Samuel Friedland, the founder of the Pantry Pride supermarket chain. In 1954 he expanded the hotel to 370 rooms and it was renamed the Diplomat. It was run by Irving and Marjorie Cowan, Mr. Friedland’s daughter and son-in-law. There was very little between Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale to entertain people until the Diplomat opened, and entertain they did with Bing Crosby, Xavier Cugat, Milton Berle, Bill Cosby, Woody Allen, Lena Horne, Joan Rivers, Sammy Davis Jr. and Judy Garland appearing in either the Café Crystal or the Tack Room Lounge. Jay Leno and Billy Crystal were opening acts.

On a personal note I stayed at the old Diplomat many times during the 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s.

Lawrence Welk filmed his first TV show from the hotel in 1962 as did the Jackie Gleason Show, and Arthur Godfrey taped his radio show there starting in 1965. Harry Truman, as well as every U.S. president since 1974, has addressed labor unions at the hotel. In a 2002 article for Travel + Leisure Magazine the Diplomat was described as “A playground for rich Northerners down for the season in their fur coats and string bikinis.” On New Years Eve 1974 Frank Sinatra returned from retirement and was paid $200,000 for his hour-long performance.

Over the years the Diplomat Resort continued to add rooms topping off at 1,170 with two golf courses and 19 tennis courts. But the hotel floundered economically, especially after a series of arson fires in 1983. Reopened in 1984 the hotel welcomed President Reagan, who addressed the International Longshoreman’s Association as well as Bob Hope, who hosted the New Year’s Eve Gala. In 1987 Cowan ceded control of the hotel to a group of labor union pension funds that sold the hotel in 1997 to the United Association of Journeymen & Apprentices of the Plumming & Pipe Fitting Industry.

In 1998 the original hotel was imploded with 500 pounds of dynamite in less than 25 seconds.

In March of 2000 the 155-acre Country Club at the Diplomat opened to the public with an 18-hole golf course, 10-clay tennis courts, pro shops and 60-luxury guestrooms. In September of 2000 the 30,000-square foot Spa at The Diplomat opened featuring 20 treatment rooms and complete fitness facilities. Both are a mile away by hotel shuttle. Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide was appointed management company for the renamed Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, along with The Diplomat Country Club & Spa.

In January 2002 the 39-story hotel opened with 998 rooms and was the tallest and most expensive building in Broward County. The lobby features a five-story, 60-foot atrium surrounded by waterfalls with the water motif continuing in an outdoor infinity-edged pool with waterfalls splashing into a 240-foot lagoon pool below. All rooms offer views of either the ocean or the Intracoastal Waterways.

Another personal note- I have stayed at the new Diplomat in 2003, 2009 and 2011.

The 209,000-square-foot convention center is adjacent to the hotel and features four ballrooms as well as a full fitness center. Across the skywalk, over Ocean Drive A1A, is Diplomat Landing, a 60,000-square-foot area of restaurants with a 14 slip marina. I spent one entire day on The Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi, which stops there. I had dinner in both Rivals Waterfront Sports Grille and AiZiA Restaurant (Asian cuisine) while staying at the hotel in 2011. The same chef Mauricio Gutierrez is still there but the restaurant was located in the main building when I ate there in the fall of 2009. It moved to Diplomat Landing in December of 2009, which gave it more room with both indoor and outdoor dining. At 11PM it becomes a nightclub. Believe it or not I had the same wait server who said she remembered me because I reminded her of Ernest Hemingway. True story.

The Westin Diplomat is a short taxi ride from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood or Miami International Airports as well as the Port Everglades Cruise Terminal. There were 7 cruise ships in port while I was there. If you are a passenger on Holland American, Royal Caribbean or Celebrity and your return trip home is in the late afternoon or evening the Hollywood folks have a great deal for you. For $35 or $40 (depending on which airport) they will send your luggage ahead to either Miami or Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood airports and then transport you to a private room on the beach where you can relax, eat, swim or shop before they return you to your chosen airport. Wednesdays through Sundays the Hollywood Trolley stops at the hotel entrance (one of a dozen stops) and for $1 you can take it throughout the city of Hollywood from 10AM to 10PM. I used it to have dinner at Sugar Reef Tropical Grill on the Hollywood Broadwalk. Opened in 1994 it was the first white tablecloth restaurant to open on the Broadwalk. They specialize in fresh fish. I used my table to view the 56th Annual Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade. This parade, along the 2 1/2 mile Broadwalk, facing the Atlantic, has a real local feeling with floats, marching bands, dancers and fire and police vehicles.

I mentioned spending a day traveling on both the Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi. There are 16 stops and it operates from 10AM until Midnight. $20 buys an all day pass, get on, and get off. Seniors pay $16 and it is $10 after 7PM. One of the stops led me to a three-hour tour on the Jungle Queen Riverboat. It goes up the historic New River past Millionaire’s Row, Port Everglades, the Intracoastal Waterway and Downtown Fort Lauderdale. We spent almost an hour at their tropical Isle viewing exotic birds and monkeys. There was even an alligator-wrestling exhibit. Another stop allowed me to visit the International Swimming Hall of Fame and famous Las Olas Boulevard. I also visited the Sunday Jazz Brunch, held the first Sunday of every month at Riverwalk in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The 40th anniversary Winterfest Boat Parade, the “world’s most watched boat parade” with over one million spectators watching from the 12-mile route took place a few days after I had to return home. It starts in downtown Fort Lauderdale’s New River and winds it way up the Intercoastal Waterway to Pompano Beach.

There were many things I did not have time to see. They included the Museum of Discovery & Science in downtown Fort Lauderdale; Gulfstream Park with a casino, shopping, dining and of course racing in Hallandale Beach. Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Museum of Art and Stranaham House Museum are all located in Fort Lauderdale and the Arts Park at Young Circle in Hollywood.

Greater Fort Lauderdale includes 31 municipalities and my hope is that they will invite me back to see all of them.

For More Information-

www.westin.com/diplomatresort.com

www.diplomatresort.com

www.sunny.org

www.junglequeen.com

www.watertaxi.com

www.aiziahollywood.com

www.sugarreefgrill.com

www.lasolasboulevard.com

www.winterfestparade.com

www.visithollywoodfl.org

www.fortlauderdale.gov/events

www.ishof.org

www.porteverglades.net

Discovering The World Of Wine

 It was recently announced by the International School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Fairleigh Dickinson University that the Discovering the World of Wine On-Line Wine Course developed for FDU by Professor Ron Kapon & Pat Savoie has been accepted by the NY Times for their Knowledge Network site, effective January 2012. Part of the 26 lesson course was filmed at FDU. Students, former students, administrators, faculty members as well as wine writers took part in the 12 tasting videos, which were led by Philippe Newlin.

The course is organized mainly by grape varietal including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. There are also lessons dealing with The Wines of Bordeaux., Burgundy, Tuscany, Spain, Dessert and Fortified Wines, Champagne and Sparkling Wines.  One will learn How Wine is Made, How to Taste Wine, Wine & Food Pairings, Ordering Wine in Restaurants and in Retail Stores as well as Wine and Health, Storing Wine and Buying Wine at Auction. 

The course includes many  short videos of winemakers along with links to NY Times wine articles. Completion of the course and answering a 25 word quiz will result in receiving a Certified Wine Authority Certificate from FDU's ISHTM. The course will be accessable from any device--computer, IPad or smart phone. The price of the course is $149. There will be group discounts available.

I will post details on signing up for the course in a few weeks.

 

Kentucky Bourbon- The True American Whiskey

According to the late Perry Luntz author of Whiskey & Spirits For Dummies (Wiley), “Most people who know anything about Bourbon distilling know the story of the Baptist minister Elijah Craig who established a distillery in Bourbon County, thus giving a name to his whiskey. It's a good story, but it's not exactly true. In 1780, as the Ohio Territory was cut into smaller units, the Virginians claimed a piece of it. They named it Bourbon County after the then-current French ruling family to honor the support of the French during the American Revolution. In 1792, when Kentucky became a state, Bourbon County was divided into 34 of the present existing Kentucky counties. (In fact, no Bourbon is actually made in Bourbon County today.) One of which was Bourbon, with its famous whiskey.” In 1840, Mr. E.G. Booz, a liquor dealer in Philadelphia gave his name to alcoholic products and they became known as booze. Now you know the whole story.

By law Bourbon whiskey can be produced anywhere in the United States where it is legal to distill spirits. True, 95% of the world's Bourbon is distilled and aged in Kentucky and Bourbon production has grown by more than 50 percent since 1999. In 1964, Congress declared Bourbon America's only native spirit. It must be produced from a grain mixture containing a minimum of 51% corn. It must be 100% natural with nothing besides water added. It must be aged in new, charred oak barrels for at least two years in order to be called “Straight Bourbon” whiskey. Any Bourbon aged less than four years must list its age on the label. Bourbon must be distilled at less than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume). Almost all Bourbons sold today are made from more than 2/3 corn (the remainder being wheat and/or rye) and have been aged at least four years. This mixture, called the mash, is fermented using the sour mash method. This means the mash saved from a previous distillation is added to ensure consistency from year to year and batch to batch. The fermented mash is then distilled which produces a clear liquid. When placed in charred oak barrels, at no more than 125 proof, the clear liquid soon imparts color. After aging the Bourbon is removed from the barrels, diluted with water and bottled.

The Kentucky soil is rich in phosphates, perfect for growing grain. The water is filled with calcium and is very pure. Hot Bluegrass summers and cold winters are ideal for aging whiskey in cask. Most whiskey is sold at 80 proof but there are 86, 90, 94 and 100+ proof examples. Higher proofs than these are often called “barrel proof” and have not been diluted when removed from the barrels. Small Batch Bourbon refers to craft distilling. It is similar to the wine term Reserve. The term originated in the 1980's by the Jim Beam Company, but every distiller has his or her own interpretation of what constitutes a “small batch.” I received answers of less than 100 barrels to more than one barrel. Single Barrel Bourbon is bottled from one particular cask. When tasting, look for hints of banana, burnt sugar, caramel, honey, butterscotch, hazelnuts, leather, hay, cedar, tobacco leaf, and tar. Remember, all Bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is Bourbon.

              The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour

You can use Louisville, Bardstown or Lexington as your headquarters while visiting the six distilleries that make up The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience. Bardstown is about 40 miles south of Louisville & 54 miles west of Lexington. Louisville is the home of the Kentucky Derby & Churchill Downs, Louisville Slugger and Mohammad Ali.

The six Kentucky Bourbon Trail® distilleries are:

Jim Beam is located in Clermont, about 25 miles south of Louisville. It is the world’s largest Bourbon distiller with its eponymous Jim Beam the world’s number one selling Bourbon. Fred Noe is the seventh generation member of the Beam family and has taken over as distiller and Bourbon ambassador after the passing of his father, Booker Noe. Beam visitors also come for the 1800 Cooperage Museum and to visit the Jeremiah Beam home. Their Small Batch Collection includes: Booker's, Baker's, Knob Creek and Basil Hayden's. Look for a new Jim Beam visitor’s experience to open in September 2012.

Heaven Hill is located in Bardstown. Fire destroyed the distillery in 1996. They purchased the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville where their products are now distilled. This is America’s largest independent family-owned distillery. The aging warehouses located here hold the second largest supply of Bourbon (Beam in #1). The Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown has interactive exhibits of the birth of Bourbon and the distillation process. Their gift shop is very impressive and worth a visit. Some of their brands include: Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Henry McKenna and Old Fitzgerald.

About 1/2 hour from Bardstown is Maker's Mark Distillery in the town of Loretto. It is the oldest working Bourbon distillery on its original site (1805) in the nation and is a National Historic Landmark. If you need lunch, the tiny Toll Gate Café is right outside the distillery. Make sure to try the Bourbon cookies. To die for. This is a small distillery producing only two brands - Maker’s Mark and Maker’s 46. The family of founder Bill Samuels, Sr. (bought the site in 1953) is still involved although the company is under the Beam umbrella. His son Bill Samuels, Jr. recently retired  as CEO and handed the reins to his son, Rob. They draw over 100,000 visitors annually. They still hand-dip every bottle in that distinctive red wax. It is not a misprint but they spell whisky without the E, as do the Scots and Irish. They use more winter wheat (16%) that adds sweetness, instead of rye, plus 70% corn and 14% malted barley. The tour takes visitors through every step of the distilling process. You are so close to the actual process that it might seem the visitors are actually the workers.

Three more distilleries are all within 1/2 hour of Lexington.

Woodford Reserve in Versailles is owned by Brown-Forman (Jack Daniels, Early Times, Old Forester) and receives over 100,000 visitors annually. They claim to be the smallest distillery in America, and started using copper pot stills in 1812. It's a National Historic Landmark and uses the only surviving stone aging warehouse in the US. Their blend is 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley. If you want to learn more about Bourbon, why not sign up for the Woodford Reserve Bourbon Academy? The cost is $150 and it includes a Bourbon-inspired lunch. Spend a day with Master Distiller Chris Morris learning the art of production. There is an interactive behind-the-scenes production tour and a series of tastings.

Wild Turkey and Four Roses are both in Lawrenceburg, and each is unique. The legendary Master           Distiller at Wild Turkey, Jimmy Russell (57 years working here), took us on a tour of this scenic distillery that is now owned by Gruppo Campari. Jimmy told me his formula for Wild Turkey is less corn and more rye and barley malt. Campari recently launched a $50 million, state-of-the-art distillery that is believed to be the first built from the ground up in Kentucky since Prohibition. 

Four Roses has an interesting history. Most easterners knew it as a blended whiskey that Seagram’s bought. Master Distiller Jim Rutledge has worked here for 40 years (distillery built in 1910) and told me that they always produced Bourbon that was not sold in America due to Seagram’s push to sell the less expensive blend. Owned by Kirin Brewery Company of Japan since 2002 they have reintroduced the Four Roses Bourbon slowly to the US. On the National Register of Historic Places, they use spring-fed Salt River famed for its limestone water. They have had the same grain source for 50 years.

Before you go, visit:

Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau
Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau
Bardstown-Nelson County Tourist & Convention Commission
Kentucky Distillers' Association

Links to Distilleries

www.fourroses.us

www.heavenhill.com

www.jimbeam.com

www.makersmark.com

www.wildturkey.com

www.woodfordreserve.com

 

 

North American Travel Journalist Association 9th Annual Conference- Anaheim, California

I have been a member of NATJA during its birth, infancy, teen-age years and finally adulthood. My university teaching schedules have sometimes conflicted with the annual conference. This year I rearranged my schedule to made sure I was able to attend. I love southern California and especially Orange County. Did you know there are five other Orange Counties in the US, including one only an hour from my home in NYC? But none can lay claim to the collection of attractions, beaches, shopping, restaurants, arts, recreation and sunny climate found in Orange County, California- population three million.

I have written another article about my pre-conference trip to Big Bear Lake and my post-conference trip to Pasadena. This will be about three days of intense seminars, workshops, local tours, receptions, meals and of course a day at Disneyland. I met many old friends and found new friends as we moved from room to room and bus to bus flawlessly, thanks to the efforts of the staff of NATJA and our Anaheim hosts.

The Red Lion Inn was the conference hotel. I stayed there one night before and after the conference and enjoyed the sun at the large outdoor pool. When I first checked in I found some dirt piled up near my room door, which looked like it had leaked out of a vacuum cleaner. I called the desk and it was immediately cleaned up. When I checked out I was charged half-price for that night. When I mentioned it I was told it was credited because they did not properly clean my room (I never asked for a credit). Good PR Red Lion.

Having arrived a day early I jumped right into the pre-conference activities. I swam, relaxed, used the fitness center and enjoyed a dinner courtesy of our Anaheim hosts at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, only a few blocks away from the hotel. Next morning was a workshop dealing with Using Video To Tell Your Story. The main speaker, a television producer/director, was very knowledgeable but many of the people in attendance, myself included, were beginners who wanted to learn how to use our cameras to make short videos. This was way above my learning curve and I left during a break in the workshop. We were bused to the very large and luxurious South Coast Plaza shopping center about 3/4 hours away. Things did not start out on the right foot, once again. Five of us stopped to take a few photos and lost our group. We had no idea where we were having lunch and neither did any of the security people we asked. Finally, one of our group got the idea to look up the phone numbers of those on the tour and luckily one had listed his cell phone (the others had their home numbers). Alls well that ends well. We had a lovely lunch and were given access to the VIP lounge at the plaza. I went off shopping and we got back to the hotel in time for a short meeting called How to Maximize Your NATJA Benefits. The opening night reception followed, hosted by the Red Lion Inn folks. One of the highlights of the whole conference followed- our dinner at the Anaheim White House Restaurant. Not only was the food excellent but also I got to meet Chef/Owner Bruno Serato who had been nominated as one of CNN’s Top 10 Heroes of 2011. I was so impressed by what the chef was doing by feeding thousands of the areas youth at his restaurant that I sent his foundation a donation. I hope he wins the top prize of $250,000 to help him expand his good deeds.

The next morning the conference began, after a continental breakfast. Rather than mention every speaker’s name I will say that all the workshops proved of value to me personally. I learned a lot from the Inflight Magazines Editors’ Panel, especially how hard it is to make any money as a freelance travel writer. The Bloggers’ panel might have been the best of the whole conference as I wrote many notes and asked several questions. I chose the afternoon tour to Laguna Beach over the other choices for several reasons. I had recently been on a press trip to Huntington Beach and I had no interest in visiting Knott’s Berry Farm. The view of the ocean and beach was breathtaking. We also toured the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Rodin Exhibit at the Laguna College of Art & Design and had a behind the scenes tour of Pageant of the Masters (just ended). Our wine and cheese reception was at the Sawdust Art Festival where various artists demonstrated their skills. I had the good fortune to touch base with an old friend who lives in Laguna Beach and came by to see me at Sawdust Studios. We were off to Don the Beachcombers for a reception and then to the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach for a fabulous dinner with many stations of food and drink. I even attempted to make s’mores for dessert (I failed miserably).

The next day, after a continental breakfast, the open marketplace took place. There were representatives from many destinations and I had a chance to talk to many of them. The last professional development workshop was another editors panel with different speakers than the previous panel. After a poolside lunch buffet it was off to Disneyland Park & Disney’s California Adventure. Since my back and knee were still bothering me the nice folks at Disney provided a motorized scooter for myself and several other of our members. This enabled me to see both parks and even go on a few rides and still feel refreshed. Everyone headed to Studio 17 where we were served a very luxurious buffet dinner and had a presentation about Disney’s new movies and their renovation and expansion of the two parks. We then were escorted to see the World of Color Show from a special VIP section. I thought the Bellagio water show in Las Vegas was grand but this made that show look like a small drip. There were 1,200 dancing fountains, shooting 30 to 200 feet in the air, with Disney music, audio and visual effects.

If I was to rate the NATJA 9^th Annual Conference the way I rate wines (on a scale of 50-100) I would give it a 95- excellent and worth remembering. Thank you Helen Hernandez, Ben Root and your entire staff. I don’t know how you will top this conference.

 

 

 

 

Pasadena California- More Than the City of Roses

The last time I visited Pasadena was in 1992. I was invited to the Rose Bowl game where I was among more than 103,000 folks who watched Washington beat Michigan. I stayed in one of the cottages at the then Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel (built in 1907). In the summer of 2011 I was invited to spend three days in Pasadena and stay at the now renamed Langham Huntington Pasadena Hotel and Spa. The 1960s song "The Little Old Lady from Pasadena" parodies a popular Southern California image of Pasadena as home to a large population of aged eccentrics. In the song, Jan and Dean sing of an elderly lady who drives a powerful "Super Stock Dodge" muscle car and is "the terror of Colorado Boulevard."

Pasadena is a city located in Los Angeles County, California. It is the home to many scientific and cultural institutions, including the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Fuller Theological Seminary, Art Center College of Design, the Pasadena Playhouse, Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts-Pasadena, the Norton Simon Museum of Art and the Pacific Asia Museum. The population as of the 2010 census was 137,122.

 

Pasadena is home to the Tournament of Roses Parade, held each year on January 1 (or on January 2, if the 1st falls on a Sunday). The first parade was held in 1890 and was originally sponsored by the Valley Hunt Club, a Pasadena social club. They wanted the world to see their weather and beautiful flowers and oranges. “Let's hold a festival to tell the world about our paradise.” By 1895, the festivities had outgrown the Valley Hunt Club, and the Tournament of Roses Association was formed to take charge of the parade, now called the Rose Parade. During the almost 3 hours of the parade, floats (over 100,000 flowers are used in the average float), and participants travel over five miles and pass by over one million viewers who often camp out over New Year's Eve to have the best view along the parade route.

The Rose Bowl Stadium, a National Historic Landmark, is host of the first, oldest, and most famous college football postseason bowl game, the Rose Bowl Game. In 1902, the Rose Bowl Association declared that a football game would be added to the day's events. The game, now known as the Rose Bowl Game, would become the first New Year's post-season college football game ever. Soon outgrowing its original facility, a new stadium was constructed in the Arroyo Seco area. The new stadium hosted its first New Year's Day football game in 1923 and was soon christened the “Rose Bowl."

 

In addition to the annual New Year's Day Rose Bowl game and the BCS National Championship game every four years, the stadium is the home field for the UCLA Bruins football team and has hosted five Super Bowls. Soccer matches have included the 1984 Summer Olympics, the final game of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, and the final game of the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup. Many concerts and other events have been held in the stadium, such as a U2 concert in 2009. The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center is a facility located adjacent to the Rose Bowl Stadium. The pool hosted the final practices of the 2000 US Olympic swimming and diving team. In 2008, the facility held the U.S. National Diving Championships. The Rose Bowl Tennis Center, operated by the city of Pasadena, is located just south of the Rose Bowl stadium.

 
Pasadena is home to a number of art museums and public galleries, including the Norton Simon Museum, widely acknowledged as one of the finest art collections in the Western United States. The museum's collections include European paintings, sculpture and tapestry; sculpture from Southern Asia as well as an extensive sculpture garden. I saw masterpieces by Degas, Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Rembrandt and Cezanne. The Pasadena Museum of California Art hosts changing exhibitions of work by historical and contemporary California artists. I visited while they were setting up an exhibit that opened that night. It was a rare glimpse behind the scenes. We saw a musical at the famous Pasadena Playhouse. To protect the innocent I will not mention its name (many of us left at intermission). That does not diminish the importance of the Playhouse, which was established in 1917 and is the State Theatre of California.
 


The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, with painting and sculpture galleries, is adjacent to Pasadena in the city of San Marino. It is located on the 207-acre estate of the late Henry Huntington. The botanical gardens feature 14,000 varieties of plants on over 150 acres. There are the Chinese, Rose, Japanese, Desert and Zen Gardens. I saw an original Gutenberg Bible in the library. The innovative Kidspace Children's Museum is located in Brookside Park and features many fun, educational and interactive programs for kids to share with their families. The Gamble House (Procter & Gamble) was built in 1908 and is an example of early 20th century Craftsman architecture. The Gamble House is a California Historical Landmark and a National Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1966, it was deeded to the city of Pasadena in a mutual agreement with the University of Southern California School of Architecture. Every year, two fifth-year USC architecture students live in the house full-time.
 


Old Pasadena Melting Pot Food Tours- We took this three hour tour that covered about 1 1/4 miles of Old Pasadena, a National Register Historic District. This historic 22-block area is one of Southern California’s “hottest” shopping and entertainment areas. There are over 200 buildings dating back to the 1880’s. Conducted by proprietor Lisa Scalia we sampled 8 dishes including Indian, Mexican, baked goods, chocolate, tea and gelato.

 
Pasadena is a city worth visiting even when there is not a parade or football game.
 
 
For More Information-
www.nortonsimon.org
www.huntington.org
www.meltingpottours.com
www.kidspacemuseum.org
www.pasadena.langhamhotels.com
www.gamblehouse.org
www.pmcaonline.org
www.oldpasadena.org
www.pasadenaplayhouse.org

Big Bear Lake California

California’s Premiere Four-Season Alpine Resort
 
The Spanish explorers who first came upon Big Bear Valley named the Native Americans who lived there the "Serranos", which means mountaineers. These peace-loving people are thought to be Shoshonean by descent.

Many non-peace loving tribes became raiders & cattle rustlers. In July of 1845 a local rancher named Benjamin Wilson was asked to take a force of eighty well-armed men to pursue the raiders. Don Benito, as his men affectionately called him, split his force, sending the main body through Cajon Pass while he rode into the mountains following the "San Bernardino River". On the evening of the second day they arrived in a high mountain valley where "the whole lake and swamp seemed alive with bear." Don Benito Wilson later wrote: "Twenty-two Californians went out in pairs, and each pair lassoed one bear, and brought the result to camp, so that we had at one and the same time eleven bears. That prompted me to give the Lake the name it now bears." Wilson died in 1878, but before he died, he donated land and buildings for the construction of a college, which eventually became the University of Southern California. One of his grandchildren was the famous World War II General, George S. Patton.

 
It is estimated that between 1500 and 2000 people were in Holcomb Valley (part of the Bear Valley) during the peak of the Gold Rush Days in the 1860's. Today no structures remain at any of these historic mines and only caved in tunnels, collapsing shafts, and piles of colorful tailings are evidence that they once existed! When the Mormons began their settlement of San Bernardino in 1851, one of their vital needs was for lumber. Because Big Bear Valley was so far away from civilization and hauling costs were prohibitive, the valley was saved from the intensive timber cutting. Sawmills were in use for mining purposes and several small mills ran in Bear Valley. In 1924 Viggio Pederson began his sawmill. It is the last reminder of a once thriving industry in these mountains.

The peak of mountain cattle ranching lasted for about 60 years, from the 1880's until the 1940's, with most of the activity concentrated in the Bear Valley area. With the arrival of the Southern Pacific in Southern California in 1876, the area boomed as people flocked to the new land. In 1883 Frank E. Brown organized the Bear Valley Land and Water Company, purchased the necessary land, and a dam was completed in December of 1884. It was 60 feet high and 300 feet wide. At that time, the Bear Valley Dam created the largest man-made lake in the world. In 1911, J.S. Eastwood built the present multiple-arch dam, which tripled the capacity of the lake to 73,000 acre-feet. This dam was twenty feet higher. This 1911 dam was reinforced in 1988 to comply with increased earthquake safety standards.

 
The new mountain lake formed by the 1884 dam created a great interest in Big Bear Valley for recreation. Soon, trail weary travelers were regularly using the five abandoned dam builders’ cabins. When a new wagon road from Santa Ana Canyon was completed in 1899, visitors flocked to the lake in the pines. By 1916, two roads were built, and with the development of automobiles, the number of resorts continually increased. In 1924 over 24,000 cars visited Big Bear over the 4th of July weekend alone.  The primary summer attraction by the 1920's was fishing. I was told there are several hundred thousand trout in Big Bear Lake. Not sure if that is a fish tale? Fishing, boating, mountain biking and hiking are great attractions in the summer to this day. Big Bear Valley has become Southern California's most popular year-around resort with around 10 million visitors a year. It is 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles and has a year-round population of 21,000 with elevations from 6,750 to 9,000 feet. The fresh water lake (fed solely by snow melt) is seven miles long, one mile across at its widest point, with an average depth of 35 feet. There are over 22 miles of shoreline.
 

Through the efforts of Judge Clifford R Lynn, the Big Bear Sports District was formed in 1934 to develop winter sports in Big Bear. The first ski lift (known as the Clifford Lynn lift) was constructed on "Lynn Hill" in 1949. Tommi Tyndall was the Lynn Lift's first Far West Ski Association certified instructor. It was through Tommi's dedication that Bear Valley became recognized as a winter sports resort. In the early 60's it was obvious that nature could not provide snow for a major ski area so Tommi arranged financing for the first major snowmaking system in California. Snow Summit has increased its snow-making to over 200 acres of runs with a capacity of 7,000 skiers. Bear Mountain was started in the 1950's as the "Moonridge Ski Area." A mile-long lift was installed in 1969. It has been renamed “Bear Mountain” and has been increased to 195 acres of ski runs with a capacity of approximately 7,000 skiers.

 
The San Bernardino Mountains are the highest range south of the Sierra Nevadas and are also unique in being one of the few transverse ranges in the nation. Proclaimed a "Forest Reserve" in 1893, these mountains were redesignated as the San Bernardino National Forest by presidential proclamation in 1925. Consisting of 1270 square miles within the boundary of the National Forest are 812,633 acres, of which 198,042 acres are State and private lands. The highest mountain in Southern California is Mt. San Gorgonio - nicknamed Old Grayback - at 11,502 feet.
 
Must See-

 
Big Bear Mountain Resort- Play Golf at 7,000 feet. The 9-hole mountain-style course sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Ride the Scenic Sky Chair. The mile-long Scenic Sky Chair transports you through the San Bernardino National Forest to an elevation of 8,200 feet in 15 minutes. When I used the lift almost all the riders were cross-county mountain biking. There is a BBQ at the top although I recommend eating before taking the Sky Chair. There is a long wait and the food is just average. Have your cameras ready during the descent for beautiful Big Bear Lake vistas. During the winter skiers and snowboarders flock to the resorts’ wide-open runs that have one of the best snowmaking systems in the world.  www.bigbearmountainresorts.com

 
Captain John’s Fawn Harbor & Marina- We were lucky that Capt John was free to take us out on Big Bear Lake on one of his electric boats. Several members of our group opted for kayaking on the lake. There are also pontoons, canoes and stand up paddleboards available for rental. Capt John was a font of information. He mentioned that there were several hundred thousand trout in the lake. www.fawnharbor.com
 

Gold Mining Tour with Big Bear Off-Road Adventures. There are several tours available using 4-wheel drive vehicles. We explored the ridges, canyons, meadows, streams and rivers of the San Bernardino Mountains. Tours range from easy to moderate to serious and last from 1 1/2 to 5 hours. We had a sack lunch in Holcomb Valley www.offroadadventures.com

 
Big Bear Historical Museum- We were lucky that Doug Walton the owner of Big Bear Off-Road Adventures was our driver. He told us many stories from his 20 years living in the area. He also took us to the Big Bear Historical Museum that has exhibits that include the Indian period to the present day. There is a furnished 1875 log cabin, gold mining artifacts, and displays of native animals, birds and reptiles and exhibits of toys, historical photographs and minerals. Memorabilia from the days of Hollywood super stars as well as a working blacksmith shop. www.bigbearhistory.org

 
Moonridge Animal Park- We were taken here for a moonlight safari. The park is a wildlife animal sanctuary and rehabilitation center founded in 1959. They are the home to 160 orphaned and injured wildlife representing over 89 species. Huckleberry is a rescued three-legged black bear. There are mountain lions, grizzlies, cougars, bobcats, coyotes and raccoons. The Zoo director Debbie Richardson took rescued baby wolves home and bottle-fed them every night (along with her daughter). The animals allow her into their cages to feed them. It was a heartwarming experience. www.moonridgezoo.org

 
Robinhood Resort’s Sherwood Forest- Built in 2002, the rooms have gas-burning fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, and lake views and they are located within a few blocks of the village shops. We had several meals at their Nottingham Restaurant. www.robinhoodresort.info
 

Village Walkabout- Our hotel was in easy walking distance from the center of town. We ate at Evergreen Steak & Seafood Restaurant and had snacks at Himalayan Restaurant and a desert cooking demonstration at the Copper Q. We spent some time at the First Green art gallery in the world (their claim)- Gallery of the American Landscape. Elevation Day Spa gave us a 10-minute massage and I was so impressed I went back later for a foot and hand reflexology treatment. .www.elevationdayspa.com ; www.himalayanbigbear.com ; www.galleryoftheamericanlandscape.com

 

Zip lining- The highlight of the whole trip was our visit to Action Zipline Tours. After an introduction video in town their off-road Safari Jeep took our group 2 miles deep into the forest. There is a nine-line zipline course over the treetops. I have zip lined once before over downtown Las Vegas but that was only one line. This time I had time to think and get nervous many times as we zipped through 9 towers. Several of our journalist group decided not to participate and one quit after the first tower. Of course, if there is trouble it will find me. On the last zip I suddenly stopped short of the last tower by about 30 feet and had to be rescued. It was the highlight of my trip. www.actionziptours.com
 
For More Information- www.bigbear.com or (800) 424-4232

Connecticut- So Near Yet So Far Away

The name Connecticut is from a Mohican/Algonquin Indian name “quonehtacut,” which means “long tidal river.” Massachusetts is on its northern border, Rhode Island on the east and New York on the west and south. Both the Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean are its bordering bodies of water. Connecticut joined the union in 1788 and was the fifth state in the USA. It has a population of 3.5 million and only two states are smaller in square miles (Rhode Island and Delaware). The 43^rd President of the US George Walker Bush was born in New Haven and attended Yale University. The state capitol is Hartford and the largest city is Bridgeport.

The first European settlers were Dutch. Initially, half of Connecticut was a part of the Dutch Colony, New Netherlands. The English established the first major settlements in the 1630's. Many came overland from the Massachusetts Bay Colony and founded the Connecticut Colony. In 1662 Connecticut became a crown colony, one of the Thirteen Colonies that fought against the British in the American Revolution. The Connecticut and Thames Rivers as well as ports along the Long island Sound have given Connecticut a strong maritime tradition. Hartford has long been the headquarters of major insurance companies and Fairfield County is filled with hedge funds. The 2010 census gives Connecticut the highest per capita income and highest medium household income in the United States.

I spent one day in Fairfield County, which contains among others the towns of Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan, Darien and Norwalk, all less than an hour from NYC. My other day was in the northwestern Litchfield Hills. It featured rolling hills, horse farms and vineyards. The contrast was striking. The industrial cities are located along the coastal highways from the New York border to New London, then northward up the Connecticut River to Hartford. The towns along Litchfield County are centered along a “green” with a meeting house (known as a church in colonial times), tavern and several colonial homes that serve for both historic preservation and which draw many visitors.

Fairfield County Must Sees- The following I did not visit, only because of time constraints.

Audubon Center- Greenwich- Opened in 1942 as the National Audubon Society’s first educational center. There are 285 acres with 7 miles of walking trails.

Putnam Cottage/Knapp’s Tavern- Greenwich- Built 1690. In 1906 converted to a museum. A National Historic Site.

Bush/Halley Historic Site- Cos Cob- Built in the18^th Century. Connecticut’s first art colony. A visit to the Elmer Macrae Studio with its Japanese inspired artwork is a special treat.

Bruce Museum- Greenwich- Built in 1853 as a private home. In 1908 deeded to the town of Greenwich. Over 15,000 objects displayed. Another wing details geology from Connecticut and displays a brilliant collection of minerals from around the globe. Voted best museum in Fairfield County.

Stamford Museum & Nature Center- Interactive exhibitions. 118-acre site with a working farm, nature center, galleries and a planetarium. There are 80 acres of nature trails.

Earthplace- Westport- Hands on science center. 62 acres are a wildlife rescue sanctuary. The Nature Trail winds through an open meadow where native grasses and abundant wildlife can be found.

National Helicopter Museum- Stratford is the birthplace of the American helicopter industry and this museum contains hundreds of photographs and models tracing the history of the helicopter around the world. Igor Sikorsky's first craft is modeled here.

My first stop was to go antiquing along Dock Street in Stamford. For one stop shopping I found the Hamptons Antique Galleries, four floors of art, jewelry, watches, fashion, sculpture, photos, lighting, etc. which opened in 2008. The same folks have a shop in Bridgehampton, LI, (opened in 2005) hence the name. Dealers have a set space and customers can wander the floors picking out what they want to buy. There are people to help and the dealer gets his money when items are sold.

My next stop was Sound Water Environmental Center in Cove Harbor (Stamford). It is difficult to find without a GPS system. Just head toward the water. One can learn about the wonders of Long Island Sound on the Schooner SoundWaters, an 80-foot three-mastered replica of a sharpie schooner. There is a small aquarium where one learns about the creatures of LI Sound. There were day camps filling the place when I was there. Stamford residents have parking privileges. Everyone else pays.

It was time to meet my guide through my two-day visit, Janet Serra, the executive director of the Western Connecticut Convention and Visitors Bureau. We met at the Marine Aquarium at Norwalk. I have visited the nationally known Aquarium in Monterey, California and at Mystic, Connecticut and this small gem outshines the others. There are seals, river otters, sea turtles, jellyfish and more than 1,000 other marine animals. I tried the touch tanks with crabs and sea stars and got up close and personal with the sea lions. This is a very hands on aquarium with much interactivity, especially for kids. They have a boat that cruises Long Island Sound and Norwalk Harbor with marine science educators aboard. There is also an IMAX theatre with current movies shown on the six story high screen.

After lunch at Donovan’s along Restaurant Row (Washington Street) in South Norwalk we walked back a block from the Aquarium and boarded the Sheffield Island Ferry for a 45 minute ride to the Lighthouse. Built in 1868 it has been decommissioned. There is a tour of the furnished inside of the Lighthouse as well as an opportunity to stroll along the nature trails of the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge. There are clambakes and other theme cruises during the summer. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

It is rare in my field that I meet a hotel executive that so impressed me that I want to continue to correspond with her. Irene Dixon is the Director of Sales and marketing for the Hilton Garden Inn Norwalk, where I spent the night.  She won best Director of Sales for all 500 Hilton Garden Inn’s worldwide. The hotel has lots of packages, especially to Sheffield Island for their Thursday summer clambakes. There is breakfast for two adults and two children under 12, overnight accommodations, shuttle to the ferry dock, two roundtrip ferry tickets and the clambake dinner for two.

Day two was all about tasting wine. If Fairfield County was crowded and full of traffic the 1 1/2 hours it took me to meet Janet Serra on the “green” in Litchfield was pastoral with little traffic. The town of Litchfield, as opposed to the county, has a population of a little fewer than 10,000. It was founded in 1719 and is now a vacation, weekend and summer home community. The Historic District is a National Historic Landmark. Stop at the Litchfield History Museum to investigate the evolution of a small New England town. There is the Town Green established in 1720 and the center of the town. Galleries, shops and restaurants surround it. The first meetinghouse was built in 1723. The town epitomizes the Colonial Revival movement. Lunch was just off the green at West Street Grill (established 1990), which had a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for their 225 wines and 12 by the glass. This is “the place” to be seen in town and the food was excellent. The Parmesean Aioli Peasant Bread was to die for.

Before stating our wine tasting adventure we stopped at Lourdes in Litchfield Shrine Grotto to view the replica of the Lourdes Shrine Grotto in France. I prayed for good wine. Connecticut has one of the New England region's best cool climates for grape growing and wine production. There are 31 Farm Wineries in the state. Ten of the 31 are located in Litchfield Hills. Many of the wineries grow Cabernet Franc, Merlot, St. Croix for reds and Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Seyval Blanc for whites. Many of the best selling wines tend to be off dry. The Connecticut Wine Festival was a two-day affair featuring over 20 wineries with food, artisans, crafters and entertainment. It was held at the Goshen Fairgrounds July 30-31, 2011.

Haight-Brown Vineyards in Litchfield was our first stop. It is the oldest winery in the state established in 1975. In 2007 it was sold to the Browns. They own 8 acres of grapes and sell about 2,000 cases. They have local food and gifts in their farm store. Miranda Vineyards is in Goshen. They have 7 acres of vines and sell about 1,000 cases. Sunset Meadow Vineyards is also in Goshen. The tasting room was originally constructed in the 1800’s. They sell about 3,500 cases and have 31 acres under cultivation. Hopkins Vineyard in New Preston may be the largest in the state with sales of 7,000 cases and 25 acres planted in vines. The original farm was founded in 1787 and became a winery in 1979, converting the 200-year-old barn. My last stop was DiGrazia Vineyards in Brookfield. The 40 acres of vines are located 20 miles from the winery. They were planted in 1978 in the town where Dr. DiGrazia was a gynecologist. Dr. DiGrazia produces wines (3,360 cases) without added sulfites and 25 churches use his wine. He has also made a wine with the highest amount of antioxidants. Using his knowledge of genetics he is working to discover a gene that he believes exists on the skins of grapes and other fruits that will increase longevity. A most fascinating man.

 

My final night was spent in Southbury at one of the most beautiful B&B's I have ever seen. The Cornucopia at Oldfield is located in an antique home, circa 1818 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. There are extensive gardens, maple trees and an outdoor pool. It was perfectly located right off I-84 and in a bit over two hours I was back in NYC. You Jersey Shore and Hampton folks please try the Connecticut coast. There is less traffic and the beaches are rarely filled. The towns are quaint and the people really New England friendly. I just wish they weren’t Red Sox fans.

For More Information-

www.ctvisit.com

www.visitwesternct.com

www.ctwine.com

www.litchfieldhills.com

www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

www.hamptonsantiquegalleries.com

www.soundwaters.org

www.maritimeaquarium.org

www.seaport.org

www.norwalkhilton.com

www.donovanssono.com

www.haightvineyards.com

www.mirandavineyard.com

www.sunsetmeadowvineyards.com

www.hopkinsvineyard.com

www.digrazia.com

www.cornucopiabnb.com

Society of Wine Educators Conference 2011

For the second year in a row the Society of Wine Educators Conference was on the East Coast. Last year it was Washington DC and this year's conference (#35) was in Providence, Rhode Island (technically the site of the conference- the Crown Plaza Hotel is in Warwick, RI). Last year I went by train; this year I drove from NYC in a bit over three hours. There were over 250 attendees and it was great to visit with old wine friends that I do not normally see during the year.

I arrived in time for the opening luncheon and seminar sponsored by Wines of Portugal. The guest chef was from Lisbon and the presenters represented Women Winemakers and the regions of Porto and Madeira. At this point it got tricky for me. There were 3, 4 or 5 seminars scheduled at the same time and it was very difficult to choose. My first seminar was entitled “Taste, Flavor and the Unique Power of Scent" with Rachel S. Hertz, PH.D, discussing aroma and smell. I did not attend sessions dealing with Champagne, German wines or the wines of Southwest France and I also missed my favorite all time speaker Kevin Zraly.

There was a break before my next session and I went to listen to Eric Orange, the CEO (and old friend) of Local Wine Events. Having been to Chianti Classico a few months ago I choose that tasting, led by Michael A. Schaefer, rather than Scotch Whisky, the Wines of Greece, wine and cheese pairings and wines from volcanic sites. The first night's gala was Creative Cocktails with demonstrations, food and top spirit professionals. It was good to see Jonathan Pogash mixing cocktails made with Ferrand Cognac.

Day two started with a continental breakfast and my first session was Terroir in a Teapot. Michael Harney, the CEO of Harney Tea, had lectured at my spirits class at Fairleigh Dickinson University last semester and converted me to a tea drinker. The other session included: Using Turning Point response systems with PowerPoint, Talking to Millennials, Teaching taste and the use of sauces as flavoring agents. Next I chose Rules of Engagement with Jane Nickles because I loved her seminar last year in Washington DC. She spoke of presentation as the most important business communication tool. My other choices would have been: Rhum Clement, a discussion of alcohol consumption and metabolism or climate changes in the glass. After lunch I choose Wine Communicators with Harriet Lembeck leading a panel that included Florence Fabricant (NYTimes), Tyler Coleman (Dr. Vino) and Gloria Maroti Frazee (Wine Spectator). I knew three of the participants but had to miss Blanc de Blancs Champagne, the Ancient Wine Trail in Italy, Pisoni Pinot Noirs and the Synergies between the kitchen and the bar.  My next afternoon session was After Dinner Drinks. Other offerings at the same time included: Wine, Bread & Cheese, New Italian wine regulations and Chilean wines. My last afternoon tasting was The Legend of Sassicaia. There were 3 other choices: Rioja & Ribero del Dureo, Alexander Valley Cabernets and the Wines of Canada.

That night we were bussed to Johnson & Wales University for a tour of the Culinary Arts Center and a food and wine tasting: Wines of the World. I spent most of the evening in the Culinary Museum fascinated by the displays (as well as fabulous food and wine). My last day started with the seminar Alternative Approaches for the Traditional Wine Education. I could have chosen Riesling in Two Different Hemispheres, a beer tasting or Interpreting, Analyzing and Evaluating Wine Quality. My session before lunch was Euro Rules about the new EU wine classifications with Mary Gorman. She could have written a PH.D thesis based on all the information she has collected. Other choices were New Zealand Wines, Terroir and Right Bank Bordeaux. I had to get back to NYC so I left right after the Wines of South African luncheon. Had I stayed I would have gone to: Lafite Around the World, Pairing Port and the Iron Sommelier Competition. My last event would have been the Rediscover Rhode Island Gala.

All in all I think I made the correct session choices for myself. I made the trip to educate myself and that was certainly accomplished. Over 50 years in the wine field and I am still learning. That is why I recommend the SWE Conference for wine and spirit professionals no matter what their level of expertise.

For More Information- www.societyofwineeducators.org

Philadelphia for the Mature Traveler

"Here lies W. C. Fields. I would rather be living in Philadelphia." This was an epitaph Fields proposed for himself in a 1925 article in Vanity Fair. It refers to his long standing jokes about Philadelphia (his actual birthplace), and the grave being one place he might actually not prefer to be. This is often repeated as "On the whole, I'd rather be in Philadelphia." It has also sometimes been distorted into a final dig at Philadelphia: "Last week, I went to Philadelphia, but it was closed." William Penn founded the city in 1682 and named it Philadelphia, which is Greek for “brotherly love.” On the whole I really enjoyed my trip there, and when I visited, the city was open!

Please read along about my trip from New York City to Philadelphia in a whirlwind two-day tour. I traveled by public transportation and visited the sites most tourists get to. Donna Schorr, Director of Communications for the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, guided me. I took advantage of all the senior discounts I could find. There are 4 million people residing in the five-county region, making Philadelphia the fifth-largest city in the U.S. Ripoff Alert!- Amtrak’s one way senior fare from NYC to Philadelphia was $72.25. I went down there by Amtrak. Coming home I used SEPTA & New Jersey Transit. Total senior fare- $11.25. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) operates various forms of public transit- bus, subway and elevated rail, commuter rail, light rail and electric trolley bus- that serves 3.9 million people in and around Philadelphia.  I took their commuter rail to Trenton, New Jersey and connected to NJ Transit into NYC’s Penn Station. It took me an extra 1/2-hour back home but I did save $61. Local buses cost me $2, plus $1 for transfers. It was over 96 degrees and it was worth the $2 to ride in air conditioned buses rather than walk the 8 blocks.

 

The PHLASH Trolley is a seasonable visitor trolley that loops throughout the city. It makes 27 stops from Penn’s Landing on the Delaware Waterfront to the Philadelphia Museum of Art area and is free for ages 65+. I used their services several times when they arrived before my Big Bus Tours. The same folks run the Philadelphia Trolley Works & the Big Bus Tours. They depart from Historic Downtown Philadelphia (5^th & Market) and a 24-hour pass is $25 for ages 55+. I used their hop on and off feature for many of their 21 stops. The first day I rode the total route (1 1/2 hours) to orient myself to the city. I took great photos from the open-air top deck of the bus. They will also pick you up at your hotel.

 

A generation of 78 million strong, Baby Boomers travel more frequently than older and younger generations (I am 76 and past the BB timeline). I will note the attractions that offer a discount for seniors. I stayed at a delightful 48-room boutique hotel in the heart (Spruce at 12^th St) of the Washington Square West neighborhood in Center City, The Alexander Inn. There is a 24-hour fitness center and e-mail center in the basement. A continental breakfast is served every morning and there are always fruit and snacks available. The staff was super helpful and the rates were very reasonable for the great location, $109-$139. If you are a AAA or AARP member there is an additional 10% discount for Sunday and Monday stays. They are 6 blocks from the Historic District, 12 blocks from Museum Row and 2 blocks from the theatre district with shopping and food all around them. I ate across the street from the hotel at Tria Café, a small and casual restaurant specializing in food and wine pairings. My 4-course meal with one glass of wine cost less than $30. After dinner I walked a few blocks to have a gelato at Capogiro. This was a recommendation by Brian Friedman, a local wine and food writer.

The first I will declare a Must See is the Independence Visitor Center- 6^th and Market, across from the Liberty Bell. A block from the Bus/Trolley depot. This is the primary point of visitor orientation for the City of Philadelphia, the southern New Jersey waterfront and Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. There are information desks, hotel and restaurant reservation service, concierge assistance, exhibits and movies and a snack bar and gift shop. The cleanest public toilets in the city are located here. The Center is in the middle of the Independence National Park Mall and you can pick up free tickets for Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center from one of the park rangers at the desk in the Center. If you are disabled they will allow you to cut the line at the Liberty Bell.

Figure on at least an hour for another must see, the National Constitution Center (behind the visitors center- discount). There is a 17-minute multimedia journey through the history of the Constitution from its inception thru today called “Freedom Rising.” Then walk through We The People, an interactive constitutional journey that tells the story of our most cherished document. Signers’ Hall has 42 life-sized bronze statues of the 39 delegates who signed the Constitution. Of course I posed with Alexander Hamilton, a fellow Columbia College graduate.  I spent another hour at the National Museum of American Jewish History, a block away. This is a stunner (must see!) whether you are Jewish or not. The 100,000 square-foot glass and terra-cotta building opened in 2010 and is Smithsonian-affiliated. It is the only museum anywhere dedicated to chronicling the American Jewish experience.

If you have time you can walk a few blocks to Elfreth’s Alley at 2^nd Street. It is the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the country, dating back to the early 18th century and is a National Historic Landmark. Around the corner is the Betsy Ross House. In 1876 the building was generally recognized as the place where Betsy Ross lived when she made the first American Flag. After you tour the small house, plan to spend some time relaxing in the shady courtyard where you'll enjoy free family friendly programming, hear storytelling and see colonial crafters at work.

My second day was all about museum visits with a late lunch at another must see- Reading Terminal Market (across from the Convention Center) at 12^th & Arch. Established in 1893 it is the nation’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market. Family-run vendors sell almost every type of farm-fresh cuisine as well as prepared food. There is a section devoted to Lancaster County Amish merchants. There are also plants, flowers and cookware sold. I ate at DiNic’s and had their roast pork/pulled port sandwich.

Using my all day pass I took the Big Bus to Stop #9, The Eastern State Penitentiary Tour (discount!). I spent about 1 1/2 hours with the audio tour visiting the cell of Al Capone & Willie Sutton. It was operational from 1829 until 1971. The penitentiary refined the revolutionary system of separate incarceration, which emphasized principles of reform rather than punishment. When the building was erected it was the largest and most expensive public structure ever constructed, becoming a model for more than 300 prisons worldwide. They even had a synagogue built for the Jewish prisoners. It is currently a U.S. National Historic Landmark.

I returned to the bus stop and caught the Big Bus to Stop #10 at 12^th & Market for the Philadelphia Museum of Art (discount!). As an aside, if you are in decent shape and the weather is not over 90 you could walk to all the sites mentioned in my two-day trip. The steps on the front of the Art Museum were made famous by the Rocky movies. I noticed many people running the stairs, just like Rocky Balboa. At the bottom of the stairs is the Rocky statue, which is actually a prop from one of the movies and a favorite site for a photo. The museum is the home to a remarkable collection of art. I especially enjoyed the arms and armor section. There is a free trolley to the annex, the Perelman Building across the street. A few blocks away is the Rodin Museum with the largest collection of his works outside of Paris. Please note that this museum will close September 6^th for renovation and re-installation. It will reopen in late Spring, 2012.

A few blocks from the Rodin Museum is The Franklin Institute (discount!).  I took the free Splash trolley because it came along first. This is a wonderful science museum that was filled with kids when I visited. The newest Harry Potter movie is playing in their Imax Theater and there was a special exhibit, Mummies of the World. I spent time at the Franklin Sports Challenge room learning the Science of Sports. As you walk or ride around the city keep an eye open for the more than 3,000 outdoor murals created by the Mural Arts Program. There are many tours that take you to view many of the murals. Remember, numbered streets run north and south and named streets (mostly tree names) run east and west.

It was time to pick up my bag at the Alexander Inn and take a local bus the 6 blocks to the Market East SEPTA station and my return trip to New York. Philadelphia, like New York, Boston and Chicago are walkable cities with the major attractions all accessible by public transportation. I plan on returning when the NY Yankees play the Phillies in the World Series.

For More Information-

www.visitphilly.com

www.uwishunu.com

www.alexanderinn.com

www.triacafe.com

www.philamuseum.org

www.rodinmuseum.org

www.fi.edu

www.easternstate.org

www.independencevisitorcenter.com

www.septa.org

www.phillytour.com

www.nmajh.org

www.elfrethsalley.org

www.muralarts.org

www.readingterminalmarket.org