Have you heard....

WILLIE NILE ?

Meg Baggott Images. Created courtesy of Willie Nile

He's on fire right now, on the heels of his release of American Ride, a driving, knee-stomping perspective of life in the city, roads through the country, and tunneling inside the very soul of man around the globe.

Meg Baggott Images

With the help of friends "Will The Thrill & The Lost Souls," Willie treated a privileged audience to the band's fierce new tour at a private, bucolic venue "upstate" (aka Westchester).

Meg Baggott Images

The truest of ROCK STARS, you have got to catch Willie live while you can.  You'll find him around New York, Joe's Pub is a good bet, or hop across the pond.  He's huge in Europe.

Meg Baggott Images. Created courtesy of Willie Nile

Sounding tighter than ever, Johnny Pisano, Alex Alexander, & Matt Hogan lay in perfect rhythms and ripping solos to Willie's incessant jams, be them on ivory or steel.

As a WFUV marquee member, I caught Willie at yet another intimate show at City Winery,  and his set was seamlessly superb. And, I picked up a cabernet bottled just for him.  The wine needs a few years, but Willie is in his prime right now! So get on out on an American Ride.

Thanks so much to Bob & Peggy, and Kevin Collins & "the band" for bringing the boys out that sunny Saturday. 

RED or WHITE ?

Meg Baggott Images

How about a whole lot of both?  That's what was pouring at Wine Enthusiast's 25th Anniversary Red & White Bash at the Hudson Hotel.

Meg Baggott Images

Crimson-clad carousers savored La Belle Époque immersion as Michael Arenella And His Dreamland Orchestra rang.  

Meg Baggott Images

Stilts-walkers, moon-dancers, feather-fixer and more produced a multi-sensory affair.

But the wine was the real attraction, and with over 300 90+ point wines flowing, it was an epic exhibit indeed.

Cheers to Wine Enthusiast for 25 years of creativity!

How was your week.... ?

Meg Baggott Images

Mine was not as tough as the hardworking team at Augusta National, who toil from 5:30am until "whenever they are done" (usually around 6:30pm), keeping Amen Corner heavenly, along with every other blade of grass across the famous grounds.

Meg Baggott Images

 Not as hard as Guan Tianlang's week. 

Meg Baggott Images

My week was not even as taxing as Lindsey Vonn's.

Meg Baggott Images

But it is a lot of effort to consume the quantities of light beer and green sandwiches that I did.  Still, I'd say my week was awesome. Tranquil and active, sunny and fun.  Thanks to the folks who make it happen.

Have you ever been to ...

REVELSTOKE, B.C. ?

Meg Baggott Images

If so, you know you're one of a lucky few.  Steep, deep and practically untracked, Revelstoke is the best kept ski secret on this continent.  

Meg Baggott Images

So shred your legs all day then have a soak at the Sutton Place Hotel, right at the Revy base lodge.  It's no bargain, but with accommodations often scarce in high-season, you'll appreciate the cozy convenience.

Meg Baggott Images

Start your apres ski at Rockford, where you can sip creative cocktails while toasting your toesy.  Be sure to skip across the patio to Wino, where lumber and libations deck the walls, with an approachable balance between shabby and chic. 

Meg Baggott Images

But don't be afraid to stray from the idyllic base area into Revelstoke itself, where you step into a snapshot of some yesteryear.  First stop, The Village Idiot, where Canada's famous Caeser - a take on the Bloody Mary - is lovingly concocted.  Meanwhile, check your watch and catch a tour at Mt. Begbie Brewery.  Hours are spotty, but "Your Dunkel Bob" will make it worth the wait.

Meg Baggott Images

Genuine Canadian charm in an unassuming little railroad town, there's so much more to find when you take a look around.  Revelstoke is worth all of the trouble to get there.  And you might just want to stay.

Sweet Stuff

What are you gonna leave

FOR SANTA ??

Meg Baggott Images

If you're really nice, you'll share your stash of amazingly delicious Sweet Andy's Cookies.  These soft, sweet and super rich meal-in-a-mouthful cookies come in 11 varieties, from classic to creative.  I melted for the Mint Chocolate Chip and the Cinnamon Sugar, but you can't chose wrong no matter what you fancy.

Visit Andy in Westhampton Beach or order your batches today from his mouthwatering new website.

Num, num, num!

Have you ever been to ...

FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA?

Meg Baggott Images

Gettin' your kicks on Route 66?  Don't skip by Flagstaff.

If the time is right, you can't miss the annual, majestic aspens show.  Autumn is ablaze with the cheerful yellow sequin-like leaves, flickering their final salutation to the bluebird sky.

Meg Baggott Images

Then, set your destination for downtown and stroll by Heritage Square. Get crafty at The Armadilla Wax Works Candle Factory with olfactory inspiration and a perhaps a little lesson in candle dipping.

Meg Baggott Images

Forget kitschy native crafts, find your souvenirs at the Rainbow's End where truly unique clothes, kicks, jewelry, and accessories from around the world will really remind you of this fun and funky town.  

Meg Baggott Images

Then take a break at Flagstaff Brew just next door or hop across the tracks (look out for the Sante Fe), and get your lunch at the Lumberyard Brewing Co.  Their draught selection, made right there, will keep you busy for a few rounds, but their food is worth the visit too.

Meg Baggott Images

Save room for a treat and top off your travel mug with a gourmet delight from Macys.   

Meg Baggott Images

Flagstaff has an awesome music scene with venues like the Orpheum and The Green Room hosting talent both famous and infamous.  There is always something good to see, great specials, and hey- Free Tacos on Tuesdays!

Meg Baggott Images

There's a enough to fill a few days in Flag, so why not get a celebrity-inspired room at the historic Hotel Monte Vista.  Celebrating pasts guests such as Humphrey Bogart, John Wayne, and Clark Gable, among others, you might even land the bright pink Debbie Reynolds room. 

Meg Baggott Images

Looking for a more organic experience?  The Abineau Lodge in the Mountainaire neighborhood of south Flagstaff offers on-site wine tasting and access to miles of casual trails.  Stop at "the tavy" (tavern) on your way back in for a refreshing PBR with a few locals.

  

My favorite thing about Flag: The People! Genuine, conscious, and ever-ready for a good time, these folks make a stay in town something to remember (with parts I forget).  Thanks, gang!

Congratulations Eric & Amanda!