Fun for All in Florida at Tradewinds on St. Pete’s Beach
Off-season is drawing to a close in most of our mountain towns here in the Rockies. Locals are heading home after trips to all kinds of exciting hot spots. Most appear tanned and well-rested and eager to take on the busy summer season in our resort communities. I rarely travel far in the spring since there’s so much catching up to do at my desk after the busy ski season. I do, however, enjoy hearing everyone’s tales about their time away.
Many head to exotic locales in Central and South America, others opt for more genteel destinations, such as Florida, within the United States. I’m more of a fan of the latter, especially when it comes to enjoying fun and relaxation at a resort in a safe, scenic part of my own country.
Tradewinds Island Grand, on St. Pete’s Beach in Florida, appeals to me the most out of all my friends’ sun-soaked travel tales this off-season. First of all I love the sugar-sand beaches of the Gulf Coast of Florida and with twenty acres of beachfront playground, Tradewinds Island Grand ranks as one of the best.
And this is by no means a tired old Florida resort. This long-established retreat just completed a $20 million renovation, making it one of the most alluring properties on Florida’s West Coast. With so much to do and so many amenities to be enjoyed, it’s no wonder it’s a great family fun destination for kids of all ages. At the Tradewinds Splash Island Water Park, you can relax in the warm, crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico while your kids romp on slides and floats nearby.
For me though I’ll take a romantic dinner on their Palm Court Terrace any day. There’s nothing like those sultry Florida evenings. We can’t come close to those balmy temperatures here in Colorado, even in the dead of summer which is one more reason why Florida is also alluring in the summer. It serves as the perfect antidote to our monsoon season that occurs in the mountains during July and August. Best of all: you can benefit from lots of special rates during the summer (their off-season) and delight in diminished crowds. Why, you might even claim a section of their beach all to yourself.
Ahhhhh, Florida. Ahhhhh, off-season—thank goodness the mountains and the beach balance out their seasons so exceedingly well. Tradewinds Island Grand sounds like my kind of place.
Colorado Denver Hotels Restaurants: Colorado Denver Hotels Restaurants
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Denver à la Française: A French Whirlwind in the Mile-High City
Hmmmm, Kir Royale. Yum. I love the sensation of sweet, bubbly goodness that this cocktail produces in my mouth. Its balance of effervescence and full, ripe fruit tantalizes and satisfies like well, hmmmm, yes. I guess that’s why this is a drink for lovers.
Actually I was with my girlfriend, Mary Dawn, recently when I sipped this delicious nectar at Bistro Vendôme in Denver. (Hey, you don’t have to be with a guy to feel sexy, especially since women often do a better job than men at making other women feel attractive, wouldn’t you agree?) We were both feeling PRETT-Y perky—you know two girls out on the town in the big city feeling footloose and fancy free.
I think it was the whole French thing that brought these sentiments on and, of course, the Kir Royale, a fabulous apéritif that embodies all the lusciousness and fizz of Paree. Ours was raspberry, likely made with Chambord, which, as I explained to MD, was made with champagne (or at least sparkling wine), as indicated by the word royale. (A regular kir is made with white wine—or sometimes a chilled red in France—and a touch of crème de cassis.)
We were to be in Denver less-than twenty-four hours and in honor of the Yves Saint Laurent exhibition at the Denver Art Museum, I insisted we make it a totally French experience. I had zeroed in on Denver’s Italian flair before (see below), however, I hadn’t explored its French side. I had visited Yves Saint Lauent: The Retrospective in the afternoon and was already feeling fantastique. We had also already checked into the Ritz-Carlton Denver, the mile-high city’s first and only AAA five-diamond hotel where I was happy to discover much of the grandeur and elegance of Paris. So the French theme was well underway.
As we approached the entrance to Bistro Vendôme, just off historic Larimer Square, it felt like I was stepping into one of my favorite nooks of Paris. Had the weather not been so uncertain, we would have opted to dine in the Bistro Vendôme courtyard, a privileged enclave that exudes the charm and country-French goodness of outdoor dining in the City of Light. Inside the ambiance felt equally Parisian and as I took in this intimate space, I was thrilled to discover familiar French bistrot elements including wooden tables, mustard-colored walls, lace curtains and mirrors touting the menu du jour in handwritten lettering.
Here Chef de Cuisine Dana Rodriguez serves up exceptional French cuisine of the sort of bistrot quality similar to what I’ve enjoyed at favorite Paris bistrots such as renowned Chef Guy Savoy’s Bouquinistes. Vraiment exceptionnel. For starters I reveled in Foie Gras à la Rhubarb composed of pan seared foie gras (from the Hudson Valley), rhubarb jam, brioche, balsamic reduction, pickled rhubarb and micro basil. This, of course, commanded a second glass of Royale. I let myself be tempted by the Confit de Canard for the main course, a traditional French dish that also surpassed my expectations. MD and I shared a berry napoleon, a heavenly assemblage of fresh fruit, cream and pastry for dessert. The meal was fabulous and served in a smooth, efficient manner since we needed to trot off to a show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
We saw “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” and laughed hysterically for two hours. It wasn’t especially French—except for the love component—so I’ll report on that in another post.
MD and I circled back to Larimer Square for after-theater fun. We settled into Cru, a high-end wine bar and restaurant that I was most attracted to because of its name and also Mary Dawn’s recommendation. Here we were wooed by the tasting of a variety of wines, each accompanied by its perfectly paired treat. With dark chocolate-covered strawberries we sipped Veuve Clicquot, a fromage double crème cheese from Provence, served with honey-drizzled apples and pears, enhanced the crispness of a Pouilly Fuissé, spoonfuls of Dulce de Leche waltzed us through a sweet wine from California and a molten chocolate cake brought out all the complexities of a rich red. Mon dieu! That was quite a lot of tasting. Fortunately the portions were small for both the food and wine.
That’s, in fact, part of the beauty of Cru—they offer a tasting experience hard-to-find elsewhere. Flights, a taste of three, two-ounce wines that are related to one another by grape varietal, geographic region or style, are a good way to sample different wines. Names such as Patio Whites or Backpacking Through Europe make the experience all the more fun. Cru also serves half glasses of wine, so there’s no need to go overboard. This handsome establishment remains open until 2 a.m. and also serves lunch on their front patio and in their back garden.
Back at the Ritz, Mary Dawn and I enjoyed our luxurious room, decorated in a rich palette of gold. We were here just long enough to notice the handsome Colorado influences throughout the hotel including the many accents of earthy hues and artwork from Colorado. Each room boasts one of John Fielder’s impressive books. Needless-to-say, we didn’t find a minute to crack ours. We did, however, check out their incredible Forza Fitness center that spans three floors over 55,000 feet. Their basketball court, which is housed in the walkway that spans two buildings, would even impress the French.
We figured we’d save our exercising for back in Telluride and instead opted to indulge in the special Rive Gauche breakfast at Elway’s, Ritz Carlton Denver’s signature restaurant, in honor of the YSL show. Thankfully here they respect the French tradition in presenting small portions of superior quality. MD and I both regaled in Savory Local Mushroom Crêpes (crimini in this case), served with truffle frites and baby greens. Just like in France, the food was light, lovely and full of flavor. I love the vibrant, swanky decor of Elway’s, the perfect finale to our French-inspired Denver stay.
Mary Dawn and I departed with all the ease and good tidings of a checkout at a top Paris hotel. The staff seemed to express sincere regret in seeing us off, making us feel as though we had now joined the ranks of their most cherished guests. Being two single gals out on the town, that felt especially flattering.
And then it occurred to me that perhaps all the attention wasn’t so much about us two gals. Our special Yves Saint Laurent/French-inspired stay was injected with added panache by a certain handsome fella named Valentino. (Who else would we bring on a YSL weekend?) I guess when you’re two ladies gadding about it’s always good to have a dashing escort in tow.
Note that I’ll be posting a story about my travels with Valentino, Mary Dawn’s gorgeous Bernese Mountain Dog, in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, you can learn more about this alpine treasure and Mary Dawn’s Alpen Schatz, a European-styled shop located in Telluride. It’s an online boutique as well.
Read Denver Art Museum Salutes Yves Saint Laurent and More to hear my take on the YSL show and to listen to an interview with a DAM representative.
Contact Ritz-Carlton Denver (800-241-3333) to find out about their special Yves Saint Laurent package that includes two V.I.P. tickets to the YSL show, a spa treatment, brasserie-inspired Rive Gauche breakfast for two at Elway’s and other style-y amenities.
Read More LoDo Love and Night Out in Denver for more on Denver’s wonderful Larimer Square area.
Sophisticated shoppers and travelers might also want to consult my story Cherry Creek: One of America’s Top Spots for Chic Shopping, Lodging and Dining. I also highlight Elway’s Cherry Creek in that piece.
Check out Viva Italia, Viva Italian Americans, Viva la Dolce Vita in Denver to read about an Italian-inspired trip to Denver.
Thank you to Marc Piscotty, Bistro Vendôme, Cru, Ritz-Carlton Denver and my trusty iPhone for the above images.
Art & Culture Colorado Denver Fashion & Style Podcasts Travel: Art & Culture Colorado Denver Fashion & Style Podcasts
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Denver Art Museum Salutes Yves Saint Laurent and More
“Rien n’est plus beau qu’un corps nu.
Le plus beau vêtement qui puisse habiller une femme ce sont les bras de l’homme qu’elle aime.
Mais pour celles qui n’ont pas eu la chance de trouver ce bonheur je suis là.”
—Yves Saint Laurent
I’d loosely translate the above as follows:
Nothing is more beautiful than a naked body.
The most beautiful clothing that can dress a woman are the arms of the man she loves.
But for those who don’t have the fortune to find this happiness, I am there.
Wow! That’s how I feel about the above and that was my reaction after visiting Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective at the Denver Art Museum (DAM) recently. Wow, wow, wow. What a gorgeous show. Men, please keep reading and listen to the below podcast. Even those of you that might not have an interest in fashion will surely be dazzled by this extraordinary exhibition.Yves Saint Laurent, one of the most legendary fashion designers, opened his first couture house in Paris in the early 1960s at a time when the world would experience great change, especially for women.
From a historical perspective, the YSL retrospective is fascinating. It’s a dynamic show that examines the many external events that influenced this man’s forty years of creativity through a variety of media including photography and videos.
But let’s get back to the women. This man loved women. So much so, in fact, that he primarily worked on live models so that he could take in their gestures, their movements, their élégance. “He really had a goal of making women feel loved and empowered from what they were wearing,” says Tara Moberly, from the press department of the DAM, in our below interview. Indeed and this show-stopping exhibition offers a stunning look at Yves Saint Laurent’s work throughout his illustrious career. From the wall of colors that showcase the couturier’s vast collection of swatches to the black on black display of his famous tuxedos to the grand finale of ball gowns, this exhibition provides a feast for the eyes at every turn.
And how was Denver so lucky to land such a show, an exhibition that was only presented in two other cities including Paris (at Le Petit Palais) and Madrid? You’ll have to listen to the below interview with Tara to find out. Here’s a hint: the dramatic spaces of the recently-opened Hamilton Building lends themselves to such spectacular shows. (You might also enjoy my story Yves-Saint Lauren Comes to Denver that I posted a year ago after I heard about the show coming to the DAM.)
So put on your most vivid colors (or your basic black), throw your shoulders back and sashay on over to this visually stunning Yves Saint Laurent show at the DAM through July 8th. (Best to reserve in advance.) I promise you’ll revel at the two hundred haute couture pieces on view and more including clips from his last runway show in 2002.
Carve out time to take in Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection (through June 17th), a fascinating collection of pins worn by the former Secretary of State. I had no idea that her pins were more than a fashion statement—they were often a way for her to convey a message.
You might want to spend the whole day at the Denver Art Museum in fact. It’s the largest museum between Chicago and the West Coast with a wide variety of permanent collections from Pre-Columbian Art to Oceanic Art to Western American Art.
Upcoming shows including Now Boarding (July 15th-October 7th), an exhibition that features the history of airports and where they’re headed, surely a must for all travelers. I’m also excited about the Denver-only Van Gogh show, entitled Becoming Van Gogh that will be at the museum October 21st thru January 20th.
Click on the play button below to hear Tara Moberly talk about the Denver Art Museum, the Yves Saint Laurent exhibition and other exciting shows and happenings at this dynamic museum in the mile-high city.
Tip: Admission to the DAM is free on the first Saturday of every month.
Thank you to the Denver Art Museum and John Bigelow Taylor (Madeleine Albright pin) for the use of the above images.
Hotels Restaurants Spas The Rockies Utah: Hotels Restaurants Spas The Rockies Utah
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Stein Eriksen Lodge: A Rocky Mountain Classic Where Sunday Brunch Astounds
Since I moved to the Rockies nearly ten years ago, I’ve been cultivating a short list of renowned resorts that I’ve wanted to discover. (Anyone that reads this blog with any frequency knows that I love fine hotels and more importantly, the ambiance they create.) Let me see. There’s The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Sonnenalp in Vail and Sundance and Stein Eriksen Lodge in Utah. These are what I consider to be the crème de la crème of the old, established Rocky Mountain resorts and by the time I post this story, I will have experienced all of them. (Feel free to let me know if I’m missing any from this grouping! Yes, I know there are some great lodges in Montana and Wyoming, but I’ll save them for another day.)
There’s a reason these establishments have been world-renowned for decades. Actually at each, you can count many reasons, the biggest one perhaps being that it’s easy to create memories at these properties, unique moments that remain with you forever thanks to the overall feel of the resort. Details such as fresh flowers, hand-carved furnishings, a saloon with a creaky wooden floor and the uniforms sported by the people that work there also help to transport you to a different place.
At the Stein Eriksen Lodge in Deer Valley, Utah, I delighted in their well-appointed accommodations as much as in their many Scandinavian influences that characterize the resort, the namesake of the famed slalom skier from Norway. From painted wood cabinetry to immense landscapes of the Norwegian countryside, most everywhere you turn there’s a hint of the Old World that to me, accentuates the alpine feel of the Rockies exceedingly well.
In many cases, there’s a standout moment at a resort that truly makes it unforgettable. I toured the Stein Eriksen’s award-winning spa which looked especially heartwarming, resplendent in earth tones and an understated, elegant decor. I never made it there, however, having opted to soak in the hot tub of my own private quarters instead. My hunny and I did thankfully decide to stay for Sunday brunch before heading out on our long drive back to Colorado, a decision that I’m sure we’ll always be grateful we made since here many wonderful memories were formed.
As we sat on the deck soaking up the freshness and warmth of a fine spring day in the Rockies, we traded stories about the most memorable Sunday brunches we had ever enjoyed. The list was fairly short for both of us and from now on, we’re certain that Sunday brunch at the Stein Eriksen Lodge will rank as number one.
Named after the second highest mountain in Norway, Glitretind, the signature restaurant of the Stein, puts on a spread fit for royalty, or at least the most discriminating travelers and foodies around. Each week the chefs serve up a feast of appetizers, main dishes and desserts comprised of the finest ingredients, many sourced from local purveyors. From a seafood raw bar to succulent sirloin tips and eggs benedict to crème brulé topped with wild berries, the Glitretind’s buffet features exquisite food presented in a glorious manner. Here the emphasis is as much on quality as quantity. No wonder it is such a beloved weekly event for the resort.
As I discovered recently, spring offers a sense of privacy and solitude that’s not always present during ski season. I imagine it’s the same for summer and fall. For me, experiencing a big-name resort outside of its busiest season offers one of the greatest privileges of all: quiet luxury and sometimes the feeling that in certain corners, you have the whole place to yourself.
For a lovely romantic getaway, book a stay at the Stein Eriksen Lodge and be sure to stay for their Sunday brunch. It makes every get-together all the more special, even if you’re just brunching à deux.

Steve & Me Strolling at the Stein Just After Brunch a Couple of Weeks Ago Before the Leaves Began to Pop
Summer activities at Deer Valley include mountain biking and hiking. Just a short drive or shuttle ride away, Park City offers lots of great shopping, dining and culture. Check out their events calendar for more information.
A Park City Must: The Egyptian Theatre
Most of the old mining towns in the West boast a historic theater or opera house that remain the talk of the town. Park City is no exception and I was thrilled to take in a show at their magnificently restored Egyptian Theatre, a landmark venue on Main Street dating back to the 1920s, adorned with hieroglyphics, scarabs, leaf motifs and a gold mine of other Egyptian symbols that woo everyone that enters. Over a hundred Egyptian Theatres were erected during this period which coincides with the discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb. Only a handful remain today restored to their original splendiferous glory and surely this one must be among the finest.
Read The Penrose Room: Colorado’s Pièce de Résistance for a peek into the world of The Broadmoor’s haute culinary scene. My story Romantic Getaway in the Heart of Utah’s Ski Country features Deer Valley, Park City, The Canyons and the above mentioned Sundance Resort. And keep in mind that Snowbird is less than an hour away from Deer Valley and the Stein; I report on this terrific ski area in Spring Skiing in Snowbird.
Heartfelt Gift Ideas from Favorite Online Boutiques for Mother’s Day
Hearts aren’t just for Valentine’s Day, especially when it comes to expressing love for mothers. Here’s my top pick for this year’s Mother’s Day: stunning Austrian choker pendants from Alpen Schatz, one of my favorite online boutiques located here in Telluride. These beauties come in an array of jewel-toned colors, presented on rich velvet ribbons. I see them as timeless treasures, perfect for moms of every age. They also make for lovely graduation, birthday and engagement gifts. Best of all, Alpen Schatz owner Mary Dawn DeBraie is offering a 15% discount to all Bonjour Colorado shoppers on orders placed through Sunday, May 13th. Just type in Bonjour upon check out to receive your special price.
This 15% percent discount is valid on all Alpen Schatz online boutique merchandise through the above date. I also love their Swarovski crystal heart scarf ornaments, Italian silk scarves and gemstone hearts for ladies. At their charming online boutique you can also find alpine hats, Swiss cowbells and dog collars as well as lots of other accessories for you, your pet and your home, all at 15% off of their regular price for Bonjour Colorado readers.
If chocolate—or chocolate chip cookies, chocolate sauce or hot chocolate mix—seem like a better gift idea for you this Mother’s Day, order some of the best from Telluride Truffle. Type in promo code Bonjour in the Redeem Coupon Box to receive your 10% discount on online orders.
And if you haven’t tried Ruth’s Toffee, order some for yourself and the favorite mother on your list. Mention Bonjour Colorado to receive a 10% discount there as well.
Know someone that’s a great mom to a beloved pet? Consider placing an order with Purrfect Play, my all-time favorite online boutique for quality cat and dog toys and more. They, too, offer a 10% discount to Bonjour Colorado readers if you type in Bonjour when placing your order.
Happy Mother’s Day, happy gift-giving for all springtime celebrations to all!
Restaurants Skiing & Snowboarding The Rockies Utah: Restaurants Skiing & Snowboarding The Rockies Utah
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Spring Skiing at Snowbird
You know what’s great about sore legs? Afterward—once they’re no longer sore—they feel strong and toned.
That’s how mine are feeling today and I’m loving it. I had quite the workout over the weekend, maybe the biggest of the season. It’s no wonder. I met up with my oldest brother, Frank, and skied with him, some of his buddies and my hunny for two days in Snowbird, Utah. With them, I pushed the limits of my comfort zone on one of the best mountains in the West. And what an initiation it was into the big leagues. These guys don’t mess around.

Mineral Basin: One of Our Favorite Spots on the Mountain---Just Like Skiing on a Glacier in the Alps
I had heard about Snowbird, Utah for years, mostly from Frank who goes there nearly every year. I was eager to discover it, especially since most of the ski resorts in Colorado have ended their seasons. I love spring skiing in April once Telluride has closed and normally meet up with another brother, David, and his wife, Geri, in Aspen. Or I head to Vail. Although this year I was smart to pick Snowbird since this extraordinary mountain still boasts a near ninety inch base.
And whoa, what snow! We didn’t see a single bare spot. They have enough to push around until well into May. “Continuing our tradition of offering the longest ski season in Utah, Snowbird is prepared to stay open for skiing and snowboarding as long as the snowpack permits,” says Dave Fields, V.P. of Resort Operations.
So that’s why I received no definitive answer about the official closing date of Snowbird—they just stay open as long as the snow holds up. “It’s a real skiers’ mountain,” says Ira, one of Frank’s oldest friends that moved to Utah decades ago. “It’s more of a ski area, than a ski resort,” adds another local. Certainly one of the best in the country with terrain that makes the most ardent skiers salivate.
Since it’s spring, only the most enthusiastic and fun-loving skiers and boarders need apply. On any given day, the conditions can vary as much as the parade of rainbow-colored attire and silly costumes that brighten the slopes during this festive scene. The window of great skiing is reduced, yet that just leaves more time to party (which takes place at the Plaza Deck with live music weekends from 2 to 5 p.m.). Keep in mind that the snow can change from hard-packed to mashed potatoes sometimes within an hour, especially if you’re not on a north-facing slope. A good skier can enjoy skiing all of this and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll find some sweet corn in between.
Boy, am I glad I finally shook off my end-of-season fatigue to play with the big guys. Now I’m finally ready to put away my skis.
Here’s a great restaurant recommendation: Log Haven Restaurant, 6451 E. Millcreek Canyon Road, Salt Lake City; 801-272-8255.
Our large group of ski aficionados regaled in an elegant meal at Log Haven Restaurant, a fine establishment restaurant nestled in Millcreek Canyon, just a short scenic drive from the slopes. If you’re headed anywhere near Salt Lake, this place is a must! It was also fun trading ski stories with Frank and his dear friends, all of whom possess a fifty plus year-old passion about skiing. A special nod to Mike Bisner who was part of the group. Mike introduced my family to skiing in the West some forty years ago, a big event that forever changed our lives. Thanks, Mike!
Art & Culture French Life Hotels Music & Dance Paris Podcasts Restaurants: Art & Culture French Life Hotels Music & Dance Paris Podcasts Restaurants
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Terrance Galenter from Paris Through Expatriate Eyes: An American Bon Vivant
Ahhhhh. April in Paris. It truly is a delightful time for visiting the City of Light. And as Terrance Galenter, emphasizes in my below Travel Fun interview, the month of May is even better.
Terrance, an American that started Paris through Expatriate Eyes ten years ago in California, has been operating from the French capital for the past fours years. He’s your point person in Paree for everything from tours to lodging, restaurant and reading recommendations. “It’s a very small town for a big town,” Terrance says about Paris. And if you make contact with him before or during your Paris stay, he’s sure to make this fabulous city a smaller, more comfortable place for you.
Having lived eleven years in Paris and having authored three shopping and touring guides on my adopted city, I also know a thing or two about this beloved destination. Click on the play button below to hear Terrance and I schmooze about Paris, its gardens and flowers, its quality of life, its cafés and much more.
Note that Terrance croons every Thursday evening at The Duke’s Bar at the oh-so lovely Hôtel Westminster. He also “holds court” at the renowned Café de Flore on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. These are great places to meet Terrance and his host of contacts. Terrance talks about both venues in the above interview.
DC Hotels Restaurants Shopping Travel: DC Hotels Restaurants Shopping Travel
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Appreciating Tea in D.C.
If you’re a tea drinker, you know what it means to delight in a perfect cup of tea. Whether you’re alone or in the company of one or two special people, at home or out, the perfect cup of tea occurs when both taste and ritual come together to create a memorable moment.
That moment is taken to new heights at the Tea Cellar at the Park Hyatt Washington, D.C. Here the centuries-old custom of sipping tea may be savored by connoisseurs and amateurs alike. Case in point: This die-hard aficionado and daily tea drinker took her brother to teatime, a guy who has never consumed a cup of tea (or coffee!) in his life. Yet Frank, my oldest brother, embodies an adventuresome spirit and I was certain he’d enjoy sampling tea with me in such a renowned establishment. And that he did!










































































