The Best of 2019

2019 was a BIG year.  It’s hard to believe it was all just twelve months! Before we launch the new decade we are taking a quick look back at what we are most proud of and sharing a few of our favorite wanderings from 2019.

A Look Back

We are proud of taking the successful run of our business, Artisan Design Group, over the finish line. What an adventure that was… growing through the recession and continuing to create magic until the final curtain! We are so grateful for all of our team and colleagues that worked side by side with us… and who are now life-long friends. For 2019 what we are most proud of is really showing up for our family and friends. From the most special destination weddings to loved ones in hospice; from our nephews’ NCAA team championship to another new stage 4 cancer diagnosis in our family… there were joyful retirement celebrations; critical care hospital rooms; family times; fundraising; and World University Games as well as birthdays, anniversaries and funerals… this year brought it all. Reminders that chapters end… and when they do we turn the page and move forward. We are excited to write the new chapters of the new year and the new decade ahead.

The Best of 2019

Thank you 2019 for the memories… the lessons, the tears, the laughter and the love. For our fellow travelers, we have compiled a fun list our top ten favorite wanderings this past year.

#10 – New York City Christmas

This is always a favorite way to kick off the holiday season! New York is at its shiniest and most vibrant when it is decked out for Christmas. The lights, the daily walks by the Rockefeller Tree and the Saks Light Show; Broadway shows and the Rockettes, Central Park, store windows, Christmas markets, ice skaters and so much more!
Tips:
• Buy tickets and make reservations early. It is a busy time!
• The Rockefeller Tree is not lit until the Wednesday after Thanksgiving weekend.
• The best time to visit is the week after the tree is lit and the week before most schools let out, and mid-week versus weekends for the least crowds.
• Chase & Amex card services both have preferred seating blocks for tickets to many of the Broadway shows.
• Chase has preferred seating and discount opportunities for many of the Rockettes Christmas Extravaganza Show.
Hotel – Park Hyatt New York. By Central Park, across the street from Carnegie Hall, walking distance everywhere. An indoor rooftop pool, a great restaurant and impeccable service make it hard to beat.
Points tip– transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt and book rooms for less than half the points of a top tier Marriott. *Favorite Hotel*

#9 – Duomo Rooftops Milan

My absolute favorite thing to do anytime I am in Milan is wander the rooftops of the Duomo. The stone work details are as mesmerizing as they are beautiful. The shopping is great but the rooftop terraces are magical. I may or may not have wandered up there twice in our day and a half there.
Tips:
• Best time to travel to Milan – September and October, after the heat and crowds of summer have dissipated and the weather is still beautiful.
• Best time to wander the rooftops of the Duomo – right after they open at 9 am and the hour before they close.
Hotel – Park Hyatt Milan. It is hard to beat the location, which is attached to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (the oldest mall in Milan) and next to the Duomo Square.
Points tip– transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards point to Hyatt and book rooms for less than half the points of a top tier Marriott. *great value*

#8 – Vintage Piaggio Through Ischia

As a day trip from Naples (we were there as our nephew was swimming for Team USA in the World University Games) … we took the hydrofoil to the island of Ischia. It is a more local vibe than its famous neighbor Capri. Since it is larger than Capri, the best way to get the overview and scenic vistas is in a vintage piaggio, or a three wheeled micro-taxi, on a circle tour around the island. Afterwards we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Pane & Vino right at the Port with a view of the water before catching the hydrofoil back to Naples.
Tips –
• We did not pre-book and just went to the taxi stand where the boats come in and found a micro-taxi.
• The micro-taxis have pre-printed charts for the prices of different trips and the circle tour includes photo and refreshment stops.
Hotel – Hotel Romeo right at the Harbor. Nice hotel, great location, spa, roof top pool and bar.
Points tip– Since we were in Naples for a large event the Bonvoy and Hyatt points were blocked out. We were able to get a room at with Chase Ultimate Rewards points through the travel portal, again for slightly less per night in points than the larger hotel chain points programs.

#7 – The Squares of Savannah

There are just some places that make you feel as if you have stepped back into another time. Historic Savannah is an exquisite kaleidoscope of history, charm, graceful beauty, antebellum architecture and warm southern hospitality. Where it is enough to walk the tree lined streets and sit for spell in one of its twenty-two cobblestone squares. Art and music are immersed in the city at every turn. Add to that an eclectic mix of great food and a lively night scene (including ghosts of centuries past) and you meet the current day Savannah in all of her splendor.
Read more of our Savannah favs on our blog at https://anywherewewander.com/2019/05/19/savannah-in-time/
Tips:
• Unless you will be doing day trips a car is more of a liability. With downtown parking at a premium overnight parking is very expensive. The uber ride from the airport is about ten miles.
• The Alligator Soul Restaurant is a treat. It is subterranean so be sure to make reservations and ask for a wine vault or “window” table. (They are not real windows but have been created to add light.)
• For the trolley tours it is easy to decide on the spot and pay when you get on the trolley. For the more specialized walking tours and horse drawn carriage tours reservations are needed.
Hotel – The Perry Lane Hotel, by far our *Favorite Hotel of the Year*.
The Perry Lane Hotel certainly lived up to its recent award as one of the 20 Best New Hotels in the World. Champagne upon check in, an attentive staff and beautiful décor are just the beginning. With three bars, a restaurant, Bowerbird Coffee Shop, an arcade, gelato stand and a rooftop pool on property it takes the hotel experience to the next level. There are events happening every day for Perry Lane guests- from musical performances to wine tasting in the Library… they’ve got it covered. The refillable jar of Byrds Cookies in the room every day was a big hit also. The Emporium Restaurant had amazing breakfasts and the door staff team could not have been friendlier. The location is very central in the historic district, one block away from Chippewa Square.
Points tip– As part of the Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel can be booked with Marriott Bonvoy points.

#6 – Neuschwanstein After Hours

There once was a young girl whose parents took her to the original Cinderella’s Castle. They went up in a horse drawn carriage and heard tales of a mad king. Neuschwanstein became her castle then… and I am still just a girl and in love her castle. King Ludwig II ascended to the thrown in 1864 at age 18. In 1868 he began the construction of Neuschwanstein Castle at the site on the hill of the old 12th century fortress ruins. He intended it to be his residence, yet when he died in 1886 it was still not completed, so most nights he continued to stay in Hohenschwangau Castle below. Shortly after his passing, it was opened to the public to recoup some of the expenses, and to this day it is the most visited destination in Europe with over 1.4 million visitors per year.
Tips:
• The best time in Hohenschwangau and the Castle area are before the buses arrive and after the buses leave.
• Skip the horse carriages and shuttles… the walk up the hill takes about 25 minutes and is gorgeous.
• Leave enough time to hike down the gorge and past Marions Bridge.
Hotel – Hotel Villa Ludwig – Room with a View. It was magical to enjoy the castle views from our balcony and from breakfast in the gardens, and to enjoy Hohenschwangau without the massive buses of people.

#5 – Biking down the Rhine River

K O B L E N Z ➡ B O P P A R D // We left our river cruise ship and rode bikes from the port of Koblenz to the port of Boppard.. We were actually going faster than the ship until our beer garden stop. A fun 16 mile scenic ride along the Rhine … cobblestones and all… and the best views as we approached Boppard.
Tips:
• There are bike only tours through the Rhine River valley for those interested.
• River cruise ships have bicycles on board for those who want to bike on their own around the ports.
Accommodation – Uniworld Cruises SS Antoinette. Uniworld Cruises was voted the #1 River Cruise Line for 2019 by Travel & Leisure magazine. They work to provide unique and exclusive experiences with their tours.

#4 – Strasbourg & Colmar

Our days trips through the historic French towns of Strasbourg and Colmar just left us wanting more. A longer trip wandering the beauty of the Alsace region is definitely on our list. Strasbourg’s history is so compelling … with its original settlement in 12 BC, the city celebrated its 2,000 year anniversary in 1988! In the one hundred years between 1850 and 1950 this beautiful city changed nations four times. Originally part of France since 1681, it became German in 1871, went back to being French again in 1918, became German in 1940 and has now been a part of France since the end of 1944. Each generation with a different national identity! Colmar, often referred to as the most beautiful small town in France, is rumored to be the basis for Belle’s hometown in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”. Strolling through the half-timbered houses, colorful flowers and uneven cobblestones is like walking into a fairytale. Colmar is located in the Alsace region of France, known for its wine production, picturesque towns and hillside vineyards.
Tips:
• Most river cruise lines include the tours. If I had the chance I would skip the group tour and get out early before the rest of the passengers.
• We always research a unique spot to enjoy the local cuisine for lunch when we are cruising.
• If we are in port late or overnight the same goes for dinner to maximize the local experience while enjoying the convenience of a floating hotel room.

#3 – Hiking the Narrows, Zion National Park

We were fortunate to experience Zion through the stunning wedding of our niece. While that is not a tour you can book… I will just say if the opportunity ever presents itself do not miss it! It was a magical weekend. One of the first activities organized by our intrepid bride and groom was an early morning “hike” through the Narrows…. Which was so much more than hiking. First we heard that we needed to rent waterproof kits (dry pants, water socks and waterproof boots) the night before and we were skeptical. When they told us that most of the trek would in fact be in the water and that certain spots could get as high as our waist we understood. Then when 7 am rolled around, at 42 degrees outside and 32 degree water in the Virgin River, we came close to no-showing. Alas, thankfully, we rallied. The term “hiking” is a bit misleading… as it is really more walking through water on a river bed of uneven rocks and trying not to slip. As we “hiked” back to Wall Street, most of the way the sun didn’t really make it down into the canyon as the walls of the canyon were over 1000 feet high on both sides. What a fantastic experience! We are so glad we joined the bride and groom to be on this adventure! IT. WAS. EPIC.
Tips:
• Take the park shuttle back to Stop 9. There are restrooms there. Follow the signs for “The Narrows”. The first part of the trail is an easy paved path. When that trail ends you start in the water.
• Definitely rent the waterproof gear. There were a few fearless souls who attempted to roll up their pants and wade in, but they didn’t get very far.
• You can go further than Wall Street. There are deeper parts that we were told the water went chest high, and one of the outfitters rents full one piece suits if you want that option.
Accommodation – Under Canvas Zion. The wedding group glamped one night at in these tents and celebrated under the stars. We had not heard of Under Canvas before this and we loved it! It was November and boy did those wood-burning stoves in each tent keep us toasty! Looking at all the other National Parks that have Under Canvas locations we will have to try another one in 2020!
Check it out: https://www.undercanvas.com

#2 – Motorboat Lake Como

“There’s a part of me that thinks perhaps we go on existing in a place even after we’ve left it.” – Colum McCann. The destination wedding of close friends of the family prompted our first visit to Lake Como and the enchanting town of Varenna. The entire four days were amazing and the wedding was perfect in every last detail. During our time there, one of our favorite adventures was renting motor boats and spending half the day on the lake exploring with periodic stops to jump overboard and swim. Rental rates were reasonable and it is one of the most relaxed ways to enjoy the lake. If you find yourself wandering Lake Como – just do it. A day on the lake is always a good idea!
Tips:
• Boat rentals at https://www.varennarentaboat.com/
• Make sure to take a swim while you are on the lake
• Varenna is more relaxed and less crowded than its neighbor Bellagio.
• It is an easy one hour train ride from Milan down to the train station in Varenna
Accommodation- Villa Monti. A six unit historic building renovated with modern day amenities. Every unit was unique and completely different from the others. Our unit was the two stories at the top of the tower – Hydrangea #6. We entered on the bedroom and bath level and another set of stairs took us up to the living room-kitchen area with windows all around for a 360 degree view. Bonus: from the street up to our living room was 125 steps … each way.
Villa Monti booking information can be found at https://www.visitvarenna.com/

#1 – Flight over Glacier Bay National Park

There are moments that settle deep in your soul. Our number one experience during our journey through the Last Frontier was our flightseeing tour over Glacier Bay National Park. It is breathtaking. If you are in Skagway or Haines a flight with Mountain Flying Service is a must! They are a small family business of 35 years and the flights are spectacular. The people coming off the flight before ours said it was the best thing they had ever done in their lives. And even with the bar set so high it lived up to the hype!
Find them here: https://www.mountainflyingservice.com/
Tips:
• A great first glimpse at Alaska is certainly by sea.
• 90% of the time we do not use the cruise tour services. We either find small groups on the cruise critic roll call or schedule private tours through research on Trip Advisor.
• Companies like this are not large enough to do bookings through the cruise lines, so google can be your best friend. I actually found them while I was searching for “Alaska cruise packing guides.” In a cruise review they said “don’t miss Glacier Bay.” Since our ship was not actually going to Glacier Bay, and the cruise line did not offer any flightseeing tours to glacier bay, I found this company.
Accommodation- Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Millennium What we like about cruising is the ability to cover more ground and discover where we want to spend more time on land. Also the convenience of not having to unpack and re-pack every few days, and how easy it makes traveling with a group of friends. We love the specialty dining and the entertainment options of the mid-sized ships. We chose the Millennium as it went further north up the coast of Alaska with the departure from Vancouver and the final port of Seward. (It had also just completed a full renovation.) From there we took the Alaska Railroad (the only state owned railroad in the US) to Anchorage and on to Denali.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wow! If you made it this far I see adventure in your future!  We are so grateful for all of you … our family, friends and community. We cherish the memories of all who are no longer here to celebrate with us. Life is precious. Our wish for each and every one of you is joy in this moment, love that will sustain you through the light and the dark, strength of spirit and peace in your heart. Take the leap, eat the desert and make the memories.

Happy new year & Bon Voyage!!! Roaring 20s we are coming for you!

XOXO

J & S

 
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