Castle Inn The Clouds

When we were just itty bitty travel writers, we often dreamed of being swept away by our prince charming to a magical castle in the clouds. Well, while the first part is still but a dream, we've truly found our dream castle - in Newport, Rhode Island.

Castle Hill Inn and Resort features all of the more grand elements that you'd expect in genteel Rhode Island, including the largest building on the property, the Agassiz Mansion (once the summer residence of Harvard marine biologist Alexander Agassiz) which has four dining rooms, nine guestrooms, and the kitchen. But it was the beach cottages that really set our pulses racing. Sure we loved the modern amenities like the TV/DVD combos, but it was the traditional elements we loved most. The Inn, which has been around for over a century, takes its cue from 19th century seaside life- from the soothing color combos of misty greens, light blues and clear white to the fireplaces and spectacular views and oh the fireplaces. For a real treat, the Turret Suite (referred to by frequent visitor Thornton Wilder in Theophilus North) offers views of nearby Block Island, and if you look really carefully (or refer to the handy nautical chart) you can spot one of 12 lighthouses in surrounding waters.

We don't tend to go all girly and gushy when discussing destination weddings, but if you're planning a beach wedding, you might seriously want to consider the Castle Inn.

Castle Hill Inn and Resort is at 590 Ocean Drive, Newport, RI, 888.466.1355

So what are you waiting for? Go There Girl!

And While We're Talking About New Jersey....

We'll admit to being more than a bit obsessed with the natural beauty of Scotland - you know, cute men in their kilts, oh wait! we love the other natural beauty too, the glorious vistas and views in the Highlands.

Did you know that New Jersey has something called The Skylands which features if not equally spectacular views, incredibly impressive ones? Don't feel bad, we didn't know either until we visited Crystal Springs Golf Resort and Spa in Vernon.

Where to begin? Shall we wax rhapsodic over our palatial accomodations at the Grand Cascades Lodge? You know, the condo that was so enormous we could easily have tucked two of our NYC apartments into it. Maybe it was the indoor and outdoor fireplaces that did it. Or the view from our room of the biosphere, a neat little enclosed area that features an underground aquarium, caves (no, really- caves!) and lush tropical foliage. More than likely it was the nearby Minerals Spa (though Crystal Springs is in the process of building their own spa), or 50,000 rich wine cellar. It's quite possible though that it was the food at Restaurant Latour, at which Chef Michael Weisshaupt graciously created what was quite possibly the most delicious vegetarian treats for us that we have ever tasted in our entire non-carnivorous lives. It couldn't have been the golf, since we don't play, or the skiing, since we were there off season. We suspect that it also had something to do with the long walks through the property and breathtaking views of the Kittatinny Mountains.

More than anything it was the ability to realize that barely an hour away from the City is a truly spectacular escape from the noise and dirt and every day life, that left us feeling refreshed, energized and more than ready for another visit.

Crystal Springs Resort. Route 94, Vernon, New Jersey, 973. 827.5996

So what are you waiting for? Go There Girl!

New Jersey- Yes! New Jersey

Thanksgiving is just around the bend and you're gearing up for too much time with the family. You're itching for an escape but don't want to head too far from home... well, why not look to New Jersey for a bit of retail and spa therapy?

Short Hills, New Jersey is known for posh addresses and is a really short drive from the City (Just about an hour) and an even shorter flight from most Eastern hubs.

The Hilton Short Hills is not only convenient (located directly across the road from the mall) but also offers world class spa services, luxurious rooms, great restaurants and amenities (and those glorious Hilton beds).

When you're done being fed, buffed and otherwise pampered you can zip across to The Mall at Short Hills for some extreme retail therapy. From Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom to Gucci and Betsey Johnson to Jimmy Choo and Fendi- the gang's all there.

Our credit cards are still recovering.

Hilton Short Hills is at 41 John F. Kennedy Parkway, Short Hills, New Jersey 973.379.0100
The Mall at Short Hills is at Route 24 & JFK Parkway Short Hills, New Jersey 973. 376.7350

So what are you waiting for? Go There Girl!

Chocolate Show! (Yum)

We all now know that chocolate is good for you with all kinds of heart healthy benefits (and it can even help you to get over a broken heart). Well now you can indulge your love of the dark sweet stuff at the 10th annual Chocolate Show taking place in New York this week and featuring everything from decadent chocolate drinks in the Chocolate Lounge prepared by top mixologists like Johnny Iuzzini from Jean Georges and a chocolate fashion show. More details are here.

So what are you waiting for? Go There Girl!