The town of Avon, Colorado lies at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain, and it's the place to be for all manner of activities in and around the Vail Valley. If you're itching for a little mountain time right now, here's a great opportunity. The Sheraton Mountain Vista Villas, Avon / Vail Valley is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next eight weeks. This luxurious four-season resort has everything you need to feel relaxed, refreshed, and reinvigorated, with three different types of villas furnished with the latest amenities, as well as kitchens, separate dining areas, and breakfast bars. You'll be ready for anything, whether you prefer skiing, sleigh riding and horseback riding or hot air ballooning, fine dining and gondola rides. Spend your day snowshoeing through forested trails, or feel the rush of downhill skiing on the surrounding slopes. When it's time for dinner, indulge in several world class eateries nearby, including Vin 48 Restaurant Wine Bar, where Chef Charles Hays offers a rustic American menu of small and large plates, and Juniper, with dishes like beef tenderloin with smoked trout brandade, and Colorado rack of lamb with baba ghanoush ravioli. It's a perfect end to an active day. New Starpicks properties are posted every Tuesday, so check the list for the latest deals.
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Starpick the Sheraton Mountain Vista Villas, Avon / Vail Valley
Wednesday March 10, 2010Look out the window as you come in for a landing at New York's Kennedy Airport. You'll spot a tall clock tower rising among the brownstones of Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. Dating from 1927, the historic Williamsburgh Bank building is one of the borough's most iconic landmarks, and since January, it's been home to the Brooklyn Flea.
A paradise of antique treasures (old vinyl, silver plate flatware, vintage clothing, and mid-century furniture) and handmade crafts (hand printed stationery, organic soaps, knit hats, and all sorts of jewelry), the Brooklyn Flea takes place every weekend. About one hundred vendors set up their wares in three of the bank building's architecturally stunning floors. Beyond the iron grates of original bank teller windows, Polaroid cameras line up alongside Halston shoes. Swedish clogs point toward embroidered pillowcases. And milk glass lamps illuminate Pucci scarves. Tantalizing aromas drift from the bank vault, a destination in itself where dozens of food vendors cook up their lobster rolls, tacos, papusas, chocolate chip brownies, and red velvet cupcakes. Even Martha Stewart says, "it's a fantastic way to get a taste of everything that the borough has to offer."
Half a mile from the soon-to-open Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel, the Brooklyn Flea is at 1 Hanson Place, its winter location, through the end of March. Starting the first week in April, all those fabulous finds move outside. The Fort Greene outdoor market sets up every Saturday at the Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School's sprawling parking lot on Lafayette Ave., still just a short walk from the hotel. And on Sundays, it's under the Brooklyn Bridge in Dumbo.
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More Enjoy a Family Beach Vacation at the Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Hotel
Thursday March 4, 2010
If you're as sick of winter as we are, then Spring Break can't come soon enough. Well, now is a great time to take an early Spring Break getaway, because the Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Hotel & Condominiums is offering a special Family Vacation on the Beach Package that will make your first dose of sunshine this year all the sweeter. Book by March 4 for stays March 5 - 28, 2010 and enjoy family-friendly perks like a deluxe ocean-view room, breakfast each day at the Beachside Bar and Grille, two bottles of water daily, free sunscreen, free internet access, one in-room movie, 50% off valet parking, and more. You can even enjoy discounted water sports at Sonny's Beach Service, including parasailing and banana boats - a perfect way to start vacation season off on a high note. This stylish destination on the south Texas shoreline boasts gorgeous beaches, breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, and the largest swimming pool in South Texas, including a swim-up bar. Spend your day searching for sea shells, playing volleyball, or sailing on the high seas. And when evening comes, retreat to the hotel's Beachside Grille, where international cuisine is served in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Rates start at just $286 per night (up to four per room) with a two-night minimum length of stay. To make a reservation, visit here or call 1-866-716-8134 and ask for rate plan SPFAM.
Destination Spotlight - Brooklyn, New York - A Masterpiece of a Museum in Brooklyn
Wednesday March 3, 2010If it were in any city other than New York, the Brooklyn Museum would be the most popular museum in town by far. After all, it boasts no less than 1.5 million works of art and antiquity, from Pablo Picasso's 1942 classic Woman in Gray (Femme en gris) to one of the most spectacular collections of ancient Egyptian art on the planet. But this being New York, it's overshadowed by (admittedly spectacular) institutions like the Met, the MoMA, the Guggenheim, and the American Museum of Natural History. But don't let that stop you from visiting, because a short trip on the subway (or an even shorter taxi ride) will reward you with the rarest of experiences: a world-class museum with plenty of breathing room. Browse the permanent collection without being elbowed and jostled, or check out temporary exhibits (see video) like To Live Forever: Art and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt, which explores the Egyptians' belief about life, death, and the afterlife. A host of compelling exhibits are planned for this year, including American High Style: Fashioning a National Collection (with works by designers such as Elizabeth Hawes and Christian Dior) and Andy Warhol: The Last Decade, with nearly 50 paintings, photos, and sculptures from 1977 - 1987. Nothing second-rate about that. Starwood has hotels throughout the New York City area, including the soon-to-open Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel.
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More Destination Spotlight - Brooklyn, New York - Offbeat Outdoor Eats
Wednesday March 3, 2010
Good food is everywhere in Brooklyn, a reflection of the fact that it is home to citizens from all over the world. For affordable and fun outdoor eating from spring through late fall, one of the most impressive and veteran gatherings of food trucks appears from the Red Hook Food Vendors at the Red Hook soccer field on Saturdays in the Red Hook neighborhood (accessible via the F train on the subway). It feeds hordes of hungry young players and savvy food adventurers with a sampling of the best meals and snacks from Mexico, Puerto Rico, and El Salvador. Among many standout items, look for some of the best and freshest ceviche and pupusas from friendly, hard-working, family-owned businesses, Also on the weekends, Brooklyn Flea (indoor/outdoor location varies seasonally; check the Web site) is not only a great site for shopping, but an incredible gathering of many local artisan food producers, a group so impressive that Martha Stewart even dedicated a whole episode of her television program to its edible delights.
Your stay at the soon-to-open Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel will put you at the perfect perch from which to access the many international culinary delights not only in surrounding Brooklyn Heights and all over the sprawling borough, but also all of Manhattan. Whether you eat inside or outside, it's a case of having too much to choose from, which is really always a thrilling prospect for a visitor. As is complimentary breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres, both of which await you in The Club Lounge.
Destination Spotlight - Brooklyn, New York - Music in the Borough
Tuesday March 2, 2010
As the Beastie Boys famously said, "No sleep till Brooklyn." And while you should have little trouble sleeping in your room at the Sheraton Brooklyn New York, the hip neighborhoods of Brooklyn will give you plenty of reasons to stay up late.
For sheer variety, it's hard to beat Southpaw, a venue for everyone from old-school rapper KRS-One to folkie Dar Williams to Spanish rockers The Right Ons. Pete's Candy Store brings an eclectic selection to its intimate stage, too, including a regular spelling bee. Public Assembly is a great place to dance to a proper DJ set.
On the other end of the musical spectrum, the Brooklyn-Queens Conservatory of Music's series of jazz, orchestral and choral concerts are extremely popular for their quality and affordability. BAM showcases up-and-coming acts of all sorts in its BAMcafé in addition to its full schedule of indie and international film. And if your visiting Brooklyn this summer, keep your eye on BKLYN Yard and the Williamsburg Waterfront shows page for some great outdoor concerts.
Bahrain's 2010 Spring of Culture
Monday March 1, 2010Italian opera, Saudi Arabian song, and West African percussion resound through the performance halls and art spaces of Bahrain this month as the island nation celebrates its fifth Spring of Culture. The vivid festival dedicates a whole month to a vast assortment of artistic endeavors including music, dance, film, theatre, literature, poetry, and design. This year, jazz superstar Diana Krall takes the stage at Arad Fort on March 12, for her very first Persian Gulf performance. The Brazilian dance troupe, Bale de Rua (see video) showcase their fancy footwork March 17 and 18, combining elements of Capoeira, hip hop, street dance, and samba into a sensationally rhythmic and mesmerizing performance. And the Rome-based Orchestra di Piazza Vittorio puts a modern spin on Mozart's "The Magic Flute" on March 25.
Enjoy a wealth of international culture in the springtime paradise of this 22-island archipelago. A pearl of a country just off Saudi Arabia's east coast, Bahrain is blessed with warm weather year-round, and March is a lovely time for sunbathing at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel's outdoor swimming pool or upon the soft sands of nearby beaches - the perfect way to get relaxed and refreshed for one of Spring of Culture's exciting evening performances.
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More Classical Music in the Country Music Capital of the World
Monday March 1, 2010
They call Nashville "Music City USA," and while the majority of the music you'll hear is country music, there are plenty of other styles as well. For example, you might be surprised to know that Nashville is home to one of the country's most respected symphony orchestras, the Nashville Symphony, which has been a cultural cornerstone of the city since its founding in 1920. Occupying the stunning new Schermerhorn Symphony Center in the heart of the city, the symphony is led by music director Giancarlo Guerrero, who oversees performances of classic and contemporary works that draw classical music fans from throughout the southeast. Among the highlights of the 2010 season are performances of Bach's masterpiece Mass in B minor, BWV 232, conducted by Helmuth Rilling; That's Amore!, a Bank of America Pops series concert featuring vocalist Deana Martin; and the always memorable Scheherazade, featuring conductor Kelly Corcoran and the Enchantment Theatre Company performing the story of the legendary Persian queen and storyteller of One Thousand and One Nights. If you can't make it to a performance, you can enjoy a free tour of the concert hall, with expert guides pointing out the intricate details of this acoustically-flawless facility. Starwood has three Nashville properties: the Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel, the Sheraton Music City Hotel, and the Aloft Nashville-Cool Springs.
Rediscover Bangkok's Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Friday February 26, 2010
The Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers is better than ever following a top-to-bottom renovation that underscores its status as Bangkok's best riverfront address. With renovated guestrooms and common areas, the new Riverside Terrace saltwater swimming pool, and the Sambal bar and grill - Bangkok's newest riverside entertainment venue - every visit to this luxurious property feels like a special occasion. If you've never been to Bangkok - or if it's been a while - now is an excellent time for a visit, because the hotel has a number of special offers that make an impulsive getaway easier than ever. With the Sheraton Romance Package, for example, rates start at Baht 6,400++ ($195 USD) and include daily buffet breakfast, complimentary sparkling wine, complimentary fruit basket, and 4:00 p.m. late checkout. With More Nights = More Rewards, meanwhile, you can earn double, triple, or quadruple Starpoints depending on how long you stay. The New Year, New Look offer has rates starting at 5,900++ ($175 USD) for rooms with a complimentary upgrade, daily breakfast, a complimentary welcome drink for two at Sambal, and a 2,010++ ($60 USD) food and beverage credit. Visit here to begin your Bangkok adventure.
High-Altitude History in Argentina
Friday February 26, 2010
Salta is one of the most beautiful cities in Latin America, with historic houses, temples, and colonial convents making it seem frozen in a simpler time. But to really see some relics from Argentina's past, pay a visit to the Museo Arqueologia Alta Montana (Museum of High Mountain Archaeology), which is filled with items from the Incan era around 500 - 600 years ago. An exhibit on the Qhapaq Ñan Inca trading route - the Inca Trail between the regions of Pasco and Huanuco - illustrates the tremendous endurance and fortitude it took to simply transport goods between villages, while collections of cookware, clothing, jewelry, and weapons show the struggles the Incan people endured to survive in the high mountains. The stars of the museum, however, are the mummified remains of three people who were sacrificed at the summit of 22,058-foot Volcán Llullaillaco in an attempt to appease the gods. The high altitude preserved them so well that their discovery in 1999 prompted a wave of interest around the world, as the unlucky trio revealed new details about the lives of the Incas and their belief system. Buried along with the victims were more than 100 valuable objects, such as gold and silver statuettes, textiles, and spondyllus (carved shells). It's a fascinating look at a culture that had such a great influence on the region, yet remains a mystery in many ways. The museum is a short walk from the Sheraton Salta Hotel.
[image via cafayate.wordpress.com]
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