Stories with
Heart Hea rt &Soul™
December 2023
MERRY & BRIGHT
Linda Miller is now entering her 25th year of selling Real Estate on Scenic Highway 30A!
GIVI N G BACK TO OU R COM MU N IT Y As a proud board member of the Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Linda Miller is donating a portion of proceeds to this 501(c)(3) organization.
For more information:
BRO K ER L I N DA M I L L ER (850) 974-8885 | Linda@TheSmileof30a.com P.O. Box 611362, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
L I N D A M I L L E R L U X U R Y. C O M
G I V E T H E GI F T o f a BEA C H HO U S E T H I S YE A R ! 5 8 B L U E D O L P H I N L O O P, S E A C R E S T, F L 3 2 4 6 1 $1,999,990 | 4 BR | 4 BA | 2,837 SQ. FT. •
GULF VIEWS from a Scenic Highway 30-A address
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Steps to the 12,000-square-foot pool and the beach
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Between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach
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Attached garage for your beach cars and toys
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Huge Master Suite with Gulf views and wraparound porches
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Second-floor open living area
C E L E B R AT I N G 2 5 Y E A R S O F R E A L E S TAT E S M I L E S I T ’ S A L L W H O YO U K N O W Broker Linda Miller’s decades of experience in Northwest Florida real estate have made her an expert in the market’s ebb and flow. Building strong relationships allows her to connect buyers and sellers to make sure ideal properties are found and investments are maximized. It’s time to discover your dream home on Scenic Highway 30A!
As a proud board member of the Children's Volunteer Health Network, Linda Miller is donating a portion of proceeds to the 501(c)(3) organization.
For more information:
Call Me! (850) 974-8885 5297 E County Hwy 30-A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 LindaMillerLuxury.com | Linda@LindaMillerLuxury.com
A L U X U R Y N E W U R B A N I S T CO M M U N I T Y O N T H E S PA R K L I N G , E M E R A L D WAT E R S A N D P R I S T I N E , W H I T E S A N D S O F T H E N O R T H W E ST F LO R I D A COAS T.
CO N TA C T S A L E S | 85 0 . 213 . 55 0 0 | 18 N C H A R L E S S T, A LYS B E A C H , F L 324 61 | A LYS B E A C H . CO M
a unique shopping experience on
30 A
furniture • lighting • rugs • art • gifts • jewelry • accessories • outdoor • interior design 32 E County hw y 30a, gr ayton Beach, FL 32459 | (850)534-0700 www.beauhomeinteriors.com
F r o m t h e G U L F t o t h e B AY t o t h e D U N E L A K E S o f 3 0A , We A r e Yo u r WAT E R F R O N T S P E C I A L I STS .
“Our approach to real estate is different. We strive for excellence. We take the responsibility our clients give us with abundant gratitude. We’re knowledgeable. We’re enthusiastic. We love what we get to do every day. We work hard. We work smart. Whether you are selling property or buying property here on 30A or all across the Emerald Coast – we provide you with the experience, community knowledge, and commitment that fulfill your needs. Our “clients first” business philosophy provides you with the reassurance that every action we put in motion is with your best interest in mind.” —B R I A N B E A S L E Y, B ro ke r A s s o c i ate
brian.beasley@compass.com | 828-337-3492
In this issue On the Cover
Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year from the VIE team! We’re excited to celebrate with friends and family and start holiday shopping with the help of the curated C’est la VIE Gift Guide in this issue. Browse its pages for inspiration and items for everyone on your list. For those who are looking for some rest and relaxation after the busy year, check out a collection of incredible destinations in our Voyager section, from British country homes and manors to an unforgettable river cruise through Thailand and Laos, a cultural escape to the Shetland Islands, and more. For Northwest Florida locals and visitors, don’t miss the festivities across Walton County, including tours at the Wesley House at Eden Gardens, the Rosemary Beach Holiday Tour of Homes, and events galore. We love the charming and delightful cover artwork created by VIE art director Sally Neal (@sallyneal_design). It’s special when a cover illustration is so carefully curated. It’s giving us all the feels and getting us in the Christmas spirit! Vie is a French word meaning “life” or “way of living.” VIE magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication that focuses on human-interest stories with heart and soul. From Seattle to NYC with a concentration in the Southeast, VIE is known for its unique editorial approach—a broad spectrum of deep content with rich photography. The award-winning magazine was founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Gerald Burwell, owners of the specialty publishing and branding house known as The Idea Boutique®. From the finest artistically bound books to paperless digital publication and distribution, The Idea Boutique provides comprehensive publishing services to authors and organizations. Its team of creative professionals delivers a complete publishing experience—all that’s needed is your vision.
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KNOWLTON COURT IS A HISTORIC BRITISH MANOR HOUSE-TURNEDHOTEL SURROUNDED BY MAGNIFICENT GARDENS. COZY UP TO THE FIREPLACE WHILE ADMIRING CENTURIES-OLD ARTWORK AND ENJOYING TEA OR A GLASS OF BUBBLY FROM NEARBY DOVER WINERIES.
Photo courtesy of Knowlton Court
C’EST LA VIE CURATED COLLECTION: SPECIAL EDITION HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE 70
96 Fifth Annual Rosemary Beach Holiday
VOYAGER 23
LE MONDE
THEIDEABOUTIQUE.COM INFO@THEIDEABOUTIQUE.COM 114 LOGAN LANE, SUITE 4 SANTA ROSA BEACH, FLORIDA 32459
101 L’intermission L’intermission:: Tikis, Tinsel, and Tipsy Fun
24 Going with the Flow: A Mekong River Odyssey
102 Togetherness: The Reason for the Season
30 Traversing Taormina: A Sicilian Holiday
106 A Cornucopia of Food and Wine:
36 Discover Enchanting Evershot, Dorset: The
It’s Harvest Time
Quintessential Country House Escape
111 Petite pause: pause: Celebrate the Season
43 Petite pause: pause: Gingerbread Brioche Doughnuts
at Ambrosia
with Egg Nog Pastry Cream
44 Islands of Opportunity: A Celtic Getaway Like No Other
50 Gilded Luxury at the Wheatleigh: Escape to the Berkshires
57 L’intermission L’intermission:: French Flavor and Flair 58 An Aristocratic Life: Live Nobly in British Castles and Manors
PUBLISHED BY
Tour of Homes
64 ’Tis the Season: Holiday Festivities Abound in
L’AMOUR 113 114 Mr. and Mrs. Cramer: Have Love, Will Travel 120 Mr. and Mrs. Easter: A Love Story in Lucca 127 Petite pause: pause: Holiday Decor with Grace Frederick Design
LA SCÈNE 128
Walton County
THE LAST WORD 133
LA MAISON 89
AU REVOIR! 137
90 Decking the Halls with The Seaside Style 95 Petite pause: pause: Christmas at the Biltmore Estate
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 13
CREATIVE TEAM CEO/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CREATIVE DIRECTOR LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com
FOUNDER / PUBLISHER GERALD BURWELL Gerald@VIEmagazine.com
EDITORIAL EDITOR JORDAN STAGGS Jordan@VIEmagazine.com
ASSISTANT EDITORS KELLY CURRY Kelly@VIEmagazine.com EMME MARTIN Emme@VIEmagazine.com
COPY EDITOR WENDY ANDERSON
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS TOMMY CRAMER, ANNE BANKS EASTER, SARAH FREEMAN, ANTHEA GERRIE, JULIE LEVENTHAL, MYLES MELLOR, CAROLYN O’NEIL, SUZANNE POLL AK, COLLEEN SACHS, XENIA TALIOTIS
ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY ART DIRECTOR SALLY NEAL Sally@VIEmagazine.com
ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Jack Kirkendall
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS ANNA SIMPSON HANNAH VERMILLION
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS SARAH ALSATI, L AUREN ATHALIA, MICHAEL BOOINI, CONIE SUAREZ BRAVO,HUNTER BURGTORF, JACK GARDNER, MARY HANNAH HARTE, BRENNA KNEISS, KENNY L AM, JEFF L ANDRETH, ROBYN LEA, DANIEL MEIGS, CHRIST Y MILLIKEN, JULIET MURPHY, CARLO PIERONI, MA XIME PORTIER, ROMONA ROBBINS, KEN SPENCE, PAUL TOMKINS, DAVE WARREN, CHANDLER WILLIAMS, PAUL WOODD-WALKER, NICK YARSLEY, BOO MEDIA, HUFTON + CROW, MODUS PHOTOGRAPHY, SHUTTERSTOCK
ADVERTISING, SALES, AND MARKETING DIRECTOR OF MARKETING KELLY CURRY Kelly@VIEmagazine.com
DIGITAL CONTENT DIRECTOR McKenna Mears McKenna@VIEmagazine.com
MARKETING COORDINATORS HAILEY BETHKE ABBY RYAN
BRAND AMBASSADORS LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com
MARTA RATA Marta@VIEmagazine.com
VIE is a registered trademark. All contents herein are Copyright © 2008–2023 Cornerstone Marketing and Advertising, Incorporated (Publisher). All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. VIE is a lifestyle magazine and is published twelve times annually on a monthly schedule. The opinions herein are not necessarily those of the Publisher. The Publisher and its advertisers will not be held responsible for any errors found in this publication. The Publisher is not liable for the accuracy of statements made by its advertisers. Ads that appear in this publication are not intended as offers where prohibited by state law. The Publisher is not responsible for photography or artwork submitted by freelance or outside contributors. The Publisher reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor or the Publisher. VIE is a paid publication. Subscription rates: Printed magazine – One-year $29.95; Two-year $49.95. Subscriptions can be purchased online at www.VIEmagazine.com.
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Photo by Romona Robbins
Couture Design Build W E H AV E E XC I T I N G N E WS TO S H A R E ! “I am launching a new venture within Not Too Shabby offering a new service to design your home from construction to completion! We have much more to share in the days ahead, but for now we proudly welcome Couture Design Build by Marisol Gullo. Please call me for more details on this exciting new venture into a comprehensive building and design experience.”
Marisol Gullo F O U N D E R / A R T I S A N F l a g s h i p L o c a t i o n : 9 7 5 5 H i g hway 9 8 , M i r a m a r B e a c h , F L 3 2 5 5 0 | ( 8 5 0 ) 4 1 9 - 3 9 7 6 3 0 A D e s i g n S t u d i o & S h ow ro o m : 1 2 8 0 5 H i g hway 9 8 , U n i t P 1 0 1 I n l e t B e a c h , F L 3 2 4 6 1 | ( 8 5 0 ) 5 2 0 - 2 3 9 0 w w w. N o t To o S h a b b y B y M a r i s o l G u l l o . c o m
Editor’s Note
MISTL ETOE and TINSE L
which made him seem all the more unreal. I thought he might be an angel, as he seemed not of this world. He was very intelligent and well-read, and as we drove him about twenty miles to get some food and hopefully a place to stay for the night, we gave him what we had—time, a little money, coffee, and a very big hug, even though we didn’t know him and it was during the pandemic. I didn’t care. With his wrinkled hands, it was one of the best hugs I ever had—he was so grateful, and I was sad to leave him.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
We said our goodbyes to him at the Starbucks at Grand Boulevard, and we thought maybe he was an angel and God was testing us to see if we would help a lonely sojourner on the road with only the clothes on his back. We were in great need of a certain miracle at that time in our lives, and the next day, we received a huge and unexpected blessing that we did not see coming—one that we desperately needed. It was one of the most significant moments in my recent memory and one I won’t soon forget.
’TIS THE SEASON
I
ISAIAH 9:6
t’s the most wonderful time of the year! There is nothing quite like making the annual VIE Christmastime edition to get me into the holiday spirit. And, since we’ve been working on it for a few months, we are all well on our way to finding unique and fun gifts for loved ones. We have curated some of our favorites in an expanded C’est la VIE holiday shopping guide—and a few must-have items to put under the tree for ourselves this year! We hope you find some new ideas and inspiration in what has become a tradition for the magazine. Isn’t that what the holiday season is about—celebrating past traditions while creating new ones with friends and family? It’s one of my absolute favorite times of the year, and I am thankful for this season as it offers a pause, reflection, and rest. Not to mention fun parties, celebrations, and gatherings, eating good food with the ones you love. It’s also about the reason for the season, which I don’t often overtly talk about on the pages of the magazine, but this year, I feel I must. I am so thankful for what this season truly means—celebrating the birth of Christ the King and Savior—and what it means to me. Without Jesus and all He has done for us in redeeming us all from sin, life would not be the same. I can’t imagine a world without Him. On this day, I get to honor my Savior and say thank you in as many ways as possible for all He has done for me. It is humbling and precious to me. His love is like no other, and my goal in life is to understand and emulate it.
We are all connected and desperately need one another—so much more than we know. I wish you all good cheer and much love. Merry Christmas! To Life!
—Lisa Marie Burwell CEO/Editor-in-Chief/Creative Director
Gerald and Lisa Marie Burwell with Sucré Photo by Brenna Kneiss
It’s good to think about good things. It is scriptural, too. This time of year, in particular, fosters that thought process. For many, however, it is not a good time—those dealing with pain, loss, sickness, and loneliness. So this year, if you can, reach out to anyone who may cross your path needing help to lighten their load. I hope you get a chance to be of good cheer for your fellow man. And I hope it happens for me again, as it did two years ago when my husband and I picked up a homeless man the day before Christmas—his name was Alvin, and he looked very down on his luck and in need of food and money. There was something surreal about our encounter. Alvin was happy and chatty in the car, with a zest for life. He hailed from Australia, telling stories of his travels to many countries—with an Aussie accent, of course, V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 17
Introducing T H E CO U T URE COLLECT ION
Fine Jewelry Trunk Show | Friday, D eCeMBer 8 4 waterColor Blvd s unit 4-101B, santa rosa BeaCh, fl | (850) 420-8940 | Marieleoni.CoM for speCial orders, please eMail hello@Marieleoni.CoM.
La conversation We collaborate with talented photographers, writers, and other creatives on a regular basis, and we’re continually inspired by how they pour their hearts and souls into their crafts. Follow these creatives on social media, and remember to check out our account, @viemagazine.
she was a child, and more. Most of the year, they are tucked out of sight, but it’s nowa favorite tradition to unwrap them, hang them on my tree, and remember the special people and times they represent.
ABIGAIL RYAN
IN THIS ISSUE, WE ASKED THE CREATIVES: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION?
Ad Manager @aint_so_shabby_being_abby
The holidays are one of my favorite times! My friends and I get together for an annual Friendsgiving and Christmas party. I love hosting, providing drinks, excellent food, and endless laughs! Quality time with my family is also precious. We love Christmas Eve at my aunt and uncle’s or my parents’ house with appetizers and cocktails. Christmas morning, even in my late twenties, is just like when I was growing up: spending it at my childhood home with my parents and siblings, followed by my grandparents coming over for brunch and my dad’s famous waffles. We spend Christmas evening with our extended family for a five-star dinner, creating the best memories.
JORDAN STAGGS Editor @jordanlstaggs
Games are a fun tradition on all sides of my family, and I love that it makes get-togethers so much fun, with everyone getting very into it and not being afraid to act ridiculous. One side of the family has a tradition of playing “dirty Santa” with snacks as gifts. This game inevitably ends with wads of paper launched across the living room at unsuspecting family members. A family twist on this game is playing BINGO: the winner chooses a gift from under the tree or steals one from another player, who goes to the tree for a replacement. My aunt and uncle bring stacks of dollar scratch-offs for everyone on my dad’s side; the room gets so quiet while everybody takes a penny or key to their tickets to see if they’ve won big. But the chance to see family and friends I haven’t seen all year (or longer) makes the holidays such a special time. I’m grateful for the love that abounds at these gatherings!
CHEERS TO A TRADITION THAT KEEPS GETTING BETTER WITH TIME!
WENDY ANDERSON Copy Editor @wendyanderson2253
To clear clutter, one year I took ribbon and a glue gun and repurposed dozens of knickknacks I had received as gifts or picked up on travels—things I didn’t want to part with for sentimental reasons but didn’t need lying around—into Christmas ornaments. They include the keychain I used throughout college, a mini birdhouse that had been attached to a bouquet sent to me by coworkers, creations by my niece when
MCKENNA MEARS Digital Content Director @mck6nna
One of my favorite holiday traditions is playing a fun present-unwrapping game with my cousins. We started this game as kids, but don’t be fooled; it’s even more fun now that we’ve grown and embraced a heightened sense of competitiveness. To play, you need one set of dice, a wrapped present, and a pair of oven mitts. The goal is simple: be the lucky one to unwrap the present. But there’s a twist: it’s not your typical gift. It’s a present wrapped multiple times in layers of festive paper. One player wears the set of oven mitts and starts with the gift, while the person to their left holds a cup containing two dice. On “go,” the player with the oven mitts embarks attempts to unwrap the present, one layer at a time. The person with the dice rolls them persistently until they roll doubles. Once that player gets a matching pair, they take over the unwrapping duties. The cycle of fun continues until the last layer is peeled away, and the present is revealed. Who knew unwrapping a gift could be such a riot? Cheers to a tradition that keeps getting better with time! V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 19
TIMELESS STYLES FOR THE BEACH & BEYOND
Holiday Cheers! Sharing stories, memories, and laughs is at the heart of everything we do! If you have a fun adventure to share this season, be sure to tag VIE; we would love to see where the holidays take our readers. Take a look at some recent experiences and stories below. Until next month, read responsibly!
@rosemarybeachfoundation Who’s excited for the Rosemary Beach Holiday Tour of Homes? Tickets are now on sale! We are so excited to feature a few of our favorite decorators and welcome a few new ones. Join us on December 9 for the most festive event of the season! Visit RBHomeTour.com to learn more!
@reyacommunications Check out the November issue of @viemagazine magazine for an incredible interview with @cheetahplains founder Japie van Niekerk and writer @emmemartin, detailing the amazing design philosophy behind the forward-thinking Sabi Sand oasis that is Cheetah Plains.
@bakerdesignco Thank you to @viemagazine for selecting our Burnt Pine project “I’m Yours, No Refunds” to be featured in the November Home & Decor issue! Contractor: JD Coleman of Coleman Renovation + Remodeling; Cabinetry: William Whaley of @re_creationswalton; Tile: @sellerstilesrb; Landscape design: Callie Barker of Callie & Co. and installation by Brad Davis; Local artisan: Creative Metalworks; Art: Allison Wickey, Mark Little, Bradley Copeland, and Katherine Wirth; Photography: @bgodbee.photographer
@linenandsand Opening up this issue made my day, maybe even my month. I am so excited to be part of this beautiful issue of @viemagazine! Thank you to @lisamburwell and her amazing team for inviting Linen & Sand to be a guest editor in your beautiful November ’23 home issue!
LET’S TALK! Send VIE your comments and photos on our social media channels or by emailing us at info@viemagazine.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts. They could end up in the next La conversation!
@viebookclub It’s that time of year! Cozying up with a good book for the holidays is essential. What books are on your Christmas wish list this season? Tell us in the comments below!
@caringandsharingsowal A big thank you to all who attended, sponsored, and volunteered at our Fall Fashion Show presented by Emerald Coast Hospice! We raised close to $17,000 to support our mission!
VIEmagazine.com
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 21
Our second luxury coffee-table book, COOK by VIE, is a celebration of Cocktails, Cuisine & Culture. Preorder Now for the Holidays! WWW.VIEMAGAZINE.COM/SHOP-VIE
Published by
Voyager
Voyager
SEE THE WORLD
Visit GangteyLodge.com to learn more or book your stay. Photo by Ken Spence
One of the world’s most mysterious and undiscovered destinations, Bhutan remains the last Buddhist kingdom on earth. Situated in the Himalayas between India and China, the deep valleys and steep mountains form a beautiful landscape where spirits and myths are part of inhabitants’ everyday life. Gangtey Lodge, a luxury escape located in the stunning Gangtey (Phobjikha) Valley, offers guests the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in this incredible kingdom’s beauty and rich culture. Through once-in-a-lifetime spiritual, physical, and mental experiences at Gangtey Lodge, guests discover a profound connection to the enchanting beauty of Bhutan.
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 23
Voyager
GOING WITH THE flow A
M E KO N G B Y
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R I V E R
S A R A H
O D Y S S E Y
FR E E M A N
Heritage Line’s handcrafted Anouvong luxury cruise ship was named after the last monarch of the Kingdom of Vientiane, who ruled from 1805 to 1812 and led the Lao rebellion. Photo courtesy of Heritage Line.
A JOURNEY FROM THAILAND’S MOUNTAINOUS NORTH TO THE ANCIENT ROYAL CAPITAL OF LAOS PROVES TO BE EQUAL PARTS EDIFYING AND ENCHANTING.
A
nother branch crackles under fifty-eight-year-old Boonma’s three-ton frame as she edges towards the rushing river, with baby Chok Petch following excitably in her adopted grandma’s muddy footprints. Following these altruistic animals at a respectful distance, I traverse from a rice field to a floodplain as their mahouts (elephant caretakers) escort them through bamboo thickets. “Walking with Giants” is just one of the ethical elephant-centric activities guests at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort, located in Thailand’s northernmost province of Chiang Rai, can experience during their stay. Nestled on a wooded ridge overlooking the Mekong and Ruak Rivers, the hotel doubles as an award-winning elephant camp operated in partnership with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF). Twenty Asian elephants live out a peaceful existence here after decades spent working in Thailand’s (now outlawed) logging industry or as street-begging pachyderms. “Chok Petch’s ribs were visible when he first came to us,” veterinarian Nissa Mututanont reveals as we watch the calf noisily chow down on fresh sugarcane. The hotel’s muse, these peaceful pachyderms grace everything from the bedrooms’ ornate television surrounds to the table runners in its indoor-outdoor restaurant, Sala Mae Nam, where I find myself later that evening. I slurp up a Laotian ruby fish sour soup followed by Burmese curried coconut noodles from Laos’s neighbor Myanmar, both of which converge with Thailand to form the “Golden Triangle.” As for the menu’s homegrown ingredients, many hail from the country’s philanthropic Royal Project. Founded by Thailand’s longest reigning monarch, it was established in 1969 to incentivize impoverished hill tribe farmers to swap opium poppygrowing for alternative cash crops like organic coffee and salad greens. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 25
Voyager
This page and opposite right: The Anouvong cruise ship serves as passengers’ home base during their Mekong River trip and as a hub for world-class dining and entertainment. Photos courtesy of Heritage Line Opposite left: The tranquil swimming pool at Anantara Golden Triangle Hotel Photo courtesy of Anantara.
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he restaurant’s tri-country vistas follow me around the resort, as I enjoy them first from its glass-walled spa and sweeping infinity pool, then from my room’s balcony daybed. With a deep terrazzo tub to soak in and a choice of seven pillows to nod off with, the teakwood-floored Three Country View Suite is primed for uninterrupted sleep—even if the camp’s trumpeting elephants have other ideas! Several days later, I find myself on another hands-off (meaning no bathing, feeding, or riding) but heartening jumbo experience, this time in landlocked Laos, formerly Lan Xang or “Land of a Million Elephants.” Whittled down to just eight hundred, the country’s fragile population relies more than ever on ethically run sanctuaries like the Mekong Elephant Park (MEP) in Pakbeng. It marks the halfway point of a newly launched four-day Mekong River cruise, which journeys 185 miles downstream from the Thai-Laos border town of Huay Xai to Laos’s former royal capital of Luang Prabang. I soon discover signs of civilization are satisfyingly scarce on the Upper Mekong’s narrower meandering course. River traffic amounts to canoe-paddling fishermen and longboat taxis ferrying villagers across the fabled waterway. The floor-to-ceiling windows of our boutique boat’s café-bar-lounge frame the
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timeless riverscape of vertiginous rice fields, grazing water buffalo, and stilted homes. Named after the last king of Lan Xang, Heritage Line’s Frenchbalconied, twenty-passenger vessel—outfitted with two signature suites and eight staterooms—made her maiden voyage in August. Hand-built not in some soulless shipyard but on the life-nurturing banks of the mighty Mekong, Anouvong reflects its surroundings. Think framed antique Laotian jewelry, stenciled ceilings inspired by Luang Prabang’s temple art, and black-and-white portraits of monks, whom I see in all their marigold-robed glory over the coming days. Blessings aren’t just reserved for practicing Buddhists. The cruise commences with a traditional baci (good luck ceremony) led by a chanting village elder in Ban Khon Teun. Only accessible by water, this remote riverside community is one of a handful visited on the culturally immersive voyage, steered by onboard guide Khankeo Bidarvong. A fount of knowledge on Laos’s ethnic groups, the former monk also hosts sunrise Tai Chi from Anouvong’s terrace deck, reimagined as a cinema one night and a floating stage for traditional dance the next. In a departure from Chef Tee’s four-course Lao-Thai meals served in the lower deck’s French-colonialstyled Delaporte Dining Lounge, our last supper
unfolds on a lantern-lit sandbar. I join other barefooted passengers in padding across a homespun bamboo pier for a BBQ buffet fit for Laotian royalty.
HAND-BUILT NOT IN SOME SOULLESS SHIPYARD BUT ON THE LIFE-NURTURING BANKS OF THE MIGHTY MEKONG, ANOUVONG REFLECTS ITS SURROUNDINGS.
Nowhere does the Mekong’s unique geology intersect more tangibly with spirituality than at Pak Ou Caves. Our final port of call, this centuriesold pilgrimage site is just fifteen miles upstream from UNESCO-crowned Luang Prabang. Cut dramatically into a limestone cliff face, the two caves’ interiors are strewn with four thousand Buddha statues ranging from a few centimeters to two meters tall! Emerging to daylight once more, our group raises a collective glass to the cruise at a nearby community-run craft whiskey distillery, where we’re served colorless shots of Lao-Lao made from the country’s famous sticky rice. Several of the ubiquitous grain’s three thousand varieties are harvested from the emerald green rice paddies surrounding me at a not-for-profit organic farm on the outskirts of Luang Prabang. Framed by jungle-clad hills, it makes a bucolic backdrop for enjoying an alfresco cooking class led by Chef Nilanoud from Amantaka, aka Luang Prabang’s foremost five-star hotel. In two toothsome hours, I create (and consume!) a green papaya salad,
banana leaf steamed fish, and stir-fried lemongrass pork. The two-part edible excursion began with an early morning city market crawl along an alley where Mekong farmers have peddled their produce, like palm-sized figs and nori-like riverweed, for generations. Back at my blissful basecamp, I counter the afternoon humidity with a post-lunchtime dip in Amantaka’s twenty-six-meter-long pool, where ruby-red dragonflies dance above my head. The terracotta-roofed hotel’s centerpiece, the pool nestles in manicured gardens skirted by twenty-four singlestoried, pistachio-shuttered suites. Understated and uncluttered, my ceramic tiled room is furnished with a teak chaise lounge, classic writing bureau, and four-poster bed that reaches for the vaulted ceiling. Also worthy of mention is the clawfoot bath that overlooks my sun-dappled courtyard patio. It doesn’t take long for the suite’s zen-like atmosphere to rub off on me. I practically float to the hotel’s monastically quiet bathhouse, where I sauna, steam, cold plunge, and repeat before having every irksome knot melted away by the spa’s signature holistic massage. Rejuvenated, I dine on dishes inspired by recipes from the Lao royal court at Amantaka’s colonial-era dining room.
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 27
Voyager
NESTLED ON A WOODED RIDGE OVERLOOKING THE MEKONG AND RUAK RIVERS, THE HOTEL DOUBLES AS AN AWARDWINNING ELEPHANT CAMP OPERATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE ASIAN ELEPHANT FOUNDATION (GTAEF).
Bookend your Mekong River cruise with elephant experiences at Anantara Golden Triangle Hotel in Thailand and pampering worthy of royalty at Amantaka Hotel in Laos. Photos courtesy of Anantara
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he following morning, I’m whisked off in one of the hotel’s stylish cream-leather-seated tuk-tuks for one final edifying excursion that’s been tailor-made by Amantaka. “He was a brave king!” local guide Siththai Sayasone says as we marvel at the ornate elephant carriage that Anouvong—who ruled from 1805 to 1828—rode into battle on. It’s just one of the eight thousand artifacts displayed at the city’s celebrated National Museum, a retired royal residence just across the road from Mount Phousi. It is Luang Prabang’s loftiest eyrie, and scores of visitors make the 355step pilgrimage to its summit temple at sunset. But Sayasone has his sights on another of the city’s wats (temples): Xieng Thong, which dazzles with mosaicked walls and mirrored elephant heads. Scenically set on Luang Prabang’s sacred peninsula, it sits at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, where my watery voyage of discovery comes to a close. 28 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
Anantara Golden Triangle Resort is one hour from Thailand’s Chiang Rai International Airport. The property’s Golden Triangle Luxury Explorer Package (starting from $1,150 per night) includes full board, one hotel activity per day, a sixty-minute spa treatment, a private yoga class, and roundtrip airport transfers. See Anantara.com for more details. Heritage Line’s four-day Huay Xai to Luang Prabang (or vice versa) river cruise aboard Anouvong starts at $2,800 per person (staying in a deluxe stateroom), including all meals, excursions, and entrance fees. For more information, see Heritage-Line.com. A stay at Luang Prabang’s Amantaka starts from $1,250 per night, including roundtrip airport transfers, daily breakfast, afternoon tea, a choice of lunch or dinner, and use of the bathhouse. The hotel is a ten-minute drive from Laos’s Luang Prabang International Airport. Visit Aman.com to book.
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Belmond, Villa Sant’Andrea is a luxury resort, spa, and beach club on the Sicilian coast.
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Traversing
TAORMINA A Sicilian Holiday
BY JULIE LEVENTHAL | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BELMOND
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aormina, the Sicilian Saint-Tropez, delights visitors and locals alike with its luxury boutiques along the famous Corso Umberto, amazingly fresh seafood restaurants, and the beautiful Isola Bella, a postcard-worthy island you can reach by foot or catamaran. Instagram-perfect photos are guaranteed here. While the entire island of Sicily is brimming with history, beautiful beaches to explore, and stunning architecture like the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, my weeklong visit included only the east coast. It was my first international trip with a (ten-month-old) child in tow, so long car rides were not included. The itinerary, curated after extensive research, was the perfect mix of exploring, relaxing, shopping, drinking, and eating while taking in the best of eastern Sicily. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 31
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WHERE TO STAY IN TAORMINA Belmond, Villa Sant’Andrea is an enchanting seaside accommodation with oversized suites and balconies uniquely positioned on the Ionian Sea. This is undoubtedly the “it” spot along the water. Their beach club and outdoor restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon and a Sicilian blood orange Campari. They have a lovely small spa, a kids club filled with games and toys, and many guest activities, including the chance to sail away on a catamaran to see the Blue Grotto, Mermaid Bay, Mazzaro Bay, and Cape Taormina. Snorkel or swim right off the boat or pop a bottle of champagne, turn up the music, and live la dolce vita. Guests of Villa Sant’Andrea also have access to the pool at the Grand Hotel Timeo, their sister property, in the center of the old town. Belmond’s restaurant offers indoor and al fresco seating, live music, and excellent local cuisine. What stood out to me was the five-star service. Everyone on their team, from their assistant head concierge, Diego Gualtieri, to their guest relations manager, Giulia Casella, went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable, from sending small baskets of treats to the room to suggesting and organizing top tours and restaurants, and even to giving my daughter a little souvenir backpack with her name on it. These special touches make a property stand out and make you want to return. Four Seasons is the place to stay for those looking to splurge and live their best White Lotus life. Perched high up on a cliff overlooking the sparkling sea below, you’ll uncover all your favorite spots from the series and be in a premier location for walking around the old town. If you can’t stay here, as reservations are coveted, book a table at Piazza IX Aprile for a peek inside while you enjoy a tasty dinner and drinks. The arrival at Atlantis Bay hotel, which sits in a lovely location on the water’s edge, is a memorable one. With wall-to-wall windows, you feel like you are on a cruise ship, creating an instant feeling of relaxation. Large suites with comfortable terraces and a workstation make this a great place to stay if you are nomadic and fortunate to live a remote-work lifestyle. The hotel offers organized tours like the Ape Calessino (tuk tuk) tour, which whisks you away along the winding roads to the town of Taormina, the Madonna della Rocca church, and nearby Castelmola while you enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the sea below.
This page and opposite: From curating activities and dining onsite to helping guests plan their Taormina excursions to nearby towns and attractions, the staff members at Belmond’s Villa Sant’Andrea and Grand Hotel Timeo are committed to five-star service.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK La Cambusa in Giardini Naxos is a must. This smart-casual restaurant, about a fifteen-minute drive from Taormina, serves a great selection of reasonably priced pastas and fish in a lively local setting. While my stroller didn’t make it down the stairs to the upscale bar at Morgana Lounge, the see-andbe-seen crowd did, and great music reverberated through its walkways. Al Saraceno was our favorite spot for dinner and sunset. Perched high above the city close to Madonna della Rocca, you can’t beat the views, the pizza, and the hospitality. Down a small stairwell centrally located in the city, Tischi Toschi is a little gem offering fantastic local delicacies. A family-run restaurant that is always crowded (make a reservation in advance), it specializes in Sicilian dishes like Pasta alla Norma, caponata, and delicious cannolis.
MOUNT ETNA Europe’s most impressive volcano, the still-active Mount Etna, looms over Taormina. It also provides rich soil for nearly 180 small-batch vineyards. Unfortunately, with the limited quantity of wine produced, almost none of the wines make it to the US unless you join their makers’ wine clubs. It’s best to take a guided tour if you’ll be drinking your way through, but there are also beautiful places to hike and picnic, and in the winter, you can ski from the top. Particularly interesting are the vast lava fields and unique souvenir items made of lava you can purchase from local shops as you rise in elevation along your drive. Many of the vineyards require reservations for tastings, so plan accordingly.
Their own beach club and outdoor restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon and a Sicilian blood orange Campari. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 33
Voyager DAY TRIP FROM TAORMINA Wake up early and head south to the Catania Fish Market. This is Sicilian local life at its best! The sights, sounds, and smells of the vendors are truly memorable as the flavors of the south really emerge here. If you are a bit adventurous, organize a food crawl and try a few things from each stall. Wander the city center and then end your Catania visit at one of the many bakeries, such as Pasticceria Savia on the southeastern side of Catania, an institution since 1897 and a favorite for their cannolis and arancini. Wash it all down with an espresso to get your energy up for the rest of the drive.
Alfresco dining and fireworks are just some of the wonders awaiting guests at Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel.
Continuing south, it’s worth a stop at the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse, home to a fifth-century-BC Greek theater (the largest in Sicily), a Roman amphitheater, and the Ear of Dionysus, a large cave with extraordinary acoustics. If your time is limited, I found the Greek theater in Taormina more enjoyable because it’s right in the center of town with amazing views. In contrast, much of the theater in Syracuse has been reconstructed to be used for concerts, so that new look takes away from the historical feel I was expecting. Still, spending time at both ancient sites is worthwhile. Along your journey toward the Mediterranean, you’ll soon arrive in one of my favorite spots, Ortygia. Along with the park, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and this labyrinth of cafés and cathedrals draws crowds from around the world to experience its magical sunsets and delicious Sicilian food. Wandering around this charming area, you’ll uncover beautiful buildings, including the baroque Cathedral of Syracuse and the long-standing Museo dei Pupi (puppet museum). Since we were traveling with a ten-month-old, this was a highlight of the day. We explored the puppet laboratory, perused the many puppets on display, and saw a live performance at the Teatro dei Pupi. The entire show was in Italian, yet the puppets kept my daughter’s attention, and she watched, laughed, and clapped through the play, which, interestingly enough, included a primarily adult crowd. Afterward, make your way to the Fountain of Arethusa and stroll the Lungomare Alfeo with its many cafés, ample live music, and endless places to enjoy the sunset.
With more time and sans child, I would have continued to Ragusa, Noto, Agrigento, and Palermo, but we decided the best thing to do was keep it simple with fewer hotels and no long drives. It was a good decision. We found it easy to enjoy the beach, shop our way through the beautiful upscale boutiques and gourmet shops, go on our own cannoli crawl around Taormina, eat granita, enjoy the grounds and playground at Villa Comunale (a small landscaped garden), and try various Sicilian specialties at local restaurants. The stroller quickly became a vehicle used to carry shopping bags and souvenirs! Watching a sunset, drinking Sicilian wine, and enjoying a delicious dinner was the best way to end the day on our family vacation. Perhaps it’s not quite the White Lotus adventure you bingewatched on Netflix, but it was still a perfect Sicilian holiday.
Visit Belmond.com to learn more or book your stay at Belmond, Villa Sant’Andrea resort. 34 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
THE QUINTESSENTIAL COUNTRY HOUSE ESCAPE
Discover Enchanting Evershot, Dorset
BY JORDAN STAGGS 36 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF RED CARNATION HOTELS
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“The sky was clear—remarkably clear—and the twinkling of all the stars seemed to be but throbs of one body, timed by a common pulse.”
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hese words by poet and novelist Thomas Hardy perfectly describe a clear, early autumn evening in the English county of Dorset, where he once lived. Traveling through the rolling countryside a few hours west of London, it is easy to see how the landscapes, punctuated by centuries-old villages, forests, and the River Frome, inspired Hardy’s romantic works. It’s in the tiny town of Evershot, just eleven miles outside Dorchester, where travelers can find respite in the form of the idyllic Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant. Hardy himself was a big fan of the property and surrounding parish, having even designed an extension to the lodge in 1893. In his works, he referenced Evershot as the fictional village of “Evershead,” the setting for his 1891 novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles (one of the present-day cottages is named Tess Cottage for Hardy’s heroine). The literary heritage is still a point of pride among the locals, especially the staff and patrons of the Summer Lodge, which also served as the film set for the 1996 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, starring Gwyneth Paltrow, among other movies. Today, guests at the Red Carnation Hotels property can enjoy its impeccably manicured gardens, stately common areas and dining rooms, twenty-five cozy guest rooms, and charming cottages, all tended by an incredible staff who genuinely make every visitor feel like family. The hotel also boasts a spa, indoor pool, and treatment rooms for world-class massages, facials, and more.
Left: Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant is a luxury retreat in the beautiful village of Evershot, Dorset, in the southern region of England. Below: Summer Lodge general managers Alex and Jack Mackenzie
“As the general managers at Summer Lodge, we are privileged to lead an exceptional team in such a beautiful part of the world,” say Alex and Jack Mackenzie. “The well-being of our guests and teams is our highest priority, and our guests tell us that Summer Lodge is a haven of relaxation and the ultimate place to escape to. We look forward to welcoming you to Dorset very soon.” Leading their team of around sixty staff members, the Mackenzies have done a remarkable job making guests feel at home, from greeting everyone by name to remembering their favorite drink order. It’s no surprise that Summer Lodge was recently named fifth overall among the best hotels in the UK and Ireland, with 96 percent of its 1,270 Tripadvisor reviews rating “excellent” or “very good.”
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The well-being of our guests and teams is our highest priority, and our guests tell us that Summer Lodge is a haven of relaxation and the ultimate place to escape to.
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f you’ve ever been told dining in the UK is bland, The Restaurant at Summer Lodge begs to differ. The hotel offers a twenty-four-hour menu of light fare and room service, along with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and happy hour in its Regency-era parlor and the Whisky Bar. Still, it’s dinner in The Restaurant, led by head chef Michael Moirinho, executive chef James Mearing, and their team, that is truly a memorable experience. Both chefs boast a pedigree of working in award-winning restaurants, including Michelin-starred and AA 3-Rosette-rated establishments. Guests can enjoy several courses featuring locally sourced ingredients, such as Dorset Blue Vinny cheese, Dorset beef, Liberty Dairy products, Evershot Bakery artisan breads and pastries, wines from the property’s sister vineyard in South Africa, and much more. And don’t skip dessert! Those staying a few days and wishing to explore dining options outside the hotel only need to walk the short distance to the Summer Lodge’s sister property, The Acorn Inn, just down the main street. Stroll past stone cottages and a few local shops, and you’ll find yourself at this charming, sixteenth-century coaching inn and pub with cozy dining rooms and a lively bar atmosphere. It’s another favorite of Thomas Hardy, who drew inspiration from it for “The Sow and Acorn,” featured in multiple works, including Tess of the d’Urbervilles. Here, guests will find more award-winning local, seasonable, and sustainable fare accompanied by a traditional English pub atmosphere.
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xploring the tiny village of Evershot is easily done in an hour or two. Still, visitors should consider hiking along the Hardy Way, a longdistance footpath that runs through the village and the surrounding countryside. The route itself runs 220 miles throughout western England for serious outdoor lovers, but a couple of hours’ jaunt on various paths around Evershot will take even novice hikers through beautiful scenery, including the Melbury Park estate. Don’t miss a chance to glimpse the Melbury House, a gorgeous country manor tracing back to the medieval period, acquired in 1500 by the Strangways family and rebuilt in 1546 using ham stone from a nearby quarry. The estate is privately owned by the Honorable Mrs. Charlotte Townshend, a wealthy landowner and philanthropist who inherited it from her mother, Lady Theresa Fox-Strangways.
A highlight for most Dorset visitors is the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site on the southern coast of England. It stretches around ninety-six miles from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset and boasts gorgeous views, unique beaches, and multiple tourism opportunities, from exploring castle ruins to cruising along the English Channel. Those who scour the beaches might even find fossils from as far back as the Jurassic period for which the coast is named. Lyme Bay, Durdle Door natural stone arch, Lulworth Cove, and the Isle of Portland are some highlights one might experience on a guided minibus tour, which the Summer Lodge is happy to arrange via its local partners.
A short drive from the village of Evershot, visitors can find ample shopping, dining, and historic destinations in Dorchester. Another mile from there is Poundbury, a charming new town established in 1993 by the Prince of Wales, who, in his new position as King Charles III, still seeks to create a walkable, self-sustaining model of urban development there. Poundbury employs the principles of New Urbanism under the direction of its head planner and principal architect, Léon Krier. The former Prince of Wales visited New Urbanism developments, including Seaside, Florida—widely recognized as the first of its kind, under the leadership of founders Robert and Daryl Davis and planners Andrés Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk—to gain insight and inspiration when creating Poundbury. The charming town, an ongoing project of the Duchy of Cornwall, is due for completion in 2025 and has been studied by architects and town planners worldwide. These included members of the VIE and Seaside Institute team as attendees of the 2023 International Making Cities Livable Conference in October, when we had the pleasure of experiencing the magic of the area.
From the meticulously kept, fairy tale-worthy grounds to the incredible staff who remember each guest by name, the Summer Lodge makes every stay feel special. Opposite top and bottom: Whether enjoying a drink in the parlor, afternoon tea outdoors, or a five-star dinner in The Restaurant, dining at Summer Lodge is always memorable.
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etting to Dorchester from London is easy enough by a twoto-three-hour train or car ride. For those traveling by rail, the Summer Lodge offers pickup from Dorchester (South) or Yeovil stations, both about a twenty-minute drive from the hotel. For those flying in and going directly to the lodge, Bristol Lulsgate, Exeter, and Bournemouth (Hurn) International airports are all within an hour-and-a-half journey from Evershot. Other tours, programs, and workshops are available year-round at the Summer Lodge with themes ranging from gardening to literature, so be sure to browse their website for a complete list of offerings. 40 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
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a journey to Dorset will feel like a fairy tale-worthy experience. Just ask Mr. Hardy!
Opposite: The Acorn Inn, just steps from the Summer Lodge, is also operated by Red Carnation Hotels and offers the quintessential English pub experience with top-tier dining. Left: The dining rooms at The Acorn are reminiscent of days gone by at this rustic coaching inn. Bottom left: Enjoy local brews, fine wines, and craft cocktails at The Acorn’s bar. Below: Summer Lodge restaurant manager Max Tribot Photo by Christy Milliken
No matter how you get there or whether you plan to hike, explore the coast, visit historical sites, admire the architecture, or simply relax and enjoy all that the Summer Lodge has to offer, a journey to Dorset will feel like an experience worthy of a fairy tale. Just ask Mr. Hardy!
Visit SummerLodgeHotel.co.uk to learn more or book your stay. Check out other RCH properties at RedCarnationHotels.com. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 41
LOCATED ON THE CHOCTAWHATCHEE BAY ABOVE NORTH BEACH SOCIAL 24200 US-331 SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL 32459 | FARMANDFIRESOUTHWALTON.COM
A Jim Shirley Enterprises Restaurant
Petite pause
Fill your home with sweetness.
Rich, soft brioche doughnuts filled with egg nog pastry cream and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar will steal the show at your next holiday gathering. We’re so grateful to Monique Polanco of Peaches to Peaches food photography and recipes blog for sharing them with us! To get the full recipe, visit VIEmagazine.com or PeachestoPeaches.com and search “Gingerbread Brioche Doughnuts with Egg Nog Pastry Cream.” Photo and recipe courtesy of Peaches to Peaches V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 43
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NorthLink Ferries shuttles visitors and locals between mainland Scotland and the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. Photo courtesy of NorthLink Ferries Right: The famously cute Shetland ponies are abundant on the islands.
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o much space, so much green bleeding into blue and silver water—and so many creatures great and small abound in Shetland. There are 150,000 sheep, nearly seven times as many as the human population, with herds of longhorn cattle and miniature island ponies swelling the livestock contingent. And such a wealth of surprises— jewelers, weavers, artists, and other creatives hide within the farthest-flung nooks, nocturnal fiddles punctuate the blessed silence of serene, slow-moving days, and a spaceport will soon sit alongside Viking and Bronze Age relics on the far northern tip of this northernmost UK outpost.
Photo by Paul Tomkins/ Visit Scotland V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 45
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T R AV E L E R S C O M E F O R T H E N AT U R A L W O N D E R S, H I S TO R I C L A N D M A R K S, A N D T H E S P E C TA C U L A R U P H E L LY A A W I N T E R F I R E F E S T I VA L S C E L E B R A T I N G THE ISLANDS’ VIKING H E R I TA G E. S T I L L, T H E Y FIND THE BONUS OF R E TA I L T H E R A P Y T H E Y M AY N O T H AV E E X P E C T E D. The remoteness is a big part of the attraction of this stunning archipelago: Shetland is closer to the Norse lands with which it once shared a king and language than the Scottish capital that governs it today. But don’t confuse geographical distance with cultural isolation—I arrived for my third visit during an international film festival and was astonished to find the work of American photographer Diane Arbus showcased in the middle of a museum dedicated to island life and history. Were it not for the life-size replica of a croft— the humble, low-lying dwellings whose residents have for centuries eked out a living tending their land and livestock—I would not have known I was in Scotland. With its absence of tartan, bagpipes, and surnames starting with “Mac,” Shetland is better known for the indigenous Fair Isle patterned knitwear and Celtic silver that have made its creative output famous worldwide. Travelers come for the natural wonders, historic landmarks, and the spectacular Up Helly Aa winter fire festivals celebrating the islands’ Viking heritage. Still, they find the bonus of retail therapy they may not have expected. 46 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
Shetland, the TV show based on Ann Cleeves’s best-selling crime novels, has put the islands on the map for an international audience and will shortly return to the screen, so the time to go is now. Soon, many cruise ships will disgorge passengers at Lerwick, the harbor capital, and the crowds will discover Unst, where the spaceport is due to be built. Despite its excellent maritime museum and heritage center, world-class sea bird breeding ground, medieval castle, and art glass studios, I had Unst to myself in late summer. The first rain after a week of sunshine made the long trek from the car park to the viewing decks at Hermaness Nature Reserve a tad daunting, especially as the puffins had just flown south for the season, but a good cuppa and giant homemade scone at Victoria’s Vintage Tea Rooms on the water provided a welcome warm-up. I never found Bobby’s Bus Shelter, elaborately dressed by an unsung decorator for the delight of locals. Still, I did see Viking longhouses and ancient standing stones and bought “peerie” (little) jewelry boxes from one of the island’s many honesty vending machines, this one set up to support Alzheimer’s research.
logical first port of call for any visitor wanting to understand the islands’ story. Nearby, the elaborate lighthouse built by the grandfather of Treasure Island author Robert Louis Stevenson offers stupendous cliff-top views, and from St Ninian’s Isle at sea level, we looked out to the Atlantic on one side and the North Sea on the other, connected by just a spit of sand. Given how much the Shetland mainland offers, taking two ferries to reach northernmost Unst is more than most visitors attempt. Lerwick, where cruise ships and the NorthLink overnight ferry from Aberdeen tie up, is charming and walkable, with plenty of cafes and shops along Commercial Street and live music on offer at different venues every night of the week. Grandmothers joined the men and boys raising their bows at the Lounge Bar opposite the tourist office, where I settled around the musicians’ circle for an hour with a generous measure of island single malt. When restlessness kicks in for the wide-open spaces beyond Lerwick, a good tour operator is vital to discovering the unmissable sights beyond the capital. I joined a band of Americans, Brits, and Australians at Sumburgh Airport, located moments from the highlights of the southern mainland, where they had flown in to get a taste of Shetland with award-winning Scotland specialists McKinlay Kidd. The runway overlooks the prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof, where six thousand years of Shetland history are laid out in layered ruins, a
At Busta House Hotel, an atmospheric Jacobean mansion perched above the picturesque cove of Brae to the northwest, I cozied up in a canopied bed, feasted on the fresh catch for which Shetland is famous (the fishermen use the old Norn language inherited from their conquerors to wish each other good luck), and enjoyed a postprandial whiskey in the Long Room where Queen Elizabeth took tea in 1960. Next day we headed west and north to the breathtaking rocks of the Esha Ness Peninsula, the pretty marina at Voe, and the haunting old church of Lunna, a village famous for its “Shetland Bus” underground war effort (not buses at all, but a brave armada of small boats supporting the Norwegian Resistance during Nazi occupation).
Above: A Shetland pony in Haroldswick, Unst Photo by Paul Tomkins/ Visit Scotland Left: Esha Ness boasts one of the world’s highest-energy coastlines, showcasing stunning stacks, blowholes, and other geographic features shaped by the mighty North Atlantic. Photo by Kenny Lam/ Visit Scotland
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Sumburgh Head Lighthouse is a lighthouse, nature reserve, and visitor center at the southern tip of Shetland. Photo by Kenny Lam/ Visit Scotland Opposite: The V&A Dundee is the first design museum in Scotland and the first Victoria and Albert museum outside London. Photo by Hufton Crow
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enting a car when the group departed made it possible to discover delights groups rarely reach, including the Shetland Textile Museum just north of Lerwick. This whetted my appetite for the real thing, found at Laurence Odie Knitwear’s studios, packed with sweaters and scarves in traditional patterns in far-out as well as more muted colors. Next door in the tiny hamlet of Hoswick is the silver atelier of Karlin Anderson, and there is more designer silver in Weisdale, on the road to the northern isles, which also showcases the best of Shetland design in an old mill with an excellent café.
to Unst—but I was stopped in my tracks by its annual island show. The entire population appeared to have packed into the village hall with their homemade cakes, arts and crafts, and flowers exquisitely honed to their best for judging—like the prize livestock paraded in the pens outside—making a stop to admire the animals and their owners’ handiwork irresistible. Award-winning fish and chip fryers provided the catering and live fiddlers the soundtrack for an unexpectedly joyous slice of island social life, to which visitors were welcome. It seemed almost surreal to be back among the urban hordes a few hours later, after the overnight ferry from Lerwick and a surprisingly short rail ride by high-speed LNER train from Aberdeen to London.
I might not have thought of stopping on Yell—the bleak, sparsely populated intervening island on my way
For more information or trip-planning resources, visit Shetland.org, McKinlayKidd.com, and NorthlinkFerries.co.uk.
A CULTURAL PIT STOP IN DUNDEE Visiting Shetland from England or mainland Scotland by train and ferry offers the chance to visit Dundee, only an hour south of Aberdeen and home to the fabulous new building that hosts the Scottish outpost of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Designed by a Japanese architect inspired by an Orkney rock formation, V&A Dundee sits right on the shore beside the RRS Discovery, Captain Scott’s famous Antarctic expedition ship. The two are a thirty-second walk from the waterfront station. On the far side of the museum (fielding a world-class exhibition about tartan through mid-January), a unique sensory garden offers walks among sounds of the sea, with separate gardens aglow with colored glass and dancing fountains. To the other side, also one minute from the station—and just two from the V&A—is the Malmaison, a local outpost of the quirky British boutique hotel chain famous for its moody colors and semi-industrial vibe. The DCA Contemporary Arts Centre is walkable from here, where you can find a map of the city’s street art in the groovy shop. The Verdant Works, an old mill where Dundee’s textile history comes to life, and the eclectic Broughty Ferry restaurant, bar, and shopping scene east of the city center are also considered must-sees for those who can spare two nights for a side trip.
Visit VAM.ac.uk/dundee to learn more or purchase passes.
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he picturesque two-hour road trip from Boston to the Berkshires is anything but dull, filled with winding hills and lush foliage of western Massachusetts along the way. As we head west, New England’s natural beauty unfolds, with mountains gracefully coming into view, signifying our approach to The Wheatleigh, our weekend residence. Passing by the tennis courts and exquisite landscaping, it becomes clear we are arriving at an exceptional destination. Upon entering, it feels like we’ve stepped back in time, enveloped by an elegance reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance. Born in 1893 as a lavish wedding gift from a father to his daughter, the estate exudes a rich history. It starkly contrasts
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today’s more modest wedding gifts, prompting lighthearted comparisons within our group. The Wheatleigh symbolizes the Berkshires’ Gilded Age, reflecting the luxurious lifestyle of the era’s well-heeled families. It’s a reminder of a time rich with extraordinary wealth, arts, and culture. The estate, reminiscent of a sixteenth-century Florentine Palazzo, seems to bear the echoes of lavish parties and gatherings that once filled its halls. Surrounded by an aura of exclusivity at The Wheatleigh, it feels as though we are its sole inhabitants. Preserved elegance is evident in every detail, from the grand fireplace to meticulous crown moldings and the exquisite Tiffany and Co. stained glass windows.
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orgoing the typical check-in formalities, our group met with a relaxed elegance. We sip glasses of Champagne on the back patio against a backdrop of the estate’s plush lawns and rolling hills. Our tour takes us through immaculate courtyards and hidden pathways filled with verdant blooms, showcasing the thoughtful designs of Frederick Law Olmsted. Further into the estate lies a serene oval swimming pool, surrounded by lush grass and flanked by tall trees, adding to the property’s luxurious amenities. After the tour, I am escorted up the grand staircase to my suite. The space is calm and inviting, bathed in natural light. My luggage has been unpacked, and gourmet chocolates and a complimentary bottle of wine await, surrounded by fine appointments at every turn. The suite also features unique aspects, such as an antique bathtub and decorative fireplace, adding a sense
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of historical charm. Before dinner, I unwind on my private balcony, taking in the breathtaking views of the rolling landscape, before heading to the main room for the cocktail hour. In the cozy living area of the estate, I enjoy my Bellini as our group transitions into the dining room. Plush seating and soft, warm lighting furnish the room, creating an intimate setting that accommodates only fourteen guests each evening. The restaurant, now rejuvenated under the guidance of the innovative James Beard Award-winning Chef RJ Cooper, presents Sage & Sparrow as a distinguished fine dining destination, along with Hawthorne, which offers a more relaxed dining experience. Chef Cooper has curated an exceptional dining experience, prioritizing local ingredients. The rotating ten-to-fourteen-course tasting menu is a showcase of his culinary expertise, featuring creative dishes such as fermented pumpkin seed risotto paired with black truffle and one-hundred-month Parmigiano Reggiano, and the luxurious bluefin tuna belly, accentuated by juniper, horseradish, and wild shiso. This culinary delight is closely matched by an extraordinary wine menu, with recommendations readily available to ensure the perfect pairing.
Voyager Here, we learn about Wharton’s intricate world, exploring her profound contributions to literature and getting glimpses into her personal life and the passions that fueled her writing.
Upon entering, it feels as though we've stepped back in time, enveloped by an elegance reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance.
Meanwhile, another faction of our group visits the Norman Rockwell Museum, immersing themselves in the vivid portrayals of American life created by one of the most beloved artists of the twentieth century. We regroup and take a thoughtful drive through Lenox, navigating through the quaint town center and tranquil neighborhoods. It’s a refreshing escape from the modern world, a chance to appreciate the simpler aspects of life and the genuine beauty of our surroundings without the usual distractions. At this point, I am grateful for the experience of being in an area steeped in such history, culture, and overwhelming natural beauty. It’s as if the air here is easier to breathe. This sense of ease carries me into our final night, which begins with cocktail hour on the patio, followed by the joyful recounting of stories from the day over a delightful barbecue dinner accompanied by red wine—staying true to our initial plan, but this time within the confines of the formal dining room. The night is elevated by Chef Cooper’s expertly chosen dessert wines and delectable specialty desserts that leave a lasting impression. We retire to our rooms, feeling thoroughly content and ready for a restful night’s sleep, made even more pleasurable by the hotel’s impeccable turndown service, which leaves my bed perfectly prepared.
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he restaurant frequently organizes unique dining concepts and events to enhance the property’s country home ambiance. These special occasions typically unfold in picturesque settings such as the inviting patio. This particular summer weekend hinted at the possibility of a savory patio barbecue. Unfortunately, due to unpredictable weather, it was not meant to be. Nevertheless, such an experience is highly recommended when the opportunity presents itself to guests. The following day, we enjoyed a well-balanced breakfast in the dining room, perfectly preparing us for the day ahead exploring Lenox. This area of the Berkshires is stunning, filled with quaint towns, vibrant cultural venues, and picturesque natural scenes that epitomize New England’s charm. Our day unfolds with part of our group visiting The Mount, Edith Wharton’s estate. Its striking, symmetrical facade dominates my initial impression of the expansive property. Unlike the typical colonial-style homes, its stark white stucco, contrasted with black shutters, speaks volumes of Wharton’s sophisticated taste and meticulous dedication to precision and design. Here, we learn about Wharton’s intricate world, exploring her profound contributions to literature and getting glimpses into her personal life and the passions that fueled her writing. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 53
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his sense of contentment and meticulous attention to detail defines a stay at a Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) member. The Wheatleigh certainly embodies the experience. LHW recognizes and embraces the unique cultural allure of each location, dedicating itself to enhancing these already breathtaking properties into a realm of unparalleled luxury. Beyond its commitment to luxury and cultural authenticity, LHW also strongly emphasizes sustainability and responsible travel practices, ensuring its member properties contribute positively to the local communities and environments they inhabit.
memorable moments—soaking in the historical clawfoot tub, lounging in my plush luxury robe, gazing from my private balcony at the breathtaking views, and strolling through the meticulously manicured gardens, occasionally spotting graceful deer on the lush lawn. These moments defined my stay, leaving a lasting sense of being a cherished guest at my own private estate—an experience at The Wheatleigh that genuinely transcends any price tag.
On my final day, I savor every moment, exploring the picturesque yards, meandering down the nearby nature trail, and admiring the small garden before bidding adieu to The Wheatleigh and venturing back to Boston. My stay was short but memorable, as the sheer uniqueness of the property is in a category of its own within the Berkshires. As I depart, I can’t help but reflect on the
For more information about exclusive LHW properties, please visit LHW.com. To explore more or book your stay at The Wheatleigh, visit Wheatleigh.com.
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36236 EMERALD COAST PARKWAY, SUITE F, DESTIN, FL 32541 | (850) 837-6212 1 5 7 S U N F L O W E R S T R E E T I N WAT E R C O L O R , F L O R I DA , I S AVA I L A B L E F O R VAC AT I O N R E N TA L S T H R O U G H S A N D E R S B E AC H R E N TA L S | S A N D E R S B E AC H R E N TA L S . C O M
Photo by Dave Warren
HOME FOR THE
Holidays
ALBANY, GA | MACON, GA | COLUMBUS, GA SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL | TALLAHASSEE, FL | EASTPOINT, FL
WWW.SELLERSTILE.COM | 850-622-9797
L’intermission
French Flavor and Flair
Château Life by Jane Webster is published by Assouline. It is available at major booksellers. Visit Assouline.com to learn more. Photo by Robyn Lea
Intrigued by French culture, author Jane Webster, along with her husband and four children, found themselves moving from Australia to France after years of visiting the country. While much of the world gets caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, French culture has always prioritized spending quality time in the kitchen and around the dinner table. Indulging in “la vie de château” at Château Bosgouet in Normandy, Webster has wholeheartedly embraced the traditions of the French table. Collaborating with photographer Robyn Lea, she skillfully captures the essence of the lifestyle in her book Château Life—from preparation and cooking to savoring meals—with a focus on the unhurried enjoyment of food in the company of loved ones
Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 57
Voyager
An aristocratic
Life
Live Nobly in British Castles and Manors By Carolyn O’Neil
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magine waking to the sound of songbirds in the rose garden and the aroma of freshly perked coffee and sizzling sausages signaling breakfast to come. As you pull back the bedroom drapery to view the landscape of a manicured country estate outside, it’s time to start another day as lord or lady of the manor. No, you’re not dreaming of Downton Abbey. You’re a guest at one of the exquisite historic properties managed by Loyd & Townsend Rose, set in the most picturesque places across Great Britain. Renting a villa in Italy or a chateau in France has long been a favorite choice among travelers looking for privacy and a more residential feel when vacationing abroad. It’s especially appealing if they’re traveling with friends or family and want to set up a beautiful base camp to explore surrounding areas, settle in on velvet sofas with a book, or laze in the sun by a swimming pool. Now, vacationers can add the experience of making themselves at home in a magnificent manor home in merry old England.
Loyd & Townsend Rose, a luxury concierge service specializing in extraordinary experiences in ancestral country houses, castles, and stately homes, handles all the details to create a memorable stay in magical locations, from quaint villages to seaside cliff tops. Properties range in size from five to twenty bedrooms, most with ensuite bathrooms, and all with elegant decor mixing treasures from the past with the convenience and comfort of the modern era. You’ll likely discover a room you didn’t know you needed! These homes have designated boot rooms where rain boots of various sizes are lined up for guests to don on walks through meadows, streams, and woods—sometimes accompanied by the host family’s dogs. Whether it’s a billiards table, a fully stocked bar, or a living room with ample seating, each home is designed to entertain a crowd. “It’s the ultimate house party,” says co-founder Jonathan Townsend-Rose. He emphasizes these are not just rental properties, “We enjoy a close relationship with all of the owners and the staff at these estates and take great pride in our local knowledge and love for these historic homes.”
Meet the Manors
Newton Surmaville
hen you enter the long drive leading up to Newton House with its golden-hued stones glowing in the sun, the only word that comes to mind is “Wow!” This handsomely restored seventeenthcentury estate in Somerset is a majestic Jacobean manor surrounded by sixty-two acres of parkland grounds, including sheep meadows and formal flower gardens. The current redesign was led by famed New York-based interior designer Jeffrey Bilhuber, who chose a sophisticated mix of contemporary touches to liven up period furnishings. For example, Bilhuber added blush-tone linen draperies to the formal dining room, which features an impressively large George IV walnut table.
Right and opposite: Explore expansive formal gardens at Newton Surmaville, where history awaits in the English hamlet of Yeovil, Somerset. Below: Bright interiors are illuminated by ample windows at Newton House. Photos by Juliet Murphy
There are nine bedrooms and eight baths, accommodating up to twenty people, with oak paneling, mantled fireplaces, flagstone flooring, and wall-sized tapestries. A private chef skillfully commands the kitchen using produce from the greenhouse gardens and treats from local purveyors, including delicious butter and cheeses. Guests are served dinner, breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea with freshly baked scones. There’s even a Newton House gin that is distilled on the property. Area activities organized by Loyd & Townsend Rose travel advisors include tours of the Temperley family-run Somerset Cider and Brandy Company with tasting room, distillery, and heirloom apple orchards. The Brown and Forrest Smokery is another Somerset foodie favorite, where the art of hot and cold smoked salmon, trout, chicken, and cheeses is at its finest. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 59
Voyager
The Moult es, there is a place called the “British Riviera,” and Salcombe in South Devon is the ultimate English seaside resort town. Think Nantucket meets Bar Harbor with an English accent! The Moult is one of the finest and most famous private houses on the coast, positioned on its own peninsula and now welcoming guests to share what residents have relished for centuries.
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The house is painted a pretty salmon pink that pops against the bright blue of the sea views beyond. Built in the 1700s and once owned by the Earl of Devon, in more recent history, The Moult was the location for filming an Agatha Christie drama. The house is full of traditional English fittings, and outside, there are stone paths to the beach below, a gazebo, and a croquet court. Plenty of modern lifestyle additions include contemporary art, a cinema, a gym, a heated seventy-two-foot swimming pool, a firepit, and even an inground trampoline. There are eleven bedrooms with private bathrooms for up to twenty-four people. When I stayed at The Moult, I discovered a new room every day! It’s enormous, but the common spaces for gathering at cocktail hour and meals make you feel so at home.
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THE HOUSE IS FULL OF TRADITIONAL ENGLISH FITTINGS, AND OUTSIDE, THERE ARE STONE PATHS TO THE BEACH BELOW. 60 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
Seaside area activities include swimming, fishing, beach walking, coastal hill hikes, and exhilarating ride-the-waves boat tours led by Salcombe Sea-n-Shore. Guests can find thrills of the cocktail kind at Salcombe Gin. Join the Salcombe Gin School experience, and you’ll not only learn how to make gin crafted with local botanicals but also leave with a personally distilled bottle.
Knowlton Court nowlton Court is situated in the heart of Kent, often called the Garden of England. Owners Andrew and Fenella Fox-Pitt are leading the way in tending that garden with a large working farm and a passion for agriculture, the environment, conservation, and preservation.
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Opposite: Soak in the seaside sun at The Moult, especially in the lush gardens and sparkling swimming pool. Photos by Nick Yarsley Right: Tranquil bedrooms welcome guests at Knowlton Court. Below: The drawing room windows at Knowlton Court are adorned with family crests. Photos by Paul Woodd-Walker
Built in 1585, Knowlton Court oozes history but has been recently renovated with modern bathrooms and interior decor to welcome guests—and they can welcome a lot of them! There are nineteen luxury bedrooms with private bathrooms, which sleep up to thirty-eight people, plus further accommodation on the estate, allowing for eighty guests. The grand house is surrounded by magnificent gardens punctuated by towering animal-shaped topiaries, including rabbits, peacocks, and a snail. Gleaming suits of armor greet guests in the house’s front hall, and centuries-old artwork adorns the walls throughout.
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THE GRAND HOUSE IS SURROUNDED BY MAGNIFICENT GARDENS PUNCTUATED BY TOWERING ANIMAL-SHAPED TOPIARIES.
You may remember the magazine Horse and Hound, which appears in the movie Notting Hill. Well, here you’ll find a display of framed Horse and Hound covers (just outside the boot room) starring family member William Fox-Pitt, one of Britain’s best known and much awarded equestrians. Activities in the area include day trips to the medieval city of Canterbury, famed for Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales and Canterbury Cathedral. Head towards the coast near Dover, and you’ll find the new home of England’s burgeoning sparkling wine industry. Giving Champagne a run for the money, English bubbly is gaining world attention. Global warming may help, but Charles Simpson of Simpsons’ Wine Estate says, “It’s about the grapes, the winemaking, and the chalk-rich terroir of the land.”
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Voyager
Privacy with Panache
hoosing homes over hotels is quite a travel trend these days. Perhaps born out of the desire for social distancing during the pandemic, people realized they liked the exclusivity and level of personal service. “Travelers are going from one private experience to the next,” says Misty Belles, vice president at Virtuoso, a global network of luxury travel advisors.
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“It’s really a great option for multigenerational families,” Belles adds. With all the bedrooms and baths, living rooms and dining rooms, house staff at the ready, and a range of local area adventures, there’s something for everyone in a group to enjoy.
For more information on planning a visit to the houses, manors, and castles managed by Loyd & Townsend Rose in England, Scotland, and Ireland, visit LTRcastles.com.
The Moult as seen from the bay in Salcombe, Devon Photo by Nick Yarsley 62 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
4x4 Mobile Fitness is now on 30A and in surrounding areas!
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S T O R Y A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y C O U R T E S Y O F WA LT O N C O U N T Y T O U R I S M
A
s the holiday season heats up and things start to get hectic, the beach stays laid back. That’s why winter is the perfect time to start a new tradition in Walton County, Florida. While everyone else worries about trimming the tree and sweating over the stove, you can kick back and enjoy yourself on the sugar-white sand! During a season known for its traditions, there’s always room for brand-new ones. Bring your family to the beach for Christmas; it’ll become a family custom in no time.
Spend Time Together If a seaside Christmas celebration is on the menu, restaurants like Havana Beach Bar & Grill in Rosemary Beach go all out, offering a traditional festive dinner and kids’ events like cookie decorating with Santa. And steps away in South Barrett Square, the twenty-five-foot Christmas tree is a majestic spectacle your family will look forward to each year.
True to its name, Christmas Reflections turns Lake DeFuniak at Chipley Park into a shimmering mirror of holiday illumination that complements the charming Victorian homes surrounding it. More than 10 million lights are part of the breathtaking display – truly a must-see. Thousands of decorations add to the festive atmosphere of this ongoing event. And Santa has a fun workshop to keep kids of all ages entertained!
Another annual holiday tradition in Walton County is DeFuniak Springs’ Merry Main Street. Each Saturday in December, various vendors gather on Baldwin Avenue between 7th and 8th Streets, offering a series of signature holiday-themed events, including live music and theatrical performances, an outdoor market, food trucks, rides on the Choctaw Express Train, visits with Santa, and more.
Get pampered together or treat your loved one to a spa day. Choose from manicures, pedicures, facials, scrubs, or a couple’s massage at one of the luxurious spas throughout sixteen beach neighborhoods along Scenic Highway 30-A and beyond. Gallery hop and enjoy world-class local art, or enjoy the pristine natural setting. Historic downtown DeFuniak Springs is filled with local shops and restaurants. Stroll along these quaint streets, popping in and out of a few boutiques before treating yourself to an incredible meal.
Making a List, Checking It Twice
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he holidays are a time for festive celebration, and part of that reveling is finding great holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Fortunately, like most things in Walton County, shopping can be stress-free! From jewelry and loungewear to foodie-approved pantry staples, you’ll find the perfect present with our small business shopping guide. Want to spoil someone special? McCaskill & Company in Miramar Beach carries fine jewelry and watches that make just the right statement. Pish Posh Patchouli’s in Rosemary Beach is a high-end apothecary boutique offering everything from luxurious bath and body products and exclusive fragrances to comfy loungewear and decorative candles. Browse for designer clothes and accessories at Willow + Mercer in Inlet Beach or MERIT in Alys Beach. If your loved one’s house is their pride and joy, head to Bastide Home & Garden in Dune Allen for an impressive selection of curated gifts and goods that add a tasteful touch to any space. Next, stop by Seagrove’s Bungalow Home & Life to peruse its collection of unique furniture, home decor, boutique apparel, and jewelry. They also offer a handpicked selection of colorful crafts from talented local artists. Are you searching for a unique work of art for a creative friend? Explore the assortment of shops and art galleries at The Big Chill in WaterSound. With several local breweries, South Walton serves specialties for all the lagerlovers on your list. Grayton Beer Company captures the laid-back essence of its namesake neighborhood with balanced, refreshing beer selections. Meanwhile, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company pays tribute to its beach roots with options like Ghost Crab Pilsna’ and the Divide and Conch’r Double IPA. If you’re uncertain
what to choose, both these stops have taprooms where you can savor a few different samples. Complement these tasty suds with something delicious from 30A Olive Oil Co. at 30Avenue in Inlet Beach. You’ll find a great selection of gourmet foods, wine, olive oil, and jams alongside kitchen gifts, including handmade wooden charcuterie boards. For the little ones, Gigi’s Fabulous Kids Fashions & Toys in Rosemary Beach is your headquarters for art supplies, beach toys, costumes, puppets, and more to celebrate every child’s individual creativity and style. Don’t forget to explore North Walton! Main Street in DeFuniak Springs is a charming destination for strolling and window shopping. Katie Beth’s Boutique & Spa carries a wide range of stylish women’s apparel and accessories. Nearby, Vault 46 offers eclectic home decor, unique art, candles, and gifts, including oneof-a-kind jewelry. Freeport is home to a great assortment of shops. Lou Lou Beans Gift Shop stocks everything from whimsical decorations to playful jewelry. Just being in this shop will put a smile on your face. And if you want to pamper a friend, The Little Yellow Bench Company has a full line of handmade skin and spa products, as well as candles. They also custom design and produce incredible wood furniture (hence the name). Embrace shopping-as-exploration in Walton County by setting out on your retail adventure. Even if you don’t have an official gift list, you’ll find treasures you didn’t know you needed! If you haven’t already, you’ll soon discover why the warm winter in South Walton is the ideal time to plant the seeds of a new holiday tradition that you and your loved ones can celebrate for years to come.
Head to VisitSouthWalton.com to learn more or start planning your holiday getaway!
Where to See Holiday
Lights in South Walton While there’s no better light show than a South Walton sunset, we’ve got the next best thing! After a day at the beach or some last-minute shopping, load up your crew and take a self-guided tour of lights through Walton County, starting on the east end in Inlet Beach.
1. Inlet Beach A trip to 30Avenue is enhanced by holiday lights along its signature palm trees, complete with classic characters from The Nutcracker ballet and a giant Christmas tree.
2. Rosemary Beach Twinkling lights lend a festive touch to the live oaks circling both sides of Barrett Square, with a gorgeously decorated Douglas Fir Christmas tree as the main attraction.
3. Alys Beach Always beautiful, Alys Beach’s signature architecture is enhanced with holiday wreaths, lights, a twentyfive-foot Christmas tree, and packages decorating the amphitheater.
6. The Village of Baytowne Wharf
4. Seaside
Sandestin’s town center is a classic destination for checking out holiday lights and festivities, such as Baytowne On Ice and a series of holiday concerts.
A visit to Seaside Amphitheater treats guests with a large Christmas tree added to the top of Airstream Row. Be sure to walk under the arch of the beachfront Coleman Pavilion, where the decorative lights provide a striking and romantic backdrop for photos.
Combine shopping with a spectacular display at the Holiday Lights in Concert at Silver Sands Premium Outlets. Lasting about half an hour, this impressive presentation synchronizes many holiday songs with colorful lights.
5. WaterColor
8. DeFuniak Springs
Plan a stroll through the walking trails of Cerulean Park, where bright stars overhead are accentuated by a beautifully lit Christmas tree, holly-covered arches, and more.
The annual Christmas Reflections holiday light show transforms Lake DeFuniak into a shimmering mirror of holiday illumination with more than ten million lights and thousands of festive decorations, including classic favorites like Santa’s workshop, toy soldiers, and a ticking grandfather clock.
7. Miramar Beach
Above: Stroll the charming streets of Seaside to delight in spectacular holiday light displays. Opposite: Check off your holiday gift list with unique works of art from local artists like Francisco Adaro.
The Seaside story that hasn’t been told . . . from the perspective of cofounder/visionary Daryl Rose Davis. A brand-new luxury coffee-table book celebrating the rich history of the Town of SEASIDE ® and the evolution of The Seaside Style ® through 40 years of photos and stories.
Choose Your Seaside Style: One Book, Two Cover Options! Published by The Idea Boutique ®
N OW AVAIL ABL E for PU R C HASE Get your copy at TheSeasideStyle.com or at The Seaside Style ® and Cabana in Seaside, Florida.
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Santa’s Support 1
Stella Christmas Tree Base FritzHansen.com – $479
THE SEASON OF GIVING
Welcome to a winter wonderland of gifts as we share the C’est la VIE December 2023 Collection, where our unique Holiday Gift Guide brings a diverse selection of ideas for everyone on your list. In the home section, find items that artfully combine style and comfort, from warm ambient lighting to unique handcrafted decor. Our selection for women features elegant accessories and luxurious self-care products, all designed for style and relaxation. For the men in your life, we’ve curated a range of sophisticated apparel, fashionable accessories, and lifestyle essentials. Book lovers will appreciate our handpicked reads, perfect for cozy winter evenings. And for the younger ones, explore our playful and educational toys that encourage creativity and fun. Each item in this collection is thoughtfully chosen to elevate your holiday celebrations, ensuring memorable moments for all and reminding us of the joy and warmth that comes from giving. 70 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
C’est la vie
2
Botanical Shine
Multipurpose Surface Cleaner, Blushed Bergamot LavantCollective.com – $14
The Modernist 3
Cupola Credenza MousStudio.com – Price upon Request
Noir Recline 5
Terra Tones 4
LL04 Leather Lounger by Maarten van Severen SuiteNY.com – Price upon Request
Kilim Pouf 4 NaniMarquina.com – Price upon Request
Serene Stone
6
Anima Tissue Box SalvatoriOfficial.com – $995
7
Copper Glow
Utzon JU1, Jørn Utzon, 1947 SuiteNY.com – Price upon Request
Mini Me 8
Archimera sculptures by Federico Babina SalvatoriOfficial.com – $1,405 V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 71
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Supper Settee 9
Modern Line Dining Sofa, Greta Grossman, 1949 SuiteNY.com – Price upon Request
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Celestial Float
Big Bang Suspension Lamp, Vicente Garcia Jimenez, 2005 SuiteNY.com – Price upon Request
Citrus Abode 11
Lèlior Saint-Tropez Fragrance Oil Lelior.com – $50
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Cozy Gleam
Lurex Throw Arhaus.com – $299
Festive Light 13
Governor Lantern Bevolo.com – Price upon Request
15 14
Posy Pot
Ikebana Vase FritzHansen.com – $141
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Lasting Luxe
13 to 15 Eternity Roses in Blush, Small Round Classic Box VenusEtFleur.com – $299
Illumina Flair 16
Maehwa Suspension Light, Giopato and Coombes, 2022 SuiteNY.com – Price upon Request
Home V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 73
Mauve Mingle 17
Lilac Soiree Mahjong Starter Kit OhMyMahjong.com – $530
Women’s 74 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
C’est la vie
Herbal Buzz 18
Social Elixir Nonalcoholic Herbal Spirit ThreeSpiritDrinks.com – $39
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Kiss Me
Mario’s Lip Lift Kit, Pink Nude MakeupByMario.com – $20
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Court Queen
Sun Chaser Pickleball Paddle PlayRallyClub.com – $79
Rose Hoop 21
Abacus Mini Top Handle Bag, Pink JWPei.com – $55
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Urban Trotters
Kamryn Boots DolceVita.com – $295
Pure Beauty 23
Radiance Essentials Set EveLom.com – $32
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C’est la vie
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Sweet Dreams 25
Wrist Bloom
Eberjey Gisele Stretch-Tencel Modal Pajama Set NET-A-PORTER.com – $138
Ted Baker Emily Watch TedBaker.us – $160
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Precious Polish
Jewelry Cleaner, Something Blue Collection DiamondDrunk.com – $75
Complexion Collection 27
10 Face Mask MustHaves Gift Set DrJart.com – $68
Luminous 29 Formula
Baccarat Rouge 540 FrancisKurkdjian.com/us-en – $215
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Sheen Set
Signature Glow Palette KjaerWeis.com – $70 76 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
Jetsetter Jewel 28
Carry On Pro July.com – $345
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Color Cuffs
Dynamic Bracelet Int.Pichulik.com – $30 each
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32
Forester Flannel
Ethan Checkered Shirt, Green/Blue Sezane.com – $180
Men’s 78 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
C’est la vie
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Dapper Dial
Ted Baker, Barnett Backlight Stainless Steel & Leather Chronograph, Watch/41MM SaksFifthAvenue.com – $180
Crew Club 34
Positano Heavyweight Hoodie JemCityUK.shop – $130
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Palm Serenity
Hanalei Palm Towel Overexposed.co – $29
Style Shooter 36
Keith Haring Tokyo Fabric Basketball Store.MoMA.org – $135
Star Strides 37
Golden Goose White Super-Star Leather Sneakers BrownsFashion.com – $595 V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 79
C’est la vie
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Designer Basics
Dolce&Gabbana Logo Waistband 2-Pack Stretch Cotton Boxers SaksFifthAvenue.com – $75
Museum Days 39 MoMA Baggu Heavyweight Canvas Tote Store.MoMA.org – $62
Birdie Bag 40 Royce New York Golf Accessory Bag SaksFifthAvenue.com – $95
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Italian Allure
Brunello Cucinelli Pour Homme SaksFifthAvenue.com – $210
Sartorial Strap 42
Tom Ford Blue Reversible Leather Belt BrownsFashion.com – $455
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Cool Comfort
Vuori Channel Pant VuoriClothing.com – $138
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Big Apple Elixir 44
Peated Scotch Cask Bourbon GreatJonesDistillingCo.com – $150
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 81
Coastal Abodes 45
HOME—Inspirations for Home and Life by VIE VIEmagazine.com – $50
Books 82 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
C’est la vie
The Tale That Wagged the Town 47
The Seaside Style® Coffee-Table Book – Navy Bud Cover TheSeasideStyle.com – $95
Romantic Thriller 46
Janie Blue by Suzy Accola, Paperback Amazon.com – $17
French Fare 48
Château Life by Jane Webster Assouline.com – $105
Savor and Sip in Style 49
COOK: Cocktails. Cuisine. Culture. by VIE VIEmagazine.com – $50
Mixing Magic 50
Friday Night Cocktails SimonandSchuster.com – $20
The Spirit of 51 the Season Santa’s Gift by Laurie Crowley, Paperback Amazon.com – $10
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Little Laughs
Funny Things My Kids Say Journal JaysonHome.com – $28
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C’est la vie
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Crochet Comfort
Crochet Cuties Teddy Bear Sensory Tool BigHeartToys.com – $35
Pop and Play 54
PopDarts Original Set PopDartsGame.com – $30
Love to Learn 55
Fidget and Pop Toys Kit BigHeartToys.com – $21
Off to the Races 56
Across the Board Kentucky Derby Horseracing Game Shop.ATBGame.com – $140
Blast Off 57 Stomp Rocket Stomp & Catch GrowingTreeToys.com – $35 58
Beach Break
Get Groovy 450-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle JigsawSurfCo.com – $38
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Pink Princess
UGG, Little Girls & Girls Bailey Bow II Boots SaksFifthAvenue.com – $130 84 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
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Periwinkle Bliss
Blue Lace Agate Slime OGSlimes.com – $18
Kids V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 85
PRIVATE RESIDENCE Heritage Dunes, Seagrove Beach, Florida
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The Fine & Dandy Co. Fantasticheria collection comprises four patterns in multiple colorways and two borders designed for crown molding and wainscoting. If you’re looking for stand-out wallcoverings that can completely transform your space or enhance your current design, visit FineandDandyCompany.com.
La maison WHERE THE HEART IS
Photo courtesy of Fine & Dandy Co.
Inspired by the vintage, iconic genres that still dazzle after decades, Fine & Dandy Co.’s whimsical wall coverings are made to last. Its Fantasticheria collection, offered in a new Fresco substrate, was created in collaboration with NYC-based artist Hazel Lee Santino, who hand-painted each intricate design. Fantasticheria exudes the romance and mysticism of ancient Rome by simulating the look of age-worn stucco or plaster.
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Decking
Halls
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D a n i e l b y
Guided tours provide a year-round glimpse into this meticulously preserved residence’s rich story and cultural significance, but the arrival of the holiday season heralds a captivating transformation. Community members, including the Friends of Eden Gardens, gather to decorate the home with festive cheer. This year’s theme is “Victorian Christmas,” promising a nostalgic and heartwarming experience.
P h o t o g r a p h y
tep into the enchanting Wesley House this holiday season at Eden Gardens State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. The magic of Christmas is magnified by the extraordinary collaboration between the historic gem and gracious community volunteers, including the stylish and creative team from The Seaside Style. Nestled in the heart of Walton County, the Wesley House invites visitors to journey through time as they take in the splendor of a bygone era while touring the late-1800s mansion adorned with antique furniture.
M e i g s
with THE SEASIDE STYLE
STEP I NT O th e ENCH AN T IN G W ESLEY HO U S E t his H O L ID A Y SEA S O N .
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Members of The Seaside Style team (bottom to top): Erica Pierce, Kendall Andrews, Makenzie Carter, Shonda Trantina, Madison Spence, Kandice Kelly, and Kaycee Weldon V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 91
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Above: Mother-daughter duo Erica Pierce and Makenzie Carter creating holiday magic Opposite left: The kids’ room at the Wesley House 92 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
The mansion’s Victorian Christmas public tours continue through January 9, 2024. Those touring the home are also encouraged to engage in a friendly competition by voting for their favorite decorated room.
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he enchantment began on November 14 when a dedicated team, including volunteers, local garden clubs, talented decorators, and the creative minds from The Seaside Style, gathered to infuse the Wesley House with holiday cheer. Makenzie Carter, chief creative officer of The Seaside Style, says, “SEASIDE® and The Seaside Style are honored to be part of Eden Gardens’ Christmas at the Wesley House. It was so fun to be invited to add holiday decor to this historic home and be part of a local tradition.” The team, including members from The Seaside Style and Seaside Kids store, brought grandeur to the entryway, where garlands gracefully drape down the banisters, and the kids’ bedroom, which received a playful touch of holiday decor with themed ribbons and the warmth of a Christmas tree.
W I TNESS FI R ST HA N D t he MA GI C of th i s H I STOR I C H OLI D A Y H A VE N . A pinnacle of the holiday season at Eden Gardens State Park is the Christmas Candlelight Open House and Luminaries event on December 9, 2023, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The park will be adorned with twinkling candles and festive lights, inviting guests to explore the grounds and beautifully decorated rooms of the Wesley House. Refreshments, complimentary park entry, and a shuttle service will create an unforgettable holiday experience curated by the Friends of Eden Gardens. This event, now featuring The Seaside Style’s creative touch, has become a beloved tradition for the Walton County community and beyond.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, mark your calendar for a visit to the Wesley House and witness firsthand the magic of this historic holiday haven. Experience the past, embrace the beauty of the present, and bask in the warmth of the season through the creative contributions of a united community.
Tickets for Wesley House daily tours can be purchased at the home upon arrival. The Christmas Candlelight Open House and Luminaries event is free of charge on December 9, 2023. Learn more about events and news at FriendsofEdenGardens.com. Visit TheSeasideStyle. com to learn more or shop your favorite SEASIDE® merch for the holidays! V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 93
Petite pause
At Christmas, all roads lead home. —MARJORIE HOLMES
Celebrate the holiday season at Christmas at the esteemed Biltmore Estate, set in scenic Asheville, North Carolina. From November 3, 2023, to January 7, 2024, the estate, renowned for its grandeur and historical significance, is adorned with festive decor. Daytime tours offer a glimpse of the property’s holiday elegance, and Candlelight Evenings echo the Vanderbilt family’s first Christmas there in 1895. This event, set against Asheville’s vibrant cultural scene, is an ideal destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in a blend of historical allure and festive joy, perfect for creating cherished holiday memories. Discover more at Biltmore.com. Photo courtesy of the Biltmore Company
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Story and photography courtesy of Rosemary Beach
CHRISTMAS It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like
Fifth Annual Rosemary Beach Holiday Tour of Homes
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La maison Each year, ticketholders gather to enjoy a self-guided walking tour of a carefully curated collection of Rosemary Beach homes, all adorned for the season. This year’s tour will be held on Saturday, December 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Attendees can expect an abundance of design inspiration and festive delight from this much-anticipated holiday event. Rosemary Beach was founded in 1995 and has been developed based on New Urbanism and Traditional Neighborhood Development principles. Designed with community, neighborhood, and convenience in mind, this acclaimed 107-acre Gulf-front development encompasses the “live, work, play” mentality. Offering residents and guests stunning residential architecture and commercial spaces, it features a robust town center with world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment. Every year, the Rosemary Beach Foundation partners with Rosemary Beach Realty and Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Company to shine a light on the fantastic portfolio of homes offered in the charming town. One thing is sure: whether you stay in a Gulffront home or tucked away in a cottage surrounded by lush greenery, there is something for everyone in Rosemary Beach.
there is something for
EVERYONE
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in Rosemary Beach.
ights are up, holiday music is on, and a slight chill is in the air. Shoppers spill into the streets as they search for the perfect holiday finds of the season, and families gather to snap pictures with the spectacular tree in the middle of town as their backdrop. All these magical activities mark the return of the Annual Holiday Tour of Homes in Rosemary Beach, Florida, along Scenic Highway 30-A. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 97
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n addition to opening homes in the Rosemary Beach community to attendees to explore and gather decor ideas, the Rosemary Beach Foundation shares a portion of the ticket sales with two charitable partners each year. This year, they will partner with Shelter House and Habitat for Humanity. Both are extremely fitting for this event as they focus on the home and how they can best provide their participants with the gifts of safety, comfort, and security. Shelter House is the only state-certified domestic and sexual violence center serving victims of Okaloosa and Walton counties. Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes and communities and helps make homeownership a reality for those in need. These two organizations do amazing work in the local community to provide advocacy, support, and the ultimate gift of home when their participants need it most.
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Tour guests are invited to swoon over the festively adorned homes, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, and spend time together while supporting these
great nonprofits
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our guests are invited to swoon over the festively adorned residences throughout the town, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages from the event sponsors (including VIE!), and spend time together while supporting these great nonprofits. Whether you are searching for your next home, planning your next beach getaway, or gathering inspiration for your tree and mantle this season, this Holiday Tour of Homes is the perfect event to attend with friends and get yourself in the spirit!
Visit RosemaryBeachFoundation.org to learn more about the tour, get tickets, or inquire about how to get involved with the foundation and future events. You can also visit ShelterHouseNWFL.org and WaltonCountyHabitat.org to learn more about these outstanding nonprofits.
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L’intermission
Tikis, Tinsel, and Tipsy Fun At the end of this year’s holiday season, Miracle will donate 10 percent of all proceeds from the sale of SantaPants, Christmas Carol Barrel, and Santa Heads signature glassware to the Seva Foundation. This global nonprofit eye care organization works with local communities around the world. Don’t miss Miracle at The Daytrader Tiki Bar! Visit DaytraderTiki.com to learn more. Photo courtesy of Miracle Pop-Up Bar
Deck the palms with boughs of holly—because the Miracle Pop-Up Bar is coming to Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant in Seaside, Florida! From November 20 to December 20, 2023, Miracle at The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant guests can anticipate over-the-top festive decor, delicious, inventive Christmas-themed cocktails, and the restaurant’s island-inspired cuisine. So, hold onto your Santa hats, and get ready for fan favorites such as the Christmapolitan, the Christmas Carol Barrel, the Snowball Old Fashioned, the Yippie Ki Yay (you know the rest), the Jingle Balls Nog, and the Naughty and Nice Shots on a themed menu!
Love, VIE xo
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Togeth WRITTEN BY SUZANNE PO LLAK
If this is your year to host the annual holiday meal, and the table will be set to include your inner family circle and members of your larger world, it’s time to think about a menu that will best serve all your guests.
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enuine hospitality is about warmth and kindness, making others feel welcome and comfortable. It may be time to ask your guests if they would like to include a dish that is memorable for them, a part of their own family tradition. I can think of two cinematic depictions of this holiday spirit—one not so successful and the other a perfect example of the magic and kinship that can happen when you respect other’s traditions, as well as your own.
The first is a scene from the 2005 film The Family Stone, a modern holiday classic of dysfunction. The visiting girlfriend character of Meredith Morton, played with palpable anxiety by Sarah Jessica Parker, desperately tries to find a place in her boyfriend’s tightly knit and oddball family by making a strata, an egg casserole that her own family traditionally served on Christmas morning (an idea that came from the film’s writer and director Thomas Bezucha’s holiday memories of his grandmother’s signature dish). Unfortunately, nothing goes right, and the strata ends up on the floor. But the recipe lives on. Do a digital search for “Morton family strata” and discover how many people identified with this scene and now make the strata in their own homes. In that way, I guess it was a success. A much lovelier scene of holiday inclusivity is from the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso. Team manager Higgins, played with great humanity by Jeremy Swift, extends a standing holiday invitation to any footballers away from their families to join his own—five
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young sons and a wonderfully congenial wife, Julie, played by Swift’s real-life wife, Mary Roscoe. This year, many of the players come, bringing their special family/national food and drink, from Nigerian jollof rice and traditional Mexican ponche de frutas to French foie gras and champagne. The house overflows with the Higgins family and all the footballers, and together, they create a long makeshift table, which even includes a surfboard. Standing at the head, Higgins mentions each player’s hometown (using the actual hometowns of the actors) and says that while he knows they would prefer to be with their own families, it is an honor for his family to host them and to “share our traditions and help make a few new ones.” And he finishes with a toast: “To the family we’re born with, and to the family we make along the way.” This year, I am taking my holiday inspiration from that satisfying scene. As a mother of four, I have sons, a daughter, daughters-in-law, a son-in-law, grandchildren, and a new marriage with my husband, who has his own children. We will include their family holiday traditions and blend to make new ones together. After years of hosting holiday celebrations, my best advice is to go backward first—think of the desired result and how to get there. The goal is to create
erness
Is The Reason for the Season
memorable, loving moments with the hope that they will become iconic holiday memories. Three such memories stand out in my own life. I was eighteen the first time I ate Thanksgiving dinner. After living abroad for years, we were back in New York City in my family’s apartment. A German friend was visiting—a man who had managed intercontinental hotels all over Africa. He took one look at the turkey my mother pulled from the stove (she was not a skillful cook) and banished everyone from the little kitchen. Soon after, he presented a fully carved and put-backtogether turkey in one piece. It was magical. My first idea of Thanksgiving was modeled after this professional perfection, and I chased after it for years. The next Thanksgiving in my memory comes from bringing together a community of two dozen over four days, which was something I was equipped to handle at that season in my life. With children in middle school, high school, and college, I had a large family, favorite relatives from far away, friends who would have been alone on the holiday, and a beautiful house. So, I organized a four-day Wednesday-toSunday Thanksgiving extravaganza. Wednesday’s dinner was deviled crabs and country captain chicken. Thursday morning meant sauteed
pears and buttermilk pancakes while everyone wandered in and out of the kitchen, lending their hands, help, and advice to complete the production of the feast, which I had started a month before, to be served at four o’clock in the ballroom. With twenty to twenty-five people sitting around a long table covered in heavy linen cloths, gleaming brass candlesticks, pink sasanqua picked from my garden arranged in silver cups down the middle of the table, and apple green antique china, our feast included a fried turkey, roast turkey, all manner of sides and stuffing, and five different pies. Then came a casual Friday night: we roasted oysters in the driveway and served gumbo in the garden. Saturday was steak night and ginger cheesecake and charades. Sunday morning, I defrosted my huge sticky buns made in October, and we chatted and drank coffee and recovered. The whole extravaganza was extraordinary in experience and exhaustion. I am thrilled—and proud—that I arranged all that. But those days are over! Just a few years later, after divorce and recovering from a breast cancer operation, my Thanksgiving shrank in size to one son and his wife bringing a delicious duck they had roasted and a huge chocolate turkey that stood in for both centerpiece and dessert. We feasted on my tiny balcony overlooking Church Street—an unconventional moment that has become a fond memory.
The goal is to create memorable, loving moments with the hope that they will become iconic holiday memories. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 103
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Left and below: Members and coaching staff of the Richmond Football Club gather for an unorthodox holiday in Season 2, Episode 4 of Ted Lasso, titled “Carol of the Bells.” Photos courtesy of Apple TV+
To the family we’re born with, and to the family we make along the way. Four years later, now newly married to a man with his own children and grandchildren, we have multiple families to consider on our first holidays together. Thanksgiving will be a blended mix of some of my children and grandchildren and his. The first weekend in December, we have scheduled an early Christmas celebration honoring his family’s traditions with his children and grandchildren. Christmas morning will continue a newly minted, three-year-old tradition with my friend Autumn: our annual pop-up Christmas breakfast on the Cooper River in Charleston for friends far away from their families who bring their family/national food and drink (the varied menu resembles the one in Ted Lasso). On New Year’s Eve, we will join our pastamaking posse in our Italian friend’s kitchen. To satisfy the largest number of people, I am making a Thanksgiving chart for each person to fill out, from youngest to oldest. What is their favorite or must-have for Thanksgiving? Would they like to cook anything, or would they prefer to oversee one job, from table setting and flower arranging to cleaning up or whatever else captures their interest? Lesson learned and applied for my new holiday: Thanksgiving is not about mastering a solo performance. It’s about mixing it up with audience participation. Enjoy yours! You might learn something, too.
Suzanne Pollak, a mentor and lecturer in the fields of home, hearth, and hospitality, is the founder and dean of the Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits. She is the coauthor of Entertaining for Dummies, The Pat Conroy Cookbook, and The Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits: A Handbook of Etiquette with Recipes. Born into a diplomatic family, Pollak was raised in Africa, where her parents hosted multiple parties every week. Her South Carolina homes have been featured in the Wall Street Journal Mansion section and Town & Country magazine. Visit CharlestonAcademy.com or contact her at Suzanne@CharlestonAcademy.com to learn more. 104 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
23 24
DEMETRIUS FULLER, MUSIC & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR YOUR SYMPHONY EXPERIENCE … REDEFINED
feat. Time for 3 (Tf3) Sunday, Dec. 3 | 10:30 AM Henderson Beach Resort TICKETS: FROM $95 PER PERSON
feat. Brian Stokes Mitchell Friday, Dec. 8 | 7:30 PM Destin-FWB Convention Center TICKETS: FROM $30 PER PERSON
Proceeds benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement initiatives throughout Northwest Florida.
Prepare to be blown away by the electrifying sounds of Grammy Award-winning Time for Three (Tf3), the genre-defying classically trained string trio. With their impeccable skills and boundary-pushing musical tastes, Nick Kendall, Charles Yang, and Ranaan Meyer seamlessly blend classical, bluegrass, rock, jazz, and hip-hop into an unforgettable musical experience.
Dubbed "the last leading man" by The New York Times, Brian Stokes Mitchell is a two-time Tony Award winner with a versatile career spanning Broadway, television, film, and concerts. Get into the spirit as this A-list star performs holiday classics, Broadway tunes and classic favorites with Sinfonia Gulf Coast.
SCAN HERE TO
BUY TICKETS
PRESENTING SEASON SPONSOR:
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Box Office: SinfoniaGulfCoast.org 850.460.8800
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A Cornucopia of Food & Wine It's Harvest Time
BY KELLY CURRY | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DESTIN CHARITY WINE AUCTION FOUNDATION 106 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
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he generosity of people and organizations throughout the Northwest Florida community is truly astounding. Especially nearing the holidays, it’s a joy to celebrate those who are making a difference in their communities. Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s (DCWAF) mission is to connect wine enthusiasts to raise money to benefit children in need in Okaloosa and Walton Counties and surrounding areas. During the weekend of October 19 to 22, 2023, guests from across the country came together to sip, taste, and bid, raising $175,000 for children in need.
The weekend kicked off on Thursday, October 19, with six intimate multicourse patron dinners in restaurants and private homes across the area, including Vin’tij Food & Wine, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, Cuvee 30A, Bijoux, and Fonville Press. Guests enjoyed an intimate dinner with family and friends as they learned about unique wine pairings alongside amazing nonprofits in our community. Special thanks go out to all the guests, chefs, patrons, and vintners who made those dinners possible.
From private dinners to cocktail seminars and the Grand Tasting, Harvest Wine & Food Festival 2023 featured events for wine enthusiasts of all types, raising over $175,000 for Northwest Florida children’s charities.
A weekend highlight was curated by mixologist Christine Tarpey of Better Together Beverage on Friday, October 20, with a fun and engaging cocktail seminar in Crimson Park in WaterColor, presented by Driftwood Wine and Spirits. Tarpey led attendees through the history of spirits and taught guests how to mix things up in her interactive cocktail-making course. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 107
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Harvest After Dark
returned this year, offering festival guests an opportunity to get to know the vintners and converse further with the featured culinary talent on the lawn in WaterColor beneath a beautiful canopy of twinkle lights. This newer addition to the weekend added a late-night layer to the festival for attendees to enjoy wine, spirits, and culinary delights crafted by celebrity chefs from across the Southeast. The festival’s signature event, the Grand Tasting, took place on Saturday, October 21, in WaterColor’s stunning Cerulean Park. Guests enjoyed nothing but blue skies and fabulous melodies as they meandered along the charming pathways and lawns to enjoy tasting stations from world-class vintners, as well as culinary stations manned by celebrity chefs from some of the best restaurants along the Gulf Coast and throughout the Southeast who presented throughout the weekend. It’s easy to see why the Harvest Food & Wine Festival is rated as one of the premier events of its kind in the Southeast, and the Grand Tasting is a must! Closing out the weekend was a spirited cocktail brunch presented by Daytrader Tiki Bar, The Henry Haus, and 360 Blue at a beautiful private home in WaterColor. The finale featured an array of islandinspired culinary creations by Chef Nikhil Abuvala and cocktails by Better Together Beverage.
Above: Members of the DCWAF events team: Kaitlyn Crawford, Brooklyn Bain, Karah Fridley-Young, Kate MacMillan, and Jessica Roberts
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Guests meandered along the charming pathways and lawns to enjoy tasting stations from world-class vintners, as well as culinary stations manned by celebrity chefs from some of the best restaurants along the Gulf Coast.
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he Seventh Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival raised more than $175,000 for children in need in Northwest Florida through ten events and the silent auction, which featured over one hundred prize packages comprising rare wines, unique trips, culinary experiences, and much more. Ranked as one of the Top Charity Wine Auctions in the US by Wine Spectator, DCWAF raises money for a whopping seventeen Northwest Florida children’s charities that assist at-risk youth by tackling a variety of issues, including homelessness, food insecurity, mental health, education, medical care, and much more. In August, DCWAF donated an impressive $3.4 million for its benefiting charities, bringing the combined total donated since inception to more than $32 million.
CONGRATULATIONS, DCWAF, ON ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND FOR A GREAT CAUSE!
Learn more about future events, news, partner charities, and how you can get involved at DCWAF.org.
VIE IS EXCITED TO PARTNER WITH ANR RESTAURANT AT THE CAMP CREEK INN TO HOST AN EXCLUSIVE VINTNER DINNER BENEFITING CHILDREN’S VOLUNTEER HEALTH NETWORK IN APRIL 2024 AS PART OF THE DESTIN CHARITY WINE AUCTION FOUNDATION WEEKEND. STAY TUNED FOR MORE NEWS AND TICKET INFORMATION AT CVHNKIDS.ORG, OR FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @VIEMAGAZINE. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 109
C O NV E R SAT IO NS with H E A RT & S O U L with LISA MARIE BURWELL Founder and EIC of VIE magazine
S E AS O N 3 NOW STREAMING
Listen on Spotify | Watch on YouTube | Subscribe on iTunes | viemagazine.com @V IE SP E A K S | @V IEM AGA ZINE
FEATURING NEW GUESTS AND GREAT NEW CONVERSATIONS MARISOL GULLO • VICKY TIEL • JEFF ZEHNDER • APRIL SARVER • KARAH YOUNG & KATE MCMILLIAN • JIM SHIRLEY MELANIE TURNER • JENNIFER STEELE • JOHN WELLBORN • RHEA GOFF • PATRICK DAVIS • MADRA MCDONALD DEREK MCMAHON • MATT ALGARIN & KELLI CARTER • ARIX ZALACE & SEAN COUCH • MISTY PARENZAN • KURT TOBIAS
Petite pause
One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well. —VIRGINIA WOOLF
Ambrosia Prime Seafood & Steaks, situated in South Walton’s Watersound Town Center, marks its first year as a destination for top-tier seafood, steak, and warm hospitality. Its interiors, designed by Paige Whitten of Paige Whitten Design, feature a bright, coastal theme with leather booths and a seagrass sculpture alongside a private dining room. The bar area, seen here, brings more of a New York speakeasy vibe, highlighted by mahogany wood, copper ceilings, and a marble bar top. Outdoors, guests can enjoy a classic patio setting for alfresco dining, complete with maritime umbrellas, overlooking The Pavilion. From Monday to Thursday, the bar’s Caymus happy hour is a crowdpleaser, offering select wines and a curated menu. Executive Chef Pablo Catalan leads the kitchen, focusing on freshly sourced seafood and prime steaks. Ambrosia welcomes diners daily and on special holidays, with reservations available at Ambrosia30a.com or via phone at (850) 909-0100. Photo by Michael Booini V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 111
L’amour
Photo by Hunter Burgtorf, AlwaysHunter.com
L’ amour IT’S ALL YOU NEED.
As we enter the holiday season, our hearts are warmed by the spirit of love. An enchanting example is a recent wedding in Portage, Michigan, captured by photographer Hunter Burgtorf. A private lake house set the stage for the union of Ryan Thomson and Kylie Cloutier. Kylie made her entrance in a beautiful Sarah Seven gown from Spring Sweet Bridal in charming Holland, Michigan. The floral arrangements from Main Street Floral Shop in Pinckney added a burst of color and fragrance. Beneath the whimsical tents and lights, courtesy of Enchanted Events & Party Rental in Whitmore Lake, the dance floor came alive. Even the smallest details, such as flawless hair and makeup by Jayme Eipperle, were carefully curated, contributing to the overall enchantment of this unforgettable day spent among family and friends.
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L’amour
Mr. and Mrs. Cramer
Have Love, Will Travel
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w
hen Alline Bigham and Tommy Cramer met while working at the same corporate office for Alfred Coffee in 2019, they didn’t know the energy buzzing between them would soon have nothing to do with the caffeine. After the pair learned they both hailed from Kansas City and felt sparks flying when working at an event together in Santa Monica, they knew more than friendship was brewing. Now celebrating their first few months as newlyweds, the well-traveled, creative couple looks back on their love story, and the groom shares it with us here, along with their beautiful wedding photos.
O u r L ov e S to ry A few weeks after that event in Santa Monica, we went on our first date to a Los Angeles Clippers game. At the game, we were randomly upgraded from the top level down to the floor, and thus began our string of good luck! The relationship accelerated during the pandemic when we had nothing but time to get to know each other. Once the world started back up again, we were ready to move in together and begin the next chapter of our life. In March of 2022, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, we took a wine and cheese picnic to a cute little park in our neighborhood (fittingly named Circle Park). When the light fell into golden hour, I “shockingly discovered” a journal we had kept together, which had somehow ended up underneath our picnic blanket. “Befuddled,” I serendipitously opened the diary to a new entry made that day. It was a letter to Alli—which I had written the night before—that ended with the all-important question, “Will you marry me?” V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 115
L’amour
Our Venue Cannon Point – Akumal, Mexico I wanted to do a destination wedding, and Alli wanted a place that was special to us, so Akumal, Mexico, was the perfect match. Alli’s family vacationed in Akumal when she was growing up. It was an especially important place to her grandmother and several other loved ones on her side who, unfortunately, are no longer with us. By going there, we made sure they were there in spirit. There is something quaint and communal about Akumal, precisely what we wanted for our wedding.
Alli is quite the planner and has a background in events, so “we” had things wrapped up a year from our actual wedding day (with a few amendments). We were put in touch with Manda, a wedding planner and the manager of Turtle Bay Cafe in Akumal. She was incredibly helpful in guiding us on the ground with the plans for the ceremony at Cannon Point and reception at nearby Lol-Ha Restaurant. Her knowledge of the area was key in helping our vision come to life!
O u r W e d d i n g D ay September 22, 2023 The wedding day was magical. We had spent the week vacationing with everyone, so by the time the ceremony came around, we felt so lovingly wrapped in our little wedding community. About fifty-five guests came to celebrate with us, which was so special. Alli and I each wrote our vows, so we were a little nervous about reading them, but there was nothing dramatic or out of the blue. It was great just to relax and enjoy being together. 116 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
My dad was the officiant and hosted the ceremony with his usual charm, grace, and poignancy. Our vows were equally meaningful and hilarious (if I do say so myself ) and really gave everyone present a deeper understanding of who Alli and I are as a couple. The weather even cooperated: a well-timed cloud gave some much-needed shade for our guests, and a giant thunderstorm passed over right when we had all moved inside for the reception. The thunderstorm was a highlight. My mom and I both love thunderstorms, and there was a giant crack of thunder during our dance together. It was kismet and absolutely perfect. Our small but mighty party owned the dance floor. It was surreal seeing so many of our loved ones, from all walks of life, come together as one. That, to us, is what a wedding should be. And that is exactly what we received. It was an unforgettable experience. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 117
L’amour
O u r H on e y m o on We honeymooned at an all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen. After a week of being surrounded by our loved ones, a little plan-less R&R was just what we needed. It was a blissful four days of sleeping, eating, drinking, and sleeping some more!
Special thanks Wedding photographer: Conie Suarez Bravo (ConieSuarezBravo.com, @conie.weddings) Cake bakery: Turtle Bay Cafe Akumal (@turtlebaycafe) Ceremony venue: Cannon Point, Akumal, Mexico Reception venue and caterer: Lol-Ha at Hotel Akumal Caribe (HotelAkumalCaribe.com, @lolhaakumal) Hair and makeup: Beso Brides (@besobrides) Dress studio: Loho Bride Los Angeles (Lohobride.com, @loho_bride) Dress designer: Delphine Manivet (@delphinemanivet) Dress alterations: Gown Gallery Kansas City (GownGallery.com, @gowngallery) Tux: Indochino (Indochino.com, @indochino) Earrings: ChanLuu (Chanluu.com, @chanluu) Bride’s ring: Peter Norman Jewelers (PeterNorman.com) 118 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
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Randa Shafer, Realtor ® 281-235-2086 Randa@BeachEscapesRealty.com 12273 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Suite 107 Miramar Beach, FL 32550
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ittle did Anne Banks Blackwell and Will Champion Easter know that an ordinary day at a photo shoot would set an extraordinary love story in motion. Anne Banks, originally from Alabama, moved to the scenic shores along Highway 30-A in Florida a few years ago—the very place Will had called home since his high school days. The two met in 2020 after Anne Banks reached out to Will’s sister, Alden, for a local photographer recommendation. Will eventually moved to Denver, and Anne Banks found herself there visiting friends a couple of years later. In a bold move, she decided to ask him out. Their first official date was on January 7, 2022, and immediately, they felt a strong connection. But the distance between Colorado and Florida made things tricky. Three months later, they crossed paths again during a stroll along 30-A, and Will asked Anne Banks out this time, marking the true start of their love story. Just two weeks later, they made their relationship official, and a mere six months after that, Will orchestrated a magical proposal. Of course, Anne Banks said yes! Surrounded by family and friends, the couple celebrated their love with a dreamy wedding in the heart of Lucca, Italy. Their special day was nothing short of a fairy tale, and the bride shared the whole love story with VIE so we could experience the enchantment. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 121
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THE PROPOSAL Will proposed on November 4 on my parents’ dock in Watersound, Florida! I was told we were going to an early dinner and meeting Alden, who was in town, for drinks afterward. The entire day, I was so thrown off. My brother was sending photos in our family text from Colorado, and I had seen Will’s sister, Jordan, and her kids earlier that day “on their way out of town.” I knew he would not do it unless both families could be there, so I knew it wasn’t happening. Little did I know, everyone was in on the plan! On our way to “dinner,” Will detoured, turned into Watersound Peninsula, and parked the car. We walked down toward what seemed like a million candles on the dock. I can’t even remember a single thing he said or seeing the ring at first—it felt like a dream! Afterward, we had cocktails at my parents’ house and a surprise engagement dinner at Black Bear. Will also worked with Rebecca Pinto to design and custom-make my ring. I had no idea they were working on it together, but it is me in a ring! 122 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
OUR VENUE We knew from the start we both wanted a destination wedding. Italy has been my favorite place ever since I studied abroad, and I have always dreamed of getting married there. We spent weeks searching several areas and reaching out to different venues. It was the hardest thing! Our wedding theme was “Italian Garden Party.” It all fell into place once we found Villa Grabau in Tuscany via Instagram. It had everything we envisioned! We booked the villa over a “FaceTime tour” and didn’t even see it in person until the day before the wedding—I was dying inside at how perfect it was.
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W E WA N T E D O U R W E D D I N G D AY T O F E E L L I K E A N I TA L I A N G A R D E N PA R T Y .
OUR WEDDING PLANS We could not have done anything without our planners, Bianco Rosa Weddings! They are based in Lucca and made the entire process easy and stressfree. My mom and I also did a lot—it sometimes felt like a full-time job! Logistically, there were stressors shipping items back and forth and carrying a wedding dress on an overseas flight, but watching everything we’d worked on for months come to life was so surreal.
O U R W E D D I N G D AY The night before our wedding, Will’s parents, Robert and Lea Easter, planned the most incredible rehearsal dinner. We wanted our guests to have the whole Italian experience, so we had an upscale pizza party with homemade pizzas, cocktails, and late-night gelato. The party was held at Villa Mori in Lucca under hundreds of hanging candles. It was the perfect way to kick off the wedding weekend and for our guests to meet each other! Because we chose to have a smaller, more intimate wedding, by the end of the week, all of our guests were friends and making plans to hang out after the wedding. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 123
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We wanted our wedding day to feel like an Italian garden party. Our primary color was garden green with lemons. We wanted the color to come from the villa itself, and since lemon trees surrounded the property, it was perfect! We used white flowers: garden roses, calla lilies, and peonies, with a few bluebells and touches of yellow and green at the dinner and reception. We had fans and parasols during our ceremony and cocktail hour with Aperol Spritz and Negronis, and all the guests left with a bottle of Limoncello straight from Sorrento. Our favorite parts of our wedding day were the first look, reading our vows privately to each other, and walking down the aisle. Another favorite moment was my first look with my dad and three brothers, Duncan, Mason, and Chandler. We are all super close, so it was a special moment for me. We left in a vintage Porsche 356—one of Will’s dream cars! It was the happiest and most fun night of our entire lives.
OUR HONEYMOON We honeymooned around Amalfi, Lake Como, Paris, and Mallorca over three weeks! Will planned the entire trip as a surprise, and it was a dream come true. 124 | DECE MBE R 2 02 3
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I T WA S T H E H A P P I E S T AND MOST FUN NIGHT OF OUR ENTIRE LIVES.
SPECIAL THANKS Our vendors were incredible. We were so grateful to have our pastor from the Seaside Chapel, Andrew Beard, travel with us to marry us. Our videographer, A Little Long Distance (@alittlelongdistance), and photographer, Mary Hannah Harte (@maryhannahharte), also came from the States. Everyone else was local to Italy. They each played a special role in making our Italian wedding dreams a reality! Planners: Bianco Rosa Weddings (@biancorosaweddings) Flowers: Flowers Living (@flowersliving) Venue: Villa Grabau (@villagrabau) Music: Kaleydo Entertainment (@kaleydo.official) Catering: Galateo (@galateoricevimenti) Paper and invitation design: Thistle and Briar Studio (@thistleandbriarstudio) Jewelry: Rebecca Pinto (@rebeccapintojewelry) V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 125
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This H O L I D A Y S E A S O N ,
IT’S ALL in the DETAILS
PHOTO BY STEVE MANGUM
Petite pause
Step into the holiday season with interior expert Grace Frederick of Grace Frederick Design. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, she transforms the traditional holiday color scheme with a dash of Southern charm. Elegantly draped over an archway and decorated with rich, jewel-toned velvet ribbons, the garland welcomes guests with a classic yet fresh look. This design captures the holiday spirit, blending time-honored traditions with contemporary style in a warm, inviting manner. Perfect for those who love to add a personal touch to their holiday decor or enjoy a cozy evening by the fire, this setting is designed to bring festive cheer and a sense of comfort throughout the season. Visit GraceFrederickDesign.com or follow her on Instagram @gracefrederickdesign to see more. Photo by Sarah Alsati (@sarahalsati)
To love beauty is to see light. —VICTOR HUGO V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 127
A LYS B E AC H C R A F T E D 2 0 2 3 What an incredible week of craft, creativity, community, and cocktails at the second annual Alys Beach Crafted festival, held October 25–28. The VIE team had a wonderful experience learning from craftspeople from across the country who shared their processes, inspirations, and products of their crafts—from fine art to cocktails—at the Makers Market, Emerald Coast Storytellers Open Mic Night, Firkin Fête, Spirited Seminars, and the Spirited Soirée. The best part? All the proceeds from Crafted support the Cultural Arts Alliance, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the arts in Walton County, Florida. Photography by Michael Booini
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La scène
Spirited Soirée
Ashley Watkins, Diana Lane, Stacy Hamilton, and Leigh Amos
Alexis Miller and Jennifer Steele
Justin Gaffrey
Spirited Seminar
Firkin Fête
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Sarah Hurley and Joyce Russell
C E L E B R AT I O N O F B U B B L E S AT 8 7 C E N T R A L S Q UA R E The Eighteenth Annual Celebration of Bubbles was held on Sunday, November 12, and was hosted by Chef Jim Shirley and his team in Seaside, Florida! Sparkling wine enthusiasts united to check out Seaside’s newest wine bar, 87 Central Square, as they explored Champagne, Cava, Prosecco, and more. Guests sipped, mingled, and enjoyed a delectable brunch selection that was the perfect way to close out the remarkable Seeing Red Wine Festival weekend. Chefs Michael Mix, Ben Steeno, and Bryan Ross
Photography by Hunter Burgtorf Kelly Curry and Jordan Staggs
Kendall Andrews, Makenzie Carter, Jami Ray, and Madison Spence
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La scène Madison Shirley and Jim Shirley
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YOUR AGENCY OF RECORD. STORYTELLERS. BRANDITECTURE EXPERTS. IDEATORS. STRATEGISTS. PUBLISHERS. DESIGNERS. PUBLICISTS. SOCIAL MARKETING GURUS. PHOTOGRAPHERS. DOCUMENTARIANS. FILMMAKERS. PODCASTERS.
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The Last Word
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MERRY & BRIGHT BY MYLES MELLOR
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Centerpiece of many Christmas celebrations (2 words) Presents Subject for a public Christmas “scene” Enjoy snowy slopes Rein____ Praise Cream puffs Polar worker Decorate, as a tree Fruit often included in a fruit basket “Fine” subject Children’s treat Christmas snowman Compass point, abbr Rudolph’s important feature Jewish festival celebrated this year between December 7 and December 15 Australian birds Christmas carol, “____ Night” Breakfast sweet treat
Silvery strands Enjoy a meal Make merry Main course—at Christmas, it might be roast beef or turkey Travel Like holiday get-togethers Present wrapping tools Wedding vow (2 words) That is, abbr. Popular 1980s stuffed toy “I bring you ___ of great joy.” —Bible verse “It Came upon the Midnight ____” —Christmas carol Sunbeams Basketball scores, abbr. Christmas cake topping A little plump, like Santa Big banquet In use Keep clear of Excite, as an appetite Long slippery fish Northeastern state, abbr.
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Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts. —Janice Maeditere
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Au revoir! BEFORE YOU GO . . .
A must-visit destination, an incredible place to experience the Northern Lights and the midnight sun, just got a little cooler. Nordland, Norway, has made National Geographic Traveler’s prestigious “Cool List” for 2024. With sustainable tourism practices and the world’s first energy-positive hotel running entirely off-grid from solar power, it’s no wonder Nordland made the cut. Eco-friendly activities are viable throughout the year, and the stunning Arctic Circle landscape only enhances their appeal. The town of Bodø, the largest in Nordland and second largest in Northern Norway, captivates tourists and is set to become the inaugural European Capital of Culture north of the Arctic Circle.
Visit NordNorge.com/en to learn more or start planning your trip. Photo by Maxime Portier/ Northern Norway Tourism
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