Jan 23, 2012

Campo de’ Fiori

Rome, Italy

By Lisa T. Bergren

When Emma and I checked into our historic district apartment, the manager kindly encouraged us to head over to Campo de’ Fiori to market. We loved our frequent forays over to the quaint piazza, that once was dominated by flower merchants, but now divides space between touristy t-shirts, vast fruit and vegetable stands, spices, pottery, linens and more. Continue reading

Jun 20, 2011

The Curtis of Denver

Bringing Fun and Fun to Hotels

By Lisa T. Bergren

In Denver, The Curtis, a Doubletree hotel, is a kick in the pants. The door hangars say “Dream On!” (vs. the JW Marriott Cherry Creek’s spa-like “Serenity”). Décor is vaguely retro, but in a classic, palatable sort of way. Think of it as smart and tailored on a budget, like the younger brother who can dress up decently well and attend The Family’s high-brow functions, but then goes out and parties afterward, loosening the tie. Continue reading

Jun 18, 2011

The JW Marriott Cherry Creek

Living in the Lap of Luxury

By Lisa T. Bergren

If downtown Denver’s The Curtis is like the partying younger brother that cleans up nicely for Family Functions, the JW Marriott Cherry Creek is the elegant big bro. He’s definitely highbrow, luxe all the way, but he’s also a gracious, welcoming host that immediately puts you at ease, guiding you to a comfortable but high-end couch and setting a perfect glass of Old Vine Zin in your hand. Continue reading

Feb 10, 2010

Victoria, British Columbia

A Wee Bit of England...in Cananda!

Guest post by Laura Williamson, October 2008, updated 1/10

I returned recently from a trip to beautiful and historic Victoria, British Columbia. It was a girls’ trip with my two sisters but it would also be a lovely trip for a family. The best part about Victoria for us was that so much of the downtown area is within walking distance if you pick the right hotel. Continue reading