What now looks like a sunny gazibo used to be a boat house launching boats into the Mountain Lake.

Located in Pembroke, Virginia (USA), Mountain Lake Lodge is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, encompassing a lake and miles of untouched forestry. The Lodge is one of the two filming locations* for Dirty Dancing, arguably one of the greatest romantic movies of all time. For 36 years, people have been travelling from around the world for an immersive Dirty Dancing experience, prepared to play dress up with their friends and family in the Kellerman’s Mountain House. Naturally, these all-inclusive themed weekends sell out quickly and often carry a year-long waitlist. But there is more to Mountain Lake Lodge than movie memorabilia (though you can buy plenty of it at the Kellerman’s gift shop). From the scenic location and unique history to the disappearing lake and even a few ghost stories, the Lodge is a destination in its own right.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
This experience was hosted by Mountain Lake Lodge, which did not review or approve this story.

Left: Boat launching path from the original boat house leading to a scenic walking trail across the dry Mountain Lake. Right: Hotel guests enjoying a sun break by the fire pit, surrounded by the mountains.

The world beyond Kellerman’s

Arriving early Friday afternoon, the  Lodge was already swarming with outfitted Dirty Dancing fans, but with a short walk to the Nature Centre, the buzz simmered to a quiet. Passed the wilderness attire racks and Saskwatch magnets, I found my gator guide, Cameron Duke, prepared for a history lesson, however it might look. For the next hour, securely strapped in a John Deere XUV (aka the Gator), we looped over the mountain and across the lake floor, pausing to take in the sights.

These historic property tours are a year-round offering and a great way to see the mountain top.

Expertly manoeuvring across the thick greenery, Cameron shared the long and fascinating history of the property, pointing out Dirty Dancing filming locations and behind-the-scenes stories. On the other side of the new-ish outdoor pool and the original Baby’s cabin (Virginia Cottage), a tilted metal sign greeted us ahead of the sandy path: “Keep out of the pond. No swimming, no fishing, no boating”. There hasn’t been water in the lake for over a decade. “Many studies have been done over the years about why the lake empties and refills on its own schedule, but we still really don’t understand this behaviour,” Cameron shared, pointing out the faded remnants of the shoreline. In the distance, you can see a carcass of a boat stranded in the bushes. “One of the property rules is to leave nature as it is, so since the water drained, we have not been able to move that boat,” he commented. As we paused at the bottom of the lake, contemplating its mysteries, I fell in love with the view and the wonder of it all.

The rocky edge is where the Mountain Lake used to meet the shore. It has been dry for over a decade. Mary Moody’s Endowment rules prevent intervention with nature, which has completely overtaken the lake floor, creating a beautiful field of wildflowers and bird-seeded trees.

“With so much history, are there any ghost stories at the resort?” I wandered out loud. “I personally haven’t had any encounters, but have heard stories about the original cottages from the housekeepers. Are you into paranormal?” he asked. “I’m a fan of the X-Files,” I admitted, and we both chuckled. “Well, we are in the Appalachians, so there are plenty of supernatural stories here,” Cameron added, mentally taking me back to the Saskwatch magnets. Later that night, I spent more time than I care to admit reading about “weird Virginia” on Reddit.

The immersive Dirty Dancing experience 

“We tried to separate ourselves from the film,” Mountain Lake Lodge President and CEO, Heidi Stone, admitted, “but quickly realised Dirty Dancing fans were the biggest visitor base for the resort. So we leaned in”.

On arrival, all guests are handed a pink badge detailing the weekend activities. Couples, family and friend groups move through the resort in excited clusters dressed as their favourite characters, re-enacting scenes and posing for photos. Fuzzy blue cardigans, striped t-shirts, capris, and hundreds of white Keds are the weekend uniform. Completed with watermelon-shaped purses and an occasional curly wig, the women are often accompanied by their own Johnnies, dressed in all black.

Navigating the halls and nature trails to the sounds of Eric Carmen’s “Hungry Eyes,” I kept overhearing guests discussing their favourite movie scenes and searching for insider knowledge from the staff. Having seen the movie at a young age (and many times since), I feel like I found my people, deeply connected with the cult-classic storyline.

Resort guests out on the scavenger hunt, enjoying the views from the gazebo (where Penny hosted dance lessons) and trying to spot the exact location of the infamous lift.

A side-by-side comparison of the Mountain Lake Lodge and the Kellerman’s Mountain House film still from Dirty Dancing.

“Is this where it happened?” I overhear a woman at breakfast. “Yes,” the host gestures at the table, referring to the scene in which Baby pours a pitcher of water on Robbie. “Well, actually, it was between these two tables,” she adds. The woman shrieks with excitement, easing into her seat, eyes locked on the plaque with the scene title. Multiple plaques are scattered throughout the property calling attention to filming locations – here is where they did the lift, and here Baby had a stern conversation with her father. The filming location spots add up to the Saturday afternoon scavenger hunt, just after trivia and before the picnic lunch in Mary’s Barn.

“The only thing I want to win this weekend is trivia,” a woman next to me at the bar shares. “I tell you, heads will roll,” she laughed. With two opportunities to see Dirty Dancing once again, trivia was perhaps the most competitive component of this weekend.

Dirty Dancing themed weekend attendees are lining up to showcase their favourite character costumes.

The official competition, however, is the Friday night Costume Contest. One group at a time, guests voted on the best Baby, best Johnnie, and best supporting cast. Each participant had an opportunity to showcase their character by performing a dance, reading a line, or sharing another relevant talent, often causing a wave of laughter across Mary’s Barn. 

Each evening, guests gathered for dinner at Harvest Restaurant, accompanied by a live band playing music from the film. The dinner buffet is a selection of hearty farm-to-table meals like fresh biscuits and gravy, juicy roasts, hearty pastas, and rich soups. And after dinner, there is always a dance party running well into the wee hours. By day two, having attended dance lessons, the dancefloor is in a synchronised routine, filling the room with unadulterated joy and laughter.

The original family resort

The history of Mountain Lake Lodge is nearly two centuries deep and explains some of the oddities of the property and its unique character. The original resort, Salt Pond, dates back to 1851, when it was a popular destination for stagecoach travellers. A decade later, the Porterfield family purchased the property from General Herman Haupt and turned it into a vibrant family destination.

Back then, summer vacations could last two to three months (much like in the movie). Wealthy families bought into the resort by building custom cottages, which they owned outright for 15 years. One of the resort regulars was William Lewis Moody, a wealthy man from Texas who spent every summer at Mountain Lake Lodge. When the time came for him to give up his cottage, “he did what any wealthy man would do, and purchased the property,” Cameron shared. 

Mr Moody was a wealthy man but notably careful with his money. To avoid construction expenses during the main lodge upgrades, he used, nearly exclusively, resources available on his land, using rock from the mountain. Unintentionally sustainable and meant to withstand weather and fires, the stone lodge he built in the 1930s is the lodge we see today.

Mr Moody’s daughter, Mary Moody, was equally fond of the property and purchased it after her father’s passing, becoming one of the first female CEOs of the time. To ensure future generations can experience what she has as a child, Mary created a set of rules: the resort can never be sold, there are no TVs in the rooms, no logging, and no hunting on the property, and generally speaking, nature’s choice always comes first. A series of narrow driving routes and hiking paths curve throughout the property, but much of the land is overtaken by nature, with wild flowers flourishing at the bottom of the dried-up lake.

Before Mary passed, she established the Mary Moody Northen Endowment, which operates Mountain Lake Lodge as a non-profit, called Mountain Lake Conservancy, protecting the 2,600-acre nature preserve surrounding the resort. “Without Mary, we would be a roadside sign,” Cameron noted. Mary’s portrait hangs in the Lodge lobby, looking over hotel guests and staff with a scrupulous eye. “One time they tried to move the portrait, but things started to go wrong just, everywhere. So they quickly put it back, and now when anything goes wrong, the staff checks on Mary’s portrait”.

Shared space in the lobby as a comfortably cozy environement with a set of rocking chairs facing the fire and various sittting areas.

The Endowment briefly considered closing the resort due to disrepair, but instead chose an extensive, seven-year renovation to renew and save the Lodge. Facilities have been upgraded and the guest experience improved with the addition of adventure and nature activities. Today, the Lodge is a thriving, award-winning** lodging destination. So no matter how many years pass, you will always be able to visit the resort where Dirty Dancing was filmed.

Left. Untouched wilderness along the upper mountain hiking trail. Left: One of the many signs along a walking path sharing exercise recommendations.

Year-round vacation destination

Mountain Lake Lodge is a full-service resort embedded into wilderness. Guests can find the ultimate comfort of a private cabin or cosy up in the main lodge suite. Some rooms have fireplaces, some have lake views, and some are located in the privacy of the forest canopy. 

Harvest Restaurant is the main dining stop offering flavours of Southwest Virginia prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The casual Stony Creek Tavern and Salt Pond Pub terrace are also popular spots among locals who find rest by the fire after a hike or a bike ride up the mountain. After dark, the hillside is minimally illuminated by the fire with string lights framing the terrace. And if you look up on a clear night, you just might see the Milky Way cutting through the navy sky. 

At the centre of the resort is an outdoor pool, one of the newer additions to the heritage property. In addition to the self-guided trails and activities at the Nature Center, the lodge offers hosted excursions, guided history tours and hikes to the Cascade Falls, archery tag games, bubble ball, and other hosted family-friendly activities. As of 2024, Mountain Lake Lodge is also home to the new Giles County Trail Center, connecting visitors, hikers, and the community to 20 miles of Virginia’s trails. 

The Adventure Center is open between mid-April and mid-October, weather permitting.

The family suit in the Main Lodge has a seperate sitting room with a fireplace and full bathtub.

* Other scenes were filmed in Lake Lure, North Carolina at Camp Occoneechee.

** Awards include first place in Virginia Living’s Best Resort and Best Special Event Venue, The Knot’s Best of Weddings and three TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards.

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For those looking to enjoy the city to the fullest, a long weekend is strongly recommended. But even a single overnight would make for a great city break. This Rochester city guide has something for everyone, whether you travel solo or with a full car. 

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
This trip was hosted by Rochester Tourism Board who did not review or approve this story.

What to see & Do in Rochester

A lot of your time can be easily spent exploring Rochester on foot or by bike. Walking around, you will come across a wide range of architectural influences and remnants of the industrial era. Many of these factories have been repurposed into restaurants, distilleries, and cultural centres. 

One of the city’s newest neighbourhoods, the Neighborhood of Play, located around the infamous Strong National Museum of Play, for example, was a road used by Kodak factory workers. Today, it is a vibrant community tastefully inspired by the gleefulness of The Strong Museum. The museum is a year-round cultural attraction, housing the world’s largest collection of toys (from video games to, well, the stick). Make sure to cut through Sesame Street to the Butterfly Garden.

The Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square Dr., map link
Admission: $25+, half price on Friday evening. 

Strong Museum of Play annual pass holders often treat the museum as their local arcade centre. 

The Memorial Art Gallery is located near the Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA), a good area to stroll through to see some public art. The Memorial Art Gallery spreads across two floors and contains a range of wonderful pieces from the permanent collection and touring exhibitions. The gallery building is enclosed by 10 acres of public gardens with sculptural pieces of various sizes spread around the park. The first sculptures you will likely notice, however, are the cute, round-faced characters by Tom Otterness.

The Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave., map link
Admission: $9+, half price on Thursdays and Second Fridays after 5 PM. 

Further into the city is the world’s oldest photography museum: George Eastman. Founded in 1947 by the creator of the Kodak camera, the first ever consumer-friendly point-and-shoot camera, it is the hub for all things photography and film. The museum was originally Eastman’s home, and parts of it still very much look like it. The Eastman Menison also has spectacular gardens.

George Eastman Museum, 900 East Ave., map link
Admission: $9+, free for children under 4. 

The museum collection includes over 400,000 photographs from 14,000 photographers dating from the beginnings of the medium.  On the left are a few pieces from the museum collection chosen to demonstrate connections between photography, cinema, technology, and culture. On the right are images by Annie Wang, Taipei photographer who took an annual photos with her son for 17 years.

The colourful mini jars are powdered synthetic dye collected by the Technicolor Motion Picture Corporation 1929–1975.

One of the newer cultural additions to the city is ArtisanWorks. The building is a 40,000-square-foot renovated factory that operates as a self-funded, not-for-profit art space. This art collection includes new works by student artists, current contemporary talent, vintage pieces, and memorabilia, rounding up to nearly 500,000 pieces.

ArtisanWorks, 565 Blossom Rd # L, map link
Admission: $10+, free for children under 5. 

A short drive from the city centre will take you to the Record Archive, a massive retail shop and music venue. Time permitting you could spend hours here flipping through vinyl and other music memorabilia, concluding your evening with a live performance in the back room. Much like the rest of the space, this room’s interior design is composed of repurposed furnishings and has a very casual living room feel.

Record Archive, 33 1/3 Rockwood St., map link
Admission: Free. 

For those looking for more family-friendly activities RMSC Museum & Science Center has three floors of interactive science and history-themed exhibits. On the property is also the Strasenburgh Planetarium and 12 miles of forest trails at the Cumming Nature Center. The planetarium occasionally hosts adult dance parties.

RMSC Museum & Science Center, 657 East Ave., map link
Admission: $21+ for museum GA, $11+ for planetarium, $3 for the nature center

Among other free activities in the ROC is, of course, a visit to High Falls, one of the Genesee River waterfalls you can see from Genesee Brew House. A walk across the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge, however, will offer a broader view of this 96-foot-tall natural wonder. Lastly, Rochester Public Market and the surrounding district are home to local produce and craft vendors and quite a few other local businesses, including bars, bakeries, and juiceries. 

Rochester bars & Restaurants 

Rochester is a great spot for foodies. Chef Ryan Simpson, from Good Luck restaurant, described the city as “diverse, eclectic, seasonal, casual, communal,” and those words are fully reflective of the city’s food scene. Depending on the length of your visit, you can spend each day restaurant and bar hopping, one neigbourhood at a time, which is how we will approach this Rochester food and beverage guide portion. If your time is limited, short Uber rides will take you anywhere, any time. 

A popular one-stop destination is Radio Social, a large playground with a great bar and dining area leading into a bowling alley and games room. With a terrace, spacious bar, 34 bowling lanes, and plenty of other activities (like shuffleboard and darts) this place is an absolute vibe.

Radio Social (21+), 20 Carlson Rd., map link
Bowling prices: $39.95+, reservations recommended. 

Deeper into the neigbourhood, you will find Jack’s Extra Fancy, a divey Irish bar/restaurant that many locals pointed us to for cocktails. Crossing Blossom Street past Living Roots Co. and Black Button Distilling (more on those later), we head to Park Ave. With old homes converted into restaurants, patios spilling out onto the street lit by twinkly lights, this charming street really comes to life at night. The four restaurants on the street – Leonore’s, Vern’s, Roux, and Dorado – are operated by the same group, serving up different cuisines in uniquely different atmospheres. 

Leonore’s cellar decor is reminiscent of a cave decorated with sharp twine, all of which works in a very cool way. 

Ziggy’s in the market became an instant favourite. The casual atmosphere, talented and friendly bar team, and delicious food drew us back here multiple evenings over the weekend. The cocktail menu is robust with classic, original, and tiki selections to choose from. The bar regulars seemingly gravitate to Genessee beer, which pairs well with bar snacks like chicken wings and the juicy cheeseburger served with tator tots. The two nearby recommendations are Velvet Belly, for seafood and fun cocktails, and Cure, for steak and fries, vibes, and drinks. 

Restaurant Good Luck is tucked away on a residential street not far from the George Eastman Museum. The space is dark and eccentric with exposed brick, copper finishes, and other reprupsoed industrial decor. At the back is a trophy shelf showcasing various bartending competition wins. The rotating seasonal menu is a lineup of world-inspired dishes like Sicilian pizza, red lentil curry, and lamb tagine. A block down you will find Melo Coffee & Kitchen, recommended for a hearty lunch and, of course, coffee. 

Locals Only is another popular spot for breakfast, lunch, or brunch; mimosas optional. While in the area, pop into Ugly Duck Coffee for some of the best coffee in Rochester. In the evening, the place to be in this area is Aqua Vitae, a moody cocktail bar with an impressive backbar selection.

Certain seasonal events will take you Downtown, where a new food court concept is taking shape, Mercantile on Main. Inside is La Bola, a restaurant and bar cooking up dishes with Spanish and Mediterranean influences. In addition to interesting world wines La Bola also has a great selection of speciality cocktails and rotating sangrias. Make sure to leave room for a dessert.

A few dinner courses from La Bola, Rochester.

Breweries, distilleries & An urban winery

Pre-prohibition Rochester had around 50 breweries, but naturally, the liquor regulations took their toll on these businesses. Today, with many of the breweries located within the city core, the brewing history is not lost on Rochester. There are currently eight breweries with the two most talked about being Genesee Brew House and Strangebird Brewing.

Genesee Brew House is the oldest brewery in New York State and one of the largest and oldest continually operating breweries in America. The red brick building overlooking the High Falls is a bar, restaurant, and shop. The Genesee roots run deep through the city’s bars where vintage posters are hung up on the walls. It’s a go-to order for menu locals who ask the barkeep for a Genny (pronounced “Jenny”) as soon as their bottom hits the seat. Make sure to try the Bavarian Pretzel with beer cheese dip. 

Strangebird Brewing is a much newer outpost set in the old mechanic and grocery shop. Strangebird was a popular name in conversations with many local,s regarding it as the best brewery and pizza in the city. On a late weekend afternoon, both the terrace and interior were busy with folks patiently waiting to order their artisanal pints and made-from-scratch food at the counter. And the pizza was delicious.

For those looking for something a little stronger, there are a few local distilleries, like Iron Smoke, where artisanal straight bourbon is made. The more historic stop is Black Button Distilling, Rochester’s first grain-to-glass distillery since prohibition. The business was originally located near the public market but outgrew the space, recently relocating to a bigger space with factory windows welcoming the afternoon sun into the tasting room. Black Button repertoire includes bourbon, gin, vodka, and whiskey, using locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices.

Diagonally across the street is perhaps Rochester’s most unique beverage experience, Living Roots Wine & Co. This building used to be a stamp factory and today serves as an urban winery and tasting room. Founded by Sebastian and Colleen Hardy, who leaned into their six generations of wine-making history. The company has three outposts: the Rochester tasting room, a vineyard in the Finger Lakes, and a vineyard in Australia. The two vineyards create an interesting dichotomy for wine production (hot and dry climate versus cold and wet).

Some of the processed grapes travel in refrigerated containers from Australia to Upstate New York, and that’s just one of the many innovative techniques “Seb”, the winemaker, uses. “He’s crazy, but in a good way,” our host chuckled, talking about the red resilsing in my tasting flight (yes, you read that correctly). The Living Roots menu includes four tasting flights appealing to different kinds of wine drinkers. My choice for the afternoon, for example, was Off the Beaten Path, inclusive of Session Gold (inspired and, in a sense, made like an IPA), two types of Pet-Nat, and the red Resilsing, aka Rizza. 

The colour in Rizza is achieved by fermenting the 100% Riesling grape juice on Cabernet Franc skins. 

The marinated sheep and goat cheese seen above also comes from Australia. The cheese is so decadent and delicious, I too would like to order it by the barrel. 

Year-round events in Rochester 

Residents of Rochester love to go out, and this reflects in the city’s 140 festivals taking place throughout the year. From the annual Casino Night (May) to the Indie Comics Expo (April) and an actual Sheep Shearing Festival (April), just in spring, there is a lot to choose from. While you can plan your entire Rochester itinerary around eating and drinking, adding an occasional event is a great way to break up this vacation. 

Rochester Fringe Festival (September) was recently named “one of the country’s most prominent multidisciplinary events” by the New York Times, and the variety the event offers certainly supports this statement. The fringe grounds are set up Downtown with full amenities, an outdoor movie theatre, outdoor games, and multiple bars. Last year, the unearthly attraction was Alan Parkinson DAEDALUM – Architects of Air. This immersive blowup structure involved multiple tunnels and sensory experiences, bringing the audience into the art itself. 

Cirque du Fringe: Varieté!, on the other hand, is the classic comedic circus by Las Vegas legends Matt and Heidi Morgan. For this addition, the audience was treated to Argentinian gauchos, trapeze, and a hair hang aerialist, among other performances. Hair hang aerialist performance was certainly jaw-dropping – do not try this at home, kids. The nightly performances also included music showcases, comedy, and theatre but for many, the favourite was Shotspeare, a hilarious take on Shakespeare by a local comedy troupe. Much like the original Shakespeare performances, this showcase was engaging, interactive, and different from night to night.

The DAEDALUM structure feels alive, breathing, and moving around you, following the pace of the people slowly moving through it in amazement. 

The George Eastman Museum also plays a crucial role in the preservation and promotion of film and film history. So naturally, the ROC holds a few film festivals throughout the year, including the Rochester International Film Festival (May), The ImageOut Film & Video Festival (April), The JCC Ames Amzalak Rochester Jewish Film Festival (July), and The Polish Film Festival (fall, TBA).

In May, Rochester’s Highland Park is overcome by visitors for the Annual Lilac Festival (May) to witness, and surely photograph, 1,800 lilac bushes. The festival runs for a week and includes live entertainment, meetups, a farmers market, a parade, and other events. The music theme continues in the Rochester International Jazz Festival (June), a nine-day event bringing to the stage over 1,500 artists. The vinyl collectors will also enjoy the Rochester Record Fair (April), taking place at the Radio Social. 

LGBTQ+ celebrations and community spaces are prevalent in the city year-round, but the main celebration is July Pride. The festivities begin with a Pride Picnic and culminate with the Pride Festival and Pride Parade.

With all that cocktail culture, it is no surprise that the city also hosts a few spirit-forward events. Rochester Cocktail Revival (RCR) is returning for its 12th year in June. Over the course of a week, the festival welcomes bartenders and spirits experts for a series of events, including bar pop-ups, pairing dinners, parties, tastings events, educational seminars, and other celebrations. Rochester Tiki Week (August) is a lesser-known festivity but is top of mind for the local and neighbouring bar community. 

Where to stay in Rochester 

Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester Downtown is the newest hotel in the city located in the new Neigbourhood of Play. The hotel is inspired by the Strong Museum, with colourful decor and abstract art. This full-service property has a pool, gym, and a beautiful on-site restaurant with a fresh and seasonal menu. Read the full review. 

The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa is situated on the other side of town, close to the Memorial Art Gallery and the Eastman Museum. Another full-service property with great dining options, including a rooftop terrace with a great city view. For a more intimate feel Inn on Broadway will offer a boutique experience and unique vintage decor. 

Further out of the city, but within a short driving distance, is the Woodcliff Hotel and Spa. This is a stunning remote resort with a full-service spa and a 9-hole golf course.

Getting to & around Rochester

Rochester is located in Upstate New York, almost directly opposite Toronto across Lake Ontario. Getting here can be quite easy. The drive from Toronto (around the lake) is 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic. The drive from New York City is about 6 hours and cuts through the state and the Finger Lakes on the way in. You could easily add a few days in the Upstate Wine Country to this trip.

For the two closest major cities, train is also an option: a bit over 5 hours from Toronto with VIA Rail and about 7 hours from New York with Amtrak. Flying, however, might be a much easier option for visitors in the US. Delta, United, and JetBlue offer direct flights from NYC, American has direct flights from Boston and Southwest from Orlando.

The city is not particularly large and is quite walkable. Your days and evenings can be planned to explore various neighbourhoods on foot, or you can hop across town in an Uber with ease. 

The post Where to play, eat, and stay in Rochester, New York appeared first on Paths to Travel.

The hotel embraces the concept of Play inside and out. Colourful art and furnishings make every corner of this space uniquely fun and exciting. I found myself wandering around the property distracted by the decor and its playful charm. Borrow my mini Rochester itinerary here.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
This hotel stay was hosted as a part of a press trip to Rochester, the DMO did not review or approve this story. 

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester Downtown is just about a year old. Clean architectural lines and high ceilings are brought to life with interior design. On the ground floor is the Lila’s Lobby Bar and the shared dining area that many guests use as a co-working space. This shared area is quite vast, with various nooks and corners offering different kinds of seating from padded booths to Snow White’s gnome stools. There are also multiple fire pits indoors and out, setting a cosy nightcap mood. 

The building can be entered from multiple sides and one of them shares a gallery space, a bright open room with large paintings on display. Further in is a pool and a fitness centre. Parking is free and EV chargers are available. It is worth noting that a complimentary airport shuttle is available to the Greater Rochester International Airport. 

Inside the Suite 

The hotel has a robust selection of suite types, from accessible King suites to family-friendly bunk rooms with a kitchenette. For this stay, we had the pleasure of making King Studio our home.

This particular room begins as a narrow hallway with a microwave and a wet bar. Passed the hall, the space opens out into a seating area and a bedroom to the side. The two areas are divided with a desk and a TV that rotates generously to suit your needs. A double door near the couch leads to a large balcony with playful seating and a lovely view of the neighbourhood. There are quite a few places to unpack and put away your clothes including a wardrobe in the spacious bathroom. 

Pets under 50lb are also welcome. 

Dining & Entertainment 

All guests are invited to enjoy a free hot breakfast daily but the real fun is in the Lila’s Lobby Bar. The restaurant is set to the side of the back entrance and has a garage door that allows the dining area to spill outside in nice weather. Plenty of plants and similarly mixed seating create a casual and inviting atmosphere. 

Every day from 3 PM to 6 PM the Lila welcomes guests and neighbours for a Martini Hour with a $1 oyster special. The full menu has a vast selection of beverages from cocktails to wines and digestives. Guests looking for a complete meal enjoy a selection of small sharable appetizers and classic fair large plates. “We make everything in-house, there are no preservatives,” the bartender shared as I was browsing the menu for a snack.

Wellness & Fitness 

For a rounded stay, Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester also has a well-equipped fitness centre and a spacious pool. The pool area is beautifully lit with large windows, creating a kind of inside-outside feel with sunbeds lined against the windows. 

Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester Downtown
Room starting at $162 / night for Hilton Members and $177 for non-members
101 S Union St, Rochester, NY 14607, United States
Book directly on Hilton.com or your favourite booking website: Booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

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Located in the heart of Roanoke, Virginia, this hotel smoothly blends its components into one seamless experience. The original firehouse doors are decoratively propped to the side while new glass doors offer a preview of the interior. The ceilings are tall, the windows let in light generously, and the original elements (both structural and decorative) create a one-of-a-kind feel. 

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
This hotel stay was hosted as a part of a press trip to Virginia who did not review or approve this story. 

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

The ground floor is a large open space with the storefront taking up about two-thirds of the floor and Stock Bistro occupying the rest. The Bistro is open concept with a terrace out back. All guest rooms are on the 2nd floor at the back of which is a shared common room. This large open space is where the original fireman’s pole still stands accompanied by all original cabinetry along the walls. 

There are multiple sitting areas with lush couches, a large dining table, and a minibar. Naturally, this room is used for special events like weddings and celebrations. At the back of the room are guest refrigerators and various other supplies like snacks and toiletries. 

Inside the Suite 

There are 7 rooms in total and each room is unique. Nearly all suites are bright with minimal decor accented by unique lighting pieces, mirrors, rugs, and large scale art. Room No.2 leans into mid-century characteristics with wood panelling and darker accents. Original brick is visible throughout, showing century characteristics with faded paints and architectural touches. 

I had the pleasure of staying in room No. 7, aka the Loft. This suite has a spectacular accent light fixture, a floor-to-ceiling window looking over the terrace and a spacious sitting area. Being out most of the day I had to make a conscious effort to spend time in each area of the room. 

The rooms are equipped with automated blinds and blackout layers if you prefer to sleep in complete darkness. 

It is also worth noting that Fire Station One Boutique Hotel is a pet-friendly property. 

Drinks & Dining 

Stock Bistro and its terrace is much newer than the hotel but already maintain local regulars. The bar is a showcase of local and international spirits, unique wines, and a fun selection of cocktails. On the menu are people’s choice favourites like Cosmopolitan and Espresso Martini as well as a few Bistro specials. People gather on the couches sipping cocktails throughout the evening, reinforcing the laidback, casual atmosphere of the whole place.

The kitchen offers a Northern Scandinavian fair prepared in a fully open space in front of the guests. My eyes quickly spotted local Virginia oysters which came served with a side of pomegranate mignonette and crackers, perfectly suited for the briny oyster. Among other menu items are smörgåsbord options, fried gouda, meatballs, and Bavarian half-rack hen, to name a few. 

Fire Station One Boutique Hotel, Roanoke
Room starting at $216 USD/night
13 Church Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24011, United States
Book directly on firestationone.com or your favourite booking website: Booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

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Compass Rose Lodge in many ways is a reflection of that. This custom-built 15-room hotel is owned by the Hyde family – Jeff, Bonnie, and their sons Dakota and River. This land used to be a major trading post and the summer hunting grounds for the Shoshone tribes. This particular building was originally a schoolhouse. The Hyde family wanted to keep a lot of the heritage intact and acknowledge the agricultural roots of the community which led them to build a haystack tower. For a while, they could not decide on the best functional use for the tower but eventually, Dakota pitched the astronomy tower which is now a major attraction in the region.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
This hotel stay was hosted as a part of the Ogden Valley WITS FAM trip; they did not review or approve this story. 

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

The architecture and design of the lodge are very intentional. Wood and metal decor detailing are everywhere, industrial and ski-themed decor touches are seen throughout the space and inside the rooms. The common area has a fireplace and a few comfortable sitting areas including a slightly enclosed spot in the tower. There are blankets, rugs, and adventure books stacked on the shelves setting up that homey cottage feel. The exterior has a few benches, an open circle fire pit, and two tipis which you can rent (more on that below).

Inside the Suite 

Each room is a bit unique when it comes to decor and layout. The large bathroom has a custom-made industrial metal vanity and a comfortable shower. A white sliding barn door is a really fun touch. The 15 rooms include suites with king beds, double-queen bunks (4 beds total), and an accessible Queen room. I had the pleasure of staying in Compass King 7 which shares a corner wall with the observatory tower. This additional wood panelling adds lovely character to the space. I had enough space for all my things, a place to sit and work, and a large TV to be lazy in front of. This was a cosy, comfortable stay and I could’ve easily spent a few days here, exploring the region. 

Dining & Coffee

The corner of the hotel is a local coffee shop, First Lift Coffee. It’s a fairly small space with a street side door, popular for takeout. The sitting area is are two tables designed around a ski lift bench, on track with the rest of the hotel theme. Your stay at the Compass Rose Lodge includes a complimentary breakfast (warm croissant, sausage, egg and cheese) from First Lift Coffee. At the cafe, you can also purchase other items, including alcoholic beverages to enjoy in the lounge. 

On the property you will notice two large Tipis, acknowledging the strong Native American heritage of the region. Historically, “Huntsville Square was one of the traditional gathering places for tribes to trade with trappers and early settlers of the area” so these tipis are honouring the tradition of gathering. Guests can rent them in increments of two hours daily after 4 PM. 

The tipis have slightly different decor and are both equipped with sitting space, an area to dine, and heating for those cold evenings. Our group dined in the Chasing Horses tipi and it was a really comfortable, unique experience.  The hotel team handles the water, set up, and clean up of the tipi; you can bring in your own food.

On-site observatory 

The custom-built onsite Huntsville Astronomic and Lunar Observatory (HALO) is open to the public and guests for Starwalk Tours hosted by the Hyde family. On a clear night, you can see the rings of Saturn, Jupiter’s Galilean Moons, galaxies, nebulae, and globular clusters. The 16” telescope is from the same family as Hubble and James Web with a prime scope which weighs roughly 80lb. The dome opens and rotates for optimal viewing experience. Jeff and Dakota assembled the telescope from nuts and bolts by hand and have been improving on this set-up since the opening, adding a smaller, more portable telescope to their collection. 

What to do nearby

Staying in this area offers a range of outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, biking, paddle boarding, pickleball and golfing. The hotel is located close to a few restaurants and Huntsville Park (driving), but the closest walking spot is The Shooting Star Saloon. It’s the oldest working bar on this side of the Mississippi with a fun, casual vibe. The decor is loose and casual, with paper money taped to the wall, there is also a jukebox and a pool table. They only serve beer and the locals told us you should ask for Star Burger if food challenges are your thing. 

Compass Rose Lodge
Starting at $279 USD for King 
198 S 7400 E, Huntsville, UT 84317, United States
Book directly on compassroselodge.com or your favourite booking website: Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

The post See a different side of Utah from Compass Rose Lodge, Ogden appeared first on Paths to Travel.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
One of the stays was hosted by Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, which did not review or approve the story.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City

Elegant luxury hotel located in the heart of Salt Lake City Downtown, a ten-minute walk from Temple Square. The 15-story building is chic and elegantly decorated with historic lines and details. I had the pleasure of staying in the King Suite on the top floor with a view of the mountains. 

The room is bright and airy with subtle decor and bright touches like pillows, art, and the orange velvet chair. I really liked the three-tier lighting on the bedsides, switch on one for late-night ambience, or all three for reading. The bathroom is floor-to-ceiling tile with a range of shower heads, a pretty spa-like experience. Each room has a bath towel, and a yoga mat, and can be accessorized with live plants on demand. 

The lobby has a range of sitting options, all similar comfortable, and bright, generally accessorized with live plants. There is a fireplace and a range of games that I’ve noticed guests really do take advantage of. Ground-floor restaurant Bambara, led by Executive Chef Patrick LeBeau has a healthy selection of small plates and hearty mains. Bambara also serves breakfast and brunch. Pre-dinner cocktails or a nightcap are better suited for The Vault, where the dimly lit atmosphere of a cocktail bar sets the mood perfectly.

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Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Salt Lake City
15 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, United States
Rooms starting at $234 USD per Queen
Book directly on monaco-saltlakecity.com or with your favorite travel website: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com | Don’t forget to get those IHG points.

Land acknowledgement:
This land, which is named for the Ute Tribe, is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Shoshone, Paiute, Goshute, and Ute Tribes and is a crossroad of the Indigenous peoples of Utah.

Marriott Salt Lake, Downtown at City Creek

Marriott Salt Lake, Downtown at City Creek sits directly across from the Salt Palace Convention Center, a short walk away from Temple Square, and other city attractions and notable architecture. Similarly to the Kimpton, the rooms are light and spacious. Higher-floor suites have a great view of the mountains and down the city streets. The King room has quite a bit of space to work, a few decorative mirrors, a sitting area, and a comfortable bed. Some of these rooms are adjoining. 

The ground floor restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. The menu has some great salads and seafood selections in addition to the American classics. There is also a Starbucks in the building. The shared area is separated into a few mixed table-sitting corners. This hotel has quite a few conference rooms which I did get to see during the summit I attended. They come in a range of sizes, completed with stage decorations, and with full meal service.

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Marriott Salt Lake, Downtown at City Creek, Salt Lake City
75 S W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, United States
Rooms starting at $189 USD per Queen
Book directly on mattiot.com or with your favourite travel website: Expedia | booking.com |  TripAdvisor | Hotels.com | Don’t forget to collect your Marriot Convoy Points.

The Little America Hotel

This hotel is about 10min walk from the Downtown and directly on the Trax line (local transit) which is free within the Downtown boundaries of SLC so you can easily get to any city attractions. The Little America is in fact, not little, but named so because compared to the Grand America next door it does look quite modest. 

The rooms are spread out across a few buildings, some are motel-style, and some are interior suites. The first night I stayed in the Motel Courtside One King Bed. It is a standard motel-style room with a fridge, a large bed, and all the typical amenities. This room has a bathtub. My second stay was at the Garden King Suite. This room is so large I had to step out and double-check my reservations to make sure it was mine. The full-size suite has a king bed, a full-size bar, lots of cabinets, a sitting area, a large desk, and a small balcony. There is a bathroom vanity and a three-piece bathroom with a shower.

The hotel entrance is quite impressive, grand furnishings, a fireplace, shiny chandeliers, and other impressive details call immediate attention. There are a few shops a restaurant and a bar in the building, both are quite bright, in my opinion, but I do love a dimly lit space. There is a heated outdoor swimming pool enclosed by a fence and some blooming trees, I’ve seen quite a few families with kids take advantage of it.

* * *

The Little America Hotel, Salt Lake City
500 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, United States
Rooms starting at $163 per Queen
Book directly on saltlake.littleamerica.com or with your favourite travel website: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

Garden King Suite above and Motel Courtside One King Bed below.

The post Where to stay in Salt Lake City, Utah appeared first on Paths to Travel.

“There is so much to do and see” I kept thinking to myself, constantly debating between sitting back and enjoying my time or trying to document every square inch of the property. So as you read through this review and virtually walk through the gardens in the many photos, plan for a longer stay with as few solid plans as possible. Allegretto is best experienced with a relaxed state of mind. 

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
The stay was hosted by Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles, which did not review or approve the story.

The arch entries lead into ground-floor rooms with a view of the Piazza. On the right is one of the many seating areas in the Piazza.

On Art & Architecture 

A third-generation hotelier Douglas Ayres came to Paso Robles in 2002 and fell in love with the beauty and agriculture of the region. By 2015 this love interest materialized into a 171-room hotel built in the style of a Tuscan Villa. Douglas’ most personal project yet Allegretto is filled to the brim with culture, vision, and history. Many of the art and antique pieces were brought from Ayres’ travels. Many were commissioned specifically for the resort. And some, are quite literally built into the walls thus creating a sense of “walking through time”.

Here at the Allegretto, we’re recreating a small town with the village walls, the monastery (cloistered courtyard) and the chapel.

~ Douglas Ayres

The two stone figures seen framing the staircase and looking over the firepits are custom sculpted for Doug Ayres in Vicenza, Italy. The two figures represent male and female muses, the male (top left) is removing his mask to symbolize vulnerability.

The entirety of the property is built following the philosophy of harmony. At the centre of the property is a 12,000-square-foot courtyard called “Piazza Del Magico”. The Piazza footprint, hidden from the raw eye, forms the shape of a cello, which you will hear playing in the background throughout the day. The Piazza is a gathering place. On the far side are two parquets with fire pits, closer to the lobby is a wine-tasting patio and a cafe terrace, often used for private functions. A looping square pathway wraps around the interior, shaded by an impressive growth of trees and flower bushes. The centrepiece of Piazza Del Magico is a fountain: two intersecting circles with a sandstone rock statue in the middle representing the “movement of creation”. 

One of the many beautiful sculptures on the property followed by a life-size chess board and yet another sculpture.

The interior of the hotel is a showcase of Douglas’ finds and if you visit on the weekend you can take a docent-guided art tour. The surrounding area is lush with gardens all leading to the vineyard on a hill. Various outdoor games are scattered, sometimes almost hidden throughout the gardens. Chess here. Ping pong table there. In the evening the guests are invited to enjoy a cocktail by a fireplace in the lobby or cozy up with a blanket by one of the bowl fire pits.

It is no surprise that such a property would be of high interest for special occasions like weddings and graduation parties. To the far side of the building is an Abbey, built specifically for the celebration of love and life. This small, non-denominational building is modeled after the chapels of Europe. The Abbey is adorned with custom-made stained glass windows depicting a range of ancient symbols, world religions, and spiritualities. 

Abbey interior and one of the gardens used for weddings and special events and the roof of the abbey with the bell tower behind in on the right. Below: The gazebo in Manzanillo North Garden icarved with breathtaking details.

Just a few examples of antiques: sculpture and table, entryway built into the resort building, and these flowers that look like a Still Life painting. Below: Sequoia Room on the ground floor.

Left: Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu god of beginnings. Centre: The painted ceiling of the exterior entry. On the far right: A large figure from Rajasthan India with the mirror behind it reflecting eternity and calling people to togetherness in peace.

Winery & Wine Tastings

Allegretto Wines began with a purchase of a seventeen-acre cabernet sauvignon vineyard in the Willow Creek District. Viognier, Vermentino, Malbec, Tannat, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were later planted in a separate, 20-acre property allowing the team to produce a wide range of experimental and classic wines. Tannat, a red wine grape originating in the South of France, is their hero grape and during the tasting, you can try a mix of its iterations over the years. 

The wines are available at the resort in the Willow Creek Tasting Room. It is a cozy room with an outdoor terrace. Here, you can purchase a glass of wine or sit down for a guided tasting. During the tasting, you will learn about the climate, process, and various unique techniques and flavours used in the development of Allegretto Wines. 

The tasting room is open to anyone interested in learning about the wines so even if you are not a guest you can come in and enjoy a glass or four and soak in the views of the Piazza. Through a tunnel on the other end, the visitors are invited to take a stroll through the vineyard. This vineyard is shaped like a circle, communicating a warm welcome for the guests. Naturally, this shape is not the most desirable for the wine production team but as a garden walk it is certainly very social. 

The wine-tasting tour is $30 per person and $45 for non-resort guests.

Sample tasting menu. This only has red and rose options but Allegretto Wines do make white wine as well.

Make sure to order a charcuterie to with your tasting, the selection of cheeses, meats, and side accoutrements is amazing! The limestone rock on the right was recently found in the vineyard indicating that at some point in history, this place was an ocean floor. This limestone does well for the grapes. Rose and two Cavarnets are to be tasted side-by-side for comparison.

Inside the Suite 

The rooms have impressively high ceilings and no matter which way you face the view will always be nice. Each unit begins with a standard setup: one or two beds, a desk, a wardrobe with a coffee station and a mini fridge, a sitting area, and a spacious bathroom. Prelude King Room (pictured here) has access to the Piazza. The room doors swing open to welcome the music and fresh air into the room. Outside is your individual terrace with a garden table and two chairs, a perfect setup for a sunset happy hour. One-bedroom King will have a fireplace and some of the second-floor suites have a balcony overlooking the Piazza. 

Allegretto Resort is pet-friendly and accessible. 

Prelude King Room piazza view through the patio door.

Dining, Entertainment & Activities

Cello Restaurante and Bar 

Situated on the ground floor to the right of the entrance Cello Restaurante and Bar offers upscale casual dining to guests and Paso Robles locals. The Mediterranean-inspired menu features generously portioned seafood and meat dishes expertly crafted by Chef Jeremy D. Fike. 

Your dining options range from locally sourced scallops and fish to whole milk Burrata, crisp green salads, and hearty pasta or grilled meats. Shrimp and scallops can be added to any dish. Many of these plates are dippable by design – shrimp juices, various sauces, and delicious olive oils can all be soaked up with an in-house baked ciabatta. The liquid libations menu includes a range of Allegretto favourites, French, Italian and local wines as well as a selection of craft cocktails and beers. 

Seasonal shrimp appetizer, a glass of Allegretto’s Cello Grenache Blanc Seven Seas Pasta on the right. Below: Cello Restaurante interior and a classic margarita cocktail on the right.

Things to do

There is a lot. There is so much to do that at first I was overwhelmed and overstimulated. Exploring on your own can take hours. If taken slowly enough with wine breaks possibly days. Piazza alone has many nooks and sitting corners for reading, sipping wine, and having conversations with your resort neighbours. The interior halls weave in and out of shared spaces. The lobby with a custom fireplace has weekend serenades. Past the staircase is the Sequoia Room with another fireplace, games table, and a slice of a giant Sequoia tree. From this room, you can enter the Piazza or sit down for a video art tour in the connected conference room.

The outdoor spaces wrap all around the resort. In the far right corner is a swimming pool. Lined with a string of cabanas the pool has a lovely view of the vineyard and resort architecture peeking through the tall trees. Beyond it is the vineyard garden and to the side of the building are Manzillo and Mission Gardens. The gardens are all connected by a “Star Garden Trail” – “a journey through heavens on the sacred lands of Paso Robles”. Each stop represents a Zodiac constellation, the environment around it naturally changing from one season to the other.

There are many experiences organized by the resort. From the above-mentioned wine tastings and tours to weekend yoga, art walks, and musical entertainment. You can even taste local olive oil during a guided tasting with San Miguel Olive Farms. The guests can also borrow bright yellow tandem bikes to cruise around the region. 

Do not miss: George the alpaca and his friendly sheep friends at the far end of the resort. Make sure to check in with the front desk about the location and feeding schedule.

One of the stops on the Star Garden Trail on the right, at the top of the vineyard.

Wellness & Fitness 

Resort of such grander will of course also have a spa. Spa Allegretto is open daily for massage, facial, and body treatments. On the weekends the resorts host Yoga in the Abbey, available to guests only ($15) and all guests have access to a fitness center. This gym is quite spacious with a decent range of equipment and French doors opening to the Piazza. 

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Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles
Rooms starting at $249 USD / Queen or King
2700 Buena Vista Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446, United
Book directly on allegrettovineyardresort.com or your favourite booking website: Booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

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This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
The stay was hosted by Hotel Amarano Burbank-Hollywood, which did not review or approve the story.

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

Hotel Amarano Burbank-Hollywood occupies a rather small plot of land in a tightly populated residential neighbourhood. The decor is inspired by “the glamour and spirit of Old Hollywood” collectibles of which can be spotted all throughout the property and in the rooms. Many of the decor pieces are actual movie props, from old and new movies alike. The artwork reflects this theme with various old film frames and behind-the-scenes images curated into small gallery walls in the suites. 

The property is shaped around a courtyard with a pool, and rooms looking out at the water reflecting the bright California sun. The courtyard is densely populated with tropical plants, including some hard-to-spot blue birds of paradise. As you navigate from this space, from the jacuzzi and sitting area, past the pool and tanning beds, you will end your exploration in a comfortable shaded rest area. 

The interior common areas are a bar/restaurant, better known as FYC Bar + Kitchen. It is not your typical dining room but a rather casual hangout spot with a small enclosed terrace. In addition to the lovely on-site restaurant (which does offer room service), the guests can also easily make their way to the many restaurants and cocktail bars in Downtown Burbank.

In the inner belly of the hotel is a fitness center. Opened 24/7 the gym has a good selection of equipment and weights, water, towels, and fresh apples. 

Note: Valet parking is complimentary. 

Inside the Suite 

The standard rooms referred to as “Superior,” are all King. The decor is luxuriously modern with dashes of vintage and a lovely selection of art. I particularly like the dark wall colour creating contrast with the bright bed frame. The terrace (or balcony) is comfortably furnished. Here you can bask in the sun with a drink or read a back as the sun sets over the pool.

In addition to the standard Superior rooms Hotel Amarano* also has a handful of suites. All suites have a kitchenette, sofa bed, and a walk-in closet. The Superior One Bedroom has a dining table while the Chairman Suite has a private rooftop terrace, you can see it from the front of the building. With multiple filming studios nearby many people reside at Amarano for a prolonged period of time. Rumour has it one of them lived here for a full year! 

Treat yourself to room service with sparkling wine and a charcuterie snack board.

Dining & Entertainment 

FYC in the FYC Bar + Kitchen is a shorthand spelling out “For Your Consideration”. It is meant to be a gathering place where you can enjoy the spotlight or find a shade of anonymity. The outdoor terrace has a small number of tables, cheerfully tiled, and a fire pit sitting area. On a cool night, the staff will create comfort by turning on the headlamps.

During this visit to LA, we had the pleasure of being joined for dinner by two local friends. Having additional people certainly allowed us to try a larger selection of the dishes and I will be first to say, they are all hearty, generous, and delicious. The menu features many of the local favourites like Tuna Tartare (Yum!) and Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Sweet Potato Bravas (served with a side of avo) were the group’s favourite. The bravas were joined by the Crispy Jumbo Shrimp and a delicately fired NY Strip. On the beverage list are classic cocktails, local craft beers, and a tight selection of wines, many of which are also local.

In the morning the guests can enjoy a continental breakfast in the lounge or preorder room service. I opted for the latter, indulging in a hearty Egg Frittata in the comfort of my own room.

Breakfast Frittata with mushrooms, cheese, and tomatoes.

Hotel Amarano Burbank-Hollywood
Room starting at $299 USD per Superior King Room
322 N Pass Ave, Burbank, CA 91505, United States
Book directly on hotelamarano.com or your favourite booking website: Booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

The post Hotel Amarano, a boutique hotel with a rich Hollywood history appeared first on Paths to Travel.

A short taxi will take you Downtown but the truth is, you could spend your entire weekend here at The Leta. Between hotel amenities, hiking trails, and multiple beaches nearby there is plenty to occupy your time with. 

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
The stay was hosted by The Leta Hotel, which did not review or approve the story.

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

During our visit, the weather has taken a turn to bleak and stormy but upon entering The Leta lobby we felt nothing but warmth. A cosy yet modern leather couch divides the room in two, leading your eyes to the decorative fireplace. A short, informative interaction with the hotel clerk informed us about the property essentials: restaurant, pool, record store, “and here [she gestured at the lobby] you can get a complimentary welcome drink”. We arrived during the social hour, walking into groups of guests scattered throughout the lobby filling the room with white-nose conversation.

One of the unique features of this property is the tiny record store. It is a small room where you can purchase new records to take home or borrow a stack to play in your room during your stay. Upon request, the attendant hands you a Crosley portable turntable and you’re free to set your own soundtrack to your SoCal stay.

The decor is a well-matched mix of ranch roughness with cottage cosiness, accented by an occasional modern piece. A print there. A neon sign here. Somehow it all comes together and makes sense. Lush greenery fills the outdoor common spaces, creating privacy curtains between rooms and comfortable shade around the pool. Flowers are in full bloom if you visit early in the season, their soft fragrant scents follow you along the walking paths. 

Inside the Suite 

Rooms on the ground floor face the pool courtyard. All of them have a sitting area by the entry. Some rooms have semi-private patios, and quite a few are fully accessible. We stayed in the Classic King with a pool view, shaded by the greenery from the walking path. The rooms are fairly minimal, complete with all the necessary hotel amenities including a range of storage options. Having a closet and a large cabinet is something I personally very much appreciate. 

All rooms are similarly decorated with dark wooden beams adding dimension to the space. The bathroom is separated by a sliding door which matches the natural wood and rope accents well. A dash of bright colour can be spotted in the lighting fixtures sitting next to the bed.

The property is fully non-smoking and dog-friendly.

A nice mix of greenery creates shaded privacy for the room with that added bonus of garden decor. 

Dining & Entertainment 

CAYA Restaurant and Bar is a hot spot for the locals and a must-visit during your stay. Restaurant guests are invited to sit inside or out. The kitchen offerings are focused on local and sustainable ingredients serving up a “fresh take on coastal California cuisine”. The exterior patio spills out into a casual sitting area with loungers set around fire pits.

As a neighborhood hub, The Leta and CAYA host a range of family-friendly activities from live music on the weekends, to corn hole tournaments, and sip-and-shop market popups. On the menu, the diners will find locally sourced shrimp, fresh crisp vegetables, and juicy sliders, among many other approachable selections. The breakfast menu naturally includes egg dishes like the traditional Benedict and smoked salmon sandwiches, to name a few. 

The Leta Bar was unfortunately closed this weekend. Will have to visit it another time.

The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Rooms start at $199 USD per Queen
5650 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117, United States
Book directly on hilton.com* or your favourite booking website: Booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

The post The Leta Hotel is a more relaxing take on a Santa Barbara vacation appeared first on Paths to Travel.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
The trip was sponsored by Virginia Tourism Corporation, which did not review or approve the story.

Ways to visit: Depending on the focus of your trip to the Valley you can move from county to county or set a home base in one location and take day trips in mixed directions. This region is best suited for slow travel, allowing you to take in all the natural beauty and true southern hospitality.

Travel tip: Avoid mobile charges by pre-paying for an Airalo eSIM*. The SIM gets downloaded directly to your phone and can be toggled on and off with ease in settings. This service provides internet access, no phone service.

Seven Bends State Park, Woodstock, Virginia.

See & Do

Embracing the outdoors

Shenandoah Valley consists of roughly seventy percent protected land. Home to lush forestry, curvy mountains, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls the Valley is an ultimate playground for adventure seekers, both casual and extreme. From short trails accessible from urban centers to 544 miles of the Appalachian Trail and year-round fishing in Waynesboro the opportunities are endless. 

Harrisonburg (located quite centrally) can easily be your home base for a weekend of outdoor adventures. This vibrant university town is conveniently situated with quick access to hiking and mountain biking trails, rock climbing, and a mix of water sports. For a casual explorer, there is a newly opened (2020) Seven Bends State Park. Nestled in Woodstock the park wraps around the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. Luray and Page County, on the other hand, are home to nearly a dozen waterfalls while Lexington shares the land with a 500 million-year-old Natural Bridge. Some of the waterfall trails could be pretty challenging but Natural Bridge State Park is a fairly easy walk with plenty of seating and even an occasional light show. An extended family stay is best suited for Massanutten Mountain Resort (Massanutten Mountain) where you can not only live, dine, and hike but enjoy a selection of hosted activities like tubing, zip lining, skiing, snowboarding, and golfing. 

The bridge is 215 feet tall and weighs roughly 15,000 tons. The park can be rented for a sunset wedding under the bridge. 

Above and below: catered dining experiences at Massanutten Resort.

Into the ancient underbelly

Many millennia ago Shenandoah Valley was under water. The ancient ocean limestone base developed a karst landscape in the region creating sinkholes and caves all throughout. The most notable, and famous tourist attraction in the region is Luray Caverns, the largest cavern in the eastern United States. A short walk will take you into the first room where you immediately see unearthly formations created over many millennia. A curvy path continues down, constantly exposing more and more spaces with out-of-this-world formations.

Your cavern tour will not be complete without a visit to Shenandoah Caverns, Skyline Caverns, Endless Caverns, Caverns at National Bridge, and Grand Caverns where you will find 200 signatures of Civil War soldiers.

Each formation style has a name based on how it was created: “stalactites,” “stalagmites,” and “columns” but some of them have given names based on what they look like ie. Washington Column or Skeleton’s Gorge. The biggest room is roughly 47 feet tall and doubles as a special event space. Yes, you can get married here too.

Another surreal stop in the Valley is Crozet Tunnel in Waynesboro. This man-made 4,700’ long abandoned train tunnel opened to the public only recently and contains no artificial lighting. Walking through the tunnel is eery. As your eyes adjust to the darkens and other senses sharpen you will hear water dripping through the rock walls, small creatures going about their day, and might even spot a crawfish in the narrow rivers at the wall’s edge.

Crozet Tunnel in Waynesboro, one of the entry points is not quite as finished as the other.

A quick dip into local culture 

To many this region is known for its Civil War history but there is more to Shenandoah Valley than war memorabilia. National treasure Patsy Cline grew up in Winchester and you can visit her home any day of the week. Downtown Winchester, Staunton, and Lexington are a wonderful showcase of historic architecture. And if time permits, on the outskirts of Winchester, is The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. This is a public park, gift shop, and museum that you can spend an entire day in. The gardens, created by Julian Wood Glass Jr., are a light maze of gentle walks showcasing mixed sculptures, plants, and thematic gardens.

Downtown Winchester, Virginia.

Above and below are images from The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.

A fun way to see Lexington is by horse and carriage with a knowledgeable local guide. 

The lights are always on, facilitating direct interaction between guests and actors. The stage seats are the moisturized seats and put the attendees directly into the play.

One of the main draws to Staunton, aside from its lively food and drink scene, is the American Shakespeare Center. Built as a replica of Shakespeare’s Blackfriars Playhouse this is a rather unique building. The theatre is operated by a group of extremely passionate individuals who work on re-creating the original “vibe” of live a Shakespeare play. This theatre is casual, comedic, and welcoming to all.

Eat & Drink

From country classics to fine dining

Like many regions situated away from urban centers, Shenandoah Valley is gentrifying. With renewed interest in the area and rising population come revitalization projects and new openings. Many of these initiatives, whether by younger newcomers or retirees looking to bring a passion to life, are in the food and beverage world.

Ridge Room in the Hyatt Place Hotel, interior on the left, Beats and Burrata on the right, patio view below. If you stay here, make sure to collect your World of Hyatt rewards.

On the upper scale side of things, Staunton and Lexington have quite a few impressive options. Owned by the same Staunton group Zynodoa and Blu Point Seafood Co., for example, are elevating standards for farm-to-table, sea-to-fork meals. A few miles over Haywood’s Restaurant and TAPS at George’s Hotel are on a mission to create seasonally fresh meals carefully pared with choice wines and craft spirits. Asian Station (Luray) and Mashita (Harrisonburg) are cooking up exciting twists on fusion cuisine with local and harvested ingredients. And for a scenic meal, take the elevator up to the Ridge Room in the Hyatt Place Hotel (Harrisonburg) where the menu offers a range of cultural influences from artisanal cheeses to blackened fish tacos. 

Winchester revitalization initiatives created space for Bonnie Blue Southern Market and Bakery which occupies an old Esso station. This traditional diner serves hearty family-style Southern meals created by a classically trained chef. Further down the road, on the outskirts of New Market, we stop for a meal at Southern Kitchen or opt-in for rustic American fair at The Restaurant at the Edinburg Mill.

Fish tacos at Devils Backbone Brewing Company on the left and steak from Haywood’s Restaurant on the right.

Bonnie Blue Southern Market & Bakery, Winchester, Virginia. Bottom left is the Shrimp and Grits from Bonnie Blue (half portion) and the road sign for Southern Chicken

Microclimate wines & small-batch distilleries 

With a microclimate similar to the Finger Lakes and Niagara region Shenandoah Valley currently has 20 wineries and about 15 breweries. This tasting collection is spread across the valley and can be taken as a wine route or a beer trail. Whether you chose to focus on one or the other it is worth stopping by a couple, even if only for a meal.

Woodstock Brew House, for example, is a large community space where people gather for pints, chicken wings, and live music. Devils Backbone Brewing Company, perched up on a scenic hillside in Lexington, is another local staple for brews, parties, and sun-kissed lunches on the patio. Harrisonburg’s neighborhood hub is Sage Bird Ciderworks, a husband and wife-run cidery with indoor dining and an intimate terrace where people gather for trivia and other inclusive events.

Woodstock Brew House. In addition to craft beers the owner also makes cider and in-house sodas and root beer.

Owners of Sage Bird Ciderworks, Zach & Amberlee Carlson followed by the cidery’s bar.

Above and below: Ox-Eye Vineyards tasting room during a wine tasting accompanied by cheeses from Ballerino Creamery.

While in Staunton make sure to visit Ballerino Creamery for fresh, handcrafted cheese, that goes perfectly with the Oxe-Eye wines.

Standing on the corner of Middlebrook Ave and St. Lewis St in Downtown Staunton your wandering eyes will spot Redbeard Brewing Company, Ciders From Mars, and the Ox-Eye Vineyards tasting room. Ox-Eye Vineyards is an initiative of John and Susan Kiers who apprenticed in France and Oregon. The duo is currently focusing exclusively on estate-grown wines. A more traditional taste of the wine country can be found at Muse Vineyards. Another family-owned winery producing classically styled wines inspired by the Domaine wineries of France and Italy. The roads of Lexington and Rockbridge County will lead to Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery, an old dairy farm that serves as a perfect palette for an award-winning winery and brewery.

Muse Vineyards: try a tasting flight or share a bottle of white on the patio, basking in the sun and indulging in locally sourced cheese. 

Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery, Shenandoah Valley, Virginia.

Rest & Relax

George Washington Hotel 
103 E Piccadilly St, Winchester, VA 22601, United States
Rooms starting at $152 USD/night
Book: wyndhamhotels.com | booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | hotels.com

A charming historic hotel located in Downtown Winchester. The property is a Wyndham Grand Hotel with a stately exterior. Among amenities are a restaurant, lounge with live music performances on the weekend, a small gym, spa, and an indoor pool modelled after a Roman bathhouse. 

Lodging at Massanutten Resort
1822 Resort Dr, Massanutten, VA 22840, United States
Rooms starting at $111 US /per hotel | $150 USD/per condo & townhomes | $243 USD/per townhome 
Book: massresort.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | hotels.com

Massanutten, mentioned above, is a beast of a property. You can rent a simple, minimal hotel room, or a complete house with a stocked kitchen and indoor jacuzzi. The property occupies 6,000 acres and has multiple dining locations (including custom catering), outdoor activities, and a waterpark. 

The Summit at Massanutten Resort, Mountain Premium Townhomes

Hotel 24 South
24 S Market St, Staunton, VA 24401, United States
Rooms starting at $159 USD/night
Book: hotel24south.com | booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | hotels.com

Recently renovated historic hotel in the heart of Staunton. This pet-friendly property was originally built in 1924 and is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation Historic Hotels of America. The rooms are light and airy, there is a fairly well-equipped gym, indoor pool, as well as a restaurant and cocktail lounge on the ground floor. 

Lounge and common area at Hotel 24 South.

The Georges
11 N Main St, Lexington, VA 24450, United States 
Rooms starting at $289 USD/night
Book thegeorges.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com 

A woman-owned boutique luxury property is spread across four historic buildings in downtown Lexington. With their clean lines, top-notch dining, and event spaces Georges is at the heart of this town. Read the full hotel review here.

Natural Bridge Hotel
15 Appledore Ln, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, United States
Rooms starting at $189 USD/night
Book: windhamhotels.com | booking.com | TripAdvisor | hotels.com

Impressively large historic hotel situated within walking distance from the Natural Bridge State Park and the Caverns at Natural Bridge. This is a pet-friendly property with two restaurants, a fitness center, and an outdoor fire pit.

Getting to Shenandoah Valley

By air: You can land at Dulles International Airport and drive to Winchester (an hour +) or land in Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport and drive to Lexington (also a bit over an hour). There are a handful of smaller municipal airports in the region as well. 

Getting around: rent a car at the airport (link link) or hire one to take your around, USA guided tours do private service. 

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