Doing Biz In ...

Doing Biz in West Hollywood, CA

City Smarts
As Los Angeles’ hottest entertainment-industry destination, the 1.9-square mile West Hollywood officially became incorporated as its own city in 1984. The 84th city in Los Angeles County, West Hollywood is currently home to 39,000 residents. West Hollywood remains, hands down, LA’s swankiest destination for the entertainment world with its upscale shopping, boutique hotels, celebrity-owned restaurants, and a ‘haute’ nightlife. 

Whether you’re headed to West Hollywood to ‘strike it big' in show biz, or to service one of the supporting industries, such as script-writing, editing, special effects, or post-production, you’ll be joining a cutting-edge community. http://visitwesthollywood.com/visitor-info/about-the-city/

Catching ZZZs
The Petit Ermitage Hotel is the most posh pad in town, and the Mediterranean-inspired property is choice amongst power-players and discriminating business travelers in need of privacy in an ultra-luxurious urban-boutique setting. There’s 80 chic suites, all with eclectic European style fireplaces and exotic raised sleeping areas — oozing cosmopolitan glamour. The exclusive Private Rooftop Club flaunts 360 degree views of the Hollywood Hills.  www.petitermitage.com

The Power Palate
West Hollywood offers a selection of more than 140 dining establishments. Among my favorite sites for a serious power lunch, is AGO, one of West Hollywood’s most high-status eateries. A partnership between executive chef Agostino Sciandri, and Robert De Niro, yields Italian cuisine that’s simply divine. This Melrose Avenue spot should definitely be on your A-List. (www.agorestaurant.com) If you're jonesing for some soul food, then the House of Blues dishes out some of the best Cajun/Creole and down-home Southern food in West Hollywood. Don’t miss their celebrated Sunday gospel brunch. (www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/losangeles/)

The VIP Treatment
“Renew, relax and delight your soul!” is the mantra at the Nile Institute. After 12 years in Beverly Hills, the Nile Institute relocated to West Hollywood in 2005, to spread its wings and has never looked back. Located on Doheny Street, the Nile offers holistic skin care, aromatherapy, reflexology and body treatments, customized to soothe, relax and calm her high-profile clientele. Owner, and fifth generation “Los Angelino” Nina Curtis, travels the globe, staying abreast of the latest and proven treatments to keep her clients looking and feeling their best. She has just recently become the first to introduce the patent pending treatment D`Oxvya, which improves blood flow to tone, tighten and diminish wrinkles. Everyone who enters Nile Institute is assured to look like a star upon departure. www.styleseat.com/ninacurtis
Footloose and
Fancy-free
Get your walk on at the most trend-setting areas in town. Melrose Avenue ranges from a funky, vintage, and swank section to upscale antique shops and art galleries. You may go home with more than you planned. http://avenueswh.com

Someone Helpful
Thanks to our friends at Visit West Hollywood for providing entertaining facts and information used in this column. http://visitwesthollywood.com AT

Doing Biz in Winston-Salem, N.C.

City Smarts 

When you ask people if they’ve heard of Winston-Salem, N.C., most would readily respond, “yes!” Certainly sports enthusiasts and academicians know it as home to prestigious Wake Forest University, and poet and author Maya Angelou. Business and history buffs recognize Winston-Salem for its meteoric rise as the mecca for the textile and tobacco industries in the early 20th century. And even a few with a sweet tooth know it as the proud home to the Krispy Kreme Corporation and its delectable melt-in-your-mouth sugary confections.  

As a native North Carolinian, I was surprised to discover how this sophisticated small city — which sports a population of close to 240,000 — seamlessly blended its colonial history with a cosmopolitan vibe, to explode into a thriving haven for performing arts theaters and eclectic art galleries.  

Winston-Salem’s founding roots are still evident today. In 1753, the Moravians, a devout religious group from Eastern Europe, settled in central North Carolina on 100,000 pristine acres in the heart of what is the current city; calling their new home ‘the Wachovia Tract’ (Ever wonder where the former Wachovia bank got its name? Winston-Salem was its original headquarters). In 1766, the Moravians created Salem as a thriving settlement that continues to offer a historic trek for visitors. In 1913, the Moravian city of Salem joined with Winston, a more secular and industrially focused town, to form Winston-Salem. Ironically, it’s the charming cobblestone streets of Old Salem (www.oldsalem.org) that provide one of the best vistas for observing the sleek skyline of present-day Winston-Salem’s bustling downtown. Perhaps one of the most poignant examples of Winston-Salem’s transformative character is the rise in popularity of the Yadkin Valley wine region. The fields of the once flourishing tobacco plantations are now fertile grounds for growing grapes. The region, located 30 minutes from downtown, now boasts more than 1.4 million acres of rolling hills that produce more than half a million gallons of wine annually. There are 30-plus vineyards/wineries, just waiting to be sampled.

Catching ZZZs 

The Graylyn International Conference Center (www.graylyn.com) was built as a country estate for Bowman Gray Sr., then-president and chairman of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco, and his family. The 55-acre estate lends the quaint feel of staying overnight in an enchanted country manor — and reeks charming ‘storybook appeal’ upon drive-up. The Manor House’s Bowman Gray Suite (named after head honcho himself) boasts a king-sized bed, fireplace and a titillating 17-head shower. With all of the modern amenities of a resort hotel, the dining at Graylyn rates up there with the best of the best. The sweet potato bisque with ginger crème fraiche (my first course of a four-course feast) left a permanent impact on my choice of appetizers. I now find myself searching for the sinfully rich bisque on every menu, and scouring bath suites for a comparable shower experience to no avail.

The Power Palate

Got a taste for flavorful dishes that are representative of North Carolina’s rich Piedmont region soil? There’s a wide array of restaurants to satisfy the palate. Consistent award-winners include Mozelle’s (www.mozelles.com) signature and savory Tomato Pie, to Sweet Potatoe’s array of signature “Well Shut My Mouth” soul food (www.sweetpotatoes.ws). One of the newest additions to Winston-Salem’s fresh southern bistro-category is the Spring House Restaurant, Kitchen and Bar, gaining quite the reputation for adding elegance to smoked pork, beef and chicken. (www.springhousenc.com)

 

Rubbing Elbows 

According to Chevara Orrin, art galleries are the place to hang out and meet some interesting folks in the city.The Atlanta native was one of Winston-Salem’s most alluring social butterflies and community activists during the six years she lived there, before recently moving to Jacksonville, Fla. As the former director of Business Services at Winston-Salem State University and former gallery owner, Orrin’s fingers remain on the pulse of Winston-Salem. "The city is a vibrant gem that embraces and encourages cross-cultural collaboration. It’s large enough to support world class art, education and technology, yet small enough to make meaningful connections and create positive change."

 

Footloose & Fancy-free 

Popular visitor attractions, such as the Reynolda House Museum of American Art (www.reynoldahouse.org) and the Southeastern Center of  Contemporary Art (www.secca.org), bespeak Winston-Salem’s metamorphosis. The once private family estates of turn-of-the-20th-century tobacco and textile barons R. J. Reynolds, and Ralph and Dewitt Hanes are now nationally acclaimed art museums that house permanent collections, impressive traveling art exhibits and a glimpse into the aristocratic life in Winston-Salem’s Roaring Twenties heydays. Visiting the studio of international glass artist John Kuhn is yet another captivating experience.  

www.kuhnstudio.com

Someone helpful 

Thanks to our friends at www.visitwinstonsalem.com for providing helpful and fun facts for this article. AT

Doing Biz in Virginia Beach, VA

LuxE Lodgings: Though Virginia Beach is brimming with hotels, selecting an oceanview hotel was a no-brainer. The Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront hotel is one of the city’s most sought after properties. It’s located beachside, adjacent to the infamous King Neptune (a bronzed statue of the God of the Sea, looming 36-feet tall) and next to Neptune’s Park (31st Street Stage Park) which offers a sizzling menu of free entertainment all summer long. You owe it to yourself to book an Empyrean Club Room, the Hilton’s ultra-luxury accommodations, reserved for a select few who occupy the top three floors. During my stay, I pranced up to the 21st floor to toast my vacation at the Sky Bar, followed by a dip in the rooftop infinity pool. Next, we dashed to the bottom floor of the Hilton, where I indulged in Pistachio Crusted Mahi at Salacia, Virginia’s premier AAA 4-diamond steakhouse. 

http://hiltonvb.com/Hilton-Hotel 

The Power Palette: Catch31 (also on the Hilton’s Bottom floor) offers an inventive menu of tantalizing seafood — and is a top spot for dining on the outdoor terrace, overlooking the excitement of the Boardwalk and Neptune Park. (www.catch31.com/home.aspx) At Soya Bar & Bistro (an upscale sushi bar also located in the Hilton) I sampled the Spicy Tuna Martin — a libation that Soya’s is famed for. Then, I devoured succulent sushi until the cows came home. You’ll be able to experience every inventive sushi-creation made by man at Soya. (www.soyasushi.com) An off-the charts charmer that you’ve also got to try is Margie & Ray’s. You’ll head out to the far-flung south end of the beaches to Sandbridge — a trek that you won’t regret. The eatery was once a small general store and tackle shop, revamped to yield a quaint little seafood restaurant that’s become a popular joint in Virginia Beach. The legendary Hurricane Margie (fried portions of all of the eatery’s seafood to feed two) had us crawling back to the Hilton with a food-hangover. We vegetated in front of a mega-42-inch screen, and slept ‘til noon. 

www.margieandrays.com 

VIP Treatment: There’s no better cure for food-hangovers and beach sluggishness than a revitalizing massage at The Flowering Almond Spa, the highly rated pamper facility within Founders Inn. The stately country inn is situated conveniently to downtown Norfolk (8 miles), Virginia Beach boardwalk (16 miles), and Williamsburg (50 miles). Frankly, you won’t know or care where you are when your muscles are being manipulated in a deep tissue massage. The Lavender Body Scrub is also particularly rejuvenating after a day in the sun. www.foundersinn.com

Footloose & Fancy Free: 

When in Virginia Beach, you’ve got to save time in the schedule to explore the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and its hands-on exhibits. The gigantic seal tank upfront greets you before you even enter the aquarium. The friendly harbor seals prompted me to take a seal splash class. During 20 minutes of the 90-minute program, I was able to don a rubber vest and wade amongst the seals. The panoramic undersea world and its colorful creatures tempted me to return home and shop for a giant aquarium. But, I imagine that my aquarium will pale in comparison to the 800,000 gallons of aquariums at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. The Aquarium has been ranked among the Top 10 marine science and aquarium facilities in the United States.  

www.VirginiaAquarium.com  

Thanks to our friends at the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (www.visitvirginiabeach.com) for adding to the facts and figures 

Doing Biz in Birmingham, Alabama

City Smarts: Birmingham rides the rich wooded foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, a series of ridges running northeast to southwest, giving the area dramatic topography. With a metropolitan population of nearly 1 million people, it’s a sizable town that embodies irresistible “Southernness.”

As many of a certain age remember, the second American Revolution took place in the streets of Birmingham. It was the battlefield of America’s civil rights movement, a struggle for simple decency and common sense.

The tale of Birmingham’s role in the long march to civil rights has been told and retold around the world. With the opening of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in 1993, the city found a place to tell its own story. www.birmingham.travel

Jetsetter: Tahiera Monique Brown is a Birmingham-based author, and professional speaker who lectures on issues of victimization. She does business in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. “I do all of my business outside of Alabama,” Brown says, “But Birmingham is my home. This is where I give back.” And give back, she does. Brown is a committed leader in the domestic violence awareness movement, as the Birmingham facilitator for Survivors Overcoming Abusive Relationships (S.O.A.R.). She has had a career in film and television since the late 1980s and expanded her work into the book publishing industry in 2006, with the release of her memoir, “Annihilator of Innocence.” 
www.TahieraMoniqueBrown.com

Getting Around: DART, the natural gas vintage trolleys (with three interchangeable routes) provides a fun way to get to work, and to travel to restaurants, attractions and Birmingham’s Historic Five Points South from the convention center. The DART is great for quick trips, business appointments and tourist destinations. www.bjcta.org

Survival Kit: Bring your walking shoes. Birmingham has a mild year-round climate that is conducive to strolls in the downtown area and beyond. Birmingham’s latest addition to the green scene is the award-winning 19-acre Railroad Park. www.railroadpark.org

Catching ZZZs: The grandeur of the historic Tutwiler Hotel Hampton Inn & Suites is restored, complete and ready to welcome guests. The 149-room downtown property has undergone months of full-scale makeover, with new guest rooms and many newly introduced hotel amenities.
www.thetutwilerhotel.com

The Power Lunch: If fun and funky gets you going, then Trattoria Centrale is the place for you. The atmosphere at Trattoria Centrale encourages talk from table to table. Get your appetite ready for fresh salads, pastas and signature pizzas.
www.trattoriacentrale.com

Cultural Chow: Ever wonder where the term “meat and three” came from? Birmingham locals declare that Niki’s West coined the phrase. Food is prepared Greek, Creole and Southern-style and sure to satisfy the most discriminating palate. www.nikiswest.com

To De-Stress: Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa is a retreat that’s secluded from the hustle-bustle, yet close to the city. Boasting the third longest golf course in the world, Ross Bridge features a Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail course highlighted by sweeping views of the surrounding foothills. You’ll melt your cares away at the lavish 12,000-square-foot European spa.
www.rossbridge.com/golf-and-resort-lifestyle/marriott-renaissance/index.php

Footloose & Fancy Free: Ready to wind down? Walk through Birmingham’s Civil Rights District. Begin your journey through the turbulent civil rights movement of the 1960’s at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute [520 16th Street N]. Directly across the street from the Institute is the 16th Street Baptist Church National Historic Landmark, the site of the 1963 bombing that tragically killed four young girls. On the other corner is Kelly Ingram Park, the staging area where demonstrators assembled for the many protest marches. An audio tour accompanies your stroll through the park, moderated by voices of those who were actually involved in the Movement. Just one block over is the historic Carver Theatre which houses the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame [1631 4th Ave. N]. Up the street a bit, look for the Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park honoring the legendary Birmingham native and lead singer of the world-famous group The Temptations. www.bcri.org; www.sixteenthstreetchurch.org                                                                              www.jazzhall.com

Flight Time: Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is Alabama's largest airport serving the Greater Birmingham area, and offering flights to 45 airports in 42 cities throughout the United States.
http://flybirmingham.com/

Someone Helpful: Thanks to our friends at Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau and other tourist venues for providing us with facts, figures and fun information for this article.
www.inbirmingham.com AT

Doing Biz In St. Augustine, Florida

City Smarts

Looking for a getaway where quaint antiquity meets posh fabulosity? Nothing compares to visiting America’s oldest continually settled town, St. Augustine before heading to Ponte Vedra Beach. Allow at least a full week to thoroughly experience the historic discoveries in the culturally rich city, with its charming cobblestone streets, ghost-filled dwellings and magnificent forts. With a population of only 12,000, St. Augustine is host to some 3 million visitors annually. A half hour north up Highway 1A is Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its seaside resorts, picturesque golf courses and luxurious spas. I enjoyed nature, top-star restaurants, museums, and a magnificent multiplicity of resorts, cast in a setting of pristine Atlantic shoreline all spanned over seven heavenly days. And if you think I returned home exhausted, think again. A stop by Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, the legendary spot visited by Ponce de León, empowered me ─ after an obligatory sip of miracle water. www.fountainofyouthflorida.com
 
Cultural Allure

From Fort Mose Historic State Park (www.fortmose.org), site of the first free African settlement in the country, to The Freedom Trail, denoted by markers citywide African-American history has seldom been as well-documented as it is in St. Augustine.

Must-Sees

Castillo de San Marcos (www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm); Fort Matanzas National Monument (www.nps.gov/foma/index.htm); St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum (www.staugustinelighthouse.com/); and Lightner Museum (http://lightnermuseum.org).
 
Lux Lodgings

I found myself in a state of tranquility as I lounged in the crème de la crème of the historic coast’s resorts. First stay was at the famed Casa Monica Hotel, the city’s only AAA Four Diamond hotel — a treasured 1888 landmark, fit for a queen. And treat me like a queen they did. Someone must have wired ahead to inform the staff of my love for old world grandeur. From the elaborately festooned grand lobby to my lavish suite overlooking the Atlantic, with king-sized red-velvet tufted bed; every inch of the Casa Monica oozed splendor. When a horse and buggy picked me up at the front entry and carried me away on a whirlwind guided carriage ride of the city, I felt like modern-day Cinderella. The Casa Monica’s 12,000 square feet of function space, 24-hour fitness center, business center, two elegant ballrooms, poolside Sultan's Pavilion, and Moroccan tent, deem it an extravagant hotel. (www.casmonica.com)    

  Final stop-over was The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach, a breathtaking 300-acre oceanfront resort, that’s sister property to the AAA Five Diamond-awarded Ponte Vedra Inn and Club  sharing its four restaurants, three lounges, spa, 36-hole golf course, tennis courts, boutiques, shops and riding stables. After playing on the white sand beaches daily, I rushed to my oceanside suite’s beckoning roman tub and fireplace. Ocean views are as plentiful as air in Ponte Vedra. Even the conference room boasts an ocean view. (www.pontevedra.com).

The Power Palate

A lunch meeting at Avilés Restaurant and Lounge is to blame for my latest food addiction — The Eggplant Tower. Located in the downtown Hilton (32 Avenida Menendez), the chef lends a global twist to traditional fare that’ll have you begging for the recipe. Another must-do lunch spot is Café Alcazar, located on the ground floor of the Lightner Museum building. Chef Jesse Espinosa draws raves for his Grilled Salmon over Linguine. For fine dining, the dimly lit 95 Cordova Restaurant (www.casmonica.com) gets my vote. A Moroccan facade gives way to exceptional food spiked with exotic Middle Eastern and Asian flavors. In Ponte Vedra Beach, you’ve got to reward yourself with dinner at the Seahorse Grill in the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. Imagine feasting on Lobster Bisque followed by Coconut Strawberry Baked Alaska — while under the spell of an ocean view. You’ll leave the Florida Coast a few pounds heavier. At least I did.


VIP Treatment

Want to indulge in the ultimate Cloud 9 experience? The exhilaration of touring oceanfront properties and vistas in a biplane is unparalleled. If you’re lucky enough to have a private pilot at your beck and call, rent a plane. Or, let the folks at St. Augustine Air Tour take you and a companion on the ride of your lives. (www.staugustineairtours.co). For a pampering perk that’s every bit as soothing as the blue skies, book a service at the uber-opulent 30,000- square-foot Spa at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, the region’s largest and ritziest spa. After a morning of flying, I grounded myself with an Orange Blossom Body Facial — and left waltzing on air. www.pontevedra.com/activities/florida-spa-resort.aspx


Crowd Pleaser

For adventurous outdoor enthusiasts there’s guided boat excursions and kayak tours. As I paddled the waters of historic St. Augustine in a kayak, I marveled over the beauty of the old Spanish fortress on shore and natural wonders like pelicans, dolphins and manatees.
www.staugustineecotours.com AT

 

Doing Biz In Reno/Lake Tahoe, Nevada

City Smarts

Flaunting amenities and attractions of a metropolitan destination, while maintaining the ambiance of a small town, it’s no wonder Reno, with a population slightly over 315,000, is called, “The Biggest Little City in the World.” Throw in beautiful Lake Tahoe, and you have the perfect destination where work and fun collide.

Reno Tahoe is known for its gaming industry. It’s home to IGT, the worldwide leader in computerized gaming design, development and distribution, with a fascinating history of gaming technology that reaches back nearly 30 years. But Reno Tahoe is much more than slot machines and gambling. Ski and golf are booming industries that lure travelers from around the globe. Every year, thousands swarm the 18 ski resorts and over 50 golf courses, less than 90 minutes away from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

Quality and convenience mesh well in Reno Tahoe, creating a destination where business travelers are able to inspire success, while taking advantage of cost-effective opportunities not available in larger cities. With state-of-the-art meeting and convention facilities, team building adventures and unique off-site events, Reno Tahoe has everything a business traveler could hope for.  

According to Angie Taylor, a diversity and leadership consultant at Guardian Quest, the African-American population of Reno (currently 3 percent) is increasing substantially. Taylor was quick to point out, “because there’s not a million people who look like you and who are doing the same thing that you’re doing, that alone opens doors, and creates opportunity to make an impact.”  The Los Angeles native also loves the fact that Reno is a no-hassle city. Everything in Reno is within 10 minutes by car, and a majority of attractions are within walking distance or a short cab ride away from the heart of downtown. The shores of Lake Tahoe can be reached in less than 45 minutes by personal transportation or on the South Tahoe Express shuttle. www.northlaketahoeexpress.com

Catching ZZZs

Reno is loaded with hotels that dazzle, but the award-winning Atlantis Casino Resort Spa most reflected my desire for both luxury and convenience. The sumptuous Atlantis is connected to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center via an enclosed sky bridge and features a world-class spa, 10 restaurants, and is close to a variety of downtown businesses and eateries. The top-tier conference facility recently underwent a $100 million expansion. From corporate meetings to trade shows, all your business whims will be satisfied with 50,000 square feet of meeting space, including a newly expanded business center, high-tech executive board room and two ballrooms. I kicked back, relaxed and took in the picturesque view of the surrounding mountains as I caught up on work. Putting the finishing touches on a client presentation was a breeze, thanks to in-room technology that allowed me to connect my laptop directly to the 42” HD flat screen TV.
www.atlantiscasino.com


The Power Palate

To please my non-red-meat status, local foodies directed me to Ijji Sushi & Hibachi, Reno Tahoe’s premier fresh fish destination. It’s the ultimate location to raise a toast with colleagues, while chefs slice up tempting delicacies that are aesthetically wowing and delicious. (www.ijjisushiandhibachi.com) Or, if your troupes have a taste for zesty fare, spicing up Reno’s dining scene is Fuego, a Spanish Tapas bar, ideally located downtown. An inviting and upbeat atmosphere paired with enticing menu options and unique libations are quickly making it a favorite among business travelers. But fair warning: Many of the tempting dishes are fiery. To extinguish the flame in your mouth, sip on Fuego’s fine selection of signature drinks. 
www.fuegonv.com

Networking

I quickly elevated my national contact database with a pit-stop to Campo, Reno’s new downtown hotspot. The term “Campo” connotes “meeting place,” and it lives up to its name as a choice restaurant for mixing, meeting and mingling over excellent cuisine. www.camporeno.com


Footloose & Fancy-free

Spa Toscana, inside the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, is inspired by Roman architecture. The three-story spa’s amenities include an indoor pool, sun deck, secret garden and the country’s only Caldarium (a hot room for taking Roman baths). Any imagined stresses suddenly dissipated after an invigorating soak in the Caldarium and a Toscana Signature Facial. www.spatoscana.com After squeezing in a menu of VIP services, you owe it to yourself to schedule a day or two at Emerald Bay on the beautiful Southwest shore of Lake Tahoe. Emerald Bay is one of the most photogenic areas in Northern Sierra Nevada and an idyllic spot for retreats, women’s weekends or honeymooning.  AT

Doing Biz In Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh, N.C. is consistently praised in the press for being one of the best places to live, work, play and connect. Raleigh isn’t just the capital city of North Carolina, it’s also known for historic landmarks and burgeoning cosmopolitan offerings — arts, festivals, sports and shopping — making it a “can’t miss” cultural and entertainment hub of the Southeast.

Catching Zzzs

The Raleigh Marriott City Center is downtown’s newest hotel, located in the city’s revitalized base and connected to the 500,000-square-foot state-of-the-art Silver LEED Certified Raleigh Convention Center. The hotel boasts 400 guest rooms and 10 suites. In addition to the Marriot’s Posta Tuscan Grille and Bar Posta, my daily Caramel Macchiato ‘fix’ was satisfied by the on-site Starbucks. (www.marriott.com) If you’re in Raleigh to do business,  the ultra-luxurious Umstead Hotel & Spa is the place to stay. Located in the nucleus of the renowned Research Triangle Park in Cary, N.C., premier guest rooms are right under 600 square feet. Other suites (ranging in size from 922 to the 1,725-square-foot Presidential suite) are fit for a CEO. A three-acre lake, spa, afternoon tea service, neighboring golf, on-site Heron restaurant, a majestic 4,015-square-foot ballroom and 10,200 square feet of luxury meeting space makes the Umstead one of the most posh properties in the country. www.theumstead.com

The Power Palate

At The Mint Restaurant I rubbed shoulders and exchanged digits with city notables, while diving into Red Snapper Filets and Collard Greens — the best global-infused Southern fixin’s on the planet. Then, we shifted the meeting to the Mezzanine level’s eXchange (upstairs bar), where the cocktails boast a dedicated following. (www.themintrestaurant.com) At yet another fine dining establishment, Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern in downtown Raleigh, we mingled with legislators the eatery is about two blocks from the State Capitol. The restaurant and downstairs tavern are in the historic Dodd-Hinsdale House, amid an atmosphere of history and award-winning cuisine. The bar also serves many local beers; there are currently seven breweries in Raleigh. (www.second-empire.com) And, you can’t visit North Carolina and not have barbeque. The Pit in downtown Raleigh’s Warehouse District is about as good as it gets. It’s not your typical barbeque shack — you’ll find white table cloths and an expansive wine list alongside “brain power boosting” foods like brisket, fried chicken and homemade sides like macaroni and cheese.
www.thepit-raleigh.com



Footloose & Fancy-free

My ‘Raleigh Ritual’ always started with a morning jog in 164-acre Museum Park at the N.C. Museum of Art. Running through the trails of environmental art allowed time for meditative strategies. I refueled from my sweaty marathon with a Moisturizing Buttermilk and Honey Wrap at the Umstead Spa. Located in the Umstead Hotel, and one of only two Forbes 5-Star, AAA 5-Diamond Hotels in North Carolina, the nature-inspired services offered provided a two-hour break from my ever-ringing phone. (www.theumstead.com) In downtown Raleigh, I romped in the five entertainment districts all brimming with live music, nightlife and spectacular events. The Raleigh area is the state’s live music capital, claiming more live music venues than any other city in North Carolina. Numerous small venues like Kings Barcade and The Lincoln Theatre welcome regional touring acts and the Raleigh Amphitheatre — which is in the heart of downtown Raleigh — welcomes national touring artists.
www.raleigh-amphitheater.com AT

Doing Biz In Destin, Florida

City Smarts

Complete escapism awaits you in Destin, Fla. Located on Florida's Emerald Coast, in Okaloosa County, Destin is a principal city of the Fort Walton Beach-Crestview-Destin, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. Dubbed as the "world's luckiest fishing village," it's a fast and frequent getaway for guests all over the South and Southeast.

Meeting and wedding planners or small-to-mid-sized businesses in search of a carefree tropical place to retreat favor Destin. The town boasts sugary white sands and crystal clear beaches that mimic those at exotic spots in the Caribbean and abroad. The snow-hued sand along Destin's beaches is derived from the Appalachian Mountains, and is comprised of finely ground quartz crystal, making it among the whitest sand on the globe. An approximate 4.5 million visitors scurry to this picture-perfect backdrop to swim, snorkel and scuba dive. Golfing and boating are also major tourist attractions. Destin touts the state’s largest fishing vessel fleet.

With a population of slightly more than 12,000 residents — the small, idyll city has a total area of 8.2 square miles — 7.5 square miles of it is land and 0.6 square miles of it water. Tourism and retirement are its chief industries. A cascade of hotels, motels, resorts, beach-house rentals and high-rise condominiums accommodate a steady stream of tourists. Meanwhile, the Emerald Coast Convention Center is outfitted to hosts trade shows, conferences, meetings and a bevy of regional events. 


Getting Around

Typically, once here, you’ll set up camp in a condo or bed and breakfast and spend 90 percent of your time on the beach. Rent a bike for bumming around this beach town along with a rental car or taxi for dining-out and you’re all set.   

Survival Kit

 Flip Flops, beach attire, an iPod loaded with your favorite music and some good beach reads.

Catching ZZZs

Guests flock to Destin’s Henderson Park Inn, one of the country’s most luxurious adult-only, beachside bed and breakfasts. The New Englandesque Inn sits storybook-style at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, bordering a 208-acre state park. There’s a rustic opulence to the Victorian-themed suites with private terraces overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. From your terrace, you’ll see a private stretch of beckoning beachfront. Upon arrival, a bottle of wine, chilled grapes and roses set the mood for total relaxation. A hearty breakfast and boxed beach-lunch are included in the stay daily (except holidays), and you’ll pop in from the beach to find lemonade and cookies every afternoon. As an added plus, Destin's only fine dining restaurant, Beach Walk Café Henderson Park, is located in the Inn. The quaint Inn also offers a Meeting/Party Room, and a conference space that’s ideal for weddings, meetings and parties. Henderson Park Inn has become my preferred place to exhale — on a regular basis, following my initial stay 13 years ago. I’m hooked.
hendersonparkinn.com

VIP Dining Experience

Nothing compares to dining enticingly close to the water's edge. In addition to traditional dining, Beach Walk Café Henderson Park orchestrates VIP dining experiences that include a Toes-In-The-Sand dinner. I wish I could recapture the environment at home ... a table situated mere steps from the oceanfront, a dedicated private waiter, the soothing rhythmic sound of retiring waves, a bronzed glow cast by the sun at sunset, and yellow roses to match my dress. A more spectacular setting is simply impossible. hendersonparkinn.com


Beach Chow

Of all the delicious dining choices, Rick’s Crab Trap is the pick when you want to dive into good seafood — and lots of it.
rickscrabtrap.com

Networkin’

You never know who you’ll meet when you and your colleagues hit the greens at the the city’s dozen or so golf courses. Emerald Bay Golf Club, designed by the famous architect, Bob Cupp, is among the best in Florida.   emeraldbaygolfclub.com

To De-Stress

Nothing beats a swift run on Destin’s spread of beach to decompress for an hour or two.

Foot Loose and Fancy-Free

Henderson Park Inn provides bikes for its guests and bike shops are dotted throughout Destin. Cycling is a widespread activity in this compact beach settlement.  


Flight Time

NORTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL AIRPORT (VPS) is serviced by American Eagle, Continental, Delta, US Airways and Vision Airlines. flyvps.com

Someone Helpful

Thanks to our friends at Emerald Coast Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and other tourist venues for providing us with facts, figures and fun information for this article.
emeraldcoastfl.com AT

Doing Biz In New Orleans, Louisiana

City Smarts

Though business beckons in the land of sweet beignets and French Quarter bistros year round, there’s nothing quite like Christmas, New Orleans-style. From carriage rides through the light-filled French Quarter and the nonstop spray of festive decoration to French Quarter shopping —  New Orleans has long been considered an ideal spot for a Christmas getaway. In the month of December, New Orleanians gear into high-spirit with parades, concerts, holiday tours and splendid celebrations in most every hotel. 

Six years after Hurricane Katrina, the city is on the road to recovery, and tourism remains a mainstay of the decadent city. The 2010 Census counted 343,829 residents — and while 29 percent down from pre-Katrina figures, the city is still one of the most popular convention, meeting and leisure destinations in the country. There are an estimated 60,000-some tourism jobs in New Orleans; 8.3 million visitors in 2010 and the addition of a whopping 400 new restaurants since 2005. New Orleans received the TripAdvisor® Travelers’ Choice Award for Best Destination in the United States and World for nightlife in 2010, and has long been a dining capital.

Gettin'Around

Known as a “walking city” — New Orleans is one of few American cities where you can actually skip a rental car and still have the time of your life! 


Survival Kit

I recommend a generous stash of Tums for instant heartburn relief. New Orleans is famous for its culinary history with rich, Creole sauces, calorie-laden casseroles, Cajun-style shrimp and grits and creamy desserts.



Catching Zzzs

Hotel Monteleone, the grand dame of the French Quarter, was crowned a literary landmark because of its reputation for bedding countless authors. The National Historic registry site has been the setting for many a novel. And, it’s no wonder. The romanticism and grandeur of the hotel leads way to imaginative story lines. 
www.hotelmonteleone.com

The Power Lunch

Forget lunch! When in New Orleans, you owe it to yourself to experience a power breakfast at the legendary Brennan's. I always order the Flaming Bananas Foster, and we watch as it’s prepared before our very eyes.
www.brennansneworleans.com 

Cultural Chow

World-renowned Antoine's Restaurant (est. 1840) has set the standard that made New Orleans one of the greatest dining centers of the world. Having been operated by the same family for 167 years, the posh eatery is the culturally correct go-to-spot for original New Orleans cuisine with a frous-frous vibe. It features two large dining rooms, but if you’re well-connected you might get a preminum seat in one of a dozen historic back rooms. I felt honored to get the dime store tour of the many dining rooms — my favorite being a festive lipstick red — a hue known to increase the appetite. But, even with my appetite operating in overdrive, I couldn’t be convinced to try the Potage Alligator au Sherry. Alligator is an "acquired taste" and the Trout Pontchartrain was enough to send my taste buds soaring. www.antoines.com


A Meal Fit for a King

Countless food critics have raved over the fare at The Grill Room, New Orleans’ only Four-star/Four-diamond restaurant. Located in the Windsor Court Hotel, the lobby is spectacular during the holiday season with its massive evergreen surrounded by a full-steam-ahead toy train set. Diners enjoy holiday fixins at their finest.
www.grillroomneworleans.com

Networkin’

The Bourbon House restaurant showcases New Orléans seafood and Créole cuisine, a raw bar, and a few dishes spiked with picks from the Bourbon collection. It’s the ideal spot to get your cheer on and toast to the New Year. I started out with an appetizer of Bourbon Barbecue Shrimp and an entree of Gulf Fish Pecan. For the finale, I indulged in the Chocolate Chuck Bread Pudding with Bourbon sauce. www.bourbonhouse.com 


De-Stress

Nothing cures a bout of ‘bah humbugs’ like a Sunday brunch at the House of Blues. The lively juke joint features countrified Cajun and soul food, live local and national bands and soul-stirring art displays.
www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/neworleans
Flight Time
Louis Armstrong International Airport,
www.flymsy.com

Someone Helpful

Thanks to our friends at the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, and other tourism destinations, for providing data, facts and figures for this article.  504.566.5019, www.neworleanscvb.com AT

Doing Biz In Charleston, South Carolina

City Smarts

As the second largest city in South Carolina (Columbia, the capital is first), Charleston’s population is 107,845 residents. Charleston's location makes it a regional hotspot drive-market for tourists from the Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia. Its cruise port lures the world's most esteemed Cruise brands, including Celebrity, Holland America, Regent Seven Seas and Princess. Visitors can also take a short boat ride to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. A growing influx of history buffs and foodies nationwide scurry to the town known for its historic inns, B&Bs, military forts and award-winning “low-country” cuisine.  The historic district showcases buildings dating back before the Revolution, with many from the late 18th to early 19th centuries.

High-dollar shopaholics will be more than satisfied by the town’s outlay of retail therapy. And to satisfy those on the souvenir list, there’s the five-block Old City Market, offering a plethora of local foods, crafts, artifacts and casual garb. Golfers can get in the swing of things too, on over a dozen courses sprawled throughout the area. It’s no wonder that tourism is Charleston’s largest industry.

Jetsetter

Craves Soul Food, a family-owned and operated catering company, serves Gullah/Geechee Soul Food that upstages that of any restaurant in Charleston. Though the family specializes in the greens, sweet potatoes and fixings that their ancestor’s grew in the area, they’ve catered functions for companies nationwide, including conventions and employee appreciation luncheons. www.cravessoulfood.com


Getting Around

No need for a cab. You can easily navigate downtown Charleston by foot. If you get tired of walking, jump on a bus, trolley or horse-drawn carriage.     

Survival Kit

Pack your binoculars and your walking shoes.Birding tours and activities such as canoeing in the marshes and fly-fishing are available on Kiawah Island, about 45 minutes south of Charleston. In Charleston, you’ll need your flats to traipse downtown’s boutiques, parks, shops and historic buildings. 


Catching ZZZs

Spend a few cozy nights at Charleston’s five-diamond Wentworth Mansion, (www.wentworthmansion.com), a 21-room luxury property that oozes authentic antebellum appeal. The 24,000-square-foot storied downtown mansion was originally built as a Second Empire Victorian family home in 1886 by a wealthy cotton merchant. For a workout, climb the spiral staircase to the top floor of the Wentworth Mansion. On the cupola deck, you’ll take in 360-degree views of the city's quaint tin rooftops, lush parks and the sea beyond. Beach bums can dart over to Sanctuary at Kiawah (KEE-a-wah) Island Golf Resort for a totally different experience. Kiawah Island earns its name from the Native American tribe who lived there during the 1600s. The waterside resort unfolds a 150-room inn, five championship golf courses, two award-winning tennis complexes, a 21-acre Night Heron Park, three pool complexes, and 500 villas and luxury private homes. 
www.kiawahresort.com 

Power Lunch

The Charleston area offers countless eateries for biz execs to gather for “food for thought.” For a one-on-one business lunch, the quaint, open-air 82 Queen is ideal. (www.82queen.com) Then, for top dinner destinations (not open for lunch), there’s the intimate and historic Circa 1886. (www.circa1886.com) Or, take a leisurely drive to The Ocean Room at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. (www.kiawahresort.com/dining/ocean-room.php) A parting tip: Order fried green tomatoes any place they’re offered — I’m hooked. She-crab soup is another local must-do.

Cultural Chow

Magnolia’s Restaurant is the go-to spot for an unrivaled taste of the South. After devouring an appetizer of fried green tomatoes over grits, with local goat cheese and tomato chutney, followed by Pan Seared Sea Scallops, it was difficult to make my exit.
www.magnolias-blossom-cypress.com
 
To De-STRESS
You'll smell like a delectable dessert and your limbs will be as limp as Jell-O after The Avocado Coconut Wrap at the luxurious nature-based Sanctuary Spa at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. First, I was drenched in a hydrating body mask of luscious avocado butter blended with omega-rich coconut oil which was massaged into my skin. Then, a mini facial massage and scalp massage was icing on the cake. www.kiawahresort.com/accommodations/the-sanctuary/


Footloose & Fancy-Free

Charleston was once the capital of Southern slavery, and no visit to the area is complete without a tour of its many plantations. As a humbling reminder of how far the country has come, stop by Magnolia Plantation. You’ll explore four original slave cabins, as well as a neighboring cemetery. (www.magnoliaplantation.com) The Aiken-Rhett House, a former governor’s mansion built in 1818, offers an audiotape tour of the house and its slave quarters. www.historiccharleston.org


Someone Helpful

Thanks to our friends at the Charleston Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and other tourism destinations, for providing data, facts and figures for this article. www.charlestoncvb.com AT