Tea and Travel

Day Spa, Tea House, and Bed and Breakfast oh my!

The Emerald Necklace Inn is one of Cleveland Ohio's historic treasures.  It was built in 1863 at the time of the Civil War.  The Gilles family originally operated it as a Country General Store.  Today it is owned and operated by Innkeeper Gloria Cipri-Kemer. She enthusiastic about it's rich history and she would be delighted to give you a tour of the Inn when you arrive.
  
 

The Emerald Necklace Inn also hosts a traditional Tea Room.  What a comfortable and cozy experience it is to have tea in the Parlor.  Yummy snacks, lunches and teas are served daily.  I really enjoyed chatting with Gloria and learning more about the area.  She made wonderful recommendations for places to eat and visit while I was in town.

I also took advantage of their tea tasting while I was there.  The lunch includes is $19.95 per person and includes:

A Pot of Tea of your Choice

Seasonal cup of soup

Daily scone, bread plate served with lemon curd, devonshire cream, preserve You can choose from their grand selection of Teas.  They have more than 80 varieties of tea all of which you can also buy in the gift shop. Here you see they are tastefully displayed here, and Gloria will refill your bottle of tea when you finish.  Very green of her I say. Also included with your tea: Assortment of three tea sandwiches Quiche with fresh fruit Chef's delightful dessert assortment

They also have a gift shop complete with china, tea pots, warmers,  tea accessories and gift items. 

I ended up with 1/2 a day delay in my flight so I had some time on my hands.  I really needed a haircut and color so I enjoyed a full service salon visit with Gloria Cipri-Kemer   It was a relaxing opportunity to get a haircut, highlights and super scalp massage and I loved it when she was done!

She also offers mini facials, pedicures, massages, and a paraffin hand dip with hand massage.  Below are Gloria's parents in the gold oval frame.  Just an example how personal the Inn is and how much it feels like you are staying in a lovely "home" environment.

I also enjoyed a daily hike out back of the Inn.  There is a wonderful walking trail that took me to see several wonderful bridges and sights of the town.

Open Daily 11:30am 7 days a week

Phone: Email: Address:

440-333-9100 stay@emeraldnecklaceinn.com 18840 Lorain Road Fairview Park, OH 44126 Part of the Greater Cleveland Area

If Walls Could Talk - Hotel Monteleone

All Things New Orleans

I really enjoyed my trip to Louisiana that included nearly a week in New Orleans. I am excited to share my choice of hotel when visiting the lovely French Quarter.

The French Quarter is anchored by the Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street.  It defiantly has THE best vantage point for people watching, shopping antiques, gorgeous jewelry, Oriental rugs, art and gifts from around the world. Nearby there are traditional Louisiana restaurants and specialty gift shops 

• Stroll the cobblestone streets that lead to Jackson Square.  
• Visit the Old French Market
• Join the Riverwalk where a quick stroll along the levee you will see steamboats, barges and ships along the Mississippi River.

Hotel Monteleone is not only a Historic Landmark it is also a member of the Historic Hotels of America.  The hotel is larger than it at first seems with 600 guest rooms, a wonderful restaurant, and the infamous Carousel Bar, 

http://jotraveler.blogspot.com/2013/01/art-for-eye-at-carousel-bar-new-orleans.html

They also have a mall sundries shop - gift store, heated rooftop pool (really enjoyed swimming in the evenings) and an exercise facility.  The Spa Aria, sent specials on the desk in our room, the business center was well equipped.  There was loads of meeting space, and of course valet parking.

Hotel Monteleone is a hotbed for hosting literary giants, musicians and celebrities.

Who has stayed here:

William Faulkner

Eudora Welty

Elvis Presley

Liberace

From their website I learned that the hotel is still owned by the same family, the Hotel Monteleone derives its name from its Italian founder's roots. Monteleone means mountain lion. Established in 1886 in a building that once housed Union troops during the War of Northern Aggression (as they say in the deep South), the hotel offers both a sense of heritage and a feel of luxury. The pristine lobby with its sparkling chandeliers and antique grandfather clock (built in 1909) promises all a comfortable stay.

When we arrived and went in to our room, we weren't disappointed. Two Audubon prints hung on one wall. A pale yellow and pink color scheme with striped wallpaper felt very traditional. All of the expected amenities were there including a full minibar in the armoire.  The shower was heaven and the window let in lots of light.

I loved the lounge, with it's unique carousel piano bar that rotates around.   I wrote about the lounge here:

http://jotraveler.blogspot.com/2013/01/art-for-eye-at-carousel-bar-new-orleans.html

 There is live New Orleans Jazz music in the bar most nights. Its location is just a short walk from Bourbon St. and other places of entertainment. 
 
The lobby is truly beautiful, with 12 foot ceilings, Beaux-arts decor, antiques and beautiful painted ceilings. (Yes do not forget to look up!)  There is a HUGE Grandfather clock in the center of the lobby that cranks out loud chime every quarter hour.

I always like to share what movies a famous hotel has been in.  Here is my list taken from the internet:

FILM list

1999
“Double Jeopardy” – Starring Ashley Judd and Tommy Lee Jones. Filmed in Lobby, front of Hotel Monteleone and the Carousel Bar & Lounge transformed into the Armani Shop.

September 2004
“Glory Road” – a Jerry Bruckheimer production. Starring Josh Lucas, Derek Luke and Jon Voight. Filmed in Lobby and also built set in storage area. Hotel Monteleone featured as fancy hotel lobby in a different city. Conference space was set aside for extras. This was the same crew that worked on the production of “Double Jeopardy” in 1998.

September 2005
“The Last Time” – Starring Brendan Fraser and Michael Keaton. Filmed in Lobby, Carousel Bar & Lounge, Hunt Room Grill, Bagatelle and Engineer.

February 2005
“Retirement” – Starring Peter Faulk. Filmed in Hotel Monteleone‘s fine dining restaurant Hunt Room Grill. Restaurant is stand in for any Steak House. Hotel Monteleone provided all steaks; salad and other food prep as well and table settings etc. Rooms provided for talent during filming.

March 2008
“12 Rounds” – Starring John Cena. Filmed in Vieux Carre Suite (1480), 14th floor hallway, roof by the Marquis, boiler room, garage freight elevator, Lobby and front of Hotel Monteleone. Employee’s cafeteria & Exchange Alley was used for film crew lunch breaks.

Ohio, land of the "Swing State"

I was in Ohio this past week. I went there for my work, and what a week I picked as both our President and opposing governor Mitt Romney was also there.  When I flew into Cincinnati every channel on the radio of my rental car was talking about the election, or a commercial for the candidate. Ohio is a swing state for National elections, thus an important state with sway come election time.

Besides being an important place to gain a vote I noticed EVERYONE had something to say about sports.  The state's major professional sporting teams include: Cincinnati Reds (Major League Baseball), Cleveland Indians (Major League Baseball), Cincinnati Bengals (National Football League), Cleveland Browns (National Football League), Cleveland Cavaliers (National Basketball Association), Columbus Blue Jackets (National Hockey League), and the Columbus Crew (Major League Soccer)

Another thing I noticed while driving from city to city was that there was a lot of Ohio Pride.  On the sides of old Barns I saw painted the state colors for their Bicentennial of a few years back.  I also was asked several times while looking at a map if I needed directions or assistance.  Nice!

People there are friendly and try to be helpful. 

The outdoors is a wonderland in Ohio.  So many walking trails, beautiful bridges everywhere and a very clean and tidy hiking trail system

Here are a few links to walking trails in Ohio

www.traillink.com/stateactivity/oh-walking-trails.aspx’

www.neonaturalist.com/trails

So next time you are looking for a State that will serve your need to wander, check out Ohio and their friendly hospitality.

Tennessee Music Highway - Tennessee USA

Memphis in December

"From Elvis and Tina Turner to Carl Perkins and The Kings of Leon, the Tennessee Music Highway is the most important geographical location of musical influence on the planet."  http://tnmusichighway.com/  This was the stretch of road for me today.

First thing I noticed when I walked off the plane was how polite everyone is. The moment you step off the plane there are senior greeters, there to say welcome to Memphios and give you direction to your next gate, the baggage claim or a quick stop for food or shopping.  I also noticed that most everyone  was reffering to me as  "Mam" and in a completely positive, well manored way.  And never mind that it made me feel a bit "old"

I rented my car (Budget, and yes it was a "budget" especially for a one way rental) and hit the road for my first three appointments.

With an afternoon free we shopped at Worlds Away www.worlds-away.com.   We went there to see interior furnishings and accessories that are sold in the larger and finer department stores.

My recommendation is to give yourself plenty of time to go through the store.  There is so much to see and it's a little un-organized.  (See picture below)

What we discovered is that they carry seconds and returns, all priced to sell, off their retail floor. Many items are damaged with deeper discounts that reflect it.

World's Away also has showrooms in Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles.  This one in Memphis is their public outlet. Worlds Apart is located right next to the Liberty Bowl.

Designers can shop wholesale at Worlds Away, and anyone can browse the stock.  Their items are manufactured abroad and sold to high end store and through catalogs.  They carry small furniture, light fixtures, home decor and fabric from the company's collections catalog.  (TI went online and ordered their catalog when I returned home.)  If your in Memphis I say "Check it out!"

http://www.worlds-away.com/
Contact:
HOME OFFICE:
WORLDS AWAY
322 SOUTH HOLLYWOOD
MEMPHIS TENNESSEE 38104
(901)529-0844
(901)527-3406
PLEASE CALL FOR APPOINTMENT TO OUR
SALES MANAGER, NEAL EDWARDS

I found it!

The "ah ha" moment of the day was discovering the most delightful shoes.  Yes delightful and shoes in the same sentance.  These comfortable smart looking shoes were for sale in the back of the showroom.  These shoes are hand made by the Charleston Shoe Company and the owner of this showroom is the mother of the developer of these fantastic fabric shoes.

Www.CharlestonShoeCo.com

We loved the colors, simplicity and contemporary style. I decided to try on a few and they were indeed comfortable.  They are made of elasticated fabric, and they can be machine washed in cold water on the gental cycle.  (I saw directions on YouTube.com) I fell in love with the wedge bootie ( in black) and the flat brown suede pair.  I went online to see what else they offered and will be ordering the boots soon.  I'll keep you posted when I get a list of locations that sell these shoes and a review when mine arrive as to how they fit.

We had a long drive ahead the next morning, and bad weather to boot so I turned on my GPS and drove East on the Tennessee Interstate freeway. Highway 40 traverses the entirety of the state from west to east, running from the Mississippi River at the Arkansas border. We drove the stretch of land between Memphis and Nashville also known as the “Music Highway”  Driving across the state we noticed the landscape was beautiful and getting ready for winter. The trees barren of leaves now were thick and lined all the rivers and creeks.  More on my trip tomorrow

Jonelle'

 

 

Knoxville TN, A Host of Shopping Surprises

Knoxville TN

 With a very limited amount of time in Knoxville we missed the opportunity to visit Dollyland, the  Artisan Colony in Gainsbourg and the Smokey Mountains, all I will keep on my list of must sees when I return to Tennessee in the futurehttp://www.knoxville.org/

http://downtownknoxville.org/visitors/shopping

I want to point out that the drive from Nashville to Knoxville added an hour because it is in a different time zone.  We didn't realize it but we lost an hour.  It was late when we arrived in Knoxville but we found a wonderful ad in the visitor guide about Benton District.  Stores I found in the District:
http://districtinbearden.com/

The Practice Yoga loves the Vols!! They have plenty of orange and white gear to help you out this football season! Stop on by and check it out!








At Plum Gallery, these beautiful hand-woven scarves from Swalsmith of London are the perfect accessory for the fall season!












SOLE IN THE CITY:Sole in the City is so excited about hosting an Old Gringo trunk show with over 30 styles of Old Gringo western boots in the store for our holiday open house on November 30th. Come kick up your heels. http://www.soleinthecity.net/
TWISTED SCISSORS:Come see us during our Open House on November 30th! We will have 25 gift bags filled with samples and coupons from the salon and surrounding businesses! We’ll also have a drawing for a cut and color that evening

http://www.twistedscissors07.com/

It had some interesting sounding shops.  (Antiques, Home Decor, Christmas shop, second hand store, coffee house). I must say I was disappointed to find half the shops closed.  I commented on how tacky the antique and vintage store "Nostalgia" was for closing an hour early on a Wednesday night when their "store closing" announcement came over the speaker.  Lol. I was so dignified in my statement and I was embarrassed when I realized while at the hotel front desk checking in that it was indeed MY mistake.  Note to self, check time when traveling near time zones.  Yep I had the front desk give me a "wake up call" to be sure my iPhone didn't let me down.

We did however have a few hours after my appointments the next day and before heading to the airport and flying back to Sacramento to do some shopping (funny how I always fit that in)

 

Resale Shopping

 












Repeat Boutique on Kingston Pike was the find of the week.  A resale shop that is Huge, and filled with incredible buys.  The sales staff is so courteous (again let me say Tennessee is the most polite state in the nation). They have jewelry, designer clothing, petites, plus size, casual sportswear, dressy evening wear, leather jackets, a ton of coats and shoe-shoes-shoes. All three have quality well priced items and a great find for our trip.  I bought a wonderful black knit jacket by ----  and a cashmere long sweater with one button at the waist in purple. 

What you'll find here is You’ll find one-of-a-kind items, as well as many sought-after labels such as BCBG Maxazria, Prada, Milly, Trina Turk, Dana Buchman, Nanette Lepore, and Michael Kors. Expect to find designer denim labels by Citizens for humanity, True Religion, Paper Denim and Cloth, Red Engine and Paige, all for a fraction of what they cost originally.

www.repeatboutiqueknox.com

They carry the largest selection of scarves, belts, purses and jewelry I have ever seen in a resale shop.  Their staff is friendly and helpful, even looking up my favorite Peruvian Connection to see if anything from their line was in the store.  (Yes they had several pieces, all larges darn!)









They carry accessories from designers such as Brighton, Coach, Michael Kors, Kooba, Cole Haan and Brahmin.

Repeat Boutique8079 Kingston Pike, Suite Q
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 531-8200




Next door there is a store for antiques and home decor called Repeat Etc. and a children's store called ----  
 Repeat EtcStreet: 8079 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, tn 37919-3901
Phone: (865) 531-2801

For fashionable secondhand children's clothing try Weepeat Boutique.  They carry fashionable clothing from retailers such as: Gap, Gymboree, Anavini, Ralph Lauren, Baby Lulu, Abercrombie, Justice, Lilly Pultzer, and many more.
http://weepeatboutique.com/

On the other side there is a deep discount store called the Bargain Hunt.  I can tell you they had a large selection of items that are returns from manufacturers as well as close outs, overstocks, refurbished, dents and miss matched items.  Reminded me of BigLots, but these were deeper discounts.  Most of the boxes were damaged and one better check the contender as some were missing parts and pieces.  A fisher price toy I had just bought the grandson was there  I paid 29.00 at Target and it was 14.00 here (but the box was tattered.)
https://www.facebook.com/BargainHuntStores


www.bargainhunt.com

A rush to the airport to return my rental car and a wonderful flight on Delta Airlines.  All in a weeks work I say.  Enjoy your week.

Jonelle'

Bucket List: New York -- CHECK!

Finally I can wipe New York off my bucket list. Coming into the city my eyes were wide open hoping to spot some of the most talked about buildings in the world. The Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, the lights from Times Square and the best known Statue of Liberty. We grabbed the city bus into downtown from the airport where it dropped me at Grand Central Station. Having been restored back to it's 1913 splendor, Grand Central has become a midtown desirable destination. If I hadn’t been so tired I would have taken The Grand Central Self-Guided Tour http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/info/walkingtour.cfm

Breakfast at the Double Tree wins over adventure as having come in late last night I have developed an appetite. I'm pleasantly surprised to see an excellent buffet breakfast complete with my favorites. I love how as I step outside a doorman is ready to hail me a cab. A mix of business appointments and pleasure today I must be poised to greet the day.

A Special Paradise on Hilton Head Island

I visited South Carolina this past week for work and had a nice visit with my friend Sheila Armstrong, of The US Cultural Heritage Tourism Marketing Council.

Sheila and her husband Bob (a previous Ford Executive) where at the airport to greet me. We went to their lovely home where we enjoyed wonderful grilled salmon, green salad with pears, pecans, feta cheese and a Sheila's homemade dressing.

My room for the weekend!

After a wonderful tour of their "Southern Home" I am in love with her use of shells, and very natural colors using calming whites and taupe's that make you feel so at peace.  Their home color scheme will definitely be going into my "Inspiration Book" for later use!

Hilton Head Island is a beautiful place. it's so green and there commerce is located throughout the 15 mile Island in small malls. We visited consignment furniture stores (at my request), antique stores, lovely home decor, jewelry and even a bead store. I bought some beach clothes for my grandsons, some specialty cooking items and on the car ride back Sheila told me the history of the Island and some of the most historically significant Southern places on it. I couldn't have had a better guide had I paid for a 45 minute boat ride complete with paid guide. ;)

Saturday night we joined Bob for a "Locals dinner" where the place was so crowded we could hardly talk and the people so colorful to watch.  I'm sure it's one of the joys of living near, or in my case visiting, the ocean is being able to easily, and daily, enjoy its assets…the beach (or walk that morning,) the water (the lagoons all around their neighborhood) the seafood (the wonderful dinner I was experiencing) and the tranquility of the gently rolling surf (I could hear in the back ground during my stay).

  

We had a wonderful and fresh meal at the Master of the Sea Grass Grille

Sea Grass Grille Carolina Tomato Pie

Tomato Pie  - Sea Grass Grille's version of this summer-time treat.

2 medium tomatoes, slices

½ oz. fresh chopped basil

4 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese

4 oz. shredded Asiago cheese

4 oz. shredded Gruyere cheese

2 oz. mayonnaise

1 prebaked pie shell (lightly browned)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While pie shell is baking,

toss all ingredients except tomatoes in a medium bowl. Mixture should have a thick, paste

consistency. Beginning with the sliced tomatoes on the bottom, alternate layers of tomatoes and cheese mixture, ending with cheese mixture on top.

Bake in oven and bake until top layer bubbles and browns (approximately 25-30 minutes). Let rest before serving (about 15 minutes). Makes 8 appetizer slices or 5 entrée portions.

My favorite part about walking on Hilton Head Island’s beaches is the scenery.  I love all the colors provided by the natural setting and the pristine quality of the beaches.  Walking along you can smell the fresh sea foam and look out to the clean surf as it washes onto the light-brown colored sand.

I am thankful to have such wonderful friends who will host my short visits and share with me what they love about their area.  Thank you Sheila and Bob for your outstanding hospitality.