Luxe Beat Featured Articles

Wayne County is home to world-class museums, gorgeous parks, and a burgeoning food scene. It’s comprised of fifteen towns with a strong sense of community, which makes it a welcome place to live, work, and explore. They’re located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, between the cities of Rochester and Syracuse. Being in a central location makes it an ideal spot for both families and professiona...

There are places you visit that feel like they’ve stepped straight out of a fairy tale — and then there’s Bergen , which seems to have emerged out of an ancient saga, complete with salted cod, painted wooden houses and misty mountains. A perfect short break here is a heady blend of bracing weather, world-class museums, staggeringly beautiful fjords and serene natives. Nestled on Norway’s western c...

Expedition cruises extend to some of Earth’s most fragile and captivating lands with itineraries that focus on nature and culture. Traditional cruises may offer a robust choice of onboard activities and a seemingly endless number of food options, but expedition cruises have a very different motivation: They are led by scientists, marine biologists, historians and other experts. And no two cruises...

Meeting the talented team of  Bernardus Winery  during dinner at a.o.c. wine bar in Brentwood, was an enlightening experience. While sipping a glass of 2024 Griva Sauvignon Blanc, I detected a subtle citrus aroma while swirling my glass. Upon first sip, pleasing notes of subtle grapefruit and honeysuckle washed my palette. Mentioning these nuances to Bernardus winemaker, Jim McCabe, he shared with...

As we strolled from the Lucca train station and entered the walled city, we were mesmerized by the tree-lined streets, centuries-old buildings, and blooming gardens we encountered. We had read that Lucca was one of Italy’s most picturesque towns—it was true. To read the full article by Mary Charlebois and Kevin Scanlon visit luxebeatmag.com .

Though I’ve been to Italy a number of times, I’d never gone to the Abruzzo region until recently. Friends of mine were renting a place for a few months near Pescara, the largest city in Abruzzo, and invited me to visit them during my travels in Italy. For geographical purposes, Abruzzo is in central Italy , about fifty miles east of Rome. The landscape is predominantly rugged, characterized by mou...

Once in a great while, I’m only able to spend a short time in a destination due to a tight schedule. When this happens, as it did on my recent visit to Madrid, I typically opt to join an organized tour to see the major highlights. And I really appreciate it when skip-the-line access is included at the most popular (and crowded) sites. Enter The Tour Guy and its “Madrid in a Day with Prado Museum a...

The Cradle of the Renaissance is globally famous for its profusion of art galleries, hosting some of the most important names in art history. Indeed, a quick search for “ art galleries in Florence Italy ” will return not only one or two results but entire tours that can take days to complete. To read the full article visit luxebeatmag.com .

Summer isn’t just a season—it’s a mindset. Whether you’re lounging poolside, hosting a backyard get together, attending a summer outdoor concert or spending the day at the beach, the following products are a must to have to enjoy sun-warm days. From botanical spritzers and non-alcoholic coolers to small-batch iced teas and next-gen lemonades, these are the beverages worth stocking in your fridge a...

Eating Europe has brought the best of European Cuisine for over 14 years. The first tour was in Rome . It has grown to 9 countries, 18 cities, and 50 individual tours. Touted by all the big-name leaders in the tour industry, such as Rick Steves, Eating Europe is a must-do when visiting Florence or any of their tour cities. To read the full article by Mary Charlebois and Kevin Scanlon visit luxebea...

Nestled in the high desert of Sasabe , Arizona, Rancho de la Osa is a storied guest ranch where the thrill of being just steps from the Mexican border meets wide open skies and rugged beauty. Explore striking geologic formations and sleep inside thick adobe walls that whisper tales from the 1700s—the ranch is home to the oldest building in Arizona still in use. With a memorable legacy that include...

Nestled in the heart of Canada’s capital city, Ottawa , the historic ByWard Market district has been a vibrant hub for commerce and culture since its establishment in 1826. Originally known as "Bytown," the city was renamed Ottawa in 1855. Lieutenant Colonel By established his base here for surveying and constructing the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans 125 miles and connects...

San Diego’s buzzing food scene has a few new names added to the arsenal. Whether you’re craving chicken and biscuits or want to enjoy pasta and cocktails, here are some recent openings and places you might want to check out. To read the full article by Carmen Varner visit luxebeatmag.com .

California has an abundance of exceptional wines, and discovering new favorites is an exciting mission. Sommeliers and wine enthusiasts worldwide are inspired by wines that showcase distinct characteristics in a subtle and refined manner. This piece focuses on my selection of the highest-quality organic wines from six wineries in Northern California—they are a must-try for any wine lover. To read...

A seaplane flight is the quintessential Pacific Northwest experience and with Kenmore Air, you’ll get the opportunity to see Seattle from a unique perspective.  Kenmore Air has been around since 1946 and has an impeccable reputation in the industry. It’s the largest seaplane operation in the U.S. and offers a number of scenic flight tours in the region, as well as operates as a mode of transportat...

It’s almost unheard of to be on a popular trail in a national park and only see a handful of people in the span of several hours. Most of the time, you have to share nature’s riches with the masses and it’s often hard to find a quiet spot to contemplate your surroundings. At Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park , however, you’ll have plenty of space. In fact, you might wonder where all the people...

North Carolina has one of the most diverse landscapes in the country, as within its borders are the highest mountains east of the Mississippi along with a low-lying coastal area. And then there’s all the land in between. It’s range of scenery makes it a magnet for visitors. On my recent trip to the state, I first spent time in the  Outer Banks to experience the coastal region, then headed west to...

Minneapolis is all about arts and culture (and yes, sports too!). The city takes pride in its world-class museums, galleries, performance venues and more. It pulses with vibrant creative energy and is a magnet for visitors eager to explore its offerings. Outdoor art, in particular, has made a name for itself in Minneapolis . You’ll find hidden street gems and murals throughout the town, adding col...

I always research the destinations I plan to visit to get ideas about attractions, restaurants, accommodations, outdoor activities, and more. I also look for any guided tours, as I enjoy the opportunity to learn about a place from a local, who can add valuable insight. Often check if there are companies that offer walking food tours to get a bead on the culinary scene. Many times, these types of e...

Having been a docent at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum , I was fortunate to visit both the legendary artist’s residences in Abiquiu, New Mexico, a place that’s known for its towering rock walls, vivid red and yellow hills, jagged white cliffs and vast blue skies. O’Keeffe was inspired by this rugged  landscape and many of its elements became subjects in her work. The artist made New Mexico her perman...

Most travelers to Washington typically focus their visit on a few notable destinations like Seattle, Mt. Rainier National Park, the Olympic Peninsula and Mt. Saint Helens. With more time to explore, some might mosey east and check out the mecca of wineries or perhaps go further north to cross the U.S.-Canada border en route to Vancouver . If the latter is your plan, the city of Bellingham is on th...

I’m capricious when it comes to choosing city versus country life, as I like aspects of each. The urban vibe stimulates me, while the peace and serenity I get from a small town or rural locale does wonders for my soul. Fortunately, I don’t have to choose, as traveling offers opportunities to reap the rewards of both.  On a recent trip to Seattle, I hungrily devoured the many cultural attractions a...

I’m enamored with lighthouses – their colorful histories, scenic locales, maritime significance and the aura of mystery they exude as they stand isolated, alone against a landscape of turbulent seas. They represent resilience, strength and steadfastness with their stone and brick exteriors, made to endure tough conditions. These beacons of light are also eternal symbols of vigilance, operating day...

The first thing you’ll notice about Tacoma’s Museum of Glass is the ginormous cone. It rises ninety feet in the air like a futuristic smokestack and its tilted, stainless steel shingles glisten. Designed by internationally known architect Arthur Erickson , who was inspired by the sawdust burners that once dotted this region of Washington State, the cone contains a glass blowing studio where visito...

Austin, the capital of Texas, offers small-city vibes while providing access to lots of outdoor activities, music venues, and a happening food scene. Each year, the city hosts the Austin City Limits Music Festival , a 3-day event featuring live performances from famous artists. Past musical talents include Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bonnie, Raitt, and more. Whether you’re in town for a fes...