Snow City, AK

I just returned from a trip to the great state of Alaska for the Specialty Imports annual trade shows and fundraisers for the Anchorage Symphony. Specialty is a superior company that has been in business almost as long as Alaska has been a state, over 30 years now. I haven't got to spend as much time there as I would like yet (Specialty has our time pretty much booked up during the trade shows) but this time I did get to discover some gems that you shouldn't miss if you have a bit of time in Anchorage.

I stay at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage. I love hotels like this, independent and slightly old-school with wonderful service and a great bar, The Crow's Nest. The decor is slightly outdated, but I think it only adds to the hotel's charm. The gilded elevators and plethora of Native art give it a distinctly Alaskan flair. The guest rooms offer bathrobes and flat screen TV's, two of my essentials. Request a room on one of the higher floors for breathtaking views of the glaciers and mountains surrounding the city. They also have a great fitness center (currently being remodeled) with a pool, sauna, cardio equipment, weights and a steam room.

The view from your room!

Coffee -
Kaladi Brothers Coffee is a local institution, and you should be able to find one of their 12 locations during your travels in Anchorage.

Brunch/Lunch - 
Snow City Cafe in Anchorage is the best for breakfast and lunch. Their soups and sandwiches are delicious! Last year the Specialty trade shows were during the Mt. Redoubt eruptions and we had to take a 7 hour bus ride to Fairbanks to escape the ash cloud. Snow City came through in a pinch and made all us wine road warriors lunch to go. It was great and the sandwiches hit the spot.

Dinner - 
The Glacier Brewhouse has a great menu of flatbreads and salads and some of the best beer I've ever tasted. It's two blocks away from the Captain Cook and offers a homey brewpub atmosphere. I love the slogan, a truly local place! Thanks to my friend Thomas for taking me here.

I hope to have more on Anchorage for you when I return this summer. I can't wait!

Weather woes?

During my last trip I travelled from Los Angeles to Scottsdale, then to Portland, Anchorage and finally Fairbanks. Talk about a packing nightmare. I have to admit I did not do the best job in planning for this trip, and want to do it better next time. My biggest dilemma is always which coat to bring, is it too much to ask that the coat do it all? I'm investing in an all around rain coat that can go from spring in San Francisco to winter in Montana effortlessly.

I just ordered this, I think it should be able to look polished enough but at the same time not too fussy. At $250 it is not inexpensive, but in a classic color from a great brand, it should be wonderful.

(via Patagonia)

The other jacket I'm coveting is from Cole Haan. But at nearly $400 I wasn't quite ready to bite this one off. It looks amazing... packable, lightweight but also warm!

(via Zappos)

My dream coat is of course so out of my league right now. Burberry just exudes polish, and this updated trench would be perfect for travel.  I am in love!

(via Saks)

Can't sleep?

I haven't begun to add up the days I'm in a hotel every year, I think it would be a scary number. Lately I've been having a hard time falling asleep in hotel rooms. Besides the basic put in the earplugs and read a book adage, I'm open to trying any of the below mentioned ideas. Anyone have any feedback or tricks of the trade?

Valerian - You can buy this root extract at most Whole Foods locations or organic/naturopath stores and grocers. I sometimes drop a little into my water and drink it before I go to bed. It helps me to fall asleep and stay asleep, but maybe it is placebo? Not sure but so far I really like it. Here is the wikipedia link, some very interesting history...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerian_(herb)

Chip Clip - I've heard using this to secure your curtains will prevent that morning sun from peeking through. I don't think I'll be carrying Chip Clips in my carry on, but it's a good idea.

Sleeping Mask - These are used to block out light when sleeping and it is believed that one will reach a deeper level of sleep when wearing a mask. I don't own one, but love the romantic notions they conjure. I'm thinking Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's...classic!

However, they also remind me of something you wear when you are hitting a pinata or being kidnapped.  Here are some I think are cute...

(via Hip Undies)

(via Amazon)

White Noise - My friend's kids fall asleep every night to white noise and nothing seems to be able to wake them, not even loud music or drunk idiots. I think they might be on to something. Of course, Apple has a convenient app! The White Noise App by TMSOFT costs $1.99 and should be worth every penny.

Enough talking about what could help me sleep, I'm going to actually give it a try. From the Hotel Lucia in downtown Portland, OR....Goodnight.

Just warming up...

I've been on the road now for 2 1/2 years and sell wine in states west of the Mississippi river. I am very lucky to work for a visionary in the industry and even luckier to have an employer that supports making our own choices when we travel. Since I started this job, I've made conscious decisions to support local businesses that include independent and boutique hotels, regional airlines, locally owned restaurants and all things off the beaten path of the typical "road warrior." I'm also perpetually interested in things that make our lives easier...great clothes and beauty products for travel, interesting places to shop, and the local coffee shop that brews up the perfect cup.

I was inspired to start this blog by many people that I've met and places that I've seen over the past couple years. While I thoroughly enjoyed the movie "Up in the Air" I believe that your life can be about more than accumulating points when you travel for business (although I too am slightly obsessed with my mileage plan). Don't lose sight of what you enjoy in your everyday life and don't settle for second best because you are traveling and weary. Seeking out authentic experiences can bring a bit of tenderness to your life on the road.



Hopefully this blog will help others avoid the pitfalls I've made, and offer refuge and relief, even in the middle of nowhere, once you finally get to your destination.