Stowe, Vermont

Caroline Wolfe Papocchia - Occasionally in our travels we encounter lovely venues for special events and weddings, and a recent visit to the Topnotch Resort and Spa in Stowe, Vermont was no exception. Nestled in the state's renowned green mountains, Topnotch offers an all-in-one travel experience that is as refined as it is rustic, equally ideal for a conference or a destination wedding.

(Topnotch Resort & Spa by Topnotch on Flickr)Most people hear Stowe and think of skiing, skiing, and more skiing, but we were there in June and found plenty of entertainments without the stress and hassle of tourists around every corner - not the least of which were the massive indoor and outdoor pools and the elegantly appointed spa.

For more active guests, Topnotch and Stowe offer a seemingly endless array of rigorous, outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, tennis, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.

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Head South of the Border for Design Delights

Sarah Van Arsdale - When thinking of last-minute summer travel, Mexico may not be the first place that comes to mind. But consider this, Señora: airfares to Mexico are lower in the summer, and it won’t be any hotter there than it is in northern North America. Whether you actually go there yourself or just want to enjoy a desktop trip, we’ve found Hacienda Las Trancas: a place that is so beautifully designed it would be a pleasure to visit any time of the year. Let’s take a look at how the designers put it all together to create a space that’s welcoming, soothing, and exciting all at once.

(photo: Hacienda Las Trancas)

After all, design this good knows no season. Let’s start our tour at the front of the building, since we know from the wisdom of feng shui that a welcoming entrance to any building or apartment is crucial in that it sets the tone for the entire experience.

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