Natural Curves
The rugged beauty of steep cliffs, ombre skies, roaming animals, pretty parks, and citronella smoke.
Today's post highlights what we’ve been doing lately:
touching down in the gorgeous Azores islands
eating the nun’s stash of sweet buns in Palermo, Sicily
rising early to catch the moose in Grand Teton, Wyoming
getting wowed in Orlando’s Winter Park
impressing our summer host with a serious gift or two
Into the Azores
Yes, the Azores are home to the towering volcanoes of Hawaii, but also the mountains of Switzerland, the blue craters of Australia, the rushing waves of Costa Rica. In short, an amalgamation of nature’s most pristine feats. Despite dating back to 1427, the Azores feel newly discovered. There’s something untouched about these islands that, although populated with hotels and resorts amid local towns, don’t feel touristy. This is amazing and wonderful, and we should all do what we can to ensure it lasts. Because if you’re reading this, you may soon be traveling to the Azores. Here’s how to do it right.
A Dessert Guy's Guide to Palermo Sweets and Sites
The James Beard Award-nominated cookbook author Renato Poliafito usually plans his visits to Italy around food (this IS Italy, after all), and Palermo is no exception. His first and foremost recommendation is to try the street food in Palermo, of course (those recipes are the inspiration for his latest book). There is so much on offer, from panelle to sfincione to spleen. Some bites are for the adventurous, and all are tasty and delicious. Don't skip out on these places.
Little Tips, Big Nature: Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and a Cool Motel
Rise early — 6 a.m. should do the trick — to beat the lines for the Jenny Lake Ferry. Locals told us our best chance of seeing moose was to take the trail up to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, then onward into Cascade Canyon Trail. Sure enough, we saw four of them, feeding on Aspen leaves in the marshland along the river. The valley views as you head in are stunning.
A Surprising Art Escape (and More) Near Orlando
Even people who love Orlando’s theme parks may want (or need) a change of scene. Winter Park is known for its gentler pace and historic charm, but what wowed me were the cultural treasures less than 45 minutes from the parks. Posh and arty, this city of 30,000 people packs a lot into ten square miles, including a vintage downtown with leafy, brick-paved streets. Locals and visitors shop at indie stores, sip coffee and eat at restaurants both down-home and trendy, and stroll in pretty parks. More unusually for a place this size, they can soak up art spanning styles from Tiffany glass creations to dazzling contemporary works. Students at private liberal-arts Rollins College, founded in 1885, add a youthful buzz.
Life of Leisure: 10 Gifts for Your Summer Host, House, Picnic, Patio, and Person
We’re gonna get right to it: It’s HOT. We can barely think of anything else. Beat the heat or bask in it with pristine summer picks that will enhance the time you spend outside. On this list you’ll find: how to impress the grill master; a chic way to smoke out the no-see-ums; a patio seat that screams riviera; a tennis dress with game.