8 Underrated Fall Weekend Getaways From New York City

 

Easton, Maryland, is a charming small town in Maryland that's gaining acclaim for its world-class ... [+]

 ERIC TAYLOR

Editor's Note: If you’re traveling, please check local government restrictions and safety measures related to COVID-19, and consider your health and comfort levels before departure.

Here’s the funny thing about weekend getaways from New York. Most city dwellers tend to flock to the same, predictable places: like the Hamptons, North Fork, and Hudson Valley. But the last thing I want to do, when escaping the city, is bump into people I know. (It’s called escaping for a reason.)

With that in mind, below are eight destinations (listed in alphabetical order), ranging from rural to urban – because cities also need our support, now more than ever – that are a convenient drive (four hours or less) from Manhattan. Even better? None of these spots are in New York State.

1. ALEXANDRIA, VA

Old Town, Alexandria, brims with locally-owned businesses.

 E. MICHIO FOR VISIT ALEXANDRIA

What to do: Gracing the Potomac River and just miles from Washington DC is the historic city of Alexandria. If you want to learn more about the area’s Black history and heritage (in the safety of your car, no less), follow the educational driving tour titled Courageous Journey. Though it’s cooler out, locals are still queuing up at the new Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats for Wisconsin-style cool and creamy desserts. Seeking something savory? Just stroll through Old Town, which brims with locally-owned restaurants and bars. (Champagne bar Brut and Japanese restaurant Nasime are my picks.) For a posh pick-me-up, book a haircut with TLC reality star Monte Durham at his recently-unveiled Salon Monte.

Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa offers discreet accommodations a short walk from Old Town's bustling ... [+]

 KIMPTON LORIEN HOTEL & SPA

Where to stay: Hidden away on Upper King Street, Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa offers a discreet stay a short walk away from the busy waterfront. The 107 guest rooms and suites are appointed in a crisp palette of white, grey, and jewel tones, and in true Kimpton style, the property treats guests to a complimentary daily wine hour and morning coffee. Pets, too, are always welcome, and if you’re too tired to venture out for dinner after a day of exploring, head down to the hotel’s popular ground-floor brasserie Brabo. Here, Chef Sebastien Rondier whips up familiar French favorites such as beef bourguignon and duck leg confit.

2. ASBURY PARK, NJ

You can have the famed boardwalk all to yourself when you visit Asbury Park, NJ, off-season.

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What to do: Most people flock to this Jersey Shore town when the weather’s warm, but I think now is the best time to visit. The throngs of tourists have thinned out, and the beaches are blissfully chill. Though there’s plenty of restaurants and bars lining the famed boardwalk, venture out further to the discover the area’s real gems. Old-school stalwarts like Vic's Italian Restaurant and Pete and Elda's Bar have turned out dependably delicious thin-crust pies for decades, while the hip, Neapolitan-driven Porta would feel right at home in Brooklyn. Thirsty? Then check out Asbury Park Distilling Co. On top of being the town’s first and only distillery since prohibition, everything, from the syrups to the spirits, are made on-site.

The Asbury is a social, lively hotel with a pool and rooftop lounge.

 THE ASBURY

Where to stay: When The Asbury opened in the former Salvation Army building in 2016, it cemented Asbury Park’s status as a year round destination – not just a summer, daytime jaunt. The minimal, all-white rooms are kitted out with everything you need for a comfortable stay, and punctuated with colorful textiles and vintage photos of Asbury’s storied past. While the hotel’s common areas all are safely reserved for hotel guests only, Baronet (outdoor theater venue) and Salvation (rooftop lounge) are open to the public for safe socializing.

3. EASTON, MD

Founded by Paul Prager, Bluepoint Hospitality owns thoughtfully-curated restaurants, bars, and shops ... [+]

 MELANIE DUNEA

What to do: The Chesapeake Bay may be synonymous with seafood and seaside towns, but Easton proves there’s far more to the region than blue crabs and being on the water. Credit for that goes squarely to Paul Prager, founder of Bluepoint Hospitality, who purchased abandoned buildings in town and brought them back to life as design-driven and service-oriented – Ben Chekroun, Le Bernardin’s longstanding manager, just joined as Bluepoint’s General Manager – restaurants, bars, and shops. And the latest two concepts continue Prager’s winning streak. Flying Cloud Books is a charming neighborhood bookstore, while The Wardroom is equal parts gourmet retailer and buzzy wine bar. Pair a signature Gnocchi, like the simple but sublime mozzarella and tomato sauce-topped Caprese, with one of 25 wines dispensed from state-of-the-art Enomatic dispensers with the swipe of a card.

Located in the neighboring town of St. Michaels, Inn at Perry Cabin is the perfect place to unwind ... [+]

 INN AT PERRY CABIN

Where to stay: After all that eating, you’ll need a place to decompress. So book a room at Inn at Perry Cabin in the neighboring town of St. Michaels. The historic property, dating back to 1816, feels more like someone’s laid back residence than a cookie cutter hotel. Though there’s a spotless gym and spa on deck, take advantage of the crisp, briny air with a tennis lesson, or finesse your short game at Links at Perry Cabin. Or even better, go on your own adventure by renting one of the hotel’s bicycles, paddle boards or kayaks.

4. MANCHESTER, VT

When visiting Manchester, be sure to Hike Equinox Mountain and dine at Social House.

 RYAN MILLIER

What to do: This time of year, leaf-peeping and spending time outdoors is a given. Equinox Mountain – which sports the highest peak in the Taconic Range – and Equinox Pond are local favorite spots, with trails suited for hikers of all levels. And when it’s time to refuel, make a reservation at Social House. Co-owned by husband-wife team Debbie and Luis Pazos, the restaurant turns out artful, globe-trotting dishes featuring local ingredients (like Spanish octopus and crispy chorizo from area Italian market Fortuna’s) by Chef Kyle Garell in a warm, convivial setting. Fly fishing fans will flip for the Orvis flagship store and American Museum of Fly Fishing, while those craving retail therapy should beeline to the outlets, where most clothing and footwear are exempt from sales tax.

While Kimpton Taconic Hotel's rooms are cozy, the best times to be had here are in the common spaces ... [+]

 KIMPTON TACONIC HOTEL

Where to stay: It’s all about rustic, New England vibes at Kimpton Taconic Hotel, which opened in late 2015. While the accommodations are inviting with their rugged, earth tones and plush signature Kimpton beds, the best times to be had here are outside the rooms. The wrapround porch and lawn is where you’ll want to relax with a cocktail in hand for scenic stargazing, and Copper Grouse, the hotel’s all-day eatery, has a spacious patio (equipped with heaters for your comfort) and toasty firepit, so you can enjoy both the regionally-inspired cuisine and brisk, mountain air long after the sun has set.

5. PHILADELPHIA, PA

There's plenty of ways to safely enjoy the best of Philadelphia this fall.

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What to do: Now through November 15: Eastern State Penitentiary is offering spooky Night Tours, where you can explore the dramatically lit grounds with audio narrated by Boardwalk Empire’s Steve Buscemi. Since the presidential election is right around the corner, brush up on your knowledge of women’s voting history with two new exhibitions: When Women Lost the Vote at the Museum of the American Revolution, and How Women Won the Vote at the National Constitution Center. When you’re ready to chow down, head to Reading Terminal Market. One of the nation’s longest-running public markets, it offers a thrillingly diverse mix of cuisines and local staples, like DiNic's roast park sandwich, Dutch Eating Place’s apple dumplings, and Down Home Diner’s scrapple.

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center earned five stars for its property and spa in the ... [+]

 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL PHILADELPHIA AT COMCAST CENTER

Where to stay: The best part of staying at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center is that the knee-buckling views are, well, everywhere. And that’s because this 2021 Forbes Travel Guide five-star property occupies the top 12 floors of the city’s tallest building. Since everyone deserves some pampering right now, the spa – which also earned five stars in the upcoming Forbes Travel Guide – offers restorative treatments in a sleek, serene setting. And I can’t think of a better way to close a night than with a scotch on the rocks at the hotel’s posh lounge, JG Skyhigh.

6. POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA

The Lodge at Woodloch feels worlds away from New York City – even though it’s just a short two-hour ... [+]

 THE LODGE AT WOODLOCH

What to do/Where to stay: This entry’s different from the others, since everything you’ll want to do at the destination can be done right where you’re hunkering down. Hidden away in the woods of the Pocono Mountains, The Lodge at Woodloch feels worlds away from New York City – even though it’s just a short two-hour drive. And you come here for one reason: to recharge your body and mind in a tranquil, supportive setting.

There's no shortage of ways to relax and take in the crisp, mountain air at The Lodge at Woodloch.

 THE LODGE AT WOODLOCH

There’s an ever-rotating calendar chock full of complimentary fitness classes and other relaxing activities (like Full Moon Watercolor Painting, Orchard Tours, and Guided Labyrinth Walks), with participation limited to 50% occupancy for your safety. And the spa here is legendary, for good reason. Encompassing a whopping 40,000 square feet, the facilities feature plush lounges with fireplaces, whirlpools and saunas, and 27 treatment rooms. (Signature treatments such as Deep Forest Body Ritual and Rosemary Awakening are musts.)

The cuisine skews healthful, but is delicious as well – thanks to Executive Chef’s Josh Tomson ability to create hearty, yet nutritionally sound dishes that satisfy every eater. On weekends through October 17: the resort is hosting its popular Chef Curated Garden Dinners, a terrific chance to mingle (safely, of course) with fellow guests and indulge in a multi-course meal with curated wine pairings.

7. WASHINGTON, DC

Fall is a terrific time to visit the Nation's Capital. There's far less tourists, and the city is ... [+]

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What to do: Now, you can freely explore beloved monuments and memorials without running into maddening tourists. On top of that, several Smithsonian museums, including The National Museum of African American History and Culture, just reopened. (Free, timed-entry passes and face coverings are mandatory for visits.) To get a taste of some of the city’s best restaurants in one safe, convenient location, check out Union Market. But if you only have time for dinner: book a table at O-Ku, which earns top marks for its hip, industrial design and imaginative Japanese cusine. The skewered proteins are perfumed with gentle smoke from a Binchotan charcoal grill, and while the traditional sushi’s no slouch, O-Ku’s signature versions are knockouts. The best-selling Old Yeller, for example, stars buttery slabs of yellowtail, thin slivers of serrano pepper, and a fragrant truffle ponzu.

The venerable Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC, is discreetly tucked away along Southwest DC’s ... [+]

 MANDARIN ORIENTAL, WASHINGTON DC

Where to stay: The best part of staying at this iconic hotel is location. Rather than a touristy neighborhood, you’ll discover the Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC, discreetly tucked away along Southwest DC’s waterfront. The 400 rooms and suites are elegantly appointed in soft blues and beiges, and accented with dark mahogany furnishings. If having space is a priority, book A Room with a Suite. This special package offers a complimentary room – use it for accompanying friends or family, or even as a fitness space – with your suite. Though the Empress Lounge and all-day restaurant haven’t reopened yet, you can treat yourself to the city’s best omakase at Mini Sushi Bar, a jewel box helmed by beloved sushi chef Minoru Ogawa.

Wilmington, Delaware, brims with history and topnotch restaurants.

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8. WILMINGTON, DE

What to do: Though many associate this Delaware town with politics – Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden resides here – there’s far more to do than hopefully spot the politican out and about. Longwood Gardens, formerly the private estate of Pierre S. du Pont, is an immaculately maintained botanical garden that’s especially dreamy this time of year. Founded by Pierre’s brother Henry Francis, Winterthur is a garden and museum with an exceptionally strong collection of furniture and decorative arts. Want to dive deep into local history? Then visit Hagley, a museum and library where the Du Pont family first settled. But no matter what, stop by Capriotti’s - the original location’s in Little Italy – at some point for The Bobbie, a sub stuffed with all the makings of a traditional Thanksgiving feast.

Located within the iconic Hotel Du Pont, Le Cavalier is a gorgeous, contempory French brasserie by ... [+]

 HOTEL DU PONT

Where to stay: The Gold Ballroom of the historic Hotel Du Pont is where Joe Biden and Kamala Harris announced their joint ticket, but the adjacent restaurant, the recently unveiled Le Cavalier, is serving up plenty of buzz as well. Under the thoughtful care of chef Tyler Akin (from DC’s Komi and Philadelphia’s Zahav), the cuisine is French with a contemporary twist. From the plating – the shareable ribeye is presented on a vintage Versace dish – to the setting – the dramatic dining room was gorgeously preserved – eating here always feels celebratory and special. But no visit is complete without the heavenly coconut cake. Perfectly layered and fluffy, it’s made even more indulgent with toasted coconut flakes and rum crème anglaise.

By Katie Chang

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2020/10/06/8-underrated-fall-weekend-getaways-from-new-york-city/#3af82c021949

State of Yucatan’s Capital, Merida, Recognized at Condé Nast Traveler’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Award As One Of The “Best Small Cities In The World”

 

Ministry of Tourism is Currently Celebrating its position as Mexico’s New It Destination
 

Merida, Yucatan – Condé Nast Traveler has announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards with Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan once again being recognized as one of the “Best Small Cities in the World”. Merida was one of only two Mexican destinations to be included on the cites list, large of small. Chablé Yucatán was also recognized as one of the Best Resorts in Eastern Mexico, the only property on the list not in Quintana Roo.
 
Yucatán’s capital, Mérida, offers a unique duality of both ancient Mayan culture and modern facilities. Also known as the White City, Mérida is full of history, music, and color. The Historic Center is the second-largest in Mexico and, among its streets, visitors will find large and beautiful French-style buildings that are a testament to the luxurious lives their owners led in past centuries. A popular destination in Mexico, Mérida makes an excellent home base for visiting the rest of the state and its remote destinations, where social distancing is a way of life rather than a concerted effort.
 
Mexico’s newest It destinations because of its diversity in sustainable tourism products, its Ministry of Tourism turned two years under the current administration October 1^st, a period of great results for the state’s tourism industry. This is reflected in the more than 3.2 million visitors who arrived by land and sea in 2019. This number — a record for Yucatán, including more than 2 million overnight visitors — represented an increase of 14.5% in overall arrivals and a 26.9% jump in international visitors over the previous year. Yucatán maintained positive numbers until the first two months of 2020, prior to the Covid-19 crisis, with an increase of 9.1% in the arrival of overnight visitors compared to the same period in 2019, when it registered the arrival of 344,978 tourists.
 
Regarding air connectivity, 104,000-plus seats and six new routes that opened new markets to Yucatán have been added. Today, the international airport of capital city Mérida is doubling the capacity of its air terminal through important infrastructure improvements.
 
To date, there is more than 770 MD of private tourism investment in hotels, restaurants, marinas, tourist parks and tourist products, among others. This is possible thanks to constant work on all the issues that give certainty and confidence to investors, such as strengthening security and various regulatory improvements, as well as the introduction of tax incentives for investors in the interior of the state.
 
The Ministry of Tourism of Yucatán invested nearly 2.7 MD in the urban improvements in the tourist area of Puerto Progreso to provide visitors and cruise passengers with recreation areas, as well as the installation of a modern lighting system at the port dock. With these improvements, the arrival of more than 40 additional cruise ships from different international shipping companies was completed for 2020 and 2021. The previous year, the cruise segment saw an increase of 6.1% with the arrival of 146 cruise ships carrying 470,418 passengers.
 
One of the main goals of the Ministry of Tourism of Yucatán ongoing efforts is innovation with a sustainable vision. More than 60 new tourism products have been developed and integrated in the state’s six tourism regions, covering market segments such as nature, culture, gastronomy, beach, adventure and “urban premium,” among others. With this effort, it was possible to highlight — and bring tourism products to — places like Tekax, which saw a new tourism surge, increasing its visitor numbers by 300%. Today, the historical city — briefly the state capital, in 1845 — has new investments and more qualified personnel.
 
More than 715,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted an incredible number of responses rating their travel experiences across the globe.
 
“The results of this year’s survey, conducted at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, are a testament to the lasting power of meaningful travel experience,” said Jesse Ashlock, U.S. Editor of Condé Nast Traveler. “The winners represent the best of the best for our audience and offer plenty of trip-planning inspiration for all the adventures we can’t wait to have next.”
 
The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry. The full list of winners can be found here.
 
The 2020 Readers' Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler's website at
 www.cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler US and UK print editions.

What's New In San Diego, Fall 2020

 

Attractions & Events   "Kids Free San Diego" returns in October with special savings and fun for the entire family. During the entire month of October, nearly 90 San Diego hotels, restaurants, attractions, museums, tours and transportation companies offer families the opportunity to unwind in San Diego without having to worry about breaking the bank. "Kids Free San Diego" provides parents an opportunity to save with a variety of unique free incentives for kids, ranging from complimentary attraction and museum admission to meals, welcome amenities at area hotels and more.   The popular USS Midway Museum, set along San Diego Bay, will extend free kids' admission through Dec. 15, 2020. As part of the Midway’s 75th anniversary celebration, up to two children (ages 6-12) will receive free admission to the USS Midway Museum with one full-paid adult admission ticket. The offer is available on the museum’s website as well as at its ticket booth on Navy Pier. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park recently launched the Sun Up Cheetah Safari, an exclusive private tour that includes brunch with a view and an exciting Cheetah Run experience. Guests can start the day with this one-of-a-kind activity featuring a guided introduction to the park’s wildlife and rare opportunity to see a cheetah run at top speed, followed by brunch with one of the best views of the park. Groups of up to four household members can enjoy the Safari Park to themselves before it opens for the day, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations are required. One of the PGA Tour’s four major championships, the prestigious 2021 U.S. Open returns to the internationally recognized Torrey Pines golf course in La Jolla. The 2021 U.S. Open marks the second time Torrey Pines’ South Course will host the national championship. Torrey Pines’ South Course hosted the 2008 U.S. Open, which was the first major golf event in San Diego. The 2021 U.S. Open will be the 13th U.S. Open played in California, and it will mark the fifth site in the upcoming eight U.S. Opens that is currently open to the public. Dates of the 2021 U.S. Open are June 17-20.   New Hotels & Renovations   The Town and Country San Diego in Mission Valley recently completed a $90 million renovation incorporating its rich 50-year history with a fresh mid-century feel. Opened August 2020, the practically new property includes 675 renovated guest rooms and suites, three stylish new restaurants and a new 10,000-square-foot pool complex with a four-story, looping 150-foot waterslide, the longest hotel waterslide in San Diego County. The signature ARLO restaurant celebrates San Diego’s Cali-Baja culinary culture with fresh local ingredients and regional flavors from both sides of the border. Town and Country’s 258,000-square-feet of newly renovated meeting space includes the Golden State Hall, 40,700 square-feet; Town and Country Ballroom, 24,000 square-feet, and plenty of other meeting rooms for groups to spread out. In June 2020, the Bahia Resort Hotel on Mission Bay completed a multi-million-dollar renovation. The hotel’s 313 guest rooms received major upgrades with new design improvements complementing the Bahia’s beach-meets-Morocco theme. In addition to reimagined guest accommodations, the renovation includes upgrades to the Bahia’s dining areas, grounds and event spaces. Guests can relax in style on the Bahia’s private beach, which was refreshed with upgraded beach cabanas and an additional seating area with lounge beach chairs and umbrellas. Future event attendees can enjoy the refreshed Mission Bay Ballroom’s 20,000 square-foot space, featuring panoramic views of Mission Bay as well as new carpeting, wall coverings and large chandeliers. Formerly known as the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa, the waterfront San Diego Mission Bay Resort completed a $21 million renovation in early 2020. Located on scenic Mission Bay, the Mediterranean-style resort transformed its 357 guestrooms with enhanced technology, expanded amenities, all-new custom furniture, original artwork, and new bathrooms with tubs and custom tiled showers. The resort offers a 4,000-square-foot outdoor pool area and poolside grill, five tennis courts, spa and fitness center, onsite watersports rentals, gift shop and restaurant. Additionally, the property has more than 16,000 square feet of interior meeting and function space and 9,600 square feet of outdoor meeting space. Opened in early 2020, The Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa is a new luxury hotel and conference center with unique attractions set in Mission Valley. The Legacy Resort features 126 guestrooms, The Spa with a variety of internationally inspired spa treatments, and two restaurants including Theresa’s Restaurant serving authentic Italian steakhouse cuisine. On the 18-acre setting, guests can visit the Legacy Center, which offers unique attractions and exhibits. Highlights include a 100-foot long, 16-foot tall Western Wall that replicates and pays tribute to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem and a 28-foot diameter, interactive globe that transports guests by simple touch panel to the nations of the world where they can learn about the region, its people and culture. The resort also offers a pool with poolside dining, a 500-seat theater and flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space.   Arts and Culture Happenings   The San Diego Symphony’s permanent bayside concert venue, The Shell, will debut in 2021 along Embarcadero Marina Park South. The new venue features a highly innovative, architecturally striking and acoustically superior outdoor stage that allows the symphony to showcase a wider variety of musical presentations and enrich the patron experience with improved sightlines, expanded concession area and permanent bathrooms. The Shell is the new home of the symphony’s popular annual Summer Pops series. This year’s intended lineup, which planned to feature The Beach Boys, Jennifer Hudson, Sergio Mendes and other beloved musicians, will hopefully return for the 2021 season.   The Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park is slated to reopen in Summer 2021 after completing a major reconstruction project. The $52 million project will transform the museum along Plaza de Panama and create a newly designed community gathering space with a new plaza level and garden courtyard open to the public. The project will also feature a new education center and quiet, spacious upper level galleries devoted to exhibitions with a library open to visitors. Restored historic spaces include the museum’s upper terraces, which will be opened to the public for the first time in decades, offering views of the Plaza de Panama, El Prado and California Tower. The museum’s historic Bell Tower will also be opened and accessed by a new grand staircase. Also planned are a multipurpose theater space for performances, lectures, concerts and special events; a newly designed Shop Mingei store, and full-service cafe with coffee bar. The much-anticipated Comic-Con Museum is slated to open in late summer 2021 in Balboa Park. The new museum will be a place where audiences can connect with the magic of Comic-Con year-round. Museum-goers can expect 25,000 square-feet dedicated to rotating exhibits; a 6,000-square-foot education center; a 4K video theater and presentation space; a gift shop filled with comics, graphic novels, branded souvenirs and more; learning-focused labs, and classes and seminars. The new Comic-Con Museum will be set in the former Hall of Champions near the Pan American Plaza. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) La Jolla campus is slated to reopen in Fall 2021 after completing a major expansion project. Since its founding in 1941, MCASD has evolved into an iconic San Diego cultural institution and leading visual arts organization of national and international renown. The expansion will nearly double the building’s size from its existing 57,000 square-feet to 101,200 square-feet total, allowing for the dedicated display of MCASD’s celebrated permanent collection of more than 4,700 objects in all media alongside the presentation of temporary exhibitions. The expansion’s design calls for two levels of light-filled galleries, offering a wide range of volume and character, from soaring ceiling heights to intimate niches. Vertical windows will welcome the site’s distinct natural light and spectacular coastal views into the museum. A large, flexible multipurpose gallery on the lower level will also provide capacity for public programs, artist talks, performance art, music, and other immersive educational activities.   New Restaurants and Breweries   Opened in June 2020 in downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter, Lumi by Akira Back is an energetic rooftop concept featuring modern Japanese fare by Michelin-starred chef Akira Back. The restaurant’s unique atmosphere combines traditional Japanese architecture with modern design elements and pops of color enhanced by live DJ beats.  Lumi offers modern Japanese cuisine with Nikkei and Korean influences. Menu highlights include shared plates like rock shrimp tempura with spicy aioli and cabbage slaw as well as the “Akira Back Pizza” topped with tuna, yellowtail, serrano, red onion, beets, tomato, micro cilantro, and ponzu mayo. Lumi also offers a wide selection of nigiri/sashimi, specialty rolls and entrees like a 6 oz. seared salmon with baby bock choy, puff quinoa and gochujang miso sauce. Opened in July 2020, Huntress is the latest high-profile restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter. Under the helm of Executive Chef James Montejano, who worked at the Michelin-starred restaurant Michael Mina, Huntress is a contemporary steakhouse serving the finest meats, seafood dishes and other signature classics. The dining room is modern and chic, designed with strong architectural elements such as a bold wall composed of framed butcher knives and a spectacular marble bar. The second floor mezzanine features a Japanese whiskey bar with one of the largest selections of whiskey in the nation along with an intimate wine tasting area. Diners can expect dishes like a prime 35-day, dry-aged porterhouse and miso Chilean sea bass with dashi consommé, floating vegetables and truffle prawn wontons.   Opened in July 2020 along downtown’s scenic Embarcadero, the architecturally striking Portside Pier offers stunning San Diego Bay views and four dining options for guests. The Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar features an extensive menu of surf and turf entrees, and the popular Miquel's Cocina serves authentic Mexican cuisine. Guests can enjoy tasty pub fare and local craft beers at the casual Ketch Grill & Taps and savor an expresso and creamy gelato at Portside Coffee and Gelato. The Portside Pier features an adjacent 90 x 15-foot dock providing guests and opportunity to dock and dine.   Opened in July 2020, The Presley is a spacious outdoor restaurant and bar in historic Liberty Station. The Presley features more than 2,000 square feet of outdoor dining space, three bars, swing seating, and fire pits. The restaurant serves elevated American classics like lobster roll sliders, grilled pork prime rib and wood-fired veggie skewers. The drink menu includes a wide variety of specialty cocktails, “frosteez” (frozen and blended drinks), local craft beers and wines. No meal is complete without the restaurant’s “Roast Your Own S’mores” or house-made ice cream sandwiches for dessert.   In July 2020, San Diego-based Puesto Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar opened its newest restaurant, Puesto Cervecería, in Mission Valley. Puesto Cervecería is Puesto's third San Diego venue, joining locations in Seaport Village and La Jolla. In addition to Puesto's famous Mexico City-style tacos, mariscos and shared plates, Puesto Cervecería features new menu items like wood-fired enchiladas and a full brewery focused on Mexican lagers.   In July 2020, Pure Project Carlsbad Brewery & Tap Room opened in the North County coastal community of Carlsbad. Founded in 2015, Pure Project is a popular local craft brewery whose mission is to “build community and a reverence for beer as an agricultural product by staying true to our ethos of quality ingredients, sustainability and attention to detail.” Pure Project is a member of the 1% for the Planet Network, donating 1 percent of topline sales to environmental organizations working to protect the planet. The Pure Project Carlsbad Brewery & Tap Room offers an upscale yet relaxed setting, onsite production in barrels and casks, and a rotating tap list featuring a wide range of offerings including favorite IPAs and barrel-aged creations.   Opened in August 2020 in trendy North Park, Fortunate Son pays homage to American Chinese takeout classics. San Diego native chef Tony Guan draws on his Chinese-American heritage and chases the elusive energy of wok hei with playfully updated ingredients complemented by traditional spices and techniques. Menu highlights include beef with shishito peppers, sweet and sour pork belly, General Tso’s cauliflower and chow fun. Dishes are accompanied by chef Guan’s large pantry of house-made condiments including fermented chili paste.   Airport News San Diego International Airport (SAN) added non-stop service to Newark, New Jersey via Liberty International Airport (EWR) on JetBlue on August 6, 2020. Flights are currently offered on select days with increased occurrence during upcoming months. San Diego International Airport (SAN) is adding once daily, non-stop service to Santa Barbara, California via Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) on Alaska Airlines beginning Nov. 20, 2020. San Diego International Airport (SAN) is adding non-stop seasonal service from Jackson Hole, Wyoming via Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) on Alaska Airlines beginning Dec. 17, 2020 through Apr. 11, 2021. Flights are daily, excluding Tuesdays and Wednesdays.   San Diego International Airport (SAN) is adding non-stop service to Norfolk, Virginia via Norfolk International Airport (ORF) on Southwest Airlines beginning Jan. 5, 2021. The route will operate one flight daily, excluding Saturdays. As part of the San Diego International Airport Arts Program, passengers and guests can enjoy California artist Margaret Noble and her featured work [Sky][Muse] while visiting the airport through Dec. 2020. Born in Texas and raised in California, Noble’s experimental artworks have been exhibited nationally and internationally. Her [Sky][Muse] series of audio-visual works is designed to ignite, delight and reframe the airport experience. [Sky][Muse] is a collection of animated “scrolls” accessible through personal devices such as phones, tablets and laptops. For passengers preparing to move through portals, time zones and geographies, these short digital works can enhance their travel by elevating their sensory experiences of color, light and sound.   Happiness is calling you back to San Diego. For more information on San Diego’s offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority’s website at www.sandiego.org. For safe, healthy travel while in our destination, we encourage you to follow the guidance of our Safe Traveler Pledge.

Asia Today: Australia, New Zealand To Partially Open Borders

 

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia and New Zealand on Friday announced a partial opening of their borders to travel between the neighboring countries.

Passengers will be able to fly to the Australian cities of Sydney and Darwin without going into quarantine from Oct. 16 if they have spent at least two weeks in parts of New Zealand that are not considered to be a COVID-19 hot spot, Transport Minister Michael McCormack said.

But New Zealand will continue to insist on travelers from Australia going into hotel quarantine for two weeks on arrival.

“We want to open up Australia to the world,” McCormack said. “This is the first part of it.”

The two countries separated by the Tasman Sea have long said the return of international travel would begin with a so-called Trans-Tasman Bubble.

Australian authorities have concluded that New Zealand posed a low risk of COVID-19 transmission to Australia, McCormack said.

But travelers who have visited a New Zealand “hot spot” — defined as a region that has reported three new infections a day over three days — would not be exempt from quarantine.

The South Australia state capital Adelaide would likely become the next city to allow quarantine-free travel from New Zealand, McCormack said.

When New Zealand would allow quarantine-free travel from Australia was a question for New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, he said.

Australian states and territories have restricted movement across their borders to reduce the pandemic’s spread, particularly from Victoria state which has accounted for 802 of the nation’s 888 coronavirus deaths.

In other developments from the Asia-Pacific region:

— India’s COVID-19 fatalities are closing on 100,000 with another 1,095 deaths reported in the past 24 hours. The update by the Health Ministry on Friday raised India’s death toll to 99,773. Its reported deaths are low for a country with nearly 1.4 billion people and more than 6.3 million cases of coronavirus infection, but experts say it may not be counting many deaths. The ministry also reported 81,484 new cases of infection on Friday. Total cases jumped from 1 million in mid-July to more than 6 million in less than two and a half months. New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru are the main urban centers of the infections, accounting for one in every seven confirmed cases and one in every five deaths in the country.

— Two of the most popular Philippine tourist destinations have partially reopened, drawing only a fraction of their usual huge crowds given continuing coronavirus restrictions. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said 35 local tourists came on the first day of the reopening of Boracay, a central island famous for its powdery white sands, azure waters and stunning sunsets. Only local tourists from regions with low-level quarantine designations could go, subject to safeguards, including tests showing they are coronavirus-free. The mountain city of Baguio, regarded as a summer hideaway for its pine trees, cool breezes and picturesque upland views, has been reopened to tourists only from its northern region, she told ABS-CBN News. She said the revival of the tourism industry is being done “very slowly, cautiously,” adding mayors and governors would have to approve the reopening of tourism spots. “We really have to be careful,” she said. Like in most countries, the pandemic has devastated the tourism industry in the Philippines, which now has the most confirmed COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia at more than 314,000, with 5,504 deaths.

State of Yucatán Continues Tourism Reopening With High Standards Of Bio-Security

During September, the state of Yucatán took a giant step in its reopening of tourist activities, operations in congress and convention centers, and increased capacity in hotels and restaurants

 During September, the state of Yucatán took a giant step in its reopening of tourist activities, operations in congress and convention centers, and increased capacity in hotels and restaurants

MÉRIDA, Yucatán — The state of Yucatán entered the second phase of its tourism reactivation plan in September, successfully reopening cenotes and archeological sites, including Chichén Itzá; most tourist activities and tours; and haciendas, hotels and restaurants, along with limited operation of its congress and conventions centers — all under strict compliance with new sanitary measures and regulations. All businesses must be certified with the Certificate of Good Sanitary Practices developed by the Ministry of Tourism of the state of Yucatán and undergo an on-site review of their facilities by the Yucatán Health Secretariat (SSY). The certification program was approved by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and its “Safe Travels stamp” effort.

To date, more than 1,200 companies and tourist sites in the state of Yucatán have registered to obtain the certification, with 400 already completing the process — after which they also obtain the WTTC Safe Travel stamp. It’s recommended prospective visitors visit website Yucatan.travel/certificado-bupsy, where they can find in detail the activities and certified operators with whom they can plan their visit to Yucatán.
On Sept. 7, Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) started to open archeological sites found across the state, including iconic Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, at limited capacities. Yucatán’s meetings and conventions sector will start its reactivation, gradually and also with limited capacity, starting Oct. 12.

As part of the reactivation campaign, the Ministry of Tourism, which is headed by Michelle Fridman Hirsch, maintained active communication with heads of different local, national and international tourism entities to keep the destination top of mind as tourism beginning to reopen. A promotional campaign was launched, with destination presentations to wholesalers and retail travel agencies. In addition, a public relations campaign was maintained to continue the destination’s position within the domestic Mexican market, while a U.S. and Canadian campaign aimed at communicating the steps of the reopening process, as well as the latest news from Yucatán, is planned.

One of the most important activities the Ministry took part in this year was the first-ever digital edition of Mexico’s annual Tianguis Turístico travel trade confab. During the event, the state of Yucatán gave two keynote conferences, presented a new brand and website, and presented both its tourism offerings in its different geographic regions and its reactivation campaigns. The Yucatecan delegation, made up of 90 representatives, made 3,027 business appointments and an estimated 150 additional appointments after the Tianguis Turístico Digital. Three Yucatecan companies were winners of the "Recognition for the Diversification of the Mexican Tourism Product 2020" award granted by Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism of Yucatán has also remained in permanent contact with airlines, supporting their promotional strategies in order to contribute to the recovery of destinations and flight frequencies. To the date, 108 of the 213 flights that operated last February, prior to the Covid-19 crisis, have been recovered, representing just over 50% of frequencies on domestic flights, and the recovery trend is expected to continue with more frequencies soon to be added in October. One of particular importance is the daily flight from Miami International Airport with American Airlines, which will once again connect the U.S. and Canada with Mérida.
 
Mérida International Airport is operating more than 100 weekly flights with different airlines that have placed their trust in the state, thanks to its work to remain a safe destination, and have decided to increase and re-incorporate routes and frequencies to Yucatán.
 
Interjet recently unveiled the new Mérida-Tuxtla Gutiérrez-Mérida route with a weekly frequency. Volaris has increased its weekly flight frequency Mexico City-Mérida from 14 to 16 flights. From Guadalajara-Mérida, Volaris will increase from three to four while maintaining its frequencies with Monterrey (two flights) and Tijuana (two flights). Aeroméxico raised the number of weekly flights from 33 to 40 from Mexico City to Mérida, while VivaAerobus will increase its weekly frequencies from seven to 12 on its Mexico-Mérida route and will increase one flight on its Monterrey Mérida route, preserving its weekly flight frequencies Guadalajara-Mérida (three flights), Veracruz-Mérida (two flights) and Tuxtla-Mérida (two flights).
 

 
The State of Yucatán is a state rich in diversity of natural, cultural and heritage attractions. Impressive cenotes and 378 kms of beautiful beaches, a wide and varied fauna; archaeological sites with worldwide relevance such as Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, a cultural mosaic where the living culture of the Mayas stands out; vast and exquisite gastronomy, colonial cities, magical towns, culture and much more. It connects directly with some of the main airports within Mexico and internationally with the cities of Havana, Miami, Houston, and Toronto. For more information, please visit yucatan.travel.

Paris Bars Face Possible Closure As Virus Patients Fill ICUs

 

Naguey drinks a final beer with his cat Nela before bars and restaurants close, in Marseille, southern France, Sunday Sept. 27, 2020. As restaurants and bars in Marseille prepared Sunday to shut down for a week as part of scattered new French virus restrictions, Health Minister Olivier Veran insisted that the country plans no fresh lockdowns. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

PARIS (AP) — With COVID-19 patients now filling about one-third of the intensive care units in the Paris area, France’s health minister threatened Thursday to close bars and ban family gatherings, if the situation doesn’t improve.

Intensive care units in other regions of France are also filling up with virus patients, as more than two months of increasing infections have now spread to the country’s elderly and vulnerable populations.

But while other countries have imposed new localized lockdowns to fight rebounding cases, France’s government is taking pains to avoid that and adopting relatively modest localized measures instead.

French Health Minister Olivier Veran warned that the government could classify Paris and nearby suburbs as a “maximum alert zone” starting Monday, leading to measures such as shutting bars and banning “family parties” or other big gatherings.

He didn’t set a limit on group sizes or indicate what the alert zone designation might mean for the French Open, currently under way on Paris’ western edge and open to up to 1,000 spectators per day.

Amid now-daily protests against virus restrictions on French cafes, Veran said restaurants might be able to stay open -- if they impose tighter rules.

The maximum alert level means that “the risk of hospital saturation is very high,” Veran said, as authorities unveiled region-by-region data showing that the number of patients in intensive care in some areas is rising faster than the government predicted a month ago.

The Paris region looks especially worrying, with 30-35% of ICU beds now occupied by virus patients, and hospitals delaying some scheduled surgeries to make space for COVID cases, the health minister said. Paris is now registering nearly 200 positive cases per 100,000 people per week, and more than 100 positive cases per 100,000 elderly people.

The situation in the capital is starting to resemble that of the Mediterranean city of Marseille and the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, where all restaurants and bars were shut down after the government put them at the maximum alert level last week.

Veran said there are signs that the infection growth is slowing in Marseille, Bordeaux and Nice. But he said it is too early to lift restrictions, and that France overall is still “in the phase of an aggravation of the situation.”

France has been recording more than 10,000 new confirmed cases a day for the past two weeks, and has reported a total of 31,956 virus-related deaths, among the highest tolls in Europe.

First Stone Laid At Dutch Holocaust Memorial In Amsterdam

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A friend of World War II Jewish diarist Anne Frank laid the first stone at a new memorial under construction in Amsterdam to honor all Dutch victims of the Holocaust.

The ceremonial laying of the first stone, on which the name of a Dutch Holocaust victim was engraved, is the latest step in construction of the Dutch memorial, which will feature the names of more than 102,000 Jews, Roma and Sinti who were murdered in Nazi concentration camps during World War II or who died on their way to the camps.

“I almost can’t believe it, but it is now really happening,” Jacques Grishaver, chairman of the Netherlands Auschwitz Committee, said in a statement. “The first of the more than 102,000 stones has been laid.”

The last of the stones, each of which is engraved with a name, is expected to be placed in the memorial in March.

A Dutch court cleared the way last year for the memorial to be constructed. Amsterdam Municipality had granted permission for construction to start in 2017, but residents argued that it was too big for the location and could cause traffic problems.

Jacqueline van Maarsen, who knew Anne Frank before the diarist and her family were captured and sent to Nazi concentration camps, laid a stone engraved by laser with the name, date of birth and age of Dina Frankenhuis, who was murdered, aged 20, on June 4, 1943, at the Sobibor camp.

Designed by Polish-Jewish architect Daniel Libeskind, the memorial in the heart of Amsterdam’s historic Jewish Quarter will be made up of walls shaped to form four Hebrew letters spelling out a word that translates as “In Memory Of.”