Travelogue: Laos
My friend and I were driving through north Laos at the end of my trip, and I asked why there aren't any homeless people. He told me that the Lao people are heavily devoted to their families. What money is made from working at the market or fields is then used if a family member is sick or needs a better place of shelter. It struck me how compassionate that is and something I don't see enough here in the states.
The Waters, Hot Springs
Nineteenth century-old hotels have survived the eras--The Arlington being the most prominent of them all--while bed and breakfasts dot the mountains and neighborhoods beyond the downtown streets. But there’s a new kid on the block, as in just-a-couple-of-months-old-new. The Thompson Building, across from the last bathhouse on the “Bathhouse Row,” underwent a multi-million dollar renovation over the last couple of years, and has culminated in one beautiful, astonishing piece of hotel real estate. The building is now called The Waters, a full-service boutique hotel that is completely fresh and modern, contrasting completely with its surroundings.
Hotel Phillips, Kansas City
As you approach the hotel on 12th Street, notice the stone siding that eventually meets brick. At 20 stories, it was once the tallest building in the neighborhood. And today, its prominence is still as majestic. Beneath the hotel’s front canopy, a row of white, glass, globe pendants give hint to the modern elegance that awaits inside. Through the revolving doors, the floor begins to tell the story of the hotel’s artistic history. Art Deco, rose-colored, stone tiles cover the entryway and continue on into the space ahead, drawing you into the grand, spacious lobby that is open up to the second floor ceiling.
Just Enough, Just in Time (Finley Part 2)
I’ve had so many thoughts and conversations since that day on the Finley River, some 40 years ago. If you haven’t read the story yet, click here. In the moment we realized we were okay, relief followed fear and peace followed panic. In the hours and days that followed, I was thankful to be alive and unharmed. It took some time to process and draw conclusions about that experience. It’s not a story that follows, but rather groupings of thought.
Spring & Summer Menu, The Order, Springfield, Mo
Is there anything Hotel Vandivort and The Order can’t do? This Springfield Missouri chic hotspot has launched its brand new spring and summer menu, and, as is usual for Executive Chef Zach White, it’s completely defying the norm. You'll want to finish each and every dish down to the ceramic. Let’s take a look.
Seven Gables Inn, St. Louis
Nestled in the middle of the Clayton area of St. Louis, there stands an inn. Quaint and romantic, Seven Gables Inn is picturesque amidst businesses, restaurants and tall buildings, sitting proudly as a crowning jewel of the neighborhood who some call “mini St. Louis.” Built in 1926, during the revival of Tudor-style architecture, the Inn was originally a building consisting of 27 apartments, four offices and four storefronts. It is one of very few buildings left in the area that represents the development of Clayton in the 1920s. The ivory stucco and wood exterior is charmingly English, and is still beckoning curious passersby to come inside and check it out.
Gale South Beach
Through the double glass doors of this upscale hotel and immediately to the right, is an espresso bar serving classic Italian espresso drinks, gourmet snacks, and delicious pastries. To the left, separated from the espresso bar by a four-foot wood partition, is some of Dolce’s inside seating and the restaurant’s full-service bar. The Deco tile extends onto this dining floor as well, creating whimsical patterns of three-foot circles that swirl beneath white stone tables and brown leather chairs. This compilation of styling sets the stage for something only Miami, and really, only the Gale, can pull off.