American Airlines Archives - InspiringKitchen.com

A Seafood Lovers Vacation to the Florida Gulf Coast

Posted by | Restaurants, Tourism, Travel | 10 Comments

Exploring the Ringling, shopping on St. Armand’s Circle and dining at seafood restaurants across Tampa, Sarasota and Long Boat Key while on vacation on the Florida Gulf Coast.

Sandy white beaches, sunshine, seafood and a slower pace were the goals of my recent trip to Florida’s Gulf Coast. My ultimate destination was Long Boat Key, exploring Sarasota’s dining and art space along the way.

Flying in to Florida’s Gulf Coast

While choosing the airport you fly into is usually based on other factors than the food scene within the terminal, this was actually a decision maker for me. Having learned that the Tampa International Airport did a massive $154 million renovation with a focus on their design, culinary and concessions, I wanted to see what this meant from a traveler’s standpoint.… Read more

7 Chicago Luxury Hotel Suites That Exceed Expectations

Posted by | Hotel, Luxury, Travel | No Comments

When traveling to a city with world-class museums, architecture that makes for the most memorable of skylines, a magnificent mile of shops, a vibrant theater district, shimmering waters of Lake Michigan and a top rated culinary scene, high expectations for luxury hotel accommodations are not a surprise. Here are seven of Chicago’s most luxurious suites, in no particular order.

7) Ritz Carlton: The Presidential Suite 

Located on the famed Magnificent Mile above Water Tower Place, the Ritz Carlton Hotel stands surrounded by the energy of the boulevard. Once inside, the serenity and grandeur of the hotel’s design welcomes you.

7 chicago luxury hotel suites that exceed expectations ritz carlton

The Presidential Suite is an expansive 2,900 square feet of luxury.… Read more

A New Way To Remember Your Vacation

Posted by | Favorite Finds, Tourism, Travel, Vacation, Wedding | 22 Comments

The moment I begin planning a vacation is when the anticipation of escaping reality begins. And if I am honest, when the countdown begins! So, when I finally get to my vacation spot, I am  just brimming with happiness. There is no way I will think of my return home until the very last second of the vacation. All those days of carefree lounging on the beautiful sandy beaches of wherever I am with the waves crashing peacefully in the distance will not go wasted by a reminder of the traffic, work and chaos of everyday life.

Inspiring Kitchen Jewelry Sand VacationAnd yet, within the deep recesses of my mind, I know that day is going to come.… Read more

New Modern Hotel Lands in Chicago

Posted by | Art, Design, Hotel, Tourism, Travel | 15 Comments

There is a new hotel in town. And it is different from the rest. This property is a partnership between Marriott and the Marcus Corporation. It’s called the AC Hotel. The brand is not new to the marketplace. It is actually a brand out of Spain with a strong presence in Europe with approximately 75 hotels. In the United States, this is location number 4 with many more to come in the next couple of years. 

The AC Hotel is designed to be a modern, approachable lifestyle brand with an appeal to the creativity and passions of travelers with a millennial mindset.… Read more

Luxury Dining at Casa Velas Hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Posted by | Luxury, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, Restaurants, Travel | 34 Comments

When you think of an international culinary experience, do you think of Mexico? How about Puerto Vallarta? If you answered “no”, then you are missing out on a wonderful experience. I recently had the pleasure of dining at the lovely Emiliano’s Restaurant located in the Marina area of Puerto Vallarta. This Four Diamond restaurant is nestled in the luxury all-inclusive Casa Velas boutique hotel.

 Inspiring Kitchen Casa Velas Mexico entrance dining

 Entering the grounds of Casa Velas sets the mood for what the evening will be like. The meticulous landscaping, gracious staff, peaceful ambience and attentive service begin when you first enter the property and continue through out the night.… Read more

Escape to Sunny Puerto Vallarta

Posted by | Luxury, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, Tourism, Travel | 28 Comments

The best part of winter in Chicago is escaping to a place where the sun shines bright, warms you all the way through, the water shimmers while the waves crash on the beach and you are welcomed by the locals who want to share their home with you. For me, that is found within the beauty of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. 

Inspiring Kitchen Escape to Glorious Puerto Vallarta

As someone who has been fortunate to travel for both work and pleasure, finding a warm weather vacation spot is always a bonus. And Puerto Vallarta, or P.V. to those frequent visitors, is a small piece of heaven.

Traveling from Chicago to PV is relatively easy if you are able to grab the one or two airlines that offer direct flights.… Read more