Located near the border of Germany, the charming town of Strasbourg, France invites with its architecture, canals, and streetside cafés. According to TripAdvisor, the number one attraction is the cathedral. Victor Hugo referred to this 12th-century Gothic structure as a “light and delicate marvel.” It is breathtakingly beautiful and the views of the Rhine River from the top of Strasbourg Cathedral will linger in your heart forever. 
Find your favorite scenes casually jaunting through Strasbourg, canal to café on a private barge (captain included), or café to café, indulging in the region’s epicurean delights. 
Quickly becoming the ultimate way to explore, traveling the canals in your private hotel on the water, a luxury barge, is a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you are seeking wine, culinary delights, hot air-ballooning, or sight-seeing, your 6-star accommodations can transport you to where you need to go. 
Strasbourg is in the region of Alsace, and home to a lovely Crémant, a bubbly produced outside of the Champagne region of France. A private tour of the vineyards is highly recommended. The area is one of France’s exceptional wine regions, producing mostly white wines such as Riesling. Follow the Route des Vins, or Wine Route, through picturesque villages like Eguisheim and Ribeauvillé for a memorable journey.
I had the opportunity to explore the canals of Strasbourg on a privately-owned barge. Upon arriving in Strasbourg, I spent the first night at Régent Petite France, a five-star boutique hotel nestled between the banks of River III and cobblestone magic in the La Petite Historic District. We filled our senses with local food and wine, wandering through cobblestone streets and unsuspecting alleyways to dine and sip at quaint bistro tables, all while feeling transported to a simpler time. 
Afternoons across the canal locks come to life at the French café courtyards serving a selection of French cheeses, foie gras, and French wine. Regional dishes derive from German culture. In Alsace, the most famous dish, choucroute garnie, is a version of German sauerkraut—a fermented cabbage cooked in white wine, beer, or cider and seasoned with juniper berries and black peppercorns and garnished with boiled potatoes and a variety of meats. This is a traditional Sunday meal.
True to Strasbourg’s ambiance, pastries are a popular delight of the area. You will find many patisseries with beautiful éclairs, tarts, macaroons, as well as the traditional kougelhopf, a brioche-type cake, often made with dried fruits and nuts, and baked in a special round, fluted pan.  
Bretzel, a large, freshly baked soft pretzel, salted or unsalted, with options such as melted cheese or accompanying smoked salmon, or even dusted with sugar for something sweet. If you are visiting in the spring, I hear the local white asparagus are something to write about. And Foie Gras d’Alsace is a local delicacy that is often found on menus.
One of my personal favorite dining experiences was in the formal dining room of Buerehiesel, a 19th-century glass atrium. It feels as though you are dining in your own private garden with the comforts of the indoors and fine cuisine. 
Strasbourg is the perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy the moments of life. The influence of German traits remains, and the flowers of Parisian springtime bloom among the storied bridges and historical clock tower. 

Cashiers, North Carolina is one of the Southeast's premier resort destinations. Widely known for its amazing atmosphere, unique culture, upscale shopping and world-class dining, the historic village of Cashiers has been a haven for vacationing families for well over a century. Drawn to the natural beauty of the area and mild temperatures that accompany elevations of over 3,500 feet above sea level, countless visitors have selected Cashiers as their vacation spot of choice and keep returning, year after year.

For those who live here year-round, breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains continue to astound, the scents of wildflowers and mountain laurel blended together on a cool mountain breeze continue to inspire, and the activities of a stroll through an ancient forest or the time-honored tradition of a day of fly fishing continue to delight. Since its inception, the Cashiers community has been based largely upon a foundation of Southern Hospitality in celebration of nature's splendor. You are welcome to enjoy an outdoor concert on the Village Green, explore the gift shops that line the streets of Cashiers' downtown area, or just sit back, relax and breathe in the unforgettable sights and sounds that surround you.

One more thing ... if you want to blend in with the locals, make sure you pronounce Cashiers correctly! Although it looks like the word for a person who rings up your purchase at a store, it is actually pronounced KASH-erz.

 

 

 

Highlands, North Carolina has served as a showcase for the change of seasons for many families in the Southeastern United States for well over a century. A caravan of cars drives through the historic Main Street district during the summer months to enjoy the mild temperatures of the high elevations, and during the fall months to gaze in awe at the show of colors as the leaves change on the hardwood trees that line the mountain range. Downtown Highlands is a collection of quaint inns, upscale shops and renowned eateries that serve as a draw for vacationers from nearby South Carolina and Georgia.

The collection of country clubs in the Highlands is as widely varied as the collection of lush foliage. Thoughtfully designed golf courses abound, coexisting beautifully with the natural splendor that is synonymous with the area. Many of the luxury cottages and mountain estates in the area complement the natural setting on which they are constructed, featuring heavy timber and stone accents and offering awe-inspiring views of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Year round residents of Highlands live at an easier pace – they know when to pause and take a gander at a beautiful sunset or to stop and smell the wildflowers. We invite you to slow down long enough to experience the Highlands way of life.

 

It’s no secret that the world currently has an overabundance of celebrity chefs. They put their name on everything from spatulas to dog food. In this day of blogs and YouTube, anyone can aspire to achieve celebrity status and acquire their own show (and a cult following) on the television channel that’s wholly dedicated to food. You could even say that the celebrity chef movement spawned an onslaught of celebrity psychologists, celebrity doctors, and celebrity dog trainers.

But long before reality TVbefore cooking was even a form of entertainmentAmerica was not a place that came to mind when people thought of sophisticated gastronomy. It took pioneers such as Julia Child to bring America to the forefront of gourmet cooking. Although many consider Child to be the first celebrity chef, it was a man named James Beard who hosted the first-ever televised cooking show. 
Many know his name, but few know much about him. Born in 1903, Beard emerged from a culture of microwaved TV dinners, Jell-O molds, and Spam. He was raised in the Pacific Northwest by his self-sufficient English mother, who taught him to cook the seafood and wild berries that they gathered themselves from the Oregon beach.

A fierce student of the theater, he lived abroad for several years to pursue his dream of acting at his mother’s encouragement. After eight years of failing to break into theater or movies, Beard was forced to learn to make money some other way. He started a catering business that later blossomed into a food shop called Hors d’Oeuvre, Inc. He then began what was to be a prolific career writing cookbooks (he would publish over twenty-five of them before his death in 1985). Upon his return from the war in 1945, Beard jumped right back into the culinary world, appearing on NBC in America’s first cooking show. 

“This is Sarasota Unbleached Flour. Let me tell you what unbleached means. It means untouched, unartificial, unfooled with, untampered with, unmessed with, unfiddled with, uncorrected, unperfected,” a stout James Beard matter-of-factly touts to the camera. 
This commercial for Sarasota Flour encapsulates just what made James Beard such an icon. He was one of the first to shake America from its lazy slumber of canned food and baking mixes. Some have described this period as “the death of food.” Companies had discovered the gold mine that was the American housewife and the result was a movement of factory farming, fast food, and processed food that America has yet to fully recover from. Beard railed against the idea that easy is always better. He suggested buying produce when it’s in seasona common sense idea that was revolutionary in a time when “organic” was just thought of as a type of chemical compound. 

As his ideas gained popularity, Beard established the James Beard Cooking School, with locations in New York City and Seaside, Oregon. He spent the remainder of his life writing cookbooks, traveling, and tirelessly teaching others his concepts of good food, ethically prepared with fresh ingredients. He was eventually recognized by the New York Times as the “Dean of American cookery” for his efforts in coalescing American cooking traditions into a national cuisine.

Upon his death, Julia Child urged Peter Kump, a former student of the James Beard Cooking School, to purchase Beard’s Greenwich Village brownstone and continue Beard’s legacy. Although its purpose has expanded over time, the James Beard Foundation’s core principles have remained the same as was originally stated by a press release on the day it opened in 1986: “to provide a center for the culinary arts and to continue to foster the interest James Beard inspired in all aspects of food, its preparation presentation, and of course, enjoyment.”

The foundation now hosts over 250 events annually, featuring bourgeoning chefs from all over the world. It also launched the James Beard Awards, considered to be the food industry’s highest honor and called by Time magazine “the Oscars of the food world.” For more information about James Beard or to see the James Beard Foundation’s calendar of events, visit the foundation’s website at jamesbeard.org. 

This welcoming three-story log cabin is easily accessed from its paved circular driveway with a porte-cochere. Views of Lake Glenville and the mountains beyond can be seen from every bedroom on each floor of the house. An impressive wood-burning stone fireplace spans the two-story height of the living room. The kitchen is outfitted with unique tiled countertops and stainless steel appliances. A screened-in patio offers a lovely spot for dining al fresco. Multiple levels of covered and uncovered decks extend the living space and provide cozy areas to sit in a rocking chair observe the beautiful lake views. Play pool or ping pong downstairs in the large family room with a game room and wet bar. Additional features include a tankless water heater and a large room for storage.

This mountain getaway is just a short stroll or golf cart ride away from Ralph J. Andrews Park, where families can swim, fish, canoe, or picnic by the lake.

 

Sitting at a cool elevation in the premier gated community of Cedar Hill, this inviting, expansive home has fabulous views of Sapphire Valley and Bald Rock. Lots of natural light fills the spacious great room, which includes vaulted ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, impressive windows, built-ins, and rich wood floors. The living room opens to the covered deck as well the dining room. The large kitchen is designed for creating culinary delights, and a breakfast bar gives guests a place to sit while chatting with the chef without interrupting the flow of cooking.

A master suite and guest bedroom are on the main level. Don't be afraid to invite the whole family over, because on the lower level are the family room, a second kitchen, and three additional bedroom suites, as well as a large deck. The upper level features another large bedroom with its own cozy sitting area.

Spectacular mountain and rock face views and a central location minutes to Cashiers and Sapphire make this a perfect seasonal retreat or year round home. It has been well-maintained and is move-in ready with great space for entertaining large or small groups. Your guests will be welcomed by the porte cochere and will also benefit from additional parking along West Rochester Drive. 

 

Meet Elite Airways, the airline bringing weekend flight service between East Coast Central Florida and Western North Carolina. The airline originated to enhance the flying experience. With a goal to make your time flying more personal and hassle free, Elite Airways is bringing Western North Carolina and Florida travelers good news. With a new nonstop flight between Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB) in Florida to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in North Carolina, residents and visitors now have the ability to travel between the two destinations Thursdays and Sundays. 
Elite airways prides itself on customer service. As a pet-friendly airline, they never charge change fees, and the first bag always flies free. Their goal is to provide a quality and memorable travel experience. 

The airline headquartered in Portland, Maine also offers service between the following cities:

Asheville, NC and Vero Beach, FL

Bimini, Bahamas and Melbourne, FL

Bimini, Bahamas and Newark, NJ

Halifax, Canada and Portland, ME

Melbourne, FL and Bimini, Bahamas

Melbourne, FL and Newark, NJ

Melbourne, FL and Portland, ME

Melbourne, FL and Sarasota/Bradenton, FL

Newark, NJ and Bimini, Bahamas

Newark, NJ and Melbourne, FL

Portland, ME and Halifax, Canada

Portland, ME and Melbourne, FL

Portland, ME and Sarasota/Bradenton, FL

Sarasota/Bradenton, FL and Melbourne, FL

Sarasota/Bradenton, FL and Portland, ME 

Vero Beach, FL - Asheville, NC

Vero Beach, FL - Newark, NJ

Dreaming of a mountain home with an exceptional lake view and plenty of room for family and friends? If so, this spacious Glen Pointe estate fits the bill. Sitting on almost two acres, with five bedrooms and five and a half baths, this elegant residence features a dramatic view looking down Lake Glenville with the mountains beyond. Enjoy the natural beauty from the large covered decks or relax by one of several fireplaces. Multiple living areas and a great floor plan make entertaining a pleasure. This home also includes private community lake access with a dock, tennis court and generous parking.

 

Bring your suitcase and toothbrush — this custom-built mountain retreat on Lake Glenville is ready for its new owners to enjoy. Nothing was overlooked in creating this spacious showpiece, including fine woodwork, rustic architectural details and lots of glass for abundant natural light.

The current owner has invested more than two million dollars into the home and is motivated to sell. A new standing seam metal roof was just installed and the entire exterior re-stained. Offered fully furnished, the home is offered below the county’s appraised value, even without furniture.

With four bedrooms and five baths, this home is perfect for hosting a large family or multiple guests. Take in the grand mountain and lake views from the covered and open decks while relaxing by the cozy outdoor fireplace or cooking dinner on the built-in grill.

One of the most desirable and private communities on Lake Glenville, Summer Hill features paved roads, a tennis court, two outdoor pavilions and a spot to park your boat at the community dock. If you're looking for the ultimate mountain getaway, this is it!

 

Sitting directly on Lake Glenville, this attractive home represents elegant waterfront living at its finest, with beautiful lake and mountain views from almost every room. First class renovations have given it a completely new look; nothing is needed but a new owner to enjoy them. The sophisticated yet neutral color palette is inviting and easy to personalize.

An entertainer's dream, the floor plan is designed for hosting family and friends. The well-equipped open kitchen with center island makes cooking a delight. Serve drinks from the bar with wine cooler while guests relax in the comfortable living area and enjoy the incredible vistas. Step out onto the deck for some fresh mountain air or walk down to the dock and sit on the stone terrace to listen to the soft sounds of the water. The main-level master suite features a spacious bath with soaking tub, an adjacent office, and an inviting covered porch for savoring a morning coffee. Two guest rooms and a bonus room are downstairs. Most furniture and accessories are available for purchase separately.

Tucked in a tranquil cove, this 1.34-acre property borders SummerSail, the premier legacy estate of Lake Glenville.