*Summer Jo’s- is an organic farm/ garden/ and restaurant all in one. They use only the freshest ingredients, organic beef, sustainable fish, free range chicken, and artisan breads made from their very own hard red wheat, to create Pacific Northwest cuisine that has love in every bite.

*Winchester Inn- I’ve almost never had a bad breakfast in a B & B, but Winchester’s was one of the all time best. We started with a gorgeous fruit plate, feather-light warm pastries, and hot, strong coffee. Since I couldn’t choose between two entrees they graciously offered me both– a flavorful Green Eggs n’ Ham scramble and Poached Eggs on Crab Cakes, which I graciously devoured.

*Elements Tapas Bar & Lounge- featuring both traditional and creative Spanish style tapas and the region’s most extensive list of Spanish wines. Its hip décor makes this a perfect place for friends to hang and share some plates. Although after tasting their divine quail over bitter greens and goat cheese, I don’t think I’ll be sharing mine any time soon.

*Porters- Dining at the Depot- I’m not usually a fan of theme dining but Porters is based in an elegantly restored national historic 1910 train station. Take a moment to check out all the incredible details such as real 95 yr old railroad graffiti on the bricks, the gold radiators, the original passenger ticket counter that’s part of the massive Loose Caboose Bar and Emil Knutson’s mural painted from a 1912 photograph, featuring local people-many who have dined at the restaurant.

*38 Central-offers updated comfort food classics with an impressive wine list. This trendy new spot would be right at home in Soho, however the team behind 38 is sticking close to home with plans to open 3 more restaurants in their Medford nabe. Their addicting “All Grown Up Mac-n-Cheese” and Champagne- Battered Fish n’Chips sure ain’t like any comfort food I grew up on!

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*Jacksonville- a historic gold town filled with charming Victorians. Grab a walking map and don’t miss the museums which make it all come alive.

*Grants Pass-smack dab on the Rogue River so if offers every imaginable water activity plus it’s a thriving artist community.

*Bandon- looks like a typical New England Town, except it’s surrounded by cranberry bogs, harbor seals and wonderfully yummy seafood shacks.

*Medford- this urban hub took me by surprise with its’ chic new restaurants, such as Elements Tapas Bar & Lounge.

*Ashland-pretty, green, great shopping and home to the famous Shakespeare Festival.

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There really is no wrong turn to make here since any turn results in discovering another boutique winery, hidden farm or orchard, a historic small town perfect for exploring, a beach to comb or clam or crab or even fish for your supper. If you choose to take a more organized approach, the Southern Oregon tour planner is filled with information and has a calendar chock full of culinary festivals and events .

After a week of meandering through hills and valleys, I only scratched the surface so be sure and allow plenty of time for off-the-beaten track explorations.
Read on for my list of faves…

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You’ll find it difficult to choose from over 50 different classes a week. They run the gamut from cardio, (cardio core work, cardio salsa, even cardio in the pool) to weight-training classes, (strength circuit, power pilates, TRX conditioning) and stretch, (morning dessert stretch, aromatic chi ball stretch, and gentle Yoga.) My faves were the Drums Alive (what a blast!) and stretching on the ball. This is definitely the spot to get you out of your exercise doldrums and into something new.
The trainers were all enthusiastic and really knew their stuff, which made exercising a lot more fun. Thankfully, they don’t practice the “no-pain-no gain” philosophy and readily made suggestions for easier alternatives.

The Sagestone Spa:

I heard mixed reports depending on which service and therapist you had, but my experience was sheer heaven. Many treatments were based on the use of indigenous ingredients ranging from desert botanicals, muds, clays, salts, and essential oils and utilized century old treatments from around the world. Again, it’s a tough call trying to choose between an Adobe Lavender Hydrating Cocoon or an Aromasoul Journey- which comes with its own sub-sector of choices based on either Arabian, Indian, Mediterranean or Oriental rituals. For my custom Aroma Massage, I filled out a health questionnaire (while my feet were being washed in a flower-strewn foot bath) so my massage therapist could concoct my own special healing massage oil. After a blissful massage, she handed me a bottle of my private-label oil for home use.

The Adventure:

Saving the best for last—I LOVED their hiking program. Every morning different hikes are offered and available for three fitness levels, starting with a saunter with lots of stops to point out the local flora and fauna and geological wonders, to what looked like scaling sheer mountain cliffs in a single bound. The knowledgeable hiking instructors all have years of experience and seem to be personally vested in seeing that you have a wonderful time. One guide pointed out no less than 10 edible plants on our hike while another led us to some amazing petroglyphs, open to a myriad of interpretations.
One Caveat: When they point out Johnson’s Arch and recommend it as 15 minute hike to do on your own and say, “You can’t get lost”, DO NOT BELIEVE THEM;-) I admit I’m geographically challenged but I thought that even I could manage this. Fast forward to me, 2 hours later, completely lost in a canyon without my cell phone, out of water, wondering who was going to find my bleached bones, and unable to find a single landmark. Luckily, right before it got too dark I saw the outline of some homes high on a distant cliff. I clawed my way to the top ( breaking all my @#$% nails) ungracefully managed to climb over the wrought iron gate only to find myself in a brand new complex sporting “For Sale” signs with out a living soul in shouting distance. But there was a road, which I trudged down until I finally hit the main drag. It turns out that somehow I was 1 ½ miles from the spa, the complete opposite direction from where I had original started.
More planned adventures can be had by signing up for rock-climbing, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking, or day trips to Bryce or Zion National Parks.

All in all, Red Mountain Spa offers something for everyone and makes a great girlfriend, couples or solo getaway. They even offer some unique spa packages, “King of the Mountain”-perfect for adventure-seeking males, or with the rise in childhood obesity I was pleased to read about their “Bring a Teen” program which encourages parents to show their teens that healthier lifestyles can be fun. Be sure and check out their website for some very special specials!

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They then narrowed the list down based on four criteria:
1) Quality (represented by score);
2) Value (reflected by release price);
3) Availability (measured by case production or cases imported); and
4) An X-factor they call excitement. But no equation determines the final selections: These choices reflect their editors’ judgment and passion about the wines they tasted.

In all, 14 countries are represented, making 2008’s list the most diverse group in the Top 100’s history, dating back 20 years. Quality remains high, with an average score of 93 points, consistent with the past two years. With the dollar weak earlier in the year, prices increased over last, pushing 2008’s average to $52 per bottle.

The winner as Wine Of The Year?
Casa Lapostolle
Clos Apalta Colchagua Valley 2005
96 points / $75
5,987 cases made
Chile

Read more at www.top100.WineSpectator.com

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The Setting:

It simply doesn’t get any better than this. The beautifully tended grounds are filled with flowers, cacti, soothing rock waterfalls, and dotted with hammocks just waiting to be claimed for a bit of relaxation. But the real clincher comes the moment you lift your eyes to the spectacular surroundings. No one can help but feel a sense of peace and wonderment as you view the breathtaking Navajo red sandstone spires and pinnacles, pure white cliffs and black lava bed gardens capped by a vibrant blue sky.

The Rooms:

The regular guest rooms are done in soothing desert tones, although they are rather spartan for my tastes. I’d recommend upgrading to one of their luxurious 600 sq.ft. villa suites which are stylishly decorated and include a fireplace, kitchenette, oversized shower and a huge jacuzzi tub which I soaked in nightly to sooth my well-worked muscles.

The Food:
You’ll definitely be able to pleasure your palate without putting on the pounds here if you have a modicum of self- discipline. The day is kick-started with a bountiful breakfast buffet. A variety of healthy entrees are presented in oversize silver chafing dishes. The first morning I decided to sample each one and judiciously filled my plate with bite-size portions of spinach frittata, purple cabbage hash browns, baby turkey sausage patties, hot mixed grains with dried fruit, almond coconut French toast, and even offer real coffee-as well as a bunch of substitutes. As I ventured over to pour a cup of coffee -I’m thrilled to see that they offer real coffee-as well as a bunch of substitutes, I unconsciously picked up the turkey patty and started nibbling it….totally scrumptious. I went back to stock up and only then, noticed the little placecards by each dish that lists the nutritional breakdown. YIKES! Those silver-dollar sized morsels weighed in at 130 calories. This makes it easy if you want to count calories, fat or sugar grams, but I think I’d prefer the “don’t ask don’t tell” policy. Ok, I’m supposed to be learning new thought processes here so maybe just one more baby patty to be eaten slowly and mindfully when I sit down.
Lunch was another gorgeous buffet, with huge bowls of mixed lettuce and a variety of healthy toppings, a couple of flavorful soups, and entrees centered on a daily theme such as Burger day, Italian, Asian etc. A guardian angle would circle the dining room carrying a covered basket of hot homemade cookies for dessert.
Dinners are white-tablecloth seated affairs with a seasonal menu that features about 5 veggies choices and 5 entrees, (I loved the elk offering) or they offered a nightly fish, pasta and vegetarian special. Followed by a dessert menu that included cakes, ice-cream and fruit crisps. The good/bad news here is that they also offer wine for an additional charge. Each day I told myself I would not have any wine that night, but the by the end of the day my will-power would weaken and I’d succumb to a glass or two. ( One minus is the fact that they have instituted a tipping policy at dinner which a lot of the guests were grumbling about.)
The daily cooking classes taught by one of their excellent chefs, were both fun and highly informative—plus they included samples. The chefs offer some excellent tips such as baking on a silpat , roasting fish on cedar planks, and replacing your butter dish with healthy olive oil in a spritz bottle.

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The EPIC is currently accepting reservations for guests arriving in January 2009. Managed by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, EPIC represents the company’s first new-build hotel property in the state of Florida.

With stunning waterfront views, the EPIC combines the timeless style of a cosmopolitan boutique hotel with the amenities of a resort to create a sophisticated recreation oasis for guests amidst the energy and pulse of Miami.

For reservations or information, call 800-KIMPTON or visit www.epichotel.com.

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Sponsored by Louis Vuitton and co-hosted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the New Zealand government, Emirates Team New Zealand and Auckland, the LVPS offers sailing enthusiasts, fans and visitors a world class competitive event – in advance of an announced date for the next America’s Cup – and the opportunity for dedicated sailing teams to get back in the water. The winning team will receive a LV trophy specially designed for this event. ( Whadduya mean–no matching luggage?)

If you’re more a Doer than a Watcher, travelers visiting the city have plenty of opportunities to get on the water with commercial and private charters. SailNZ, based in the Auckland viaduct, has two former America’s Cup yachts, NZL40 and NZL41, that sail on the inner harbor and Hauraki Gulf - giving boating novices a chance to crew the ultimate in racing yachts.

Or if you’re more a Drinker than a Doer, Waiheke Island is a popular day trip destination that has earned international visitor acclaim for its distinctive blend of laid-back island living, fine dining and award-winning wines. About a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, “The Island of Wine’s” 30 vineyards produce some of New Zealand’s top Cabernet Sauvignons.

Check website for additional information about Auckland experiences.

*The 12 teams announced today to be competing in the LVPS are:

BMW Oracle – USA
Emirates Team New Zealand – New Zealand
Luna Rossa – Italy
K-Challenge – France
Mascalzone Latino – Italy
Team Origin – Great Britain
China Team – China
Team Shosholoza – South Africa
Italia – Italy
Team Germany – Germany
Greek Challenge – Greece
Alinghi – Switzerland

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