During periods of pleasant weather, many of us flock to outdoor markets — to New York’s bountiful farmers market in Union Square, for example, or the irresistibly charming Christmas markets scattered around Germany, or the open-air Marigot Market on the French side of St. Martin. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, however, we still have the option of patronizing indoor markets to purchase our produce, our earrings, our leather-bound journals, our fancy corkscrews, our locally crafted pottery. Not only do they provide an opportunity to pick up the perfect gift, or souvenir, or components of a fine meal, they also offer the chance to mingle with locals, both the vendors and their customers. Read more about my top five indoor markets from around the world >
Monthly Archives: January 2016
An Emporium for All Tastes in Scottsbluff, Nebraska
The “Coffeehouse and Café” part of the restaurant’s name seems to understate its offerings. But the “Emporium” part gets it right. Serving everything from buttery steaks to Greek salads, from wild mushroom ravioli to shrimp orecchiette, and boasting the most expansive wine list in the Nebraska panhandle, the Emporium Coffeehouse and Café in Scottsbluff prepares something for everyone. And after you’ve driven more than 400 miles across the entire state in one shot with barely a break, you’ll be ready to devour the entire menu. Read more >
Christmas at Steigenberger Metropolitan Hotel in Frankfurt, Germany
I was spending the most wonderful time of the year in Germany, traveling by train to half a dozen cities in search of the best Christmas markets. Having chosen Frankfurt as my base for a week of day trips elsewhere, I needed a hotel close to the central train station to ensure that I’d arrive without a hassle early every morning to catch the impressively punctual trains to my destinations. Without much of a challenge, I found the Steigenberger Metropolitan Hotel. Although I booked my room here based solely on its location directly across the street from the station, the hotel’s other merits soon won me over, surpassing my expectations, right down to the little nightly treats on my pillow. Read more >
