Sometimes care-free lounging by the pool and feasting on crazy-fresh cuisine (oysters on the half shell, anyone?) aren’t enough to keep us entertained during vacay. That’s why we’ve dug up some activities to fill in those laid-back days.

Fishing
The idyllic docks at Yachtsman Lodge are one of the best spots for snagging large stripers. Or, visit nearby Cape Porpoise for an authentic fishing village feel and a taste of straight-from-the-boat chowder.

Antiquing
The Farm Antiques in Wells is a must-visit spot for any antique enthusiast, with its collection of fine English-period furniture, 18th and 19th century paintings, mirrors, and large inventory of unusual Chinese porcelain.

Beaching
Gooch’s Beach sets a dreamy scene for swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports (time to break out the frisbee). The water stays shallow far into the ocean too, making it fun and safe for the little ones.

Our Bring in the Maine Charm: Seaside Kennebunkport Escapes Boutique opens Friday, March 23 at 11AM ET.

We admit it: travel will be one of our lifelong companions. When we’re away, time stands still, sweeping us up in a way that only a vacation can. Next in line for the memory bank? It’s a toss-up between a traditional Irish mansion, a Belizean jungle escape, or a quintessential New England hideaway.

K Club Hotel, Spa & Country Club – County Kildare, Ireland Boutique Now Open
Forget the parades – we’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with some serious authenticity (classical décor and beyond-indulgent accommodations just sweeten the deal).

Inn by the Sea – Crescent Beach, ME Boutique opens March 12
Perched on a hill overlooking the coast of Maine, this quaint, beautifully appointed inn exudes traditionalism and total relaxation.
Continue reading “Let’s Pack Our Bags: We’ve Got March Travel on the Mind” »

While we already gush over the gourmet dining and to-die-for ports on Windstar cruises, our favorite part about sailing the high seas is simply getting people together. Whether it’s family or old friends, these luxury-loaded yachts house all our wants and needs right on-board, meaning the whole crew is kept (much more than) entertained.

And to up the ante, Windstar has released a new refurbishment plan that kicks the on-board lavishness up a notch. We’re talking floor to ceiling upgrades for staterooms and suites, a revamped restaurant, and renovated lounge and pool bar. The best part? All renovations will be finished for the Caribbean season – just in time for family trips to the islands.

Our Windstar Cruises: Barcelona, Rome, & More Boutique opens Wednesday, February 22 at 11AM ET.

The Giants and the Patriots are headed to the Super Bowl! And while we’ll be watching all the game-day action in Indianapolis, pre- and post-Bowl we’ll be kickin’ it in Chicago (which isn’t too far and has plenty of places to stay). Here, five tips to get the most out of your big game weekend:

1. Check out the NFL Experience. Located in Indy, it’s an interactive NFL theme park with player autographs, football clinics, and the largest showcase of memorabilia yet.
2. Lace up your skates and get on the ice at either Millennium Park or the Skating in the Sky synthetic rink at the top of John Hancock Center.
3. Dig in to deep-dish pizza from Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s. Chicagoans are split on which is better.
4. Learn a little at the Shedd Aquarium or Adler Planetarium.
5. Shop your heart out on Oak Street or Michigan Avenue.

Our The Big Game Getaway: Tickets, Weekend Packages, & Parties Boutique is now open.

It’s mid January – and we know you’ve got healthy living on the mind. We turned to the pros at Lake Austin Spa Resort for their expert tips on staying healthy, happy, and balanced – all the year through.

Rue La La: For many of us, January is all about trying to establish a new exercise regimen. Any special classes you’d recommend to get started on a healthy, rejuvenated year?
Lake Austin: Our FatBurner class is an outstanding workout that can kickstart a fitness program or refresh an established routine. The class includes cardio segments and weight training in a sophisticated and scientifically designed interval format that works in a weight training room, studio setting, or the fresh outdoors.

Rue La La: We’re all about classes that offer something completely new and different. Tell us about one that gets guests out of their comfort zone. What are the benefits of the class?
Lake Austin: Beaming™ is a unique class where various modes of movements (yoga, Pilates, strength, and cardio) are performed on top of a soft balance beam that sits on the floor. Although it seems deceptively simple, our guests are surprised about the amount of physical and mental focus required to maintain balance and control. One of the most interesting benefits is the reminder that our physical and emotional sides operate best when in a “balanced” state.
Continue reading “Refresh With Lake Austin” »

This week, we’re featuring escapes all over the western hemisphere: Chicago, New Hampshire, Argentina, and Mexico (talk about a serious spread!). So in preparation, we started our packing list (by raiding The Final Sale Boutiques) and looked into some destination highlights.

Faena Hotel + Universe – Buenos Aires, Argentina, now open
South American Glamourati: Yerba mate, tango shows, and the steak that makes us salivate. So what if we stay out all night (every night of the week)?

Mountain View Grand – New Hampshire, now open
Snow Bunnies: Skating rinks, hot cocoa, and trails by the dozens – we’ll race you there.

Casa Velas – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, opening Thursday, January 19
Sun Worshipers: Beachside bliss, stunning sunsets, and an 18-hole golf course. Just put the lime in the coconut.

The Talbott – Chicago, opening Friday, January 20
Windy Cubs: Michigan Avenue, Wrigley Field, and the Theater District – you could certainly say that we’re taking it downtown.

Where will you be jetsetting off to?

From fresh produce at the Somerville Winter Farmers Market and a $1 cup of Legal Seafoods’ famed chowder, to Local 149’s resolution dinner and the reopening of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, here’s a look at the many ways January in Boston is kicking off 2012 in style. (Let’s just hope there isn’t over 70 inches of snow, like last year.)

We could hardly be more excited for our Rue Local Event Coordinator, Casey, who’s planning her wedding at the Chatham Bars Inn this summer. So with Rue’s upcoming this-is-what-dreams-are-made-of wedding package at the Inn, we pulled up a chair and asked her about her big day.

Rue La La: What made you choose the Chatham Bars Inn as your wedding venue?
Casey: Well, my family has had a house about a half mile down the road from the Inn since I was 11 or so, and before that we would stay there on our family vacations – so it’s been a part of my summers for about as long as I can remember. The summer I graduated from college, Kyle (my fiancé) and I lived at the Cape house for the summer and each got one last summer job before jumping into the “real world.” We spent many an afternoon getting drinks on the porch or at the beach bar at CBI, and just wandering around the property – so when we got engaged we knew it was the perfect spot for our wedding. So many happy memories there!
Continue reading “Wedding Bells Are Ringing At The Chatham Bars Inn” »

We can’t believe it either – 2012 is almost here. But before we hastily ring in the new, we’re celebrating the past year and all its highlights with the return of our most exciting Local Picks from 2011.

From Boston to San Francisco and each Rue city in between, we’re treating Members to our cities’ most beloved spas, restaurants, and services one more time before the calendar turns over. In every way, our 2011 Top Picks show what it means to be at the top of the game. From impeccable service and standout cuisine to a devoted following and legendary reputation, each Top Pick makes its mark as one of the spots we’ll keep coming back to through the end of next year and beyond.

The Top Picks of 2011 series began with Rue Boston on Monday, December 5. Keep an eye out all month for Top Picks from Rue Chicago, Rue Miami, Rue New York City, Rue Philadelphia, Rue San Francisco , Rue Seattle, Rue Los Angeles, and Rue Washington DC.

WATCH: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, starring newcomer (and November Vogue cover girl) Rooney Mara. Based on the Scandinavian thriller (the first in the Millennium Trilogy) this hot new franchise has all the makings of Twilight-like success.

READ: Pilgrimage by Annie Leibovitz, which documents the famed photographer’s journey into places associated with the people who inspire her. From Freud’s library to Emily Dickinson’s home, the images are a departure from the celebrity portraiture she’s known for, but a welcomed one we’re dying to see.

SEE: Rodarte: Fra Angelico Collection, a Los Angeles County Museum of Art exhibit showcasing ten couture gowns by the California-bred sisters behind Rodarte. Inspired by frescoes painted during the Italian Renaissance, we think these ethereal gowns are a work of art in their own right.

LISTEN TO: A Very She & Him Christmas, a collection of twelve holiday tunes by actress Zooey Deschanel (“She”) and M. Ward (“Him”). Delivering Christmas classics with a folks-y twist, it’s the disc (or download) we’ve been waiting for since Deschanel’s vocal stylings in the Christmas cult classic, Elf.

BROWSE: The Valentino Garavani Virtual Museum. The first digital exhibition developed by a fashion designer, this downloadable desktop app lets users navigate a gallery of over 300 dresses and original sketches. Valentino from the comfort of our own home? Yes, please.