Our Very Spooky, Scary And Luxe Resort Guide

Annabella Pardo

Looking for the ultimate scare this spooky season? Then Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, is your terrifyingly wicked destination spot. Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, now in its 30th terrifying year, brings together the stories and visions of the world's most notorious creators of horror. This Halloween season be both frightened and pampered at these gorgeous and not-so-scary, luxurious resorts. We promise you’ll be left screaming for more!

Photo via @HorrorNightsOrl

Goblins & Giggles Weekends Return To Gaylord Hotels

This fall, as part of its signature year-round programming, Gaylord Hotels brings back the magic of its Goblins & Giggles celebration as Gaylord Palms in Florida transforms into Halloween-inspired showcases. Perfect for every member of the family and guests of all ages, running through October 31, 2021, Goblins & Giggles brings the spirit of Halloween to life.

Photo via @GaylordPalms

Goblins & Giggles offers a vast range of family-friendly Halloween-themed activities, programs and events for guests to explore. All four resorts include exciting daily activities such as the Jack-o’-lantern Walk, an imaginative experience featuring dozens of intricately carved and illuminated designs, and creative Trick or Treat Expeditions with stops along the way for some enchanting treats. Even more, visitors can take part in a fun yet challenging Hide & Seek Scavenger Hunt featuring puzzles and clues to find Spookley the Square Pumpkin among eight spooktacular hiding spots. Guests can creep into each resort’s themed Wicked Brews Spookeasy for a few haunted spirits, spine-chilling craft cocktails and terrifying, ghostly artwork.

Photo via @GaylordPalms

Gaylord Palms

Among the resort’s activities is Ghoul School where kids are invited to rhyme a tune, test a mad scientist’s latest experiment, take some seasonal selfies and play a game of Halloween charades. Guests can also catch the Phantom of the Atrium Light Display, a haunting masterpiece filled with mystery, mischief and, of course, magic in the St. Augustine atrium sky. Young explorers will enjoy Adventure Kids: A Spooky Celebration and discover Florida's collection of creepy, crawly creatures and ghoulish greenery in an eerie, interactive experience.

Photo via @GaylordPalms

A Spooky and Relaxing Holiday at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa

This Spooky Season, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa is offering Halloween Horror Night hotel deals, and with close proximity to world-famous theme parks, this is a deal that would be scary to miss!

Photo via @WestgateResorts

Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa is a full-service, lakefront resort and spa set in a prime location near Disney World, Universal and other famous theme parks.

Photo via @WestgateResorts

Offering a wide range of onsite amenities, including the pirate-themed aquatic adventure, Treasure Cove Water Park, seven pools and hot tubs, onsite food and beverage options and a variety of spacious, family-friendly four-bedroom villas, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa is the perfect place to stay while venturing on a spooky Halloween trip this year.

Photo via @WestgateResorts

Fall On The Farm at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

This fall, Grande Lakes Orlando, home to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando and JW Marriott Orlando, is bringing back its coveted Fall on the Farm weekends, taking place every Saturday and Sunday between 10am-3pm throughout the month of October.

Photo via @RitzCarltonOrlando

Grande Lakes Orlando welcomes hotel guests, residents, and visitors alike to the stunning property for this festive family-friendly seasonal experience. Taking place on Whisper Creek Farm, an 18,000 square-foot farm located on-property, open year-round to visitors for tours and culinary programming, Fall on the Farm is an Ideal way for multi-general families to spend the weekend. 

Photo via @RitzCarltonOrlando

These creative wholesome weekends offer a vast range of iconic fall-themed events and activities such as pumpkin picking and carving with the resort’s Olympic World Champion culinary artist and carver Victor Dagatan. Guests can enjoy an irresistible hayride around the corn maze and can take part in a unique learning experience, such as discovering local wildlife at a falconry school with the property’s very own Master Falconer. Grande Lakes Orlando's Director of Fly Fishing, Captain Mark Benson, will be sharing fishing facts, while showing guests how to properly set up a fishing line and how to lure in fish. During all the fun activities, guests can schedule a photography session with The Photography Concierge to capture the perfect fall family portrait, packages starting at $30.

Photo via @RitzCarltonOrlando

A haven for food loving guests, Whisper Creek Farm produces an array of homemade goods such as honey, Surplus Beer, jams, BBQ sauces and rubs, and popcorn, all of which are available for purchase at the famers’ market. Additionally, each of Grande Lakes Orlando’s dining outlets will be catering a delicious lineup of food and beverage options. Even more, visitors can check out the on-site apiary, which produces honey for Grande Lakes Orlando’s restaurants and spa, as well as take a tour of the farm where an extensive selection of herbs, vegetables, and fruits are grown. Animal-loving guests can enjoy watching Whisper Creek Farm’s adorable ducks, quail, and chickens.

Photo via @RitzCarltonOrlando

Curated Experiences at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

If you are looking to be more relaxed and less spooked, then the Ritz Curated Experiences are for you. Designed to appeal to local Orlando residents and travelers looking for an ideal weekend getaway, Curated Experiences, is made up of exclusive programming hosted by The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. In one perfectly planned weekend, November 5-7 2021, guests at Grande Lakes Orlando can enjoy the ultimate mix of relaxation and inspiration, along with master classes, guided workshops, immersive demonstrations and more led by an array of award-winning chefs, winemakers, jewelers, artists, athletes and wellness experts.

Unwind At B Resort & Spa Disney Springs

Hit a sugar crash after a bewitching night at the Disney After House Boo Bash? B Resort & Spa is the perfect place to unwind after a playful day at the parks.. Perfect for the whole family- guests young, old and immortal can don their enchanting ensembles before a night of trick or treating. At B Resort & Spa, guests can enjoy a relaxing experience infused with Walt Disney World touches just a 10-minute walk away from Disney Springs®, and a complimentary shuttle away to all Walt Disney World ® Resort theme parks.

Picture via @BResortAndSpa

Bone Chilling Steps Away From The Action At The Holiday Inn & Suites

An adrenaline rush can be just as exhausting! Holiday Inn & Suites Across from Universal Orlando is the ultimate safe haven for those looking to relax after a spooky night at Universal Studios Orlando Halloween Horror Nights. There they can kick up their feet and enjoy a newly renovated hotel with plush bedding, spacious rooms, and a calm, refreshing atmosphere. The best part? A convenient experience – the hotel is a short walk or 7-minute drive from all the horror (we mean fun!)

Photo via @Holidayinn

Halloween-Themed Party at Melia Orlando Celebration

Having opened its doors in September 2011, Meliá Orlando Celebration has grown into one of the most popular hotels in the greater Orlando area, and a sought after destination for families seeking a more homey downtown setting. With two inviting restaurants, the casual 360 American Bistro and Bar, and the trendy SASA Sushi Garden, guests enjoy food served with care and flair! In celebration of Halloween, the hotel is hosting a Halloween themed pool party this Saturday, October 16th at 8:30 pm EST. Guests and locals are welcomed to join in on some spooky fun and stop by the party located at the pool terrace.

Photo via @meliahtlresorts

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A Luxury Holiday Within Your Home With Context Travel

Annabella Pardo

Explore, learn and travel all around the world within the comfort of your own home, or book a flight and set your wings towards a new country. As borders are slowly opening back up, we are slowly retuning to our regularly scheduled programming of jet setting around new cities and enriching ourselves in new and distinct cultures. To prepare for our grand holidays, or virtual escapes, we are enlisting the wonderful expertise from Context Travel.

Picture via @ContextTravel

Context Travel is a network of scholars and experts who specialize in fields such as art history, archaeology, cuisine, architecture, history, and theology, who offer private, custom, and small group walking tours in 60 cities across six continents for almost 20-years. 

Recently launched, the digital learning program is called “Context Learning,” and it offers live interactive seminars and courses on a variety of cultural and historical topics with the company’s vast network of well-versed, PHD or MA-level degree scholars. Think of this as a LIVE version of Netflix where there are tons of options to choose from, select which one is most of interest to you and learn about your favorite subject.

Picture via @ContextTravel

Context is now the only travel company that allows you to start learning before you hop on a plane. Due to popular demand for long form travel, and because Context participants have built relationships with their experts/scholars over the course of the pandemic, Context is now taking one step further to launch  Context Journeys – the brand’s first fully planned, multi-day, small and group tours in cultural capitals across the globe.

Picture via @ContextTravel

Journeys will be led by the brand’s network of scholars, many of which hold PhDs or other terminal degrees in their field and teach at the university level, who specialize in fields such as art history, archaeology, cuisine, architecture, history, and theology.   

Picture via @ContextTravel

Recently launched new programs for those interested in the culture and history of Mexico City, both through Context Journey (in-person, multi-day group tour experiences) and Context Learning (virtual courses and conversations online). 

From its ancient ruins to its cosmopolitan neighborhoods, bustling markets to world-renowned museums —Mexico City should be at the top of everyone’s (in-person or virtual) travel list. For those ready to take flight and enter this vibrant, historically fascinating city in-person, then Context Journey has the perfect itinerary for all: 4 fully planned days guided by experts in Mexico City including a luxury hotel accommodation at the 5-star St. Regis Mexico City. 

Highlights of the Context Journey Mexico City Multi-Day Tour Include:

• Learning about the art and dramas behind the famous artist couple Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, with guided visits through their homes and studios

• A local look at Mexican food and beverage with an exploration of Mercado Coyoacan and surrounding neighborhood

• Taking a guided excursion to see the Aztec ruins and pyramids of Teotihuacan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a practicing archeologist

Interested travelers can learn more about the full itinerary and offerings for the Context Journey Mexico City tour here, and can  book the multi-day journey ahead of its January 13th 2022 start date. 

Those ready to start learning about Mexico City now can opt for Context Learnings’ Mexico City courses. From the Day of the Dead: Mexico's Celebration of Life After Death with Jazmin Caraveo-Tunon to Tequila and Mezcal: An Introduction to Mexican Spirits with Chantal Martineau—There are plenty of options of these expert-guided, culturally enriching courses, available now for registration. 

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Why Your Family Should Vacation at a Timeshare

Is your family looking for a great place to stay on vacation, and you aren't sure exactly where you want to go? If so, you need to consider high-quality timeshares seriously. This option has become more and more popular in recent years due to the unique benefits that this option provides. Understanding why your family should own one will make it easier to identify an opportunity you enjoy. It’s also important to check reviews of timeshare cancellation companies.

Timeshares are Very Comfortable

While hotels can be pretty relaxing, a timeshare is more like a home away from home. They have separate rooms, great beds, comfortable seating areas, and much more. These benefits are enormous if you want to have a fantastic vacation with your loved ones that help everyone relax.

For families looking to explore the latest in timeshare offerings, understanding what is HGV Max can provide insights into innovative vacation options that combine luxury and convenience.

Perhaps that's why over 9.9 million families in the country own timeshares in various vacation spots. Whatever your needs, you should find a comfortable and enjoyable option that works for your loved ones and makes your vacations more enjoyable and exciting for your needs.

Timeshares Have Fewer Restrictions

While timeshare options do have restrictions, they are much fewer. And the benefits that you get (such as easy access to a pool or exercise room) help make this benefit huge for those who want to go on a vacation every year. Although, holiday goers prefer to venture out a little more and don't necessarily want to be restricted to one place, so you will find that they look for best timeshare exit companies to help assist with leaving the timeshare, but this all depends on what kind of holiday your prefer. Timeshares are certainly a popular option for those who aren't looking for as many restrictions during their holiday!

While timeshare options do have restrictions, they are much fewer. And the benefits that you get (such as easy access to a pool or exercise room) help make this benefit huge for those who want to go on a vacation every year.

Timeshares Save You Money

While you might end up paying more for a timeshare initially, you'll save yourself a lot of money in the long term. Rather than renting overpriced hotel rooms, you can go to a great and relatively inexpensive timeshare, allowing you to focus more money on different elements of your life instead.

As a result, you can rent a car that will make it easier to get around during your vacation. We strongly suggest getting a car with window tint, as it can block 99% of harmful UV light and keep your loved ones safe from sunburns or even the risk of problematic melanoma dangers.

Timeshares Create Easier Accessibility

One of the most frustrating things about going on vacation is finding a place to stay the night when you get to where you want to go. However, if you book a timeshare in advance and work around its schedule, you will have a great place to stay that is immediately accessible.

Even better, you can walk into your timeshare and feel like you're at home right away. Unlike hotels, a timeshare is usually quite large, allowing you to relax in comfort and enjoy yourself. This benefit is critical for those who want to minimize their issues with finding a place to live.

Timeshares Can Be Insured

Lastly, you can ensure a timeshare in ways you can't if you rent a hotel room. This benefit is critical because it can make sure that your items are protected. And it will also help to give you the ability to protect the timeshare, as well. So in a sense, it works a lot like renters insurance.

When buying insurance, your cost will vary based on the property and the type of protection you want. Typically, you'll end up paying about 0.5% of the purchase price for the timeshare. So keep this factor in mind when you decide to buy a timeshare and use one for your vacation needs.

By now, you should know if a timeshare is right for your family or not or if the timeshare if you have is a timeshare sales scams. You might be surprised at just how many unique options are available and how well they work with most rental needs. With timeshare as a family vacation option, your memories will reflect the words in the best family adventure quotes.

Context Travel Around The World From Your Home

Annabella Pardo

Traveling the world is a luxury many of us crave and long for in order to live a long, happy, and fulfilling life. With the world slowly opening up again we are very excited to begin to visit our favorite museums, landmarks, and gelato shops once more. In preparation of our global travels, here at Off The Mrkt we are learning directly from the experts themselves at Context Travel. Context Travel is a network of scholars and experts who specialize in fields such as art history, archaeology, cuisine, architecture, history, and theology, who offer private, custom, and small group walking tours in 60 cities across six continents for almost 20-years. 

Photo via @ContextTravel

Context is now the only travel company that allows you to start learning before you hop on a plane. People are craving year-round learning to supplement their travel experiences or to serve as an alternative to in-person travel entirely.

The digital learning program is called “Context Learning,” and it offers live interactive seminars and courses on a variety of cultural and historical topics with the company’s vast network of well-versed, PHD or MA-level degree scholars. Think of this as a LIVE version of Netflix where theres tons of options to choose from, select which one is most of interest to you and learn about your favorite subject.

Photo via @ContextTravel

Now that travel is coming back IRL, Context is continuing these seminars and courses to help fulfill not only the pre- travel enrichment and allow them to learn before hopping on a plane, but also provide the opportunity for adults to become lifelong learners (the courses are so in-depth you feel like you’re learning from a professor in school).

Photo via @ContextTravel

Due to popular demand for long form travel, and because Context participants have built relationships with their experts/scholars over the course of the pandemic, Context is now taking one step further to launch  Context Journeys – the brand’s first fully planned, multi-day, small and group tours in cultural capitals across the globe.

Journeys will be led by the brand’s network of scholars, many of which hold PhDs or other terminal degrees in their field and teach at the university level, who specialize in fields such as art history, archaeology, cuisine, architecture, history, and theology. Not to be confused with your everyday tour guide, these experts have dedicated their lives to learning the history and culture of these cities and can offer unique insight and connections to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation for the destinations.  

Photo via @ContextTravel

The pre-planned itinerary, which includes hotel accommodations, on-the-ground tours and logistics and most meals, will also include experiences exclusively for Context travelers. For example, in Amsterdam, the small group will tour Rembrandt’s house before heading to dinner in an original canal house to tour a private art collection. As Context’s experts have deep and long-term connections with the museums and locations being toured, each Journeys participant will receive VIP treatment.  

Get started learning from the best travel experts in the world, at Context Travel.

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Refreshing Summer At The Ven at Embassy Row D.C

Annabella Pardo

Be one of the first to experience DC's newest hot spots, the Ven At Embassy Row. Located in Dupont Circle, The Ven gives guests the perfect home suites to participate in all the city has to offer during the glorious summer.

Take in views of the iconic Washington, DC skyline at The Rooftop at The Ven, their 9th-floor outdoor pool. The urban retreat offers a tranquil respite from your daily grind. The Rooftop offers registered overnight guests the perfect exclusive hideaway to relax and unwind.

Fred & Stilla is the Ven’s official neighborhood restaurant. Inspired by their Embassy Row location, the restaurant menu features signature flavors and spices from countries all around the world.

The Ven at Embassy Row, Washington D.C

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An Exclusive Tour Inside Lyle, An Art Deco Dream

Annabella Pardo

Before their grand opening, Off The MRKT was invited on an exclusive private tour of the magnificent Lyle, and we are simply fascinated with the newest luxurious art deco hotel in Washington DC. 

Lyle Washington DC, is a brand-new independent hotel from Lore Group, opened in the capital’s vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood in April 2021.    

In redesigning the interiors of property, Lore Group Creative Director Jacu Strauss wished to create a world of calm, a place where you can feel in complete comfort in understated style. The luxury is in the details, the soft Art Deco references in celebration of the building’s original features, a dedication to craftsmanship and natural materials. He created a place where you can say goodbye to the noise of the outside world, a completely relaxed hotel to call your own.  

“With Lyle we wanted to take the best of “home” and make it even better,” said Abe Liao, Lore Group’s Regional General Manager for the D.C area and a native Washingtonian. “It’s our priority for our guests to feel as content and comfortable during their time at Lyle, as they might when staying in a friend’s beautiful apartment.  Whether staying in one of our guest rooms, hosting a meeting, dining in Lyle’s or catching up with friends for coffee – if we’re doing our job right, Lyle should feel like it was designed just for you."  

In the rooms and penthouse suite, Strauss created spaces that are comfortable and calming in neutral tones featuring natural materials including Burl wood art deco headboards, rattan seating and berber carpets. The mattresses and linens were chosen for ultimate comfort while artworks and the majority of furnishings are bespoke and designed by Strauss and his team. The rooms feel inviting and residential, as do the bright bathrooms with their handmade tiles and D.S Durga amenities. Additionally, 56 of the 196 bedrooms feature kitchenettes which are convenient for long stay visitors to the Capital. Lyle offers their in house gym and a multitude of meetings and event spaces suitable for everything from private dining to intimate weddings.

The restaurant and bar, Lyle’s is an intimate, inviting and welcoming space featuring bespoke furniture, a custom Herman Miller pendant cluster and an open kitchen. Nestled into the corner of the building, it is the perfect neighborhood restaurant and bar serving breakfast, brunch and dinner as well as familiar cocktails prepared with a gentle twist. It offers seasonal, contemporary American fare paired with easy-going, unobtrusive service. At the helm is Nicholas Sharpe, a seasoned chef who previously worked with Chef Fabio Trabocchi at the Michelin-starred Fiamma in New York City. 

Every Sunday, you'll find the culinary team from Lyle's a the Dupont Circle Farmer's Market. They'll have a signature Lyle's meal for you to enjoy at home, plus some delicious samples of their house baked goods to try. 

As a neighborly welcome, Lyle would love to invite those of whom live in the area to join them for a complimentary drink at the bar, offer until May 31st.

As the Smithsonian Institutes and other Washington DC Museums are reopening throughout this month, there is simply no better time to book a holiday to our glorious nations capital. Lyle highly recommends pre booking to visit The Smithsonian National Zoo, to finally meet baby panda Xiao Qi Ji. 

Lyle, the second U.S. property from the international hospitality company behind renowned hotels Sea Containers London, Pulitzer Amsterdam and Riggs Washington, D.C, is located on New Hampshire Avenue in an early 1940s Art Deco building constructed originally to house apartments.   

Book your luxurious and relaxing holiday today at LyleDC.com

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The Best Wineries in Central Coast CA Wine Country

Gabriella Pryor

With warmer months and the hope of larger gatherings on the forefront of how summer will play out, one thing that is for certain is that the wine season is around the corner. Whether on a road trip down the PCH, or interested in a weekend getaway, Pinot and Chardonnay lovers alike can come together on the central coast tasting hot spots, located between San Francisco and Los Angeles. 

DAOU 

Paso Robles, CA 10am-5pm Mon-Sun

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Offering Virtual Tastings amidst the pandemic, DAOU Vineyards additionally offers an extensive variety of tasting and bottle options for those looking for a winery with a built in estate. Separated by categories of Discovery, Expressions, Reserve and Estate, there is enough variety to go around to even find an option your average vino novice would enjoy. 

Chronic Cellars 

Paso Robles, CA ,10am-5pm Mon-Sun

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One of the first things members of Chronic Cellars have to comment on is their fine wine but also graphic flair. Eye catching labels are just one of the many aspects of Chronic Cellars that makes them a tucked away gem. Red variety is the most popular with this local cellar however offer a couple of sweet pours for those out seeking white or rosé. 

Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards

San Luis Obispo, CA, 12am-5pm Mon-Sun

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If the beach is your main priority when visiting this part of California, Kelsey is a quick five minute drive from some of the central coast’s most popular beaches and surf spots. Red and Golden Delicious stand out to locals along with the barrel, coastal homey feel of the tasting area. Always coming up with different variations of wine flavor complexes, Kelsey is worth stopping by. 

Tobin James Cellars

Paso Robles, CA, 10am-6pm Mon-Sun

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Sophisticated outside tasting is perfectly matched with knowledgeable pourers having a surplus red, white and dessert wine variety. Located in the North of San Luis Obispo County, long-standing Tobin James and their radiating sun trademark makes the spot notable enough for it to be too hard to walk out without a bottle. 

Chamisal

San Luis Obispo, CA, 10am-5pm Thurs-Sun

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Tucked away in the outskirts of San Luis Obispo, Chamisal’s tasting room has a classy upscale view with a strong sense of where the wine is really coming from. Tables featuring placemats with printed outlined glasses pair easily with keeping track of what wine you just sipped. Stunning views that don’t disappoint the further the tasting proceeds, is just one highlight of this rosé favorited vineyard. 

Justin Winery

Paso Robles, CA , 10am-3pm Mon-Sun

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Most commercialized of those on this list, Justin is one that can’t be missed if you’re looking for an Instagrammable landscape and tasty pairings to go with. Multiple tasting rooms offer options for regular members wanting to switch up their tasting atmosphere. Wine Club options include 6-12 bottles for those who can't get enough of Justin, but live outside of the Central Coast.

Halter Ranch

Paso Robles, CA, 10am-5pm Thurs-Sun

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One most memorable at Halter Ranch can be their large wooden table taking up the stunning tasting room, but another is that each type of wine is suburb. Aesthetically pleasing branding and photo opportunities offer a nice balance for the country and upscale vibes all around.

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The Thompson Hotel, The Most Luxurious Spring Holiday In DC

Annabella Pardo

Is there a more beautiful city for Spring than the lovely Washington D.C? With the gorgeous Cherry Blossom season around the corner, there is no better time to explore our nations capital than with a brilliant trip and a refreshing cocktail in hand at a luxe hotel bar.

After a long year of staycations in our cozy living rooms, we are more than excited to book a first class ticket and pack our suitcases with the cutest Spring assemble. This Spring, meet us at this magnificent and luxurious, The Thompson Hotel in Washington D.C.

The Thompson Hotel offers a refined historic beauty tale in their immaculate architecture and interior. Through a unique observation of any of their 225 rooms, a guest will find echoes of the colonial past, from soft, curving tables evoking a ship’s cabin to the rigid symmetrical lines framing the windows overlooking the dazzling river.

A brand new swanky rooftop bar? We'll grab our designer heels. Renowned restaurateur Danny Meyer brings his signature hospitality to D.C. with Maialino Mare, a fine-dining, Roman-style trattoria and Anchovy Social, the stunning open-air rooftop bar with elevated takes on classic cocktails and shareable snacks.

For this Spring, The Thompson's Cherry Blossom package includes Capital Bike Share passes to cycle to the iconic Tidal Basin. Once in the lawn, enjoy your basket of picnic goodies hand selected from the hotels top chefs, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the blossoms. After a beautiful day of gallery hopping and sight seeing, it is time for a personalized happy hour, relax with an in-room Cherry Blossom beverage flights. 

The Thompson Washington DC is situated in the heart of the historic Navy Yard, D.C.'s hippest and bustling neighborhood. View breathtaking scenes of the glistening waterfront, Nationals Park, and Anacostia Riverwalk Trail from the luxury accommodation. In the Navy Yard, visitors can find restaurants like Chloe, Due South, Bluejacket Brewery, coffee shops, as well the local District Winery. Delicious! We are more than thrilled for our luxurious trip.

Thompson Washington DC, 221 Tingey Street SE

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Holden Caulfield’s Manhattan

Holden Caulfield’s Manhattan

The Catcher in the Rye is one of the most famous works of American literature. Still studied to this day in schools and universities throughout the nation and around the world, JD Salinger's portrayal of teenage angst and alienation continues to strike a chord with readers today, almost 70 years after it was first published.

Most of the action of the novel takes place in Manhattan. After being expelled from boarding school, Holden heads to New York, repulsed by the phoniness of the people around him. Mid-century Manhattan is portrayed in great detail in the book, so the city is almost like another character in the narrative.

New York is a city that is forever changing, and the Manhattan that JD Salinger wrote about is gone forever. However, a lot of the same landmarks still remain. If you're a fan of The Catcher in the Rye, following Holden's progress through the city is a great way to explore.

Holden experiences New York on foot, and that’s the best way to follow his example. Drop your bags at a New York luggage storage shop and set out to see New York through the eyes of one of its most famous literary sons.

Pennsylvania Station

Holden Caulfield’s Manhattan journey begins here. So it's a great place to begin yours too. The station was redeveloped in the 60s, so not much remains of the way it looked during Holden's time. But there are a few remnants here and there that will set the scene for your literary exploration.

Over the course of its existence, Penn Station has been the starting point of countless New York adventures. To this day, people arrive here from around the country and around the world, looking to start a new life in the Big Apple. While not a tourist attraction in the traditional sense, its certainly an atmospheric place to visit.

You can get more of a glimpse of the way Penn Station would have been in the early 1950s on a guided tour.

The American Museum of Natural History

In the book, Holden walks from Central Park to the American Museum of Natural History, remembering his visits there as a child. He reflects on how the exhibits would never move or change, so that when you went back to see them again, the only thing that would have changed would be the visitor themselves.

However, the museum has changed since Holden's day. Many of the exhibits he fondly remembers have been removed, while others have been changed. Holden never steps inside the museum in the book, but there's no reason why you shouldn't.

With its displays of animals and plants from across the country, the American Museum of Natural History is a fun and educational place to visit for all ages. Kids will especially love the dinosaur displays that allow them to get as close as you'd ever want to a Tyrannosaurus rex.

Rockefeller Center Skating Rink

Holden Caulfield's journey through Manhattan takes place in the winter. For true authenticity, you may want to follow his example. If so, you'll be able to visit the outdoor skating rink in front of the Rockefeller Center.

This is where Holden goes on a disastrous date with Sally in the novel. Hopefully, your visit will have a happier conclusion. If you don't have your own skates, you can rent a pair at the rink and enjoy a classic New York winter activity.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Holden goes to the museum better known as the Met to meet his sister Phoebe. In a poignant scene, she asks to come with him on his planned journey west to live isolated from society.

Even if it didn’t feature in the novel, the Met is well worth a visit on any trip to New York. As one of the world's premier art museums, it features artwork from around the world, spanning the course of human history. The Egyptian gallery is home to William the Hippopotamus, the museum's mascot, as well as some mummies that Salinger mentions in The Catcher in the Rye.

Central Park

You can't visit New York without visiting Central Park. But for Salinger fans, the park and its pond have special significance. It's here that Holden wonders about the ducks, and whether they migrate in the winter when the water freezes over. 

The pond is very much still a part of New York, and you'll still see ducks on it just like Holden did. To this day, the New York Parks Board receives multiple inquiries every year, asking the same question Holden did about where the ducks go when the water freezes over.

Of course, Central Park is also one of New York’s best locations for people watching. If the weather allows for it, bring a picnic lunch and spread yourself out on the grass to enjoy this oasis of calm amid the bustle of Manhattan.

Central Park Zoo and Carousel

Holden Caulfield’s Manhattan journey is a vaguely circular wandering that brings him into contact with the same places over and over again. But it's at the Central Park Zoo, where he takes Phoebe to cheer her up, that the novel reaches its emotional conclusion.

Central Park Zoo is small but still in operation, housing snow leopards, grizzly bears, red pandas, sea lions, and other animals. The carousel is still there too. In fact, it's the same carousel that was in the park in Salinger's time, the one that Phoebe rides in the conclusion of the book. It's the perfect place to end your Holden Caulfield inspired trip through Manhattan.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Catcher_in_the_Rye

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holden_Caulfield

https://catcher-in-the-rye.fandom.com/wiki

https://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-salinger-20100425-story.html

https://www.amnh.org/

https://centralparkzoo.com/exhibits

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