OCTOBER: BEST MONTH FOR A GETAWAY
Did you hear them? The collective sighs from mothers around the city as their kids went back to school? Sure, there have already been a few “I forgot my lunch” and “You didn’t sign my permission slip” moments, but for the most part, the closer we mothers
Explore
Where: Yosemite National Park, Mariposa County, Calif.
It has been 125 years since Yosemite became a U.S. national park and in that time its impressive mountain cliffs and dramatic hikes haven’t waned. If yours is a nature loving crew, you’ll find more than 19 kilometres of paved trails you can explore on bike or foot with iconic views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Sentinel Rock. Add to the excitement with a zipline experience through the Sierra Nevada Foothills at Yosemite Zipline and Adventure Ranch in neighbouring Mariposa County.
Sip
Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. Explore the wine region and spend a few days watching other people’s problems. The Shaw Theatre is getting rave reviews for
Pygmalion, Peter and the Starcatcher and more and with afternoon and evening shows you can easily make a weekend of it. After, pop over to Zee’s Grill for cocktails and nibbles (lobster poutine, anyone?) before turning in for the night at the boutique Queen’s Landing hotel. Tomorrow, you’ll be perfectly situated for an easy walk to The Stagecoach Family restaurant, where a diner breakfast will cure any remnants of over-indulging in the region’s award-winning wines last night.
Spa
Where: Scottsdale, Ariz. The fall temperatures in Scottsdale make it a gorgeous time to visit. Start by having someone work out the kinks at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. The gorgeous spa balcony overlooking Camelback Mountain is the perfect spot to raise a glass when you’re done. After your detox, retox with libations from a man in a kilt at The Scotch Library at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Master tastings will introduce you to the beverage’s finer notes. Then it’s time for a lingering catch-up: Dinner at Virtu Honest Craft or drinks at The Mix Up Bar at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa will set the mood.
Exhale
Where: Marigot Bay, Saint Lucia Sometimes what you need is very clear: sun and time to enjoy it. Find both on the quiet island of Saint Lucia. Check in to the Capella resort where the Marina in its harbour is home to some of the world’s most expensive yachts.
Watch them from your shady perch on the pool deck. Or choose to hike through the island’s tropical rainforest or all the way up to the peak of Gros Piton. Spend your days under the attentive eye of a “personal assistant” and begin to understand why this needs to be an annual affair.
Savour
Where: St. Jacobs, Ont. Rural Ontario’s gorgeous colours show best in the harvest season. If what you’re after is a good food getaway close to home, it won’t disappoint. Check in to the quaint Olde Bridge Place in West Montrose, pose for pictures in front of the last remaining red covered bridge in Ontario and dine on your porch on the locally sourced, instagram-worthy offerings of host Dee Brun Gow. Walk the neighbouring farmlands or head out to the Farmers’ Markets to buy the fresh breads, tasty cheeses and cured meats you’ll need to replicate the feeling once you’re home.