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FESTIVAL SEASON NEW ORLEANS STYLE

04.01.11

By Sheryll Alexander

Did you know spring is festival season in New Orleans? The partying may start in February with Mardi Gras, but in New Orleans, the fête-ing with live music and feasting on Cajun cuisine continues through summer.

And where do you stay when in Na’wlins? The already sumptuous Ritz-Carlton New Orleans is undergoing an opulent $9 million renovation, so room packages abound. And remember, summer is considered the off-season in New Orleans and rates in this gorgeous five-star hotel start at just $169 (summer months only).

Here’s a list of spring and summer festivals in New Orleans and why a stay at centrally-located and über-plugged-in The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans can make the trip even better. Laissez les bon temps rouler, y’all!

April 7-10: French Quarter Festival

The hotel is in walking distance (about two blocks) to French Quarter Fest. This is the largest, free, outdoor festival in New Orleans. It features 17 outdoor stages showcasing gospel, jazz, funk, classical, cajun and zydeco, brass bands and much more.

April 29-May 5: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Thousands flock to this seven-day event that has been called America ’s best festival. For this 41^st annual festival, headliners include Arcade Fire, Bon Jovi, Jimmy Buffett, Sonny Rollins, Kid Rock, John Mellencamp, Wilco, Robert Plant, Ms. Lauryn Hill, The Strokes and John Legend & The Roots. Festival-goers enjoy shuttle service to and from the hotel and can purchase Ritz-Carlton backpacks with sun block, a hat, bottled water, among other cool items.

May 25-May 28: New Orleans Wine & Food Experience

This five-day festival brings together world-renowned winemakers, celebrated chefs and industry insiders. The event includes a special winemaker dinner and a grand tastings competition.

July 1-3: Essence Music Festival

Known as "the party with a purpose" the three-day festival features empowerment seminars at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center during the day and concerts over three nights. Headliners include Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz, Kanye West, Jill Scott, Boyz II Men, Charlie Wilson and Fantasia.

July 20-24: Tales of the Cocktail

New Orleans is the “home of the cocktail” so it seems only fitting that this internationally-acclaimed festival of cocktails, cuisine and culture would be held in New Orleans .

August 4-7: Satchmo Summerfest

This premier jazz festival dedicated to the life, music and legacy of New Orleans ’ native son, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong is free and open to the public.

Sheryll Alexander runs a news media agency. She is based in Orange County, California, where she is a longtime professional freelance lifestyles writer. Follow her! @sheryllalexande

POOLSIDE GETAWAY AT TERRANEA!

03.31.11

By Sheryll Alexander

It’s finally time to start thinking about lounging around a gorgeous pool and some of the best seaside pools are nearby in Rancho Palos Verdes at the spectacular oceanfront resort, Terranea.

Terranea, which opened last year and is just 20 minutes south of LAX and 40 minutes north of OC, has captured the attention of those who want a quick getaway to a seemingly remote and absolutely lovely location. Overlooking a dramatic cliffscape and never-ending Pacific Ocean views, Terranea has three relaxing pools each with incomparable views.

Perched on the water’s edge, the adults-only Cielo Point Pool has a contemporary look with its angular shape, canvas sails, private cabanas, wide weathered wood deck, fire pits and full-service bar.

For those who want to get away for ultimate relaxation, try the resort’s Spa Pool. This watery retreat feels oh-so remote and utterly peaceful. Float in this pool paradise and rest in a chaise lounge with ocean views amongst terraces, colorful potted succulents, sun beds, private cabanas and fire pits.

Mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins love to hang out at the family-friendly Resort Pool. With a panoramic view of the ocean, this main pool has a 140-ft. water slide, an interactive splash area, two whirlpools, a large fire pit, poolside dining service and private cabanas with 22-in. flat screen TVs and iPod docking stations. Terranea also features a cool children’s center with interactive programs.

Managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts, Terranea boasts 582 rooms including 32 suites and 20 bungalows. Also available are 50 oceanfront casitas and 32 ocean view villas tailored specifically to individuals looking for a more residential setting.

Love golf? The Links at Terranea is a 9-hole, par-3 golf course. (Trump National Golf Course is just a 10-minute scenic drive from the resort!)

Need a spa day? The Spa at Terranea is a 50,000 sq. ft. oceanfront spa with aforementioned spa pool and a health-conscious dining menu.

Dining at Terranea is important not only because there’s three dining venues on the property as well as a kitchen garden, but because the Palos Verdes Peninsula is a rather remote location and you certainly don’t want to be driving along the one windy cliff road after a good meal and a few drinks. So, chose from the more casual Catalina Kitchen, cliffside Nelson’s or the resort’s signature restaurant, mar’sel.

Instead of getting in the car after a big meal, take a walk along several miles of scenic bluff-top trails that connect Terranea to lovely coastal trails and a secluded (and romantic) beach cove. Then, head back to your room, suite or bungalow for a restful night’s sleep in a fluffy white bed. When you wake the next morning at Terranea, you will be happy to know your lounging pool is ready for you yet again.

Terranea Resort, www.terranea.com, 866.802.8000.

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