Kimberly Fisher's Blog, page 213

Lifestyle Guest Post: Luxury Furnishings

 

If you’re looking to upgrade your living room, there’s no better place to start than with the room’s furniture.  The addition of the right collection of luxury furniture pieces, properly arranged, can turn your living room into a place that draws oohs and ahs from your guests while remaining an inviting space that draws people in, and not intimidating them.

Conforming New Furniture to Available Space

Exactly what you buy will be determined in part by the size and shape of your living room.  You want your furniture to fit with the available living space.  Too much furniture creates a cluttered look; too little furniture makes a room look cold and vacant.  Furthermore, some styles of furniture are naturally much better formed to certain room shapes.  Having settled on the quantity and size, there are a number of broad categories of furniture that you can buy as part of any living room upgrade.

Sofas

When it comes to living room furniture, the sofa is almost always the dominant piece, if for no other reason than the fact that it’s typically the largest piece in the room.  A luxury sofa might be a leather-covered piece or hand-woven cotton, built on either a wooden or metal frame.  Sofas come in three broad stylistic categories:

Stand alone sofas:  Typically a two or three-cushion piece, not part of any specific furniture set.
Set piece:  Ordinarily matched with a matching love seat, chair or lounge of some kind.
Sectional sofa:  A multi-piece detachable unit that can often be configured in multiple ways.  A sectional sofa typically arcs or pivots around a living room corner.

The sofa that is best for you will be best determined by your room’s configuration and available space.  Sectional pieces demand a significant amount of room, but a luxury sectional sofa can completely transform the feel of a room all by itself.  Stand alone sofas can best match smaller, tighter living spaces.  A sofa set has the advantage of already being matched together, saving on time and effort needed to find compatible luxury pieces on a one-by-one basis.

Chairs

Living room chairs are often acquired as part of a coordinated set, but depending on room size and decorating preferences, you may want a distinct, stand alone luxury chair.  It is ordinarily possible to find a leather or high quality natural or synthetic fabric covering that is neutral and fits well with any décor.  Most have wood frames, but some modern designs are metal.  Broadly available options include:

Classic fixed back armchairs:  Depending on the style, a matching ottoman is an option.
Recliners:  While some people consider anything that reclines to be decidedly downscale, there are some extremely well-built recliners available that meet just about anyone’s definition of “luxury.”

Tables

While rarely a centerpiece, don’t overlook the impact a table or two can make on the look of your living room.  Available singly or as part of a set, luxurious tables can provide an important accessory to the look of your living room that is built upon the foundation laid by your sofa and chairs.  The specific style should be chosen depending upon your larger pieces, and many options are available, including wood, metal and glass (with some units containing all three materials).  Coffee tables, cocktail tables, console tables, side and end tables; all of these styles may play a role in your room’s design.

Putting It All Together

By adopting a common design theme across a range of furniture items that conform to the layout of your living area, you can easily create a luxurious ambiance to the most commonly used room in most homes.

Author: Holly Hart frequently contributes on behalf of Chicago Luxury Beds, Chicago’s best in class provider of luxury bedroom furniture. Chicago Luxury Beds carries both Hastens and Vi-Spring bedding solutions.

Filed under: guest post Tagged: furniture, luxury

Travel Guest Post: The Best Exotic Festivals in Jaipur

If The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has inspired you to visit India and the city of Jaipur then be prepared to be immersed in a brilliantly creative city. This is a place where the bazaars tempt visitors into a spending spree and the dusky haze of the Pink City is an inspiration. The festivals held in and around the city at various times of the year are arguably one of the best kept secrets beyond the traditional tourist trail. Here are some of the best parties in town for enjoying the spirit of adventure and cultural enlightenment.

Jaipur Elephant Festival

Just before the Hindu festival of Holi, the city of Jaipur is alive with elephants and watching these beautifully decorated animals parade, take part in beauty contests and even tug of war competitions is a brilliant spectacle. The atmosphere is one of majesty and yet there is a party feel to it. The catwalk of elephants really is a feast for the eyes and when fireworks light up the evening sky at the Chaugan Stadium the magic of Jaipur is pure delight.

Jaipur Literature Festival

January is the time to visit Jaipur for its annual literature festival when some of the greatest Indian writers and those from overseas gather to discuss the latest books and hold workshops. This is a feast of literary debate and there are also music concerts at this very popular event on the social calendar. For bookworms who like to party a trip to this event is recommended.

Makar Sankranti

For a day of colour the festival of Makar Sankranti is worth visiting. This is the famous official day in Jaipur when everyone flies their kites all day long. By getting into the spirit of adventure holidays one can suddenly take on an element of spontaneity, resulting in some wonderful memories. Just get down to the bazaar and buy your very own kite.  All you need now is a balcony and you can mingle with the locals as they cover the sky in a collage of colour. Feeling brave? Take part in a tournament where rivals cut each other’s ropes causing the kite to fall to the ground – great fun!

Teej Festival

Teej is at its very best in Jaipur where the coming of the monsoon is celebrated in style. Taking place in July and August this is a festival for women and unmarried girls who take to the streets in their best clothes and with hands decorated in henna. The women pray for their husbands and marital bliss whilst gifts of sweets are received from in-laws. At this time of festivities the bazaars in Jaipur are decorated in a really elaborate style and well worth exploring. The procession in the streets is the other main event with animals and people parading and another reason for visiting Jaipur at this time.

Gangaur

Gangaur is another festival celebrated by women and is especially popular in Rajasthan. This is a celebration of the perfectly married woman and Gan and Gaur are words used as derivations of the Hindu Gods Shiva and Parvati. Women carry specially painted pots on their heads during the two week long celebration. The partying comes to a head with a massive procession through towns and villages where animals are decorated. When the pots are broken the ceremony comes to an end in a region known for celebrating in style.

There are scores of other festivals in the Jaipur area from camel racing to a celebration of donkeys. Some are specific to Jaipur whilst others such as the colour powder throwing in Holi are seen all over India. For a wonderful exotic experience a visit at a time of partying in this part of the world is definitely well worth the effort.

Author: Rachael Rowe has travelled in India and enjoys the buzz of adventure holidays.

Filed under: guest post, holiday, india, travel, travel planning Tagged: exotic festivals, india

Lifestyle Guest Post: Top 5 Most Romantic Proposal Destinations

If you want to impress the lady in your life, nothing beats a destination proposal. The sparkle of a diamond paired with a scenic place can make the proposal distinctive and absolutely unforgettable. Still, if you thought sifting through engagement rings was difficult, picking a spot can be even more of a challenge. You should base you decision on what you know about her. If you need some inspiration, the sheer romance of these classic spots should get your creative juices flowing.

Venice, Italy

It may seem a bit cliché to propose in a gondola floating down the famous waterways of Venice, but on the other hand, who do you know that has actually done it? The museums, the art and the culture make the ‘City of Water’ an ideal location. If the gondola ride isn’t your style, then walk along one of the stone bridges that pass over the waterways or in front of Dogé Palace. There are few areas of Venice that fail to radiate romantic ambiance. At night, you can sit at a table in an outdoor restaurant and ask the question as the moonlight reflects off of one of the historic canals.

Paris, France

The ‘City of Lights’ is the dream engagement spot for many American women. Like Venice, it would be a challenge to find a place in Paris that would not accentuate the romance of a wedding proposal. From the Eifel Tower to the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, Paris is all about the heart. It may be the city of love but it is also known for its fine, French food. Book a table in a famous spot like Au Chien Qui Fum or find a small café in the historic Left Bank. Paris has bikes for rent throughout the city at parking stations. A bike ride or a stroll through the heart of this romantic place is a marriage proposal any woman can appreciate.

Malé, Maldives

If your girl prefers sand over historic sights, the Maldives is the romantic place for your proposal. Situated in the Indian Ocean, Malé offers deep blue oceans with turquoise reefs and abundant sea life. Although Malé is the capital city, more than likely you will opt to stay on one of the over 1,000 islands that make up this small nation. The sunset on a secluded island in the Indian Ocean will serve as an idyllic background for a beach picnic complete with diamond ring.

Dublin, Ireland

Not a traditional spot associated with romance, Dublin still exudes the elegance and class of the Emerald Isle. Dublin is a city full of rich literary history. You can visit the Dublin Castle and follow the trail of James Joyce to the Sandycove Tower or sit in the romantic park featured in the writings of Patrick Kavanagh. The right place for a marriage proposal might be the famous Temple Bar region dubbed as Dublin’s cultural quarter. Treat your lady to a pint of ale at the Oliver St John Gogarty Pub and shop in the markets in the squares. The medieval architecture and street patterns will make a whimsical backdrop for your proposal.

New York, New York

When it comes to style and culture, New York has sights and sounds like no other city. Take her to Strawberry Fields in Central Park to ask your big question. The setting and history will be something she never forgets. If she is an art lover, propose in front of the Robert Lehman collection at the Metropolitan Museum or walk through the East Village and stop at the small galleries that show work for up-and-coming talent. In a city as diverse as New York, there should be no problem coming up with ideas to make that moment special.

With a proposal this fantastic, she’ll never forget. Make that memory something truly special by picking a spot that embodies her personality and your relationship. Whether you choose Venice, Paris, Malé, Dublin, New York or her favorite vacation spot, a destination proposal is a step in the right direction to a future with the woman you love.

 

Filed under: adventure, france, guest post, ireland, lifestyle, new york, weddings Tagged: engagement, love, new york, paris, weddings

Travel Guest Post: Luxury Festivals

Now that the music festival season has finally kicked-off with Coachella, you might be thinking of all the incredible bands you could see in a single weekend. But if you’ve done festival camping before, you might be reminded of three days of exhaustion, lack of hygiene, and incessant bongo drumming. Isn’t there a better, more luxurious way to experience music festivals?

Of course. From lavish, five-star hotels, to a $20 air mattress, I’ll go over the myriad of ways to make your festival-going experience live up to the dream.

For the real jet-setters

Via

If you’ve got the money to spend, you can rock out to your heart’s content without missing a single amenity of modern life. Let’s take Coachella for example! Set near Bermuda Dunes, Palm Desert, and La Quinta, some of Southern California’s most exotic resorts are just a shuttle ride away from the main event. The Marriott Desert Springs villas have fully-equipped kitchens, huge living areas, private balconies, and even a clothes washer and dryer. A little closer to the venue is the absolutely enormous La Quinta Resort. You can choose from 41 pools, 53 hot spas, and five championship golf courses.

Unfortunately, not every festival takes place a stone’s throw from world-class resorts. In cases where you’re far from a temperature-regulated pool and really need a way to relax, festival organizers are showing that camping can be made into a tempting alternative to a hotel. It even has a fun, glamorous name: glamping!

Via

In the UK, Tangerine Fields provides decked-out mini yurts for a whole new sort of festival camping experience. They’ll fit two people comfortably, they’re eco-friendly, and you get access to amenities like hot showers and hair straighteners. Better yet, they start at a mere $600 a night, and you’ll never have to leave the festival grounds! (Just make sure you pack a pair of earplugs if you really want some sleep). If there aren’t yurts, keep an eye out for other fancy tents; Coachella had two-person safari tents that they were pairing with an all-access festival pass for $6500. The tents were also located in a private area of the camp, so once you’ve had as much fun as you can take, you’ll have a (relatively) calm place to pass out in.

Luxury on a budget

There are a lot of inconveniences to festival camping, sure – but what if you’ve got a tight budget to stick to? There is definitely room for improvement, and it can be pretty affordable. Let’s say you only have $100 to spend: where should it go? Here’s a shopping list of the little things that will make your campsite a whole lot more comfortable:

Air mattress – $20: After a day of adventures and a night of straining to get a view of the stage, you deserve a comfortable place to lay your head. Skip the electronic pump if you want to save a few dollars and the hassle of hunting down a power source.

Folding chair – $35: You can’t walk around all day, can you? The ultimate folding lawn chairs are comfortable, have built-in footrests, and won’t fall apart when drunken revelers tumble.

12V cooler – $40: If you do have a car, make sure you’ve also got a free 12-volt plug for your drinks. The best coolers will only sip your battery and keep your drinks cool, but make sure they’re cold to begin with.

Baby wipes – $5: Sounds odd, right? But you’ll inevitably end up covered with BBQ sauce, sunscreen lotion, or margarita mix, and you’ll wonder why on earth you didn’t bring pack the cleaning, moisturizing power of baby wipes.

So that covers it: luxury isn’t an unobtainable ideal when you’re at a music fest. With a bit of forethought, you can find the accommodations that you’ve always wanted, no matter your price range.

Andrew is a Community Coordinator at Appliance Help and Parts , and he can’t wait to build up a stack of wristbands from this summer’s festivals.

Filed under: travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: luxury festivals

Travel Guest Post: St. Kitts Sun, Sea & Golf Package

The St. Kitts Marriott Resort today debuted the Sun, Sea & Golf  package, a “sweet” deal for golfers headed to Sugar City this fall.  In addition to enjoying luxury guest rooms trimmed with West Indian accents and leading comforts, guests at the hotel from September 1 – October 31, 2012, will receive complimentary green fees at Royal St. Kitts Golf Club.

 Boasting pristine white sandy beaches surrounded by beautiful blue waters, lush tropical rain forests and a variety of historical and cultural attractions, the island of St. Kitts truly has something for everyone.  The St. Kitts Marriott Resort, on the Windward side of the island, features 393 luxury guest rooms and is highlighted by The Royal St. Kitts Golf Club, one of the most scenic and well conditioned courses in the Caribbean.  The front nine offers a glimpse of the Caribbean Sea on holes 3 and 4, as well as views of sister island Nevis and colorful island homes which are set into the mountainside, while the back nine features stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Guests will also enjoy gaming and excitement at The Royal Beach Casino, located on site, and the largest Vegas-style casino in the Caribbean; revitalizing and luxurious spa treatments at the Emerald Mist Spa; exquisite dining options at eight restaurants and two lounges; and an outstanding Kids Club program – making it the ideal destination for families, couples and corporate travelers alike.

The Sun, Sea & Golf package includes overnight accommodations at St. Kitts Marriott Resort, complimentary green fees at Royal St. Kitts Golf Club and breakfast daily.  Rates start at $159 per room, per night, based on double occupancy.  Tax and service fees not included.  Offer valid for stays from September 1 – October 31, 2012.  Course closed September 3.  Cart fees and club rental not included. For more information or to book, visitwww.stkittsmarriott.com or call 1.800.228.9290 and reference promo code H47.

Filed under: adventure, beach Tagged: marriott, st kitts

Travel Guest Post: Best Holiday Homes in Scotland

Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries to visit in Europe. Anyone who is looking for excitement, adventure, mystery, folklore and peace is most welcome here. The place is famous for its old Victorian buildings and stunning castles. Your trip to a Scottish castle is complete with a spectacular view in the backdrop and the surrounding mountains. If the European history interests you, than Scotland is full of it. The bloody battles and stories of betrayal are remembered by people across the world. There is just so much to hear and tell , that if you plan on traveling to Scotland, make sure it is a long stay!

Your trip to Scotland will be more memorable if you stay in a Scottish cottage. These self catering cottages are very similar to B&B’s and have all comforts needed by you on a leisure trip. These cottages are located at beautiful spots which are far from city life. Check out the top ten Scottish cottages on my list:

1.The Ruin : This cottage is situated near the Loch Sunart and has enough space for a good number of people. You could snuggle by the wood burner or indulge in mini sports like snooker, golf and table tennis.Relax and enjoy a barbecue meal with family and friends!

2.Claremont cottage stables: The Stables are an elegant retreat. There are spacious bedrooms with a well equipped kitchen. The owner, Sarah is a professional chef and a great host!

3.Cawdor cottages: This one is a traditional estate cottage over 700 years old. Free standing baths, antique flowing beds and log fires make your stay a unique experience.

4.South and West cottages, Lairg: You will be at luxury and ease in this one. This estate cottage is clad in raw pine leaves and gives the feel of a Georgian cabin. The interiors are plush with country rooms and a view to die for!

5.Lyndale gate lodge: You will find this cottage nestled in a woodland. Indeed a very peaceful place to sit back and relax. If you walk down a little to the shore you will find fish, otters,seals or you could go for a pony ride. Experience pure peace and enjoy the sights.

6.The Old Byre: Situated on the Waternish peninsula, this is one is awesome. The wooden interiors and open plan living area are contemporary and antique at the same time.

7.Knoydart: You can reach this beautiful cottage from boat or ferry. Enjoy the sunsets and delicious food.

8.Grenich Steading,Pitlochry,Perth and Strathtummel: The sunsets are amazing. This cottage is built entirely from Portuguese tiles and sea-grass mats. You will be enthralled by the wooden interiors.

9.Oldhamstocks cottage: Nestled in a sleepy little quaint village, this lodge is flawlessly restored with wonderfully equipped kitchens, two comfy rooms and a cozy log fire.

10.Ballat Smithy: You will be delighted to be here! Their cottage has a great view to the Campsie fells from the frontage.

Author Bio: Mellisa Turner is a 40-year-old female from Edinburgh who is always out to explore something others have been known to fear – the world  outside their own comfort zones. Her father, grand father and great grand father were all big travelers and as are her siblings. Travel is the best education. She has acquired an amazing amount of travel experience. She not only travels but also talks about it. She has written about  holiday cottages in scotland for a long time!

Filed under: guest post, scotland Tagged: cottages, europe, scotland

Win a Trip for Two to Sedona, AZ!

Perry Ellis is giving away the perfect spring escape – a trip to Sedona!  Drawing inspiration from the bold colors of the desert, Perry Ellis’ spring collection was created with Sedona in mind.

To fully honor the inspiration, Perry Ellis is giving away a three-day, two-night trip for two to Sedona, Arizona.  The trip, valued at $2,500, includes airfare, accommodations as well as an Arizona activity of choice.

Sedona is an ideal spring escape with a little something for everyone.  Whether you’re into history and archaeology; relaxing and rejuvenation at the spa; or enjoying any number of outdoor activities, Sedona makes for the perfect travel destination.

Check out Perry Ellis’ Sedona Giveaway Facebook Tab for all the details and instructions on how to enter the contest.  The contest will run from today, April 17 to April 30 with a winner being announced on May 7.  Click on the imagery below to enter for a chance to win!

 

 

Filed under: adventure, arizona, travel Tagged: arizona, contest, perry ellis, sedona

Travel Guest Post: Things to See in London- Comedy

 

I don’t live in London, although I do have a brother that does. As a result I spend a short amount of time every year visiting him and checking out the myriad forms of entertainment on offer in the capital. My favourite of which is stand-up comedy.

I’ve been a big stand-up comedy fan for several years now (and even started performing myself last year) and London has always had more great stand-up to offer than anywhere else I have been. This is unsurprising really, as it is the capital of England and everything happens in London. Personally I would never live there (I’m a northerner through and through), but I love every moment I spend staying with my brother. It’s obvious why people from all over the world enjoy visiting London.

Anyway, if you’re planning on visiting London soon, and you’re a fan of comedy, there are several London comedy clubs which you should be aware of, as they offer (what I consider to be) the best comedy available.

99 Club 

The 99 Club was built ground-up by an Oxford graduate, and is now one of the largest comedy clubs in the country. The 99 Club is also the London’s critics’ choice. Big names (such as Jack Dee) have graced the intimate stage. They also have a show every night of the week, which is fabulous.

Bearcat Comedy

Bearcat comedy in location in a strange place: the leafy suburbs of St. Margerets. Regardless of this, it is one of the greatest clubs in the city. Comedians such as Rich Hall love playing here. If you turn up once you also receive a lifetime membership, which is great for any return visits you might find yourself taking.

Amused Moose

Amused Moose attracts some of the biggest comedy names in the world (Eddie Izzard, Bill Bailey, and Noel fielding…) and should not be missed when looking to see comedy in London. Amused Moose is largely responsible for finding all of the big names in British Comedy.

Now you know a few of the best places, get out there and make yourself laugh, and have the funniest trip to London you’ve ever had!

Filed under: england, europe, events, guest post, london Tagged: comedy, london, U.K.

Beauty: Hot Summer, Hot Hair

Summer is just around the corner, and with the temperature’s heating up, here are some of the latest and best product that are great for styling hair in the warmer months to give you that sexy, sensual & careful summer look.

The NEW Goody HEAT Wave Creator’s (SRP $29.99) innovative Wave Barrel makes it easier than ever to create more natural-looking waves at home!  This unique-shaped barrel features small and large waves, allowing her to create soft, natural wave styles more simply than with a traditional straight-barreled curling iron. With ceramic and ionic technology, the iron creates smooth, frizz-free, beautiful soft results. The Goody HEAT Wave Creator will be available in March 2012.

The NEW göt2b rockin’ it encore finish dry conditioner (SRP $5.99) lets you rock shiny, smooth hair on the fly without the “wet” effect of leave-in conditioner. The weightless spray delivers rock star-worthy softness and shine that lasts all day, without the chalky feel that other products can leave behind. göt2b products are available at Wal-mart, Drugstores (Walgreens, CVS and Rite-Aid), Ulta and food retailers nationwide.

For a messier and natural bun (to keep your hair up and looking stylish in the hot summer months), use the Goody Spin Pin! TheGoody Simple Styles Spin Pin (SRP $7.29) does the work of 20 bobby pins, allowing you play it sleek and chic! Simply twirl your hair and twist the two Spin Pins together for the perfect undone bun.

*This store was dually posted on Jetsetera and JustLuxe.

Filed under: beach, beauty Tagged: beauty, goody, summer hair

Travel Guest Post: Frank Lloyd Wright 38th Annual Housewalk

Tickets are now available for the internationally acclaimed Wright Plus 2012 housewalk, showcasing rare interior tours of private homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries in historic Oak Park, Illinois.

Wright Plus, hosted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 2, features magnificent private residences from Oak Park-the community with the most Wright-designed structures. Guests will enjoy interpretations based on in-depth research of the homes’ history and architecture, including discussions of the original occupants’ lifestyles. This exceptional housewalk, which attracts visitors from around the world, offers intimate looks at a collection of beautiful homes lining the historic streets of Oak Park. Tickets are available at GoWright.org and by calling 877.848.3559. Tickets are $85 for Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust members and $100 for non-members.

The Wright Plus housewalk features nine private homes, three designed by Wright, and three public buildings designed by Wright. The William G. Fricke House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1901) is an early, rare three-story Prairie example with remarkable art glass and the Oscar B. Balch House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1911) is a notable transitional example with a unique overlook and thoughtful restorations. The William E. Martin House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1903) is a stunning, family-friendly Prairie home featuring original murals and a lovely water garden. The three public buildings designed by Wright-Unity Temple, Robie House and Wright’s Home and Studio-are National Historic Landmarks.

The George Sharp House (Architect Unknown, 1873) is one of Oak Park’s oldest residences showcasing stunning original woodwork. The John T. Price House (E.E. Roberts, 1904) is a spectacular updated Queen Anne with an exceptional addition. Vernon Skiff House (Nimmons & Fellows, 1909) is a restrained elegance in an eclectic design suggesting the Prairie School, and the Charles Schwerin House (E. E. Roberts, 1908) is a beautifully restored classic design highlighting gorgeous craftsmanship and art glass. The two John Van Bergen Houses, Philip Griess House (1914) and Robert Erskine House (1913), are charming variations of Wright’s famous fireproof Prairie houses.

The Ultimate Plus Weekend

Along with the famed housewalk tour, the Preservation Trust also offers the Ultimate Plus Weekend, an exclusive four-day weekend of events Thursday, May 31 to Sunday, June 3. As part of the Ultimate Plus Weekend guests will enjoy an elegant reception at the beautiful 1905 Wright-designed lobby of The Rookery Building in downtown Chicago on Thursday and a Friday Excursion to Wright-designed buildings in Chicago’s exclusive North Shore. Guests will enjoy the housewalk, a private luncheon and lecture and Exclusively Wright Dinners on Saturday, and a Behind-the-scenes Tour of Wright’s Frederick C. Robie House on Sunday.

The invitation-only Chairman’s Reception kicks off the Ultimate Plus experience Thursday, May 31 at The Rookery Building, a historic Burnham and Root structure in downtown Chicago. The Rookery is noted as one of the original skyscrapers and showcases a beautiful 1905 Wright-designed lobby. Mingle with Ultimate Plus guests and VIPs while exploring this grand building and perusing the silent auction. The Friday Excursion, Private Passage to Wright’s North Shore, is day trip featuring tours of privately owned Wright-designed homes. The trip includes a visit to the private Charles F. Glore House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1951), nestled on over an acre of wooded property, and the much earlier Prairie style Emil Bach House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1915) that serves as an artistic gem and a Chicago landmark. This is a triumphant design for a small, urban dwelling. Travelers will lunch overlooking Lake Michigan at the private Michigan Shores Club, which was designed by Daniel H. Burnham.

Saturday, June 2 enjoy the housewalk and a private luncheon and lecture from the Preservation Trust’s Curator and Director of Interpretations. Then, Saturday evening delight in the Exclusively Wright Dinners. The private dinners offer an intimate experience combining a magical Frank Lloyd Wright space and the exquisite cuisine of an acclaimed chef. The evening includes champagne, live music, private tours and conversations with the current owners. Finally, on Sunday, the Behind-the-scenes Tour of Wright’s Frederick C. Robie House will cap off the weekend’s festivities. Enjoy a gourmet buffet breakfast at the Carleton Hotel before departing for your private tour of Wright’s Frederick C. Robie House. One of Wright’s greatest buildings, the Robie House is a masterpiece of the Prairie style and an icon of early modernism.

The Ultimate Plus Weekend Package is highlighted by three night’s accommodation in a deluxe room (double occupancy) at the historic Carleton of Oak Park, Official Hotel of Wright Plus 2012, and transportation from hotel to all events. For more information about the Preservation Trust and Wright Plus events visit GoWright.org. The Wright Plus housewalk and weekend events support the preservation, restoration and education programs of the Preservation Trust.

Filed under: chicago, events, travel, travel planning Tagged: frank lloyd wright, housewalk, housewalk 2012, illinois