Come Back to Camelback

Certainly not the newest resort in town, the Camelback Inn
(www.camelbackinn.com) in Scottsdale dates back to the 1930?s when celebrities of the era like Jimmy Stewart and Bette Davis kicked back there. Of course the adobe style resort has been renovated and enhanced with modern amenities, but hints of the original casitas remain. What I love about the place, other than just being in the sunny, dry desert mountains, are the beautiful grounds. Purple, yellow and sunset hued bougainvillea and lantana, and olive and citrus trees make up the landscape.

People visit Scottsdale for golf and spa. The Inn has that, tennis and more. We enjoyed our treatments and the healthy cuisine at the spa as well as lounging in our robes at the spa pool overlooking the desert. Phoenix and Scottsdale are home to a happening dining scene and while it is tempting to stay cloistered at the resort, get out and explore. And if you are into architecture, don?t miss Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West (www.franklloydwright.org), still a functioning school.

Exotic Chocolate

Chocolate lovers prepare for some innovative flavors. We visited
Vosges Haut Chocolate in Chicago this Spring. A tiny, hip
boutique located on the Magnificent Mile, we sampled truffles infused with
ginger, curry, balsamic vinegar and more. The Naga combined the flavors of sweet
Indian curry, coconut and milk chocolate. Balsamico blends 10 year old balsamic
vinegar, dark chocolate and roasted Sicilian hazelnuts. Chocolate aficionados
with dig this place. Stylish packaging and great taste make this a perfect gift.

Visit www.vosgeschocolate.com or storefronts in Chicago, New York and Las Vegas for more interesting flavor combos.