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On May 10Kim Atkinson answered the question:
What are the best things to do in Sydney?
With its ample supply of sun and water, Sydney is the kind of place where you'll want to spend your entire day outside. I recently visited, and after a few days exploring this dynamic, fun-loving city, I found that these were a few of the best things to do in Sydney:
See some culture. During my visit in spring 2013, I caught an incredible performance of Carmen by Handa Opera staged on a temporary stage on the Sydney Harbour. The grounds of the Royal Botanic Garden were transformed into a Spanish taverna, where sparkling wine, tapas and coffee were served at kiosks and enjoyed on rustic barrel stools and tables before, during and after the show. The performance was outstanding, the setting incredible and the scene festive (guests came dressed to the nines). There is always a show taking place at the city's incomparable Opera House—worth a visit for the pre- and post-show views of the harbor and incredible acoustics alone.
Go to the beach. The ferry ride to the Sydney suburb of Manly is one of the city's cheapest and best ways to view its beautiful harbor. Boats leave every half hour from Circular Quay and drop you a quick stroll to the charming beach town's public beach. You can pick up a beach towel, sunscreen and just about anything you need at the many surf shops lining the town's main drag; in the afternoon, grab a quick lunch of tacos and fresh guacamole at Chica Bonita (Mexican food is newly trendy in Sydney) or take a seat overlooking the water inside the ferry terminal at the upscale Hugo's, where the Neopolitan-style pizzas come in nearly a dozen flavors and the wines by the glass list is extensive.
Explore the Royal Botanic Garden and The Domain. A massive stretch of greenspace that spans the city's central business district and harbor to the wharfs of Woolloomooloo, the Royal Botanic Garden and Domain is a peaceful place to spend an afternoon, with plenty of cafes for grabbing a quick bite. A path runs from the Opera House to Woolloomoolloo and makes a great stretch for jogging. Consider lunch at the Andrew (Boy)Charleton municipal pool—the onsite cafe serves bistro style dishes like burgers and chicken milanese in a contemporary setting overlooking the pool, which in turn overlooks the water. Entrance to the pool will set you back only $6, and provide a unique spot for sunning or lounging. -
On May 9Kim Atkinson answered the question:
What are the best things to do in Sydney?
With its ample supply of sun and water, Sydney is the kind of place where you'll want to spend your entire day outside. I recently visited, and after a few days exploring this dynamic, fun-loving city, I found that there were a few of the best things to do in Sydney:
See some culture. During my visit in spring 2013, I caught an incredible performance of Carmen by Handa Opera staged on a temporary stage on the Sydney Harbour. The grounds of the Royal Botanic Garden were transformed into a Spanish taverna, where sparkling wine, tapas and coffee were served at kiosks and enjoyed on rustic barrel stools and tables before, during and after the show. The performance was outstanding, the setting incredible and the scene festive (guests came dressed to the nines). There is always a show taking place at the city's incomparable Opera House—worth a visit for the pre- and post-show views of the harbor and incredible acoustics alone.
Go to the beach. The ferry ride to the Sydney suburb of Manly is one of the city's cheapest and best ways to view its beautiful harbor. Boats leave every half hour from Circular Quay and drop you a quick stroll to the charming beach town's public beach. You can pick up a beach towel, sunscreen and just about anything you need at the many surf shops lining the town's main drag; in the afternoon, grab a quick lunch of tacos and fresh guacamole at Chica Bonita (Mexican food is newly trendy in Sydney) or take a seat overlooking the water inside the ferry terminal at the upscale Hugo's, where the Neopolitan-style pizzas come in nearly a dozen flavors and the wines by the glass list is extensive.
Explore the Royal Botanic Garden and The Domain. A massive stretch of greenspace that spans the city's central business district and harbor to the wharfs of Woolloomooloo, the Royal Botanic Garden and Domain is a peaceful place to spend an afternoon, with plenty of cafes for grabbing a quick bite. A path runs from the Opera House to Woolloomoolloo and makes a great stretch for jogging. Consider lunch at the Andrew (Boy)Charleton municipal pool—the onsite cafe serves bistro style dishes like burgers and chicken milanese in a contemporary setting overlooking the pool, which in turn overlooks the water. Entrance to the pool will set you back only $6, and provide a unique spot for sunning or lounging. -
On May 9Kim Atkinson answered the question:
What is the best time to visit Gateway Canyons Resort?
Gateway Canyons Resort is open year round with some seasonal adjustments, and each time of year offers a unique window into this corner of Western Colorado’s charms and attractions. Though the resort does not receive the same snowfall as other Colorado locales, the mountain town of Telluride is nearby, and Gateway Canyons offers helicopter or driven tours that can combine skiing in the morning, and relaxing at the Gateway Canyons spa in the evening. The resort is also quieter in the winter, allowing guests plenty of opportunities to explore the rugged red rock canyons by horseback, ATV or foot without seeing another soul. In spring—from April onward—bright, warm sunny days make hiking, cruising the nearby canyons by car, and horseback riding a draw. Summer is the high season at Gateway Canyons, when multi-generational families arrive for summer retreats that can combine a wealth of activities, including white water rafting, rock climbing, Baja truck driving, ATV riding, nature walks, star gazing and more. Fall’s continued fine weather, sunny days and cool nights bring fewer crowds and a chance to take part in the area’s new wineries’ harvest festivities—wine tastings and tours can be arranged by the resort’s guest services team. -
On May 9Kim Atkinson answered the question:
What are the rooms like at Gateway Canyons Resort?
With their Southwestern style, spaciousness and superb views out of every window, the rooms at Gateway Canyons Resort are a comfortable retreat at the end of an active day at this luxury resort in Western Colorado. Rooms in the Kiva Lodge, which circle the resort’s pool and clubhouse courtyard, are available in four configurations, with the smallest (at 485 square feet) deluxe rooms featuring king or double beds, a wet bar with mini fridge and Keurig coffee maker, and high definition flat-screen TVs. The larger premium rooms feature gas kiva fireplaces and more space to spread out at 685 square feet. Signature rooms have the added draw of outdoor private hot pools, and the Grand Kiva Signature Suites have separate living and dining space, two separate bedrooms and their own private outdoor space with outdoor gas fireplaces.
In the Kayenta Lodge, which encircles a quiet grassy courtyard, there are three types of rooms to choose from, all with distinct, colorful décor marked by vibrant turquoise accent walls behind the plush, duvet-topped beds and beautiful, rustic wood pocket doors that conceal the spacious bathrooms with copper tubs. Deluxe rooms on the ground floor of the two-story structure have outdoor fireplaces, while second story rooms have balconies with freestanding fire bowls. Premium rooms include living rooms with sleeper sofas and the same choice of outdoor fireplace or fire bowl, and the Signature Rooms include all the comforts of the Deluxe and Premium rooms plus outdoor hot pools.
This summer, the resort’s most luxurious option, its new casitas, will open and offer secluded, two-story suites that can be configured with multiple bedrooms, making them ideal for families traveling together. You’ll find the same Southwestern-influenced décor, comfortable beds and oversized bathrooms rooms throughout the resort, with added luxe touches such as outdoor showers, private decks with fire pits and outdoor hot pools, and oversized windows (for taking in all those magnificent Colorado stars). -
On April 15
Kim Atkinson posted:
Just got back from Queenstown, New Zealand, where I had the chance to try the famous Fergburger--a dinner plate-sized burger that locals queue up for round the clock. Definitely worth the wait and calories!
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On April 10
Hello Kim, I heard you made a great presentation at the Clefs d'Or Congress in New Zealand. I wish I could have been there to meet you in person! Thank you for the nice comment!
Forbes Travel Guide Editor
Atlanta, GA, USA
As Senior Vice President of Content at Forbes Travel Guide, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting some of the world’s best hotels, restaurants, and spas, and helping to create the top online destination for travel content, Startle.com. My love for travel took hold when my family moved to London — where I graduated from high school — during my teenage years. Since then, I’ve visited over 40 countries and almost every U.S. state. Before joining Forbes Travel Guide, I was executive editor at Boston Magazine, launched Niche Media’s lifestyle magazine Boston Common, and covered travel as an editor at More Magazine. I’ve contributed travel and lifestyle stories to Cosmopolitan, Parents, Parenting, Ladies’ Home Journal, Chicago Magazine and other outlets. I received an MSJ in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, where I have taught news and magazine writing and editing.
