Art and Wine in Italy?

ART WALKS WITH (WINE) – STAGE TWO: THE APP

#Bioculture: art walks through Le Marche and its organic wines

#Bioculture enters its second stage with the release of a mobile app for tourists to discover new organic wine routes inLe Marche, Italy.

After six British and European artists from across Europe walked over 150 miles discovering the gems of the Italian central region of Marche, the #Bioculture - Art walks with (wine) project is entering its second stage with the release of a mobile app for tourists.

Technology, art and traditions come together in an all-encompassing app. In just one click, users will be able to follow the steps taken by the Bioculture artists and discover Marche’s still unspoiled and often secret landscape, culture and food traditions.

With the #Bioculture app users will have at their disposal a complete range of tourist routes through Le Marche, combining food and wine with art, local customs and all that is part of Italy’s remnants of La Dolce Vita.

The app will be released in English for all mobile Android and IOS devices. It will be officially showcased in London in the spring, for media presentation prior to market launch.

The app will include three main sections: ART, WALKS and WINE.

ART features the projects of the artists who took part in the #Bioculture journey, with short biographical details for each one and information on the artworks they produced following the experience. Artistic director Federico Bomba coordinated the project, which was co-financed by the Marche Region.

These include British award-winning storyteller Rachel Rose Reid and her audio book modern take on local mythology; the music lp “Beautiful Ground” by sound artist AlessioBallerini, inspired by the sounds of the local countryside and villages; the video-portraits of local communities filmed by FabrizioCarotti with performer Simona Sala; and the digital illustrations by Giacomo Giacometti, who drew the region from an exotic and new perspective in his digital postcards for curious explorers.

WINE takes the user on a real-life virtual tour of six organic wineries across Le Marche, and their unique wines.

The section gives detailed background information on the reality behind Terroir Marche, the leading consortium of organic winemakers in Italy. Terroir Marche acts for the promotion and safeguarding of organic and biodynamic winemaking in the region, the conservation of the territory and local communities, the preservation of tradition and cultural practices, and promotes a sustainable economic model.

WALKS is divided into two main modes: “armchair”and“on the road”. Both feature a map-based system to navigate through the 19 legs of the #Bioculture itinerary. Each leg contains all the necessary information on the geographical area, with historic and archaeological background, tips on local art routes and landscape, as well as a detailed presentation of the 18 structures, agriturismi (farm restaurants) and wineries, of the project.

-“Armchair”: thought for the planning of the trip from home, it features must-know information on organisation and logistics for your trip: the length of each of the tour legs, timing, terrain and others.

-“On the road”: the heart of the app, features a GPS built-in tracker and is a practical hand-held guide of Marche. It has everything the user needs when he/she is on location in Italy: maps, places, practical info to enjoy and make the most of their journey through organic Marche.

#Bioculture is a project by Sineglossa Creative Ground, with the cooperation of Tonidigrigio and Pepelab – Artwalks(with). Bioculture is co-financed by the Marche Region, Youth Policies Department and by the Italian Presidency of the Council of Ministers, and is supported by Enit, National Agency for Tourism.

For more information/press queries please contact:

Federico Bomba federico@bioculture.it / +39 339 3695202
DavideGhilottidavid.422@hotmail.it / +44 077 92 33 00 68
Francesco Mandolinifrancesco.mandolini26@gmail.com / +39 333 899 7193

Washington DC and Cherry Blossom Festival

I visited Washington DC with my son a couple of years ago and was instantly enamoured with the beautiful capital. Great deal on offer with Virgin holidays. My article about our visit which was published in the Irish Mail on Sunday is also featured below. 

Experience Washington, DC’s Cherry Blossom Festival with Virgin Holidays from £899pp

The tourist season in Washington, DC comes into full bloom this spring with the 103^rd National Cherry Blossom Festival, known as the ‘USA’s Greatest Springtime Celebration’.

The festival, held from 20 March 2015 until 12 April 2015, will welcome more than one million visitors from around the world to witness the beautiful blossoming of the cherry blossom trees that surround the Tidal Basin. The cherry blossom tree is a symbol of the enduring friendship between the citizens of the United States and Japan, who presented the trees to the USA in 1912.

Aside from leisurely enjoying DC and taking in the breathtaking views of the Tidal Basin, highlights of the flowering festival include spectacular opening and closing ceremonies, a lavish parade (which has been a long standing Washington, DC tradition for many years), extravagant fireworks displays, free exercise classes held in front of the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorials, and the Blossom Kite Festival.

Virgin Holidays is offering a three night break to Washington, DC to experience the Cherry Blossom Festival from £899 per person. Price includes return flights from London Heathrow to Washington Dulles International Airport and three nights at the modern Renaissance Dupoint Circle hotel in a standard room. Price based on two people sharing a standard room and departing 9 April 2015.

For further information and to book, visit www.virginholidays.co.uk/

To find out more about the National Cherry Blossom Festival, visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

To find out more about Washington, DC and the Capital Region USA, visit www.CapitalRegionUSA.co.uk

Boston, Massachusetts has so much to offer...its on my bucket list for this year so watch this space!

All-American Eateries in Massachusetts Massachusetts is home to some of the most quintessentially American dining experiences that range from super seafood restaurants, to 50's diners to BBQ shacks. Mostly family owned, these eateries are renowned for a warm welcome, Americana decor and most of all amazing food.   Here's a flavour of the legendary establishments Massachusetts has to offer:   Cutty's To say that Cutty's is a but a sandwich shop would be a serious disservice! This Brookline Massachusetts institution has perfected the art. The food is handcrafted with great skill, care, and awesome locally sourced ingredients, while the meats are all-natural and roasted on-site. Classics on the menu include the roast beef 1000 (slow-roasted beef, crispy shallots,1000 island, sharp cheddar on brioche) and the pork fennel (slow-roasted pork, pickled fennel, roasted garlic on a sesame seed roll).   The Lobster Shanty Located in the heart of the historic harbour town of Salem, the Lobster Shanty has been serving up the best of locally sourced seafood for over 30 years. Specialities include hearty New England style clam chowder and sumptuous lobster rolls.   Bartley's Burger Cottage In 1960, Joe and Joan Bartley took over the Harvard Spa, a small convenience store facing Harvard Yard. The plan was simple: perfect the hamburger, the quintessential American sandwich. For years, a small grill accompanied greeting cards and paper goods. As word travelled, the menu took off, and Mr. and Mrs.Bartley's Burger Cottage became the Harvard Square institution of today.   Click here for info on Massachusetts' incredible food scene. Massachusetts' Museums    Massachusetts is home to an incredible range of world-class cultural institutions. Here's a sample of the State's fascinating museums.     The New Bedford Whaling Museum The New Bedford Whaling Museum is dedicated to exploring the historic interaction between humans and whales throughout the world. With many Atlantic harbours, whaling was once an important way of life in Massachusetts and this fascinating museum presents the social and economic aspects of the activity. Located in the harbour town of New Bedford, the Museum is about an hour's drive south of Boston.   The Museum of Science Boston The Museum of Science believes that everyone has a role to play in the world of science and technology and is committed to deepening people's understanding of the universe. The museum features incredible exhibits including life size dinosaur models, a geology rock garden, a planetarium and fun discovery centre for kids.   The Berkshire Museum The Berkshire Museum is a community-based museum that features exhibitions on art, natural sciences and history. The intriguing permanent exhibitions include a twenty plus tank aquarium with countless exotic species; an interactive Hall of Innovation that explores the area's proud tradition of invention and the 'World in Miniature', a fun and educational display that depicts plants and animals in their natural habitats. The Museum is situated in the scenic town of Pittsfield in Western Massachusetts. For more great cultural attractions in Massachusetts, click here. Winter Fun and Outdoor Activities   Winter in Massachusetts is mostly cold, crisp and clear, making it ideal for outdoor fun. While the State boasts great opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, here's a taste of the more offbeat outdoor activities on offer. Northern Exposure Outfitters Dog Sled Experience Located in lushly forested countryside of central Massachusetts, the Northern Exposure Outfitters offer visitors an incredible dog sledding experience. Learn about the art of mushing before enjoying a riveting ride along the local trails. Boston Common Frog Pond Ice Rink Nestled in the heart of America's oldest public park, the Boston Common Frog Pond Ice Rink is a winter institution. Great for all the family, the frozen Frog Pond offers fun ice skating all throughout the winter. Snow Tubing in Amesbury Sports Park Boasting the steepest snow tubing hill in New England, the Amesbury Sports Parkhas up to 12 snow tubing lanes in winter months.   Click here for more great winter fun ideas. St. Patrick's Day, Massachusetts' Style     As the most Irish state in the US, St. Patrick's Day is serious business in Massachusetts. Why not check out how our American cousins celebrate the day this March! Events take place right across the state with the biggest undoubtedly being the world famous South Boston parade. This epic celebration of Irish heritage attracts over 600,000 spectators every year.   For more information on the St. Patrick's Day festivities, click here.  Follow Us Keep up to date on all the latest from Massachusetts by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.

Broadway shows half price sale! But you'll have to be quick...!

Two-for-One theatre tickets are now on sale for NYC & Company’s Broadway Week

NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organisation, is encouraging theatergoers to purchase two-for-one Broadway Week tickets to 22 of Broadway’s top shows. Tickets are now on sale at nycgo.com/broadwayweek for performances between 20^th January and 5^th February 2015. Launched in January 2011, Broadway Week is a biannual promotion designed to increase ticket sales during typically slower periods of attendance during the winter and autumn. In the past eight iterations, Broadway Week has cumulatively sold 549,349 tickets, generating $36.2 million in revenue for Broadway. Last winter’s programme broke records, selling approximately 95,000 tickets, a nearly 140% increase from the first iteration in winter 2011. 

“From the appealing two-for-one ticket offer to the high calibre and wide selection of participating shows, Broadway Week makes it even easier to experience some of the best theatre in New York City,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “We encourage New Yorkers and visitors to take advantage of the programme and enjoy the energy and excitement of Broadway at a terrific value.”

"There's no place like Broadway! Our plays and musicals set the standard for theatre around the world," said Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of the Broadway League. "NYC & Company's bi-annual Broadway Week is an inviting way to remind New Yorkers - who live in one of the culture capitals of the world -- to see more shows.  Broadway Week is also a wonderful opportunity for first-time visitors to New York City to experience Broadway."

Shows participating in Broadway Week Winter 2015:*

·         Aladdin

·         Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

·         Cabaret

·         Chicago The Musical

·         The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

·         A Delicate Balance

·         Disgraced

·         A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder

·         Honeymoon in Vegas

·         If/Then

·         It’s Only a Play

·         Jersey Boys

·         Kinky Boots

·         Les Misérables

·         The Lion King

·         Mamma Mia!

·         Matilda the Musical

·         On the Town

·         The Phantom of the Opera

·         The River

·         Wicked

·         You Can’t Take it With You

*Subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply.

Broadway Week is produced by NYC & Company in partnership with The Broadway League, American Express, AARP, Amtrak and NBC 4 New York. The programme will be promoted on social media with the hashtag #BroadwayWeek.

Broadway Week will be followed later this winter by Off-Broadway Week, with two-for-one tickets to Off-Broadway show performances between 23^rd February and 8^th March 2015; and Restaurant Week, with dining deals available between 16^th February and 6^th March 2015. Further details on these promotions will be available closer to the time atwww.nycgo.com.

Getting ready for summer? Kick off with a little Jazz in The Big Easy!

It's Holiday World time in my home town Dublin and that means the busiest week of the year for people who want to book that special holiday this summer. I'm getting lots of press releases from different places with all sorts of news.
New Orleans sent me details of this years Jazz Festival which looks like BIG FUN!

International Names Headline JazzFest in April

The listings for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, presented by Shellhavebeen announced with a spectacular line up of artists.  The mission of the Festival is to celebrate the culture and heritage of New Orleans and Louisiana alongside nationally and internationally renowned guest artists.  This year’s performers include Elton John, Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, The Who, Ed Sheeran, The O’Jays, Chicago, No Doubt, John Legend and Paloma Faith.  Jazz Fest regulars and home grown talents include Trombone Shorty, Kermit Ruffins, Irma Thomas, Soul Rebels, Irvin Mayfield and Allen Toussaint. The full line-up is available at: http://lineup.nojazzfest.com/

The Festival will present more than 500 bands during the seven-day event with over eighty percent of the performers hailing from the city and region.   Jazz Fest takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course and will once again feature twelve stages of music in such varied genres as rock, pop, R&B, gospel, blues, traditional and contemporary jazz, Cajun, zydeco and much more. 

UK & Ireland Account Director,  Jody Hanson,  commented,  “This festival goes from strength to strength and it is wonderful to see so many international stars performing alongside the best artists in Louisiana.  JazzFest is now regarded as a world class festival and is attracting British visitors who want to combine a must-see event with a rich and diverse holiday experience.  It is so easy to set out and explore Louisiana once the festival is over!” 

This year’s dates are24^th – 26^thApril and 30^th April – 3^rd May 2015.  Advance single day adult tickets cost from $58 per person. Visitors can also download the festival app here: http://www.nojazzfest.com/multimedia/jazz-festival-app/

For further information about New Orleans and Louisiana, visit www.neworleanscvb.com and www.louisianatravel.com and to stay up to date on news, follow @louisianatravel and @neworleanson Twitter and like the Facebook pages at: http://www.facebook.com/neworleanscvband http://www.facebook.com/LouisianaTravel

New York New York...Fabulous Travel with my little girl!

I adore New York! I love it so much I set my second novel there Three Nights in New York!

When my daughter reached her tenth birthday I decided she was ready to see the bright lights and be inspired by a trip to the Big Apple. My feature was published in the 

Sunday World newspaper,..enjoy!

At the Rockerfeller Centre Ice Rink

At the top of the Empire State Building

For a mother and daughter trip, New York is the city that has it all. So after recently turning double digits, Nicole and I set off for three nights to celebrate. We took a United Airlines direct flight from Dublin to Newark and treated ourselves to some extra leg space for $60. With personalised entertainment monitors I was able to catch up on all the latest movies from Wolf of Wall Street to American Hustle – while Nicole enjoyed Disney’s Frozen and other kids’ classics. The airplane journey was an adventure in itself and as we descended over Mahattan and the Statue of Liberty came into view Nicole gasped, “It’s tiny Mum!” Needless to say as we made the journey through the Lincoln tunnel to Manhattan, her perspective changed.

Dinner at the American Girl store with fabulous fashion designer Jacqueline Quinn NY and her daughter Gabrielle

Nicole had her heart set on visiting the American Girl store on Fifth Avenue, so after dropping our bags in the Radisson Martinique, we set off to see what damage we could do to my credit card. The American Girl brand is a subsidiary of the Mattel group and its products reflect every kind of American Girl. With 60 personalised faces to choose from, your daughter can have her very own 18” doll that looks like her. They retail at $110 but you need to spend a lot more on accessories to get your daughter and doll co-ordinating.

personal shopper Anne with Nicole

We were shown around by our personal shopper, Anne from Kentucky, who discreetly asked what our budget was. This was a good thing as it would be very easy for mothers to lose the run of themselves in a store that has everything a little girl desires for her doll. We decided to treat Nicole’s doll to a hairdo and ear piercing. Then the doll got a new outfit and a pet dog. We were meeting our friends for dinner and booked into the cafe on the third floor for the ultimate end to our shopping experience. Nicole’s doll got her own high-chair and we devoured the wonderful food, priced at 

$26 pp for three-courses.

Nicole's doll with new hairdo and earpiercings

Meeting the Naked Cowboy in Times Square
was quite a thrill

After dinner we took a stroll around the Rockerfeller ice-rink where there was an exhibition of decorated giant eggs on display. We walked back to our hotel via the bright lights of Times Square, and took a photo of The Real Naked Cowboy. With our biological clocks on Irish Time we were relieved that our hotel was located conveniently on 32^nd street and Broadway. Our room was on the top floor and large by New York standards. The Radisson Martinique is an historic hotel and the decor preserves the spirit of Beaux Arts perfectly.

The naked Cowboy insisted on this photo...honest!

Next morning Buffet Breakfast was served in the Cafe Martinique which whisked us to turn-of-the-twentieth-century Paris. Nicole devoured pancakes and syrup with hot chocolate, while I enjoyed a huge selection of fresh fruits, eggs and bacon. Feeling like it was noon we set off for the Empire State Building, only a short two-block-stroll from our hotel. With city passes in hand, and an 8.15 start, we skipped the first line and didn’t have to wait long before we were ascending in the elevator to the 80^th floor. The City Pass is a must buy if you want to see the major sights and museums. We bought a T-shirt in the gift shop for the boys at home, and then took a walk around the 86^th floor. With so much done before nine o’clock we went for a Starbucks then hit some shops.

My girl was in heaven in Macy's.

Macy’s is only around the corner from the Empire State and a must see. Here, Nicole had her eyes done with sparkly lilac shadow because we had a very important treat lined up for the afternoon. Mamma Mia is in its twelfth year in the Broadhurst Theatre on Broadway and we had tickets for the matinee presentation. It is one of Nicole’s favourite movies so I wasn’t sure how she was going to feel about seeing it on stage. I needn’t have worried as she was enthralled from start to finish, apart from the embarrassing moment when I got up to dance. But as the rest of the audience were bopping in the aisles Nicole decided she should get involved too.

Mamma Mia it's Harry Headbanger!

We are really on Braodway Yay!

Next day our friends took us on a magical drive over the Queensboro Bridge, to check out the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. This suburb in Queens is where big screen history really began. The museum holds some of the most notable memorabilia from the movies and has plenty of interactive exhibits for kids. Nicole had fun doing a voiceover on the Wizard of Oz and making her own flick book movie. Afterwards we strolled down Steinway Street and enjoyed the cafe life along the way. As the Herald Square subway ran directly under our hotel we had a quick train ride home that night. The boroughs have a lot to offer with trendy bars and boutique shops so it is worth stepping off Manhattan to explore Queens or Brooklyn.

Nicole and Yoda at the Museum of the Moving Image

It was our last day and we had some important shops to visit. The FAO Schwarz toy store has to be every child’s dream. Nicole’s eyes were certainly bigger than her belly as she sped around the Big Candy Store collecting Wonka sweets and Gummy Bears. The shop is directly across the road from Central Park so we bought an ice-cream and ventured over to sit in the sunshine.

The stretch down Fifth Avenue took us to shopping heaven but have your wits about you before tackling the Hollister or Abercrombie and Fitch stores. 

We queued for ten minutes, night-club-style, before entering the shop. Then I couldn’t even see the tags or hear myself think over the blaring music and scantily clad assistants. Aeropostale is a much better destination if shopping for the kids with better prices too. 

Feeling like a princess at Juicy Couture

Cirlce line cruises to the Statue of Liberty

We swung by Juicy Couture, well everything was on 40% sale, before lunching in the Museum of Modern Art. Although Nicole loves art, I wasn’t sure how this would fit in with our agenda on this trip. I needn’t have worried as she happily snapped her way around Van Gogh’s, Monet’s et al. She even had the energy after to take a trip on the circle line cruise, and delighted in the fact that the Statue of Liberty was a good deal taller than her brother.

Jasper Johns Flag at the MOMA

We left New York with a suitcase full of shopping and a bagful of precious memories. It may be extravagant to take your young daughter to New York but it has to be the stuff dreams are made of.

Michelle Jackson is the author of ‘Three Nights in New York’, published by Poolbeg Press. See her website www.michellejackson.ie or amazon.co.uk

Factbox

NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organisation for the City of New York. For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nycgo.com or call the Irish office in Dublin on +353 1 6319604. City Pass

Mamma Mia is playing at the Broadhurst theatre, 235 West 44^th Street. New York.

Information re United Airlines sent by Vivienne from Walsh PR direct.

United Airlines offer a second daily Dublin-New York Nonstop Service for Summer 

To stay at the Radisson Martinique Rates vary seasonally, from $285.00.

Website for the Hotel Radisson Martinique 

http://www.radisson.com/new-york-hotel-ny-10001/nynewyrk