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When daydreaming of a getaway to the Dominican Republic, sun, surf, and rum-based cocktails first come to mind. And you’re not wrong. But the island-nation’s capital city of Santo Domingo is also brimming with history, culture, and natural wonders well worth visiting. So, why not make a weekend of it?      SEE With most major cities offering nonstop flights to Las Américas International Airport, a dose of some much needed R&R against a rich and vibrant backdrop is just a hop, skip, and a jump away.      A mere 30 minutes from your arrival gate you’ll find the UNESCO World Heritage site and must-see (and stay) area of Zona Colonial. A peek into the past, “La Zona,” as it’s known, is the first European Colonial district in the New World and hasn’t changed much. Stroll along the cobblestone streets where you’ll undoubtedly stumble upon massive squares, stone churches, statue-packed parks, and fortresses dating back to the 1500’s.    STROLL Start your jaunt at the top of Calle El Conde, or Street of the Count, at Parque Independencia, accessed through La Puerta del Conde (The Count's Gate) which once served as the entrance to this fortified city.  Along with the occasional stone sentry box, busts of national heroes line the grand walkway and hide amongst the lush greenery and rotating art exhibits on the grounds. Larger than life statues of the Fathers of the Dominican Republic (Juan Pablo Duarte, Matías Ramón Mella, and Francisco del Rosario Sánchez) reside in the impressive marble mausoleum, Altar de la Patria, where visitors come to pay their respects.   Calle El Conde itself is a colorful, bustling scene rife with shops, restaurants, music, street dogs, performers, and talented artisans. Grab a coffee at an open air cafe, browse beautiful original canvases often featuring the beauty of the adjacent Ozama River, or try your hand in a chess tournament against a regular at one of the many outdoor tables. DRINK   At the end of this 1 KM stretch you’ll reach Parque Colón or Columbus Park.  Without surprise, a statue of Christopher Columbus stands dead center; pointing towards his next conquest and constantly covered in pigeons. Galleries, government buildings, and arch-adorned cathedrals surround the plaza as well as laid back cafes and bars offering outdoor seating and thirst-quenching drinks. And amazing location for people watching, dog watching, and taking it easy. Be sure to order a traditional Dominican drink, the Morir Soñando. Essentially frothy milk and orange juice, the name means “to die while dreaming" and is apparently acceptable to sip on morning, noon, and night!  DAY TRIP   If you’re in the mood for a little escape from the hustle and bustle, Los Tres Ojos, or the three eyes, is just 15 minutes away. The three eyes stand for the three lakes  located within the limestone caves of the Mirador del Este park. With bright turquoise water and stalactites abound, the caves look like something out of the prehistoric era, and they are! Scenes from the third Jurassic Park movie (as well as Tarzan) were shot here and it’s easy to see why! A few pesos gets you a trip across the turtle-filled waters of the second eye, La Nevera, on a small ferry boat operated by ropes. This descent deeper into the cave proves completely breathtaking and a little eerie. EAT It wouldn’t be a trip to the Caribbean without a little beach time. Playa Boca Chica is close, clear, and calm. Despite soaring temperatures, fried food is the delicacy of choice on the sand. You can order everything from fried fish to fried yuca and Yaniqueques (Johnny Cakes) amongst the myriad of bright wooden stands lining the road en route to the beach.     Prices here are more favorable and the food is often prepared on the spot under the charming hand painted signs. If you want front row seats to the Caribbean Sea, you can pay a little more to sit under an umbrella at one of the restaurants that plunge over the shoreline and offer larger seafood platters and giant bottles of Presidente that really hit the spot.   NIGHTLIFE   Back in Zona Colonial, the perfect end to a stint in Santo Domingo is at the perfect rave. The ruins of the Monasterio de San Francisco is home to a Sunday night Dance Party featuring bright lights, ample drinks, and live music for all generations. It’s a balanced blend of old and new; breathing new life into the first monastery of the new world and making for an unforgettable finish to a fabulous weekend in the sun.   EXPLORE

Hello from our living room, wearing a similar outfit to yesterday's, wavering between feelings of worry, hope and overwhelm.  We saw a post the other day that says it all "For those who lost track, today is Blursday, the fortyteenth of Maprilay."  Uncertain of the future, we distract ourselves with the thing we know best - travel, and more specifically "armchair travel." Delighting in uplifting stories and pictures from all over the world. Each week we'll be sharing the ones that remind us that Life Is Still Sweet.     1. SOUND OF MUSICItalians in quarantine take to roofs and balconies to join Italians in quarantine take to roofs and balconies to join in song.Read more here: The New York Times: Italians Find ‘a Moment of Joy in This Moment of Anxiety’Watch here: The Guardian: Quarantined Italians sing from balconies to lift spirits 2. GOOD NEIGHBORS Good neighbors in Brooklyn, NY use nextdoor app to help out senior citizens hunkering down at home. Read more here: New York Post: NYC good Samaritans run errands for seniors confined by the coronavirus3. FURRY FRIENDS With more people exercising “WFH,” we’re all spending more time with our furry friends (with entertaining results).Read more here: The Guardian: Dogs working from home during coronavirus crisis? There's an Instagram account for that 4. COMMUNITY SUPPORTPerformers, personal trainers, bar tenders, small business owners, and more feel the love with support from the community. Read more here: CBS News: These workers are going without pay during the coronavirus crisis. Here's how to help.5. HOLIDAY LIGHTSHoliday lights are going back up to spread cheer (not germs) during lockdown.Read more here: Good Morning America: People put Christmas lights up to spread cheer amid coronavirus pandemic6. VIRTUAL TOURSThrough the power of virtual tours, you can still visit beautiful museums and attractions all around the world.Read more here: The Washington Post: 12 Historic Sites you can Virtually Tour from the Couch during your Quarantine   MORE TO EXPLORE

I’m very lucky to say that I spend about three weeks a year in Paris for work. The Food! The style! The lights…what’s not to love about Paris?! Yes, much has been written about Paris but there is a reason for that… as we all know, Paris never gets old!    My strategy is to live like a chic local while still taking in the hits of Paris and if you stay where we stay, you are setting yourself up to have the most picture-perfect long weekend in Paris. I’m convinced we stay in the absolute best place in all of Paris. We stay at a beautiful studio apartment in the Palais Royale. It’s beautifully decorated and the owners are absolutely wonderful hosts. Sophie has created a giant binder of Paris recommendations is worth it alone. If you’re lucky (like us) and get to know her over time, she may even let you rent out her main apartment when she’s at her second home in Grasse but the studio is fabulous too.  THURSDAY 1. Angelina for lunch on Rue de Rivoli. Dessert is an absolute must here so definitely save room.2. Pop into Faure Le Page on Rue Cambon (think Goyard but with a history of leather goods made for gun-toting….a little cooler and not as played out IMO)3. Louis Vuitton Foundation4. Food shopping for breakfast and snacks (and maybe a picnic) at LeBonMarche (the food hall is directly next to the department store which is very much worth a visit too…I also usually pop into the Conran Shop which is catty-corner to LBP since the one in NYC is no longer)5. Early dinner at Bistrot Vivienne  FRIDAY 1. Musee de Beaux Arts at the Petit Palais2. Musee Rodin (Great place to picnic when the weather is nice….take a morning snack of café au lait and some fresh fruit and dine among the outdoor sculptures. Afterwards, stroll the museum, which is small and shouldn’t take too long)3. Deyrolle (the famed taxidermy store, long an inspiration of Wes Anderson)4. Stroll down Rue de Bac….eat a light lunch (or skip entirely) followed by something sweet (sweet shops line this entire street and they are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the belly)5. Stop in to Popelini for an out of this world cream puff and to take a selfie in front of their “I Got Puffed in Paris” sign 6. Assouline on Rue Bonaparte (Note: You will be near Le Bon Marche so if you didn’t get to go the day before, go now.)­7. NapImage via Paramount Pictures8. Dinner at Le Grand Colbert. I love the smoked salmon with blinis to start, the roast chicken or a steak for my main and the baked Alaska for dessert. 9. Ice Cream at Une Glace à ParisImage via  Une Glace à Paris SATURDAY 1. Pack a picnic lunch if it’s nice out Musee des Arts Decoratifs (walk there from the Studio)  2. Picnic in the Jardin de Tuilleries (just a couple of blocks further on Rue de Rivoli…pick up some postcards en route and do your postcard-writing at the same time) Photo by Marco Verch 3. Start the evening with a cocktail at Le Meurice (during Fashion Week this is the best place for people watching)4. Dinner back at the Musee Des Artes Decoratifs at Lou Lou (make sure to book…I like doing the museum the same day but that’s just me) SUNDAY 1. Musee D’Orsay (I like the walk if it’s nice out). The impressionists and decorative arts collection are not to be missed. Take a selfie in front of the giant clock.2. Stroll along Boulevard St. Germain3. Musee YSL If you’re ambitious and have another museum in you, go to the Musee Picasso, one of my favorites (although a cab ride away)4. Dinner at Freddy’s or Semilla. Freddy’s is Semilla’s more casual little brother of a restaurant next door. It serves up small plates tapas style and a huge selection of great wines by the glass. Both are amazing experiences and are adjoined so you can’t go wrong (you’ll definitely need a reservation at Semilla). WHY Because I spend about three weeks a year in Paris for work and I’m convinced we stay in the best place in all of Paris! I’LL DO ANYTHING FOR Paris window shopping and French Cheeses I’LL DO ANYTHING TO AVOID The crowds in front of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre…. WHEN I go for Fashion Week (end of Sept/Early Oct. and March) which is an exciting time in Paris (at least if you’re into fashion) but April, May, June, and September are all fantastic months. I dramatically prefer Paris when it’s warmer. FAVORITE MEAL   Le Grand Colbert: Smoked Salmon and Blinis at / Steak or Chateaubriand / Crème brûlée or Baked Alaska (sure this place has gotten a little touristy since Diane Keaton raved about it in “Something’s Gotta Give” but the room is an atmospheric slice of heaven, the food is very French and doesn’t disappoint, and plenty of locals still eat here…This is about a 90-second walk from Le Palais Royale Bistrot Vivienne: Beef Tartar, Baked Camembert (not always available but if it is, get it!), / their incredible chicken and I rarely order chicken (I think it’s the Coquelet) / Chocolate Mousse is an absolute must and This is also about a 90-second walk from Le Palais Royale) I BRING HOME Goodies from Le Bon Marche, books from Deyrolle & quirky souvenirs from Colette RELATED PRODUCTS  

FLOUR SHOP Photo by William Sonoma If you are need of a Birthday cake this place is a must! Order an explosion cake for the most colorful cake you’ve ever seen or stop in to pick up some mini sweet treats for a mid-day pick me up. 177 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013 TAIYAKI NYC A Japanese ice cream shop known for their soft-serve served up in a fish-shaped cone. 119 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013 DOMINIQUE ANSEL It wouldn’t be a trip to NYC without stopping by Dominique Ansel’s Bakery and trying the original cronut or one of their famous cookie shots! 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012 DO Photo by DO Embrace the inner child in you at DO where you can eat as much cookie dough as your heart desires! They even have Gluten Free and Vegan options. 550 LaGuardia Place New York, NY 10012 JARS BY DANI What’s better than cake? Cake in a jar! Jars by Dani is a great addition for any event or party. They look just as good as they taste! MISTER SOFTEE Photo by Mister Softee The most famous ice cream food truck! You can’t go wrong with a vanilla chocolate swirl on a cone with rainbow sprinkles. DAILY PROVISIONS Photo by Melissa Hom Looking for the perfect match with your coffee? Look no further! With a choice of either maple, strawberry or cinnamon, the Cruller’s at daily provision are a must! 103 E 19th St New York, NY 10003 VAN LEEUWEN ARTISAN ICE CREAM Photo by Van Leeuwen Artisanal Ice Cream made with the simplest, freshest ingredients. Vegan and Classic flavors available. Be sure to try their Honeycomb Flavor! 61 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012 SHAKE SHACK Photo by Caroline Rodriguez Best known for its burgers and fries, Shake Shack also has frozen custard available. Make sure to order a concrete, frozen custard with mix-ins, which are specialized for each location. 1333 Broadway New York, NY 10018 LEVAIN BAKERY Photo by @julianne_rucker The signature Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie is not only great to taste but also great for your Instagram feed. The crispy outside and gooey center will have you wanting more. 167 West 74th Street, New York, NY 10023 BIG GAY ICE CREAM SHOP Photo by Sideways NY Get creative when it comes to your ice cream cone here! Or just go with one of their signature dips. Either way, you are in for a BIG treat. 61 Grove St, New York, NY 10014 MILKBAR Photo by Milk Bar You can’t go wrong with a cup of cereal milk ice cream from MomoFuko Milk Bar. But if that’s not your style, they have everything from birthday cake truffles to compost cookies that are out of this world. 251 E 13th St New York, NY 10003 COFFEE & CREAM BY ODDFELLOWS Photo by Melissa Hom Want coffee and ice cream? We found the perfect place for you! Try their Wafflegato or the Matchagato. 55 E Houston St, New York, NY 10012 BLACK TAP Photo by Black Tap While their burgers are great too, Black Tap is best known for their giant freakshakes. These freakshakes are extreme milkshakes and come in flavors like Sweet and Salty or Cotton Candy. 529 Broome St, New York, NY 10013 THE DOUGHNUT PROJECT Photo by Lindsay Paulen An everything bagel? Nope. An Everything Doughnut. Too adventurous for you? That’s ok! Try the house favorite which is the Beet Doughnut filled with ricotta whip. 10 Morton Street New York, NY 10014 SOFT SWERVE NYC Photo by @feedyourgirlfriend An ice cream shop with Asian-inspired flavors! Stop in and try their ube purple yam flavor. 85B Allen St, New York, NY 10002 SERENDIPITY 3 Photo by Something Swanky People usually come here for one thing and one thing only. The iconic Frozen Hot Chocolate. Big enough to split even though you may not want to! 225 East 60th Street, New York, NY 10022 LADY M Photo by Lady M Cake Boutique Make a stop to Lady M and try their signature Mille Crêpes. 20 thin crepes layered with pastry cream that will melt in your mouth. Feeling adventurous? Try their matcha or chocolate banana flavors. 36 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018 MAGNOLIA BAKERY Photo by Magnolia Bakery Anything you try at Magnolia Bakery is going to be delicious. But their Banana Bread Pudding is on another level. You can even get it in a party size! 401 Bleecker Street and W. 11th Street New York, NY BUTTERCUP BAKE SHOP Photo by Buttercup Bake Shop The perfect place to pick up 100% buttercream cupcakes for you, your kids, friends, and family. They have four locations throughout the city. 973 2nd Ave New York, NY 10022 RELATED PRODUCTS

You’re invited to Afternoon Tea with Jet Set Candy. London is known for their afternoon tea and we want to share with you some of our favorite places to sit, relax and enjoy a cup of tea and wonderful treats while visiting this incredible city. SKETCH What: Modern High Tea with plush pink couches and an Instagram worthy bathroomWhere: 9 Conduit St, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG, UKWhen: Daily from 11:30 am to 4:30 pmCost: Starting from £59 per person  CLARIDGE'S What: Traditional Afternoon Tea Where: Brook St, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR, UK When: Daily sittings at 2:45 pm and 5:30 pm Cost: Starting from £65 per person   THE RITZ What: Traditional Afternoon TeaWhere: 150 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9BR, UKWhen: Daily from 11:30 am to 7:30 pmCost: Starting from £58 per person   CUT What: Modern Afternoon Tea with American classic inspired treatsWhere: 45 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1PN, UKWhen: Sittings on Monday through Saturday at 2:30 pm and 3 pm and Sundays at 3 pmCost: Starting from £55 per person   PRÊT-À-PORTEA What: Modern Afternoon Tea inspired by a current fashion trend Where: The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL, United KingdomWhen: Daily from 1 pm to 5:30 pmCost: Starting from £45 per person  THE SAVOY What: Traditional Afternoon TeaWhere: The Savoy Hotel, Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, United KingdomWhen: Daily from 1 pm to 5:45 pmCost: Starting From £65 per person   DOMINIQUE ANSEL What: Modern Afternoon TeaWhere: 17-21 Elizabeth St, Belgravia, London SW1W 9RP, UKWhen: Sittings on Thursday through Sunday 2 pm and 4:15 pmCost: Starting from £42 per person    MIRROR ROOM What: Modern Afternoon Tea with an artist inspired menu that includes hand-painted treatsWhere: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, Holborn, London WC1V 7EN, UKWhen: Monday through Friday from 2 pm to 5:30 pm, and weekends from 12 pm to 5:30 pmCost: £58 per person MAD HATTERS TEA PARTY What: Modern Afternoon Tea inspired by Alice and WonderlandWhere: 50 Berners St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NG, UKWhen: Monday through Saturday 12:30pm to 4pm, Sunday 1pm-5pmCost: Starting from £48 per person   B BAKERY AFTERNOON TEA BUS What: Modern Afternoon Tea on a bus as you get a tour of the cityWhen & Where: 12:30 pm and 3 pm tours depart from 8 Northumberland Avenue12pm, 2:30pm & 5pm tours depart daily from Victoria Coach StationCost: £45 per adult *Cost does not include champagne* RELATED PRODUCTS  

AMBOS MUNDOS HOTEL Photo by Travels in Cuba Stop by Ernest Hemingway’s favorite hotel in Havana and enjoy both a drink and the view from the roof of this historic hotel. 153 Obispo, La Habana, Cuba HABANA VIEJA Photo by Patrik Bergstr Wander the streets to find endless stunning architecture and brightly colored vintage cars on every corner. CASA MIGLIS Photo by Havana Insider Don’t miss enjoying a meal at Casa Miglis, the Swedish-Cuban restaurant in the central Havana home of Swedish filmmaker Michael Miglis. Lealtad, La Habana, Cuba MUSEO NACIONAL BELLAS ARTES DE LA HABANA  Photo by Bencito the Traveller Be sure to visit Museo Nacional Bellas Artes de la Habana to see how massively the island of Cuba has contributed to th arts. Havana, Cuba PARTAGRÁS Photo by Joao Eduardo Figueiredo Cubans are known for their cigars. Take a tour of Partagrás, one of the largest cigar factories to learn more about them. y, Penalver, La Habana, Cuba RIDE IN A CONVERTIBLE TAXI  Photo by Lonely Planet Take a ride in an antique convertible to get yourself from point A to point B.  THE MALECÓN   Take a walk down the Malecón for a beautiful view of the water. The path runs for about 5 miles down the coast.   RELATED PRODUCTS