Carving the Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham is a symbolic ritual that signifies a celebration is underway. As I started formulating my plans for the holiday season, the majority of my lists revolve around food, cocktails and desserts. Once the menus are established, I move on to tableware, accessories and the like. My mind wanders and I reflect back to holidays past. In my family, we’re all very particular as to the specific knife used for the bird or dessert pie. We still laugh about my grandma using the long serrated bread knife to reach across the table to sweep up a chunk of butter for her bread.

All knives are not created equal. Proper cutlery require an investment and should be considered an everyday luxury and not only during the holiday season. I was introduced to Chef Michael Garaghty, Executive Chef at WÜSTHOF and he was gracious enough to share with me some fundamental knife tips for the holiday and beyond. He’s been with the company since 2012, a blink of an eye considering they have been in business for over 200 years. Before our interview I tested the WÜSTHOF 3-Piece Plum Charcuterie & Cheese Set and really enjoyed the experience. WÜSTHOF makes a gorgeous product.

To read the full article by Sherrie Wilkolaski visit luxebeatmag.com.

A cloudless sky, bright sunshine, and a wide, pristine sandy beach welcomed me on my first trip to Torrance, California. Sports enthusiasts waited for the perfect wave—the bicyclists whizzed by the designated bike path, the 22-mile bike path ending in Malibu.   Discover Torrance invited me to explore this California beach community. Over 2.5 days, it didn’t take long to understand why this community is attracting young professionals. In the words of Laura Porter, Co-owner of Smog City Brewing, “We live, work and play in Torrance.”  

To read the full article by Kathy Condon visit luxebeatmag.com.

Gold was discovered in the Fairbanks area in 1902 when Italian immigrant Felix Pedro struck it rich. He put Fairbanks on the map and thousands of men rushed to interior Alaska in search of the precious yellow metal. They were driven by gold fever and the chance to stake their claims, often enduring harsh conditions amid a rugged landscape. By 1930, though, small mines were replaced by large scale mechanized mining and dredging operations. To this day, the region continues to be a productive gold mining area and a force in Alaska’s economy. 

To read the full article by Debbie Stone visit luxebeatmag.com.

Standing on the platform at Brooks Falls in Alaska’s Katmai National Park, I wanted to warn the salmon and tell them, “Look before you leap!” I lost count as to how many of the fish ended up in the mouth of the ginormous brown bear perched at the edge of the falls. While the other bears stood in the water and actually had to work for their food, this guy just planted himself in the perfect spot, ready to catch salmon after salmon in his massive jaws. It was obvious this wasn’t his first rodeo. At 3.4 million acres, Katmai National Park is a vast wilderness on the Alaska Peninsula, stretching from the Bristol Bay lowlands to the volcanic center of the Aleutian Range and to the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Known for its plentiful wildlife, dramatic geological features and remoteness, the park is a land of spectacular scenic beauty.

To read the full article by Debbie Stone visit luxebeatmag.com.

When Kenny Osehan, the owner of Capril Hotel added this 1963 vintage Ojai hotel to her Shelter Social Club portfolio, she met with designer Jessica Pell of Manola Studio in Eagle Rock. Her multidisciplinary design practice works on diverse projects spanning architectural, commercial and residential design, historical preservation, landscape, and furniture design to showcase properties.

To read the full article by Jill Weinlein visit luxebeatmag.com.

The sign read, “Travel Beyond This Point Not Recommended.” It gave my husband and I pause, but as we had already decided to drive the sixty-mile McCarthy Road leading to Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, we forged onward. We had heard stories about this infamous road and its difficult conditions, but we felt ready and up for an adventure.

To read the full article by Debbie Stone visit luxebeatmag.com.

Virginia’s wine regions are getting a lot of press, and for a very good reason. Recently Wine Enthusiast awarded Charlottesville the wine region of the year. Just north of the Charlottesville Wine Trail is Early Mountain, a winery that can compete with any in Virginia for wine and their prix fixe menu. Early Mountain is one of the best wineries this writer has ever found for top-shelf wine and cuisine. 

To read the full article by Kurt Jacobson visit luxebeatmag.com.

Which type of traveler are you? As a journalist, I’ve covered pet-friendly travel, solo journeys, family-friendly getaways, along with romantic couples escapes. South Lake Tahoe, home to the largest alpine lake in North America, is one of  my favorite destinations that checks all the boxes for every type of traveler. Here’s a guide so you can choose your own adventure.

To read the full article by Jean Chen Smith visit luxebeatmag.com.

Looking for a quick getaway from our home in Orlando, my husband I decided to head to Delray Beach for some cooler ocean breezes and change of scenery. Located in South Florida midway between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Delray is a small town big on fun. Upscale boutiques, tons of restaurants, and miles of sandy beaches are part of the draw.

To read the full article by Kirsten Harrington visit luxebeatmag.com.

As the golden sun begins to cast its warm, inviting glow over the azure expanse of the Mediterranean, the vibrant coastal town of Marbella, nestled in the heart of Spain's sun-drenched South, beckons travelers from across the globe. Yet, as the world becomes increasingly aware of the footprint left behind by tourism, a new wave of travel ethos is surging to the forefront. This summer, let's embark on an extraordinary journey—beyond mere sustainability, towards the transformative realm of regenerative travel. Imagine not just visiting a place but leaving it better than you found it. This blog post will guide you through the enchanting streets of Marbella, uncovering how regenerative travel and hotels are setting a new standard for holidaymaking in this beloved destination. From the concept that's redefining tourism to the eco-luxe accommodations.

To read the full artricle by Sara Julie Andrew vist luxebeatmag.com.