Top Five Things to Do in New York City this February

“After the Super Bowl, travelers may be wondering about fun things to do in New York City for the rest of the month,” Jamie Carr, editor of NYCTourist.com, says, “There are so many events happening constantly, and seeing as how NYC has become a winter wonderland, this February is a great time to explore the beautiful city!”

1 - Fashion Week

Fashion’s biggest night is headed to New York City this month, and while it may prove impossible for guests to snag a seat at one of the runway shows, that doesn’t mean travelers can’t enjoy Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Guests can celebrate by hitting some of New York City’s best shopping stops, like the four B’s (Barney’s, Bloomingdales, Bergdorf, and Bendel’s)! Another great, unique shop in New York City is Jutta Neumann, where all of the leather handbags are handcrafted on site in her studio! Guests shouldn’t skip their souvenirs - check out Grand Slam New York in Times Square for everything NYC.

2 - Hot Chocolate Festival

For the entire month of February, City Bakery hosts a Hot Chocolate festival offering different types of hot cocoas every day! Guests can grab a hot cup of cinnamon, banana peel, or rum raisin hot chocolate to keep you warm for your trek through the beautiful Central Park, or the Revolutionary Era Walking Tour, where guests can see many of NYC’s historical landmarks and learn about American History.

3 - Top of the Rock

One of the most popular Manhattan landmarks, the Top of the Rock offers the arguably best views of New York City. Guests can enjoy the beautiful New York City sunset with a warm cup of coffee, and should not forget their cameras!

4 - Food Tour

For travelers who’d like to take a trip off the beaten path, we suggest trying one of the Foods of New York Tours. Travelers can explore the snowy streets of NYC and excite their taste buds with the many different foods from a variety of cultures. There’s a food tour for every appetite and budget, so check out their website for more tours and information.

5 - Visit Ground Zero

A visit to Ground Zero is a given for any traveler to NYC. One of the best museums in NYC given its moving photographs of the 9/11 relief effort, The Ground Zero Museum Workshop gives guests the opportunity to tangibly connect with the tragedy. Guests can actually pick up and hold World Trade Center steel and window glass. Travelers can view the touching photographs taken of the 11 month relief effort and know the admission price is going for a good cause - a portion of all ticket sales go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and FDNY Firefighter Joe Graffagnino Children’s Fund.

Where to stay in New York in February

After wandering the snowy streets of NYC, travelers will want a warm place to sleep! The Crowne Plaza in Times Square is a great option as it is conveniently located in Times Square, and one of the most famous hotels in Manhattan. The Hotel Wolcott is another fantastic, conveniently located hotel in New York, as travelers can indulge in luxury without paying a hefty price tag.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Whisky Birmingham 2014 Set for Saturday March 1st

Whisky Birmingham 2014 – the city’s only large-scale whisky festival – returns on March 1st bringing major whisky brands and local collaborations to canal-side venue The Bond in Digbeth.

Some of the biggest names in the whisky industry, including Morrison Bowmore, Gordon & MacPhail, BenRiach and Glendronach are the latest to sign-up for this special one-day celebration of whisky. The Midlands’ nearest distiller, Penderyn, has also confirmed.

Hosted by The Birmingham Whisky Club, Whisky Birmingham will also continue its tradition of collaborating with the cream of the city’s vibrant food and drink scene. Soul Food Project returns with their signature mouth-watering Deep South inspired cuisine, alongside Pop-Up Dosa, who will be serving up authentic Keralan street food. Local whisky bar The Victoria will again be hosting an onsite ‘Afterhours Speakeasy’ at the venue, ending the festival with live music and whisky cocktails.

Masterclasses on offer will see whisky paired with artisan produce including cheese, chocolate and cigars. Birmingham-based cheesemongers Curds & Whey and Kneals Chocolates join the festival line-up for the first time for special whisky-themed tasting sessions, while global cigar importers Hunters & Frankau return for a Cuban cigar and whisky masterclass. Local bloggers Living Room Whisky will be reprising their popular ‘bloggers’ choice’ stand.

Over 250 people attended last year’s festival at unique exhibition space The Bond. Festival-goers in 2014 can expect a much bigger event expert tasting advice from some of the whisky world’s most celebrated distillers, brand owners and bottlers. Retail will be provided by Birmingham’s arm of The Whisky Shop as well as Hard to Find Whisky.

Amy Seton, festival organiser and founder of The Birmingham Whisky Club, commented: “We were truly bowled over by the success of last year’s festival. It’s clear that Birmingham residents know and love their whisky, which is why we are growing the 2014 event to include more exciting and also more unusual brands and distillers.”

She added: ““As always, we welcome anyone at our events who has an interest in whisky – whether you’re an expert or a novice – there will be something for you. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about this historic drink in a fun, informal and sociable environment.”

Tickets for Whisky Birmingham 2014 are on sale now and cost £25 for entry into the main festival room and all whisky. Masterclasses, Speakeasy and food require an additional ticket/cost. For further information and to book, please see Twitter @TheWhiskyMiss or TheBirminghamWhiskyClub.co.uk.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Five Helpful Tips to Ensure A Memorable Napa Valley Vacation

TourVin.net, a Napa Valley concierge service specializing in creating custom winery tours based on your individual preferences, would like to offer 5 tips for anyone preparing to plan their next trip to the wine country. The wine tasting, dining, lodging accommodations and unique activities available in Napa are endless. Incorporating the following tips, or the expertise of a professional like Tour Vin, will help you create an unforgettable vacation experience.

Whether you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, a grape nut or just enjoy an occasional glass with dinner many consider Napa Valley to be the Holy Grail of wine production in the United States. Here is a bucket list checkmark that needs to be penned in before one takes the eternal afternoon nap. With that being said, the "Tour Vin", Napa Valley Concierge, would like to share with you 5 tips to consider when visiting Napa Valley.

1. Visit during high season

The right time to visit Napa depends on when you can visit and what activities you plan on participating in, but to industry professionals the best time to visit is the Fall. September to October is "Crush" time when the grapes are harvested. And in November the wineries are in full scale production, the weather is nice, the crowds dwindle and rates drop. The vineyards swing into full production mode and are full of action. The Summer months are enjoyable but draw the largest crowds especially on the weekends when day trippers from the “Bay area” compete with overnight visitors. Plan your trip in advance and your Napa Valley vacation will be enjoyable whenever you choose to visit.

2. Take advantage of deals

Most wineries charge between $25 and $50 per person, depending on the wines and food pairings. With that being said there are plenty of deals available to visitors . Many wineries offer free two-for-one coupons, or a % off of wine purchases, buy 2 bottles get one free or free vineyard tours. So do your research. A visit to Napa Valley should be a memorable experience for everyone that does not have to break the bank. Plan your trip accordingly and let Tour Vin help do your research in advance.

3. Choose centrally located lodging accommodations

Whether you're seeking a hotel close to night life and dining, or a remote vineyard setting, finding the perfect place to stay can be a daunting task for newcomers. It’s a 45 minute ride between the town of Napa in the south and Calistoga in the north. You can find a multitude of lodging options in this area but choosing one that is close to the wineries you are visiting and activities you are participating in is recommended. You will have more fun if you match where you stay to your plans and preferences. The towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga are all great locations with many lodging options to consider depending on the activities you have planned. Consulting with a concierge service is a great idea when planning your itinerary.

4. Stick to your itinerary

It's not called the Napa Valley Raceway! It is easy to get excited about the magnitude of offerings available to you when visiting the wine country. With so many options available to you it is difficult not to feel like a kid in a candy shop. For many visitors their vacation becomes one of quantity not quality. "On our first day we hit 5 wineries before noon, when do the rest of them close?” The Tour Vin suggests that "you take time to smell the grapes (roses), the Napa valley experience should not be a race". Plan your trip accordingly and leave time in between activities that allow for the occasional detour and try to relax. A well planned trip can be very rewarding.

5. Take advantage of the many unique activities Napa Valley has to offer

Yes, Napa produces world class wines that need to be explored but there are a multitude of other unique activities visitors can enjoy. Your Napa Valley vacation should be a memorable experience. Why not take a day off from wine tasting and enjoy some of the other activities Napa Valley has to offer? From hot air balloon rides, cycling tours, golf, tennis and hiking to live music and nightlife, culinary adventures, spas, galleries and shopping.

When planning your next Napa Valley Vacation remember to follow these 5 tips to ensure that your Napa experience is a memorable one. Tour Vin states that "The wine country is a beautiful place that begs to be explored and has something for everyone and every budget.”

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

The LEGO Movie Wins Truly Moving Picture Award

“The LEGO Movie,” from Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures and LEGO System A/S, has been recognized with the Truly Moving Picture Award by nonprofit arts organization Heartland Truly Moving Pictures.

"The Truly Moving Picture Award jury has recognized 'The LEGO Movie' for its ability to inspire moviegoers of all ages," said Tim Irwin, Heartland's artistic director. "Combining a unique premise with humor and an engaging cast of characters, the film presents a great message for its viewers."

The first full-length theatrical LEGO adventure, “The LEGO Movie” opens in theaters on February 7, 2014 and stars Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie and Charlie Day, with Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman.

Its original 3D computer animated story follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.

"The LEGO Movie” was directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, who also also wrote the screenplay, from a story by Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman and Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, based on LEGO construction toys. It was produced by Dan Lin and Roy Lee, with executive producers Jill Wilfert, Matthew Ashton, Kathleen Fleming, Allison Abbate, Zareh Nalbandian, Jon Burton, Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Seanne Winslow, Matt Skiena and Bruce Berman; and co-producer John Powers Middleton.

The filmmaking team includes cinematographer Pablo Plaisted, production designer Grant Freckelton, editors David Burrows and Chris McKay, and composer Mark Mothersbaugh. Chris McKay also served as animation co-director. Learn more at TheLEGOMovie.com.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Present Moment Retreat a Hidden Gem on the Mexican Riviera

Present Moment Retreat today announced that it has been named as a winner of the Top Small Hotels Traveler’s Choice category in the 2014 Travelers’ Choice® awards for the 3rd consecutive year. In the 12th year of the awards, the world’s most outstanding properties were identified in the categories of Top Hotels, Bargain, B&Bs and Inns, Family, Luxury, Romance, and Small Hotels. Travelers’ Choice award winners were determined based on the reviews and opinions of millions of TripAdvisor travelers around the globe.

Present Moment Retreat is a boutique hotel, yoga retreat, wellness spa and gourmet restaurant in Troncones Beach, Mexico. It was co-founded by Minneapolis residents CJ Ananda Page and Thomas William Morisette in 2005. Present Moment specializes in Yoga, Meditation, Qigong, Dance & Healing Arts.

“It’s an incredible honor to have been recognized and included in such an elite group of boutique hotels,” said CJ Ananda Page, a Minneapolis native and co-owner of Present Moment. “I have to pass the credit on to our amazing staff and the natural beauty of Troncones Beach. Nine years ago the dream began when we packed up a U-Haul and headed south. The journey has been magical; every breath has been a continuation of that dream.”

“We’re excited to recognize the world’s best properties, based on the opinions of those who know them best – the millions of travelers around the globe who come to TripAdvisor to share their experiences,” said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “For those seeking inspiration for their 2014 travel planning, this list of spectacular accommodations that received 2014 Travelers’ Choice awards is a perfect place to start.”

For Present Moment reviews, click here.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Indeed Brewing Company Releases Burr Grinder Coffee Ale

Indeed Brewing Company will release its 2014 Burr Grinder Coffee Ale at Bryant Lake Bowl on Saturday, February 15 when doors open at 8 am. “We wanted to do something a little different for the release of this beer,” said Indeed Brewing co-founder Rachel Anderson. “Burr Grinder delivers an intense coffee punch, so we thought a breakfast release was the perfect introduction.”

Burr Grinder is a collaborative beer created by Indeed Brewing Head Brewer Josh Bischoff and Dogwood Coffee. It is a unique take on a coffee ale, using ground coffee in the brew kettle, in addition to being topped with concentrated cold-press at the end of the brewing process.

Following the release event at Bryant Lake Bowl, Burr Grinder will be available on draft and in 750 ML bottles the week of February 17. Burr Grinder will make its debut at the Indeed Brewing Company taproom on Thursday, February 20.

“We are very happy to be working with our Northeast neighbors at Dogwood Coffee on Burr Grinder for the second year,” said Indeed Brewing co-founder Nathan Berndt. “There are a lot of early mornings in brewing, so coffee is a big part of our lives. Dogwood brews some of the best coffee around, and we pride ourselves in using the best possible ingredients in our beer.”

“It was great working with Indeed Brewing on Burr Grinder again,” said Stephanie Ratanas, Coffee Buyer for Dogwood Coffee. “We chose coffees that we thought would work well for the brewing process as well as the cold brew element that gets added at the end, then we let Indeed do their thing. I’m looking forward to tasting the results from this year.”

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Stags Leap District Celebrates 25 Years as the Birthplace of Iconic American Cabernet Sauvignon

Stags Leap District, the birthplace of iconic American Cabernet Sauvignon, today announced that 2014 marks the 25th anniversary of this world class region as one of the first sub American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in the Napa Valley. Recognized as an official AVA in 1989 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), the Stags Leap District was the first sub-AVA to be defined completely by soil, climate and natural barriers. Its AVA status and distinctive terroir are a result of the combination of rolling hills, cooling wind, loam and clay soils, and the west-facing range of the Vaca Mountains.

The Stags Leap District is the smallest producing Napa AVA by acreage, and wines from this region remain limited, highly allocated and collected. Approximately 90% of the 1,200 acres currently planted to grapevines in the district are Cabernet Sauvignon or other Bordeaux varietals.

"The Stags Leap District produces some very age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines," said Kelli White, Sommelier at PRESS Restaurant in St. Helena. "The region is truly a place of distinction. The geography of Stags Leap District makes it different than any other place in the Napa Valley and results in the seductive, soft tannins for which Stags Leap District wines are highly regarded."

While 2014 marks the silver anniversary for the AVA; Stags Leap District has been a grape-growing region since the mid-1800’s. The first Cabernet Sauvignon vines were planted in 1961 by pioneer Nathan Fay. His fruit was in high demand and sourced by winemakers throughout the valley in the early 1970’s. In 1976, the famed Tasting of Paris catapulted the region into the global spotlight when French judges awarded a 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars first place over legendary Bordeaux producers.

Ten years later, when the same wines were tasted blind a second time, top honors again went to a Stags Leap District wine, the 1972 Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, Stags Leap District is represented by one of only two American wines in the Smithsonian National Museum of History.

"The beauty and lushness of the wines produced in this region were around long before Stags Leap District was named an AVA," said Doug Shafer, President of Shafer Vineyards. "It was a privilege to be here in the early days when my dad, John Shafer, helped organize our neighbors to pursue official recognition. Over the past 25 years the appellation has continued to evolve and is now widely recognized as a special site for world-class wines. Even so, it really feels like we're just getting started."

"Stags Leap District was the first area to be recognized for its world-class American Cabernet Sauvignon and really was the birthplace of America’s Cabernet culture," said Michael Beaulac, General Manager and Winemaker at Pine Ridge Vineyards and President of the Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association. "Stags Leap District is one of only a handful of Napa Valley appellations that matter and the producers in this region continue to be visionaries committed to crafting the best quality wines."

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.