Neighborhood collaborations make the getaway experience one to savor

City scenes and insider information greet guests who visit The Independent Collection’s new in-the-know websites, http://independentcollection.com. The recently relaunched sites are for a select group of hotels located in unique urban neighborhoods along the East Coast, all part of The Independent Collection. The Independent Collection, a growing collection of intimate lifestyle hotels managed by HHM, maps a course of travel for its guests that make the entire experience one to remember.

Swank Designs' owners are inspired by world travels to create beautiful window treatments, accent pillows and children's bedding

After searching for decorative panels and accents and finding the available designs were just more of the same, Tabitha Mahaffey and Patricia Ulliman decided to combine their expertise and form Swank Designs, offering custom lines of pillows, panels and children's bedding. Together, they share a passion for using and incorporating fabrics in unexpected ways. 

December 20th is considered to be National Sangria Day. It’s a day set aside to honor the great beverage that originated in Spain, yet appeals to people around the world. Sangria not only tastes great and pleases a crowd, but is easier to make than one may think. It’s also quite affordable!

“Many people in America are familiar with the concept of a spiked punch,” says Ryan Fichter, Executive Chef of Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge. “Sangria is like that, only better. It takes punch to a whole new, better level that people love.”