CRAVE innovatively connects urban gals to the sassiest, gutsiest, most inspiring people they need to know in town. Soirees, gatherings and online networking—we are your guide to everything you CRAVE in your city.
UPCOMING EVENTS
NYC CRAVE Buzz Party
Get involved with CRAVE NYC!
Tue, March 9th, 7pm—whenever!
La Palapa West Village – 359 Sixth Ave, NY
Learn more…
Chicago CRAVE Business Chat
Get to know Chicagoland’s entrepreness celebrities and learn their secrets!
Wed, March 17th, 6-8pm
Learn more…
Bloom and Tone CRAVEparty
A fresh beauty and wellness event
Sun, March 28th, 1-6pm
Learn more…
Events to help entreprenesses
grow their businesses, chock full
of "know how," advice and inspiration.
Festive glam-gal gatherings of fun,
entertainment, pampering, shopping,
sippin' and noshin' and just hanging
with the girls.
FIND US
SUBSCRIBE 
Category » Travel
« Read the full blogHit the Slopes at Ski Camps for Girlfriends
The Groundhog said it all – On February 2, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and doomed the rest of us to six more frigid weeks of winter. Rather than crawl under the covers and hibernate ’til spring, why not make the most of the chilliest time of year and go skiing (or snowboarding) with your girlfriends? Take a look at these women-only snow camps and book your long weekend now!
1. ROXY All Star Snow Camps – Whistler Blackcomb
These 2-day snow camps are all about girls, fun, and hitting the slopes! The women-only camps are taught by highly skilled female skiers and riders and give you the opportunity to make friends with other women in the group. ROXY caters to ladies at any level of skiing and snowboarding, from beginner to expert, and they even throw in some prizes to get you motivated to boost your skills! Check the website for rates and dates.
2. Women’s Edge – Aspen Snowmass
Women’s Edge is a 4-day female-centric experience for intermediate to advanced skiers. You’ll spend time getting to know the women in your group while being instructed by female pros and getting treated to a luncheon, lectures, and chances to ski at nearby mountains with skiers in your same skill level. It’s a fun program with chances to build relationships with like-minded women while having a great time! Check out the website here.
3. Women’s Ski Camps – Snowbird
In Snowbird, Utah, these 3-4 day ski camps offer small group sizes and ample one-on-one coaching with women instructors to make for a truly rewarding experience. Intermediate to expert skiers can be accommodated, and the intimate program comes with an optional Meal & Spa Add On with special perks! To see prices and itineraries, check out the Women’s Ski Camps’ website here.
These are a few examples of resorts that currently offer women-only skiing and snowboarding camps. Check out your favorite mountain’s special deals for girls in advance and start planning next year’s wintry adventures now!
Interview with Andrea Martins of Expat Women
Andrea Martins may be Australian but that certainly hasn’t defined her. From where she travels to the company she keeps, she is a world-class CRAVE gal. No matter where she goes, she finds comfort in her friends and relationships. Through her experiences, she has created a massive website full of useful tips and stories for women living abroad, ExpatWomen.com
Why did you initially go abroad?
Once upon a time, my husband followed me on a domestic move for my career. So then it was my turn to follow him. We went to Jakarta, Indonesia (3 years), the Mexico City, Mexico (4 years), and then we retreated to the beach in Australia (2.5 years), before moving to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (6 months ago).
What is the hardest part of living away from your home country? What is the best part?
The hardest part is always missing friends and family back home, especially when you miss special occasions—birthdays, weddings, illnesses, etc. The best part is all the new friends you meet, from all over the world, who all have so many exciting stories to share with you from their own adventures abroad!
What or who inspired you to start your business?
I was desperately searching for a product or business idea that excited me and that I believed in. When I shared the idea of a global website for expatriate women with a friend living in Mexico with me at the time, she loved the concept so much that we inspired each other to make this dream a reality. In doing so, together we made the business concept even bigger and it’s this later concept that you see today in ExpatWomen.com
How do you spend your free time?
Swimming, Going out with friends. Sleeping.
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends? What is your favorite place to live/travel?
My favorite place to go would be the Balinese-style spa near me for that much-needed fortnightly massage! My favorite place to travel would be any beach with crystal clear water. My favorite place to live changes every week!
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
More time—for myself, to spend with my husband, to hang out with my girlfriends, to sleep, and to pursue my other fantastic business ideas!
People may be surprised to know…
That I attended the then President of Mexico’s (Vicente Fox) daughter’s wedding in Mexico in 2006
A+ Accommodations: AirBnB.com
Finding killer airfares to exotic locales is easy, but securing last minute accommodations can be totally stressful. Thankfully, AirBnB exists. From treehouses in Paris, to luxe LA penthouses and Italian villas, this site offers it all at shockingly low prices.
Airbnb.com is the “Ebay for space.” This amazing online marketplace allows anyone from private residents to commercial properties to rent out their extra space. The reputation-based site allows for user reviews, verification, and online transactions, for which Airbnb takes a commission. As of July, 2009, the San Francisco-based company had listings in over 1070 cities in 76 countries.
Grab your girls and book your fall fiesta now!
Have you ever used this site? Please share experiences here.
Washington Surf Staycation
Urban beauties, we all know that many are pinching pennies this summer to save money in this economy. That doesn’t mean that you can’t treat yourself to a summer vacation! How about a staycation right here in your home of Washington State?
Ladies, we are blessed with a beach right next door. Let’s use this gift of the ocean to our benefit and try something new this summer. Westport, Washington is a small town on the Washington Coast that is known for its surfing scene. CRAVE urges you to activate your inner urges to stand up on a surf board and ride those waves!
It is necessary for the urban girl to look fabulous while ripping those Washington swells. Outfit yourself stylishly at West Seattle’s Coastal Surf Boutique. Specializing in sportswear, accessories, and swimwear, Coastal carries fun styles to make you look your best on the beach. Brands such as Reef, Ezekiel, Von Zipper, RVCA, O’Neil, & Raisins Swim Wear are sure to give your beautiful bod a boost.
Sarah & Christy, owners of Coastal are two surfers that were motivated to bring the coast to the city. “We wanted to create a place where people could find the cute clothes and lifestyle of the boardsports industry without an intimidating environment.”
Check out Westport, Washington for details on the surf town to-do’s and visit Coastal Surf Boutique for fantastic beach finds. Be sure to ask owners Sarah & Christy about their favorite surfing gear. They may even give you a few tips on how to stand up on that board.
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Girlfriend Getaways
Finding the time to plan and take a trip with your girlfriends can be difficult, and sometimes we need a little extra help. That reason was the inspiration behind Lisa Kasanicky’s (lisa.kasanicky.com) latest book, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Girlfriend Getaways”. With crash courses in travel planning, packing advice, and great deals and specials, Lisa has given women the help they need to get away from it all.
What kinds of facts and advice can we expect from your new book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Girlfriend Getaways?
The underlying message of the book is to “Just Go!” This country is peppered with tons of wonderful places for a memorable and fun getaway but the fact is that we often don’t take the time we need. A girlfriends getaway is a way to unwind, reconnect and be yourself. That said, the book has about 65 specific destinations throughout the U.S. and Canada including where to stay, where to eat and what to do. Each chapter has a theme — shopping, adventure trips, volunteer vacations, cultural excursions and of course, one seriously fat chapter on spas — so that you can skip right to the type of destination you want and get to the business of planning your getaway. Because of my own beauty product addiction, you’ll also find a guide to pre-trip beauty and my list of must-haves for keeping fresh and pretty on the go. And lots of advice on packing! One suitcase filled just with shoes is a no-no these days! The book is also sprinkled with “chick wit” advice from other female travelers.
What would be your ideal spa getaway with your girlfriends?
Like most women, I would be happy with a day trip to a local spa but if I were to throw caution to the wind, I would teleport me and my girls to the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Breathtaking. I like beach trips anywhere actually because you can usually find a place to rent with a full kitchen so you can save on meals and they’re a good choice for a diverse group. Of course, Las Vegas, New York City and Los Angeles are all places you could go back dozens of times and experience something new each visit.
Any advice for those busy women who can’t find the time to plan a vacation with the girls?
First, you can find the time. You’ve earned it. Second, if you delegate the planning tasks than the burden of won’t fall on one person’s shoulders. Get the girls together for cocktails or start an online group (I like TripWiser.com and ImIn.com) and nail down what everybody wants to do, budgets and expectations. Then, divide up the planning tasks in a way that best suits each traveler’s time and skills. Make it fun and give each girl a title such as the Entertainment Diva, Secretary of Expense and so on. Plan your trip far enough in advance so that everyone has adequate time to clear their schedules and plan the details in a less hurried pace.
What are your plans/dreams/aspirations for the future?
My aspirations for the future are simple: Breathe more and travel more. I plan through as many means possible to continue to spread the message that the spa experience is not just a luxury set aside for a lucky few and is instead, the soul’s requirement for a life in check.
San Fran Girl Guide: Marina District
Maria Ross, the brand builder and marketing diva behind Red Slice LLC, recently gave us some hot tips on how to spend a fab day in San Francisco.
Guide to Chestnut Street via chestnutshop.com
Chestnut Street is composed of an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, coffee houses and services. While sophisticated in nature, the street has a distinctive neighborhood feel. The street is usually bustling with people meeting for coffee, shopping for trendy clothes, running errands or meeting for lunch or dinner. If you live in the neighborhood you would find that you probably wouldn’t have to ever go off the street to do your shopping or find every service that you might require in your daily business.
1. Start your day off right with a quick trip to Heaven Day Spa (2209 Chestnut St.). Indulge with the “Little Piece Of Heaven Package” which includes a 30-min facial, 30-min massage, and 30-min salt glow treatment.
2. Hit up Dragon Well (2142 Chestnut St. at Pierce) for a light and flavorful lunch made with fresh, quality raw materials. The restaurant offers a stylish decor and comfy, no-hassles ambiance. Walk through the red (for good luck) front door and you’re in a clean, light-filled space that’s easy on both the eyes and the nerves.
3. Burn off those lingering lunch calories shopping! Check out:
• Two Skirts (2124 Chestnut St.) features sexy shoes and a wide mix of trendy clothing for day, night, travel and special occasions.
• Rabat (2080 Chestnut St.) stocks smokin’ footwear and quality clothing lines like Nanette Lepore and Betsey Johnson.
• Y&I (2101 Chestnut St.) is known for its hip, casual, fun & flirty assortment of denim, dresses, tops, tees and jewelry.
• Smash Shoes (2030 Chestnut St.) will give your Visa a workout with irresistible, quality wares from Sigerson Morrison, Sergio Rossi, Taxto, Alexander McQueen for Puma, and much, much more.
4. Stop in Kara’s Cupcakes (3249 Scott St.) for a sweet, mini, before dinner treat! The moist carrot cupcake with a silky soft cream cheese frosting is delicious… and contains veggies (sort of).
5. Wind down with a low key dinner. Pizza fans and wine aficionados alike visit A16 (2355 Chestnut St.) with similar intentions: to enjoy the flavors of Italy’s soulful south.
Love the Marina area? Tell us your fav shops and eats.
Memorable Memorial Day Getaways
Memorable last-minute Memorial Day getaways near West Coast CRAVE cities.
1. Yakima Valley, Washington’s premium wine region features small family operations where unpretentious hospitality is the norm. Comprehensive winery info here. Memorable home bases for your wine touring adventures: Hillcrest Farm Guest Cottages and A Touch of Europe B&B and Fine Dining.
2. Near Nelson, British Columbia lies Blue Ridge Mountain Retreat an ‘invitation into the soul of British Columbia’s Kootenay Region.’ The captivating landscape provides a true escape from everyday life. Guests reside in fully-furnished yurts, warm, circular structures with all the comforts of home. Blueridge Retreat yoga classes are held in the studio yurt, around the serenity pond, or down at the beach.
3. Just 30 miles north of downtown Portland, enjoy family friendly fun in Scappoose & St. Helens. Explore the Historic Riverfront District in Olde Towne St. Helens, rent kayaks, and wander the eclectic shops, cafés and restaurants of the area near the Columbia River. Read an excellent weekend itinerary from traveloregon.com here.
4. San Fran residents, rent a convertable and head south for a luxe girlfriend getaway. LA’s Palomar Hotel offers a fab “summer playground package” that includes deluxe accommodations, $25 dining credit, In-room movie and popcorn delivered right to your door, summer sangria at their hosted wine hour, and afternoon ice cream pops in the hotel lobby.
Plan a Day of Boutiquing and Noshing in Austin’s SoCo Neighborhood
Entrepreness, stylish Austin resident, and hot tipper Kerry Rupp of Holiday Golightly gave us the lowdown on how to spend a perfect girlfriend getaway day in her beloved city.
Guide to the SoCo ‘hood via Small Planet
It may be hard for visitors to Austin’s vibrant, creative and hip neighborhood known as SoCo to believe, but just a few years ago South Congress Avenue was a little seedy, a place where businesses had slumped and a couple of motels rented rooms by the hour. The days of headlines about naughty state legislators out on the town caught up in police sweeps are long gone. Now those restored South Congress motels are likely to be renting rooms to high tech execs and movie stars.
1. Start out your day at Ann Kelso Salon and CitySpa (1400 S Congress Ave)
We recommend the 4-hour Persephone-Rebirth package which includes a Lymphatic Drainage Massage, a Rebalancing Paprika Facial, Custom Blend Pedicure and White Flower Scalp Treatment and Blow Dry. Heaven!
2. For a casual lunch, try Enoteca (1610 S Congress Ave)
You’ll find bona fide antipasti and salads, wood-fired pizzas, pastas from light to robust, amazing entrees, self-indulgent desserts and pastries, and a nice assortment of wines and cocktails.
3. Time for some cardio! Go boutiquing at:
Maya Star (1508 S Congress Ave) for fabulous baubles and flirty frocks.
Y&I (1113 S Congress Ave) for adorable, affordable finds.
Hovercraft (1115 S Congress Ave) stocks quality, hip, and timeless wares.
Parts & Labour (1604 S Congress Ave) has something for everyone—boys, babies and you!
4. Phew… Nosh time? Luckily Uchi is nearby (801 S Lamar Blvd).
Fresh is this sushi restaurant’s middle name. They maintain close relationships with local farmers and fly in seafood every day from the Tsukiji market in Tokyo. The essence of Japanese cuisine is the ingredients; at Uchi they prepare their dishes using innovative food combinations for one of the most unique dining experiences in Austin.
5. Final indulgence… dessert (s’mores!!) and eye candy (sculpture) at La Dee Dah (1311 S 1st St) in the Austin Trailer Park Eatery.
Road Range: Ideas for a Budget Girl Getaway
Overspend on a winter ski getaway and are now desperately seeking a low-cost vacation for spring? Abigail Beal’s article, Tips for a Fun All-Girls Road Trip provides some fantastic tips for roughin’ it on the open road, on a budget!
1. Have a plan
Plan out your trip and get directions to where you are going. Double-check the directions on the Internet at one of the popular directions websites like Mapquest or Yahoo! Maps. If you are going for several days and driving for awhile, see if you can figure out where you can stay along the way, and reserve motel/hotel rooms. Keep everything about your trip in an envelope so you’ve got directions, reservations etc. all in one place. There is a much different feeling when you know you’ve got a room for the night and it is 8:00 p.m. and you’re still on the highway. A little planning won’t spoil the spontaneity, it will just be a great back-up to help you enjoy your trip.
2. Have great tunes
Make some mix CDs of music that everyone will like for your road trip. Even better, have everyone bring a mix CD for the road trip, so you’ll have plenty of music.
3. Have great food
Traveling on the road often means junk food and unpredictable restaurants. Bring some snacks and food items that are non-perishable that you know that you like. Bring fruit and granola bars and other healthy food to keep your energy level high. Balance healthy food with the indulgence of good ol’ fashioned junk food. As we all know, too much junk food can often make you feel kind of queasy, and you really want to enjoy your road trip.
4. Take turns and play nice
The rule of a road trip is to delegate with everything. This is not a monarchy it is a chick-ochracy. But remember to play to people’s strengths. So if someone has a better sense of direction, let them play navigator. If someone else is better with math, let them figure out which entertainment or restaurant is better for the budget. Everyone should probably take turns driving, unless someone is not a great driver, in that case, this person can be a great co-pilot with the map. The best thing about a road trip is learning how to get along and having fun together. So take turns and play nice.
5. Take pictures
Remember to bring your cameras and take lots of pictures; not just of the scenery, but of each other. Fun candid shots while you are experiencing the silliness of your all-girl road trip.
6. Stay safe
Being safe is often just doing the sensible things. Letting people at home know where you’ll be staying and the highways you’ll be on. Checking in with people at home at a certain time each day. Get the car checked out before you leave for your trip so you know it’s okay. Not talking to strange people that look, uh really strange. Not taking big risks. Sticking with the rules of the road will also make your trip easier and keep you from getting a big ticket, or any other kind of “official” trouble.
Ever road-tripped with your girls? Dish about it here!
Adult Adventure: Grown-Up Camps
Adult camps have surfaced all over the United States in recent years—Gladiator Training in Las Vegas, Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp in New York, Poker All-Star Bootcamp in Atlantic City, etc. The abundance of these camps signifies an intense desire to toss aside the computer and return of tangible human experience… Not to mention FUN!
We recently discovered GrownUpCamps.com, a comprehensive directory of fantasy camps, recreational adventures, volunteer & enrichment vacations for the adult traveler. Imagine the memories and life
enrichment you could gain by attending a surf camp, culinary adventure school, or even an intense fitness retreat.
Here are a few camps we found particularly intriguing:
Surf Camp
This California-based overnight adventure vacation/camp is designed to help women reach their own personal learn-to-surf goals.
Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp
New York-based Rock Camp is the ultimate music experience, allowing musicians and enthusiasts alike the once in a lifetime opportunity to jam with legendary rock stars, play live on stage at major concert venues, and live their rock ‘n’ roll dreams. Simply stated, their mission is to bring people’s musical fantasies to life!
Amuuse
This classic Midwest “summer camp” for adults feature lessons in massage, dream interpretation, and improvisational comedy. Afternoons are left free for more traditional camp activities—swimming,
volleyball, golf, ping pong, hiking and crafts. On most evenings, participants meet to watch the sunset, after which the group disperses to a wide variety of scheduled social events—coffeehouses, theme
parties and dances, campfires and sing-a-longs.
What are your fav camp memories?
