New York Getaway: The Lodge at Woodloch, PA

Everyone thinks you have to go to the Hamptons for a quick getaway from the stress of the city, but little do they know about a secret gem Jaunt Magazine uncovered only 90 miles (that's two hours) from NYC in the beautiful lake region of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Surrounded by 75 acres of scenic woodlands and a private 15 acre lake, we're talking about the Lodge at Woodloch.

Inspired by Adirondack and Western lodge architecture, The Lodge at Woodloch features stunning lake views, walls of windows, an internationally recognized destination spa, four fitness studios, and soaking pools with hydro-massage WaterWalls. Just what you need to momentarily forget about that VC deal or a boss that won't stop breathing down your neck.
The Indoor Pool

The Lodge’s philosophy of ‘awakening’ teaches guests to listen to their inner wisdom through fitness classes, delicious healthy cuisine, chef’s cooking classes, art and watercolor classes in their studio, meditation by a fire circle and taking in the beauty of nature.

There's hiking, kayaking the Delaware River, antique shopping in Hawley, and even championship golf if you want to get your tee on. Innovative five-star spa cuisine comes from award-winning chef, Mark Timms, who places emphasis on flavor and real-life choices while their restaurant, Tree, offers live music every night and an impressive wine list. Oh, and each of The Lodge’s 58 guest rooms has its own private veranda with beautiful views. Check it.

So what are you waiting for? Your boss to suddenly become enlightened?
Unlikely.
You better get on it first.

$350-$450/per person, per night

www.slh.com/usa/hawley/hawlod.html

NYC: Xanadu & You

Remember the days when you were a beautiful bouncy blonde with a voice like Olivia Newton and long coltish legs that skated into some shiny hot pants? Me neither, but a girl can dream, can't she?

XANADU, an all-out freewheelin' party on wheels, is still going strong; thrilling audiences with it's hilarious take on the 1980 Olivia Newton-John flick, a veritable must see for anyone stressed out in New York City and in need of a good laugh. Now that all those strikes are over, you need Broadway and she needs you.

Told by master Broadway playwright, Douglas Carter Beane, Xanadu is about a muse from ancient Greece sent to Earth to inspire a struggling artist. And you know Jaunt... we adore anything relating to ancient Greece, a muse, and struggling artists. Particularly if there's singing and roller-skating involved. Plus, Kerry Butler plays the lead and she's about as close to Olivia as anyone's gonna get, right down to that sweet Aussie accent.

Her hunky co-star, Cheyenne Jackson, appropriately dubbed by the NY Post as "The Sexiest Man on Broadway" brings a set of acting and singing chops, proving, once and for all, that a man really can have movie star good looks and exceptional stage skills. When he sings "Don't Walk Away", shivers just might roll up your spine and set off a string of fireworks.

The best part? The music of Xanadu. All Top 10 hits from the 1980's written by ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) and John Farrar. The New York Times calls it "Heaven on Wheels", the Daily News "90 minutes of hilarity" and New Yorker Magazine... "The Most Fun You Will Have on Broadway!"

How's that for the perfect weekend matinee? A certifiable party, complete with glowsticks and dancing in the aisles. It's more fun than making out with a hot co-worker in a storage closet at the company Christmas party. And everyone knows how much fun that is (until Monday morning, of course).

Xanadu. It's guilt-free fun entertainment. Sort of like Snackwell's... with a little ice-cream on top. Let's face it, you could use a good dose of roller party after busting your hump all week. You'll feel like a kid again.

www.xanaduonbroadway.com

For tickets to Xanadu at the Helen Hayes Theatre:
http://www.telecharge.com/behindTheCurtain.aspx

NYC: Your Restaurant Cheat Sheet

New York is like an in-law. Most of the time we get along just fine. Sometimes, we're even thick as thieves. We laugh, we shop, we drink, we dine... and then it rains, snows, or throws an awful gust of rotten summer trash right up my nose. She frustrates me... this city that never sleeps, but hell, I still love her.

Which is exactly why I like to elicit the aid of good friends and grub-loving gurus to help me determine where to do my dining and socializing when I'm off to the Big Apple.


This week, it's Maryann Scaccia, Vice President of KB Network News, an influential restaurant public relations firm in NYC. This is what she's got to say and we're all ears.




Casa Mono
Tapas lovers flock to Mario Batali's cozy spot in Gramercy Park to feast on classic Spanish dishes such as Patatas Bravas, as well as sumptuous delicacies such as Duck Hearts with Faves a La Catalana, Ensalada Mono with Manchego, Dorada with Chanterelles. Muy delicioso!

52 Irving Pl.
NY, NY 10003
between 17th and 18th Sts.
Phone: (212) 253-2773

Superfine
Tucked away on a cobblestone street beneath the Manhattan Bridge in DUMBO, Superfine is situated in a graffiti splashed converted brick warehouse, which is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of cool factor for this little-known Brooklyn hot spot. Great cocktails, a seasonally driven American menu (with quite possibly the best pork chop on the planet!), comfy retro furniture and free pool attract local hipsters night after night. They also do a fab blues brunch with live music on Sundays.

126 Front St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 243-9005



Oceana
If you’re seeking an escape from the madness of midtown, duck into Oceana where Chef Ben Pollinger has created an exquisite seafood menu using local and seasonal ingredients. With interiors designed like a luxury yacht and desserts that are otherworldly (caramel candy bar anyone?) it’s the ultimate fine dining experience.

55 E 54th St
NY, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 759-5941

La Esquina
Although the west coast may have one up on New York for its authentic Mexican food, no one could argue that La Esquina doesn’t deliver when it comes to great food, funky décor and cool people. Still a place to see and be seen at all hours, there is a basement restaurant and bar, taco stand and café. Personally, I’m a big fan of the laid back atmosphere in the café and can be found there gorging on bistec tacos and ceviche most Sunday afternoons…..

106 Kenmare Street
NY, NY 10012
Phone: (646) 613-7100















Café Mogador
Smack in the center of a busy East Village block, this Moroccan restaurant is the perfect place to gather with great friends to share plates of gloriously authentic tagine, cous cous and hummus. It’s lively, fun and reasonably priced – all in all, the perfect destination for a good night out.

101 Saint Marks Place
NY, NY 10009
Btwn 1st Ave & Ave A
Phone: (212) 677-2226

Straight from Maryann Scaccia, Friend/Foodie/Guest Blogger/Guest Guru, you now have the answer to that always baffling, 'So where do we dine tonight?'