Temperatures might be dropping in Norfolk, Virginia, but we know of one BRAND NEW must-visit attraction that’s hot, hot, hot!

The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio is now open to the public (as of November 2) and daily demonstrations provide a first-hand look into the fascinating art of glassmaking techniques. The ambiance is light, airy, modern, and a couple of furnaces running somewhere around 2,150 degrees offer a warm reprieve from cold, windy seasonal weather.

Katie from TravelPlusWine volunteers! Breathe in, breathe out.

Glass Studio demonstrations are FREE and they last one to two hours. Manager Charlotte Potter and her dynamic team of talented and outgoing artists dazzle visitors in a theatrical and entertaining way… leaving you with a profound appreciation and understanding of the glass world. Demonstrations will be offered at noon and 6pm and picnic lunches or dinners are highly encouraged. Enjoy the view with your food from the audience seating… watch from a safe distance or check out the television monitors above to get closer views of the live action. The Ghent district offers numerous gourmet restaurants with take-out, so make it a family affair or a unique, romantic date for two!

(Tip: TenTop is a hole-in-the-wall, unassuming establishment about a mile away but definitely holds a spot in the Top Ten restaurants of Norfolk. The food is gourmet and amazing – salads, sandwiches, pita pizzas for lunch or try the Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Lasagna for dinner. Call ahead to order for pick-up!)

The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio – Interior View

Always working as a team

When you’re finished discovering the world of blowpipes and cullets, walk next door to the Chrysler Museum. This impressive space houses one of the best art collections in the United States thanks in large part to the Norfolk community of art collectors (“Our Community Collects”) who kindly put their finest pieces on loan so we, the public, can enjoy as well. Head right to the Glass Collection, one of the largest and most comprehensive glass collections in the world. Are you ready for 10,000 glass objects spanning 3,000 years? Many of us, as much as we appreciate art, don’t have the time or patience to view everything… so head directly to the Tiffany Gallery and then search for works by Robert Wilson, Dale Chihuly, Harvey Littleton, Klaus Moje, Steuban Glass Works, Lalique, Paolo Vanini, William Morris, and many more. If possible, join a tour or ask a docent for more information. Their knowledge will help you bridge any gaps between what you learned in the Studio with what you’re looking at in the museum.

(Tip: The Chrysler Museum is opened until 9pm on Wednesdays making this an excellent dinner & museum night!)

Various glass works

Tiffany!

BUT WAIT… THERE’S MORE! Yes, it gets even better…

If the Glass Studio demonstration makes you hot for something more, well, hands-on… they offer WORKSHOPS! Extend your stay in Norfolk and sign up for a Two-Hour Teaser, One-Day, Two-Day, or Three-Day workshops.

(Tip:Just make sure you don’t leave town the same day your workshop ends because glass needs to be slowly cooled in a kiln so it doesn’t break. If that’s not a possibility, make advanced arrangements to ship your project home.)

When you plan your trip to Norfolk… stay a few more days than you think necessary, you’ll need ‘em!

And, if you’re interested in checking out more photos from the Chrysler Museum and Glass Studio, visit our Facebook page.

We kissed the warm summer sun goodbye last month and now it’s time to break out the heavy winter jackets. Snow is expected this week in Colorado and Wyoming (did they even have much of a summer?) and it won’t be long before shoveling snow becomes a part of the daily routine.

But, don’t put away those summer knits just yet… Florida is offering luxurious, family-friendly escapes this fall that could fit your budget! Here are a few options:

ST. PETE BEACH

The TradeWinds Resort Island Grand is a TravelPlusWine personal favorite! This 20-acre beachfront playgrounds gives both kids and adults the space they need. Let the kids play at the KONK Club while you enjoy the serenity of an adults-only swimming pool or a scream-free romantic meal. Don’t forget to make time for everyone in the family to enjoy the warm, crystal clear waters and sandy shore of the Gulf of Mexico. We signed up for paragliding and the views of Treasure Island are impossible to beat.

If you’ve had enough of the beach, visit Tampa for great art, shopping, and amazing cuisine.

Rates from $149

ORLANDO

The Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa in the Walt Disney® World Resort offers spacious guest rooms and suites, complete with refrigerators and microwaves — a nice bonus when traveling with picky eaters. Children can spend the day in the water and sun at Recreation Island playing Marco Polo or enjoy the playground. Babysitting services are available so mom and dad can relax in the 10,000 square feet of spa space and choose from 60 spa treatments. Or perhaps hit a few balls on the golf course.

Downtown Disney is at a walking distance across the street and the hotel offers shuttle service to any Walt Disney World parks nearby.

Rates From $99, Plus Up to $100 Resort Credit and Kids Eat Free

BOCA RATON

Boca Beach Club, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, is located on a half-mile of private beach on the Atlantic Ocean! The resort offers a unique cosmopolitan style that mixes a sleek European sensibility with Florida beach chic… and it’s kid friendly! Head to the spa, play tennis, or lounge by the famous pool and pretend you’re Jennifer Lopez while the kids enjoy their new friends at Camp Boca.

The Uniquely Boca Winter Package, available from September 15, 2011 through December 15, 2011, is an ideal value-oriented getaway at the oceanfront with rates starting from $269 per night. This package is filled with free and discounted activities for guests of every age and interest.

Nestled at the foot of the Olympic Mountains in Washington State is Port Angeles, a picturesque town known by many as the Gateway to Olympic National Park. Visitors and residents alike appreciate the natural, serene environment that combines the evergreen mountain air with fresh, salty seawater from the Strait of Juan de Fuca truly making this destination a breath of fresh air.

(Photo via Port Angeles Downtown)

What you may not know is the Olympic Peninsula is also home to at least 8 wineries open to the public. In other words, you can ski or hike Hurricane Ridge in the morning and enjoy a glass of wine at Camaraderie Cellars in the afternoon! Or, if you’re up for it, take a long weekend and visit all 8 wineries!

Port Angeles is home to Harbinger Winery, Camaraderie Cellars, Black Diamond Winery, and Olympic Cellars. Located an hour east is Port Townsend, known for its restored Victorian homes and beautiful downtown. There you’ll find Eaglemount Wine & Cider, Sorensen Cellars, FairWinds Winery, and Finnriver Farm & Cidery.

We personally recommend a visit to Camaraderie Cellars in Port Angeles and Sorenson Cellars in Port Townsend. And for fellow cider fans… a visit to Alpenfire Cider (formerly Wildfire Cider), also near Port Townsend, is a definitive MUST.

If you only have 3 days for your wine adventure on the Olympic Peninsula, we suggest spending 2 in Port Angeles and the last day in Port Townsend before heading back to Seattle or your next destination. This will give you an opportunity to do some sightseeing between wineries. Because these are small, family-run wineries, don’t forget to call the wineries ahead of time to be sure they’ll be open during your visit.

Other things to do/see in Port Angeles:

Our Winter Visit to Hurricane Ridge

Olympic National Park: Drive up to Hurricane Ridge for stunning views, skiing, or some of the best hiking in Washington State. Pack a picnic lunch, otherwise there’s an overpriced cafeteria that sells hamburgers, fries, and soup.

Lake Crescent: Also part of Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent lies about 18 miles west of Port Angeles. This lake is another great place for hiking or taking in the natural beauty of Washington State. Check out the Lake Crescent Lodge or The Log Cabin Resort if you’re interested in spending more time in the area. In the summertime, this is a popular swim spot for locals.

Salt Creek State Park: Whether you’re into camping or just want to explore the tide pools, this is a fun family-friendly spot where the kids can roam free.

Great eats in Port Angeles:

Michael’s Seafood & Steakhouse: One of the best restaurants in Port Angeles, Michael offers a gourmet selections and a great Happy Hour menu from 4-6pm daily. The Gnocchi and Baked Brie are personal favorites. As a bonus, there’s local wine on the list! This is always a great option if you can’t make it to a winery but really want to taste the fruits of their labor.

Toga’s Soup House: Once a fancy reservations-only restaurant perfect for an intimate dinner, Toga’s has reinvented itself as a popular lunch spot for soups, salads, and sandwiches. If you’re headed to Camaraderie Cellars, this is a great stopping point along the way.

Frugals: If you’re in the mood for a burger and fries to-go, Frugals is a small retro double drive-in fast food joint that has been an institution in Port Angeles since… well, forever. Their milkshakes are very popular, so check the flavor of the month!

Port Townsend recommendations:

(photo via Puget Sound Express)

The Rose Theater: This unique independent cinema is a must-see if you love beautiful theaters and foreign films. The popcorn is delicious and you can grab a glass of wine!

Fort Worden: A state park and conference center perfect for walks along the two-mile shore line. A lot of weekend art workshops are hosted here, so check local listings for dates.

Great eats in Port Townsend:

The Pizza Factory: This is where you’ll find the best pizza on the Olympic Peninsula. Grab a slice and people watch from a bench on the street.

Alchemy Bistro & Wine Bar: Is a description really necessary? The menu is great (pasta, lamb, seafood), but just remember the wine bar doesn’t open until 4pm. It’s also a nice place to hit up for appetizers and a glass of vino before a movie.

Getting there:

Port Angeles is an easy 2.5 hour drive from Seattle. Or, get there in 20 minutes with a direct flight from Boeing Field with Kenmore Air.

And now off to walk the plank to pop open a bottle of Pirate’s Plank Bone Dry from Alpenfire Cider! I challenge you to find a cider that we’d enjoy more…