PRELUDE: TRAVEL BAG
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1. Foot Loose
When luggage space is minimal, the ideal footwear for you could be Nike’s City Knife III range. These multipurpose shoes are designed to fold down into themselves without loss of shape or creasing of the leather. They come in a range of colors and sizes and have enough rugged wear in them for city walks, a workout at the gym or for exploring the local scenery. Prices start at $90. www.nike.com
2. Bag It
The name Bill Amberg is synonymous with beautiful, high-quality leather goods. His recent projects include designer luggage and exclusive products for luxury hotels such as The Bulgari Hotel in Milan. The Double Cross bag from his latest collection has a unique strap system so you can wear it over the shoulder or carry it in your hand. From $450. www.billamberg.com
3. Puttin’ on the Ritz
Atlantans know the place to impress a guest is The Dining Room, reputed to be the premiere five-diamond restaurant in the southeast, and located in wealthy Buckhead’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel. French chef Bruno Ménard (who competed on TV’s “Iron Chef” during his tenure at the Osaka Ritz) offers classic French cuisine with Japanese nuances and wine pairings by sommelier Chantelle Grilhot. The prix fixe menu, including Iranian beluga and Tanzanian chocolate mousse, is well worth donning a jacket for. For reservations, call 404-240-7035.
4. Face Off
One hundred famous New York faces are profiled in this fascinating travel companion. Find out where Edgar Allen Poe used to drink, which clubs gave Joey Ramone his musical break and which bar was Babe Ruth’s favorite. Each section in 100 New Yorkers takes the reader through a tour of the celebrities’ residencies, love affairs, scandals, accomplishments, and where you can see their legacies—whether in art museums, immortalized in stone or celebrated in song. There’s a great selection of everyone from Sammy Davis Jr. and Malcolm X to Mae West and George Washington. $19.95. www.littlebookroom.com