We love the W Hotels. They're always cooking up something fun. If you're going to New Orleans, stay at the W - French Quarter, and enjoy this:

 

 

"BELLINIS, BIKINIS AND BRUNCH
WHO

W Hotels and you
WHAT

Who lets you brunch in your bathing suit? Unwind every Saturday with W New Orleans - French Quarter’s Bikini Brunch. Sip a Bottomless Bellini, nibble on bites from the brunch menu and listen to tunes from the Thelonius Monk Institute. Indulge in bites from Bacco's Bikini Brunch menu for $15 or sips from our bottomless cocktail menu for $30. Brunch with the Monks 10am - 12pm and bottomless cocktails until 3pm.
WHEN

May 31, 10:00 AM - June 29, 03:00 PM
WHERE

W New Orleans - French Quarter

316 Chartres Street

New Orleans, LA 70130

(504) 581-1200
RSVP

97508.rsvp@whotels.com"

 That’s right. This Getaway has a small number…because it’s walking distance from my house.

 Sunday, I was walking with my Post-Valentine’s Valentine (ok, my roommate, so magical) and we had the best and cheapest Sunday morning getaway. So here we go, Seattle Golightly Girls, this one is for you:

Wallingford (Seattle) Getaway

11:02am Coffee. (Um, Hi. It’s a necessary first stop on any Seattle adventure.)

Hands down my fave caffeine fix in Wallingford: Fuel Coffee (1705 North 45th Street)

I dare say it: some of my favorite baristas reside here. They are always looking so hip it hurts…and they are just so friendly. I covet the bangs on one gal.

Enjoy local artwork on the wall, and the chairs outside for lounging and people/dog watching. That will be a double soy latte for me, single non-fat latte for the lady.

++++

11:24am Brunch.

Molly Moon's, baby! (1622 ½ N 45th St) It’s the hottest thing in Wallingford since Trophy came to town. The best thing is, they are doing Sunday brunch! Oatmeal and ice cream? Yes, please. (Hurry though! My Molly Moon's source says they are only doing brunch through February!)

If it’s a nice day like this weekend, I suggest taking your goodies and posting up on the corner of 45^th and Wallingford. Nice big bench, and there's always room for more people watching.

++++

11:57am The Main Event.

World Wide Books & Maps (4411 Wallingford Ave N)

There is the best hidden treat right off of Wallingford, Wide World Books & Maps. Don’t let the Rick Steve-esque bags in the window deter you…you can get lost in this place. So, sneak in your coffee (rightly so, they give me a bit of a stink-eye when I take mine in). They have international novels, any travel book you can think of, random accessories (I’m a fan of the Gorilla Pod myself).

Like a good mullet, there is world music and books in the front, huge maps in the back. So yes, I’ve been here once or twice with girlfriends when we have been plotting our next big adventure (or to just see where Namibia is. I just can’t find that on the mental map in my head).

Best of all, this place has lots of great talks and book readings. My roomie went to check out what they had to say about trekking to Machu Picchu. Better yet, the Gutsy Women are meeting Feb 21^st at 9am. Bring your coffee and go meet some amazing ladies that could inspire your next big trip.

Here is their list of events that are coming up!

If this Getaway isn’t in your immediate neighborhood…here are a few other travel stores around the country that could be a nice substitute. I just can’t vouch for their nearby coffee shops:

San Francisco: Get Lost Travel Books  (I their word for it.)

Boston: Globe Corner Bookstore (My Sources Say)

New York City: Idlewild Books (Survey Says)

Any other great ones out there?