Discovering More About the History of Brownell

As we celebrate 125 years of Discovering More, it is fascinating to find multiple generations of a family who have been travelling with Brownell through the years. Bowden Sarrett’s client has shared a remarkable anecdote about her mother-in-law’s journey with Brownell to Europe in 1931. In the height uncertainty that came with the Great Depression, Brownell had the steadfast ability to take a group of young girls on a college tour to Paris, London, and Switzerland in the summer of 1931.  

Many Thrills Mark Tour of Europe

Helen Meaher has just returned from Europe and gives the most glowing account of what she did and saw. I'm reminded of Helen just now because she writes short stories and is planning to go to Columbia to pursue further knowledge and develop her talent along this line. She is gifted and has already done some very clever things and with which she has many reasons to be quite pleased. She is the youngest daughter of the Augustus Meahers on Government Street , and will enter the Murphy High School for the coming year, after which she is going east. Leaving in June, she visited her sister, Mrs. J.C. Sanders (Nan), and went with her to Atlantic city and into Canada, and saw quite a lot of interesting places before she sailed with the Brownell party with Mrs. E.H. Pritchard of Tuscaloosa as her chaperone. Emily Staples was in this same party and these two South Alabama girls has a perfectly wonderful time together. They stayed in Paris about a week and while there, saw the opera Lohengrin and the Paris exposition. They, being the only seafaring members of the party, were the only ones to fly from Paris to London and there enjoyed. the many interesting pleasures of that tremendous city, especially the visit to Westminster Abbey, Stratford on the Avon, and much of the Shakespeare country. Don't you imagine that Helen thought back on that wonderful "genius with a pen" and the marvelous writings of his time with a little fellow feeling? In Switzerland (and I shouldn't mind being right in the middle of a snowball this minute) they had a very thrilling snowball fight and witnessed their very first sight of real snow storms and mountain peaks covered in a veritable blanket of white.

Returning to New York, she spent a little more time with her sister and arrive home a few days ago to fill her curly blonde head with necessary knowledge that a school girl must know before she can become a great writer.

Mrs. Helen Meaher

A Brownell mailing list from Mrs. Meahers trip

Lovin' London: Part Three

Lovin' London is a three part series by Brownell travel advisor Debbie Fairvalley, who recently returned from a whirlwhind trip around London. You can read about her adventures below.

Once we are outside London and pass the new Harry Potter studios outside Watford, we see the countryside begin to change. Our first stop is Brooklands Museum and race track. It seems that every vintage British racing machine was on display here from motorcycles, to race cars, to airplanes, to bicycles – they had it all! You can even take a spin on the historic track and feel the wind in your hair as you tackle the hairpin turns on this wonderful piece of racing legend. As the owner of a Jaguar, I appreciated this immensely!

From Brooklands we took a short drive to the lovely gardens of Wisley. These beautiful gardens were just beginning to explode with color as we strolled the perfectly manicured grounds - I can only imagine what this will look like in another month. From Wisley, it is a short hop over to Oxford –  I felt smarter just entering the cobblestoned streets of Oxford. Our wonderful guide Brian explained the different universities with the town of Oxford. He was also wonderful in pointing out all the Harry Potter spots that are featured in this beautiful city - I actually sat down in the dining hall of Hogwarts!

Soon, we were off to Stratford Upon Avon to further enhance our knowledge of culture and history. If you plan to take in a Shakespearean play while in England – this is the place to do it! The sets, the staging, the acoustics and the trap doors made seeing a production here much more appealing and engaging. There is not a bad seat in the house.
Of course, we also toured Shakespeare’s birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s cottage – but the real excitement here is strolling the banks of the Avon, watching the swans swim by, and a delicious picnic on a pretty spring day! I also found shopping in the little town quite appealing, with a short break to relax and enjoy a wonderful lunch at Grant’s Tavern.

The true beauty and majesty of this area must be taken in at sunset. This is the time the Cotswolds stone buildings take on a sparkle of an ochre/umber color that reminds me of Tuscany! Sitting at any of the small town pubs and enjoying a pint at sunset is not to be missed. I highly recommend having your own car; it is vitally important for exploring each little quaint town along the narrow roads of the Cotswolds!

  

The Cotswold House provided a wonderful dining experience for us - the chef is a former Michelin chef from Le Manoir Aux Quatre Saisons - what a treat! We enjoyed 5 star cuisine while sitting in a relaxed atmosphere in a small town of Chipping Camden. I only wish I would have had time time to enjoy their wonderful spa. It reminded me of a wonderful grotto, with all the modern luxury of a top notch spa resort. I would definitely reccomend it for a trip with girlfriends for a nice weekend retreat!

Passing through the countryside on our way to Warwick, I noticed all the beautiful stone fences that mark boundaries for the livestock. The hillsides are majestic and the green is as lush as anything I have seen in Scotland or Ireland. This was truly a beautiful add on to London and a must for anyone interested in castles, gardens, or quaint townships - authentic England, I think YES!

Warwick and Warwick Castle made me feel as though I had stepped back in the Middle Ages. I watched falconry exhibitions by men in authentic period costume, walked through dungeons that still reek of the tortures that took place there centuries ago, viewed a jousting match as it is supposed to be performed, and toured a castle that is dressed to the nines! If you have children, you will want to spend the day here, taking in all the touring, shows, experiences available. I would strongly suggest a dungeon tour pass as well. This tour is conducted in total darkness with each chamber coming alive with stories told by actors in full character.

The final stop before heading back to London was a true gem! The Lord Leycester Hospital is a medieval guild that houses ex-servicemen and their wives. This is a Royal Order of gentlemen that are associated with the Earl of Leicester and now guide tours through their guild hall (constructed in 1450) and showcase their eclectic collection of weapons, artifacts, and trophies assembled through the centuries. They also serve a wonderful lunch or tea in their dining room. If you are near Warwick, stop in and see one of the brethren and hear fascinating stories from the past!

I have just begun to touch the surface of the treasures that lie in London and the surrounding countryside. So I hope another trip is just around the corner…..

Lovin' London: Part Two

Lovin' London is a three part series by Brownell travel advisor Debbie Fairvalley, who recently returned from a whirlwhind trip around London. You can read about her adventures below.

 

We are on our way to Cornwall from Paddington Station, heading to the “pasty” and garden capital of Great Britian. We relax into our first class seats for just a short four hour train ride featuring beautiful scenery as we near the coast. Civilized tea service is offered several times throughout the journey. Three magazines later, we arrive at St. Austell station.

Our first stop is the Eden Project. This huge garden project of biospheres that duplicate the earth’s various climate zones – highlighting the rain forest, desert, sub tropical, and tropical plants and vegetation of these various regions. It would be quite interesting for families, with many hands on activities for the kids - imagine EPCOT meets Callaway Gardens.
The best part of the day was our arrival at the lovely coastal inn The Nare. It was a beautiful warm day and the sun was just beginning to set on Carne Beach as we arrived just in time for tea! The beautiful stone buildings surrounded by expertly landscaped gardens were warmed by a wood burning fire and the smell of freshly baked scones greeted us the minute we arrived.

Immediately I relaxed into the pace of life as it was meant to be lived. Cozy seaview nooks for reading, plush sofas for conversation, and the fireplace surrounded by fresh flowers made for a delightful stay after a rush/rush week in London.
Our delightful host Toby Ashworth, the proprietor and grandson to the original owner - Mrs. Bettye Gray, enlightened us on the history of The Nare and his fondness for the hotel and this lovely part of England. You understand why the staff are so warm and engaging – as this seems very much like a family home rather than a resort.

Our rooms were each a bit like staying at grandma’s (if grandma owned a palatial lodge). Sherry decanters full of spirits, Penhaligon amenities, fresh fruit, and plenty of magazines offered nice options if you want to sleep in or enjoy a night-cap in your room.

Traditional cocktails were served by the fire before we gathered for a dinner that would surpass any 5 star Michelin restaurant! All the fresh seafood is plucked right from the lobster/crab pots off the coast of the restaurant, and the rest is found close by in Falmouth. The chef prepares each catch of the day with flair and finesse and each entree is accompanied by fresh vegetables.

Next, we were off to explore the Cornish countryside. A true treat awaits at The Lost Gardens Of Heligan. These fabulous gardens were recently discovered completely covered with moss, heavy vegetation and derelict overgrowth. The Tremayne family originally built this estate in the early 1770’s and the gardens must have been outstanding. Walking in the gardens seemed like discovering hidden treasure. We weren't even there “in season” but the flowers were already starting to bloom…

The second garden/estate we visited was Caerhays Castle. The owner of Caerhay’s, Mr. Williams, greeted us with his black labs and walking stick to discover 650 varieties of camellias and magnolias in full bloom. I was astounded by the brilliant pinks, reds, purples, whites, and oranges of the beautiful hybrids. As a southern girl, I must say I felt right at home. We enjoyed a private lunch in his dining room and talked of hunting on the estate, flower shows, and the family heritage found in this fabulous estate. What a delightful host!

We made a final stop at Lanhydrock Estate to tour the well preserved 19th century Victorian palace. It was such fun to see how life must have been lived back in the day. A must see in the Cornwall area!

Another lovely dinner followed at the “seafaring” Quarterdeck of the Nare (yes, seafood is most certainly on the menu – fabulous lobster was my choice this evening).
After a bountiful breakfast, and a quick stop for pasties from a Cornwall establishment, we were off for the train bound for London….

Lovin' London: Part One

Lovin' London is a three part series by Brownell travel advisor Debbie Fairvalley, who recently returned from a whirlwhind trip around London. You can read about her adventures below.

I recently had the opportunity to visit London (after 20 years) and remembered why it is such a fabulous city! It doesn’t hurt that this is the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the summer Olympics, and Wimbledon – not to mention the royal buzz about William and Kate. Two weeks was not enough – I could have spent a year exploring the many facets of this British “crown jewel”….

What a warm welcome The Milestone provided me upon check in. My Mistinguett suite featured a beautiful outdoor private patio where I sipped tea in 72 degree March weather. Needless to say, my jet lag quickly evaporated. I decided to enjoy the Spring day and explore the wonderful Hyde Park located right across the street. The daffodils, hyacinth, and tulips were already blooming – and created lovely colors for my Kensington Palace photos. Afternoon tea at Kensington Palace is a “must do” royal experience - I loved it.

Cocktails in the leopard inspired champagne bar at The Ruben’s and dinner at Chenestons English gourmet dining room at the Milestone produced some of the best Dover sole I have ever tasted!
The Red Carnation Hotel collection feature authentic British style with a design flair that would impress any Architectural Digest reader. Each room is created in sumptuous fabric wall coverings, lush fabrics, detailed wood furniture, and high style. I had the opportunity to stay in two of their collection, The Milestone and The Egerton House, and hated to leave both of them.

A private guide for the National Portrait Gallery is a MUST for “first timers” to London. Seeing and hearing the stories of the royal families throughout the centuries really helped me understand how the British monarchary began. It brought to life who they were, how they lived, and even how they died - quite a nice introduction for the rest of my touring.
A quick trip to Westminster Abbey and then off to a private boat excursion on the Thames. It was lovely to watch the London Eye, Houses of Parlimant, the Globe Theatre, and Big Ben float by while sipping champagne and picnicking from a basket of goodies provided by Fortnum & Mason (if it’s good enough for the queen, it’s good enough for me)! By the way, Fortnum & Mason has designed a wonderful “special” tea in honor of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – I loved it (and the decorative tin it comes in).

I picked a perfect night for a “Ripper Tour” of London beginning at the Tower of London at 7:30. Darkness filled the sky and a misty rain was dampening the streets as we learned about Jack the Ripper and the Victorian London of the 1800’s. This was finished off by a Ceremony of the Keys and off to bed with nightmares in my head!

No trip to London would be complete without seeing The Royal Mews and Victoria & Albert Museum. I enjoyed the Cecil Beaton – Diamond Jubilee exhibit of intimate photographs of the royal family throughout the 21st century.

On a beautiful day in London a real treat was visiting Little Venice….yes, Little Venice! Just past the Beatles’ Abbey Road is a series of canals that are amazing. These canals were used in WWII to get supplies into London. Now they represent a lovely way to wile away an afternoon on a canal boat. A private charter or public boat takes you past the London Zoo and ends at Camden Locks. I spent an entire Saturday cruising past homes that rival anything in Mayfair and ended up at a Bohemian market that featured everything from “punkers” to gourmet food stands. It was also fun to see the locals working the locks of the canal. If time and energy permits, you can bicycle through Regent’s Park before heading back to your hotel - a very “different” London experience but truly enjoyable.

I returned to London to visit The Ritz and The Dorchester. These well known institutions still offer the flair of “old world” elegance with newly styled and comfortable guest rooms. Both feature a high tea several times throughout the afternoon. However, I also have to give high marks to the new kid on the block - 45 Park Lane! If you like contemporary then you will love 45 Park Lane (the sister property to The Dorchester). Each room comes with “instructions for use” from the draperies to the sophisticated TV/sound system! The location also has a nice residential feel to it as well. Both locations are easy to spot with the huge Chihuly glass sculpture illuminated in the evening - I wonder if they would miss a piece, if I just chipped off a bit?

My last night in London was appropriately spent at The Goring! What can I say about The Goring that has not already been said? Fabulous location, fabulous concierge, fabulous suites, fabulous service, fabulous food, fabulous “people watching” spot, fabulous grounds, in general FABULOUS experience - no wonder Kate Middleton chose to spend her last night here as a commoner – everyone is treated like royalty!
Now I am off to the beautiful gardens of Cornwall and a stay at The Nare……can’t wait!



Four Seasons Punta Mita, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Katherine Gould is an luxury travel consultant for Brownell. Below you will read about her recent trip to The Four Seasons Punta Mita in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. You can read more about Katherine and her adventures on her blog kgouldtravel.


If you love luxury beach resorts and the Four Seasons Punta Mita isn’t on your list of places to visit, then it should be. The area is 100 percent safe and has a wonderfully authentic vibe. The hotel offers beautiful scenery, extensive amenities, exemplary service, and delicious cuisine. May I also mention the evening sunsets that can be seen from any oceanfront venue on property?

Poolside view at the Four Seasons Punta Mita

Sunset from the beach at the Four Seasons Punta Mita

Four Seasons Punta Mita is located on Mexico’s west coast (Riviera Nayarit) and is a direct flight from many major US airports. It’s a short drive but a world away from the rush of Puerto Vallarta. In traditional Four Seasons fashion, guests are greeted warmly outside of customs, handed a chilled minted towel and refreshment, and whisked away in a luxury SUV. The amazing service starts there and doesn't stop until you board the plane on your day of departure. I can only describe the staff as outstanding.

Flower arrangements in the lobby at Four Seasons Punta Mita

Beach activities at Four Seasons Punta Mita

The rooms wer spacious and luxurious. I was lucky enough to stay in one of the Oceanview Suites and  enjoyed spending time on the ample terrace, complete with lounge hammock and plunge pool.

View from the terrace of a one bedroom Oceanview Suite at the Four Seasons Punta Mita

Many families and large groups opt to book one of the hotel’s fifty spectacular villas, which are scattered about the property and come with every imaginable amenity.

Villa dining and kitchen area at Four Seasons Punta Mita

Villa living area at Four Seasons Punta Mita

The hotel’s twenty-seven acres are carefully maintained. The property is home to two spectacular beaches, where the posh chairs and beach staff make for a luxurious experience in a serene setting.

On the beach at Four Seasons Punta Mita

There are three unique pools on the property. The main infinity pool overlooking the Pacific and lazy river are guaranteed family favorites, but I found them to be equally loved by the adult set.

Amzing infinity pool at the Four Seasons Punta Mita

Enjoying the lazy river and VIP service at Four Seasons Punta Mita

The adults only pool is garden-side and surrounded by a variety of posh cabanas for rent. It took some serious motivation to leave that amazing VIP service at the end of the day!

Lounging in the cabana at the adults only pool at Four Seasons Punta Mita

I have never visited a hotel that provided so many complimentary, poolside amenities. Service started in the morning and kept coming until late afternoon. Fresh fruit, margaritas, candy and snacks, popsicles, face misting, sunglass cleaning service, frapuccinos and homemade snow cones are just some of the surprises that were offered during my stay!

Getting a gourmet snow cones poolside!

Dining at the Four Seasons Punta Mita is always a memorable experience no matter which restaurant you choose. My favorite spot was Bahia on the beach because of the peaceful setting and seafood focus, but everywhere I dined on property was exceptional, and the service was exceptional.

Bahia on the beach is steps from the sand

The activity options on and off property are endless. The gym and spa are top notch, as perfect as one would expect at any Four Seasons property. The “Kids for all Seasons” program was one of the best I’ve seen anywhere, complete with an enormous treehouse! I have never seen a more extensive game room - tvs were set up everywhere with Wii, Xbox, Kinex, and more. There was also ping pong, air hockey, pool and a movie viewing room with bean bag seating for at least 20 children.

Kids For All Seasons club at Four Seasons Punta Mita

Kids for All Seasons playground

Punta Mita is a one stop shop for golf, tennis, fishing, surfing, paddle boarding and more. Zip lining and ATV excursions are also available. I especially enjoyed a day trip to Sayulita - a nearby, vibrant and hippie surf town. We spent an afternoon there wandering through unique shops, walking along the beach and watching the surfers, and dining at curbside food stands. The fish tacos and ceviche were unforgettable.

Sayulita

Authentic Mexican cuisine is plentiful at curbside stands in Sayulita



Adventures in Chile with Brownell's 1887 Club

Brownell travel advisor Bowden Sarrett recently returned from an exciting trip to Patagonia and Santiago, Chile with Brownell's 1887 and Griffin Clubs. See her photos below for exciting highlights of her trip.

Meals at the Cliffs Preserve in the Lake District of Chile were amazing.  It’s a new Relais & Chateaux member property.  They grow much of their own produce in hot houses and a garden open to visits and free picking and tasting.

Hiking at the Cliffs

They have eight miles of coastline and accommodate only 35 guests. The natural beauty and pristine spaces are breathtaking. The staff, especially Mono (Monkey to us), shared incredible knowledge of plants and animals as we hiked in a forest that looked like Jurassic Park.

It was a long ride from the Cliffs but at least Troy did catch three trout!



Arrival at the Singular was novel.  The van parked inside a warehouse and we exited out the other side down steps to the original factory building---and those who wanted could take the funicular.  

Our day of hiking in Torres Del Paine National Park in Patagonia was sunny and cold and very very windy.  Snow capped mountains, rushing water with falls, a picnic in the van away from the wind, very little greenery besides scrubs, and incredible blue skies made for a gorgeous day outside.

Even on a freezing rainy day the Singular took us for a fabulous excursion on their new boat.  Note the white leather seats! 

 

In an hour and a half we got to the spot near the glacier hours before all other visitors.  We hiked and enjoyed and were on the dock leaving to go see the sea lions on the rocky shore when others were first arriving. 

Lunch was served in the woods in a tent. The chef and out guide read Neruda’s Ode to Conger Eel as they served our hot chowder lunch under the dome tent---with proper tables, cutlery, and wine glasses of course.  Such luxury---and such fun!

Just an hour outside of Santiago we visited Casas del Bosque vineyard.  Known for its Sauvignon Blancs and Carmeneres, it’s a pretty winery and a quick fun visit.  Guest can help with harvest if they happen to be there at the right time of year.  Our wine tasting was lovely and they have a beautiful outdoor spot for lunch.

This was a light lunch at Arola at the Ritz Carlton on our last day in Santiago.