Stories: Whitefish MT | Melanie Brown | Timepieces | Fashion, Flicks and Frivolity
Big Sky and Big Hearts Await - Fall 2007
By Bryen Dunn, Toronto Ontario :: info@bryendunn.com
Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish, Montana is a historic railroad town in the heart of the
Rocky Mountain wilderness ~ an island of culture in an ocean of mountain
recreation. The train depot is the busiest stop on Amtrak’s Empire Builder
route and houses a museum dedicated to the days of yore. Although small in size
and still proud of its western heritage, it's fast becoming a destination of
choice for both adventure seekers and culinary aficionados.
Central Avenue is the main street through town and offers an eclectic mix of
shops, dining establishments, bars, galleries, coffee shops and a local brewery.
Walking from one end of town to the other offers an amazing view of the surrounding
mountain ranges in the distance. Further off Glacier-Waterton National Park
beckons with beauty. The park is celebrating its 75th anniversary as the first
“peace park” opened between the United States (Montana) and Canada
(Alberta), connected via this natural wonder.
As with many smaller towns, culture plays an important role for the residents
who seek the peace and serenity as their creative oasis. There are monthly art
gallery walks, two theatres offering a variety of well-known productions, and
several community and music festivals appealing to all age groups. Dining options
range from pub grub to fine international cuisine, and many of the town establishments
are endorsing the food of the land from farm to table, thereby supporting the
local economy practice. Locals hit up the weekly farmers market to pick up fresh
produce and beautiful flower arrangements.
The town’s ski resort, Big Mountain, is currently undergoing extensive renovations that will include an upgraded chalet area, new chair lifts and increased accommodations. The road from town to the mountain has also been upgraded removing some switchbacks and shortening the overall distance to about six miles. In the summer Big Mountain Resort is open from mid-June to early September and offers hiking, mountain biking, mountain bungee, outdoor concerts, festivals, a kid's camp, and their newest attraction, A Walk in the Treetops. This is an exhilarating experience whereby individuals walk back deep into woods, the harness up and maneuver between the trees via an elevated boardwalk some 70 feet above the ground. It’s definitely not for those afraid of heights, but worthy of the spectacular views and the feeling of euphoria. For those craving a further adrenaline rush there’s the Summit Trail, an 8-mile single- track mountain bike route offering great views of Glacier from the top. The winter ski season is open from mid-Dec to early April.
For those thirsty for adventure, there are a multitude of activities including hiking, mountain biking, golf, sea kayaking, fishing, scenic gondola rides, and horseback riding. There are two adjacent 9-hole golf courses, and an expanding network of multi-purpose trails connecting various parts of town, such as the city beach on Whitefish Lake. In the winter, there's both alpine and cross-country skiing, skating, dogsledding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. As well, many of the dining and accommodation establishments are opting to remain open all year to meet the increased tourist arrivals.
Although primarily a two-season destination, summer and winter, the town is trying to change this with a plethora of year round activities. The beautiful autumn season is one of the best times of the year for travel to many destinations, and Whitefish is no exception. It’s a chance to take in some hiking or biking through the spectacular vibrant shades of foliage in Glacier National Park. As an added incentive, the Going-To-The-Sun Road is undergoing maintenance conservation to the upper ridges nearer Logan’s Pass. This allows hikers and cyclists to traverse this historic roadway without the usual deluge of tourist vehicles. Although the road is closed to the public, road work vehicles still travel back and forth. It’s still quite serene and peaceful knowing that as a cyclist, this is a rare opportunity. From the Avalanche parking lot to the Loop is about 10 miles round trip. The loop is as far as you are allowed to venture, so if your interest is reaching the peak at Logan’s Pass you’d better get there before this seasonal closure. The maintenance will continue for the next several years, and the road closure is in place from mid-September to early November, depending on snow conditions. Once the snow begins, the Road is only cleared as far as Lake McDonald Lodge, where one can enjoy a day of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Whitefish truly is a fun-filled destination where visitors can work up an appetite during the day and enjoy delectable dining in the evening, such as can be found at Café Kandahar. Also highly recommended is the Rising Sun Bistro, serving up great French influenced dishes. Be sure Accommodations range from Bed and Breakfast to the newly opened Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Whitefish is easily accessible by air through Kalispell Airport, just 20 minutes outside of town.
More Information: www.whitefishvisit.com,
www.nps.gov/state/mt,
www.nps.gov/glac, www.glacierguides.com,
www.lodgeatwhitefishlake.com,
www.kandaharlodge.com,
www.bigmtn.com, www.skibigmountain.com
Mel B Keeps on Dancin - Fall 2007
By Bryen Dunn, Toronto Ontario :: info@bryendunn.com
Melanie Brown radiates with boundless amounts of energy. Not
only is she in the prime of her continuous career transition, she is the mother
of two baby girls and step-mother to a third by way of her recent marriage to
Stephen Belafonte. As well, this Dancing With The Stars contestant is ready
to hit the road as part of the Spice Girls Reunion Tour with her original band
mates.
The “girls” have teamed up once again to showcase their hits and
a perhaps a few new songs for their legion of fans frantically snapping up tickets
for the few announced tour dates. As of press time, there were only four US
dates and two Canadian performances announced. Toronto was recently honoured
with the opening tour concert date by way of an online fan contest that was
awarded to the location that generated the most email responses. For those who
aren’t lucky enough to secure tickets, there will be a forthcoming Greatest
Hits CD and documentary DVD of the tour.
Life and Fashion caught up with Ms. Brown between tapings of segments for Dancing
With The Stars to find out what keeps her going. A Spice Girl reunion tour has
been talked about for quite some time, but it hadn’t become a reality
until earlier this year. Brown states, “Timing is everything and we all
agreed that we are ready to put aside our personal agendas in order to make
this happen.” It’s actually all come together in a short period
of about nine months. There were stories circulating about tensions between
certain band members which made one wonder if a reunion could ever take place.
“We decided to be straight up with each other and clear any issues. Let’s
face it. You put five girls together in close quarters for an extended period
of time and you’re going to get some disagreements”, she laughs.
She reconfirms that they all still have the same “girl power” values
as when they originally were formed back in 1996, except now it’s even
more important to show the bond between mother and daughter. Four of the five
members now have children of their own. “I think the strongest friendship
to be had is between girlfriends”, she offers. As for any new material
to be released, Brown confirms “nothing is officially announced but we’ve
been in the studio.” They have teamed up with their former producer, Bob
Smeaton, so the chances are good the full team may click once again.
The 32 year old was coined "Scary Spice" by the British media because
of her in-your-face Leeds attitude, her flashy leopard-print outfits and her
boisterous laughter. A star in her own right, Brown has also enjoyed solo success
as a singer with her Missy Elliott collaboration “I Want You Back”
reaching top spot on the charts. As well, she earned the coveted role of Mimi
in the Broadway production of Rent, and starred in the London, UK successful
run of The Vagina Monologues. She’s also had several television appearances
and released her own autobiography.
Brown and her new family unit just moved into a new house high in the hills
of Central LA two days prior, which just added one more thing to her already
hectic schedule. She truly enjoys the busy life, but makes sure she schedules
time for herself and family between career opportunities. She says, “It’s
all about establishing a routine and having solo time with the kids”,
referring to her two young daughters, Phoenix Chi and Angel Iris. “Now
with Stephen and his daughter Giselle it’s like I have four babies to
look after”, she jokes in reference to her recent somewhat private marriage
to movie producer Belafonte.
She described the Las Vegas ceremony as a “low key commitment where we
each invited our best friend. It was small and intimate and something for us”,
she states. There are future plans to have a full scale wedding with friends
and family, but it has to work within each of their schedules. Brown has had
her share of sexual partners prior to Belafonte, and is not one to hide her
intimate side. She once had a two year relationship with a female film executive
and at the time was quoted as saying, "people can call me lesbian, bisexual
or heterosexual, but I know who's in my bed and that's it - I have a huge libido
and a great sex life."
She describes her preparation for her guest spot on Dancing With The Stars as
one of the most grueling experiences of her life. “I’m a workaholic
and for this assignment I really challenged myself by having to give up all
control. My feet were swollen by the end of each day”, she remarks. She
was assigned Maksim Chmerkovskity as her professional dancer counterpart, who
is recognized as the top of the class in ballroom dancing. “He has a meticulous
technique that encourages me to learn every one of his dance moves”, she
glees.
Asked about her favourite clothing designers and she immediately claims Roberto
Calvalli and Dolce and Gabanna as her top two. “They both know how to
work with leopard skin prints and always keep them in style”, she says.
Since her days as “Scary Spice” she’s always been noted for
her avid adoration toward the leopard patterns. In fact she mentions that she
almost always includes it as some part of her outfit or accessories, and was
quick to mention Dancing With The Stars would be no exception.
With such a busy work and personal life, when does she find the “me”
time that she mentioned she enjoys? “I have an oxygen tank at home that
I spend 40 minute periods in for three or four days a week”, she proclaims.
She calls it “a healthy treat” to herself and points out that it
is quite meditative and is known to remedy nearly 100 bodily ailments. “I
would highly recommend this to anyone”, she declares.
She also states that she’s much happier living in Los Angeles since her
relocation there back in 2003. She declares, “I love the weather and it’s
so much better to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle.” Does she miss the English
Pubs? “There are some great pubs just down the road in Santa Monica”,
she laughs. As for what the future may hold, she mentions, “some amazing
ideas are in the works for 2008 that will definitely bring out my personality.
I like to try everything at least once.” With an assertive attitude like
this, there’s bound to be some surprises.
Surf here for the latest info on Melanie and the Spice Girls:
www.melanie-brown.org,
www.thespicegirls.com,
www.spicegirlsfanatic.com
A Gevril Swiss Timepieces - Summer 2007
By Bryen Dunn, Toronto Ontario :: info@bryendunn.com
Horology is the science of time, timekeeping and timekeepers.
A 250 year-old traditional timepiece producer marks its continued advancement into the 21st century cyber world, with the launch of its new sophisticated website. Switzerland is world renown for its precision to time, and Gevril Swiss Timepieces headquartered in Tramelan, still retains its origins of nobility based on the integrity of materials, craftsmanship, design, customer service and commitment to customers.
Jacques Gevril became the first Swiss watch exporter to the King of Spain in 1758, and today the company enjoys one of the greatest celebrity followings of any timepiece brand in the world. Actress Helen Mirren recently garnered an Oscar for “Best Actress” by portraying Queen Elizabeth in the acclaimed motion picture “The Queen”. Given the royal beginnings of Gevril, it only seems fitting that Mirren celebrates her success by keeping time with the very glamorous Avenue of Americas “Mini”, with its stunning white mother of pearl dial and diamond encrusted bezel.
Mirren is just one of several celebrities such as Matthew McConaughey, Geena Davis, Nicollet Sheridan, Joan Rivers, Paul Newman, Mario Andretti, Martin Sheen, and Sting who have become owners of the handmade, limited edition timepieces of Gevril. The handcrafted watch collection is one of the most detailed and stylized timepieces on the market, and is certainly eye catching to the discerning individual. Historical collections appear in several national museums around the globe.
The process of creating a Gevril timepiece is exhaustive, as each new addition must be reflective of the company history and it must meet the stringent style and functionality criteria that has made these pieces a much sought after item. Only top grade materials are used in the production of the limited edition watches.
The new website is distinctively noble with its black and silver design, stylish fonts, background classical music, and online ordering capability. The site has been structured and designed around the basic element of the fluidity of time. Visitors to the site can learn more about the history of the company, the process of making a Gevril timepiece, and view a photo collection of celebrities who are sporting this prestigious collection.
For more information visit www.gevril.com
Fashion, Flicks and Frivolity - Winter 2006
By Bryen Dunn, Toronto Ontario :: info@bryendunn.com
Ah, the French Riviera ~ warm breezes, sandy beaches, beautiful people, and delectable foods. It’s a dream come true for the millions of annual visitors that turn this famous Mediterranean shoreline of France into a seaside playground every summer season. In fact, the Nice Cote d’Azur Airport set a new record in 2005 with nearly 10 millions passengers transiting through at one point or another, including 4 million visitors. The Paris-Nice and London-Nice routes can almost be considered commuter lanes given the regular frequency and high traffic loads. Gliding along the beautiful coast hovering just metres above the water, arriving into Nice by aircraft is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences.
Nice is often viewed as a petite version of Paris in terms of cultural attractions, business opportunities, and other city offerings. It offers a rare architectural diversity of style that includes Baroque, Classical, Belle Epoque, Art Deco and Contemporary. It also has the second most number of museums outside of Paris including Modern and Contemporary Art, Fine Arts, Art and History, and the famous Matisse. As with most European cities there is the old section of winding cobbled streets dating back over several centuries. It’s a great area to get lost within for an hour or two while discovering the quaint patisseries of baked goods, restaurants serving fine French cuisine, or just people watching in the open square. Strolling the beachside Promenade des Anglais day or night is always interesting and entertaining.
There’s a daily Flower Market held in the main square, Cours Saleya, except on Monday when the Antiques Market takes place. There’s also a great Fruit & Vegetable Market and an open-air Fish Market in the centre of town. Olive oil sampling is a must while in Nice, as the freshness can’t be compared to anywhere else, with olive groves throughout the region. Follow this up with a nutritious and filling Salad Nicoise, a tradition around the world. Then work it all off with a climb up to Parc du Chateau/Castle Hill for an amazing view of the city and sea. There are also plenty of other surrounding hills that are interlaced with a network of old rural trails. Although most visitors arrive during the spring and summer months, many in the know head there in February for Carnival ~ one of the biggest in Europe ~ when it’s less crowded and hotels are less expensive.
There are many other locations of interest that make for ideal day trips away
from the coastal waters, easily accessible within a couple of hours drive. Mougins
has France’s first Shiseido Spa at the Hotel Le Mas Candille, and is also
home to the Photography Museum that pays tribute to Pablo Picasso, longtime
resident of the area. The town also housed Jean Cocteau, Paul Eluard and Man
Ray at one point or another. Grasse is world-known for its perfumeries and flower
gardens, so far as it has proclaimed itself the “Perfume Capital of the
World.” Many prolific designers have honed their creations here. There
are three Parfumeurs open to the public that offer classes where individual
fragrances are developed. It’s a chance to discover the inner Dior! There’s
also the southern tip of the Alps, where resorts such as Isola 2000 offer great
winter skiing or relaxed summer hiking adventures. The upper peaks offer spectacular
views of the neighbouring Italian countryside.
A short drive along the coast brings you to another world-known gathering spot
for vacationers wanting a taste of the good life. Cannes lends to a more sophisticated
taste than the old world charm of neighbouring Nice. Of course it’s most
widely known for its Film Festival that first lit the screens in 1939, before
closing one day later as World War II was declared. The official run began in
1946 and has now given Cannes the title of “Cinema Capital of the World”.
Always a top destination for culture vultures, this year there is the added
hype of Ron Howard’s Da Vinci Code, set for international release on May19th
after it opens the 59th annual Cannes Film Festival.
A relatively new event is the Shopping Festival that happens mid-January each year, and coincides with the French version of Boxing Day. All the stores mark down prices, hotels offer special rates and the Shopping Festival provides a week of non-stop fashion shows, theme party nights, and various other events that combines young designers and great creators from different horizons. Several well-known designers, both international and local, enjoy the spotlight in presenting the latest spring collections for both men and women. One of Cannes own is Aline Buffet. If high-end designer names aren’t within the budget, there’s always Rue Meynadier, a pedestrian-only area that offers affordable shopping with many unique neighbourhood shops.
As with Nice there is old Cannes, known to the locals as le Suquet, where many bars and restaurants beckon patrons to enjoy the Riviera hospitality. La Croisette runs along the waterfront and is famous for high end designer shops, beaches, and the Palais des Festivals where several year-round events take place. Cannes is also the only French town with three casinos, the first of which opened on January 28th, 1907 with next year marking 100 years of gambling and entertainment in the city. With such an array of activity, Cannes radiates culture in the widest sense!
The Lerins Islands are just a short boat ride across the harbour where a visit to either Isle of Sainte-Marguerite or Saint-Honorat makes for a great day trip. Sainte-Marguerite is a natural ecosystem of pine and eucalyptus forest, tiny lakes and a bird sanctuary. It’s also home to the 17th century Fort Royal and the famous “Man in the Iron Mask” cell. Saint-Honorat is home to monks of an abbey sixteen centuries old and has an annual production of 30,000 bottles of wine and a grand selection of well-known liqueurs.
The list of hotels in the area is as trendy as the designers and musicians who flock to them. The Windsor Hotel in Nice has individually artist designed rooms, and amenities that include sauna, massage room and outside tree-covered terrace. For an even more avant-garde experience, the HI Hotel seems almost as if it was created from a space-age prototype with angular shapes, technology equipped gadgets, and quirky designed furnishing. For a more conventional resting spot there’s the Beau Rivage, contemporary with modern conveniences and the only hotel with a private beach. The Hotel Negresco is a historical privately owned palace decorated with period art pieces and furniture from Renaissance to today.
Not to be outdone, over in Cannes is the Hotel 3-14 that utilizes the techniques of Feng-Shui to create the perfect sleeping quarters with each floor arranged within the theme of continents. The Villa D’Estelle offers very reasonably priced self contained units, and one amazing penthouse suite that has four separate bedrooms with private baths, full kitchen, living and dining room, and ocean view balcony. The Intercontinental Carlton will put you in Seventh Heaven with its seven top floor suites named after stars including Elton John and Sofia Loren. Their “Celebrity Bar” is the place to be seen whether you are a hotel guest or not.
The Riviera is where the trendiest of the trend setters can be seen throughout the year, and it’s an area where artists and designers still have an opportunity to thrive. The amount of people more than doubles during the summer month’s, so why not consider an off-season vacation when it’s less crowded yet equally as beautiful. The Riviera is truly a year round playground!
Tell Me More
Nice Tourism, www.nicetourisme.com
Nice Carnival, www.nicecarnaval.com
Cannes Tourism, www.cannes.fr
Cannes Film Festival, www.festival-cannes.fr
Shopping Festival, www.cannesshoppingfestival.com
Cannes Festivals, www.palaisdesfestivals.com
France Guide, www.franceguide.com
Isola 2000 Village, www.isola2000.com
Grasse Parfumeur’s, www.fragonard.com,
www.molinard.com, www.galimard.com
Aline Buffet, www.alinebuffet.com
Windstar Cruises, www.windstarcruises.com
Air France, www.airfrance.com
Accommodations
Nice
Windsor Hotel www.hotelwindsornice.com
Hi Hotel www.hi-hotel.net
Beau Rivage www.nicebeaurivage.com
Hotel Negresco www.hotel-negresco-nice.com
Cannes
3-14 www.3-14hotel.com
Villa D’Estelle www.villadestelle.com
Intercontinental Carlton www.cannes.interconti.com
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