Although more pretentious than a cupcake, it looks like the Macaron is looking to put the pressure on New York’s favorite dessert. This Saturday, March 20, New York is hosting the first (annual? please?) Macaron Day.

As much as we enjoyed our time on the slopes, one of the highlights of the trip was a stop on the way home. Cut to the Grafton Village Cheese Company. This cute little shop in Brattleboro boasts all the wares that Vermont is famous for (minus the tombstones).

I love America. I really, really do. But honestly, American tourists can be so obnoxious in foreign countries! I really noticed this while living in Italy, often regarding food. Here is a selection of the more egregious offenses – feel free to share your own experiences in the comments section.

Instead of the buffet we Americans associate with the term, the smorgasbord is actually an artful, culinary tradition that the Swedes are very proud of. Traditionally, it is a series of delicacies eaten in a specific order on clean plates. Rooted in hospitality, the concept has its beginnings with the fourteenth century merchant and upper class, who served a variety of hors d’oeuvres to visiting guests, so that they wouldn’t get hungry before dinner.

My best advice for travelers has always been to ask the locals, whether you’re exploring food, shopping or where to party all night long. BlackBook Magazine has created an iPhone application that is about to make this process a whole lot easier (especially for the anti-social crowd and those afraid to talk to strangers).

I spent this past weekend on an 18 hour road trip from Daytona Beach, Florida to New York, New York. I’ve recently overhauled my eating habits to live healthier, which added another dimension to my trip planning.

When a couple girlfriends and I traveled to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, we craved enchiladas, guacamole and tacos made from fish that was swimming hours earlier. Believe me, we weren’t disappointed. Then we discovered one of the city’s best kept secrets: The Paris Café.

Nevis, West Indies has to be one of my favorite islands in the Caribbean. Not only beautiful, with silky soft beaches and tropical rainforests, it has a secluded feel that you don’t get from its sister island, St. Kitts. From high end (Four Seasons) to dives (Sunshine’s), there is a nice diversity for visitors. Following a recommendation from a college friend, Boyfriend and I enjoyed one of our favorite meals on the island at Montpelier Plantation.

Whether its family fun at the water park or more adult activities at the Casino and clubs, Atlantis has a little something for everyone, and they are offering a sweet 50% off promotion.

I hate to admit it, but summer 2009 is officially over. Even though Labor Day has passed and you technically shouldn’t wear those white hot pants any more, the end of the season doesn’t have to be the end to your trips. While the air might be getting crisp here in the Northeast, it’s still warm and sunny at the Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Beach, Florida.