February is the month...

February is the month to indulge....eat a "floating island valentine" dessert all by yourself www.honey.com/recipes. Listen to the newly released "Café Del Mar, vol.9" that will take you to Ibiza through its upbeat music. And read Herbert Ypma's "Hip Hotels/Escape" to get you in the mood to book your island stay at Compass Point this spring.

"Under the Big Top"

They're all under one roof. At least some of the best in the business will be. That's what you'll find at the New York's Adventure Travel Show held on February 16th & 17th at The New Yorker Hotel/Ramada, NYC.

Sponsored by "National Geographic Adventure" magazine, this is a chance to learn what adventure travel is all about. Gather brochures, meet world explorers, authors & photographers. Talk to people who've been there & done that firsthand.

Maybe next time you get some time off, you'll enjoy a different island vacation. One that includes a jungle trek, rather than just working on your tan!

A "Trickle" Attraction

Preservation versus tourism. All islanders wrestle with the tourism issue. "Islands" magazine (February) relates it with an article on Cuttyhunk Island, near Martha's Vineyard.

And since Martha's Vineyard is bursting at the seams, it would be likely that Cuttyhunk, a boatride away, would enjoy the overflow. But from what we know about this little island, the overflow will remain a "trickle" with what Cuttyhunk offers...not much.

Last time we were there, we ate oysters standing on the dock, talked to one of 7 kids that attended the school & climbed Tower Hill for its view. It was great, after fighting the crowds on the Vineyard. And our stay at the Cuttyhunk Fishing Club fit the picture perfectly. But you have to be a low maintenance traveler to live the Cuttyhunk way, so there's not much to worry about...yet.

"Love Lost"

America's own version of the Taj Mahal. Where another great lover built a home for his woman. And again the home was to become a shrine. A token of love lost.

But this great lover, George Boldt, had an island on which to build his dream. Heart Island, in the 1000 Islands (New York State). In 1900 he began building a Rhineland-style castle for his wife, Louise. Four years & 120 rooms later, the dream-home was abandoned. His wife had died suddenly.

Now a well-touristed destination, Boldt Castle has been overly restored. At least as far as we're concerned. Love lost should be left as it was at that moment in time. As George would have wanted it. Just a thought for Valentine's month.

"Have Name, Will Travel"

We love to investigate any shop with the word "travel" incorporated into its name. And with Kate Spade being its owner...well, it has to be a winner!

Just opened, this is her first travel shop, simply called "Kate Spade Travel" (59 Thompson St. NYC. (212) 965-8654). It has what you'd expect from this savvy designer. Like her colorful notebooks & wallets. But you must go to see the quirky little travel gear that she's come up with. Vintage scarves & her own take on the "travel kit" for the modern travel lady.

The only downside? There's no on-line shopping for those of us who can't travel to the shop.