QI?m taking my mother on a holiday shopping trip to New York City, something she has always wanted to do to see the lights and the window decorations. I?m not much of a shopper, so I need advice on what stores not to miss.
? G.K., Silver Spring
ASurely you will want to hit the big department stores. Macy?s on West 34th Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue is reputed to be the world?s largest store. Plus, its animated holiday windows are legendary.
Bloomingdale?s on Third Avenue between 59th and 60th streets is another biggie. At this time of year, you will have to elbow your way through the packed aisles but you are apt to find what you are looking for.
I?ve done a lot of offbeat shopping at the Pearl River Mart at 477 Broadway at Broome Street in Chinatown. A block-wide emporium, it overflows with inexpensive Asian goods ? pottery, silk shirts and blouses, mechanical toys, paper lanterns and more. Don?t miss the branch shop of the Metropolitan Museum of Art at Rockefeller Center, packed with goodies for the art fans on your gift list.
For first-rate window shopping, stroll swank Fifth Avenue between 38th and 57th streets, home to Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffanys, Bergdorf Goodman and other luxury outlets. Madison Avenue between 62nd and 86th streets is lined with more upscale boutiques ? a visual treat even if you don?t buy.
QYou have written in the past about California?s Napa Valley. Do you have a favorite place to stay that is convenient to the wineries and fine restaurants?
? H.G., Washington
AMy wife and I return as often as possible to the 21-room Inn at Southbridge on the southern edge of St. Helena in the heart of Napa Valley.
The two-story inn is contemporary in style; rooms are spacious with large french doors opening onto a balcony or patio. It sits next to a full-service spa; I swim the heated lap pool (no fee) each morning before breakfast. Weekday rates are in the $300 range for two, including breakfast.
Merryvale, a full-scale Napa winery, is just steps away, as is Tra Vigne, one of the valley?s premier restaurants. Downtown St. Helena, location of the venerable Beringer Brothers winery, fancy housewares shops and numerous restaurants, is less than a 10-minute walk away. The Napa Valley wine train rumbles right past the inn on its way up the valley and back. Details: 800-520-6800, www.innatsouthbridge.com.
QOn a recent flight, the passenger seated next to me knocked a glass of water onto my foot ? no damage, just damp socks. But then he ordered a glass of red wine, which I was sure he would tumble into my lap. I was on the aisle; he was in the middle seat; and he engaged in conversation with the women in the window seat, ignoring the wine glass. I kept quiet, but should I have spoken up?
? J.S., Laurel
AI found myself in a similar situation recently, but the beverage was orange juice and the center seat passenger was an antsy 10-year-old child. I discreetly covered my leg ? the probable target of a spilled glass ? with an open copy of the in-flight magazine. It took only a few moments for the lad?s mother to spot my protective armor. She laughed and ordered her son to drink his juice. This tactic might work for you next time, too.
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