Stop and think about what makes you feel excited about your life. Is it traveling? Fine dining? A fast, slick beautiful car? Or a day of shopping? The good life is about experiencing the simple pleasures that come with living a luxury lifestyle.
We polled our readers to find out what they do (or dream of doing) to celebrate a special occasion. Our readers’ poll winners are the best of the best in the Baltimore-Metropolitan area. If you haven’t decided what to do for an upcoming birthday or anniversary, here are some great ideas.
BEST REGIONAL GETAWAY
The Inn at Perry Cabin sits in the picturesque town of St. Michael's
#1 Readers’ Pick: Inn at Perry Cabin
One of the best things to do to celebrate a special occasion is to take a quick, romantic getaway. Our readers choose the Inn at Perry Cabin as their favorite escape. This charming Inn offers luxurious accommodations, contemporary and antique furnishings, radiant fabrics, an unparalleled culinary experience and many recreational options with seamless, attentive service and the new Linden Spa.
“The Inn at Perry Cabin really has everything. You can enjoy our new spa, great dining, sailing or just relaxing in the picturesque town of St. Michael’s. Thank you to the readers, and we agree with you,” says John Volponi, the General Manager of the Inn at Perry Cabin.
The Inn at Perry Cabin is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in a Victorian resort town steeped in rich colonial history. The streets are lined with quaint antique shops and boutiques with no chain restaurants. To find out more about the Inn at Perry Cabin go to innatperrycabin.com or call 800-722-2949.
Runner Up: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa
Nemacolin Woodlands Resorts located in Farmington, Pennsylvania is our readers’ second choice for their favorite getaway destination. Situated on nearly 3,000 acres, the resort features 335 luxurious guestrooms, the internationally acclaimed Woodlands Spa, 36 holes of golf on two championship courses, and 14 restaurants and lounges. To find out more about Nemacolin Woodlands Resorts go to nemacolin.com or call 866-344-6957.
BEST LOCAL SHOPPING FOR JEWELRY
Smyth Jewelers has an extensive jewelry collection to choose from.
#1 Readers’ Pick: Smyth Jewelers
It’s always difficult trying to select the perfect gift for someone special. Smyth Jewelers has an exceptional collection of jewelry and gifts for any occasion. From Vera Bradley tote bags to 139 Pearl bracelets to sterling silver bangle engraved bracelets, Smyth’s can help you find a gift that expresses your affection.
“We have an extensive selection because we are one of the largest jewelry stores in the nation. I think your readers choose us because of our customer service. We go out of our way to make our customers happy,” says Mark Motes, Chief Operating Officer of Smyth Jewelers.
One of the hottest collections at Smyth’s this season is the Pandora bracelets. They are flying out of the store. The Hearts of Fire diamond ring collection is also a customer favorite. For more information, you can go to albertsmyth.com.
Runner Up: Radcliffe Jewelers
Radcliffe’s has an extensive selection of diamonds, precious gems, pearls, designer jewelry, watches, china, crystal and silver. Radcliffe’s diamonds are carefully selected for optimal cut and maximum brilliance by their gemologists. They have classic and contemporary as well as one-of-a-kind and custom design pieces. For more information you can go to radcliffe.com.
BEST LUXURY CAR
ChesapeakeHome magazine readers pick the Lexus LS460L as their "dream" car.
#1 Readers’ Pick: Lexus LS460L
We asked our readers what they would choose as their “dream” car, and they selected the Lexus LS460L. It is one of the most sophisticated sedans on the road with the world’s first eight-speed automatic transmission. It has hands-free, computer-controlled parallel parking, infrared sensor that reads body temperature for optimum cabin climate and rear seating as luxurious as a private jet.
“There are two reasons why your readers picked us as their number one choice. First, if you pull into Lexus of Towson or Len Stoler Lexus in Owings Mills for service, not only do you get a new Lexus vehicle to drive for the day, you also get a level of service equal to a Ritz Carlton or a Four Seasons. Second, the ride and quality of the car is unmatched anywhere in the industry,” says Jimmy Berg, Vice President and General Manager Len Stoler Lexus of Owings Mills.”
Runner Up: Mercedes S550
The Mercedes S550 was very popular with our readers. This sleek, smooth ride has ambient lighting and Burl Walnut wood trim inside the cabin as well as a 382-horsepower, V-8 engine with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
BEST LOCAL RESTAURANT TO CELEBRATE
The Oregon Grille makes every dining experience a special occasion.
#1 Readers’ Picks: The Oregon Grille
Dinner is the easiest way to celebrate special moments with style, elegance and a little romance. The key is to find the right combination of food, atmosphere and service that will inevitably make or break the occasion.
Our readers choose The Oregon Grille as their favorite place to dine. It is one of Maryland’s premier places for romantic dining located in the Hunt Valley horse country. Nationally acclaimed Chef Mark Henry serves creative classic American cuisine in a luxuriously renovated 19th century stone farmhouse. They feature Prime Dry-Aged steak and fine grilled fare.
“It’s not unusual to see a wedding proposal during dinner here. We feel honored that people choose The Oregon Grille to celebrate special occasions. I think what delineates us from other gourmet steak houses is we have an entrée selection that is appreciated beyond the scope of a normal steak house. People are always able to find something pleasing,” says Ted Bauer, owner of The Oregon Grille.
The Oregon Grille also hosts private parties for all occasions. For more information go to theoregongrille.com or call (410) 771-0505.
Runner Up: The Prime Rib
Located in Washington, DC and downtown Baltimore The Prime Rib has been around since 1965 and is famous for its prime meats, fresh seafood, and thick chops. Everything about this elegant supper club from their tuxedoed wait staff, strictly enforced dress code, top quality food and live piano and bass music nightly was intended to make every occasion to feel like a special one. They even have a “half price” wine list every Sunday night. For more information go to theprimerib.com or call (410) 539-1804.
