where is k?

Consider K on vacation...

Will catch up with peeps at the end of August.

Glamping, it's all that and s'more...

Camping? Yes. Roughing it? Not Quite...

Forget pitching a tent, and leave that lumpy sleeping bag at home: These glam campsites allow travelers to embrace their inner outdoors man — without actually roughing it.

The Resort at Paws Up - Want to explore the outdoors and sleep under the open skies but covet creature comforts? Welcome to the world of "glamping": for those who only want to sleep under 'five stars'. When was the last time you went "glamping"? Come, experience it at The Last Best Place in Montana.

El Capitan Canyon - Perched on the rocky coast just north of Santa Barbara, this nature resort offers all manner of creature comforts, including 26 spacious safari tents with queen-size willow beds and electric lamps, plus bathhouses with hot showers.

Dunton Hot Springs - Experience the Wild West in your own private tepee at this luxurious resort and spa in a restored ghost town.

Huckleberry Tent & Breakfast - With just three tents on 52 acres, peace, quiet, and some of the starriest skies imaginable are all but guaranteed at this wilderness retreat in the Cabinet Mountains. The tents feature quilt-covered iron beds and wood-burning stoves.

destination u street...

Take a U-turn in our nation’s capital and visit the historical, artsy, and reenergized U Street District.

The Greater U Street Historical District in Washington, D.C., has long been the haunt of the jazz musician, including greats Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. Today, the Victorian-style architecture and theaters still offer up jazz, along with hip restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

Goodwood - This affordable antiques store features furnishings, rugs, accessories, and decorative arts—with new pieces unveiled each week. 1428 U St., NW, 202/986-3640; goodwooddc.com

Dragonfly Design Decor - Asian antiques, art, furniture, and textiles, plus some contemporary pieces, are showcased against brightly lacquered walls in a large, industrial space. 1457 Church St., NW, 202/265-3359; dragonflydd.com

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Since 1958, this D.C. institution has served the locals and the who’s who, including Bill Cosby and Nat King Cole. The counter, booths, and stools are all original, and the chili recipes have never changed. 1213 U St., NW, 202/667-0909; benschilibowl.com

Home Rule - Great for kitchen, bath, home, office, and other contemporary and quirky gifts. 1807 14th St., NW, 202/797-5544; homerule.com

Simply Home - Eat, drink, and shop at this one-stop spot. First, check out Thai-imported clothing, accessories, and home-furnishings side. Then, peek in at the tree-trunk seats and Cyprus-tree wall art in the Thai-inspired restaurant that makes up the building’s other half. 1410 U St., NW, 202/232-8424; simplyhomedc.com

More Must-Stops...

Nana - This cute and colorful spot stocks brand-name and locally designed clothes, bags, and accessories. Don’t miss their vintage selection in back. 1528 U St., NW, 202/667-6955; nanadc.com

Meeps - one of DC's longest-running and best-loved vintage shops, offers men’s and women’s funky 1940s–1980s vintage-clothing. 2104 18th St., NW, 202/265-6546; meepsdc.com

Eco-Green Living (formerly Future Green) - Home and living store that stocks organic bedding and clothing, green building supplies, and more. 1469 Church St., NW, 202/234-7110; eco-greenliving.com

destination... frederick maryland

Looking to get out of the city this weekend? Take a short drive to Frederick, Maryland and check out Great Stuff By Paul...

Need inexpensive school chairs from the 1950s to go around your new dining-room table? Want a stack of vintage suitcases for your guest room? How about a dozen sap buckets for centerpieces at your next party?

Great Stuff By Paul Antiques in Frederick, Md., has them all--and more. Owners Paul and Joan Berkowitz scour North America, Europe, England, and Asia in search of reasonably priced treasures.

Can't make it to Maryland? No problem. They ship worldwide; greatstuffbypaul.com.

destination... cleveland

So... Cleveland will always be "home". People ask, 'where are you from' - I always say Cleveland. Never DC. Why? Because "home" is where your story begins...

Once dubbed the "mistake on the lake"... here are seven reasons why Cleveland Rocks!

Props to number five: the food! Check out the Cleveland Foodie Blog and you'll get an idea of what I'm talking about. Cleveland might lack in quantity but it makes up in quality. Support your local restaurants people! Hey, I can't forget to mention Cleveland has it's very own iron chief?! I'm going "home" this weekend for a visit. Michael Symon here I come...

PS. It doesn't hurt that the Cavs are on their way to the championship! Something that no one in Ohio is taking lightly...

destination... seattle

The Pike Place Market in Seattle is an institution as well as one of my favorite destinations! Its nine acres and 100 years of operation encompass thousands of unique and interesting stories — stories of immigration, internment, gentrification and urban renewal — that explain why Pike Place Market is called "The Soul of Seattle."

The Market is at its best in the morning. The vendors are setting up, and the place is fresh and full of energy. On summer afternoons the crowds can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. Be warned that Pike Place is an area that closes up at around 5:30 pm, except for a few of the sit down restaurants. Much better to spend your evening in Belltown or in the clubs and bars of Pioneer Square. Have a great morning in the Market.

You don’t need to arrive before 8 or 9 am - and don’t have breakfast first. You MUST go to Lowell's for Seattle's Best Coffee and their crab omlet (the french toast is not bad either)! :)