By Kitty Pilgrim

As Americans swoon over Downton Abbey, Kitty Pilgrim examines the Anglo-American connection on a visit to a Scottish castle once owned by President Eisenhower.

By Marianne Belmonte and Angela Pape

Having cruised on ocean liners more than my fair share of times, a river cruise was an idea that had never crossed my mind. It wasn’t until I was afforded the opportunity to set sail down the Danube through the small towns and historic cities of Germany and Austria that I realized what a hidden treasure river cruising truly is! With your hotel traveling alongside you, there is no better way to experience the world. And there is no better cruise line to experience it with than Uniworld. These boutique river cruises offer nothing short of excellence. From their luxurious amenities to their highly trained staff, you will have the world at your fingertips!

By Paul Wildwood

An opportunity often afforded a travel writer is the chance to witness the growth over time of a secret hideaway into a full-grown travel destination.

By Ali Robertson

At Kids of Summer Sports Camp, experienced coaches encourage healthy competition among campers as they take part in baseball and basketball programs. The campers, ages 6 to 14, learn and practice the sports in a supportive, small group environment. Kicking off its eleventh year, the co-ed camp will offer sessions from June 18 to August 31. The camp runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and offers a late pick-up option. Round-trip transportation is also available to the camp’s location at the home fields on 106th Street in Riverside Park. From now until March 1, take advantage of the early registration discount. Discounts are available for both sibling and multiple-week registration, although one-week sessions are available.

By Christopher A. Pape

In Manhattan’s Flatiron Hotel, Toshi’s Living Room and Penthouse is in one of the hottest spots of the appropriately named Flatiron District. The owner, Robert ‘Toshi’ Chan, studied at Columbia University while taking a mixology class on the side. He quickly developed a passion for events and creating fun atmospheres for guests. After several years working on Wall Street, he tried his hand at real estate, which is when he began throwing his iconic ‘Toshi Parties’ at his properties. The profits he made were turned towards establishing a bar that was alive with personality as he was.

By Christopher A. Pape

To be at the vanguard of dining in New York City is hard enough; to do so for over 40 years is incredible. For Le Périgord on the far east side of 52nd, it is commonplace; so good is their food that generations of customers have experienced a meal here.

By John Meyer

Italian restaurants in Brooklyn are as ubiquitous as knockoff Pradas in Chinatown. Marco Polo Ristorante in Carroll Gardens is the real deal. After emigrating from Italy 35 years ago, Joe Chirico opened Marco Polo Ristorante which has since remained a staple of Brooklyn. In mid-2012 Joe passed the reigns on to his very capable son Marco the 24 year old graduate of Johnson & Wales culinary school. Marco has brought a fresh perspective to the venerated restaurant’s physical space as well as updating and modernizing the menu. Marco has managed to take the best of the past and combine it with an influence of modern haute cuisine. The eatery’s renovations better reflect the influx of the new Carroll Gardens residents. While Marco Polo has always been a great place for a family celebration or a quick drink at the bar across from the cozy fireplace, the dining area has been opened up with a skylight. The old world charm and hospitality that is synonymous with Italian cooking is very much front and center at Marco Polo. Joe makes it a point to visit each table to chat while the wait staff is friendly, knowledgeable and attentive.

By Christopher A. Pape

Whether you agree or disagree with Charlie Rangel, you must respect him. Respect the fact that he’s been a Congressman for 44 years and has done much to help his district. Although no longer the Chairman of the Ways and Means committee, Mr. Rangel is still a force to be reckoned with.

By Christopher A. Pape

Nathan Gunn is a handsome man; People Magazine agrees as he was voted one of the “Sexiest Men Alive” in 2008. But beyond that, he is one of the most in demand operatic baritones in the world. Yet this boy from the Midwest having sung all over the world – loves and continues to come back to New York and the Met, where he began his career.

By Kitty Pilgrim • Photography by Will Croxton

“How’d you like to go to the coldest darkest place on Earth?”