Travel in New York, county Park

Dangling my feet over the bank of a fast-running creek, I watched the sunlight filter through a leafy canopy above me. Here, in the middle of a city of three million people, I felt utterly alone, and though I was loath to admit it, a little disoriented. But that was why I had come.

While there aren’t many bargains in Munich, there are a surprising number of one-of-a-kind activities and sights that are completely free.

People living in the New York Tri-State area are always captivated by the magic of Manhattan's world-class dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions. But fighting crowds and public transportation woes? Not so magical.

Regent Santa Monica Beach opens this summer on a prized stretch of Santa Monica sand, bringing with it a restaurant from heralded chef Michael Mina, a café and boutique from celebrity/entrepreneur Ayesha Curry, a 10,000-square-foot Guerlain Wellness Spa, an oceanfront pool deck and beach butler service.

A wine appellation is basically a chunk of geography that includes specific rules for making wine. Those who follow these rules can print the name of that appellation on their bottle labels—theoretically increasing sales. Or, paradoxically, sometimes not.