CONNOISSEUR

MAGIC FLUTES
The “Diamond Inspired” Millennium Flute is a true millennium event. This signed and numbered limited edition is the creation of Ricardo Valdes, internationally renowned artist for The Ingrid Collection. His masterfully designed tabletop collection offers a full line of mouth-blown and hand-crafted imported European crystal. Shown here: Sleepy Savannah Champagne Flute ($168 pair), the Millennium Flute ($160 pair), Art Nouveau Purple Cut Vase ($698), and “The Storm” Art Nouveau Vase ($538). Available at fine retailers, or for more information, call 800-566-8448.

IN HONOR OF WOMEN
Business clubs in about 30 major cities across the country are introducing members and prospective members to the new national Women’s Museum by presenting “premiere” parties at the clubs. Now under construction in Dallas’ Fair Park (in association with the Smithsonian Institution) and slated to open in October 2000, The Women’s Museum will showcase the history of American women through the latest in technology and interactive media. A joint membership effort by participating business clubs will provide a museum membership ($50 value) to new members and a donation to the museum. For more information, check with your membership director, call 512-459-1167, or visit www.thewomensmuseum.org.

GET AN EDGE
Back for the third year, with on-mountain video analysis of ski technique and expert instruction, is the Hyatt Regency Beaver Creek Resort & Spa’s “Technique Weeks” program. Appropriate for skiers of all levels, five-night packages are available Nov. 28-Dec. 3, Dec. 5-10, and Dec. 12-17. The personalized instruction program has a 1-to-5 (or less) teacher to student ratio and uses the latest teaching techniques and technology equipment. Clinics are held on a variety of terrain and conditions and include instruction on balance, speed control, technique, skiing through gates, and performance turns. Package prices start at $1,650 per person. For more information, visit www.beavercreekhyatt.com.

DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE
Here are two reasons to put Mobile, Alabama, on your upcoming travel agenda. The first is easy: Dinner at the Bienville Club. The second: The American tour (through Oct. 31) of Nicholas & Alexandra: The Last Imperial Family of Tsarist Russia. One of the most captivating exhibitions to visit the United States, this unprecedented collection features more than 700 objects assembled from The State Hermitage Museum of St. Petersburg, Russia, and the State Archives of the Russia Federation. Tickets are available by calling 888-395-0005.

CULINARY CRUISE
America’s brightest and most inspirational culinary talents, according to Food & Wine magazine, will headline Crystal Cruises’ new series of South American cruises in winter 2000. On the calendar for January through March are four 13- to 16-day itineraries to Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and the West Indies. The cruises are aboard Crystal Harmony, one of the most luxurious ships in the world. In addition to its gourmet cuisine, the vessel’s amenities include award-winning entertainment, a spa, a full-service fitness facility, the Caesar’s Palace at Sea casino, and graciously appointed staterooms and penthouses, more than half of which offer private verandahs. For more information, visit www.crystalcruises.com.  

FLOATING ISLAND
The magic of the islands and the allure of the sea create an unforgettable Hawaiian vacation. American Hawaii Cruises’ S.S. Independence offers one of the best ways to see the most of Hawaii — and is the only ocean-going passenger vessel to cruise these islands year-round. Visit five ports on four beautiful islands with a seven-day cruise, or sample the pleasures of cruising Hawaii with the three- and four-day cruise options. For more information, call 800-765-7000.