CONNOISSEUR: GIFTS, TRAVELS & TOYS
 

THAT'S MY BABY
Still maintaining the quintessential qualities of a Jaguar, the new X-Type compact sports sedan is dubbed the “Baby Jag.” Designed equally for nimble city living and spirited out-of-town fun, the X-Type is the first Jaguar to feature standard all-wheel drive, powered by a V6 engine in either 3.0- or 2.5-liter form. With its $29,950 sticker price, the X-Type is geared to attract a new generation of Jaguar drivers. For more information, log on to jaguar.com.

WALK IN THE WOODS
Imagine walking through the woods, leaves rustling under your feet, sunlight streaming through nature’s canopy, a creek gurgling as it washes over fallen branches and stones. Step into the Lodge at Cedar River, Shanty Creek resort’s new 85-suite condominium hotel and you’ll be taken on a journey through the woods. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere, yet very high-tech for a productive meeting. And that’s what the Lodge is all about — board meetings, training programs, and retreats of about 100 participants or less. In warmer weather, combine business with four championship golf courses; in cooler climes, two separate alpine areas, 46 downhill runs, and two terrain parks. A fitness center, other activities, and the nearby attractions of northern Michigan helped earn Shanty Creek the title of “Best Golf Resort in Michigan” in a Detroit News readers poll. For more information, call 800.678.4111.

WOMEN ONLY
That women golfers only play with graphite shafts is a myth, according to Barney Adams, founder of Adams Golf. Thus, Adams Golf has extended its multimaterial shaft technology to deliver its advantages in a way that fits the specific needs of women golfers. Enter the Women’s Tight Lies GT Irons. The stable graphite tip is engineered to resist the accuracy-robbing twist created by shaft torque in higher-flex women’s shafts. Since this lower section resists torque so well, the upper section is constructed of a lightweight, high-flex steel for maximum power without loss of accuracy. Other features include the patented “upside-down” clubhead design that lowers the center of gravity to help get the ball in the air more easily. And the optimal offset and heel-weighted cavity-back helps square the face at impact. For more information, visit adamsgolf.com.

ANY PIECE. ANYTIME. ANYWHERE.
From the passionate art collector to the more casual antique admirer, Circline has something for everyone who enjoys the beauty of fine art and antiques. With an online inventory of more than $500 million, nowhere else can you browse and buy the finest art, antiques, and furniture from more than 900 of the world’s premier dealers — anytime. Searching is complimentary and purchases are backed by Circline’s satisfaction and quality guarantees. Call for information at 877.866.9156, or start a search at art.circline.com. 

ON BOARD!
PerryGolf has released its Clipper Adventurer itineraries for 2002. The lineup includes the Best of Ireland Golf Cruise (June 27-July 6); the Best of Scotland Golf Cruise (July 5-14); and the British Open Cruise (July 13-22). Full details of the cruises can be found at perrygolf.com.

FRONT NINE
Sun Mountain has designed its new Front Nine golf bag specifically for use on push (or pull) carts — all pockets and clubs are easily accessible while the bag is on the cart. Features on the new bag include a 9-inch graphite-friendly top, tube construction for greater durability, insulated cooler pocket, and antique nickel strap guides on top and bottom to help secure the bag to the cart. The Front Nine ($150) is available in both men’s and women’s models. Visit www.sunmountain.com.

ROMAN EMPIRE
Astute grammarians should note: There is no apostrophe in Caesars Palace. There’s almost everything else, however, in the Las Vegas hotel complex ranked last year as the overall top resort in the gaming capital by Prentice Hall’s Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas 2000. A few of the overwhelming stats: nearly 2,500 rooms and suites, 19 restaurants, two casinos, a nightclub, spa, shops, ballroom, and meeting facilities, and more. In recent months, Caesars has undergone an amazing transformation, inside and out. Travelers who have visited Caesars since its opening in 1966 will find ultraluxurious villa suites on the site of the famed Palace Court restaurant, an all-new Asian restaurant, and a new 24-hour poolside restaurant. For more information, call 800.634.6001 or visit caesars.com.

IF THE SHOE FITS
French-based Mephisto Footwear has added to its line the X’TREM sandal designed for the golf course. Features include soft nubuck leather uppers for maximum comfort and durability; quick release ankle straps for easy on/easy off access; anatomically correct footbed that conforms to the foot; Air-Bag shock-absorbing system to prevent jarring of bones and joints; and polyurethane outsole and latex foam midsole for comfort. In addition, the X’TREM ($270) has a rubber-cleated, low-impact outsole that can be worn from the home to the course. The sandal can be found at upscale independent footwear stores, Mephisto concept stores, and select Nordstrom stores nationwide. For more information, go to www.mephisto.com.