VanDutch Port Guide

PORT GUIDE
VANDUTCH PORT GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
Here at VanDutch, our
mantra is ‘Arrive in Style,
Leave an Impression’. To
allow you to do just that,
we’ve teamed up with luxury
lifestyle bloggers to bring
you a series of guides to
some of the world’s busiest
ports.
Sailing often means that
you may only have a limited
amount of time in any
one place, so we want you
to make the most of it,
experience the best bits and
get a real feel for the area.
What’s more, our guides
give you the opportunity to
plan your trip in advance,
pre-book any restaurants
and attractions, and ensure
that you don’t miss out.
You may well be wondering
why we’ve chosen to work
with bloggers. Well, the
answer is simple – because
they’re talented, honest
individuals who are as
passionate about what they
do as we are about yachting.
What’s more, they have an
exclusive insight into the
areas they cover, not only
because it’s where they are
based, but also thanks to
having visited and reviewed
the most sought-after
restaurants, entertainment
venues and events there.
In this, our first guide, it’s all
eyes on the US, with some
of the country’s best known
bloggers giving us the
lowdown on the highlights
and hotspots in four of the
country’s major port cities:
Miami, Houston, New York
and Newport Beach. So sit
back, relax and enjoy the
ride!
M I A M I
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MIAMI
BY KARA FRANKER
It’s no wonder why the
Port of Miami is known as
the Cruise Capital of the
World. A staggering four
million passengers come and
go through the port, which
is also home to some of the
largest cruise companies on
the planet. And with so much
going on in the Magic City
all year round, it’s helpful to
have a local guide to make
sure you hit all the hotspots.
Of course, South Beach is
probably at the top of your
list. To get to SoBe, follow
the MacArthur Causeway
from the mainland to Miami
Beach’s southern tip. Wave
hello to the port on the
righthand side and get ready
to indulge in a little sand, sun
and entertainment.
Take a stroll down Ocean
Drive, where you’ll find
a collection of Art Deco
buildings, bikini-clad beachgoers and lovely alfresco
cafés like Gloria Estefan’s
Cuban eatery and Lario’s
on the Beach. Alternatively,
head over to Lincoln Road,
a pedestrian-friendly
street lined with shops and
boutiques that’s not only a
great place to people watch,
but also the perfect place to
mingle with the locals. Check
out Yardbird Southern Table
& Bar for a taste of American
Southern fare, or Khong River
House for fiery curries and
delicious Asian noodle dishes.
If you’re looking for a daytime
soirée at a pool party for
beautiful people, then head
to The Standard, Hyde Beach
at the SLS Hotel, The Raleigh
or the Delano Hotel. And
of course, South Beach is
famous for it’s nightlife, with
an energy that hums from
sunrise to sunset. Check out
LIV at the Fontainebleau for a
VIP club scene, or Story for a
DJ-driven, high-energy dance
party.
For more of a trendy hipster
scene, check out Radio Bar
in SoFi or the Broken Shaker
at Freehand Miami — both
bars are known for their killer
handcrafted cocktails.
South Beach is the Grand
Central Station for major
events that take place
throughout the year,
including the Food Network’s
South Beach Wine & Food
Festival, Miami International
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Boat Show and the über cool
Art Basel Miami Beach.
cuisine at Wynwood Kitchen
& Bar.
Speaking of art, Miami
has transformed into an
international destination
for artists and art lovers
alike. Both the Miami Design
District and Wynwood host
gallery nights on the second
Saturday of the month, with
locals and visitors passing
back and forth between the
adjacent neighborhoods to
explore the latest art trends.
Explore the Design District,
dotted with high-end fashion
boutiques, home design
stores, art and architecture
firms — it’s a neighborhood
brimming with creative
experiences and new
developments. Dine at Oak
Tavern or Michael’s Genuine
Food & Drink and take in the
entire scene.
Exuding a tropical SoHo
vibe, the Wynwood Arts
District is home to more
than 100 galleries and the
Wynwood Walls, an outdoor
collection of cutting-edge,
graffiti-style, museum quality
murals, created by some
of the top contemporary
artists in the world. Enjoy
the colorful urban canvases
while noshing on Miami-style
Havana. So kick back and stay
awhile. Soak it all in. Or keep
coming back for more.
Kara Franker is travel expert
and lifestyle writer based in
Miami. Follow her on Twitter
@KaraFranker and visit her
website KaraFranker.com.
These travel tips barely
scratch the surface of
everything Miami has to
offer. Make sure you stop by
in downtown Miami where
Museum Park is under
construction, and check out
the gorgeous white-sand
beaches and lighthouse on
Key Biscayne, as well as the
vibrant Latin culture in Little
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HOUSTON
VANDUTCH PORT GUIDE
HOUSTON, TEXAS
BY LEAH WALKER
As the fourth largest city in
the United States, Houston
offers everything one would
expect from a major city, all
with traditional Texan charm.
Big oil has built this city, which
is reflected in downtown’s
skyscrapers. However,
Houston isn’t all business.
With a thriving arts and
culture district, an acclaimed
dining scene and diversity
that rivals New York and
Los Angeles, Houston is an
underappreciated destination.
WHERE TO GO
Discovery Green is a twelveacre park located on the
edge of downtown, filled with
oak trees, art instalments,
jogging trails, restaurants and
a lake. It’s the perfect place
to enjoy the Texas sunshine.
The Houston Museum of
Natural Science has over
ten permanent exhibits,
a planetarium, a Butterfly
Center, a 3D theater, rotating
special exhibits, and is one
of the most visited museums
in the country. The Museum
of Fine Arts, Houston is
comprised of over 65,000
works of art from cultures
from around the world,
from ancient to modern
times. For something a little
different, pay a visit to the
Art Car Museum, where cars
are transformed into items
such as stilettos and rabbits!
Science and history lovers
won’t want to miss visiting
NASA in the Clear Lake area.
WHERE TO SHOP
In Houston, the Galleria
is king when it comes to
shopping. With 400 stores
and restaurants opened
across 2.4 million square feet
of space, this mammoth mall
has just about everything.
Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman
Marcus, Nordstrom, and two
Macy’s anchor this Texassized shopping center. Highend designers like Gucci,
Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Louis
Vuitton, Prada and Valentino,
as well as jewelry stores
such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co
and Bvlgari all have stores
in the Galleria. It really is a
shopper’s dream.
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WHERE TO EAT
Houston is one of the most
diverse cities in the USA and
the food is a reflection of
that. Name the cuisine and
it can be found in the Bayou
City. Tex-Mex, BBQ, seafood
and steak are staples
and should be sampled.
Brennan’s of Houston has
been a fixture in Houston
since 1967 and is Creole
with a Texan touch. Turtle
soup, pecan crusted gulf
fish and Bananas Foster are
just a few of the perennial
favorites, while the weekend
jazz brunch is outstanding.
Classic steakhouse Vic &
Anthony’s is owned by the
Galveston-based Landry’s
group and serves up some
of the best steaks in town.
Another homegrown
steakhouse is Pappas Bros.
Steakhouse. In addition to
beef, Pappas has a range of
seafood options, as well as
an extensive wine list.
GALVESTON ISLAND
About 45 minutes south
of downtown Houston
is Galveston Island. This
historical island is unique and
a far cry from the city. The
historical downtown is quaint
and offers some excellent
shopping opportunities.
Oceanfront seafood
restaurants abound, with
Gaido’s being a perennial
favorite. Moody Gardens
and Pleasure Pier offer
entertainment for people of
all ages.
KEMAH
Kemah is a town about
20 minutes southeast of
downtown Houston that’s
best known for it’s boardwalk.
The brainchild of Landry’s,
Inc., the Kemah boardwalk
is an entertainment district
that sits along the shores of
Clear Lake and Galveston
Bay. Restaurants, rides
and retailers comprise the
Boardwalk. It’s worth paying
a visit to, but make sure you
check out some of the locallyowned restaurants on the
other side of the bridge if you
fancy sampling some terrific
seafood.
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NEW YORK
VANDUTCH PORT GUIDE
NEW YORK CITY
BY CHRISTINE AMOROSE
There’s no doubt that New
York City is one of the
world’s most exciting cities,
featuring an incredibly iconic
skyline, world-class cultural
attractions and unbeatable
food and drink options. The
population is diverse and
dense enough that peoplewatching itself is a main
attraction.
WHAT TO DO
Go for a stroll or ride a
bike in one of the world’s
largest urban green spaces,
Central Park, which stretches
for 843 acres in the heart
of Manhattan. There is a
lake where you can rent
a rowboat, a pond where
you can play with remotecontrolled sailboats, plenty
of green space for picnics,
and miles of jogging and
cycling trails. While you’re
in the park, stop by at a
nearby museum for a dose
of culture: Metropolitan
Museum of Art, the Frick
Institute and the Museum of
Natural History are all just a
few steps away.
The High Line, an abandoned
railway that became a public
space with rotating public art
works, is a gorgeous place
to take a stroll along the
Hudson River.
In the hustle and bustle of
Midtown, be dazzled by the
bright lights in Times Square,
search for constellations in
the Grand Central Terminal
ceiling and find a bit of peace
and quiet in the New York
Public Library.
WHAT TO EAT
For stunning sunset views,
head up to Top of the Rock
to see how the Empire State
Building and Central Park
dominate the cityscape.
New York City has an
unbeatable array of delicious
food options, no matter what
your budget is.
There are plenty of “New
York” things that just can’t be
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missed: a morning coffee and
a bagel with lox, a street hot
dog or soft pretzel, roasted
chestnuts, and a huge
pastrami sandwich from
Katz’s Delicatessen.
Smorgasburg is a giant
collection of food trucks that
are open for business in
Williamsburg on Saturdays
and in DUMBO on Sundays.
Start with a passionfruit or
dulce de leche doughnut
from Dough to nibble on as
you wander the stalls. Don’t
miss the lamb burger and
maple bacon from Landhaus,
the spicy Korean pork belly
sandwich from Deji and
the spicy tuna taco from
Takumi Taco. Be sure to take
a photo on the water with
the Manhattan skyline in the
background. Chelsea Market
is another great option to
sample a variety of cuisines,
and is open every day.
One of the most amazing
things about New York
City is the wide range of
world cuisines available.
Try Caracas for arepas
from Venezuela, Prosperity
Dumpling for the cheapest,
juiciest dumplings, or Eataly
for all of the most delicious
Italian goods (and a rooftop
beer garden).
For a delicious New
American meal in a gorgeous
setting, check out the
secret courtyard at Hudson
Clearwater, the horseshoe
bar at Freeman’s or the
glimmering lights at Aria.
WHAT TO DRINK
Start the morning with an
artfully-crafted latte at Two
Hands or Happy Bones, or
an original cold-pressed juice
from Liquiteria.
Stop by the Campbell
Apartment in Grand Central
Terminal for an old-fashioned
cocktail in a restored 1920’s
private office and salon.
Alternatively, while Maison
Premiere doesn’t look like
much from the outside,
it features a gorgeous
horseshoe bar, back garden
and incredible cocktails.
For a delicious drink with a
stunning view, head up to the
top of the Standard Hotel or
the Hotel Americano rooftop.
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NEWPORT BEACH
VANDUTCH PORT GUIDE
NEWPORT BEACH
BY NYSSA P CHOPRA
Famed for its gorgeous
sunsets, year-round warm
weather, extensive fine
dining options, extravagant
shopping, and golden
beaches, Newport Beach
offers the perfect blend
of romance, luxury, and
adventure that appeals
to all tastes and interests.
Conveniently located 40 miles
south of the hustle and bustle
of Los Angeles and a few
miles north of Laguna Beach,
Newport Beach boasts a style
that fuses old-world glamour
with a laidback suburban
rhythm.
Considering California’s
diversity, the sky is the limit
when it comes to cuisine.
Start with a lovely meal
overlooking the sparkling
Pacific Ocean. One of the
many advantages of dining
by the sea is the impressive
array of seafood dishes
on offer here. Give 21
Oceanfront a chance, and
you will quickly realize why
you chose Newport Beach as
your preferred destination.
For some of the freshest
and most delectable sushi
available outside Japan, head
over to San Shi Go. If your
palette craves a fierier blend
of spices, step into Las Brisas
or Javier’s and enjoy the
traditional flavors of Mexico.
Culinary options in Newport
Beach and its surrounding
areas are bountiful and
provide the ultimate
gastronomic sophistication.
Dining by the soft glow of
candlelight and watching the
dazzling sunset panoramas
of the Pacific will add the
perfect finishing touch to
your evening and make your
moment truly unforgettable.
Though famed for its
sophistication, Newport
Beach offers shopping havens
to cater to all styles and
budgets. For those interested
in a bohemian style shopping
experience, the boardwalk
shops at the Newport
Pier and the labyrinthine
alleyways shooting off the
main strip of Laguna Beach
will be true delights. For
the shopping aficionados
seeking a decidedly more
upscale feel, outdoor luxury
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destinations such as Crystal
Cove Promenade and Fashion
Island will not disappoint.
A few miles east, nestled in
the neighboring city of Costa
Mesa, you will find yourself in
the ritzy South Coast Plaza—
Orange County’s answer
to the famed Rodeo Drive.
Maintaining unparalleled
standards of excellence and
service, South Coast Plaza is
the largest shopping center
in California, boasting more
than 250 retail outlets.
Whether you have forgotten
your vacation essentials or
are simply looking to build
on your fashion collection,
you will find the shopping
scene nothing short of
extraordinary.
Though there isn’t a mass
public transit system in
southern California, there
are plenty of other modes of
transportation with which you
can experiment. Coast along
the picturesque California
Riviera on a train down to
San Diego and spend the
day around the Gaslamp
Quarter in downtown.
Drive an old-fashioned
convertible up Pacific Coast
Highway 1 to Los Angeles
and experience the razzledazzle of Hollywood with
monumental landmarks such
as the Getty Museum, the
Kodak Theater, and Universal
Studios. Take a romantic
gondola ride on the Newport
Harbor and toast with a
bottle of bubbly. Walk along
the beautiful boardwalks of
Newport Beach and Corona
Del Mar and admire the
drowning sun segue into
the illuminating moonlight.
Bike along the Newport Pier
and finish your ride with an
intimate picnic on the beach.
No matter how you choose
to soak up the splendor of
southern California, you will
be rewarded with a slew of
picture-perfect moments.
Whisk off to Catalina Island for
the day on an hour-long ferry
that departs from the Balboa
Pavilion on the Newport
Harbor. For an even more
luxurious experience, enjoy
the Island from the comfort
of your own private yacht
charter, which are available
for hire. Take advantage of
the stunning ocean vistas
and crystal blue waters of
the Pacific and experience
the island through all the
adventurous delights it
offers—zip lining, parasailing,
scuba diving, kayaking, etc.
Unleash your inner child and
spend the day at the iconic
Disneyland in Anaheim, only
20 minutes north of Newport
Beach. An epic escape
from the responsibilities of
adulthood, Disneyland offers
a world of enchantment,
grandeur, and fantasy—you
are sure to feel like a king, (or
queen!).
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