St. Louis also plans Mardi Gras events

St. Louis, Mo. — Everybody’s heard of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. But St. Louis is also planning a big celebration, with events Feb. 7-24. Billed as the largest Mardi Gras in the Midwest, the events include a children’s art fair, a wine tasting and a food festival called Taste of Soulard.

Soulard is the city’s oldest and historically French neighborhood, and many events will take place there, including the annual Taste of Soulard on Feb. 14 and 15. Visitors can stop at Soulard’s pubs and restaurants to sample Cajun and Creole specialties. A children’s art fair and parade also takes place Feb. 8 in Soulard.

The highlight of Mardi Gras in St. Louis is the grand daytime parade Feb. 21, but a nighttime parade is also planned Feb. 24.

For more information, call (800) 916-0040 or www.explorestlouis.com.

Caribbean resorts offer adventure, comfort

New York — Some people want nothing more than to lie on the beach during a trip to the Caribbean. But others are interested in jungle hikes, volcano views and sailing.

The February edition of Outside magazine attempts to bridge the gap with an article on the best resorts in the Caribbean where “creature comforts and adventure are not mutually exclusive.”

The magazine’s top 10 locales are Laluna in Grenada, The Hermitage in Nevis, Anse Chastanet in St. Lucia, Tiamo Resorts in the Bahamas, Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge in Panama, Bitter End Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands, Maroma Resort & Spa in Mexico, Caneel Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Turtle Inn in Belize and Jake’s in Jamaica.

Hong Kong delights in monkey business

Hong Kong — Hong Kong’s Langham Hotel celebrates Chinese New Year with a special monkey-themed package.

The hotel, in Kowloon’s Tsimshatsui district, celebrates the Year of the Monkey with treats such as monkey jade pendants, monkey-picked tea and banana desserts at turndown. The two-night package is $782 from Jan. 22 to Feb. 8. See www.langhamhotels.com.