Michele Sponagle

Contributor

Contributor Since

Jan 2005

Countries Visited

@Msponagle

Michele Sponagle is a lifestyle writer based in Paris, Ontario. She has contributed to many top media outlets like WashingtonPost.com, GoodHousekeeping.com and the Huffington Post. In pursuit of a good story, she’s interviewed celebrities, like Gwen Stefani and Martin Short, tracked polar bears on foot and fished for piranha—all while collecting memories and vintage postcards along the way.

Coolest place you’ve ever visited and why: I’ve been to Maui more times than any other destination. It’s not only incredibly beautiful, but there’s a very genuine sense of welcome there that makes you want to hang out and stay a while—which I do!

Favourite travel memory: At midnight on the eve of my birthday at a lodge near Churchill, Manitoba, I was walking to my room under a starry sky and was greeted by the sight of a mother polar bear and her two cubs (safely on the other side of the fence surrounding my cabin).

Must-pack item: My iPad to read digital magazines while I’m waiting in airports, and clothespins so I can clip hotel drapes shut.

Recent Articles

The History of the Hawaiian Lei

Right up there with the ukulele, surfboards and swaying palm trees, a lei is instantly recognizable as a symbol of Hawaii.

An Insider’s Guide to Punta Cana

Punta Cana is home to spectacular, virtually untouched beaches, but there's also plenty more to do. Learn to roll a cigar, eat local chocolate and discover a hidden gem in this popular Dominican Republic vacation destination.

The Best All-Inclusive Resort Cuisine in the Caribbean

Kudos to these all-inclusive resorts in Antigua, Barbados, Saint Lucia and the Dominican Republic for offering guests elevated culinary experiences. They’ve tapped into star chefs, farm-to-table ingredients and current dining trends (like vegan and gluten-free options) to bring their A-game cuisine.

10 Dishes to Eat in Hamilton, Ontario

Hamilton's reinvention is happening at a furious pace and leading the way is a strong food scene. Our top dishes worth the trip to Steeltown include Monte Pollino pizza from Born and Raised, a Canadian brunch plate from Cannon Coffee Co. and sushi nachos fromNique Restaurant.

The Best Places to Travel in 2018

Explore a revitalized neighbourhood, celebrate a local milestone, taste your way around a culinary hot spot or embark on an unforgettable road-trip. Following are our picks for the top 10 destinations to visit this year.

Nova Scotia’s Best Wine Regions (and Where to Sip)

Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley is a bountiful area with around 15 wineries, including Luckett Vineyards and Domaine de Grand Pré. To the north, Malagash is home to Jost Vineyards, the longest-operating winery in Nova Scotia, and Fox Harb'r Resort, which boasts a new on-site vineyard.

Where to Eat and Drink in Stratford, Ontario

Chefs, brewers and foodie entrepreneurs are flocking to Stratford (a 45-minute drive from Kitchener-Waterloo) and seriously upping the town’s culinary offerings. Sip maple-flavoured moonshine at Junction 56 Distillery, eat colourful charcuterie at Revival House or try beloved butter tarts at Madelyn’s Diner.

A Local’s Guide to Hamilton, Ontario

Matt Johnston, CEO and founder of Collective Arts Brewing, loves all things music, art and beer. Here, he shares his favourite of Hamilton, Ont. hometown hangouts, including burger joints, pubs and live music spots.

Where to Eat South American Cuisine in Miami

Miami is well known for its incredible array of authentic Cuban cuisine, but there’s a new wave of deliciousness happening as the city welcomes restaurants tapping into the flavours of South America. Here are six places to get a taste of everything from Venezuelan arepas to Brazilian steak.

Six Things to Eat at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market

If you’re on the hunt for some of Southern Ontario’s freshest bounty, look no further than the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market. Each week, hundreds of farmers, butchers and bakers bring their tastiest treats to Canada’s largest year-round market. Here are six things to try.