HGTV designer Monica Pedersen can be seen regularly on programs such as “Bang for Your Buck,” where she shows homeowners how to maximize their living space and beautify their homes. A well-seasoned traveler, Pedersen — who lives in the Midwest — sees the potential in taking trips to Wisconsin, as well as heading overseas for a longer vacation.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: Hobe Sound, Fla. It’s a low-key town right next to Jupiter Island and about 45 minutes from Palm Beach. It is my go-to spot when I really want to relax. Working on TV for me means being constantly surrounded by the noise of saws and drills. So a vacation with good weather, the comfort of a private home, a charged golf cart in the driveway and no pressure to look presentable is heaven!
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: Kohler, Wis., is definitely at the top of my list and is a place my husband and I go at least twice a year. The American Club (destinationkohler.com) is charming, the golf is spectacular and the food is mouthwatering. Another fun place to go in Wisconsin is the Osthoff Lake Resort (osthoff.com).
Q: What are your favorite hotels?
A: The Pelham Hotel (pelhamhotel.co.uk) in London has beautifully decorated rooms. The Ritz-Carlton (ritzcarlton.com/neworleans) in New Orleans is comfortable and in a great location. The Four Seasons Dublin (fourseasons.com/dublin) in Ireland treated my mom, who was very sick while we were there, like a queen. The Soho Grand Hotel (sohogrand.com) in New York for its location. The bar can be pretty fun as well.
Q: What are your favorite restaurants?
A: Il Cantinori (ilcantinori.com) is my favorite restaurant in New York. I love great Italian food! In Las Vegas, definitely the Wynn Hotel and the Bartolotta Ristorante (wynnlasvegas.com/#dining/bartolotta), which is incredible.
Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: Comfortable shoes, a variety of outerwear — like scarves, sweaters and my plaid Burberry rain poncho — BlackBerry, cheap pair of backup sunglasses, a good book and a small container of moisturizer.
Q: What are your five favorite cities?
A: San Francisco is so romantic. It’s where my husband proposed to me. New York for its great energy. Napa Valley is sophisticated yet friendly and has great food and wine. I love the details in New Orleans’ architecture. Charleston, S.C., is elegant and loaded with Southern charm.
Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A: I talk to friends and do a ton of research online. A Web site I am working with, mastercardmarketplace.com, is a great resource for vacations.
Q: Where would you like to go that you’ve never visited before?
A: Buenos Aires, Argentina. I am heading there soon to shoot an episode of a show I work on called “Bang for Your Buck,” and I cannot wait. I am also going to track down the balcony where Eva Peron sang “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” and do my own version. I’m kidding!
For more from the reporter, visit jaehakim.com.
