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This Month’s Dream: Barbados

You’re invited to win an escape to the blue waters and white sand beaches of Barbados. Enter the Ultimate Resort Destination sweepstakes on Indagare to win three nights for two in a suite with breakfast and afternoon tea at Cobblers Cove, an idyllic Relais & Châteaux property on the west coast of Barbados, spa treatments and dinner for two at Sandy Lane, a $1,500 resort style shopping spree from Vivre and a one-year membership to Indagare. Enter the Barbados sweepstakes.

Join Us: November 5 in New York

You’re invited to attend a panel discussion and cocktail reception on “Preserving Culture Through Design,” moderated by Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley, at Madeline Weinrib’s Atelier at ABC Carpet & Home.

In the Know: Washington, D.C.

As all eyes turn towards the nation’s capital on election day next week, we thought it a good time to celebrate the city with an insider’s report. For foodies, there has never been a better time to visit. Recently, top toques like Michel Richard (of Citronelle fame), Robert Wiedmaier (of Marcel’s) and Cathal and Meshelle Armstrong (of Restaurant Eve) have turned their talents to casual, affordable eateries that dispense with pretension and deliver flavor and fun—a trend that seems particularly relevant in this economic climate. Hot picks include Central, Brasserie Beck and Eamonn’s, as well as classics like Jaleo and Oyamel. Oenophiles will love the huge selection of wines by the glass at Proof and Cork. For more restaurants, as well as hotels, shops and cultural activities, click here: D.C. report.

Cultural Journey: Maastricht

A private visit to the castle of legendary collector Axel Vervoordt is just one of the behind-the-scenes activities planned for a special journey to TEFAF next March. The European Fine Art Fair, known as TEFAF, in Holland’s Maastricht, is the most important—and largest—arts and antiques fair in the world. Every spring art connoisseurs descend upon Maastricht, the oldest town in the Netherlands for the ten-day event. Two-hundred-forty dealers from fifteen countries exhibit their finest wares. There’s always a strong contingent of Old Masters specialists and an ever-growing group of antiques experts, whose offerings range from fine jewelry and silver to tapestries and ancient Asian ceramics. Even long-time TEFAF veterans avow that its size can be overwhelming, and oftentimes visitors get so caught up in the fair that they don’t leave enough time to explore beyond—a missed opportunity considering the treasures in the area. Next spring (March 16-20), art aficionados can join a special VIP journey sponsored by Art + Auction magazine, to gain behind-the-scenes access and explore the extraordinary cultural offerings in Amsterdam, Maastricht and vicinity. Read details and how to book.

Giving Back: Thailand

Since we launched Indagare, one of the most popular columns on the site has been Giving Back, featuring people and places that make a difference in their communities. Our features editor, Simone Girner, recently returned from Bangkok, inspired, humbled and duly impressed by Gabrielle von Reding, the passionate founder of the Lotus Flower Foundation. Her nonprofit works with victims of child abuse and sexual exploitation in Thailand, one of the world’s most active trafficking countries, especially when it comes to children. “Seeing the pain in a child’s life means I’m compelled to help,” says von Reding. ” I believe there are many people who would like to help, but often they don’t know how.” One Indagare member, Tiffany Schauer, does—and also knows how to get others involved. Her Indagare dispatch about a Thai orphanage prompted an outpouring of donations, making a tangible impact on the lives of the kids there, as told in a moving postcard by the orphanage’s director. Also: read a member’s dispatch about a special camp in Thailand, outside of Bangkok: Elephant Stay where visitors work with older, “retired” elephants.

New on Indagare

Insider tips on where to eat in Seattle from a plugged-in chef; a stylish designer on her favorite spots in Venice, what to see and do with kids in India and a Letter from London.