Apolo Anton Ohno on The Ocean Crest

A frequent guest of the Ocean Crest Resort, Apolo Ohno was interviewed by USA Today regarding his favorite travel destinations. We were thrilled to read that the Ocean Crest Resort was among them! Pay special attention to the last two questions and answers.

From USA TODAY, September 8, 2009:

Apolo Anton Ohno, a five-time Olympic speed skating medalist and winner of Dancing with the Stars season four, spent the last month in Salt Lake City training for the 2010 U.S. Olympic short-track speedskating trials, which take place Sept. 8-12 in Marquette, Mich. He shares his travel highlights and tips with Kelly Carter for USA TODAY.

Q: Where have you been recently that you liked or were surprised by?

A: I went to Vienna for a skating competition. Having traveled extensively throughout Europe, I was in for an unexpected treat. I'd heard about the high quality of life in this capital but one tour of the city and I was sold. This place is absolutely beautiful — from the architecture, stunning churches, rich foods, and a day filled with music, opera and theater. My small experience on Dancing with the Stars allowed me to slowly appreciate the Waltz and Viennese Waltz but to see it in Vienna is something much different. Without a doubt one of my favorite (sights), simply because of the sheer magnitude of its size and location, is St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Growing up in Seattle, a guy comes to expect good coffee and Vienna can produce a cup with the best of them. I'd really suggest visiting the Hotel Sacher and one of the cafés attached to the famous hotel. The Sachertorte is something that you will not forget and you'll probably end up sending a cake back home to your friends or family — which is exactly what I did. One last tip: A fantastic restaurant that will have you praising Vienna is Zum Schwarzen Kamee, with 400 years of history. I suggest bonding with the maître d'hôtel. Not only is he amazing, but the food and attire will please everyone.

Q: What's the best place you've ever visited?

A: This is such a hard question. I enjoy every place that I visit with each country/city having a unique story and culture. Picking one would leave me no choice but Japan. My father is 100% Japanese and came to the United States when he was only 18 years old. My grandmother still resides in Japan, which has allowed me to travel to the roots of my ancestors with my father. Japan, not only a mega-busy city that thrives on electronics and efficiency, actually has an almost sacred appreciation of nature. One must travel outside of Tokyo to truly experience the "old Japan" and more importantly feel these aspects of Japanese culture.

The food is incredible, even if you do not like sushi! The Japanese have acquired a dedication towards quality and when it comes to cuisine — they take (it) extremely seriously. If you crave a French pastry, or Italian food — the Japanese will wow you on their preparation, taste, cleanliness and, of course, hospitality. If I would have one recommendation: Go with someone who speaks Japanese and is familiar with the areas surrounding Tokyo so that you will go off the beaten path.

Q: What's the most surprising/unexpected place you're ever visited?

A: Slovakia or Sofia, Bulgaria — dead in the winter, cold as can be, no people outside and the atmosphere was quite cold. Interesting.

Q: What's your favorite vacation spot?

A: What an impossibly hard question to answer! I enjoy anywhere that has water and sunshine. Since I cannot give you my top spot I'll try for my top three — Hawaii, Southern California (San Diego and Laguna Niguel) and Moclips, Wash., in particular the Ocean Crest Resort.

Q: Can you offer an insider tip or recommendation for your favorite vacation place?

A: Washington along the sandy beaches — this sublime hideaway (Moclips) is absolutely delightful! About three hours from Seattle it rests right against the Pacific Ocean and in the summer you'll find amazing weather, sights and nature. It is the place where I go to make big decisions, life-changing contemplation or simply to get away from the world of materialistic agenda. True nature seems sacred here and the appreciation of the sights and sound of the crashing waves make a one-week stay simply not long enough. My favorite place to stay is the Ocean Crest Resort. The chef and staff at this small, quaint hotel give it a family feel. In fact, it is still in family ownership and operated by many of its family members to ensure that the quality and true Pacific Northwest feel stays true to the experience.

Cheers!

Stephen Pavletich
Wine & Spirits Director
Ocean Crest Resort