By Jae-Ha Kim
Tribune Media Services
June 25 , 2013
HGTV’s “Million Dollar Rooms” host Carter Oosterhouse and his wife, actress Amy Smart, enjoy living green. So, it’s fitting that the former “Trading Spaces” carpenter is one of the go-to guys when a program needs a telegenic lifestyle expert for advice on eco-living. The 36-year-old television personality also is a regular contributor to the “Rachael Ray Show.”
But ask him what his favorite project is, and he’ll say it’s his Carter’s Kids organization, which promotes a healthy lifestyle in low-income areas across the United States. Carter also is the spokesman for the Council for Responsible Energy. Fans may follow Oosterhouse on Twitter.
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
Traverse City, Mich. There are numerous spots to see while you’re in TC. A perfect day would be to take the 18-mile drive out to Old Mission Peninsula and check out some beautiful wineries with amazing wine along the way. Then pick up a sandwich at the Old Mission General Store and have a picnic at Haserot Beach. You can also take a scenic drive up near the sleeping bear dunes or go into Leland, have an ice cream and a walk around fish town. In town you can dine at The Cooks’ House, truly one of the best restaurants you will ever come across. Just make sure you book your reservation in advance. I would also recommend dining at Trattoria Stella or Amical. They have fabulous chicken pot pie. Your day will be filled with wonderful tastes and beautiful beaches.
Q. What untapped destination should people know about?
A. Topanga Canyon, Calif., it’s a great place to go for the day. Inn of the Seventh Ray has a delicious brunch and there is some great hiking.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
A. My family took a road trip across the United States when I was eight years old. Day one was great. Day five was quite the opposite. We were crammed in a van — my two brothers, sister and my mom and dad. The best part was sitting on my dad’s lap and steering the family ride, but five days was just a little too long.
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. Ojai, Hermosa Beach and Montecito (in California).
Q. Do your travels differ much depending on whether you’re working or taking a vacation with friends?
A. I flew 25,000 miles a month last year alone. When I’m working, I’m in a city for a day or maybe even a few hours. If I’m on vacation, I’m sleeping in and ordering room service. The big difference is that when I’m working, I have to be on, and when I’m on vacation I can shut things off instantly. I can literally slow everything down. It helps me recharge.
Q. What are your favorite hotels?
A. I’m a sucker for a Four Seasons or any Aman resort. But I don’t require much and I’ve stayed in some of the worst hotels in the United States.
Q. What are your five favorite cities?
A. Traverse City, Ojai, Calif., Jerome, Ariz., Palm Island, Grenadines and Capri, Italy.
Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A. Lake Minnetonka, Minn. I love the four seasons and summertime on the water. The people of Minny have great Midwestern values and really make tourists feel at home. It’s hard to beat.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. China. It fascinates me and scares me at the same time. It’s such a large country with so many people that you are bound to have a complex and completely different experience wherever you go.
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. Rimowa carry-on, Wahl Peanut (beard trimmer), New Balance running shoes, a good pair of jeans, music, T-shirts, one good dress shirt and flip-flops.
Q. What would be your dream trip?
A. I really want to sail the Transpac. It’s basically sailing from California to Hawaii. There is an official race that takes place once a year and that could really be fun and competitive, but I could be just as satisfied going with a few friends. I love being on the water and I feel that the mental challenge of taking a two-week trip that has no land and no boundaries is really compelling. I think I would learn a lot about the ocean and even more about myself.
Q. What are your favorite restaurants?
A. The Cooks’ House in Traverse City. Hands down, this restaurant is one of the best — farm fresh food that is done better than any other restaurant that I’ve ever been to. Buona Vita Trattoria in Hermosa Beach, Calif. — a great family-run restaurant right by the beach. The Chicken Nastari with a creamy tomato sauce is delicious. Pace in L.A. I love the cozy atmosphere and the people-watching. Pace is such a treat for people just visiting L.A., or even the locals.
© 2013 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
Nice article, though I’m more of a fan of his wife’s than him. Do I win anything? 🙂
Saw him when my mom and I went to Disney World in April. He was very charming.