Austria always amazes me with its diversity. If you like the excitement and cultural attractions of big cities, thereís Vienna. If youíre a Sound of Music fan, then a visit to Salzburg and the surrounding countryside is a must. Skiers, of course, head for the slopes.

For me, itís the quiet charm of the Austrian countryside that I like the best, especially Kremsmunster, a delightful little town tucked away in the scenic Krems Valley. Here you can truly get back to nature as you hike, bike, or jog through the quaint countryside, attend a local concert, ski, try your hand at ice bowling or curling, mix with the locals at the Farmersí Market, as well as enjoy a wide range of events such as the Bordun folk music festival in August.

In the area surrounding Kremsm¸nster, youíll be able to visit historical treasures such as Stift St. Florian, the Augustine Cannonís monastery, famous for its Baroque architecture, Bruckner organ and boysí choir. The magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Kremsm¸nster, features ancient Christian relics such as the Tassilo Chalice, and, for authentic Austrian cheese, a stop at the Schilerbacher Klosterkase is a must.

Along with these modern amenities, Hotel Schlair offers a timeless ambiance that lets you feel as if you have time-traveled to another era. As you relax in the historic bar, set in a 300-year-old arched foundation, and enjoy the crackling fire in the open hearth fireplace, you can sip fine Austrian wines and spirits and reminisce about the dayís events.

In the morning, in the sunny orangerie, you can savor freshly brewed Viennese coffee as you inhale the fragrant aroma of pastries and bread and enjoy a bakerís breakfast. The house bakery has been producing baked goods for the community since 1815. Now thatís tradition you can sink your teeth into.

But these delicious bakery products are just a sample of the outstanding world-class cuisine that you will enjoy at the Hotel Schlair. Thatís because Erik Kux, who co-owns and runs the hotel with his wife Maria, is a professional chef. Using local ingredients, Erik cooks with style and flair to serve cuisine thatís decidedly Austrian and, yet, creatively innovative. Some of his specialties include cider cream soup, Salmon in a Salt Crust (delicious!), Kremsm¸nster cheese soup, grilled goat cheese on salad greens, stuffed veal steak on mushroom gulyas, and grilled breast of duck with roasted nuts and raisins on a bed of greens.

As you savor the world-class cuisine of Chef Kux, youíll be able to do so in a cozy dining setting. Soft, subdued light mixed with candle light highlights the curving arches of the hotel dining room and offers a very romantic setting. After a fine meal, with the best of Austrian wines, a show-stopping dessert, and perhaps an after-dinner Schnapps and conversation by the fireside, all you have to do is go upstairs and sleep in comfort and enjoy dreams of a most pleasant day.

Kremsm¸nster offers you the best of both worlds. Located between Linz, Wels, and Steyr, it is an ideal central base in for discovering the Austrian countryside, yet Salzburg is just one hour away; Vienna is two; and Munich and Innsbruck are just three hours away, making it an ideal location for day trips to see the area.