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Celebrity Travel: Go Away With Chynna Phillips

By Jae-Ha Kim, Tribune Media Services on

The pop trio Wilson Phillips, comprised of singers Chynna Phillips and Carnie and Wendy Wilson, is back in the limelight, thanks to a new album, "Dedicated," and a reality series, "Wilson Phillips: Still Holding On," airing on the TV Guide Network. For Chynna Phillips, the CD of covers is a way to pay homage to their parents and celebrate their musical heritage. (Phillips is the daughter of the Mamas and the Papas members Michelle and the late John Phillips. The Wilsons are the daughters of Brian Wilson of Beach Boys fame.)

A resident of Santa Barbara, Calif., Phillips competed last year on "Dancing with the Stars." She has also released music as part of the Christian pop duo Chynna and Vaughan and does charitable work for organizations such as the Los Angelitos Orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico. An accomplished cook who enjoys preparing meals for her children and her husband William Baldwin -- even when they're traveling -- Phillips says she doesn't like to admit she's 44 years old because "I'm still 21 at heart."

You may follow Phillips on Twitter (at)chynnaphillips and get updates about the group at www.wilsonphillipsmusic.com

Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?

A. Tuscany, Italy. It sounds so cliche, but it's such a beautiful spot. I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather go. If I can't make it to Tuscany, my bed will do, too.

Q. To someone who was going to Tuscany for the first time, what would you recommend that they do during their visit?

 

A. Rent a little villa -- something cute, quaint and cozy -- and stay as long as you can. Fill your days hiking, exploring, discovering, interacting with the people and eating. My favorite thing to do is to pack a picnic, find a secluded hillside, bring the one you love and kiss your worries goodbye. One of my favorite things about Italy is the care that they take with prepping their food with the best ingredients they can. Italians love to eat and I do too! I love finding a local market where I buy some fresh produce and bring it home to whip up a simple meal with lots of garlic, basil and olive oil and serve with a bottle of wine. Italy is amazing and Tuscany is my favorite.

Q. What untapped destination should people know about?

A. I love Montauk, N.Y. It used to be untapped. Now it's becoming more tapped into, but it's really the best place to escape, especially in the off season! Everyone goes to the Hamptons in the summertime, but my favorite time to go to Montauk is after all the tourists have gone home. I rent a little seaside cottage and love to watch the ocean. The temperature is cooler and you might not be able to go swimming, but the waves and the shore are absolutely breathtaking. The best restaurants aren't crowded then and the people in Montauk are really the nicest you'll find anywhere in the United States. The residents who live there year round enjoy such a close knit community and they are so generous to share their home with people each year. What I love so much about it is the sense of community and the beauty of the town.

Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?

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