Candy O’Terry is an award-winning broadcaster who spent 25 years on Magic 106.7, and can be seen weekly as the lead judge on WCVB-TV’s New England-based talent show “Community Auditions.’’ The New York City native, who was raised in Newington, Conn., is president of Boston Women in Media & Entertainment and was recently tapped by former WCVB anchor Liz Brunner to join Brunner Communications, where she will, among other things, lead workshops on topics ranging from media training skills to women’s leadership training. She also recently finished filming scenes for a short film starring Lenny Clarke and has lined up another role where she’ll be an investigative reporter. O’Terry lives in Wellesley Hills with her husband, Tom Gaffny. Between them, the couple have five adult children. We caught up with the popular media and entertainment personality to talk about all things travel.
Favorite vacation spot? Palm Springs, Calif., has been my favorite vacation spot since 1994, when I saw an ad in Radio & Records Magazine for a conference being held there. It featured a picture of a woman laying on a chaise lounge by a pool, under a palm tree with a view of the San Jacinta Mountains. At that moment, I said to myself: That’s the place for me. We discovered a hotel built by the legendary Gene Autry, “The Singing Cowboy,’’ during the heyday of Palm Springs when all the movie stars flocked to this oasis in the desert. It’s called the Ocotillo Lodge and each bungalow has the name of a famous guest on the door. We have stayed in the Lucille Ball suite many times, which is right next door to the Marilyn Monroe suite, which has a secret passageway to the JFK suite — I’m serious. What I love most of all about the Ocotillo Lodge is that it boasts the biggest pool in Palm Springs, shaped like a wine cork.
Favorite food or drink while vacationing? When I’m in Palm Springs, it’s guacamole, fresh tortilla chips, and margaritas all the time.
Where would you like to travel to but haven’t? When I was born, I was put up for adoption and spent most of my life wondering who my birth parents were and where they came from. In 2007, I met both of my birthparents and now I know my heritage. I’m wicked Irish — more than I ever could have imagined, and would love to go to Ireland to discover my roots. It’s all about finding the time to do it, right?
One item you can’t leave home without when traveling? My Speedo bathing suit; trust me, it’s not sexy. I swim about 5,000 yards a week, so I have no use for bikinis.
Aisle or window? OK, this is kind of sappy, but it’s true. My husband and I like to sit across the aisle from one another so we can hold hands on takeoff and landing. Plus, it solves the problem of having to say “Excuse me’’ when getting up to use the bathroom or stretch your legs on a long cross-country flight.
Favorite childhood travel memory? Flying to LA with my mom at about 6 and being given American Airlines wings by a very pretty stewardess.
Guilty pleasure when traveling? No alarm clock — and more guacamole.
Best travel tip? Apply for TSA pre-check, and skip the long lines. Oh, and pack your shorts and favorite flip-flops in the outside pocket of your carry-on so you can easily find them and put them on when you land in a warm place.
JULIET PENNINGTON
