What Will You Check Off Your Bucket List in 2017?

W hile many of us take joy in our collections and the items we love over the course of our lifetime, the journeys we take and experiences we have - from seeing the Grand Canyon from a helicopter to simply sipping the finest of wines in good company - often lead to some of our most cherished memories. “Experiences are the new coin of the realm,” says Trevor Traina, Founder and CEO of IfOnly, a marketplace for incredible experiences. “While connoisseurs will always be chasing the best objects, everyone is interested in life-enriching experiences.”

Nearly 10 years ago, the movie The Bucket List (2007) premiered, taking the idea of creating a list of lifetime goals, dreams, and experiences to the masses. As 2016 quickly draws to a close, our editors are asking themselves what they hope to cross off their own bucket lists in 2017. 

^{LOT 3, GRAND CANYON TOUR AND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP FOR TWO WITH WORLD-RENOWNED JOURNALIST, (ENDS DECEMBER 9).}

With an eagerness to travel, cook, access our inner artists, and perfect our golf swings, Sotheby's timed auction in partnership with IfOnly, The Experiences Auction (ending December 9), caught our attention this month. An emporium for extraordinary experiences, the auction features an array of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and is now open for bidding in an online-only sale.

“We leveraged our best thinking to discern what the right experiences and trends would be for this holiday,” adds Traina. “The sale is long on exactly the kinds of things people might fancy this season, like top culinary adventures, the most exclusive wine activities, and unique adventures for travelers.”

We hope our editors’ favorite 5 experiences below will serve as inspiration for what you might want to check off your bucket list in 2017. 
 

^{, TWO ORCHESTRA SEAT TICKETS TO "HAMILTON" AND BACKSTAGE TOUR WITH CAST MEMBER. (ENDS DECEMBER 9).}

Hamilton has become a worldwide phenomenon since sparking a revolution on Broadway last year. As part of this package, get access for two guests to the show - plus a backstage store and photo opportunity with a cast member. Proceeds from this lot will benefit the “Hamilton Education Initiative.”  

^{, UNIQUE TASTING OF RARE WHISKIES FOR SIX FROM THE DALMORE HIGHLAND  SINGLE MALT SCOTCH DISTILLERY, (ENDS DECEMBER 9).}

For over 250 years, whiskey makers at The Dalmore have aged a distinctly complex spirit in the most sought-after casks in the world, to create a very unique single malt whisky. Master Distiller Richard Paterson travels the globe to hand-select only the finest casks in which to mature The Dalmore. 

This particular experience features an in-depth tasting of 7 successive ages of The Dalmore Single Malt Scotch, including one made in collaboration with French chef Daniel Boulud. For a total of six guests, the 2-hour event will take place at The Brandy Library in New York City. 

“Whiskey is much like wine in that an organic variation leads to a million nuances. I have had an opportunity to taste some of the whiskies offered in this experience, and not only are they superb, but the whiskey tasting is also activity that is best shared with friends,” says Traina.

^{, PLAY GOLF AT YOUR DREAM COURSE WITH TOP 50 INSTRUCTOR TO THE PROS, (ENDS DECEMBER 9).}

Want to learn to play golf like a pro? Take advantage of the chance to join elite instructor Brian Mogg, named one of the U.S.’s top golf instructors, on your dream fairway for a round of 18 holes and a private lunch. Mogg will share with you and your guest his tips and pointers that he’s used to advise players who’ve won PGA Tour Events. Including green fees of up to $1,500, portion of the proceeds from this lot will benefit “Alzheimer’s Research, Care and Support.” 

^{, AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY LESSON BY HELICOPTER LED BY PULITZER PRIZE WINNER VINCENT LAFORET, (ENDS DECEMBER 9).}

Aspiring photographers, take note. Travel 7,500 feet high above New York City, celebrity-style, in a private helicopter with Vincent LaForet. LaForet is famous for creating surreal aerial images of New York City at night for his book, “AIR.” When LaForet was first commissioned in late 2014 for the project, his photos quickly went viral, garnering over 40 million views in the first month of publishing. This experience will let you and a guest get one-on-one mentorship from LaForet in the photography lesson of a lifetime. A portion of the proceeds from this lot will benefit “100 Cameras.” 

^{, DINE AT THE BEARD HOUSE: TASTING MENU PREPARED BY A VISITING CHEF FOR 12 GUESTS, (ENDS DECEMBER 9).}

The James Beard Foundation is often considered the first and final word of culinary talent in America. The Beard House in New York City is normally reserved for James Beard members only, and not open to the general public. However, the House will open its doors to you and 11 guests for a private dinner on the fourth floor, prepared by a James Beard visiting chef. 

The meal will commence with a Champagne and canapé reception. Next, you’ll be served a five to seven-course tasting menu accompanied by an expert wine pairing. At the end of dinner, you’ll have the chance to ask the chef culinary questions. A portion of the proceeds from this lot will benefit “The James Beard Foundation.” 

“The Beard House is frozen in time and steeped in culinary lore. It is a pilgrimage that few are ever afforded,” says Traina. 

Looking for more chances to narrow down your bucket list in 2017? Try sailing in a yacht with an American racing veteran, learning photography in Bali, taking a private tour of Philip Johnson’s “The Glass House,” and more in Sotheby’s upcoming auction in partnership with IfOnly, The Experiences Auction, ending December 9th.