Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

May 2nd, 2010

The Best Business Lunch in New York

If you’re in New York City for business and wondering where to not only take your client to lunch, but to impress them with your knowledge of finding a great place to eat, search no further. The restaurants listed below were complied by searching the Internet, magazines and newspapers for what restaurants New Yorkers consider the best of the best places to take their clients for a great lunch and a place that helped them seal the deal. Not only do these restaurants have a proven track record for great cuisine, they were also picked for there convenience to their clients hotel accommodations ; a win win for all concerned.

In the downtown, West Village area, take your client to ‘John’s of Bleecker Street’, this establishment was voted as having the best pizza 4 years in a row. Hands down, your client will be happy you picked this place to have lunch and conduct business; it’s causal, loud, crowed and delicious. Be prepared to wait in a long line, but the service is professional and personal. Bring cash, they don’t take credit cards.

For the best Brunch or Lunch in the comfort food arena, take your client to ‘Eatery’, located on 9th Avenue between 52nd Street and 53rd Street, in the Clinton area of town, also known as Hell’s Kitchen. You and your client will be well taken care of at one of the hippest places in the city. The food is exquisite and at the same time homey, like the meatloaf, or the Mac and Cheese.

If comfort food isn’t your cup-o-tea, take your client to ‘Lombardi’s', located in NoLita, Downtown area – 32 Spring Street. This restaurant is a great place to impress anyone, client or out-of-towner. Be prepared for a wait because the line is long. If you haven’t eaten at Lombardi’s before, but you’d like to impress your client, then order the double meatballs, pepperoni, onions, sausage and fresh garlic pizza pie! If you’re not a meatlover, then order the fresh mozzarella, tomato, Basil pizza, make it a large, because you’ll both chow down on every slice.

Brasserie 1605 , located in the New York Times Square neighborhood at 1605 Broadway, you’ll get the best seats on Broadway! The restaurant overlooks Broadway and is an amazing place to take a business client. The food is excellent, the service is fast and the atmosphere is great. You’ll probably find that you’ll be coming back to the Brasserie 1605 many, many times, with or without clients for lunch or for the best pre-theater meal in the Broadway area.

April 13th, 2010

An Ancient Playground in Central Park

New York City is awash in theater, restaurants, architecture and museums, providing tourists and locals alike with something to do twenty-four hours out of every day. Many spots are well known to most visitors, even if they’ve never been in the city before: Grand Central Station, the Empire State Building , Times Square, Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and Central Park. Like a Russian doll that opens up, revealing another smaller Russian doll, which in turns opens up again, the city’s main attractions have sights inside other sights, making each stop a place in which you might spend hours. Imagine that you’ve found an excellent room near Central Park. What can you see just by crossing the street and strolling along the pathways?

Among the statues alone you’ll find several war memorials, including the 107th United States Infantry, a group of soldiers who served and died during the first world war. There’s a sculpture made of bronze that replicates a marble self-portrait by a Danish sculptor, Albert Bertel Thorvaldsen. Interestingly, there are no statues of other artists on exhibit in a New York City park. Thorvaldsen presently receives that honor alone.

There are sculptures designed to honor the work of other artists, though, especially literature, such as the Alice in Wonderland sculpture. Other sculptures honor politicians, such as Alexander Hamilton, which was donated in 1880 by his own son (John C. Hamilton). There’s also a memorial made of stone at the edge of the park for Arthur Brisbane, who was a newspaper editor.

For an interesting turn of phrase, you might want to pass by the Ancient Playground. The playground takes its name from the Metropolitan Museum’s Egyptian Wing , which is visible from the playground. Any mummies, though, are most likely contained inside the museum. You can stop by the Met at this point, or continue on your walk, where you’ll encounter many more sites inside the 1.2 square miles of urban parkland.

April 1st, 2010

Carnegie Center of the Greater Cincinnati Area

The Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center in the greater Cincinnati metropolitan area is one of the region’s great cultural establishments and entertainment venues. And while it is located just across the river from the city of Cincinnati, both the Ohio residents and tourists who are visiting on the Cincinnati side are attracted to its diverse offerings. The center is a multidisciplinary facility that houses entertainment and performance genres for audiences of all ages and interests. In addition to the great productions there are art exhibits, special engagement lectures and educational programs that attract a diverse population of audience members and participants.

Cincinnati is well known for its cultural diversity and progressive arts scenes and these elements are represented by facilities such as the Carnegie center. Information on this and other major entertainment venues is available at most of the city’s boutique hotels. Cincinnati has an extensive history of fascinating cultural features and this is one of the reasons why many people visit it every year. The center will be presenting a production of Irwin Shaw’s Bury the Dead . This provocative dramatic commentary on the nature of war and its effects on soldiers will open on April 8th. The production will feature some of Cincinnati’s top professional actors and is directed by Michael R. Burnham.

In addition to the great stage performances the galleries and exhibits at the center also draw a lot of attention and patronage. It’s current exhibit, The Art of Food is scheduled to run through April 2nd so interested observers should make quick plans to visit it. These aspects as well as the educational programs at the center contribute to the main reasons this establishment is so well supported and respected by the community and draws so much attention and attraction from tourists. If you plan to visit Cincinnati, you will definitely want to make plans to visit the Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center.

March 28th, 2010

DC Rip

Washington, DC is the place to be if you’re somebody famous, or maybe it’s a good place to be from if you’re famous. It certainly has its share of celebrities, and not all of them have gone on to play in the game of politics, although it’s impossible not to get somewhat enmeshed in the system here. That’s one of the dangers of participatory democracy, perhaps, that sooner or later, everyone needs to participate.

But if you’re Rip Taylor , the confetti-throwing comedian who makes people laugh all over the world, you can get it over with early. He was born here in the 30s, and worked as a page, before getting out and finding his way in show business. For him, finding the way is probably not as correct as actually forging it, because it’s pretty clear that his path is one only he could walk. This is an original, all right, and there may be some influences from the past, but he’s more likely to inspire imitators than he is likely to promote a particular school of performing.

It’s hard to find him in DC since he left after the senate page days, but he was the grand mayor of the Capital Pride parade in 2006. But if one is looking for his footsteps here, it’s always a good idea to book a hotel and come to town to absorb the atmosphere.

People know Rip best, perhaps, for his crazy antics on celebrity game shows of the 70s, like Match Game and Hollywood Squares. But he also had quite a career on shows like the Monkees, and doing cartoon voice-overs. He’s mostly known, however, for performing the persona of Rip Taylor, like the famous scene where Cheech and Chong meet him in the middle of the desert. This is an interesting twist in an interesting life, where the ironic performance of self enters into the world and becomes its own center, leaving us to wonder, who is the real Rip Taylor? and then wondering if it might not matter a bit, because what’s here is simply genius.

March 20th, 2010

Sonoma International Film Festival

Bruce Willis, fronting the Sonoma International Film Festival website advertisement, is a bit annoying as the marketing person, but the festival appears it will be as amazing, if not more so, than it’s been in years past. This year, the festival takes place from April 15-18. It’s their 13th “rodeo” and we’ll soon find out how prepared they are. Their opening mantra, “lights, cameras, corkscrews, action” is charming, especially for a quintessential wine destination. More than 64 independent films will be shown. Of course, food and wine pairings will be part of the play.

The closest wine region to San Francisco, Sonoma also offers great film. One Festival Pass, costing $150, with two for $275, allows access to all panels and films. Shorts, documentaries and features are categories for the spread. Lucky for locals, the Sonoma International Film Society hosts year-round events centered around the importance of new independent filmmaking, as well as gourmet food and fine wine. Each year during the film festival, the Sonoma Valley High School’s film program has been kindly supported.

Last year, Bruce Willis won a Lifetime Achievement Award. It was the first one the Sonoma Film Festival ever presented.

When it comes to a place to stay , there are a variety of options. Sonoma Plaza, sized at eight acres, is the largest town square of its likeness in California. There are more than 40 wineries and tasting rooms in the area to get people good and sleepy, ready for bed, so don’t book a room too far away unless you have a designated driver The El Dorado Hotel (with restaurant El Dorado kitchen) serves as a good base destination for touring Sonoma. Should you get caught up in wine more than film, we won’t worry about you. We’ll simply assume you have more joie de vivre than most film critics!

February 25th, 2010

Virginia as Old Dominion and Mother of Presidents

Virginia is known and appreciated for a great number of historic significant contributions to the establishment and early development of this country. It is affectionately known as Old Dominion as well as the Mother of Presidents. This is because more presidents of the United States have been born in the Common Wealth of Virginia than in any other state in the nation. That’s an impressive record and not one that is likely to be beat anytime soon when one considers that there are fifty states and the diverse point of origin for our presidents continues to grow. This makes the fact that Virginia has the highest number of presidential birth rates even more impressive for a couple of reasons. First, it testifies to the significance of its early history in the country and then also demonstrates the continually progressive and diverse evolution of it. With these two considerations acknowledged, it becomes even more impressive to many of the guests who are staying in one of Virginia’s best hotels.

The second nickname that was mentioned earlier for the state also has an impressive and honorary background, though its transitional aspect is what is most celebrated by our nation’s contemporary society. One of the beliefs regarding the nickname’s origin involves the English King Charles II. It was during the Restoration, which was also a time of great conflict, that King Charles II declared that Virginia was Old Dominion due to its loyalty to the crown. Of course what is now most respected from this is the sense of dignity and loyalty Virginia displays and we all know that its true loyalty lies with the United States and the nickname remains a testament to its great background. Meanwhile, many institutions and communities have adopted the nickname and use it as a point of historic state pride. Old Dominion University is just one of numerous examples of this. Virginia is definitely one of America’s points of pride. It is full of amazing and beautiful geography as well as incredible landmarks from history.

February 23rd, 2010

London Dandy

It’s always a bit strange to find oneself walking around London and wondering how things got to be this way.  Anachronism is something that one rarely discusses these days, and never in polite company, although I’ve rarely had to brush with polite company, because I am rather choosy about the circles I move in.  In fact, more often than not my friends and I prefer to move in zigzags, but that’s off the point somewhat.  We did begin our soon-to-be arrested adolescent years immersed utterly in everything that was punk, and it seemed to suit us just fine.  None of us can quite recall where exactly we made the leap over into this, but we can certainly know for certain that the leap was total and utter and no uncertainties were there to be had.

In Lawrence it might be one thing to be punk, where the aesthetics of it are totally formed by a collage of styles, and with no local history to determine whether we are right, or it we are wrong, radically and totally wrong.  Our senior year spring break included a week’s stay in a wonderful hotel in London and this was to be our defining moment.  Somewhere between there and here we lost some sense, or gained some.  One of us decided that the pink and black checkers simply wasn’t authentic enough, but that we could probably get away with the post-punk look of the Dandy Warhols, and that would be all right.  Even brave.

And it would be even braver if what happened next was intentional.  I don’t know why I didn’t really hear him correctly, or completely, but it sounded like good fun, and I rather admired the look.  I had a wig made and powdered, and spent an inordinate time on my underwear and other accessories, until it was perfect.  My sense is that I perhaps missed the Warhol and only heard Dandy, which has been coming back a bit, but not to the same extent as my take on Lord Byron and Oscar Wilde.  My cane was smashing but the rest was just an enormous embarrassment.

February 21st, 2010

Delaware Canal Park Outside of Philadelphia

There are a great number of cultural activities, events and major entertainment options to entice tourists and keep the residents of Philadelphia satisfied. In addition to this there are many geographic elements that remind one of nature’s beauty and also help to preserve some of our country’s historic and symbolic significance. This is definitely the case with the Delaware Canal Park, which is located in the countryside just outside of the city of Philadelphia. It provides a fantastic weekend escape for residents and a fabulous journey and experience for the guests in the Philadelphia hotels.

The park is 60 linear miles of natural beauty and interesting historic wonders. It covers the area around the Delaware River from Easton to Bristol. There are numerous spots in this long stretch for people to engage in and enjoy recreational activities and outdoor sports opportunities. This is the same are that was once occupied by mule teams who were pulling boats filled with cargo along the canal. This canal system was once an essential pathway from Philadelphia to New York Today many joggers, runners and bicyclists can be found reinforcing these same paths. In addition to the miles of shoreline along the river there are eleven river islands found along the park.

The river banks and islands are not the only places to find great opportunities for recreation and fun. The water itself offers plenty of options for activities such as canoeing, kayaking and fishing. There is even a tour boat that offers an interesting and informative, as well as fun and adventurous tour down the river. In addition there are camping grounds on the New Jersey side of the river, which many people from Philadelphia take advantage of during the summer months. This great national park contains the only remaining continuously intact canal system from the early towpath building days. It’s wonderful to read about or watch programs on American history, it is quite another to experience it live.

February 19th, 2010

Gothic Dallas Coffee

I’ve always felt that it’s a good rule of thumb that you can judge a city based on the quality of its coffee shops.  The coffee shop here is what the cafe is to Europe.  Perhaps one day the idea of eating and drinking outside for hours will catch on here.  Until then, we get fresh French roasted coffee drinks, muffins, and conversations with some of the most interesting people in the world.  It’ll certainly do for now.  For coffee shops, no city these days is in short supply, but for character, it can difficult to find a place where you can really get settled for an afternoon or evening.  Dallas, however, has got it going on.

It is an amazing place to hang out, and reasonable, too.  This link has some great hotels, and that’s all you really need to get started.  If you’re looking for alternative cultures, you probably already know that Dallas is pretty eclectic. There are cultures and subcultures in every corner, and most anything that you can imagine is represented here.  It’s not always open, but few cities really are, and the spirit of love and tolerance is pretty high comparatively speaking.  You’ll probably make some of these observations while you’re warming up to the place, but the coffee houses will put you far over the top.

Even in the coolest cities, there are usually only one or two solidly interesting and hip places to get a good espresso.  But Dallas is absolutely packed, and most of these are very worth losing a day or so over.  There is a very refined sense of curiosity and real delight in sharing ideas.  Conversations here can border on the downright scintillating.  There are also plenty of cute people, of all genders and lifestyles, to make it worth the wait.  Places like White Rock cater more toward the student populations, but you won’t feel like an outcast here.

February 15th, 2010

Theme Parks and Water Parks in Disney World Orlando

Orlando is full of great things to do for all members of the family and people of all ages. It’s a beautiful city in Florida and tourists are attracted to it all year round. As with many of the state’s cities and areas, it is a perfect destination for people who wish to get out of the harsh winter conditions of their home states, and for others it is the perfect summer vacation. Click here for quality information on some of the best places to stay while you’re enjoying your visit and the attractions of Orlando. Walt Disney World is just one of the great attractions to visit while you’re vacationing in this city though it alone is reason enough to plan a stay.

Walt Disney World Orlando is not only the largest theme park in the state it is also the largest recreational resort in the entire world. The entire complex contains four theme parks, two water parks and numerous hotels, shopping opportunities and restaurants. It’s almost like an entire little city of its own and of course the children and even adults who visit it feel like they could stay forever.

The park opened in 1971 with the original theme park Magic Kingdom. It has since added three additional parks including the world famous Epcot Center, which was added in 1982, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, added in 1989 and the most recent addition of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which joined the park in 1998. Each of these individual parks has rides, exhibits and features unique to itself and offers and enchanting experience to its guests. A family of four can walk away from a trip to Sea World with absolute different favorites. Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are the two water parks that keep visitors cool and active in their exciting worlds. Typhoon Beach is the proud home of the largest wave pool in the world. Blizzard Beach has the distinction of having created the first ski resort in Florida.