All posts by Fiona Moriarty

Visitors have myriad options with hotels in Dallas and Fort Worth.

Top 7 Best Hotels in the Dallas – Ft. Worth Area

September 28, 2015 Fiona Moriarty Leave a comment

Dallas/Fort Worth is the nation’s fourth-largest metropolitan area and boasts an exciting mixture of cowboy and cosmopolitan lifestyles. Home to a wide array of cultural attractions and entertainment, it is also one of America’s most visited regions. You have plenty of choices with hotels in Dallas and Fort Worth. Consider one of these top hotels if you want something special for your trip to the city where big things happen.

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

Situated just two miles from the center of Dallas, the Rosewood Mansion is ideal whether you want to enjoy the marble bath or go out to experience a show at the Dallas Performing Arts Center. This five-star accommodation is near a host of eateries, shops and other attractions, including the Dallas Museum of Art, Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the American Airlines Center (go Mavericks and Stars!).

Omni Fort Worth Hotel

You are centrally located at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel. However, you may delay visiting nearby attractions like the Fort Worth Water Gardens and Saint Patrick Cathedral when your room has high-end furnishings and a 42-inch LCD television. On-site amenities, such as the poolside bar, full-service spa and five restaurants, also make it hard to leave. You have endless entertainment within a short distance, from drinks at the T&P Tavern to events at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

Omni Dallas Hotel

Located in the Dallas Arts District, the Omni Dallas Hotel lets you walk to sights like Pioneer Plaza, the JFK Memorial, and Old Red Museum of Dallas County History and Culture. Take a tour of the arts, as long as you’re not too busy enjoying pillow top mattresses, city vistas, terrace pools and other amenities.

The Joule Hotel in Dallas

This four-star hotel has enough to make you yell “Yeehaw!” From the custom Italian woodwork to the rain forest showers, everything is designed for comfort and unique experiences. Merbau floors, majestic artwork and boutique shops give The Joule Hotel unmatched originality. Proximity to attractions like the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, the Dallas World Aquarium, and tons of popular local dining makes it one of the more practical hotels in Dallas.

Fort Worth Stockyards Hotel

When considering hotels in Dallas and Fort Worth, few boast Texan authenticity like the Fort Worth Stockyards Hotel. Situated in the Stockyards National Historic District, this hotel showcases a distinct Western vibe and architecture. The West-style suites will bring you back in time, and attractions like Billy Bob’s Texas and the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame will offer you plenty of fun. It should be noted that Bonnie and Clyde once stayed here, too.

Hotel ZaZa

With artfully decorated rooms and on-site amenities like a Roman-style spa tub, massages and fine dining, Hotel ZaZa lives up to its unforgettable name. This boutique hotel is also near sights such as Meyerson Symphony Center and the Crow Collection of Asian Art, among many others.

The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel

Walk to the Sundance Square entertainment district, or simply enjoy city views from your room’s terrace at The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel. The on-site tennis court, bar and indoor pool gives you plenty to do after a day exploring Fort Worth.

Regardless of whether you’re searching for accommodation that is top-notch luxury or something uniquely Texan, you can find it in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Many of the best hotels in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex are within a short distance of city attractions.

Fiona Moriarty

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Destination Details, Fun Stories, Random

This Is What Would Happen If Pitbull Ran Miami (You’d Want To Go)

September 25, 2015 Fiona Moriarty Leave a comment

His nickname refers to its area code. He’s held the key to the city for years. But what would happen if Armando Christian Perez, better known as Pitbull, were put in charge of his native Miami?

Fans of the spicy singer/rapper may get a taste of Pitbull’s favorites soon, as “Mr. Worldwide” was recently named an ambassador for Visit Florida, the state’s tourism group. But while we wait, here’s what would happen if “Mr. 305” is put in charge of making sure the party never stops in his hometown.

“Globalization”

With warm weather and famous sightseeing and people watching at its beaches and hotel poolside lounges, Miami might actually be too beautiful to be a rabid sports town. No longer. With the help of “International Love” and with support for sometime-collaborator Shakira, Mr. Worldwide scores the coveted World Cup for his city, one of the first under FIFA’s new leadership and one that cements Miami’s location as a melting pot of cultures.

The event helps drive interest in the city’s still-young MLS team, owned by icon David Beckham, and for the city’s up-and-coming baseball and football franchises. As part of World Cup: Miami, Pitbull hosts a two-week non-stop party across the city anchored around the Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s half-dozen pools.

The arts shake it

A longtime fan of dancers who can move their bodies like magic, Pitbull takes on the arts in new mediums after showing a special interest in classic movies like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which he references in “Shake Senora.” The Miami Symphony Orchestra experiments with using the prompt “Dale” as a companion to a conductor’s baton.

At theaters like the GableStage at the iconic Biltmore Hotel and the rotating fare of the City Theatre, tourists get the chance to see Shakespeare told through Latin hip-hop as Pitbull takes visitors “Back in Time.”

Climate hero

Pitbull gets climate change—he even named a 2012 album “Global Warming” to acknowledge the shifts in temperatures and sea levels around the globe. So with some reports warning that Miami could face major flooding crises in the not so distant future, Pitbull would be the first local leader to really take an active role on the climate.

“Shut it down.” The classic Pitbull single becomes the cornerstone of a new energy-efficient approach for Miami, with the city’s fleet of designer Tesla autonomous cars transforming downtown taxi rides into a unique entertainment circuit with installations from the Art Basel show each December and room service—another subject dear to the city’s guardian—from a consortium of leading hotels such as the Setai and the Mondrian. The Calle Ocho-Miami Carnival includes a celebration of the engineering project Pitbull successfully funds to protect Little Havana from rising sea levels.

And ever sensitive to the heat, Pitbull introduces a water-absorption system called “Sticky Icky” to handle flooding, developed originally for his own perspiration during concerts.

Eventually, Miami challenges New York City as host of the nation’s leading New Year’s Eve party. Mr. Worldwide performs with guest stars from around the world, who fly in for the megawatt broadcast live from the 305.

Fiona Moriarty

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Day Trips, Destination Details, Things to Do

The Four Best Day Trips For Fall Visitors To Seattle

September 24, 2015 Fiona Moriarty Leave a comment

For visitors to the Pacific Northwest this fall, there is no shortage of activities in Seattle, the region’s largest and fastest-growing city. Baseball fans can check out a Mariners game, foodies can stroll around Pike Place Market for hours, and brave souls unafraid of heights can take in the unparalleled view from the Space Needle. But travelers who find themselves with free time, and with access to a car, may want to consider the following four day trips, which highlight the lush beauty unique to the Emerald City and the surrounding area, particularly in the Autumn season.

The San Juan Islands:

About a three-and-a-half-hour drive north, the San Juan Islands are a must-see destination for out-of-towners. The San Juan Islands are composed of 172 individual islands, but four (San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island) are served by ferries and feature activities for visitors. For wine aficionados, visiting San Juan Vineyards, located on the main San Juan Island, is well worth the drive – their well-regarded wines have won many awards. Those with fond memories of the film Free Willy should also be sure to go whale watching while exploring the islands, with the best time for viewing occurring from late May to October. All four islands have hotels and inns for those wishing to stay overnight, with the Earthbox Inn and Spa offering the perfect ambiance to relax.

North Cascades National Park:

Northwest of Seattle is the North Cascades National Park, which is about a four hour drive from the city. Many come here to camp, and the jagged peaks, engulfed by hundreds of glaciers nestled among cascading waters, ensure an unforgettable experience. No other U.S. park outside of Alaska contains as many glaciers, in addition to diverse wildlife: bald eagles, moose, bears, grey wolves, and more than 200 species of birds. If you’d prefer a day trip in the park as opposed to camping, try staying at the budget-friendly Red Roof Inn near the Seattle-Tacoma Airport (Sea-Tac).

Olympic Peninsula:

Three hours west of Seattle is the Olympic Peninsula, home to temperate rainforests and the Olympic Mountains. There is no shortage of activities with fishing, sailing, boating, and hiking being among the most popular. The Peninsula is also famous for its lush scenery featured in Hollywood blockbusters like the Twilight series. Those wishing to stay in and around the peninsula have a plethora of options, while nearby Olympia offers budget-friendly hotels like Red Lion Hotel or the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites.

Mt. Rainier National Park:

For aspiring mountain climbers, the three hour drive south to Mt. Rainier National Park is a must. Mt. Rainier is an iconic part of Washington state’s landscape, standing at 14,000 feet above sea level. An active volcano, Mt. Rainier has the largest glaciers in the U.S. outside of Alaska. Most climbers require two to three days to reach the summit, with experience in glacier travel and self-rescue required. About half of the 8,000-13,000 climb attempts per year are successful, so only the brave at heart should undertake the climb. Less experienced mountain climbers shouldn’t feel left out though, as the entire park is open for hiking, backcountry skiing, camping. Photographers should definitely pay a visit – you won’t see anything else like it in the U.S. Try staying in nearby Tacoma, at either the Hotel Murano or the Silver Cloud Inn, for affordable, modern luxury.

Fiona Moriarty

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Destination Details, Things to Do

Inside Banksy’s Dismaland

September 22, 2015 Fiona Moriarty Leave a comment

Dismaland, the warped “bemusement park” in the U.K. created by world-renowned street artist Banksy, will soon come to an end on September 27. Pre-sale tickets sell out almost as quickly as they they’re released and non-ticketed fans have reported waiting for hours to enter, with many not getting in. But don’t fret. Hipmunk has the insider tips to increase the likelihood of feasting on today’s established and up and coming artists handpicked by the mystery man himself.

What is it and why bother?

Dismaland is “modeled on those failed Christmas parks that pop up every December,” according to Banksy. On the surface it feels like a dreary parody of Disneyland mixed with freak show panache including grimy Disney characters. It’s an interactive experience that mocks the generic experience of theme parks, complete with shoddy rides, mediocre games, sub-par prizes and miserable staff. Although Dismaland includes street art, it’s not a Banksy’s show. The spectacle boasts 61 artists from 17 countries, including controversial artist Damien Hirst.

Where is it and how to get there?

Dismaland is set on the dilapidated, now defunct, water park in the U.K.’s seaside town of Weston-Super-Mare, in the county of Somerset in South West England. It’s about a three-hour bus ride from London, depending on traffic. The most affordable way to get there from London is on local bus company Berry’s Coaches, although times are limited. A round trip ticket is about £25 from London’s Hammersmith station to a drop off point in Weston-Super-Mare, only an 11-minute walk from Dismaland. National Express Coaches from London’s Victoria Station offer more frequent services for about £50 depending on when and how far in advance tickets are booked. A National Rail train is the most expensive option, with tickets as high as £100 or more, but is also the most flexible with times and dates.

How much is it and how to get tickets?

Entrance to Dismaland is only £3 at the door or £5 for online pre-sale tickets, service fee included. There are four time slots to choose from: 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m. on most nights. Make sure to check the online calendar. Tickets are only released through the official Dismaland website about a week in advance, so beware of scalpers.

I didn’t get an online ticket. Now what?

Don’t be discouraged as most people will have to wait in line, but be in it for the long-haul. Minimum wait time is probably about four hours, but with the hype building and the show ending soon, most likely way more. The park stops selling tickets at the door at 1 p.m. and then starts selling tickets again at 3 p.m. Stay in line when ticket sales stop at 1 p.m. as many people get discouraged and leave, which means the line moves forward. Plan to go during the week instead of a weekend when lines are expected to be shorter—although “shorter” is relative.

Take your shoes off, spend the night.

It’s probably best to have an overnight excursion and go to Weston-Super-Mare the day before you’re planning on going to Dismaland to be one of the first to join the line, or queue as the Brits say. Weston-Super-Mare is a lovely seaside town with former terraced houses turned quaint bedsits near the shore. Stay at the Beverly Guest House or the Oakover Guest House, both only minutes from the train station and Dismaland. Visit the town’s Helicopter Museum, stroll along the Grand Pier or explore the SeaQuarium. The Paddle Steamer Waverly and the MV Balmoral offer day trips Knightstone Island north of the town. Somerset is also well-known for cider. Visit the Thatchers Cider farm a few towns away in Sanford.

Other things to consider

The wait will be long so take some snacks and drinks or pack a lunch. There is a fish and chip shop about a 15 minute walk away from Dismaland. There are portable toilets available on site stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Once inside the park, there are food stands featuring pizza and falafel wraps, coffee and beer. Make friends with the people in line. Not only will it make the wait go faster, but they can hold places in line. Note that once inside, much like other theme parks there will be more queues to see and ride the other attractions. But once inside, visitors are allowed to stay until the park closes at 6 p.m. or longer for ticket holders with evening ticket slots. Also, don’t be insulted by the rude park workers in Mickey Mouse ears and pink vests. It’s all part of the Dismal experience.

All photos courtesy of JoAnn DeLuna

Fiona Moriarty

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Point A to Point B, Random, Travel Plans, Travel Thoughts

How To Beat Boredom And Anxiety During Solo Traveling

September 22, 2015 Fiona Moriarty Leave a comment

Traveling solo can elicit a mixed bag of emotions: Excitement, happiness, fear, boredom, stress… the whole gamut. Still, traveling alone is well worth it. Don’t let the fear of boredom or anxiety prevent you from reaping these benefits. Instead, follow our tips for coping with stress and getting the most out of your solo adventure.

Nix Anxiety

Create an itinerary. Detailed trip planning can create a sense of security. If nothing else, consider booking accommodations in advance—it’s a huge stress reliever to know there will be a roof over your head come nightfall. Also read up on how to pass through customs and the rules for duty-free shopping. Knowing the regulations for your destination(s) will help you arrive prepared.
Make new friends. Nothing beats loneliness like not being alone. It’s easy to meet new people on organized tours, in internet cafes, or through volunteer activities. Get a head start by connecting with fellow travelers on travel forums prior to the trip.
Designate an emergency contact. Keep their contact info handy at all times. Also be sure to let someone know your general whereabouts each day. The knowledge that someone is looking out for you can do a lot to ease anxiety.
Reach out to loved ones. Skype, write an email or postcard, or make a quick international call to a friend or family member. Hearing a familiar voice can be grounding and will help settle any nerves that arise during travel.
Bring a memento. Create a tangible connection to home by bringing along something comforting, whether that’s a playlist of favorite songs, photos of friends and family, a favorite item of clothing, or a lucky pebble.
Practice self-care. Travel can disrupt normal routines (and that’s often a good thing). But don’t let self-care slip through the cracks. Get enough sleep, eat well and exercise, and seek out comfort if anxiety flares up. Taking good care of yourself will make it that much easier to cope with any stressors that arise during travel.

Beat Boredom

Make a list. Research the destination in advance to learn what kinds of exciting opportunities are available to tourists, from amazing hotel breakfasts to city-wide scavenger hunts. Outline everything you want to see and accomplish during a trip, and focus on crossing off each of the items on the list. Staying busy is a sure-fire way to fend off boredom.
Ask questions. Take an interest in other people’s stories, whether you’re talking to an airplane seatmate, fellow travelers in a café, or locals at market. Conversation is a great way to gain exposure to new people and ideas, learn about a destination, and pass the time.
Invest in gadgets. It’s okay to take the easy way out sometimes. A book, a deck of cards, a Gameboy, or an iPad queued up with a favorite TV show are all simple ways to kick boredom to the curb. And of course, take advantage of in-flight entertainment whenever it’s available.
Plan for evenings. Nighttime can be hard on solo travelers because many sites are closed, other travelers have gone to bed, and there are fewer distractions. Expect that evenings may bring on boredom and plan accordingly. Consider going to theater or film events, get absorbed in a book, or take care of housekeeping like doing laundry or repacking a messy suitcase.
Assign a project. This great idea comes from The One Percent Club: Assign yourself a project for the trip, whether it’s keeping a travel journal, taking five high-quality photographs every day, reading a certain number of books, blogging, etc. Having a sense of purpose will keep you focused and keep boredom at bay.

The Silver Lining

Believe it or not, anxiety and boredom come with some real benefits. While traveling alone might be a bit stressful, focus on the fact that it allows an almost unheard-of amount of freedom. It affords the opportunity to rediscover what makes you tick—you get to decide what to do, where to go, and when to do any and everything. Similarly, research shows that a little boredom is actually a good thing: It can boost creativity, encourage daydreaming, and foster the growth of new goals.

Instead of viewing anxiety and boredom as negative states to be avoided at all costs, look for the positives. Keeping an open mind and practicing the strategies outlined above will ensure that any solo traveler can cope with boredom and anxiety in constructive ways. And just think of the stories you’ll be able to tell upon your return!

Fiona Moriarty

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Travel Plans, Uncategorized

7 Ways to Save on Your Edinburgh Vacation

September 22, 2015 Fiona Moriarty Leave a comment

Full of history and many famous attractions, Edinburgh is a must-see city on any visit to Scotland. It is renowned for its famous landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Mile. Visitors to Edinburgh can stand on the remains of an ancient volcano, see where Mary Queen of Scots resided, and view the new Scottish Parliament- all within a short distance. However, the strength of the British pound sometimes makes it difficult to visit the UK without leaving an arm and a leg behind. Here’s how to enjoy “Auld Reekie” on a budget.

Visit the Museums

Most of Edinburgh’s museums are free to visit. Consider booking the Scotsman hotel in Edinburgh for easy access to nearby museums, and spend the entire day exploring exhibits and old buildings. Try the Writers Museum on the Royal Mile or the Museum of Scotland for details of local history.

Take a Hike

Escape from your base at the Haymarket Hotel in Edinburgh at dawn and head for Arthur’s Seat, the prominent crag overlooking the city that was once a volcano. From there, you’ll have an amazing view of Edinburgh from a fantastic vantage point.

Spot Statues

Famous monuments and statues are all over the city of Edinburgh; walk around town and you’ll find memorials to Adam Smith, David Hume and Sherlock Holmes, for example. Don’t forget to visit Greyfriars Bobby, the delightful dog statue commemorating the local Skye Terrier who lived beside his deceased master’s grave.

Pack a Picnic

One of the cheapest ways to eat out is to grab some picnic ingredients from a local deli and head for one of the viewpoints or gardens in the city. Try Princes Street Gardens or Calton Hill with its lovely views. For a quieter spot to eat, check out the secret garden behind Dunbar Close on the Royal Mile.

Use Public Transportation

Edinburgh is an easy city to walk around, but if you need a ride, make use of the cheap and efficient public transportation system. Bus service from the airport to the center of town is quick, and cheaper than a taxi. Trams have recently been reintroduced to Edinburgh, and are another fun and cheap way of exploring the city.

Tour the Parliament

Scotland has its own parliament building at Holyrood, and the question of independence from the rest of the United Kingdom has been an issue for several years. You can take free one hour tours of the Scottish parliament building, though they must be pre-booked.

Have a Swim and a Soak

Edinburgh has its own beach at Portobello, and although it may not have the warm waters of the Mediterranean, it is nonetheless popular in summer with swimmers. Nearby are some traditional Turkish baths, which are the perfect antidote to an energizing day sightseeing in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh has many attractions which are within walking distance of many of the good hotels. Take a look at the diverse attractions in Scotland’s capital city!

Fiona Moriarty

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Travel Thoughts, Uncategorized

Europe for Film Buffs

September 21, 2015 Fiona Moriarty Leave a comment

If you’re a film buff and you love to travel, Europe has it all. Not only do the cities on this list have great restaurants, museums and hotels, they also boast a plethora of filming locations from famous movies. From London all the way to Vienna, make sure you check out these sets on your European adventure.

London – “An American Werewolf in London”

The title gives this one away; of course the 1981’s classic “An American Werewolf in London” was filmed in London, England. Head to Trafalgar Square, minutes from the Club Quarters hotel, to see where Alex requests his arrest, or catch a train to Surrey and get a pint at The Black Swan, which was used as the creepy Slaughtered Lamb Pub.

Paris – “Amélie”

No film buff’s European adventure is complete without checking out the set locations of the beloved, quirky romance “Amélie.” Book a Paris hotel and take a trip up to the neighborhood of Montmartre. There you can find the grocer’s stand (Au Marche de la Butte, on rue des Trois Freres) and grab a cup of coffee at Amelie’s workplace, Café les Deux Moulins (at 15 rue Lepic). And — spoiler alert — don’t miss the site of her mother’s suicide, the ever popular Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris.

Amsterdam – “The Fault in Our Stars”

Lovers of “The Fault in Our Stars” enjoyed a somewhat sappy but ultimately endearing young adult romance, partially set in the Netherlands. While some of the movie was filmed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the most exciting action takes place in lovely Amsterdam. Be sure to check out the Anne Frank House — the site of an epic first kiss — then take a rest on the bench lining the Herengracht and Leidsegracht canals, where August told Hazel some heavy news.

Berlin – “Run Lola Run”

This classic German thriller is an easy favorite for every foreign film buff. Tom Tykwer’s “Run Lola Run” may be fast-paced, but take your time in Berlin to find a few filming locations. Start at Lola’s apartment, 13-14 Albrechtstrasse at Schiffbauerdamm — near the Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte. Travel through the lovely and iconic Oberbaumbrücke tunnel and end at the “bank,” at 39 Behrenstrasse.

Vienna – “Before Sunrise”

“Before Sunrise” is a simple love story, taking place over the course of one night in Vienna, filled with deep, philosophical conversations and midnight sightseeing. Since this short-lived romance between Jesse and Celine was filmed entirely in Vienna, there are a number of locations to experience. From the Cemetery of the Nameless at 1110 Wien to a magical — and later contested — night in the grass outside the Palais Schwarzenberg, you could spend an entire night exploring the world of “Before Sunrise.”

Whether you are hopping between hotels in Amsterdam or taking the train from Berlin, Europe is a goldmine for travelers who want their fix of cinematic history. Be sure to check out these and other filming locations while on your vacation, and you won’t be disappointed.

Fiona Moriarty

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Destination Details, Point A to Point B, Regional Oddities

Alaska Ferries Eliminate Famous And Beloved Bars

September 21, 2015 Fiona Moriarty Leave a comment

Spending four days on a choppy boat with no Internet sounds daunting, especially when it’s spent on a deck chair and not in a cabin. But Alaska’s ferries offer an odd but charming mix of local culture, scenic views, and until recently, cheap drinks.

The Alaska Department of Transportation recently announced that they will be eliminating the famous and beloved bars on the ferries operated by the Alaska Marine Highway system. According to the Department, the bars have been losing $100,000 annually, and the estimated $750,000 that will be saved by closing them will contribute to alleviating a $3.5 million deficit. Gift shops on the ferries will also be eliminated, but it has been stressed that there will be no layoffs because of the cuts. Bartenders and gift shops workers will be assigned to other duties onboard the ships.

Many worry that the budget deficit will eventually lead to reduced service as well, despite the reassurances of the Department of Transportation. Alaskan residents who live in remote towns and islands such as those of the Inside Passage and the Aleutian chain rely on the ferries for transportation.

Out of town travelers may be affected as well — they usually pack the ferries in the summer months and provide much-needed tourism dollars to Alaskan businesses. The lack of bars may prove a disincentive for travelers to use the ferry system at all.

In the end, it’s not so much the booze as the bar culture that ferry riders will miss. Ferry routes can last as long as four days, and the bars allowed people from all occupations and walks of life to mix and converse in a relaxed atmosphere on extended trips. The bars were also famous in their own right. The tiny Pitch and Roll Bar lives aboard the Tustumena, which serves a notoriously choppy route from Homer to Kodiak Island. The 1970s decor scheme, which includes red carpet on the walls, also features barf bags and convenient railings. Its charm and distinctive qualities led Esquire to name it one of the 10 best bars in the world in 2007.

Wine and beer will continue to be served during meal hours in single-serving sizes, but it won’t be quite the same. Tony Tengs, the Alaska Marine Highways’ senior bartender, sums up the ineffable quality of the onboard bars: “There are things that have value that just can’t be equated and which people will never forget. Like the folks who got married in the bar on the Taku and the many who have gathered there on their way to and from funerals.”

Although the bars will be closed, the six ferries that once possessed them (Kennicott, Matanuska, Columbia, Tustumena, Malaspina, Taku) will remain in service. On a positive note, the news of the bar closings can also serve as a reminder to travelers contemplating Alaskan trips to take advantage of what is perhaps the world’s most beautiful and unique transportation system.

Fiona Moriarty

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Destination Details, Things to Do, Travel Plans

Celebrate National Bourbon Heritage Month With This Three-Day Kentucky Bourbon Tour

September 19, 2015 Fiona Moriarty Leave a comment

In 2007, Congress declared September to be America’s National Bourbon Heritage Month—so it’s time to get sipping.

The most popular type of whiskey in the U.S., bourbon is made from a grain mixture (aka “mash”) that’s at least 51 percent corn. Federal law also mandates that bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels and bottled at 80 proof or stronger, and nothing other than distilled water can be added to the bottles.

There’s no better place to celebrate this American spirit than in its birthplace: Kentucky’s Bourbon Country. Fly into Lexington and prepare to drink up on this multi-day tour.

Day One: Buffalo Trace Distillery – Frankfort, KY

Where else to start exploring the history of bourbon than at America’s oldest continuously operating distillery? For over 200 years, Buffalo Trace has been distilling bourbons—the distillery even remained open during Prohibition in order to make bourbon for “medicinal purposes.” In the past decade alone, the family-owned bourbon producer has earned more awards than any other distillery in the world.

Take part in Buffalo Trace’s award-winning history by embarking on the Trace Tour, a free, hour-long tour that walks visitors through every stage of the bourbon-making process, from aging barrels to packaging (and, of course, tasting the finished product). You’ll also be able to taste the exclusive Pappy Van Winkle or George T. Stagg (both are bottled at Buffalo Trace)—but for a price.

Where to Stay

Nearby Lexington, KY is the state’s second-largest city and is considered the Horse Capital of the World. The city is also home to a wide range of budget-friendly hotels; check out the Hyatt Place Lexington for easy access to restaurants and downtown attractions, or the University Inn Hotel, which offers quiet lodgings and a continental breakfast.

Day 2: Woodford Reserve to Wild Turkey

After waking up in Lexington, prepare to visit two distilleries over the course of the day (don’t worry; they’re not far from each other).

Woodford Reserve Distillery – Versailles, KY

Start off at one of the country’s smallest and oldest distilleries. To this day, Woodford Reserve is crafted in small batches in order to enhance the flavor of each of the bourbon’s ingredients and developmental stages—grains, water, fermentation, distillation, and maturation. The distillery builds and chars its own barrels and boasts one of the longest fermentation processes in the country, all of which contributes to the bourbon’s complex flavor profile.

The daily tour ($10 per person) at Woodford Reserve explores the history of bourbon and details the distillery’s unique approach to the bourbon-making process. Or take an even more in-depth approach on the Cork to Corn Tour ($30 per person), a two-hour session that covers the mechanical, chemical, and technical processes that contribute to making great bourbon.

Wild Turkey – Lawrenceburg, KY

Located just 16 miles down the road from Woodford Reserve is the distillery for Wild Turkey, one of the country’s most popular bourbons. The original distillery was founded in 1869 and then modernized in 1933 once Prohibition had ended. It sits atop a limestone shelf on the Kentucky River, which provides water for the distillery. In order to keep up with high demand, in 2010 the brand created a new, larger distillery nearby. Just how big is demand? The new warehouse can hold 20,000 barrels.

The free tour allows visitors to watch mash being made, peruse the original fermentation room, and witness the bourbon-making process from filling the barrels to bottling the aged bourbon.

Where to Stay

Head back to the hotel in Lexington for the evening and rest up—you’ll be traveling partway across the state the next day.

Day 3: Jim Beam to Bulleit

Wake up for the approximately 1.5-hour drive from Lexington to Clermont—perhaps better known as the home of Jim Beam. You’ll be visiting two distilleries again today, so be sure to pace yourself. On the way to Clermont, stop for lunch in Bardstown, the official Bourbon Capital of the World. Shop for souvenirs (and, of course, bourbon) at the Kentucky Bourbon Marketplace before driving on to Jim Beam.

Jim Beam – Clermont, KY

Another of America’s most popular bourbons, Jim Beam was founded in 1795 and has been family owned and operated for seven generations. The distillery is known for aging its bourbon twice as long as the standard aging process and has used the same strain of yeast for more than 75 years.

The Jim Beam American Stillhouse tour ($10 for adults 21 and over, free for anyone under 21) allows visitors to actively participate in the bourbon production process, from mixing grains to bottling your very own product from Jim Beam.

Bulleit – Louisville, KY

Twenty-nine miles away from Jim Beam sits the Bulleit Distilling Company. Despite being the baby of the bunch (the distillery was founded in 1987), Bulleit Bourbon has already made quite a name for itself. The company’s founder, Thomas E. Bulleit, Jr., quit his job as a successful lawyer and pursued his lifelong dream of reviving his great-great-grandfather’s bourbon recipe, which was produced between 1830 and 1860. The distillery maintains the family tradition by creating a spicy-yet-smooth flavor that’s earned accolades across the country.

The Stitzel-Weller Distillery tour ($10 for adults 21 and over, free for anyone under 21) takes place in a beautiful old building that first opened on Derby Day in 1935 and was reopened to the public in 2014. Learn about Bulleit’s distinctive family recipe while strolling through the distillery, then finish things off with (you guessed it) a tasting.

Where to Stay

Head to Louisville, which is just a few miles away from Bulleit’s distillery. The city is packed with fun things to do; not least among those activities is the Urban Bourbon Trail, a bar-hopping adventure among the self-dubbed “world’s best bourbon bars,” each of which serves at least 50 different bourbon varieties.

Turn in for the night at the luxurious and stylish 21c Museum Hotel, which also includes an on-site modern art museum. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option after sipping on bourbon all evening, check out the Econo Lodge Downtown.

Three days, five distilleries, and a whole lotta bourbon—after touring some of America’s best bourbon distilleries, you may just want to go ahead and declare October (and November, and December…) your own personal bourbon appreciation month.

In 2007, Congress declared September to be America’s National Bourbon Heritage Month—so it’s time to get sipping.

There’s no better place to celebrate this American spirit than in its birthplace: Kentucky’s Bourbon Country. Fly into Lexington and prepare to drink up on this multi-day tour.

Day One: Buffalo Trace Distillery – Frankfort, KY

Where to Stay

Day 2: Woodford Reserve to Wild Turkey

After waking up in Lexington, prepare to visit two distilleries over the course of the day (don’t worry; they’re not far from each other).

Woodford Reserve Distillery – Versailles, KY

Wild Turkey – Lawrenceburg, KY

The free tour allows visitors to watch mash being made, peruse the original fermentation room, and witness the bourbon-making process from filling the barrels to bottling the aged bourbon.

Where to Stay

Head back to the hotel in Lexington for the evening and rest up—you’ll be traveling partway across the state the next day.

Day 3: Jim Beam to Bulleit

Jim Beam – Clermont, KY

Bulleit – Louisville, KY

Where to Stay

Turn in for the night at the luxurious and stylish21c Museum Hotel, which also includes an on-site modern art museum. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option after sipping on bourbon all evening, check out the Econo Lodge Downtown.

Fiona Moriarty

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Destination Details, Point A to Point B, Random

Here’s Where Luggage Goes After You Check It

September 17, 2015 Fiona Moriarty Leave a comment

As you queue up in security with a carry-on and contemplate the trip ahead, your checked luggage is embarking on a journey of its own.

Thanks to Amsterdam’s Airport Schiphol, you can now witness this voyage from the comfort of your own home. The airport recently released behind-the-scenes footage that reveals exactly what happens to bags after you hand them over at check-in and hope for the best. Check out the 360-degree video here.

While practices vary by country and airport, here’s a breakdown of the process as it’s commonly implemented in the U.S.:

After you leave a bag at check-in, it’s scanned by a laser barcode reader that transmits the bag’s tag number to a computer, which also keeps track of the bag’s destination. The bag is then sent off along a labyrinthine system of conveyor belts.
Once it reaches the main luggage facility, the bag is screened by security. If security administrators have any concerns about a bag, they’ll open it to scope things out (If a bag is opened, the TSA will leave a note inside stating as much).
If the bag makes it through security, the computer communicates with the baggage conveyor system to direct the bag to the right airline.
Once the bag has reached its stop, a baggage handler removes it from the conveyor belt and loads it onto a cart along with the luggage of your fellow travelers. Baggage handlers then drive the cart to the plane and load the luggage onto the aircraft.

When a Bag Goes Missing

While missing luggage is at the top of the list of travel nightmares, the good news is that statistically, it’s very rare: There’s only a 1 percent chance your bag won’t arrive at a destination along with you.

What unfortunate circumstances must align for the worst to happen? The explanation could lie with any of a number of factors:

Needing to be unloaded and transferred to a connecting flight in one hour or less.
High volume of luggage, which ups the chances of things going wrong.
Slipping off the conveyor belt or into the wrong chute (This is more likely to happen when bags are placed on the conveyor wheels-down).
Human error. If the check-in clerk inaccurately labels the destination code, your bag doesn’t stand a chance. Likewise, the bag may get loaded onto the wrong wagon (and therefore the wrong plane).
Having multiple connections. The more often a bag needs to be unloaded, redirected, and loaded onto a new plane, the higher the chances of things going awry.

How to Decrease the Odds of a Bag Getting Lost

While you may not be able to control everything that happens to a bag after check-in, take these steps to up the chances of luggage finding its way back to you:

Clearly label the bag with your name, address, and destination—both inside and out. Also apply some kind of visual identifier to the outside of the bag so it’s easy to describe to agents if it goes missing. Even better? Take a picture of the bag, including its ID tag and barcode, before it rolls off down the conveyor.
Get to the airport on time. Proper trip planning can help ensure there’s enough time between connections for bags to make it onto the plane along with you.
Know the rules regarding prohibited items, TSA-approved locks, and the like—and then follow them.
Tie up (or tuck in) all straps. Bag straps can get stuck in conveyors, creating delays in the sorting process (Depending on the length of said delays, this could mean that a bag won’t make it onto its flight).
Keep the essentials on hand at all times. Don’t check anything you can’t live without. Stash prescriptions, valuables, electronics, money, and an extra change of clothes in your carry-on, just in case. Be sure to follow all regulations so you don’t spend a ton of time in security.

If nothing else, perhaps learning about the wild adventures of checked luggage will make us all a little more grateful for the human way of flying. While babies may cry and people may recline their seats into your lap, it still beats sitting in the cargo hold.

Fiona Moriarty

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Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Omni Dallas Hotel

The Joule Hotel in Dallas

Fort Worth Stockyards Hotel

Hotel ZaZa

The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel

Visit the Museums

Take a Hike

Spot Statues

Pack a Picnic

Use Public Transportation

Tour the Parliament

Have a Swim and a Soak

London – “An American Werewolf in London”

Paris – “Amélie”

Amsterdam – “The Fault in Our Stars”

Berlin – “Run Lola Run”

Vienna – “Before Sunrise”

Exploring the Wild Blue Yonder