Tag Archives: travel

Destination Details, Things to Do, Travel Thoughts

A Stone’s Throw From Stonehenge Lies a Massive New Mystery

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Located in Wittshire, England, Stonehenge is one of the world’s most iconic man-made landmarks. Tourists flock to the raised stones to ponder their origins and meaning. Are these the marks of an alien burial site? Were ancient sacrificial rituals conducted here? How were these stones raised before the advent of modern technology? Stonehenge baffles tourists (and historians) to this day as it sits isolated in the middle of the English countryside.

Recently, a group of archaeologists from the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project uncovered the extensive remains of a 90-stone structure less than two miles from Stonehenge. Using remote sensing technologies, the archaeologists were able to detect the presence of the massive stone monument, which is currently buried under a bank of grass. Though the archaeologists aren’t entirely sure when the monument was built, they are able to place its construction as contemporary to Stonehenge itself, some time between 2,000 and 3,000 BC.

This new discovery means Stonehenge is not isolated and may in fact be relatively small in comparison to its newfound neighbor. Scientists and archaeologists alike are scrambling to figure out the significance of the new monument and where it figures into the history of the area.

Luckily for them, the new monument is surprisingly well-preserved, and excavation of the stones could lead to specimens more easily researchable than Stonehenge. If full excavation occurs, the monument would form a half moon that dwarfs its sister site. Preemptive hypotheses suggest the new stones might’ve been used for ancient calendar purposes, as a sacred space for religious acts, or as the wall of an arena.

In a statement released to the press by the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project, Paul Garwood, Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Birmingham, reflected on the project’s game-changing discovery, “The extraordinary scale, detail and novelty of the evidence produced by the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project is changing fundamentally our understanding of Stonehenge and the world around it. Everything written previously about the Stonehenge landscape and the ancient monuments within it will need to be re-written.”

Regardless of what scientists uncover, this story will be an important one to watch unfold. And in the near future, the discovery might also be a can’t-miss addition to the English travel itinerary.

Fiona Moriarty

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Destination Details, Things to Do, Western Europe

The Most Majestic Architecture In Europe

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Traveling through Europe is a great way to experience not only some of the world’s best food, art, and culture, but also some of its best architecture. Architecture in Europe seamlessly blends the ancient with the modern to create a landscape that honors history, while also being innovative and forward-thinking. Though nearly every European city offers up an array of beautiful museums and storied cathedrals, there are a few with magnificent architecture that set them above the rest.

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Valencia, Spain

Popular for its sunny beaches along Spain’s Orange Blossom Coast, Valencia is also well known for its breathtaking architecture. The buildings in the historic Barrio del Carmen are from ancient Roman times, while the soaring Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados is a Gothic behemoth that towers over the neighborhood’s winding cobble-stoned streets. Famed architect Santiago Calatrava designed the modern architectural jewel of Valencia: the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. A performing arts venue located at the at the end of the river Turia, the crystalline dome appears lifted straight from the riverbed, and makes for quite the spectacle as it sits glowing on the water at night.  

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Bilbao, Spain

North of Valencia in the Spanish Basque Country lies Bilbao, a small city that’s garnered a large reputation for its impressive architectural wonders. Chief amongst these wonders is the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, one of the most admired creations of contemporary architecture. Designed by Frank Gehry, the museum was built in 1997 along the Nervion River and has since drawn massive crowds of people to gaze upon its warped metallic frame. Many experts have deemed it one of the most important architectural works of the twentieth century, as aside from its impressive construction, the museum is also well-known for its extensive contemporary art collection.

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Sintra, Portugal

Sintra is best known for its many 19th century Roman architectural monuments, which have garnered this colorful town the honor of being named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Just a quick day trip from Lisbon, tourists flock to this small wonder of a city to check out the prehistoric monuments like the Castle of the Moors and the National Palace of Pena. Several royal residences can also be found in the city, many of them dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries.

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Strasbourg, France

Another of Europe’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites is Strasbourg’s historic city centre, Grande Île. Grande Île was the first entire city centre to be placed on the World Heritage list, and for good reason, as many of its streets appear pulled straight out of the Middle Ages. The medieval landscape of ancient Strasbourg is captivating in and of itself, but its crown jewel is the Cathedral of Our Lady. Construction of the cathedral began in 1015 and wasn’t completed until the late 1400s, making it the tallest man-made structure in the world at the time.

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Cambridge, England

Around the same time as many of the buildings in Strasbourg were being built, The University of Cambridge was holding its first classes. Founded in 1209, Cambridge is one of the oldest and longest-surviving universities in the world, and today its name is synonymous with academia, prestige, and history. Its sweeping campus combines richly green lawns with stately, iconic halls, like King’s College Chapel and the Cripps Building at St. John’s College. The most notable feature of Cambridge’s architecture is the patterned brickwork found on many of its buildings, which experts believe to be some of the earliest examples of this style in the world.

Fiona Moriarty

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Random, Travel Necessities

6 Selfie Stick Variations Every Traveler Needs Right Now

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Selfie sticks: Love ‘em or hate ‘em (and boy do some people hate them), they’re becoming a legitimate trend for world travelers and homebodies alike. At no point has this been more apparent than with the recent creation of the selfie spoon, which allows anyone aspiring to Instagram fame to simultaneously showcase their meal and their own face as they consume it.

In the spirit of adding selfie capabilities to previously un-selfie-fied objects, we’ve come up with several proposals for selfie sticks that every world traveler shouldn’t have to live without.

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1. The Suitcase Selfie Stick

It’s a selfie stick, it’s a suitcase, it’s the selfie suitcase! This suitcase comes fully equipped with a selfie stick jutting out of its handle. Travelers will be thrilled to document that elusive, dramatic moment when they grasp the suitcase with their travel-ready hands before striding off into the unknown. The premium version includes a home manicure kit to keep users’ hands adequately photogenic come selfie time.

2. The Graffiti Selfie Stick

Given that some disrespectful tourists have decided it’s totally reasonable to carve their name into the Colosseum or tag graffiti in America’s national parks, it’s about time they had the option to record themselves in the act. The Graffiti Selfie Stick boasts a can of spray paint on the end so users can smile for the camera as they scrawl their names across every historical artifact or natural wonder they encounter on their travels. To facilitate running away from law enforcement, the stick easily collapses into the palm of a hand.

3. The Hotel Bed Selfie Stick

Those sleepy Instagram shots from beds in far-off places just got a whole lot easier to execute. The Hotel Bed Selfie Stick consists of a selfie stick sturdily mounted to the headboard of a queen-sized bed that’s ingeniously and generically designed to match most hotel rooms’ décor. Of course, you’ll need to pay extra to check this product, but it’ll be worth it once you arrive at your hotel, hit the sheets, and awake underneath a camera so perfectly positioned that when you smile, the world will see just how happy you are to be on vacation.

4. The Theme Park Selfie Stick

Whether at a waterpark in Orlando, a themed ride at Disneyland, or a roller coaster in Texas, no trip to an amusement park is complete without adequate photographic documentation. That’s where the Theme Park Selfie Stick comes into play. The stick comes securely mounted to a shoulder harness that can be worn at all times, so you can document your screaming face on a roller coaster just as easily as your satisfied smile after consuming a plateful of fries and cotton candy. Just be sure to follow all selfie stick length requirements on rides.

5. The Backpack Selfie Stick

Any solo traveler who’s set out to backpack around the world knows how tough it can be to document the journey without a helpful pal snapping photos. Despair no more, because the Backpack Selfie Stick is here to save the day. The stick comes fully integrated into the top of a backpack that’s just barely small enough to qualify as a carry-on. It’ll document your struggles as you attempt to hoist the overloaded pack into the overhead bin, maneuver it into crowded subway cars, and drag it up the three long flights to your shared room at a hostel (perhaps while quietly cursing your inability to pack light). Ahh, memories!

6. The Skyline Selfie Stick

The selfie-in-front-of-a-pretty-skyline is quite possibly the most essential photo in any traveler’s memory box. While obtaining these images is already facilitated by the original selfie stick, the problem is that standard options only showcase a small sliver of what is clearly a skyline worthy of more expansive ogling. Enter the Skyline Selfie Stick. Thirty feet wide and ten feet tall, the stick allows ambitious travelers to capture an image at least 40,000% larger than one taken from a standard selfie stick. Thirty-foot-wide phone sold separately.

It’s hard to imagine the travel industry has survived this long without these critical innovations. Here’s hoping someone develops a prototype for these models, stat. And if we left any essential selfie stick innovations out? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

 

Fiona Moriarty

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Turin (Torino), river Po and Monviso at sunset
Travel Thoughts, Uncategorized

The Black Magic Triangle of San Francisco, London, and Turin

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Did you know that San Francisco, London and Turin comprise an ancient route of black magic? This legend dates back to Roman times, but today it lives on in these cities’ contemporary cultural life. As relevant, exotic and exciting today as they were centuries ago, these three cities come together to form a must-see tour.

San Francisco

From its Gold Rush origins to its current seat as the tech-capital of the country, San Francisco has long been attractive to the adventurous. Throughout the years, San Francisco, home to the Beat Generation, housed famous writers like Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Beat aficionados will love the hip, vintage feel of City Lights Bookstore. After browsing for books, have an absinthe at the Beat hangout Vesuvio’s then hop on the train to the Mission, home of San Francisco’s first Latino Poet Laureate, Alejandro Murguía. In the afternoon, grab a snack at the enormous food co-op and onetime hippie hangout, Rainbow Grocery.

When you arrive at San Francisco International Airport, it’s easy to jump on the AirTrain to BART and be downtown and within walking distance of the best hotels in San Francisco in under an hour.

London

When you arrive in London, don’t be surprised if you are greeted by some royally dark British humor. From Gatwick airport, it’s an easy half-hour trip to Victoria Station, a major transportation hub for the entire city, where you can fill your Oyster card and hit the town. Check out the modern textiles at the Tate Modern on the South Bank then cross the London Bridge to stop at the Apex City of London Hotel before checking out the London Wall.

London was home to the designer, craftsman and socialist William Morris, who was well-known for his love of textiles. The William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow is free to enter and boasts gardens and a tea room in addition to its many galleries. Visitors with a sense for the macabre should also check out the Hunterian Museum, which is full of medical oddities like pickled fetuses and brains in jars. The British Library, which is walking distance from countless pubs, hotels, and other attractions, is also a must-see.

Turin

Although it is a stunning, historical city, Turin is generally not as well-known as London and San Francisco. Nonetheless, Turin, home to the 2006 Winter Olympics and located at the foot of the Italian Alps, is home to many artists, writers, and modern businesses, which lends it a modern and cosmopolitan feel. There are flights to Turin and trains also arrive right downtown at the Porta Nuova station.

Turin boasts a vibrant underground art cafe, the Cafe des Arts, as well as the Museo Egizio, which is the only museum outside of Cairo dedicated solely to Egyptian culture. Additionally, this city’s nightclubs along the River Po make it home to some of the best nightlife in the world, with plenty of art and music going on at all times. When you’re in the mood to eat and drink, take advantage of the city-wide happy hour that includes a wide selection of food and cocktails as well as world-class people watching. After a long night, head back to one of Truin’s beautiful hotels, such as the Grand Hotel Sitea, to prepare for another day visiting Il Circolo de Lettori, a brilliant and hospitable reading room where visitors can sip thick, creamy hot chocolate while pondering Nietzsche’s famous work titled The Turin Horse.

Turin’s magic can be attributed to its location on the 45th parallel. According to esoteric legend, the Black Magic Triangle between San Francisco, London and Turin is based upon ancient, energetic currents flowing between the cities. While we may never know if the Shroud of Turin actually exists or what the people who built the London Wall were thinking, this three-city voyage is meant for the thrill-seeker who appreciates the finer things in life.

Head to Hipmunk to book your trip to San Francisco, London and Turin today.

Fiona Moriarty

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Blogging Advice, Things to Do, Travel Thoughts

How to Keep a Great Travel Journal

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In an age when much of human communication takes place in 140 characters or less, somehow the travel journal still persists. There are many wonderful reasons to catalogue a trip, from recording facts to sharing the experience with others, chronicling advice or travel tips from locals, quashing boredom in the airport or during solo meals, processing the wide array of emotions that can crop up during travel, and feeling a little less alone.

Ultimately, the best reason for keeping a journal lies with the traveler who writes it. Just keep these few tips in mind and you’ll have a travel treasure for years to come. 

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Consider the audience

Will other people read the journal, or is it for your eyes only? If the journal will be shared, will it be read by close friends and family or on a public blog? The answers may influence the style, tone, and content you choose to adopt. If the journal will be public, readers may be less interested to know what time you brushed your teeth each night. If it’s private, consider the details you’ll most want to remember when revisiting the journal decades from now.

Choose a medium

There is no wrong or right way to record a journey. Pick the medium that works best for you, whether that’s a pen and some notebook paper, a fancy leather-bound or homemade journal, or the “notes” feature on a smartphone. What matters is that you’re excited to write things down.

Include the basics

So much happens during vacation that it can be tough to know what or how much to include. A good place to start is recording the trip itinerary and/or plotting the route on a map tucked into the journal. Also chronicle names and descriptions of people you encounter along the way (be sure to jot down their contact info if you want to stay in touch!).

Personal observations and tips also make great fodder for journals. If you develop a knack for traveling with pets or camping in bad weather, record those lessons so you can share them with fellow travelers. Then focus on highlighting your favorite parts of the trip, whether that’s sunrise in London or perusing art in Athens. And always remember to date each entry.

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Make it come alive

A journal doesn’t have to consist of a step-by-step, chronological recap of each day’s events. The pressure to record everything can get overwhelming (and boring) real fast. Instead, create a vivid diary of experiences by highlighting exceptional moments (say, standing in the center of the world or surfing in La Jolla), writing down funny dialogue, describing the experience from the perspective of all the senses (tastes, sounds, smells, textures), journaling about your emotions during the trip, and incorporating multimedia like drawings, receipts, theater or train tickets, postcards, brochures, interesting leaves, or the business cards of new acquaintances. These mementos will help bring memories alive when you revisit the journal down the road.

Keep up

Try to write things down on the day that they happen (or the next day at the very latest). Otherwise, it’s easy to forget things as you’re inundated with new experiences. Even if it’s not possible to write out a narrative entry every day, consider jotting down a few notes each night in order to keep track of events.

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Tag team it

Invite travel companions to take turns keeping the journal and recording their own thoughts, reflections, and mementos. This can both infuse the journal with fresh perspectives and take some pressure off if it’s feeling daunting to write every day.

Look for themes         

Near the end of a trip, consider pouring back through the journal and noting any themes that arose. Did you learn a big lesson or change in some way? Did the trip meet or defy your expectations? These reflections can spark concluding entries as well as personal insights.  

Above all, remember to keep it low pressure. The fastest way to kill journaling motivation is treating it like homework. Instead, write when you want to, write however much (or little) you want, and don’t worry about spelling, grammar, and the like. Do it your way, and it’ll be much easier (and more fun) to chronicle your adventures.  

 

Fiona Moriarty

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Hotels in Boston bring you close to history at Adams National Historical Park
Uncategorized

15 Little-known Places in New England Every Tourist Should Visit

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New England isn’t just Boston or Portland, Maine as some might think – but so many other places like Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and Vermont. This beautiful area boasts pine trees, rocky beaches and the cold Atlantic Ocean, and so many other great places to visit and here are the top 10 little-known places in New England that you won’t want to miss.

1. Green Street Grill; Cambridge, Massachusetts

Nestled in Central Square between Harvard and M.I.T. is the Green Street Grill restaurant featuring delectable dishes like baby artichokes and gnocchi, its famed Wellfleet clam stew and traditional chicken schnitzel. Check out their website before your trip to Cambridge to see their full menu: Green Street Grill Dinner Menu

2. Adams National Historical Park; Boston, Massachusetts

Located in the South Boston neighborhood filled with classic Boston hotels, this New England historical park tells the story of the John Quincy Adams family and features two main sites to tour: the Old House, where four generations of the famous family called home, and the Stone Library. After the tour, relax at the Seaport Boston Hotel for a great view of the harbor.

3. Robert’s Maine Grill; Kittery, Maine

Lobster rolls are the quintessential New England food favorite, and Robert’s Maine Grill in Kittery has been ranked as one of the best places to sample this delicious dish.

4. Nantucket Vineyard, Cisco Brewery and Triple Eight Distillery; Nantucket, Massachusetts

This combination winery, brewery and distillery in the quaint New England town of Nantucket features plenty of outside seating for sampling a glass of local wine or beer, and regularly has live bands playing for guests to enjoy. Check out their website here: Nantucket Vineyard .

5. Los Andes Restaurant; Providence, Rhode Island

Featuring Peruvian cuisine, Los Andes in the seaside city of Providence serves up local favorites like a ceviche martini, parrilada andina and paella.

6. Long Wharf Theatre; New Haven, Connecticut

This is a Tony Award-winning regional theater in the Connecticut town of New Haven, which has productions of both new and old plays, including “Macbeth,” “Guys and Dolls,” and “The Fantasticks.” Check out the Long Wharf Theatre website for upcoming productions and other shows.

7. Stoneacre Pantry; Newport, Rhode Island

A favorite among locals, the Stoneacre Pantry in Newport features seasonal and locally grown dishes, including a delicious nettle risotto with wild mushrooms and Parmesan, roasted sea scallops, smoke-roasted chicken, and a wildly popular hazelnut-chocolate mousse with cocoa streusel and crème fraiche.

8. The Mark Twain House and Museum; Hartford, Connecticut

Visit the Connecticut city of Hartford and explore the restored home of famed writer Mark Twain.

9. Inn at the Oaks; Eastham, Massachusetts

This historic inn located in the quaint village of Eastham has been recently updated but still keeps its antique feel.

10. Larsen’s Fish Market; Menemsha, Martha’s Vineyard

This lesser-known fish market and restaurant on Martha’s Vineyard offers delectable fresh seafood, including dishes like lobster rolls, clam chowder, stuffed quahogs and freshly steamed lobster. Check out their full menu here.

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Fiona Moriarty

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Budget Travel Tips, Destination Details, Things to Do

6 Football Stadiums That Beat Watching The Game From The Couch

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Fans across the U.S. are rejoicing as football season finally gets underway (or, more accurately, they’re yelling at their TV screens and drinking a lot of beer). While many fans opt for the comfort of couch viewership, they don’t know what they’re missing live and in person. NFL stadiums around the country are vacation destinations in their own right, and each boasts a distinct vibe and set of amenities for a total experience that’s well worth the trip. Here are six stadiums to check out this season.

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1. AT&T Stadium (formerly Cowboys Stadium) – Arlington, TX

“Everything’s bigger in Texas,” indeed. The NFL’s largest venue can pack in more than 100,000 fans underneath its retractable roof. It boasts an HD Jumbotron that spans the entire distance between the 20-yard lines, luxury boxes level with the field, and unobstructed sightlines thanks to the stadium’s impressive construction, which avoided the use of pillars. And don’t miss the nearby Cowboys Hall of Fame.

Where to Stay

There are a number of hotels near the stadium that are cheap and decent at the same time. Check out the Rosewood Crescent if you’re feeling fancy, the MCM Elegante Hotel & Suites if you’re looking for affordable comfort, or the Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Central Expressway if you’re in the mood for a clean stay without any frills.

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2. Lambeau Field – Green Bay, WI

One of the most legendary (and loudest) stadiums in all of NFL history, Lambeau Field (named after the Green Bay Packers’ founder, E.L. Lambeau) has been making a name for itself since its opening in 1957. While it’s undergone several massive renovations in the years since—including expansions to the concourses, seating capacity, locker rooms, and luxury suites—the stadium is still beloved for its old-school feel. To visit Lambeau is to revisit football moments of yore, from 1967’s “Ice Bowl” to the legendary coaching of Vince Lombardi.

Where to Stay

The area outside of Lambeau Field includes a variety of hotels as well as bars and restaurants. The family-friendly Tundra Lodge includes access to a waterpark while the Motel 6 Green Bay offers rock-bottom prices.

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3. Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, IN

Those looking to enjoy the game from the lap of luxury should book a flight to Indianapolis, stat. Lucas Oil Stadium—home of the Colts—boasts state-of-the-art amenities at every turn, from the retractable roof (which is temporarily being kept shut) to the club lounges, field-level suites, spacious concourses, climate-controlled walkways, cushioned seats, accessible vendors, and a window wall that showcases downtown Indianapolis.

Where to Stay

Comfortable and affordable lodging abounds near the stadium. You can’t go wrong with the well-rated Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, the Westin Indianapolis, or the Embassy Suites Indianapolis Downtown.

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4. Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, CA

High-tech is the name of the game in Santa Clara, where the NFL’s newest stadium (home of the 49ers) is pioneering advances in technology. The $1.2 billion stadium includes a bridge made from solar panels, LED video boards, Wi-Fi that works throughout the whole stadium, an interactive museum, and a stadium-specific app that tells users where to find parking, provides real-time stats from other games, and lets fans order food directly to their seats. It’s also the first professional football stadium to earn LEED Gold certification in recognition of its energy-saving initiatives.  

Where to Stay

Don’t confine yourself to the stadium—get out and explore all that nearby San Francisco has to offer. Stay in the middle of the action at the luxurious Fairmont San Francisco, historic and budget-friendly The Mosser, or the exclusive Park Central Hotel San Francisco.  

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5. Soldier Field – Chicago, IL

The NFL’s oldest venue, Soldier Field was first constructed in 1924 and then extensively renovated in 2003. Its historic nature—this is the field where the “Monsters of the Midway” claimed four titles in seven years—makes it a must-see for any football devotee. Its views of downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan aren’t bad, either.

Where to Stay

Chicago may be a pricey city, but it is possible to find affordable accommodations near Soldier Field. Check out the spacious River Hotel, the budget-friendly Inn of Chicago, or the swanky Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers.   

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6. Sports Authority Field – Denver, CO

Opened in 2001, the newest home of the Broncos is almost twice as large as the team’s original stadium. Head to Sports Authority for the gorgeous views—not just of the Ring of Fame, which honors legendary Denver players and is visible from every seat, but also the Rocky Mountains (visible even from within the stadium) and the public works of art that line the pedestrian walkways.

Where to Stay

Peak travel season for Denver runs through October, so book hotels for November or later in order to get the best deals. Scope out good prices and great amenities at the Double Tree by Hilton Denver-Aurora, the Red Lion Hotel Denver Southeast, or the Hyatt Place Denver Airport.

Prices for flights and hotels will rise as the season kicks into high gear, so book early for the best deals. Whether in Indianapolis or San Francisco, enjoy the game!

 

Fiona Moriarty

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Visitors have myriad options with hotels in Dallas and Fort Worth.
Travel Plans, Uncategorized

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

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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.

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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)

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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.

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“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.

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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.”

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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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