Photo uploaded by Zesmerelda Until all of Chicago becomes wireless as hinted at by Chi-Fi, here's a list of wi-fi hotspots to help keep you stay connected while you travel. As far as hotels go, there's quite the variety. The Omni All-Suites offer free wireless, as well as Hotel Talbott and Hotel Allegro. If you're up for meeting new faces, there's also Hostelling International Chicago which welcomes guests of all ages. For brunch, sandwiches, salads, or coffee, there's the Catedral Cafe (featured in the film Stranger Than Fiction with Will Ferrell), The Grind with great espresso shots, and Ambrosia Cafe with a menu full of exotic Mediterranean flavors and signature smoothies. If you like to have a couple drinks while you catch up on emails, Chicago also has a wide assortment of pubs that provide free wi-fi. There's Fado Irish Pub which shows all Great Britain's football games and … [Read more...]
Oahu’s JCCH Toys Around with Holiday Gifts
If you’re living on the islands and looking for something wacky, wonderful, and unique to get your cherished ones this holiday, take an afternoon to peruse the holiday themed artwork over at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai’i. The center currently features affordable pieces of artwork from over 40 local Hawaiian artists who were all given the same creative challenge. All flat pieces must be 12 x 12 inches in size. All 3-dimensional works must be 6x6x10 inches in size. All works must be inspired by a winter holiday: Hanukkah, Christmas, Buddha Day, Kwanzaa, or New Year's Fortunately, for those of you traveling to the Hawaiian Islands this Christmas, that means not only will all pieces of art fit conveniently into a carry on or checked piece of baggage, but the pieces themselves are also reasonably priced! For less than $300, you could own one of these priceless pieces of … [Read more...]
Broadway Strike Ends, The Show Goes On
After 19 (!) days of silence on Broadway due to a stagehands' strike, last night marked the first performance in over two weeks for many Broadway shows. The NY Times ArtsBeat blog has comprehensive coverage of the strike's aftermath, and Playbill online reports that the League of American Producers is putting on a free concert at noon today to celebrate the end of the strike. Now that the strike has ended, you can check out what's playing on Broadway! … [Read more...]
What to do in NYC on Christmas
Macy's NYC, Christmas Eve 2006 Photo uploaded by DannoHung If you're headed to the Big Apple this Christmas, then you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that plenty of holiday activities and tourist attractions are open on December 25. For instance, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Top of the Rock™ Observation Deck, and Madame Tussauds New York all remain open on the big day. Our friends at NewYorkology have compiled a more complete list, so check it out. … [Read more...]
Mission Style Architecture
One of many Mission style homes in San Diego photo uploaded by Allan Ferguson Remnants of California's colonial history still remain today in the Mediterranean flourishes and adobe stucco houses, buildings, and churches that speckle San Diego. Mission style architecture not only offers a glimpse into San Diego's past, but combined with the palm trees and warm breeze, can make you feel as if you are a world away from a modern city. Personally, I conjured up my dream home when I visited San Diego for the first time and took in the spacious architecture that seamlessly blends the outside with the inside, the paint jobs that age with increasing beauty, and the mosaic tile adorned rooms that make it easy to imagine you are in a Spanish villa. For all the architecture buffs or those of you wanting to see history through buildings that are more like art, check out these prime locations for … [Read more...]
Dining with the Stars
Cameron Diaz Photo uploaded by sheksays Los Angeles and New York are not the only cities attracting celebrities, especially since hit movies with big name stars have been filming around Boston lately. Most recently, a movie starring Morgan Freeman, called The Lonely Maiden, is scheduled to be filming in the Allston area this week. Undoubtedly, stars hit up the trendiest and most delicious restaurants, offering a guide to the places that deliver a little "scene" with their food. You may not see the likes of Matt Damon at a local pub, but you can follow these star tracks and dine like them too. And who knows-- you may just get lucky and glimpse a celebrity sighting over a cup of New England Clam Chowder or a Sam Adams beer. Boston.com and The Beantown Bloggery spotted these hot-spots. Now here is what you can expect from these celebrity-attracting restaurants: No. 9 Park: It is hard … [Read more...]
Pirates Dinner Adventure
I recently had the opportunity to experience Pirates Dinner Adventure first hand. This is a fast action, fast talking, high flying adventure show that has kids sitting on the edge of their seats. The show starts with some appetizers and a preview of some of the action as you enter into the world of the pirates. Before the show starts, your host takes you to your seat where you are later introduced to "your pirate" -- kids love this because the whole show is based around pirate competitions and everyone sits in a colored section and gets to cheer on their pirate by name. The set is really well done and definitely exceeded my expectations. There is a Pirate ship actually "in" the water - and some of the scenes include a little motor boat buzzing around in the water. There's singing and cheering and and lots of audience participation. The pirates compete on a number of skill tests … [Read more...]
My San Francisco Holiday
Union Square lit up for the holiday season photo uploaded by hjl I was lucky enough to go home for Thanksgiving this year for much-needed family time and a little California rejuvenation to gear up for another New England winter. I've stayed in Boston for school the last few years and forgot how much I love San Francisco around the holidays. It has all the holiday charm as New York City or Chicago but weather that doesn't require massive layers; and the fall foliage that New Englanders raked up weeks ago are still decorating tree tops and sidewalks. I was amazed at the vibrant color still stubbornly clinging to the trees. The mild weather will promise travelers in the next few weeks similar foliage. There is no better way to enjoy some mother-daughter bonding than with facials and massages, followed by Christmas shopping. Mom and I started out at Spa Fusion, located in Union Square. … [Read more...]
Asheville on Frommer’s Top Travel Destinations
Photo uploaded by Bruce Tuten Last week, Frommers announced their Top Travel Destinations for 2007, and we're pleased as punch to see that Asheville, North Carolina made the list. Asheville has a small town charm and several tourist attractions like Biltmore and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, among others. Frommers says the area is "great for driving tours and shopping trips to numerous crafts and pottery shops (we suggest picking up a hand-made broom)." We at Go Blue Ridge Card couldn't agree more! Check out Frommer's guide to visiting Asheville. … [Read more...]
Events Guide for Weekend of 11/30
Saturday, December 1 La Jolla YMCA Surf Series: Surfers of all ages will compete at Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach. Free for spectators. Sunday, December 2 50th Annual La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival: Dancers, massive floats, a marching band, and live entertainment lures 20,000 participants and viewers in this beloved tradition. A Christmas tree lighting will take place at the end of the day. Sunday, December 2 Thread: Check out upcoming Spring fashions and enjoy music and food at this year's trunk show, happening at the San Diego Air and Space Museum. Now through December 30 How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Don't miss this holiday and Dr. Seuss classic as it lights up the stage with new songs at the Globe theater. … [Read more...]
