San Francisco For The “Foodie” In You
June 17, 2009
The Height at Night
Everyone knows about the Golden Gate Bridge, Height-Asbury (”The Height”, as the locals call it), the Transamerica building, and the wondrous Cable Cars. But, when I think of San Francisco, I think FOOD. You’ll have to travel a little to get the best, but it’s worth it.
“Greens” restaurant is Annie Somerville’s glorious contribution to the epicurean scene on the waterfront of San Francisco.
All of the food is grown locally, and “Greens” was one of the country’s first vegetarian restaurant. It set the trend for working with locally grown, organic foods which when combined with a bit of imagination and ingenuity, could become as tasty a dish as you could find at other ‘normal’ restaurants. My experience there was amazing. We sat on the left-side of the dining room, and watched the sun set over the marina, with the Golden Gate Bridge perched in the background.
Be sure to call ahead and reserve. “Greens” fills every night. Also, you want to insure your seat by the window. It makes for an idyllic and healthy night out.
Take an evening and travel to Berkeley, where you must experience Alice Waters’ “Chez Panisse”.
When you arrive, you will instantly feel how special this restaurant is. First of all, there is the wooden exterior which allows you to enter into the ‘natural’ environment right from the start. When inside, you can immediately sense the quality of “Chez Panisse”. Everything is immaculate, clean and professional. Like “Greens”, it opened in the early 1970s, and became a flagship for the growing organic revolution.
The menus are all 4-course meals, with a fixed price. Every menu is conceived as a total experience. For this, you pay a bit more than other restaurants, but it’s worth it. Very rarely can you digest an entire meal which works together so well. And the staff is mostly friendly and highly knowledgeable about the food combinations. This is a refreshing change for those of us visiting from the east coast!
Finally, if your plans take you through the Napa Valley (and they certainly should), then carve out an evening for one of the nation’s true culinary jewels, “The French Laundry”.
Opened in 1994, this French-style country restaurant is Thomas Keller’s masterpiece. The food is American, but with a French flair. Everything on the menu is superb, but the environment and energy of the building, décor and staff is what sets this place apart.
Each meal consists of 9 courses (yes, nine). Before you rule it out as being ‘too much’, consider that each course is a ‘tasting’. They are rather small, but exquisite. Incredibly, not one ingredient is repeated throughout the meal, and yet every dish builds on the previous. It’s the finest blend of culinary mastery and creativity in the US today (in my view). The grounds are wondrous, and one feels transported to Provence or the outskirts of Normandy. No trip to the San Francisco area is complete without a day spent in the Napa Valley. And no trip to the Napa Valley is worth it without dinner at “The French Laundry”.
What Happens in Las Vegas – More than you ever imagined
June 11, 2009
The Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada
Outside of the flashing lights, spectacular fountains, and posh hotels lies a quieter, wilder place that many people traveling to Las Vegas never see.
Millions of people flock to Las Vegas every year for a chance to strike it rich, monetarily. It’s what Vegas is known for to most of the world, but if you are looking for something else from Las Vegas, what lies outside of the city is some of the most amazing scenery and opportunities the United States has to offer.
Red Rock Canyon
Natural wonders abound in this desert climate. Red Rock Canyon just 15 miles west of Las Vegas and is almost 200,000 acres of land protected as a National Conservation Area. Easily seen from the Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon is visited by over a million visitors each year.
What makes this area so spectacular to see is the what it is named for, its red sandstone peaks popular for hikers and climbers. Its highest point is La Madre Mountain at 8,154 ft. It is Nevada’s first National Conservation area and offers scenic drives, hiking trails picnic areas, a visitor center and even a campground for those who prefer to rough it.
The history of the Red Rock area is filled with native peoples due to its geography. It offers water and shelter that before civilization arrived, didn’t exist in the surrounding desert. From as early as 900 A.D., Native Americans have been living in the area as noted by the numerous petroglyphs and pottery fragments that have been discovered in the area.
Red Rock is a part of the Mojave Desert and is home to over 600 plant species in an otherwise harsh barren landscape. What makes it spectacular are the complex geologic features that surround. The Red Rock area is an ancient seabed exposed to air which literally caused it to rust, hence the red coloration.
With a host of activities to participate in, Red Rock Canyon is a trip in and of itself. If you are looking for horseback riding, hiking, camping, or some of the best rock climbing you can imagine, you should definitely consider Red Rock Canyon as the place to visit.
Of course there are other amazing natural or man made places to visit in the Las Vegas area if gambling is not what you crave.
Valley of Fire State Park
Another wonderful place to visit is the Valley of Fire State Park. Also near to Las Vegas and filled with stunning red cliffs and natural wonders, Valley of fire is littered with rock drawings, unique rock formations and camping facilities as well.
Ghost towns, Springs, four wheeling, sky diving, the Hoover Dam, Canyons and waterfalls abound in this spectacular area, consider Las Vegas a destination worth visiting for your next vacation, you won’t be disappointed.
Travel to Dallas – A Mecca of Opportunity
June 11, 2009
Dallas in the Evening
A popular travel destination has become Dallas Texas. The third largest city in the United States, Dallas offers a wide variety of opportunities for a wonderful vacation. Whether you idea of Texas is a traditional southern vacation with rodeos and state fairs, or one a bit more urban with art and shopping, you can find either trip right in Dallas.
Dallas offers a wide variety of options for your next vacation. The urban experience is varied and will keep you busy with any number of things to do and see. If art and style are what you seek, look no further. Dallas is the #1 shopping destination in Texas.
From Neiman Marcus, to Highland Park Village, a variety of shopping experiences awaits you. Highland Park Village was built in 1931 and is recognized as the first shopping center in American history. Located in Dallas, it is home to shopping including Ralph Lauren and Chanel, but also some great restaurants and filled with Dallas charm.
The Dallas Museum of Art is open to the public Tuesday-Sunday and has enough to do for an entire vacation by itself. Visit the gallery and peak into ancient Egypt with the Tutankhamen and the Gold Age of the Pharaohs exhibit,stay late and experience some wonder jazz performances, concerts, or film screenings, and eat at the famous Seventeen Seventeen restaurant. Let art and history provide you with a vacation you will never forget.
If the wild side of Texas is what you crave, there is always the Dallas Forth Worth Metroplex, offering
a variety of rodeo experiences like nowhere else in the world. The Cowtown Coliseum is home to the worlds first indoor rodeo! Rodeo and air conditioning, the best of both worlds. The Mesquite Rodeo was built in 1986 and offers rodeo from April to October just 15 minutes from Downtown Dallas.
Livestock shows, barrel racing, and non stop rodeo action await you in this traditional Texas vacation opportunity.
Dallas offers much more than what is listed here. Dealy Plaza Museum, aquariums, fine cuisine, fantastic accommodations, and so much more can be found in Dallas. Plan a trip around one of the many festivals in Dallas or just go and see some of the world finest 20th century architecture. Dallas is definitely a destination you shouldn’t miss.
Travel Back in Time – A Continuing Travelogue to the Best Historic Sites
June 5, 2009
History is a way for us to progress into the future without making the same mistakes. Phrases like “lest we forget” written in a poem by Rudyard Kipling and made famous around the world, illustrate mankind’s desire to remember the past to move forward in the future.
All parts of the world are rich in some kind of history that have had an impact on its current citizens.
In the United States alone, a relatively new country in the world, historic sites are found everywhere you look. Wars, social movements, assassinations, amazing tales of survival, and heroism abound throughout.
If this were just a one part article, I would probably just touch on the general areas of interest, simply to peak a curiosity to the reader, but as this is continuing series we are going to travel to individual parts of the world beginning here with the Eastern United States
Our journey of the best historic places to visit begins in the North Eastern United States. This includes Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut; and the Mid-Atlantic States of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania as defined by Wikipedia.
My rational for beginning here is this is the oldest part of the United States, founded by the pilgrims, and so begins our journey.
New England is filled with historic sites and places wonderful for historic travel. Plymouth Rock is located just off Cape Cod Bay. The rock is now sheltered to prevent weathering. The Plymouth Plantation itself is an entire trip. Here you can revisit much of Americas varied past.
The Wampanoag Homesite gives you the opportunity to experience the Native American culture. The Wampanoag people have called New England home for over 12,000 years. Learn about their history and culture in Americas past. A unique opportunity to see Americas founding by the first Americans in history.
Your visit to Massachusetts may also include visiting a re-creation of an English Village founded in 1627, seven years after the landing of the Mayflower. Immerse yourself in living history. Period clothing, and role players give visitors a chance to see what it was like to be a pilgrim in the new world.
You will be surrounded by opportunities to find out about our heritage as Americans as well as many opportunities to shop around in six award winning museum shops and have some fine dining as well. Why not try themed dining and complete your historic visit with a traditional meal of turkey or Mayflower Golden Ale made right there in New England.
For the war historians, why not try a visit to Pennsylvania. There are well over 2,000 places on the National Register of Historic Places. One place of interest may be the Gettysburg National Military Park and Gettysburg National Cemetery.
Begun in 1909, the Gettysburg National Military Park and Cemetery offers many different ways to experience the Civil War. Podcast tours, virtual tours, field exhibits, and a visitors center are just a few of the ways you could experience what the park has to offer. There are also guided tours of the park throughout the summer months to enhance your experience. Visit the High Water Mark Monument which lists the commands of both armies involved in “Pickett’s Charge”, one of the last southern attacks at Gettysburg.
Philadelphia also is home to the signing of both the Declaration of Independence as well as the Constitution and Independence Hall. Philadelphia has rekindled its popularity in the last few years thanks to the film industry. National Treasure, directed by Jon Turteltaub stars Nicolas Cage and revives history to the young in this movie. It takes place in Philadelphia and highlights some of the amazing historical sites to visit including Independence Hall.
You could also visit the Reading Terminal Market which can trace it origins to 1857, and of course the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial to the unknown soldiers. The Liberty Bell and Congress Hall are also not far away and filled with history.
Philadelphia has many fantastic accommodations for the all travelers and would make a wonderful place to visit on your historic journey to the North Eastern United States. Travel back in time in the Northeast and experience Americas historic treasure trove of vacation possibilities.
Travel to Oahu For an Amazing Vacation
May 27, 2009
Oahu Lighthouse
You may think that a trip to the Hawaiian Islands is far beyond your grasp, but it may be closer than you think. Oahu is an island with much to experience. It is rich in history and beauty. Home to Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, Oahu is nicknamed “The Gathering Place”. With a population of 905,266. Oahu can be bustling in Honolulu, or quiet and peaceful in the mountains or on the beach. You can even rent a car and drive around the entire island in a day, stopping at any number of historic or legendary places along the way.
Here are just some places Oahu has to offer for the traveler looking for adventure.
In 1941 Pearl Harbor was attacked, and history was made on this small island. For the history buff, Pearl Harbor is a must see. The USS Arizona Memorial is a floating memorial built over the Battleship USS Arizona, and is powerful place to reflect on the effects of war. Pearl Harbor also offers the Battleship Missouri Memorial which allows visitors to explore retired battleships and experience the more recent history of our 50th State.
Diamond Head is one of the most identifiable landmarks in Hawaii. Located outside of Honolulu, this ancient crater has a history in ancient Hawaiian lore as well as a more volatile war history. Not only was it used by ancient Hawaiian Kings, but during the World War, it served as a fortress. Tourists can now traverse up the side of Diamond Head all the way to the top and see why this mountain is such an integral part of Oahu’s past and present.
The Dole Plantation, known as Hawaii’s “Pineapple Experience”. For children and adults alike this is wonderful stop along the way to Oahu’s north shore. It offers a train tour around the fields, a history of pineapples in Hawaii, a shop to pick up a wonderful pineapple smoothie, made with pineapple fresh picked from the field, and even the world’s largest maze! This is one of Hawaii’s top visitor attractions.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Koko Head Beach Park is a wonderful place to try something new, and see the world in a whole new way. For those new to snorkeling, this will be an experience you will never forget. A sheltered bay with a beautiful reef teeming with life. Once under the water, you don’t have to look far to see things only dreamed of. Fish of all different shapes and colors surround you and if you look hard enough, you may even be lucky enough to see an ancient sea turtle in its native habitat.
This is something for all to enjoy. Even if you are an avid snorkeler, you will still be awestruck at what this amazing area has to offer.
On the North Shore of Oahu, you may like to stop at Waimea Falls Park. Here you have cliff diving shows, kayaking, biking, and living archeology. It is staffed by Hawaiin’s dressed in traditional clothing and illustrating traditional activities and Hawaiian lifestyle. There is enough to see and do at Waimea Falls Park to keep you busy all day.
There are places to surf and body board all around the island and many other places to see while in Hawaii. Honolulu has wonderful restaurants and is filled with a variety of activities for the traveler to do and see in the evening before heading off to you hotel or other accommodations. Oahu is rich in culture and is a wonderful destination as it is considered the cultural center of Hawaii. Plan a trip to this exciting destination today, you will never regret it.
Brought to courtesy of Sealand Travel.
New England Vacations – A Getaway to Remember
May 27, 2009
New England Stonehouse
When looking for your next travel destination, why not choose something right here in the U.S.
Our country has a history filled with pride and triumph. As travelers we sometimes overlook what we have to offer right here. Aside from not requiring a passport, travel in the United States can be rewarding in ways that perhaps we overlook, our history.
New England is a place with an incredible past. It is filled with a variety of options for everyone today. It has natural beauty, that in the fall cannot be outdone, spring is filled with outdoor activities reflecting all aspects of us and many other things to offer.
New England is one of the earliest English Settlements in the New World. Founded in the 18th century, New England is the home to movements that have altered our society as a whole. Its rich history and stunning views make it one of the top travel destinations in the U.S.
Travel in New England can be a coastal journey including Portand, Boston or Providence, or in inland gem with mountains and scenery that will astound you. Your choices are endless. Here are a few recreational ideas that New England has to offer you on your next trip.
The Appalachian Mountains run along the east coast of the United States. It is more that 2,100 miles long with not only thousands of miles to hike through, but also offers whitewater kayaking and a host of educational opportunities for the entire family.
If you are looking for something a bit more relaxing, you could journey to Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard. Dotted with small towns and beautiful beaches, these destinations offer a more urban vacation. Art Galleries, theaters, spas, shopping or tours, these destinations offer a different kind of vacation. Fun and romance abound in this unique area.
For a more traditional family outing you could also stop in Maine and visit Funtown Splashtown USA, Northern New England’s largest family themed water and amusement park, or stay in the many posh resorts dotting the coasts, your vacation awaits.
Whatever you choose, excitement, romance, family fun, or adventure, you can find it right here in the the U.S. Check out one of the many ideas New England has to offer you on your next journey.
Brought to you by Sea Land Travel Club.
