About ten minutes east of downtown Denver are 23 acres of gardens and plants that will make you feel like your much further away from the concrete of the city. The Denver Botanic Gardens (1005 York Street, Denver) contain 45 gardens and over 32,000 plants. (I discovered the York Street gardens while on a shopping expedition; they are very near the Cherry Creek Mall.) The gardens represent a wide range of gardening styles and plant collections, covering diverse parts of the world. It’s an interesting blend or culture with flora and fauna. And, because this is the mile high city, there’s some focus on high altitude climate and how that can impact a garden. While it’s hard to believe that a botanical garden can be even “greener," Denver seems to have done it with the city’s first green roof. It’s […]
Read MoreKauai: The Garden Isle
Kauai is the oldest of the main Hawaii Islands, and is the fourth largest of the islands, and is about a 100 miles from Oahu. Often referred to as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is one of the wettest spot in the world, with an annual rainfall of 460 inches. I’m most familiar with the town of Lihue, on the southeast coast of Kauai. Most visitors, however, may be more familiar with Waimea, once the capital of the island, and the first place in Hawaii visited by Captain James Cook. While there’s still beaches and sand, the lushness of Kauai lends itself to lots of other outdoor activities. To learn more about Kauai, and all the other Hawaiian Islands, head over to The Hawaii Traveler, and read what Jody has to say about one of the top vacation spots in the […]
Read MoreTake a Venetian Gondola Ride in Las Vegas
No, it’s not Venice. It’s the Gondola ride at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Okay, it’s a little touristy, and it’s definitely NOT Venice, but it’s still a bit of romantic fun away from the flashing lights and noise of the casinos. You need to take a break from the fast paced action some time, and this isn’t a bad choice. The gondolas have been fashioned after authentic Venetian ones, each seating four, and operate rides both indoors and out. If your party doesn’t fill the gondola, you’ll likely be paired up with others. The indoor gondolas float their way through the Grand Canal Shoppes, beneath bridges, shops, and cafes that have been created to give the feel of Venice. The ride lasts about 15 minutes. The outdoor gondolas offer a more “authentic” feel (since you really are […]
Read More10 Tips for Saving on Your Vacation Food Budget
Meals are a big part of a vacation budget, but with a little planning and discipline, it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. Here are a few suggestions to help you eat well without breaking the bank: Avoid the mini-bar. No matter how hungry you are for a late night snack, there’s nothing worth the price in the mini-bar. Many hotels have in-room coffee makers and complimentary coffee. Enjoy a cup while you’re getting ready in the morning, and eliminate the money spent at a coffee shop. If you have a coffee maker, but the coffee packet isn’t complimentary, pick up a bag of coffee and filters at a nearby supermarket. Scads cheaper! Buy snacks at the supermarket and take them with you throughout the day. It’s much cheaper to pick up some fresh fruit, a bag of chips, […]
Read MoreMaking Crime Pay at The Gangster Museum of America
Crime may not pay, but visitors will have to if they want entry into The Gangster Museum of America in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Hot Springs is known for it historic downtown area, and now with the addition of the recently opened Gangster Museum, it’s edgy history from the 1920-40’s is also showcased. After all, back in “the day” Hot Springs was a popular vacation spot for many members of the mob, including Al Capone (in mug shot above) and Lucky Luciano. It’s said that they came for the waters, the healing powers of the area’s hot mineral baths. Inside the museum are exhibits from the town’s history, including artifacts a slot machine and a roulette wheel from the Southern Club, and dice and poker chips from other local gambling clubs. There’s also a Tommy Gun (a Thompson submachine gun), a 1928 […]
Read MoreA Little French Gothic in Newark, New Jersey
The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark, is an impressive French gothic cathedral with intricate sculptures, bronze doors, and over 200 stained glass windows. It’s about the size of London’s Westminster Abbey – only in Newark, New Jersey. Following nearly 95 of planning, building, planning some more, and changing plans, the cathedral was finished in 1954. The Cathedral was elevated to the status of a Basilica by Pope John Paul II when he visited in 1995. Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is located at 89 Ridge Street, in Newark, New Jersey. In addition to the Mass schedule, the cathedral is open to the public Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 7 pm, and Sunday 1-3 pm. Concerts and other musical performances are offered throughout the year. Sacred Heart is the […]
Read MoreEditorial: When are these fees going to end?
As I’ve written many times before, and most recently at the announcement that an airline would charge for a checked bag, the basic economics of flying vs. the price of a ticket are seriously out of whack! Although the cost of doing business has risen substantially, the cost of flying has not. In fact, even without taking into consideration the present day value of a dollar, it seems like in many cases, the fares have dropped. As costs of airline travel rose, the airlines first went to its vendors and negotiated better contracts. Then it went to its employees for concessions and tighter work rules. When there was no more left to cut, it created new “fees” so that it could still advertise low, slash and burn fare sales. BUT – and here’s a big BUT! The airlines, with only […]
Read MoreBack to Basics: Check Your Hotel Bill
The morning of checking out of your hotel can be a hectic time, getting dressed and ready to leave and making sure all of your things are packed. If you’re traveling with kids the list of things that you are responsible for is even longer! Some of the stuff cannot be done till the last minute, but one thing that can take a weight off if to review your hotel bill the night before your departure. Many hotels have a video check out option, allowing you to review your charges on the television. In the privacy of your room you can go line by line through the charges to make sure that there are no surprises. If your hotel doesn’t offer a video option, stop by the front desk the evening before and request a print out. They’ll be happy […]
Read MoreView Classic Corvettes at the National Corvette Museum
Begin, or renew, your love of the Corvette at the National Corvette Museum, as you gaze longingly at these classic sports cars that are an important piece of Americana and automobile history. Introduced in 1953, the Corvette became a favorite, and eventually a classic, and the museum attracts enthusiasts from all over the world. Exhibits and displays change, but you can count on seeing: introductory film about the history of the Corvette, a look at retro displays outlining how the car became a classic, technical information relating to design and performance, racing, and a gift shop. You’ll be seeing lots and lots of cars! The National Corvette Museum is located at 350 Corvette Drive, in Bowling Green, Kentucky (map it), and is open daily , 8 am – 5 pm (except for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, and New […]
Read MoreBack to Basics: Stand Right, Walk Left
There is etiquette to be considered on escalators and moving sidewalks. It’s really very simple — STAND RIGHT — WALK LEFT! What does this mean? If you are going to remain stationary while riding the escalator or the people-mover (moving sidewalk), stand single file on the right side, allowing people who are walking to pass you by on the left side. It’s just like driving – slow moving (or non-moving) people stay to the right and out of the way of faster moving traffic. Do not congregate as a group and block the walkway from those trying to get by you. This is a mode of transportation, not a coffee klatch, so either keep moving or keep out of the way of those people who are. All together now, STAND RIGHT — WALK LEFT! Photo credit: SXC ____________________________________________
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