I stayed at the Comfort Suites downtown. I’ve also stayed at the Wyndham Whitney Hotel on It was Everclear and juice. A staple of Bourbon Street is Pat O’Brien’s, great Hurricanes, Mint Juleps and they have a flaming fountain. Poydras in the downtown area.
The action is all on Bourbon Street, but I’ve found that I actually prefer to get away from the heat of all that and stay in a hotel downtown. Bourbon Street is still walking distance or a short cab ride.
A staple of Bourbon Street is Pat O’Brien’s, great Hurricanes, Mint Juleps and they have a flaming fountain.
The food is amazing. I’m someone who loves spicy food & I love Cajun and Creole. There’s plenty of good food for those who like it mild, too. One of the best meals I have ever had was at Nola, one of Emeril’s restaurants. The restaurant called “Emeril’s” in New Orleans is very touristy and always crowded. Nola is lesser known and off the beaten path, but it has the same Emeril quality, it was excellent.
Café du Monde is the best place to get a beignet, which is a little fried donut. Café du Monde also has great hot chocolate and chicory, which is a smooth-flavored coffee-type drink.
Be careful of the local drinks. They are often fruity and don’t taste like they contain as much alcohol as they actually do. My friend and I went into a bar one night and asked if they had a house special. After downing one, we asked what was in it. It was Everclear and juice. I love going on ghost tours. If a city has one, I’m there. New Orleans has several good ones. There’s also a vampire tour that’s even better.
New Orleans is best known for jazz and Dixieland-type music, but you can find all types of great bands playing, mainly on Bourbon Street.
I haven’t been back there since Katrina, but I hope to within the next few years. From what I’ve heard, the main tourist areas are back to normal.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Nassau
The Bahamas are a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Nassau is the most popular destination.
The two main areas for lodging are Paradise Island and Cable Beach. The Atlantis resort is located on Paradise Island, very expensive, but an incredible place. If you can’t afford to stay there, at least visit the casino or go there for a drink. It is a sight to see. There is a Comfort Suites hotel on Paradise Island that is very affordable considering the location. Cable Beach is more budget-friendly and near all the touristy spots.
I stayed at the Clarion on the south side of town. This is away from the busy areas, but great if you just want peace and quiet. It’s right on the beach. You can order food and drinks right from the beach and charge them to your room. There is a restaurant inside that has a nightclub with a dance floor and live music on some nights. Aside from tropical drinks, the Bahamas is known for conch fritters. These are addictive. I also became quite fond of a drink called a Yellow Bird.
As far as dining goes, the Graycliff is a fine dining establishment that has been around since my parents went to the Bahamas on their honeymoon. Looking for something more budget-friendly, we asked our cab driver one day to recommend a restaurant and he suggested the Bahamian Café. This place was a hole in the wall off the beaten path and a perfect place to try local dishes. It was fantastic. Also in Nassau is a place called the Junkanoo Seaside Café, very affordable and very good. Try the cracked conch. On Paradise Island is the Blue Marlin, where I had the best lobster bisque I’ve ever had in my life. They have a very entertaining limbo show in the evenings. On the particular evening my travel companion and I went there, we were chosen to participate in the show, basically as lovely assistants holding the limbo stick. It was a lot of fun and I got some great pictures.
I am not much of a swimmer, but I braved my fear of water to go snorkeling. I didn’t regret it. The brilliant colors of the fish were like nothing I had ever seen before. My friend took pictures because no one at home would believe I jumped into deep water. Book way in advance if you would like to swim with the dolphins. The cruise ships take up a lot of the slots, so try to make a reservation at least a few weeks before you’re going to be there. We met some young men at the pool of our hotel who had opted to be put in a cage, lowered in the water and have up-front encounters with sharks. The day they went, they were approached by people from Discovery Channel who were looking for tourists to film swimming with sharks. Exciting for them, but not exactly my cup of tea!
The Bahamas are truly paradise on earth. It’s amazing to stand waist-high in the ocean, look down and actually see your feet! This is the perfect place to go if a soothing environment is what you’re craving.
The two main areas for lodging are Paradise Island and Cable Beach. The Atlantis resort is located on Paradise Island, very expensive, but an incredible place. If you can’t afford to stay there, at least visit the casino or go there for a drink. It is a sight to see. There is a Comfort Suites hotel on Paradise Island that is very affordable considering the location. Cable Beach is more budget-friendly and near all the touristy spots.
I stayed at the Clarion on the south side of town. This is away from the busy areas, but great if you just want peace and quiet. It’s right on the beach. You can order food and drinks right from the beach and charge them to your room. There is a restaurant inside that has a nightclub with a dance floor and live music on some nights. Aside from tropical drinks, the Bahamas is known for conch fritters. These are addictive. I also became quite fond of a drink called a Yellow Bird.
As far as dining goes, the Graycliff is a fine dining establishment that has been around since my parents went to the Bahamas on their honeymoon. Looking for something more budget-friendly, we asked our cab driver one day to recommend a restaurant and he suggested the Bahamian Café. This place was a hole in the wall off the beaten path and a perfect place to try local dishes. It was fantastic. Also in Nassau is a place called the Junkanoo Seaside Café, very affordable and very good. Try the cracked conch. On Paradise Island is the Blue Marlin, where I had the best lobster bisque I’ve ever had in my life. They have a very entertaining limbo show in the evenings. On the particular evening my travel companion and I went there, we were chosen to participate in the show, basically as lovely assistants holding the limbo stick. It was a lot of fun and I got some great pictures.
I am not much of a swimmer, but I braved my fear of water to go snorkeling. I didn’t regret it. The brilliant colors of the fish were like nothing I had ever seen before. My friend took pictures because no one at home would believe I jumped into deep water. Book way in advance if you would like to swim with the dolphins. The cruise ships take up a lot of the slots, so try to make a reservation at least a few weeks before you’re going to be there. We met some young men at the pool of our hotel who had opted to be put in a cage, lowered in the water and have up-front encounters with sharks. The day they went, they were approached by people from Discovery Channel who were looking for tourists to film swimming with sharks. Exciting for them, but not exactly my cup of tea!
The Bahamas are truly paradise on earth. It’s amazing to stand waist-high in the ocean, look down and actually see your feet! This is the perfect place to go if a soothing environment is what you’re craving.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Traveling with Toddlers
Traveling with toddlers is challenging. Make sure the diaper bag is packed in case of airport delays. It's also a good idea to pack snacks like goldfish crackers or fruit snacks. Ear popping upon take-off can be painful, so have a sippie handy to give them. Swallowing will help if their ears start popping. A portable DVD player is a nice distraction on the plane for an older toddler who can hold it on his lap. If you're renting a car, I strongly recommend checking baby car seats with your luggage. Car rental companies will charge you up to $10 per day per car seat and sometimes they don't even have car seats available, or the car seats are worn and outdated.
Key West
We're leaving for Key West tomorrow. We're flying into Miami and driving from there. I've heard it's a beautiful drive. Several things on the to-do list: a "train" tour (looks like the vehicle that takes you around Universal Studios in California) of the island, the kids are obsessed with trains, they'll love it. A place called Sloppy Joe's, where apparently Jimmy Buffet has played, husband will love that. For me, there are Hemingway tourist attractions and Harry Truman had a home on the island. More to come!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
London
London, England. It may take a few posts for me to relay everything I have to share about this city, one of my favorites in the whole world. I have yet to find the bravery to take my boys on a transatlantic flight, considering they could barely handle flying to Miami.
London is truly the New York of Europe. It’s a blend of cultures with a mix of the old and the new in every sense.
Going to England is very expensive these days since the dollar is so weak. As recent as 15 years ago, the best way to convert money was by using traveler’s checks. A few years back, I went to England with my dad, who had not been to Europe for roughly 30 years. He brought traveler’s checks and whenever he tried to use them, the vendor would look at him like he had two heads. About 10 years ago, the best exchange rate was at a place called Thomas Price. They’re still around, but nowadays the best exchange rate is at the ATM machine. Be careful of any fees your bank may charge. My bank charges 2%, so if you take out ₤100, which is approximately $185, the fee would be about $3.60.
Fly into Heathrow if you can. I’ve flown into Stansted and Gatwick, but Heathrow is the most convenient to the city. There’s also a City Airport and Luton Airport. The Heathrow Express train will take you to either Victoria Station or Paddington Station. This train is cheaper than taking a cab into the city. I’ve been told by native Londoners that once in the city, only take black cabs. There are others that may not be licensed.
On to lodging. London is pricey, but you can find bargains. I like staying in the Kensington neighborhood. It’s very nice with reasonably priced hotels. Many of them are smallish, about 3 or 4 floors with a whitewashed façade, very London-y, in my opinion. There’s a Holiday Inn in that area that I really like. Kensington is convenient to most of the touristy areas and there are tube stops nearby. I strongly recommend taking the Tube. It’s London’s subway system and it is very easy to take. You can download a map at their website.
There are a ton of touristy things to do in London. Where can I start? I strongly recommend for any major city taking a tour on a hop-on, hop-off bus. In London, they have several carriers and you can catch the bus at Victoria Station.
Big Ben is a world landmark you must see and the architecture of Parliament is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. Westminster Abbey, save half a day for that. Westminster Cathedral, the main Catholic church of London, has the actual remains of St. John Southworth in a glass case. He was a Catholic priest who was drawn and quartered for celebrating Mass during the reign of Elizabeth I. There is an area where you can make brass rubbings, interesting frameable art to bring home.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is majestic. The dome is gorgeous. You can go up in the dome to an area called the Whispering Gallery. It’s called that because if you whisper against the wall, it can be heard on the other side of the dome. This is the church where Diana and Charles were married. Martin Luther King preached here in 1964. After silence for most of the war, the bells rang out in 1945 to celebrate the liberation of Paris. In 1940, the cathedral was the target of a blitz attack, but the dome remained intact, now considered a symbol of British strength and resilience.
More to come!
London is truly the New York of Europe. It’s a blend of cultures with a mix of the old and the new in every sense.
Going to England is very expensive these days since the dollar is so weak. As recent as 15 years ago, the best way to convert money was by using traveler’s checks. A few years back, I went to England with my dad, who had not been to Europe for roughly 30 years. He brought traveler’s checks and whenever he tried to use them, the vendor would look at him like he had two heads. About 10 years ago, the best exchange rate was at a place called Thomas Price. They’re still around, but nowadays the best exchange rate is at the ATM machine. Be careful of any fees your bank may charge. My bank charges 2%, so if you take out ₤100, which is approximately $185, the fee would be about $3.60.
Fly into Heathrow if you can. I’ve flown into Stansted and Gatwick, but Heathrow is the most convenient to the city. There’s also a City Airport and Luton Airport. The Heathrow Express train will take you to either Victoria Station or Paddington Station. This train is cheaper than taking a cab into the city. I’ve been told by native Londoners that once in the city, only take black cabs. There are others that may not be licensed.
On to lodging. London is pricey, but you can find bargains. I like staying in the Kensington neighborhood. It’s very nice with reasonably priced hotels. Many of them are smallish, about 3 or 4 floors with a whitewashed façade, very London-y, in my opinion. There’s a Holiday Inn in that area that I really like. Kensington is convenient to most of the touristy areas and there are tube stops nearby. I strongly recommend taking the Tube. It’s London’s subway system and it is very easy to take. You can download a map at their website.
There are a ton of touristy things to do in London. Where can I start? I strongly recommend for any major city taking a tour on a hop-on, hop-off bus. In London, they have several carriers and you can catch the bus at Victoria Station.
Big Ben is a world landmark you must see and the architecture of Parliament is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. Westminster Abbey, save half a day for that. Westminster Cathedral, the main Catholic church of London, has the actual remains of St. John Southworth in a glass case. He was a Catholic priest who was drawn and quartered for celebrating Mass during the reign of Elizabeth I. There is an area where you can make brass rubbings, interesting frameable art to bring home.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is majestic. The dome is gorgeous. You can go up in the dome to an area called the Whispering Gallery. It’s called that because if you whisper against the wall, it can be heard on the other side of the dome. This is the church where Diana and Charles were married. Martin Luther King preached here in 1964. After silence for most of the war, the bells rang out in 1945 to celebrate the liberation of Paris. In 1940, the cathedral was the target of a blitz attack, but the dome remained intact, now considered a symbol of British strength and resilience.
More to come!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Longboat Key
I have an uncle with a condo on Longboat Key, have stayed there several times. Staying there with my two little darlings was quite another story. My aunt was a collector extraordinaire & I almost had a heart attack putting all her lovely things up & away from the children. :)
Longboat Key is a small island off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. I would advise to fly in to Tampa/St. Pete’s and take the scenic drive down to Sarasota, as it is considerably more expensive to fly into Sarasota directly.
This area is primarily a retirement community. The main strip is Gulf of Mexico Drive, a long stretch of condo buildings that reminds me of Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. I would not recommend this area for spring break-type trips, as it’s not a party town. This is an area to visit if you are looking for peace and quiet, beautiful beaches and the soothing sound of the waves crashing.
There are condo rentals available and hotels, as well as B&Bs. Notable are the Hilton, the Colony and the Resort at Longboat Key Club.
There isn’t much in the way of nightlife on the island, itself. Those who want to pub crawl would do better on the mainland in Sarasota, where there are many sports bars and night clubs. There are also a few good night clubs on the neighboring island of St. Armand’s Key.
The focus of St. Armand’s Key is the Circle. This is primarily where all the shops, restaurants and clubs are. The shops include a Chico’s, Lilly Pulitzer, as well as local boutiques. Most of the shops are quite expensive, but I have found some good deals over the years. The Baltic Amber Gallery has some beautiful pieces, worth at least window shopping.
Lynch’s Landing is my favorite restaurant in the area. It used to be on Longboat Key, but they have since moved into a smaller space on St. Armand’s Key, right in the main circle near all the shops on St. Armand’s. They have Guinness on tap and excellent pub grub, as well as salads and seafood entrees. On Longboat Key, the Dry Dock is a very nice restaurant, fresh seafood with terrific views. I recommend the Dry Dock if you want fine dining, but still have to bring the kids. Mar Vista is a great seafood place with a fun outdoor seating area, but it is quite small and not very kid-friendly. Euphemia Hays is another restaurant that although good, is not kid-friendly. The Blue Dolphin and the Wave in Sarasota are good, as is Ernest Hemingway’s, also in Sarasota.
If you are staying in a condo, there is a Publix grocery store on Gulf of Mexico Drive. It has everything you could possibly need from toiletries to baby food. They have a fresh fish counter, good quality produce and deli with ready-made sandwiches using Boar’s Head products. There’s also a 7-11 on Gulf of Mexico Drive where you can get coffee and donuts in the morning.
There’s a place by the 7-11 where you can rent bicycles. Once while cycling between Longboat Key and St. Armand’s over a bridge, I managed to spot some manatees splashing and swimming.
As far as tourist attractions, you have to go back on the mainland for the major ones. I absolutely love the Ringling Museum. This was the property of John Ringling of circus fame. His mansion can be toured and there is a circus exhibit. My favorite part is his incredible art collection. There is a huge Rubens you encounter shortly after going through the main entrance which is amazing. The art collection is comparable to any major collection you would see in Europe. Mrs. Ringling’s rose garden is beautiful – I had no idea there were so many varieties of roses. And the smell! Watch out for the bees, though!
The Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a zoo we stumbled upon during our last visit while looking for something our two toddlers would enjoy. This is primarily a zoo that cares for rescued animals. They have flamingoes that eat right out of your hand and an impressive assortment of parrots and other colorful birds. There are shows as well. There’s an alligator show where one of the kids from the audience gets to hold a baby gator, a birds of prey show and a show with birds doing circus-type tricks. My kids loved the shows.
The sun setting on the Gulf of Mexico is a gorgeous sight to see. That and the fresh seafood make Longboat Key and St. Armand’s Key great places to visit for rest and relaxation, no matter what your age.
Longboat Key is a small island off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. I would advise to fly in to Tampa/St. Pete’s and take the scenic drive down to Sarasota, as it is considerably more expensive to fly into Sarasota directly.
This area is primarily a retirement community. The main strip is Gulf of Mexico Drive, a long stretch of condo buildings that reminds me of Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. I would not recommend this area for spring break-type trips, as it’s not a party town. This is an area to visit if you are looking for peace and quiet, beautiful beaches and the soothing sound of the waves crashing.
There are condo rentals available and hotels, as well as B&Bs. Notable are the Hilton, the Colony and the Resort at Longboat Key Club.
There isn’t much in the way of nightlife on the island, itself. Those who want to pub crawl would do better on the mainland in Sarasota, where there are many sports bars and night clubs. There are also a few good night clubs on the neighboring island of St. Armand’s Key.
The focus of St. Armand’s Key is the Circle. This is primarily where all the shops, restaurants and clubs are. The shops include a Chico’s, Lilly Pulitzer, as well as local boutiques. Most of the shops are quite expensive, but I have found some good deals over the years. The Baltic Amber Gallery has some beautiful pieces, worth at least window shopping.
Lynch’s Landing is my favorite restaurant in the area. It used to be on Longboat Key, but they have since moved into a smaller space on St. Armand’s Key, right in the main circle near all the shops on St. Armand’s. They have Guinness on tap and excellent pub grub, as well as salads and seafood entrees. On Longboat Key, the Dry Dock is a very nice restaurant, fresh seafood with terrific views. I recommend the Dry Dock if you want fine dining, but still have to bring the kids. Mar Vista is a great seafood place with a fun outdoor seating area, but it is quite small and not very kid-friendly. Euphemia Hays is another restaurant that although good, is not kid-friendly. The Blue Dolphin and the Wave in Sarasota are good, as is Ernest Hemingway’s, also in Sarasota.
If you are staying in a condo, there is a Publix grocery store on Gulf of Mexico Drive. It has everything you could possibly need from toiletries to baby food. They have a fresh fish counter, good quality produce and deli with ready-made sandwiches using Boar’s Head products. There’s also a 7-11 on Gulf of Mexico Drive where you can get coffee and donuts in the morning.
There’s a place by the 7-11 where you can rent bicycles. Once while cycling between Longboat Key and St. Armand’s over a bridge, I managed to spot some manatees splashing and swimming.
As far as tourist attractions, you have to go back on the mainland for the major ones. I absolutely love the Ringling Museum. This was the property of John Ringling of circus fame. His mansion can be toured and there is a circus exhibit. My favorite part is his incredible art collection. There is a huge Rubens you encounter shortly after going through the main entrance which is amazing. The art collection is comparable to any major collection you would see in Europe. Mrs. Ringling’s rose garden is beautiful – I had no idea there were so many varieties of roses. And the smell! Watch out for the bees, though!
The Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a zoo we stumbled upon during our last visit while looking for something our two toddlers would enjoy. This is primarily a zoo that cares for rescued animals. They have flamingoes that eat right out of your hand and an impressive assortment of parrots and other colorful birds. There are shows as well. There’s an alligator show where one of the kids from the audience gets to hold a baby gator, a birds of prey show and a show with birds doing circus-type tricks. My kids loved the shows.
The sun setting on the Gulf of Mexico is a gorgeous sight to see. That and the fresh seafood make Longboat Key and St. Armand’s Key great places to visit for rest and relaxation, no matter what your age.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Winter in the Dells
Going to the Dells in the winter is fun, even if you’re not going there to ski. We took the kids to the Dells in January. The “kids” consist of our 2 ½-year-old son, 18-month-old son and 12-year-old stepdaughter.
We stayed at the Atlantis resort. This is an affordable hotel with an indoor water park. The main “water park” area is on the 4th floor of the hotel. It’s decorated in an undersea fantasy theme, vaguely reminiscent of the “Little Mermaid” movie. The water park was smaller than I anticipated, but the boys had a blast, especially the 2-year-old. He cried whenever we had to leave the park and go back to our room. This water park is definitely designed for toddlers. My stepdaughter was somewhat bored, but there was a larger pool with a basketball net that she enjoyed. There’s also a hot tub and a snack bar, as well as an additional large pool in the lobby area. There’s a small gift shop in the lobby where I got a great deal on some cute flip flops, t-shirts and some unusual jewelry.
The rooms are basic, clean and comfortable. There are larger suites available with fireplaces and hot tubs. One has a mermaid theme and one has a Roman bath theme. There are pictures on the Atlantis web site. I got a peek at the mermaid-themed suite while the maids were cleaning it. Very cheesy, but cute. The word “whimsical” comes to mind.
We got a junior suite. This includes two queen beds and a pull-out couch. There is a fridge and a microwave in the room. They don’t have room service, but there are several pizza places that will deliver to your room. We ordered from the Pizza Pub, adequate pizza, although we’re perhaps spoiled being from Chicago.
We had a very enjoyable lunch at Marley’s, which is a few doors down from the Atlantis. This a Caribbean-themed restaurant. I recommend the alligator bites, the chicken and the spicy fries. They have a basic kids menu with chicken nuggets, grilled cheese, etc. It was family-friendly, but the sports bar area looked like it would be a fun nighttime hangout for adults. When we were there, there was smoking allowed in the bar area, but it didn’t waft over to where we were sitting in the dining room area.
Unfortunately, Paul Bunyan’s was closed for the season. This is a terrific breakfast place that’s been around since I was a kid. There was a Denny’s across the street, so we ate there.
In doing so, we broke one of our vacation rules: No Chicago stuff. We try to go local whenever we’re on vacation and try to avoid anything we could get or go to any day in Chicago.
Our check-out time at the Atlantis was 11 a.m., but we decided to hang around town for the rest of the day. We went to the Tanger outlet mall. This is an outdoor mall similar to the Oak Brook mall in the Chicago western suburbs. I found some fantastic deals at Banana Republic, Jones New York, Jockey, Children’s Place and the Gap. My stepdaughter bought some things at Claire’s, but the prices were not cheaper than Claire’s in downtown Chicago.
There are other resorts I would like to visit in the future. Mt. Olympus is massive – they have an indoor and outdoor water park, as well as indoor and outdoor theme parks. The Kalahari has a big indoor water park. These two parks appear to appeal to a wider range of ages. Noah’s Ark is an outdoor-only water park with big water slides. A place called Knuckleheads looked intriguing, they have bumper cars, bowling, all sorts of activities for the whole family.
We then went to the Ho-Chunk Casino. This is a casino with something for everyone in the family. They have a hotel, restaurants and activities for the kids. If parents would like a quiet dinner alone, or gamble in the casino for a while, the resort offers babysitting for $6.50 an hour per child. The child care center was run very professionally. My 18-month-old was in a separate room for babies, my 2-year-old was in an area that resembled Chuckie Cheese, ball pit and all. For older kids, they have free arcade games. There are Disney movies playing and for a small fee, the kids can have drinks and snacks. We only went to gamble for about an hour and a half. It was a typical casino, reminded me of the Empress in Joliet with a Native American theme. My only problem was that it was very smoky. When we came back, the kids were having a great time. My stepdaughter said, “Next time, we should stay at this hotel, this place is great!”
We got caught in a snowstorm on the way home and were chewed out by my stepdaughter’s mother for not bringing her home in time for her bedtime. Despite that one sour moment, we had a great weekend and discovered a place close to home where we can have a lovely winter weekend getaway!
We stayed at the Atlantis resort. This is an affordable hotel with an indoor water park. The main “water park” area is on the 4th floor of the hotel. It’s decorated in an undersea fantasy theme, vaguely reminiscent of the “Little Mermaid” movie. The water park was smaller than I anticipated, but the boys had a blast, especially the 2-year-old. He cried whenever we had to leave the park and go back to our room. This water park is definitely designed for toddlers. My stepdaughter was somewhat bored, but there was a larger pool with a basketball net that she enjoyed. There’s also a hot tub and a snack bar, as well as an additional large pool in the lobby area. There’s a small gift shop in the lobby where I got a great deal on some cute flip flops, t-shirts and some unusual jewelry.
The rooms are basic, clean and comfortable. There are larger suites available with fireplaces and hot tubs. One has a mermaid theme and one has a Roman bath theme. There are pictures on the Atlantis web site. I got a peek at the mermaid-themed suite while the maids were cleaning it. Very cheesy, but cute. The word “whimsical” comes to mind.
We got a junior suite. This includes two queen beds and a pull-out couch. There is a fridge and a microwave in the room. They don’t have room service, but there are several pizza places that will deliver to your room. We ordered from the Pizza Pub, adequate pizza, although we’re perhaps spoiled being from Chicago.
We had a very enjoyable lunch at Marley’s, which is a few doors down from the Atlantis. This a Caribbean-themed restaurant. I recommend the alligator bites, the chicken and the spicy fries. They have a basic kids menu with chicken nuggets, grilled cheese, etc. It was family-friendly, but the sports bar area looked like it would be a fun nighttime hangout for adults. When we were there, there was smoking allowed in the bar area, but it didn’t waft over to where we were sitting in the dining room area.
Unfortunately, Paul Bunyan’s was closed for the season. This is a terrific breakfast place that’s been around since I was a kid. There was a Denny’s across the street, so we ate there.
In doing so, we broke one of our vacation rules: No Chicago stuff. We try to go local whenever we’re on vacation and try to avoid anything we could get or go to any day in Chicago.
Our check-out time at the Atlantis was 11 a.m., but we decided to hang around town for the rest of the day. We went to the Tanger outlet mall. This is an outdoor mall similar to the Oak Brook mall in the Chicago western suburbs. I found some fantastic deals at Banana Republic, Jones New York, Jockey, Children’s Place and the Gap. My stepdaughter bought some things at Claire’s, but the prices were not cheaper than Claire’s in downtown Chicago.
There are other resorts I would like to visit in the future. Mt. Olympus is massive – they have an indoor and outdoor water park, as well as indoor and outdoor theme parks. The Kalahari has a big indoor water park. These two parks appear to appeal to a wider range of ages. Noah’s Ark is an outdoor-only water park with big water slides. A place called Knuckleheads looked intriguing, they have bumper cars, bowling, all sorts of activities for the whole family.
We then went to the Ho-Chunk Casino. This is a casino with something for everyone in the family. They have a hotel, restaurants and activities for the kids. If parents would like a quiet dinner alone, or gamble in the casino for a while, the resort offers babysitting for $6.50 an hour per child. The child care center was run very professionally. My 18-month-old was in a separate room for babies, my 2-year-old was in an area that resembled Chuckie Cheese, ball pit and all. For older kids, they have free arcade games. There are Disney movies playing and for a small fee, the kids can have drinks and snacks. We only went to gamble for about an hour and a half. It was a typical casino, reminded me of the Empress in Joliet with a Native American theme. My only problem was that it was very smoky. When we came back, the kids were having a great time. My stepdaughter said, “Next time, we should stay at this hotel, this place is great!”
We got caught in a snowstorm on the way home and were chewed out by my stepdaughter’s mother for not bringing her home in time for her bedtime. Despite that one sour moment, we had a great weekend and discovered a place close to home where we can have a lovely winter weekend getaway!
Monday, February 11, 2008
O Savannah
The first time I went to Savannah, Georgia was with a friend who had a timeshare on Tybee Island. Tybee is about a 20-minute drive from Savannah, right on the ocean. Tybee is a beautiful, peaceful place. We got a chance to go into Savannah a few times that trip. Ever since, Savannah has become one of my favorite American cities to visit.
The main attraction of Tybee is the beach. There are a few tourist attractions, the Lighthouse and Fort Pulaski, which is reputed to be haunted. Hauntings are an extremely common theme throughout the Savannah area.
My favorite restaurant on Tybee is the Crab Shack, definitely a must-try. AJ’s Dockside is also very good, try the crawfish cake sandwich – sounded strange to me, but it is so good. The Breakfast Club is a cute place. Sting Ray’s is good. As far as nightlife, the Quarter is a decent sports pub-type place.
On the mainland in Savannah, my two favorite hotels are the Doubletree in the Historic District, comfy beds and free warm cookies, and the Hyatt Regency on the water front, incredible views. There are many charming bed and breakfasts in the downtown area. There’s also a Marriott on the river front.
There’s a lot to see and do in Savannah proper. The City Market is a cute area that houses charming shops and places to eat. The Café is a good place for breakfast or lunch. The Wild Wing Café is fun, a military hang-out, although the crowd was a bit young for my 40-something taste. This area is also where you can board a carriage tour of the city. This is a lovely way to see the city and get an overview of its rich history. Savannah is filled with stories of the American Revolution, the Civil War and the slave trade. There are Gone With the Wind-type homes still intact to give you an idea of what life was like in the day of Southern belles.
The river front area is a must-visit. The cobblestones make you feel like you’ve stepped back into the 1700s. Kevin Barry’s is a popular tourist attraction. It’s a pub-restaurant with Guinness on tap. They have good pub grub and live Irish music some nights. Many interesting photographs of Kevin Barry and events of the Irish Civil War.
Other notable mentions for dining: Moon River Brewing Company, Chart House Restaurant, Mrs. Wilkes and the Pirate House.
There are several enjoyable night spots around the Congress Street area: Murphy’s Law, Molly MacPherson’s, a Scottish pub/restaurant that serves the best Scotch eggs I’ve ever had and some mean burgers, and of course, The Lady and Sons, Paula Deen’s restaurant. I would highly recommend getting a reservation way in advance for Paula’s restaurant. There’s always a big line and even with reservations, you’ll often end up waiting a bit. She’s worth it! The Velvet Lounge is a very cool place to have a couple drinks. Club One is where the Lady Chablis performs. She’s the drag queen who played herself in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”
For those in search of fine dining, the Pink House is my favorite. I have had some of the best meals of my life at that restaurant. There’s a piano bar in the basement and the house even comes with a ghost (hard to find a place in Savannah without one). The Mansion at Forsyth Park is lovely. Check out the fountain at Forsyth Park as well. Savannah is a great city for just walking around.
Last but not least, a trip to Savannah is not complete without taking a ghost tour. There are several carriers and I have found that different tour guides, even if they’re with the same company, will take you to different locations. There are so many ghost stories in Savannah to choose from, I think the individual tour guides just pick their personal favorites. I would recommend taking a ghost tour that includes Colonial Cemetery. This is a location that, on one trip, I returned to the cemetery again during the day. There are graves dating back to colonial times, many with detailed descriptions of the deceased person and how they lived their life. Fascinating stuff.
The “Bird Girl” statue, made famous for being on the cover of the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” as well as on the poster for the movie of the same name, used to stand at a family plot in Bonaventure Cemetery. The photograph was taken by Jack Leigh. He has a studio in town with superb photos on display and prints for sale. The statue became such a popular tourist attraction, it was removed to the Telfair Museum of Art, where it is now on display.
To sum it up, Savannah is a city I stumbled across several years ago which has become one of my favorite places to visit. There’s something for everyone and the Southern charm of the locals is unmatched and unforgettable.
The main attraction of Tybee is the beach. There are a few tourist attractions, the Lighthouse and Fort Pulaski, which is reputed to be haunted. Hauntings are an extremely common theme throughout the Savannah area.
My favorite restaurant on Tybee is the Crab Shack, definitely a must-try. AJ’s Dockside is also very good, try the crawfish cake sandwich – sounded strange to me, but it is so good. The Breakfast Club is a cute place. Sting Ray’s is good. As far as nightlife, the Quarter is a decent sports pub-type place.
On the mainland in Savannah, my two favorite hotels are the Doubletree in the Historic District, comfy beds and free warm cookies, and the Hyatt Regency on the water front, incredible views. There are many charming bed and breakfasts in the downtown area. There’s also a Marriott on the river front.
There’s a lot to see and do in Savannah proper. The City Market is a cute area that houses charming shops and places to eat. The Café is a good place for breakfast or lunch. The Wild Wing Café is fun, a military hang-out, although the crowd was a bit young for my 40-something taste. This area is also where you can board a carriage tour of the city. This is a lovely way to see the city and get an overview of its rich history. Savannah is filled with stories of the American Revolution, the Civil War and the slave trade. There are Gone With the Wind-type homes still intact to give you an idea of what life was like in the day of Southern belles.
The river front area is a must-visit. The cobblestones make you feel like you’ve stepped back into the 1700s. Kevin Barry’s is a popular tourist attraction. It’s a pub-restaurant with Guinness on tap. They have good pub grub and live Irish music some nights. Many interesting photographs of Kevin Barry and events of the Irish Civil War.
Other notable mentions for dining: Moon River Brewing Company, Chart House Restaurant, Mrs. Wilkes and the Pirate House.
There are several enjoyable night spots around the Congress Street area: Murphy’s Law, Molly MacPherson’s, a Scottish pub/restaurant that serves the best Scotch eggs I’ve ever had and some mean burgers, and of course, The Lady and Sons, Paula Deen’s restaurant. I would highly recommend getting a reservation way in advance for Paula’s restaurant. There’s always a big line and even with reservations, you’ll often end up waiting a bit. She’s worth it! The Velvet Lounge is a very cool place to have a couple drinks. Club One is where the Lady Chablis performs. She’s the drag queen who played herself in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”
For those in search of fine dining, the Pink House is my favorite. I have had some of the best meals of my life at that restaurant. There’s a piano bar in the basement and the house even comes with a ghost (hard to find a place in Savannah without one). The Mansion at Forsyth Park is lovely. Check out the fountain at Forsyth Park as well. Savannah is a great city for just walking around.
Last but not least, a trip to Savannah is not complete without taking a ghost tour. There are several carriers and I have found that different tour guides, even if they’re with the same company, will take you to different locations. There are so many ghost stories in Savannah to choose from, I think the individual tour guides just pick their personal favorites. I would recommend taking a ghost tour that includes Colonial Cemetery. This is a location that, on one trip, I returned to the cemetery again during the day. There are graves dating back to colonial times, many with detailed descriptions of the deceased person and how they lived their life. Fascinating stuff.
The “Bird Girl” statue, made famous for being on the cover of the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” as well as on the poster for the movie of the same name, used to stand at a family plot in Bonaventure Cemetery. The photograph was taken by Jack Leigh. He has a studio in town with superb photos on display and prints for sale. The statue became such a popular tourist attraction, it was removed to the Telfair Museum of Art, where it is now on display.
To sum it up, Savannah is a city I stumbled across several years ago which has become one of my favorite places to visit. There’s something for everyone and the Southern charm of the locals is unmatched and unforgettable.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Miami
Miami is a city known for its beaches, food, nightlife and Art Deco architecture. Although it’s most famous for its nightlife, there’s something for the entire family in this city.
I liked the Bel Aire South Beach, formerly a Best Western. This is a rehabbed Art Deco hotel. The Eleventh Street Diner is across the street from this hotel. It’s pretty good for breakfast, although I felt it was overpriced. It’s open 24 hours a day and the Bel Aire doesn’t have a restaurant, so it’s at least convenient. This hotel is also very close to the beach and the bars/restaurants on Ocean Drive.
If you’re up for a splurge, I strongly and enthusiastically recommend the Mandarin Oriental. The hotel is located on Brickell Key. Wow. This place is first class all the way. It’s pricey, but you get what you pay for down to every last detail. The rooms are lovely. We ordered a crib for our son, who was 6 months old at the time, and it came with his own little duvet. He, of course, threw up all over it. We were so embarrassed but then figured, they must be used to it, I mean, rich babies throw up as much as middle class babies, right? There are rooms available with both ocean views and bay views. Ours had a spectacular view of the bay and the Miami skyline. The balconies are spacious, perfect for enjoying morning coffee or a mojito at night. The bathroom is to die for. Huge, marble, spacious tub, shower with fancy adjustable shower head. Outdoors, there is a play area for children and a private beach overlooking Biscayne Bay. For an extra fee, you can rent a private tent with a day bed. There’s a spa on site which we didn’t get a chance to visit, but their menu of services looked fantastic.
There are several excellent restaurants in the hotel. The room service is also fabulous, provided by the restaurant’s Café Sambal. My husband had a steak that was perfectly done the way he likes it, medium rare and juicy. I had a pasta dish that was on special that night, that came with preserved lemons, which I had never tasted before. Very unusual and yummy. We split an order of Pad Thai, which was great. Barefoot at Oasis is a poolside bar with food service. We had some delicious, fresh sushi. Azul is a beautiful restaurant, a Mediterranean-Asian fusion combo. Try the lamb and the swordfish. There’s also an interesting appetizer with tuna, avocado and caviar, don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.
Garcia’s is a wonderful seafood restaurant. It’s a bit of a drive from the main tourist areas and tricky to find (at least with my GPS), but worth it. It’s very modestly decorated, as it’s all about the food. The seafood is very fresh. The staff is very friendly and the place has a homey atmosphere.
Versailles is a French-named Cuban restaurant in the Little Havana neighborhood . I had the best ropa vieja there. For the adventurous, they have several unusual entrees featuring organ meats not generally seen on your typical dinner menu.
GrillFish is good, located on Collins, another major road in South Beach. The News Café has good sandwiches and a wide assortment of international newspapers and magazines. The News Café is most famous for being where Gianni Versace had lunch on the last day of his life. Bongo Cuban Café is owned by Gloria Estefan and serves a tasty Cubano sandwich.
On our last day of our most recent trip, we went to Bubba Gump. Usually I’m one to eat local when I’m on vacation and I try to stay away from chain restaurants that I could go to any day in Chicago. We have a Bubba Gump’s in Chicago which I’ve never been to. I did not regret that we went to the Bubba Gump in Miami. It’s in the downtown area and if you’re in the mood to pig out on massive amounts of seafood, this is the place.
For nightlife, nothing compares to South Beach. Ocean Drive is the main strip of restaurants and nightclubs. There are often scantily clad women and men outside dancing and enticing tourists to come into their particular restaurant or club. The restaurants on Ocean generally have a menu on display outside and often a plate of whatever the special is that evening. Get a mango daiquiri at the Mango Café on Ocean Boulevard and people watch, it’s a perfect place for taking in all the personality types that come to Miami. Mango Café also makes a mean mojito. The Delano and the Edison are famous spots, great places to go for a drink. The Colony is an Art Deco hotel that is worth visiting. The Clevelander is a hotel and restaurant, nice place for a few drinks, although the crowd is pretty young. If you’re a 20-something, this is the place for you. They have outdoor amateur fashion/beachwear shows which are entertaining, to say the least.
When my older son was 6 months old, we went for a walk in South Beach down Ocean, since my husband had never been there before. There were no other children around, and my son had no idea how lucky he was having all these gorgeous women fussing over him.
For the kids, go to Parrot Jungle Island. This bird sanctuary is on its own island just offshore. My little guy loved it. They have parrots, cockatoos, flamingos, macaws, and also alligators and crocodiles. Take a boat ride, it’s the best way to see the Miami skyline, as well as some incredible mansions.
I found some decent shops on Collins. There are some chain stores like Urban Outfitters, Sephora and Banana Republic, but also some unique local shops, mostly selling funky beach-themed stuff and touristy items.
All in all, Miami is a place I have visited many times and will return with my family again and again. The beaches, the food and just the vibe of the whole city are worth the trip.
http://www.bel-aire-south-beach.com/hotels/hotelbilder/
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/miami/
http://mangostropicalcafe.com/
http://garciasseafoodgrill.com/
http://www.bongoscubancafe.com/
http://www.bongoscubancafe.com/
http://colonymiami.com/
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