The key thing to remember when heading out for the evening in Hawaii is you’re no longer on the mainland. Things are much more relaxed at night in Hawaii and although dress clothes are welcome, they’re definitely not a necessity, so leave your fancy club costumes at home and come to Hawaii prepared to relax and take it slow.

If you’re looking for something similar to the big city then Pipeline Café is where you want to spend your evening. The club has recently gone through some changes and is prepared to offer its guests even more excitement and fun. The club’s major focus is the live concerts (and even comedy shows on Wednesdays) with each night of the week featuring a different theme. This two-story club has separate rooms for dancing, pool, relaxing and the concerts. The upstairs area is built like a skybox and gives visitors an incredible view of the concert below.  The Pipeline Café’s crowd is generally filled with twenty-somethings and the real excitement doesn’t start until after midnight. But once it gets going, Pipeline Café is one of the hottest nightclubs around.
photo credit: whalesalad

Another nightclub that tries to mirror its big city siblings is Venus. Again, theme nights reign supreme at Venus but this club doesn’t focus on music genres for its themes, it goes out on a little bit of a limb and focuses on risqué topics. Sunday’s focus, what else - sex. Monday is all about promotions and something new and different is featured every week. Wednesdays are deemed wet and wild with an all male review and a hot DJ for serious dancing. Thursdays routinely feature Cukie Jones and the Babettes or Aiko’s Extravaganza Spectacular Review. Fridays feature more of the male review and some Las Vegas style excitement. Not your traditional relaxed Hawaiian atmosphere, Venus offers a lot of excitement and variety to those seeking stories to bring home to their friends.

Duke’s Barefoot Bar is probably what most tourists are thinking about when they picture Hawaiian bars and nightlife. With an open atmosphere and a view of the ocean, Duke’s gives you’re an unpretentious atmosphere in which to relax with your friends or loved one and simply watch the beauty that is Hawaii. Casual, quaint and with a weekend schedule of just the right tunes, Duke’s Barefoot Bar serves up the best of Hawaiian style. photo credit: MartinEric2008

For the perfect mix of trendy and old school (meaning those over 30 are also welcome) give  Zanzabar Nightclub a try. This nightclub prides itself on the amount of money they’ve put into their club which doesn’t much matter if the DJ’s don’t rock and the clients aren’t hot. Luckily for Zanzabar, they’ve got all of that and more. You’ll hear the rhetoric that more than $6 million was spent on the club and that they’re the number one spot for tourists and locals alike, but don’t let the hyperbole scare you away. Definitely worth a visit, especially if you want to see and be seen. Hawaii is not known for its high-energy night life but Zanzabar is loaded with energy and keeps the party going all night.

If you’re looking for a good drink, a simple bar meal and a laid back evening then Moose Mcgillycuddy’s. With happy hour happening every day from 4pm to 7pm it’s the perfect post shopping or after beach retreat for dinner. While traditional bar food is the norm, Moose Mcgillycuddy’s also serves up some great unexpected dishes including the seafood staple of the Hawaiian Islands. If you’re looking for a little more excitement, stay where you are. As the day drifts into night Moose Mcgillycuddy’s picks up steam and by the time the DJ rolls in you’ve gone from laid back restaurant/pub to happening how spot.

For fine dining with nightclub options, Indigo is an excellent choice. The cuisine is a fusion of French, modern Asian, and Mediterranean cuisine and a delight to all who come to dine. Once you’ve had your fill of food, leave a little room for after dinner drinks and enjoy the nightly music themes and drink specials. This is an excellent restaurant for a couple who is looking for a romantic Hawaiian experience. Not as laid back as some clubs and not as trendy and loud as others, it begs for romance.

The Mai Tai Bar originally cropped up on Oahu but now one can be found in Daytona and one is located in Long Beach. But each Mai Tai Bar offers its own little taste of the area and is uniquely spectacular. The unifying theme of each bar is the tropical feel. Drinks are exceptional and often times strong, the food carries the tropical theme and the nighttime brings a new wave of excitement. The Oahu Mai Tai Bar is located in the famous Ala Moana Center which makes it the perfect stop after a day of shopping. The casual elegance, the comfortable seating and relaxing atmosphere is an excellent escape.
photo credit: nayrb7

If a brew pub is more your speed then Honolulu’s Brew Moon is just your speed. More laid back than a nightclub yet more upscale than a bar, Brew Moon features lunch and dinner menus with standard pub fare and their own award-winning, hand-crafted beers. This relaxing restaurant has been popular with the locals since it opened and is beginning to gain a pretty solid reputation among tourists. Weekdays feature shoppers, beach goers and people who have just gotten off work. Weekends can get crowded, especially when there is musical entertainment.

photo credit: MartinEric2008

Washington State is simply loaded with incredible things to see and do. Its breathtaking beauty is matched by its storied history and incredible sense of fun. Where else do you have ocean beaches, old-growth rainforests, two mountain ranges, a volcano, a secret underground city, tours of famous crime scenes, professional sports teams, and a space needle?

A trip to Seattle will turn anyone into a tourist as you rush from place to place trying to see all there is to see and do everything to you can. It seems as though each time you turn the corner there is something else to do in this fascinating city.

No trip to Seattle is complete without a look at what’s going on underground. Seattle actually used to be several feet below where the city rests now. For the best tour of the underground give Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour a try. This guided walking tour hits all the highlights and history. You’ll begin in a restored 1890’s saloon and will proceed through Pioneer Square and three different sections of the underground city. It’s a moderately rugged hike with some rough terrain and six flights of stairs so dress appropriately and don’t forget your camera.
photo credit: cliff1066

As long as you’ve done the underground tour, why not take it to the extreme and hit the sky. Kenmore Air takes you up, up and away in a seaplane. Not only are the views stunning and the trip exciting, you get to travel in a noted plane. In 1967 deHavilland shut down production of its Beaver airplane so Kenmore took over rebuilding the planes and keeping the Beaver alive. If you’re an aviation enthusiast, ask for a trip through the hangar and check out all of the restored beauties. And not to be outdone by the airplanes, take a different view of Seattle from 1000 feet in the air.

If you’re not a huge fan of air travel, how about a boat trip on Argosy Cruises. Argosy offers a cruise for just about every personal taste and occasion. Dining cruises include all three meals of the day, traditional tours take you though some of the highlights of Seattle’s striking coast, theme cruises give you a little extra with your cruise like the very popular murder mystery or the laid back jazz nights, you can even charter the cruise for your own special celebration. View the Puget Sound region from the water on one of the Argosy Cruise ships.

One of the more interesting and unique tours in Seattle is the Private Eye Tours. Where you get a guided tour of the underside of the city (not to be confused with the underground).  You can select one of three Private Eye Tours, or keep coming back and visit all of them. The Queen Anne Mystery and Murder Tour takes you to some of Seattle’s most grisly crime scenes. The Capitol Hill Mystery and Murder Tour takes another route through some of the more infamous but true stories of the city. Haunted Happenings:  And finally, the Seattle Ghost Tour is exactly what it purports to be, a haunted look at the city of Seattle.

Olympic Sculpture Park is a relatively new sight to visit in Seattle. Construction began on the old industrial area in 1999 and wasn’t finished until 2007. The land has literally been transformed into nine acres green space punctuated by beautiful sculptures and a backdrop of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. This is the perfect spot to stop and enjoy a relaxing picnic.
photo credit: Okaggi

Pioneer Square considers itself the cultural heartbeat of the Pacific Northwest but those who shop know it’s a haven for little boutique store fans. Spend a day exploring the crafty little stores and picking up one of a kind items you just can’t find anywhere else. Then stop in one of the incredible restaurants for the fresh catch of the day or another delectable delight. And finally, stay in Pioneer Square and enjoy the nightlife and live music.

A great double hit for Seattle is the Experience Music Project which is located in the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame. The Experience Music Project is devoted to letting visitors get a hands on interactive experience with different types of instruments and different musical styles. There are also rare artifacts and memorabilia for the consummate music fan. And as long as you’re there, the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame is the world’s first museum dedicated to science fiction.

For an up close and personal look at Puget Sound at the Seattle Aquarium. The aquarium offers visitors a hands on experience with many of the local aquatic creatures and great information for everyone. The Seattle Aquarium is more than just a museum, its main goal is marine conservation and they work tirelessly to preserve the beauty and health of the Sound and to encourage others to work to save oceanic wildlife as well. photo credit: Jazzzzzzzzzzzz

No list of sights to see in Seattle would be complete without mentioning the Space Needle. Originally the needle was created to be an entry in the 1962 World’s Fair and was privately funded with a mere $4.5 million.  If you have the time, take a break and enjoy a meal in the SkyCity revolving restaurant. If you’re visiting Seattle during a snow, as long as the needle isn’t closed, make this the day to ride the Space Needle’s elevators. The elevators travel at 10 miles per hour, snowflakes fall at approximately three miles per hour, so from the elevator snow appears to be moving upward.

This list just barely touches the amount of exciting things there are to do in Seattle. It seems that on every block there is something new and exciting to see and do. If you want to save a few bucks and hit the most popular sites, pick up a Seattle Go Card which can save you up to 45% off regular admission prices on some of the best museums, tours and attractions that the city has to offer.

photo credit: rutlo

Los Angeles is a busy city with a lot of fun destinations for the perfect family vacation. Some visitors will stick close to Hollywood hoping to sneak a peak at a movie star or they will tour on busses that will take them by beautiful mansions that belong to the actors that live in the area. Others will head straight for Disney Land and then take side trips to Knox Berry Farm and Sea World. Still others will be enamored with a more cultural sense and will start their trip with the Griffith Observatory, the Natural History Museum and the DeVorzon Gallery. What ever your pleasure sooner or later you will have to stop for a meal. Whether you are traveling with your family or just prefer casual dining, you will find the best choices here.

Giggles ’N’ Hugs is a favorite restaurant for children because they can just be themselves. This is an excellent choice if your child’s birthday happens to come during vacation. Half of the restaurant is a play area with other half a dining area. Their special Macaroni and Cheese dish has hidden butternut squash for extra nutrition. They also have freshly baked pizza and gourmet salads to choose from. There is a kid’s disco night on Friday evenings and a puppet show on Saturdays.

Gauchos Village calls itself a little bit of Brazil. Featuring the all-you-can-eat Brazilian Buffet with salads, pastas, bread, fried bananas and skewers of beef. The staff, dressed in gaucho costumes will serve your every cuisine need. Roberto Montero will play the best of Bossa Nova on his guitar every Thursday. Similar wonderful live Brazilian music is played Saturdays and Sundays.

Big Mama’s Rib Shack offers original southern American food. They are completely family friendly and give great service as only a family owned and operated restaurant can. The Los Angeles Times Newspaper calls them “A Louisiana Dream.” Try their fried catfish, chicken or shrimp creole, spicy jambalaya and, of course, their barbecue ribs. The best soul food and they serve it all with free cornbread. When the family is starving for rib-sticking food, this is the place - and easy on the budget too.

Ocean Seafood offers the freshest of Cantonese sea cuisine including familiar and unfamiliar fish, shrimp, crab and lobster. The staff has been meticulously trained to offer the customer suggestions while giving excellent service. Beside seafood, they offer general Chinese and Dim Sum fair. They are located in the heart of China Town and offer family style serving with an “A” rating from the Health Department. They also offer take-out if you’d like to eat back at your hotel.

Side Street Café attracts an eclectic group of patrons that always feel at home in the décor of mismatched tables and family photos of barbeques, picnics and little league games. For breakfast try the Side Street Sampler which includes sourdough French toast, a giant pancake, two eggs and potatoes. Sounds like the one dish could feed the whole family. The kids will love the fresh hot chocolate with whipped cream or fresh squeezed orange juice. For the adults, Side Street Café boasts the best coffee in town. If you’ve brought the family pup on the trip, sit in their outdoor patio and enjoy the sunshine.

Casa Bianca Pizza Pie will send you back in time to the 50s as you walk through the door and sit down at a red-checked table clothed table and posters of old Italy on the walls. If your not in the mood for their delicious cheese dripping pizza, they also offer traditional Italian cuisine of spaghetti, lasagna or homemade sausage. For a fun idea for the adults, bring your own wine. This is allowed with a $2.50 corkage fee. Of course, they have a perfectly good selection of wines at Casa Bianca’s. If you should have a chance to eat there on a Saturday night try their complimentary deep-fried Sicilian rice balls (arancini di riso).

Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles is a local institution, immortalized in movies such as “Pulp Fiction” and “Swingers.” It’s true the décor is rather bland, but customers aren’t here for the ambiance, but for the food. Most popularly, people pack the restaurant for Sunday brunch. They offer such fair as fried chicken and gravy smothered hash browns, Roscoe’s specialty dish, called Scoe’s Special, is chicken and waffles. You’ve never seen such fluffy waffles, with just a hint of cinnamon, no matter how you decide to eat them. Roscoe’s is great for the budget too.

The Cheesecake Factory, although they can be found at other parts of the country as well as L.A., if you are a cheesecake lover there are none finer than here. If your adventuresome try the Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple Cheesecake. If not, stick with the original cheesecake. Either way you can’t go wrong. If you get a chance ask for an outdoor seat so you can enjoy the marina views. This kid friendly restaurant serves a delectable cuisine, not just cheesecake. So plan on ordering great pasta, tacos, salmon and more from their book sized menu.

Grinder Restaurant serves just plain old good American food for the budget conscious. The décor is nothing fancy, but if you’re just looking for great service and good food and a good price Grinders is a good meal stop. If you stop by their webpage before leaving for your trip you will be able to print off some discount coupons. Some of their popular dishes are their Heavenly Hamburger ( choice of French fries or fruit and add soup or salad for just $1,59, Wild Alaskan Salmon Burger or for breakfast try creating your own omelet.

photo credit: crabers.crab

A family vacation in Detroit may not immediately seem like the perfect thing. What does Motor City have to offer a family? Well, you’d be surprised. Detroit is home to more than the Automotive Hall of Fame. There’s Belle Isle, a 1000-acre island park with a zoo, aquarium and conservatory. Your family could take in the sights at the Cranbrook Art Museum or the Historical Museum. How about a trip to the Michigan Renaissance Festival or a night at one of the many theaters in the region. And don’t forget about the Motown Historical Museum.

Yes, Detroit and the surrounding area has a lot more to offer visitors than ever before and it’s often overlooked as a family fun spot.  Detroit is actually crammed with activities that can educate, enlighten or entertain every member in the family. But the one thing Detroit may be a little light on is family dining options that aren’t your standard McDonalds or other chain restaurant. If you’ve brought your family to Detroit and are looking for just the right combination of family friendly dining with unique flare, use the following guide to help you find the right restaurant for you and your family.

Apple Annie’s Kitchen & Bakery rates pretty high with locals and guests. Serving up the best of both worlds when it comes to family dining, large portions and low prices, Apple Annie’s Kitchen is your standard family restaurant with reliably consistent food, cheerful service and a pleasant atmosphere. Children are not only welcome at Apple Annie’s, they’re expected.

Another family restaurant located just outside Detroit is the Moose Preserve Bar & Grill. Don’t let the word Bar scare you off, this upscale bar and grill is known for its steaks, fresh fish and BBQ Ribs. You can also try one of its famous buffalo burgers. The hunting lodge motif makes it a welcome environment for the entire family. The clientele is varied so you don’t have to worry about running into a crowd that’s just interested in the cheapest taper in town. If the weather is nice, head out to the patio to eat on the terrace or under the sugar maple tree. When it’s a little chillier the upper deck provides a place to eat with a covered roof and heating.

Okay, it’s a chain restaurant, but a visit to the Hard Rock Café in a city that’s known for its music is different than any old Hard Rock. In the heart of Detroit, this café shares the pride of the city’s rich musical past. Look for memorabilia from musical greats such as The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Eminem, Jimi Hendrix, Ted Nugent, Grand Funk Railroad and Kit Rock among many, many others. Not only is the Hard Rock sort of a tourist sight in itself, its located so close to many attractions that it’s a super convenient place to take the family without a lot of travel or tricky directions.

A great place to bring the kids is Guernsey Farms Dairy, a family owned and operated restaurant since 1940. The restaurant features an ice cream parlor, store and gift shop and a dairy processing plant. Not only is there a lot to see and do at the Guernsey Farms Dairy, but only the finest ingredients are used and each meal is always a delight. Before your visit, take a virtual tour of the dairy plant to turn your little trip into a learning experience for the kids. It will make the visit all that much more interesting. And don’t forget to pick up some dairy products at the family owned store.

What’s family dining without a pizza restaurant in your back pocket? Ferlito’s Family Dining & Pizza might be just the back up restaurant you need.  A standard pizza restaurant that serves up traditional fare with fresh, quality ingredients. No fancy over the top Italian theme here, just good old fashioned family food. It’s important to note that the menu is full of variety so if you’ve got a finicky eater who only likes noodles, then he or she is going to be happy, in fact the whole family will be happy with this large menu.

For a restaurant that screams kid-friendly, try Secret Recipes Family Dining. The built in toy boxes or the game boys available up on request should occupy the children for quite some time while you sit back and take a long needed and well deserved break.  Secret Recipes prides itself on cooking most of its items from scratch and making deep fried foods as healthy as possible by using trans fat free frying oil. The menu is varied and again, it’s very kid-friendly. Meals are also available on a carry out basis, so if you want to pick up something to bring back to the hotel feel free, but let us recommend visiting the restaurant and taking a break while the kids play.

Okay, so its another chain restaurant, but if you’re really looking for a break and a little time to relax, then the old standard is right at hand, Chuck E. Cheese. You know the menu and you know the routine and sometimes when you’re vacationing with children they need a little taste of the familiar to calm high-strung nerves and provide a stress free dinner. It may not be exactly what you had hoped for your vacation but you’ll be glad that you let them play in a familiar atmosphere for a while. If not while your at (the sometimes impossibly loud) Chuck E. Cheese restaurant, you’ll be happy later when they’re so tired they fall right to sleep.

Detroit is also full of other chain restaurants, including the dreaded McDonald’s, and many other family owned and operated restaurants that cater to families. Use the above list as a starting point and check with your hotel or tour guide to see if they have any recommendations. But whatever you do, don’t avoid a trip to Detroit. It’s really a great city to visit and comes loaded with fun, educational and recreational activities for everyone in the family.

One of the best parts of San Diego is the number and variety of their parks. They offer scads of activities for those who really want to get a great work out and then when its time to simply sit back and relax San Diego has parks for that too. There are even some parks full of educational and historical value so you can give your brain a work out as well.

For the sports enthusiast, 4S Ranch Sports Park does all that it can to reach out to the community youth and give them the space desperately needed for group activities. This 25-acre park has five baseball/softball fields, five soccer/multipurpose fields, two tennis courts, two basketball courts and a roller-hockey rink. In addition to the sports facilities the park also has ample grassy areas for smaller group or individual activities, several playgrounds, a gazebo and a picnic area. It’s a great big park that can easily fill an entire day with activities.

Looking for a different sporting activity, something specific like BMX maybe? Then you’ve just got to familiarize yourself with Cactus Park in Lakeside, California. You don’t have to be a seasoned veteran at Cactus Park, just bring your BMX bike, about $35 and a reserve of bravery. The 1000 foot long dirt track features banked turns and jumps which can surprise you on a first run so its recommended that you spend a while watching other racers first. No one expects a beginner to be excellent but there are classes so you can at least smoke a few other racers on your first go-round. Check the park website for information on classes, clinics and race information.

For campers a trip outside the city of San Diego is necessary, but still within Riverside County is the incredible Agua Caliente. Like its name implies, Agua Caliente features geothermally heated springs which reside smack dab in the middle of a desert this oasis is sought as a therapeutic retreat. But beyond the pools are spectacular vistas and beautiful canyons and hillsides to explore. If you’re going specifically for the pools, you may want to avoid the high time, September through May, when the park is packed with visitors. The two pools are mineral water spring fed. The outdoor pool is a constant 90 degrees while the indoor one is heated to 102 and features some very man-made Jacuzzi jets.

As long as you’re in the Anza-Borrego Desert you may want to check out the campgrounds, or at least the park, at Vallecito County Park. Visitors to Vallecito Park consider it a green refuge in the desert sea. The stage station remains and once served as an army supply depot, a rest stop, and a stage line for mail and passengers. The stage station eventually fell to ruin, as did the pony express, but in 1934 the County rebuilt it using original materials. They also spent considerable time and effort bringing the natural area to its previous glory. This 71-acre park is so close to Aqua Caliente that campers can visit the springs and then retreat to Vallecito Park (where it’s always about 10 degrees cooler) for a peaceful night’s sleep.

If the history of the stage station at Vallecito Park has sparked your nostalgic curiosity then the San Diego area has several historic parks that can fill that yen. Rancho de los Panasquitos should be a first stop on any historical tour of San Diego. The Commandante of the San Diego Presidio once lived in this adobe ranch home and in 1846 it became noted as being a rest place for General Stephen Watts Kearney and his army after the Battle of San Pasqual. Since then many other notable and wealthy families lived in the home and expanded it. Now the home and the surrounding area are part of a National historic and Archaeological District. Nestled in a stunning 3700-acre park with a remarkable canyon, visitors can spend the day hiking, biking or riding horses.

The Whaley House Museum is another fascinating stop on any historical tour of the San Diego region.  The Whaley House Museum is of the classic 19^th century Greek revival style and has been a public museum since 1960. Before then it began its life as a granary, a courtroom, a home, a theater and a general store. While the verifiable history of these buildings is fascinating and gives visitors a real glimpse into what San Diego was like about 150 years ago it’s the sidelong glimpses that have left a lasting legacy. With so many businesses and life activities occurring in the area, several violent events have left an impression, such as the suicide of Violet Whaley, the seizure of court documents and some public hangings. The Travel Channel’s America’s Most Haunted television program has listed Whaley House as the most haunted place in the United States. Stop by and stay after dark if you dare.

For a different sort of park and historical field trip, try Heritage Park. This almost 8-acre park is dedicated solely to Victorian architecture. These beautiful, antique homes were facing demolition after WWII and reaction from locals was great enough that the county along with private donors were able to save these buildings. Current residents rent their space and are obligated to maintain the interior and exterior in a truly Victorian manner. For romantics at heart, there is a Wedding facility at the Temple Beth Israel, an example of Classic Revival architecture.

These are just a handful of the multiple parks that are in and around the San Diego area.  Whether you’re a visitor or a long term resident, a visit to the County of San Diego parks website will give you all the information you need on which park best suits your lifestyle and excursion desires.  And don’t limit yourself to just one park or one activity. It’s possible to spend an entire day at any one of the parks and not run out of things to do or you could break up your day and hit several parks, taking in all that the San Diego region of California has to offer.

Whether you’re just visiting or you’re a local, Montreal is a happening hot spot for nighttime party-goers. The nighttime entertainment is incredibly varied and there is probably something for just about every taste, flair, and even fetish out there. if you’re looking to paint the town red, may I suggest starting slow and mellow and then easing your way into the wild parties, that should keep you going longer and give you more of an opportunity to experience what Montreal has to offer.

And remember, partying in Montreal has some seasonal considerations, the summer season is beautiful and most locals want to take advantage of the weather as much as possible, so look for outside venues or at least a room with a view. In the spring and fall the days are much warmer than the evenings and you can either bring a cumbersome wrap along, or you can schedule the earlier hours as outdoor excursions and the later ones at toasty indoor haunts. For the most frigid nights look for an establishment with a fireplace you can cuddle up to or a crowded hot spot that will keep you warm with excitement.

If low key is the target the Baldwin Barmacie is just the place for you. It’s a quaint and cozy bar, with a peculiar pharmacy theme, where the music and drinks are the focus, yet it’s not too loud for good conversation.  The drinks and the pharmacy theme work handily together as the wait staff serve you from antique syrup bottles that you can mix and pour anyway you want to get just the right concoction for your individual taste. Don’t let the laid back atmosphere of Baldwin Barmacie mislead you, this is a club that invites its patrons to be seen and that is the goal of most of the clientele. Wear your most trendy garb and plan to impress.

Swank is the word that comes to mind when one visits Balroom Bar with its inspiration coming from the grand ballroom styles of the past, this dance club knows how to do a lot more than waltz. Sit back in the plush leather booths or plop on top of a metallic art deco styled stool and take in the action or kick up your heels and head out onto the dance floor. As the evening wears on and you make more than a couple visits to the three bars you may decide to try your had on one of the many gold dancing polls that decorate the dance floor, definitely not your traditional ballroom style moves.

For a lot of party-goers when you think Montreal you think of Crescent (the party street) and you think of Thursdays (the party bar).  The reputation for fun and clubbing is well deserved and earned and the club rocks with the best of them the world over. The crowd is a bit older and caters to the over 30 crowd and mainly attracts singles, in fact the locals refer to Thursdays as the biggest pick up joint around. But if you like good music, potent drinks, thumping bass and maybe a come on or two, then Thursdays simply can’t be missed.

Montreal is not the foodie town that some other big cities in Canada are, so your night on the town is probably going to be centered around drinks and dancing, but there are a few places that break that rule and Time Supper Club is one of these rule breakers. Decorated in a 1940’s art deco style with white furnishings accented by the red under-lit catwalk, Time is really a sparkling gem of a nightclub. It’s been known to draw some film stars and other glitterati so come dressed to impress. While the food is worth making the trip, the atmosphere and the dancing make Time a club worth hanging out in for a while.

If you’re not going to Crescent Street to party (and why aren’t you going to Crescent to party?) then try St. Laurent where about a mile of prime street front is dedicated to nightlife partying. Head to the corner of Rue Prince-Arthur and St. Laurent and take your pick from the many popular clubs in either direction. The parties in this area spill out from inside the clubs out onto the street and on the right night the entire region becomes one big hot spot. If you’re looking for a home base in this party central, try Vol de Nuit, where you can hang out inside and keep warm with some killer-strong drinks or squeeze onto the terrace and catch part of the street party happening around you.

And for the truly risqué in the crowd, no trip to Montreal would be complete without a stop to the naked restaurant, but don’t worry, you can keep your clothes on. At Les Princesses it’s the wait staff that’s at least partially undressed. In addition to the nude themed staff, you can expect to see porn films on the television sets. As expected, the food isn’t exceptional but it’s reported to be palatable and very reasonably priced, at least you’ll walk out with a story to tell your friends.

Like most European influenced cities, Montreal sets its schedule to a different clock. Expect the majority of diners to come out around 7pm and club goers not to really hit their peak until around midnight. In some areas (like St. Laurent ) the momentum doesn’t really crescendo until 3:00 am.

Be wary when going to Montreal that the locals believe strongly in their French heritage and the snobby reputation that comes with it. In most Canadian cities English is spoken or at least tolerated, this is not always the case in Montreal so if you really want to party with the locals then you’d better brush up on your French. Unlike Parisians, the people of Montreal tend to be more forgiving of those who at least make an effort and once you get to know them, Montreal natives can be the nicest people around.

photo credit: swanksalot

Want to try the tried and true, one that put Chicago at the top of fine dining lists and a restaurant that is debatably the best in the country? Well, then Charlie Trotter’s will be the destination that will thrill your taste buds. Unwilling to sit back and enjoy its magnificent reputation, Charlie Trotter’s constantly pushes the envelope to become one of the most innovative and progressive establishments in the world. After twenty years in the business this dining mecca has earned its excellent reputation and is certain to provide diners with sensational fare that will leave you smiling.

If you consider yourself a foodie of the cutting edge variety then you’ll probably want to visit the ultra-chic Moto. Chicago restaurateurs Joseph De Vido and Homaro Cantu found the perfect environment for their trendy restaurant, tucked among loading docks and amidst the meatpacking district is a surprisingly hopping avant-garde boutique and gallery district with the perfect compliment of dining options. Moto boasts progressive, postmodern, futuristic menus situated in a stylish, contemporary setting with impeccable service. And that service is truly unique as you realize your waiters are also chefs and they specialize in molecular gastronomy. For the newcomer this style of food preparation and presentation is not only a bit foreign but otherworldly and the resulting flavors are truly out of this world. For an encompassing dining experience, try the 10 or 20 course tasting menus, but be prepared, the servings are less than generous.

For French delights sprinkled with global fusion the pairing of Chef Rick Tramonto and Pastry Chef Gale Gand was a marriage made in culinary heaven. The married couple decided to combine their passion for food and develop a fine dining experience like no other in Chicago. Tru is the result and it’s truly unique.  A visit to Tru means a surrendering to the whim of the chefs. The tasting menus are referred to as collections and the composition is decided by the kitchen. So you never really know what you’re going to get and you’ll probably never have the same meal twice.

If you’re looking for sushi then Chicago is full of fantastic dining delights, but one of the newest hotspots is Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge. Chef Toyoji Hemmi has found a way to combine traditional Japanese flavors with some more standard fare into incredible edible creations. If you’re a bit more adventurous then you’ve absolutely got to try the fugu. Fugu is the famed poisonous blowfish that is considered a gastronomic delight the world over. It takes a trained chef with surgically precise knife skills to prepare fugu and Ai Sushi and Tsuki (sister restaurants) are the only Midwest restaurants serving fugu. If you’re thinking about taking this risky culinary leap it’s advised that you call in advance to see if it’s on the menu for that day.

For those that think Mexican food can’t be considered fine dining, then they’ve never been to Topolobampo. Located in the same building as the more moderately scaled Frontera, both restaurants feature authentic Mexican fare created with much talent using local fresh and organic ingredients from local farmers. Not only has Topolo (as it’s known by the locals) garnered awards for the excellent dishes it puts out, but the man behind the scenes has earned his own awards and stepped into the spotlight. Chef Rick Bayless is the host of MEXICO - One Plate at a Time on PBS. Topolobampo offers a spicy alternative to traditional fine dining that will make your evening a hot one.

A much spoken about restaurant is Trump’s new Sixteen, located on the 16^th floor of Trump’s relatively new International Hotel & Tower, Chicago. Mix novelty, incredible views, an exceptional chef and high prices and you’re bound to come up with a winning fine dining solutions. Trump did just this at Sixteen and the addition of Australian Chef Frank Brunacci was the icing on the cake. Look for a bit of international flair in more traditional dishes and a wine list that’s sure to leave your pocketbook lighter by the end of the evening.

Another notable restaurant that resides within a hotel is Avenues in The Peninsula Chicago. Avenues also is a strong believer in using locally grown ingredients and combines them into contemporary cuisine in an open kitchen. Critics consistently agree that Avenues is one of the best restaurants around and have literally rained awards and recognitions upon this destination restaurant. New to the line up is Chef de Cuisine Curtis Duffy who moved from the acclaimed Alinea to Avenues in 2008. He also cut his chops at some of Chicago’s other top noted kitchens such as Charlie Trotters and Trio.

And speaking of Alinea, if you’re thinking about trying everything and have some free time on your hands, then a trip to the ultra chic Alinea is a must, as long as you have a healthy sized credit card. The 24-course tasting menu is a fabulous way to get a little taste of simply everything this American fine dining restaurant has to offer. But you can expect to spend about five hours working your way through the courses and you’ll drop a couple C-bills in the process. Chef and owner Grant Achatz is really a master with ingredients and presentation, coming up with some of the most delectable delights in town.

Chicago, once known for its pizza, has become a mecca for foodies the world over and the windy city’s restaurants are forcing critics to stand up and take notice for it’s quite certain that Chicago can churn out much more than a tasty tomato pie.

Philadelphia City Hall

photo credit: jasonb42882

In the exact geographical center of William Penn’s original plan for Philadelphia, Center Square, sits Philadelphia’s City Hall, a huge granite mass with a statue of William Penn sitting on top.

The 510-feet high structure was the city’s tallest building until 1987 when the 61-story Liberty Place building opened. Until that time, there was an unwritten gentleman’s agreement that no building in the city should rise higher than William Penn’s hat. Legend has it that the Liberty Place structure gave rise to “Billy Penn’s curse,” which cast a spell on all the city’s professional sports teams, none of whom have won a championship since that building went up. Now that the Phillies are in the World Series, it remains to be seen whether Billy Penn’s curse will continue. Perhaps the construction of the even taller Comcast Center took the edge off Billy’s incantation.

Franklin Institute Science Museum

photo credit: mrkathika

One of the oldest science museums in the nation, the Institute was named after the city’s most famous son, Benjamin Franklin. Many exhibits at the hands on science center use Franklin as a jumping off point. Like “Franklin. He’s Electric,” a look at Ben Franklin’s contributions to meteorology, music,electricity, optics and aquatics. Here, you’ll find:

• A glass armonica, an instrument invented by Franklin that creates sounds by rubbing water on differently shaped glasses. His own glass armonica is also on display.
• An interactive exhibit that shows how sim fins work. Franklin was the first swimmer to use them.
• An optics exhibit that allows visitors to work with lenses; Franklin invented bifocals.

In the rotunda, you’ll find the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, which features a 20 foot-high marble statue of Ben sculpted by James Earle Fraser.

Boathouse Row

photo credit: BarnyardBBS

Check out this National Historic Landmark at night when the 10 boathouses along the waterfront are lit up like Christmas trees. During the day, this location is home to a number of boat regattas and is considered to be one of the centers of regatta racing throughout the world. The boathouses are all located on Kelly Drive, named after rowing champion John B Kelly, whose sister was Grace Kelly.

Independence National Historical Park

photo credit: Eric Beato

This 50-acre urban park in the heart of the city is where the United States was created.  The park preserves many of the nation’s most important resources, including the First and Second Banks of the United States, Congress Hall and Old City Hall. Don’t miss:

photo credit: Matt McGee

Independence Hall, the home of the Continental Congress where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. The free park ranger tour is a must see stop for anyone interested in our nation’s history.

photo credit: Digital Sextant

Liberty Bell Center, which houses the cracked bell that began its life atop the Pennsylvania Assembly Hall. The bell was first called the “Liberty Bell” by a group trying to outlaw slavery. These abolitionists remembered the words on the bell–”Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof” (Leviticus 25:10)–and adopted it as a symbol of their cause in the 1830s. Beginning in the late 1800s, the Liberty Bell traveled around the country to expositions and fairs to help heal the divisions of the Civil War.

Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier

photo credit: Matt McGee

The Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier stands in Washington Square as part of a memorial that also honors George Washington. For most of the 1700s, the square was used as a cemetery, first as a potter’s field and then as the site of mass graves for thousands of soldiers killed during the Revolutionary War. The tomb wasn’t built until the 1950s, however. Interred in the tomb is a 20-year-old Revolutionary soldier found by archaeologists in 1956.

Franklin Court

photo credit: humain

Here you’ll find the United States Postal Service Museum, The Franklin Print Shop, and the Franklin Museum. Here, also is the only active post office in the nation that doesn’t fly a US flag because there wasn’t yet one in 1775. The postmark “B. Free Franklin” is still used to cancel stamps.

photo credit: brighterworlds

In the court itself once stood Franklin’s house, a three-story structure that was razed in 1812. Because no historical records of the look of the exterior exist, the space once occupied by the house is marked by the  “Ghost Structure” designed by architect Robert Venturi. You can look through portals to see into Franklin’s privy pits, wells, and foundation. Below the court is a museum filled with paintings, objects, and inventions associated with Franklin. The main room has a phone bank where you can listen to testimonies about Franklin from the likes of Washington, Mozart, and D.H. Lawrence.

Betsy Ross House

photo credit: WaveBreaker

The building at 239 Arch Street was built over 250 years ago. Betsy and her husband John Ross moved in shortly after their November 1773 wedding and opened up an upholstery business on the ground floor. In 1777, George Washington and two other men visited Betsy Ross in her upholstery shop with a sketch of a flag with 13 red and white stripes and 13 six-pointed stars. Betsy suggested five-pointed stars. The men agreed. Betsy delivered the flag in May 1777 and onJune 14, 1777, Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as our official national flag.

Free Library of Philadelphia

photo credit: thisisbossi

Philadelphia’s first lending library was founded in 1732 by Ben Franklin (Who else?). That organization was a rental service and the city’s first free library had to wait until 1890 after a $225,000 bequest from George S Pepper was left to the city to found “a general library which shall be free to all.” The library has an extensive collection of 6 million items, including a number of special collections such as 800 incunabula, or books printed before the year 1501; an extensive collection of illuminated Medieval manuscripts; a collection of fine art prints and photographs with works from 1493 to the present; and a map collection with more than 130,000 current and historical maps.

Elfreth’s Alley

This small alley is the oldest continually inhabited street in America and one of the last intact 18th century streetscapes in the nation. The alleyway opened in 1702; the street’s 32 houses were built between 1728 and 1836. House 126 is home to the Elfreth’s Alley Museum. The only house accessible to the public, the museum was built in in 1755 by blacksmith Jeremiah Elfreth. The museum is open Tuesdays from noon to 5 pm, Wednesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays from noon to 5 pm from March through October. From November through February visiting hours are from 10 am to 5 pm Thursday-Saturday and Sundays from noon to 5 pm.

photo credit: Ben Demey

Germantown

George Washington and the capital were here in 1793. During the Revolution, the Battle of Germantown was fought up and down the main street. The first American Bible was published here, and the first kidnapping in the United States also took place in Germantown. The writer Louisa May Alcott was born here and the painter Gilbert Stuart worked in a small barn in Germantown.

In Germantown, you’ll find the Deshler-Morris House, where George Washington waited out the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793; the Mennonite Meetinghouse, a 1770 structure that houses the desk where the nation’s first protest against slavery was signed; and Rittenhouse Town, the site of the first paper mill in America.

U.S. Mint

photo credit: WaveBreaker

The nation’s first mint was built in 1792, two blocks from the present site. The current building is the fourth Philadelphia mint. On tour you’ll walk through the minting process watching workers below bonding, blanking, annealing, riddling, upsetting, striking, inspecting, counting and bagging coins–about 30 million a day. You’ll also see exhibitions honoring Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, the medals are created at the mint. Another room showcases gold coins. The Philadelphia facility, one of four in the US, is the largest mint in the world. The Philadelphia mint also produces Bronze Stars and Purple Hearts awarded to military heroes.

There are a handful of cities in the United States that are notorious for their nightclubs and nightlife and Chicago happens to be one of those happening hot spots. If you’re headed to the windy city for a night of fun you’ll want to check out at least a few of the ones listed below. photo credit: Alex Cheek

Long steeped in jazz culture, Chicago is a haven for those who love good jazz performed by jazz greats and Andy’s Jazz Club and Restaurant has a long standing reputation as one of the best jazz clubs around. Local performers line up to play at Andy’s and they cover a wide variety of styles from traditional and swing to bop, fusion, Latin and afro-pop. Check out the ever changing Spotlight Performer Series to see if your favorites are coming to town and make sure to get your tickets early as Andy’s is one of the most popular jazz spots in town. Don’t forget to check out the menu, make it an evening and enjoy Andy’s delicious culinary delights while experiencing some of the best jazz around.

Another popular jazz alternative is Green Dolphin Street. You’d never believe this swanky nightclub used to be an auto garage but it underwent its magical transformation with grace and came out the other side as a sexy, retro 1940’s style venue. The average crowd indulges in martinis and cigars from the club’s own humidor and then settles in for some traditional style jazz music. Green Dolphin Street also has a full menu with some very upscale prices and ala carte ordering. If you’re looking for an evening full of class and sophistication and a laid back atmosphere that still grooves, then Green Dolphin Street is definitely the place to spend your evening.

If you want music but something a bit more modern, give Metro a try. Metro is Chicago’s premiere venue for live rock acts who are just on the cusp of becoming multimillion dollar mega stars. Once you’ve checked out your new favorite band, keep your ticket stub and head downstairs to Smart Bar. That ticket will get you free admission to more music, drinking and fun as the subterranean dance club packs them in seven nights a week. It’s your chance to rub elbows with the future stars of the music scene.

Let’s keep with the public transportation theme for a minute and mention Transit Nightclub. A warehouse beneath the el train wouldn’t appeal to many but Transit found a way to turn it into one of the hippest dance clubs in town. Rather than going all kitschy with the theme, Transit keeps things simple and serious. This huge club sets its décor around the surroundings with geometric shapes and sparse furniture accenting the postindustrial metal staircases. If you’re lucky enough to get invited up one of those staircases you’ll find a couple extra special VIP rooms. Die hard dance fans will love the atmosphere and the bone shaking bass beats. Come dressed to impress, the club may be low key but the clientele is not.

More music, more dancing and more fun can be found hidden in the River North gallery district if you look hard enough. The Funky Buddha Lounge uses the surrounding industrial region to camouflage this happening hot club. The outside features a Buddha sculpture on the door lets you know you’re in the right place, but be prepared to be wowed when you enter that door. The inside is a mélange of all that is cliché in clubs, red lighting, black leather and faux fur, candles and secret dens for canoodling. The old crowd used to grove to the standard fare of hip-hop, bhangra, funk, African and soul music but lately a new crowd has moved in and Thursday nights feature a much younger set that is ready to rock while Fridays and Saturdays feature the eclectic crowd who are out to see and be seen.

A more well known and high-energy nightclub can be found at Crobar. Top international DJs grace the stage at Crobar and get the crowd to their feet. Packed into this smaller nightclub you can’t help but feel the excitement of the music and the crowd. Acts and themes change regularly so check out the website to see what the upcoming entertainment may be. No matter what it’s bound to be exciting and loud.

If you’ve hit the famous Randolph Street’s Restaurant Row for dinner then you’ll be happy to know you can stay right in the area and hit one of the current chic hotspots. Bon V has a lounge feel with a much noted atrium-style top level and opulence abound (or at least what struck the owners as opulence). And speaking of the owner, sports fans will want to take note that Casey Urlacher, brother of famed Chicago footballer Brian Urlacher is one of the owners. With a somewhat famous tie in it’s no wonder that rumors of celebrity sightings at this nightclub.

If you still haven’t had enough of the nightlife, head to the Martini Ranch for a late night nightcap. With a menu of more than 60 martinis there is no doubt you’ll find something to your liking, as long as you like it tasty and strong. The Martini Ranch is open until 4am every night except Saturday when it pushes the curfew back to 5 am. Not only are there incredible drinks at this late night hour, but you can also order traditional American tavern fare from their late night menu. Don’t worry about the party winding down, the Martini Ranch features some of Chicago’s best DJs who will keep that party vibe jumping. Or look for your oasis in the land of confusion and head out to the beer garden and one of the heated tables for that quiet evening nightcap.

In the windy city the hotspots blow in and out of favor with the in-crowd. Expect your favorite nightclub to be the happening hip place to be one night and a passé cliché in a few months. Keep your ear to the ground and look for long standing favorites to be your touch point and trendy enclaves to be the icing on your evening.

photo credit: JVanT

Purple Cow has an authentic soda fountain that kids of any age will enjoy. With it’s 1950s décor, you feel like you’ve gone back in time. If you’re visiting other locations in Texas and you’ve enjoyed the Purple Cow, look for them in Plano and Ft. Worth as well.

Patrizio is touted one of the best Italian restaurants in Dallas, yet it is as family friendly as it can be a romantic diner out for two. They are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. You’ll love their Tuscan décor of renaissance paintings against stark white walls and large archways lead out to a huge brick patio with lumbering green umbrellas over each table. Try their special Tortellini in Pesto. The tortellini languishes in a tomato pesto sauce that is to die for. Children will love their specialty pizzas.

All Good Café has all the unsophisticated cuisine that kids love - adults too. You know they’re going to be happy whether they order the Grilled Chicken Nachos, the Bean and Cheese Nachos or the Chicken Fried Chicken Fingers. Adults will love the “San Jose” Sangria, their specialty. Everyone will love the retro Texas musician posters on the wall while they slip into red vinyl booths, a real bohemian style. Nights can get a bit busy later on and will be more in style with teen and adult live entertainment on their stage. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro is a place where your family can gather around one of their large tables and admire the décor of tall double stallions and carved wood screens. The food is definitely Chinese but with a modern edge to it. Many of the sauces are made right at your table by your server. Try the Wok Fried Scallops with Lemmon Sauce or Orange-peel Beef with Chili Peppers for one of their house specialties. Adults will love trying a new wine to go with their meal from their menu of 50 different wines.

Chips is touted as the place to get the “Best Dallas Burger.” They offer the basic menu with burgers, shakes, fries and salads, but with an incredible style. Be sure and gather plenty of extra napkins to your table for these juicy burgers. They serve the old fashioned “real” potato fries with skins and French fried onions. Order a half order of each to go with your Chips burger.

Paradise Bakery & Café have the best chocolate chippers in all of Texas. There are so many delicious cookies to choose from, but only after the kids have a great sandwich for lunch (made with freshly baked bread) and soup or salad. Or stop by for a quick breakfast muffin right out of the oven and an espresso coffee drink. They are “making the world a sweeter place, one cookie at a time.”

Dream Café is the place to go if you’re trying to keep your family eating healthy yet delicious food while on vacation in Dallas. They offer a variety of dishes, all organic and in an appealing family-friendly atmosphere. Open for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Try their special fresh spinach, Swiss cheese and mushroom omelet for breakfast or their One For John which is a grilled vegi/rice/musroom burger with soy cheese and all the trimmings. They have unique and great dinner menu choices as well. However, the biggest surprise of the Dream Café has to be their Saturday and Sunday brunch filled with such items as fresh pastries, fresh fruit, organic steel cut oatmeal and mile-high or Santa Fe omelets. Don’t miss it if you are in the Dallas area.

Tin Star offers fast to eat there or to go American cuisine. You can order quickly at the counter and they will bring your food to your table. The fun thing about the Tin Star is that they offer a real twist on the usual Tex-Mex cuisine with their quesadilla station, grilled steak taco or their grilled chicken platter - yum. They have four restaurants in the Dallas-Ft Worth area to choose from. A great place for a quick bite that’s way better than the drive through burger place.

2900 is unique. Where else are you going to find Manchego-stuffed beef with chorizo cheese grits and cilantro. It’s Chef Mikes signature dish, but it’s not the only menu item you will find enticing. Keep your eye on the big window at the back of the restaurant where you can watch Chef Mike and his “helpers” make all of their wildly delightful dishes. Besides the cuisine you will find the service excellent, which always makes the meal so much better. This is not a place for small children, but excellent for introducing the teens to fine dining or for a romantic dinner for two.

Simply Fondue is the place to go when you’re looking for something different. Order one fondue base or several with the burners right at your table. What could be more fun for the family or just the two of you? For larger groups, enjoy the circular tables so everyone can dip to their hearts content. Finish this delightful dinner with a chocolate fondue and dip angel food cake and fruit. They use cholesterol-free oil so you can pretend the meal is completely healthy. So much to choose from, you’ll have to come back a for a second try and eating every fondue you want.

Texas Roadhouse offers steaks grilled to perfections as you request. They are hand-cut and cooked with their secret spices. Besides steaks you can order their award-winning ribs as well as their home-style country dinners. Pot roast, fried chicken, grilled pork chops, even fried catfish. If you are craving some down-home southern cooking try the Texas Roadhouse to please everyone in the family.