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 dowtown 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.

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.

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.

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.

Fund these adventures with the savings on your Seattle hotel when booked here.

(cc: photo credit: davesbit)

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.

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.

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.

If a brew pub is more your speed then downtown 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.

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.

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.

Enjoy your nightlife even more by saving money on your hotel in Hawaii at Hotels Cheap. 

(cc: photo credit: MarDodd)

Yes, downtown 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.

(cc: photo credit: Pillsbury.com)

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.

Save on your hotel so your whole family can eat more!  Click here for great rates on hotels in Detroit or anywhere.

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It may always be raining, but that’s just a better reason to head on inside and catch some night vibes. Seattle is a happening city with a good number of clubs and hot spots. Almost every taste in music is represented and the level of excitement is adjustable to suit your mood.  From the Sea-Tac Airport, head dowtown Seattle to begin your fun!

A bonus to the younger ones in the crowd, or the older teens to be exact, many Seattle clubs have 18 and over nights so if you fit in that age group you are no longer prevented from seeing your favorite local band play live at the hippest club in town.

And if it’s live music you’re looking for then The Crocodile Café would have been the first place you went. Home to the Seattle music grunge scene, the Croc was THE place to be, that is until 2007 when it abruptly closed its doors due to financial problems. So, why mention it? Because rumor has it that The Crocodile Café will once again welcome bands to its stage and crowds will flock to be one of the chosen few allowed inside. So stay on the lookout because if The Crocodile Café opens it will most likely once again reign in the crowds looking for great live music.

Until then, give The Tractor Tavern a try. With live shows 5-7 nights a week featuring a wide range of local and national acts, you’re bound to find something that gets you up and dancing. The dancing and music is really the highlight at Tractor, but Pabst Blue Ribbon is on tap, several great ales are chilling in the cooler and you can order a TV dinner if you’re feeling a bit puckish.

Another great place to catch live music is Neumo’s . Voted Editorial Winner by Citysearch, this club knows how to book a good act and pack the club. Not big on variety, Neumo’s features mainly indie rock music, but they’ve chosen a popular theme that draws a hard drinking crowd. The balcony seating is great to really view the act, but no matter where you end up, you’ll get a great show.

For a totally difference live music experience, The Triple Door  is a great way to spend an evening. First there is the delicious Asian menu (from Wild Ginger the upstairs neighbor), then there is the full bar and award-winning wine lest. And most importantly there is the music. The Musicquarium and the Mainstage Theater both feature great live music, most of it with a jazz flare. Although the renovated 1920’s era vaudeville is really worth experiencing, you can catch the music on the cheap. The live shows are piped into the bar, so you can save the price of a ticket and experience the live show from the bar.

Okay, one last live music venue, The Funhouse, dubbed Seattle’s oldest surviving punk club, is a great old-school experience. There’s no pretense, no attitude and plenty of good vibes. The Funhouse features great local talent and the crowd is there to listen, drink cheap beers, and enjoy the camaraderie of other patrons.

If dancing is more your speed then head over to The Last Supper Club. With three levels and four bars (not to mention several private rooms) there is ample space for dancing. Most nights feature a DJ but there are live acts booked with some regularity. Most patrons seem to enjoy the lowest bar and its laid back atmosphere, but if you want to see and be seen, then give one of the higher floors a try.

For more multi-leveled fun, give Trinity Nightclub a once – or thrice – over. This three-roomed dance club features different DJs so each room has its own distinct flare. It’s basically three different nightclubs under one roof. The Main Room is the happening spot with a large dance floor and a kicking beat. The Blue Room is a bit futuristic and trendy and draws national acts. For a more relaxed atmosphere, the Card Room offers a taste of elegance and some delectable delights as well.

Maybe the most happening hot spot of the moment, The War Room is constantly packed. If you’re just going for the experience, try visiting on a week day rather than a weekend. Wednesdays feature an 80’s them and have almost the amount of excitement as a weekend night. DJ’s play nightly and the dance floor is almost always rocking. It’s a comfortable hot spot for locals and visitors.

SEE Sound Lounge offers a bit more laid back atmosphere as the guests sip cosmos and nibble on the Mediterranean treats. But the DJs know how to spin a techno groove that often gets the crowd up and moving. The crowd is a bit more upscale but the drinks are still moderately priced. If you’re looking for a good salsa club, try See Sound on Tuesdays.

A chameleon of a bar, Club Noc Noc serves its post work patrons well with generous happy hour prices and comfortable atmosphere, but stay too long and you’ll either get swept away with the partying dancers or wish you had left a bit earlier. The Noc Noc swiftly turns (as quickly as that first DJ starts spinning) into a happening dance club and hot spot. And to add to its chameleon type nature, some nights such as 80’s night or goth night, draw an entirely different crowd. Check the schedule and keep your eye on your watch to catch the transformation.

Seattle is a laid back kind of town that is very serious about its music business. If you’re going for a visit and want to hit the clubs bring something nice to wear, but leave your coolest garb at home. You should also leave the stereotypical grunge gear at home as the residents find that insulting. Instead dress well but not showy, expect to pay a bit in drinks but you’ll get good strong ones, and experience as much of the music scene as possible. Don’t worry if you happen to stay out a little too late, there is literally a Starbucks on every corner.

Save money on your Seattle hotel room and spend your savings to fund your nightlife.  Click here for hotel deals anywhere, anytime.

cc:  photo credit: flipkeat

Niagara Falls, bordering Canada on one side with Horseshoe Falls and the U.S. with American Falls, is noted as a source of power to the practical of mind.  But to the romantic, it has always been the ultimate honeymoon location.  For the adventuresome such as Sam Patch and Annie Addison Taylor, it has been a source of daredevil fetes as they made their jumps and survived.  For Hollywood, the falls have been a source of  subject matter and background in such movies as Niagara with Marilyn Monroe and Superman II.  Niagara Falls is a main attraction in itself, however there are many ways to see and experience these phenomenal cascading white waters.

Niagara Falls Visitors Center is the place to start while visiting the area.  You’ll learn everything you ever wanted to know about the falls and then some.  The visitors center also includes restaurants, gift shop and Adventure Theater.  The Adventure Theater shows a 40 minute overview of the fall’s history, the daredevils, and other Niagara Park attractions.

Prospect Point Observation Tower is the fullest way to get a complete view of the American Falls.  The deck of the tower reaches over the Niagara Gorge allowing you to see the falls below.  At 282 feet it is constructed of steel, aluminum and glass with 3 glass elevators.   Located in New York, it is open spring, summer and fall of every year.  It’s a great vacation budget point at only a $1 entrance fee for children 6 or older and adults with children under 6, free.

Maid of the Mist boat ride loads at the base of the Prospect Point Observation Tower on the U.S. side of the falls.  However, the ride is also available on the Canadian side.  Starting the ride at a very calm location, the boat takes you past the American and Bridal Veil Falls, then into the misty Horseshoe Falls curve.  There are 7 Maid of the Mist boats numbered with Roman numerals and lastly The Little Maid which can be seen on the docks of Niagara River in Canada.  This boat has had it’s Hollywood moments in Bruce Almighty and Superman II.

Cave of Winds Tour is for the adventuresome at heart.  You will get wet.  But, don’t worry they supply you with rain ponchos and sandals.  First, you will start with an elevator ride that takes you deep into the Gorge.  From there you trail your guide over wooden walkways to the Hurricane Deck which just happens to be 20 feet from Bridal Veil Falls.  While being completely sprayed with falls water you’ll get a chance to see the falls from a location others rarely do.

Niagara Scenic Trolley takes you on a ride exploring 6 of the state parks attractions.  A guide will narrate informative Niagara Falls material during the 3 mile ride.  The ride only takes a half hour and you are allowed to leave the trolley and explore at any of the 6 locations.  The trolleys are part of the Niagara State Park “green” project as they run on natural gas which is environmentally friendly.  The ride will only cost adults $2 and children over 6 $1.

Whirlpool Jetboat Tours will take you where no one else can, to the stone-walled canyon, the legendary whirlpool and the rough-riding rapids.  The open-air boat will have water spraying you up and down while the closed Jetdome will keep you dry and comfortable. The boats run from April to October.

Niagara Falls Aquarium is located just outside Niagara Falls State Park.  The aquarium features over 1,500 aquatic animals originating from the Great Lakes to the Corral Reef.  The “Whaling Wall” is just outside of the aquarium and takes the visitor into a water dreamland.  Open year round except Christmas and Thanksgiving there is a $9 fee for adults and $5 fee for children over the age of 6.

Old Fort Niagara is a national historic landmark located in New York.  It features 18th century military collections along with living history events, programs and exhibits.  It stands at the entrance to the Niagara River.  The fort played an important role in the struggle over the Great Lakes by France, United States and Britain.  This is a good family learning destination while enjoying the beauty of Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls State Park offers an abundance of outdoor activities.  Biking, cross country skiing and fishing are just a sampling of the sporting fun at the oldest park in the United States.  There are no shortage of walking and hiking trails with the most spectacular being the Niagara Gorge trail which will give it’s viewers the most spectacular views of the both the gorge and the falls.

Goat Island can be found in the middle of Niagara Falls, between Horseshoe Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.  At the northern end of this green island a gangway takes you to smaller Luna Island.  Goat Island is where the adventuresome trek of Cave of the Winds is located.

Sightseeing in Niagara Falls

Whether you are a bit more timid at heart or the true adventurer type, there’s something for everyone at Niagara Falls State Park.  You may see the these magnificent falls as a border between the United States and Canada or you may see it as a binding power that connects us and draws us together.  Both may be true, yet both countries work together to maintain and preserve the beauty that abounds there.

The closest airports to access Niagara Falls include Toronto’s Lester Pearson Airport on the Canadian side and Buffalo Airport on the U.S. side.   Looking for great rates on hotel deals in Niagara, Toronto or Buffalo?  Check out Hotels Cheap.

(cc: photo credit: Definitive HDR)

Visitors to San Antonio of sure to check out the top tourists spots and they’ll obviously remember the Alamo, but the savvy golfing tourist will remember the city for a lot more, they’ll come back with a deep appreciation of the incredible golf courses that literally litter the landscape. No matter what type of golfer you are, an old duffer who’s more interested in the enjoyment of the sport or a cracker jack professional looking to hone his or her skills on a championship level course, San Antonio has a golf course or two designed to fit every experience level.

I did say tourists will remember the Alamo, well golfers will as well with the Alamo Golf Club. A simple public course with reasonable (some would say inexpensive) fees, an uncomplicated layout and well cared for grounds. The Alamo Golf Club is just simply an excellent way to squeeze in a quick round before you’ll required for other family or tourist duties. If you’re too pressed for time to fit in a quick 18 or 9 holes, try the Par 3 Putt and Pitch or spend a little time working those kinks out on the range. As a special side note, the course has a club maker who will design and make custom clubs for hard-to-fit golfers and will repair old favorites. Now that’s worth remembering.

For a totally different public course experience, make some time to fully experience Canyon Springs Golf Course. Nominated by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine as best new course in 1998 and winner of the Reader’s Favorite course that year, Canyon went on to receive further accolades in 2005 and 2005 as best overall golf club in San Antonio. So is this course worthy of the hype? Absolutely! A hill country course, you’d be best advised to stay straight and true or risk losing a few dozen balls in the tall rough. Beyond the challenge of the course, the scenery is something you’ll want to take in and absorb over and over again. Built on the Claussen Homestead, Canyon Springs, pays homage to the rich and storied history of the land. Look for remnants of the old farm and keep your eyes out for caves. Several caves are registered by the National Geologic Society and excavations discovered the intact remains of a saber tooth tiger and several Winchester rifles. Truly a stunning course full of challenges and beauty as well as an intriguing past.

Another great municipal course to check out is Cedar Creek Municipal Golf Course. Not a quick round like Alamo Golf Club, this one will take a big chunk of your day as it’s so popular and can get backed up. But there’s good reason for its popularity, Cedar Creek Muni is consistently rated as one of the top municipal courses in the entire country. The fairways are narrow and challenging as the course winds through limestone hillsides, past stunning waterfalls and over generous creeks. More beautiful and well kept than a muni course usually deserves, this public course is a heavenly concoction of all that is really great about golf.

Looking for the total golf experience rather than sneaking a quick round in where you can, then there’s nothing like staying at a golf resort and immersing yourself in the game. One of the best resort courses in San Antonio is Hyatt Hill Country Club and Golf Resort.  Ranked the number one Texas golf destination and the seventeenth worldwide by Conde Nast Traveler, Hyatt Hill is set on a whopping 200 perfectly manicured acres and features 27 holes designed by famed golf course architects, Arthur Hills and Associates. Expect to play across wide and rolling meadows flanked by both steep hillsides and wooded ravines and get ready to play over (hopefully) several water hazards. As all good results should, Hyatt Hill offers some of those little extras that make the experience exciting, one of the most popular current amenities is the GPS loaded golf cart. If you have yet to experience golf with this electronic caddy you’re in for a real delight, if you’ve become accustomed to the yardage information, the hazard locations, and the helpful hints then you will be happy to find this old friend along for the ride. The resort itself is packed with amenities and loaded with professional staff while still retaining its comfortable western atmosphere. Oh! And did I forget to mention the four acre water playground?

Another resort worth noting is The Westin La Cantera Golf Club another highly rated course as not only Golf Digest found a way to recognize it more than once, the PGA has also stood up and taken notice and La Cantera can boast that it’s the current host of the PGA Texas Open. This remarkable public course sits atop one of the highest points in San Antonio and offers guest some breathtaking views of the rolling hills and downtown. But it’s not just the view that will take your breath away, the course itself is nestled in a very beautiful surrounding amplified by gorgeous waterfalls, tricky creeks, and wicked hills. In addition to the noted 18 holes preferred by the PGA, La Cantera has a new 18 holes designed by Arnold Palmer. If you’re wondering about the amenities, La Cantera’s golf course is not the only thing recognized by the press, Golf Digest named their golf shop the best of 2008 and of course the resort itself is reaping awards as well.

This list hasn’t even scratched the surface of golf courses in San Antonio. There are dozens more that draw golfers from around the globe. Heck, we haven’t even mentioned the famous The Quarry Golf Club a course with its own list of awards and accolades including the moniker of One of the Most Unique Golf Courses in America. There is no end to the fun and challenge a golfer can find in San Antonio, you could spend a lifetime looking for the perfect round in San Antonio.

Golfing can get expensive.  Save money on your hotel and golf more!  Click here for hotel savings in San Antonio and around the world.

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 downtown 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 in Paris, 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.

Click here for discounted hotel deals in Montreal, or anywhere.

(cc: photo credit: 96dpi)

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.

Book your Chicago hotel through Hotels Cheap and spend your savings on dining out around town.

(cc: photo credit Grandma Tina)

Whether you’re a die hard shopper or just a window browser, Cleveland has just about everything any shopper could ever want. Not only does the city boast more than a handful of respectable shopping malls, its also chock full of great antique stores, specialty shops and pretty much anything you’re looking for.

Start your shopping tour by checking out the malls. Not just your typical mall, the Steelyard Commons Shopping Center sits in the middle of town and offers a day’s worth of activities for the entire family. Originally this area of town was LTV’s number two finishing mill but developers saw that the area could be much more than that and in January of 2007 the Steelyard Commons Shopping Center was opened to the public. In addition to the one million square feet of retail space there are more than a handful of restaurants, miles of hiking and biking trails which connect to the Ohio Erie Canal towpath and it will be the future home to both a playground and a planned Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad stop.

If you’re not interested in a brand new shopping mall, then how about one of America’s first indoor shopping malls and Cleveland’s first skyscraper? Built in 1890 The Arcade is situated in downtown Cleveland between Superior and Euclid Avenues. This historic architectural beauty features two 9-story towers which are connected to one another by an atrium made of glass and metal. There are even gargoyles at the top which watch protectively over the shoppers. In fact, seasoned shoppers may want to make The Arcade their one stop source in Cleveland as you can stay in the building’s Hyatt Regency Hotel, dine in one of the many restaurants or the food court, and shop until your back aches, and then you can visit The Avenue’s in-house Chiropractor.

Another great downtown shopping mecca in Cleveland is Tower City Center which actually boasts that “You can do it all in the heart of Cleveland on Public Square!” This area is a great choice for visitors who don’t want to do a lot of traveling during their stay in Cleveland but they still want to get out and see the sites. You can choose from two hotels, eat at six different full-service restaurants, shop the more than 100 specialty stores, take in a movie at the 11-screen theater or see an event at the Time Warner Cable Amphitheater at Tower City. You can even catch an event at Progressive Field or the Quicken Loans Arena which have convenient access through the connected walkways.

Okay, so you’ve had enough of the shopping malls, and whether they’re brand new or ancient relics, you’re ready to move on. Move a little to the east of Cleveland and you’ll discover Larchmere Boulevard, a totally different experience than the malls, offering a variety of antique stores, bookstores, handcrafted products in little boutiques, folk art and delectable edibles at the local eateries. This strip of independent stores is conveniently located only one block north of Shaker Square.

And speaking of Shaker Square, this octagonal shopping district is one that is not to be missed. Constructed in the 1920’s this is the upscale shopping district of the region. The architects envisioned a shopping and entertainment center much like the ones they had experienced in Europe at the time and selected Georgian and Tudor architecture to match the nearby homes. Shaker Square is the oldest shopping district in Ohio and the second oldest in the nation. It currently holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors to Shaker Square will find several art galleries and some truly delightful cafes.

Moving further out of the downtown Cleveland area you’ll find Crocker Park, a shopping area that claims “It’s all happening here”. Just 30 minutes west of Cleveland, Crocker Park is a 75-acre park-like complex with retail stores, restaurants, business offices, and apartments. It’s truly a place that you can move in to and probably never leave. Created in 2004, this shopping district has modern charm stamped all over it with cobblestone walkways, fountains and a town square. In addition to a collection of favorite stores and restaurants, Crocker Park features events to keep residents and visitors amused, expect visits from Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny as well as art openings, book signings and wine tasting events.

If you’re headed east of Cleveland then you’ll find Legacy Village in Lyndhurst is a shoppers must stop location. Another recent creation, built in 2004, the Legacy Village hits all the highlights with shopping, dining and entertainment rolled up into one upscale outdoor mall. Not to be outdone by its local competition, Legacy Village offers a variety of activities for all ages and even features some musical entertainment that is sure to get the toes tapping of visitors as they stroll the shops.

Another east side shopping haven is the Eton Shopping Center in Woodmere Ohio. This shopping center takes the road less traveled by offering its customers stores they’re familiar with but ones that you don’t see in every mall across America, such as Trader Joes, Sur la Table, Smith and Hawken and other upscale chain stores. Dining also tends to be less run of the mill with independent restaurants rather than the traditionally heavy chain fare. In keeping with that individualistic streak, you’ll find the architecture and landscaping divine and very European in flavor, especially with the chess tables that dot the grounds.

Honestly, a shopper could go mad trying to hit all of the Cleveland, Ohio shopping centers. We’ve only listed a few and still missed many very popular retail outlets like Great Lakes Mall, Summit Mall, South Park Center Mall, Parmatown Mall, Great Northern Mall and Beachwood Place Mall, just to name a few. If you’re just dying to shop, no matter what you’re shopping for, you’re certain to find everything you need and a lot of stuff you just have to have in the stores in downtown Cleveland or the surrounding suburbs. A true shopper’s paradise.

Speaking of shopping, be sure to shop for the best hotel deals in Cleveland at Hotels Cheap.

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.

These are the best parks in San Diego, to find the best hotel deals in San Diego, check Hotels Cheap.

(cc: photo credit: davedit)

Madison Avenue Shopping

Ann Taylor has several shops in which she sells her high fashion designer clothing. On Madison you can find one at 645 Madison Avenue and 80^th & Madison. The first store was opened in 1945, so they’ve been around for a while and obviously selling what women want to wear. You will find classic clothing in these high end boutiques including separates, suites, dresses as well as shoes and accessories. Much of the clothing found at Ann Taylor’s contains the finest Italian fabrics and yarns.

Valentino, located at 747 Madison Avenue, offers intricate embroidered evening gowns, handbags covered in fur, spike heeled pumps covered in jewels and more. Of course, Valentino’s trade mark of red and black, polka-dots, bows and ruffles are predominate in his gowns. Some of his most popular shoes, however, are the skinny wedges and flats. For the man shopper, there is a line of Italian suits as well as tuxedos and dark evening wear with the Valentino flair.

Yves St. Laurent, located at 855 Madison Avenue, originally designed his clothing before his death in 2008. He was often called the most influential designer of the last 25 years. The modern refined elegant style of S. Laurent continues in the line as seen in the Madison Avenue shop. His habit of taking items of male clothing (jacket or blazer) and mixing them with feminine pieces continues as well.

5^th Avenue Shopping

Disney Store, located at 711 5^th Avenue, always has an air of magic swirling around the store. It can be seen through the windows, drawing you in like a hypnotic trance. If there is an item Disney related, you will find it in this store. It’s a chance to give your adult shopping excursion a break to find something special for your children, a niece or even a friend’s child. If a child has accompanied you or you are just a child at heart, you will want to head up to the 3^rd floor to peruse through the Disney Art Gallery which includes both past and present art pieces.

Saks Fifth Avenue, located at 611 5^th Avenue, is competitive in the high-end retail clothing market. A quality clothing line that was founded in 1865 by Andrew Saks. Many designers create clothing for the Saks series of department stores such as Daniel Franco, Karl Kani, Victoria Bekham, Bono, making it a giant retailer with a styles that satisfy everyone.

Prada, located at 724 5^th Avenue, offers quality Italian leather goods (luggage, shoes and accessories). If the public didn’t know about exquisite Prada shoes, they did after the movie, “The Devil Wears Prada.” Although there is a long list of Prada retailers, the 5^th avenue store is a must-stop-in if your shopping in New York City. The status symbol shoes are luxurious and copied by counterfeiters at the constant frustration of Prada.

Time Square Shopping

M&M World, located at 1600 Broadway, is candy heaven. And if you can’t get enough chocolate there, Hershey’s is right across the street. The 25,000 square foot store bombards you with M&M colors as you walk in the door. With three stories of M&M apparel, art, kitchen gadgets and, oh yeah, candy, you won’t make it out without a 5 lb weight increase.

The MTV Store, located at 1515 Broadway, may be noticed first by the line around the block. But, then when you look up you notice the bright yellow sign that is MTV’s. The line is to participate in the audience of one of MTVs most popular shows, “Total Request Live.” You can purchase MTV souvenirs at their gift shop at the bottom floor. While you are at it buy an “Eat MTV.”

Sanrio, located at 233 West 42^nd Street, is first noticed by it’s bright pink exterior and “Hello Kitty” collection in the window. Most of the store is take over by Japanese “kawaii” (cute). And that means anything “Hello Kitty.” Take your little girl hear and she’ll have twinkle in her eye for ever more. And you will have the credit card bill to prove it. But what joy you will give her.

Lower East Side Shopping

Marmalade, located at 172 Ludlow, is a haven of vintage clothing, shoes and accessories. If you love 70s and 80s clothing to wear alone or to mix in with attire of the 21^st century, this is the place. These vintage treasures are clean and in good repair with plenty of sizes to fit everyone. They have a helpful and friendly staff that is knowledgeable and able to answer questions with great detail.

Bluestockings Radical Books, located at 172 Allen Street, carries all the radical stuff. If vacation means stopping to read a good book, between shopping trips, you will want to stop by Bluestockings. It will give you a chance to browse the shelves for books you don’t find at your local corner bookstore.

Zarin Fabric Warehouse and Home Furnishings, located at 314 Grand Street, is a huge source of designer fabrics for home decorating. If you love interior design and doing your own thing, you could get lost for a whole day in their three floors of fabric and all that’s needed to redo your home at below retail prices. You know it’s the place to check out as it’s been in or mentioned in many TV programs such as “The Real Housewives of New York City,” “What’s Your Sign Design,” “Sex and the City,” “Law and Order,” and many more.

Travel tips:
1. Pick your best and cheapest flight itinerary into either LaGuardia, JFK or Newark airports.
2. Book your hotel through Hotels Cheap to get guaranteed best rates and availability in the New York area.
3. Spend your savings on extra shopping in NYC!

(cc: photo credit: Jordan Chark)

Your Disney hotel is a comfortable home-away-from-home, but it’s hardly Orlando’s finest destination. Central Florida is one of the U.S.’ most varied landscapes, and can be easily accessed from the Orlando International Airport. These outdoor attractions will make those oft-trod and overrun theme parks look like your local mall, so long as you’re not too afraid of gators.

Boggy Creek: Airboating in the Central Florida Everglades

We don’t normally associate Central Florida with the Everglades, but over half of the state is packed with subtropical marshlands. Boggy Creek’s airboating tours allow the Disney crowd to experience Florida’s wilds without straying outside the Kissimmee bounds. Daily tours, according to the Boggy Creek website, showcase “wetlands, cypress trees, and wildlife,” including “alligators, turtles, and birds.” For the truly adventurous, nighttime boating tours offer the best chance to see gators in their natural habitat. Apart from the cool allure of the gators, the airboats themselves prove exciting: they skim the marsh’s surface at 45 miles per hour.

The Wallaby Ranch: User-Friendly Hang Gliding

This Orlando mainstay claims to be “the first and largest aerotow hang gliding flight park in the world,” allowing its visitors all the thrill of unencumbered flight without an extensive training and testing period. Through their aerotow method and by using two-place hang gliders, Wallaby offers a relatively simple tandem flight experience. Even young children can safely participate in two-place hang gliding, bolstered by the ranch’s longtime instructors. The ease and accessibility that the Wallaby Ranch offers make hang gliding the perfect diversion from a park-heavy vacation.

Gators Fishing: Big Bass with a Local Dude

Large-mouth bass fishing is, by all accounts, Orlando’s most thrilling outdoor activity, and there’s no better way to experience it than on a private tour with a dedicated guide. Gators’ catch-and-release action takes place on metropolitan Orlando’s Lake Conway, where patrons can expect to see alligators, eagles, otters, and assorted other wildlife while hooking their bass. Though the tours are a bit pricey, the experience is well worth it; half-day adventurers can expect to interface with about 60 bass, while a full day’s fishing produces around 100. Also, Gators offers fiberglass reproductions of your best catch for your rec room wall.

Ocala National Forest: That Big Green Splotch on the Map

Ocala’s website warns visitors (twice in close succession) to “Be Bear Aware!” This dictum is either enticing or frightening, depending on how much you like bears. For the bear aware, the forest offers a range of campground accommodations, from relatively luxurious cabins to “primitive” setups. For the pleasure of hikers, Ocala also offers a length of the Florida National Scenic Trail, which runs 67 miles through forests, boardwalk-plated swamps, and prairies, as well as the Yearling Trail, named for the classic movie filmed on the forest’s grounds. This massive preserve is a perfect natural respite from overdeveloped Orlando.

Silver Springs: “Nature’s Theme Park”

Situated near Ocala, Silver Springs is Central Florida’s natural alternative to Disney. Though the park houses traditional attractions like a carousel and a petting zoo, it’s designed to preserve the integrity of its landscape. Visitors will want to tour the grounds in glass bottom boats: they’re the best way to see the constant production of the namesake springs, which produce “550 million gallons of sparkling-clear water a day” according to the park’s website. The park also offers extensive wildlife habitats, including one of the world’s largest bear exhibits, the white alligator-housing “Big Gator Lagoon,” and the “Panther Prowl.” Sure beats another day with the Mouse.

Hot hotel deals in Orlando or anywhere!

(cc:  photo credit: j.o.h.n. walker)

Nashville history and landmarks entails more than just country music that goes back to the late 1700s. Although, it’s an important aspect to the city’s culture, and history, one that shouldn’t be overlooked when visiting, there are plenty of other landmarks to give you the full spectrum of downtown Nashville.

Tennessee State Capital houses the governor’s office and the Tennessee State Legislature. The architecture is modeled after Greek revival architecture and took fourteen years to construct, finished in 1859. When visiting the capital building you will see monument statues of Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, Alvin York as well as the tomb of James Polk. Touring admission is free during the hours of 9-4, Monday through Friday.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum preserves the history and educates the public of country music. This is their new $37,000,000 building, opened in 2001. The exterior of the building was designed to depict musical instruments. The windows look like piano keys, round discs around the tower look like CDs and records. You’ll see memorabilia, music clips, photos, biographies and more of your old country music favorites. Newest members inducted into the hall of fame are Tom T. Hall, Emmylou Harris, The Statler Brothers and Earnest V. “Pop” Stoneman.

Tennessee Tower (William T. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower), 452 feet and 31 floors, is probably best known for the building that displayed messages through it’s building lights. After a ten year silence, the word “Peace” was lit up at the end of 2007. Formerly, the building was used by the National Life and Accident Insurance Company and then by the National Life Center. Today the Tennessee Tower is populated by 1000 plus governmental employees.

Shelby Street Bridge crosses the Cumberland River. This truss bridge, opened in 1909, but today is one of the longest pedestrian bridge in the world at 3,150 feet. The bridge was admitted into the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. Because of it’s historical landmark status it is often seen in country music videos. The Metropolitan Government of Nashville will rent you the bridge for special occasions.

The Travelers Rest Plantation and Museum was started in 1799 by Judge John Overton. However, it wasn’t completed until 50 years later. Included in the museum are period furniture as well as letters and records of the time. The oldest house in Nashville has special tours and events such as the Magnolia Lunch and Tour, The Last Campaign and special group tours for twelve or more participants.

The Hermitage was Andrew Jackson’s home, but has been open to the public as a museum since 1889. The historical value of the estate is depicted throughout the home that was passed down to Andrew Jackson’s adopted son, Andrew Jackson Jr. and sold to the state of Tennessee when the son became embroiled in business debt. The museum is open through out the year at varying times with reduced hours during the seasonal months of January and February. Allow two hours to enjoy the full tour.

Parthenon, a full scale replica of the Athens Parthenon, was built in 1898. It was constructed as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. It’s located just west of downtown Nashville and stands in the center of the Centennial Park, functioning as an art museum with work by 19^th and 20^th century artists. Many temporary exhibits and shows take place at additional gallery space. A 42 foot statue of Athena is the crowning glory of the building as it is in Athens.

Belle Meade Plantation lies just 6 miles west of Nashville. The 1853 Harding-Jackson family mansion sits on a 30 acre historic site. At it’s original size the farm spanned 5,400 acres boasting the title of one of the largest Nashville estates. Many famous race horses can trace their bloodline back to this famous horse farm. Events such as the Nashville Opera, Kentucky Derby Parties, horse races and holiday exhibitions and festivals all hale from Belle Meade Plantation.

Trail of Tears – Tennessee was the area Indians passed through during 1838 due to the Indian Removal Policy of 1825. Although 15,000 Cherokee protested and it went all the way to the Supreme Court with a victory to the Indians, the removal still took place. This is the path the Cherokee were forced to walk all the way to Okalahoma with many dieing along the way.

Grand Ole Opry had it’s humble beginnings as a barn dance in the fifth floor radio station of the American Life and Accident Insurance Company. It featured Dr. Humphrey Bate and his string quartet. As the radio show became more popular, the small studio couldn’t accommodate all the new fans and they moved many times to a larger building each time, finally ending up in it’s present location. Attending a performance at the Grand Ole Opry is a must to put on your schedule when visiting Nashville.

Nashville Public Library (main branch) is nirvana to any book lover. After you get over the wonderful parking garage, you’ll marvel at the beautiful building with marble stacks of books and the great kid’s section, including marionette shoes every Friday and Saturday. There are also great events and classes for all ages including book discussions and Baby and Me classes. Bring a deli lunch and enjoy the courtyard on the second level where you can eat and read. Residents of Nashville have been seen with the bumper sticker on their cars, “A city with a great library is a great city.”

Holly Street Fire Hall or Engine Co. 14 is a beautiful old building dated back to 1917. And, it’s still a full functioning fire stations. It’s a spot no history buff should go without seeing if you’re visiting Nashville. They recently went through an expensive refurbishing that was quite pricy, so it’s better than ever now. It’s in the Register of Historic Places.

Owl’s Hill Nature Center is a 160 acres of “green” sanctuary. The center dedicated to species protection, research, conservation and restoration. Public access is minimal, but well worth getting signed up for one of the tours. There are spring break activities and children’s summer camp which you can register for online where you can also find a virtual visit.

Speaking of landmarks, here’s your online landmark for cheap hotels in Nashville, or anywhere in else the world for that matter.

o Share. If you’re going to the restaurant with someone else, share a plate instead of each ordering on your own. Restaurant portions are usually plenty big enough for two people and you pay half the cost.

o Drink water. Sodas, coffees and especially alcohol all increase your bill considerably. Reserve that as part of your “late night” expense and skip it during meals.

o Tip appropriately, not extravagantly. Many people over-tip during vacation because they feel freer with their money during the trip.

o Take the doggie bag. Order something that can be split in half and saved for later.

o Ask the locals. You may know that an area is great for seafood but don’t want to spend the tourist prices to try it out. Ask locals in the area for a good, cheaper recommendation.

o Choose one meal per day for splurging. You don’t need an elaborate breakfast, a decadent lunch and a four-course dinner. Pick one meal to be the fancy one and go light on the rest.

o Order appetizers as entrees or don’t order them at all.

Making smart decisions at every step of the restaurant selection process can help you make sure that you enjoy the treats available at your destination without causing your piggy bank to crack with your splurges.

Bonus Tip:  Save money on hotels at Hotels Cheap.

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Jacks Bar-B-Que

You can’t go wrong with Jacks Bar-B-Que. Winner of three gold medals at the 2008 National BBQ Expo, Jacks is a longstanding favorite of the meat eating crowd in Nashville. Two convenient locations, both in historic areas, make it the perfect pit stop on after a day of tourism and entertainment and a highlight before an evening of more melodies. Speaking of pits, Jacks claims that your meal will come directly from “Pit to Plate”. Look for daily specials to include Tennessee pork shoulder, Texas beef brisket, smoked turkey, Texas sausage, St. Louis ribs, smoked chicken and all the other fixin’s that round out a good bar-b-que meal.

Ichiban Japanese Cuisine

Leave the tourist trappings behind and come to Ichiban Japanese Cuisine looking simply for the freshest fish around. This low key sushi bar, situated in the heart of the tourist area, doesn’t look to impress its guests with fancy rolls or frilly knife work, they want their guests to walk out knowing that they had some of the best sushi around and that nothing could be fresher. This is an excellent break from a hectic day for travelers as you’re still right in the middle of all that Nashville has to offer but this could be a low key sushi restaurant anywhere, the perfect way to relax and unwind.

Sole Mio

Sole Mio is one of the most raved about restaurants in this heavily populated city, and not without good cause. The reason Sole Mio is so popular is it hasn’t tried to Americanize its fantastic Italian cuisine. In 1995 the Agnolettis moved their successful restaurant from Northern Italy to Nashville and proved that success comes with good food, no matter where you live. If you love Italian food then the authentic, fresh daily pastas are an absolute must. Wait staff will be happy to help you select the perfect sauce to pair with your pasta and they’ll even throw in a wine suggestion or two. If you’re headed to Sole Mio during the daytime expect the experience to be a bit more casual while the evening dining can be a little more formal and definitely more romantic. Most of the seating is exceptional but if you’re looking to create a mood you may want to ask for fireside accommodations.

Flyte Fine Dining & Wine

New to the restaurant scene in Nashville, Flyte Fine Dining & Wine is making tourists and locals stand up and take notice. Flyte has gone the green route and prides itself on using fresh, organic and humanely raised ingredients, but its not necessarily the ingredients that make Flyte fantastic, but they way they put them together. Luckily, the way Flyte is organized you get to try a large variety of their masterpieces, and don’t forget the wine. If you’re unfamiliar with ordering by the flyte, basically you’re getting a variety of food or drinks in that category so you can sample all the flavors; it’s a great way to sample the menu. Flyte changes their menu regularly and is very aware of diners with special dietary needs (especially vegetarians) and does its best to accommodate them.

12th & Porter
Okay, so what is a trip to Nashville without trying to catch at least a glimpse of a favorite star or an up and comer in their natural habitat. If you’re scene is rock music, then 12th & Porter is an absolute must. The primary focus of this establishment is its rock and roll musicians who breeze in and out for gigs on a regular basis. It sometimes seems as though local talent flies right off the stage and into the big league, but check the calendar to see who’s going to be playing on the night you plan on visiting. In addition to being a total hotspot for wanna-be rockers, 12th & Porter actually serves some of the best food around for the price. If you’re looking to stop by but not in the mood for a show the service will be a bit faster and the atmosphere less loud, but definitely not as exciting.

Mad Platter Restaurant

Maybe the best thing to come out of the Jackson Victory Tour was the pairing of Craig and Marcia Jarvis, where the couple met while catering the tour and by 1989 they expanded their catering business into the Mad Platter Restaurant. Located just on the outskirts of historic Germantown, this locally loved dining establishment puts its food above everything else. Expect the atmosphere and the dining experience to be a little eclectic, from casual to formal and high end cuisine to home cooked comfort food, the Mad Platter covers it all at times, but their focus is clearly on quality and taste. Menus change a little bit daily to suit the chef’s and the ingredients so repeat guests can explore different takes on old favorites at each and every visit.

F. Scott’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar

It’s Nashville, so it should be all about music, right? F. Scott’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar does it up just right with the perfect combination of American cuisine in a quaint bistro with the sweet sounds of live jazz in the bar. This restaurant fits the bill for both locals and tourists as it’s comfortably relaxing and fueled by the excitement of jazz alone. The food is perfectly paired with the award winning wine selections and will get your head bobbing to the beat in no time at all. By the way, keep your eyes peeled as many a celebrity or notable VIP has been spotted at F. Scott’s.

These are hot restaurants in Nashville, click here for hot hotel deals in Nashville.