Archive for October, 2008

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Reasons to Visit London

Friday, October 31st, 2008

There are a host of reasons to visit one of the oldest established cities in the world. London is a unique mixture of ancient and contemporary. There are such legendary and unique features as the enormous Big Ben to the infamous London Tower. London Bridge even has its own nursery rhyme and the bridge today is noted for it’s strength and amazing glass floors on the upper level.

Most travel experts will recommend that visitors tour during the warm summer months. This will eliminate any concerns with snow or frigid temperatures. There are travelers, however, who want to go during the off season. Many of these individuals enjoy lower rates and smaller crowds.

London has so much to offer due to its contrasting presence. Part of the city is a shining example of life throughout history while the other part is a prime example of what is currently popular and trendy. The unique mix delights millions of visitors per year.

The Thames is a fascinating river, the longest in England, and many report visitors occasionally find a Roman coin on the banks. Buckingham Palace is home to the monarchy and welcomes visitors year-round. The famous double-decker buses offer guided tours and transportation through the city.

London is world famous for its shopping. Designers from all over the world offer boutiques and shops in London. The British Museum is a major attraction for those who enjoy the historic side of the city as well as world history. Relics, artifacts, and rare collections are on exhibit year-round.

The London Eye is a treat for anyone who enjoys the city. This massive ride will take you high above the surrounding city and give you an arial view of the landscape. River tours and excursions are also available. The many gardens and parks also offer a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Cuisine is available from every ethnicity imaginable. If you aren’t in the mood for more foreign fare, there are countless eateries offering the best tastes of England.

London is world famous for a reason. You can find fascinating destinations that offer nearly anything you may want in one city.

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Atlanta Hotels

Monday, October 27th, 2008

The Georgian is one of the most unique hotels in the city. This French Renaissance Hotel was constructed in 1911. It has hosted such unique events as the premier of the film Gone with the Wind in 1939. Theater buffs will enjoy it’s location as directly across from the Fox Theatre. The hotel is currently on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Georgian offers a rooftop pool sundeck. The hotel’s fine restaurant offers indoor as well as terrace dining. The hotel is on the famous Peachtree Street and offers excellent amenities as a fitness center, valet service, and concierge service as well as 24 hour front desk assistance.

The Omni Hotel at CNN Center offers guests a stunning lodging experience. The hotel features 43 floors with over 1,000 rooms. One of the hotel’s most unique features is the Atrium Terrace, an open dining terrace. The hotel is across from the Olympic Centennial Park. It is the closest hotel to the Georgia Dome.

There are 467 guest rooms that offer the most luxurious amenities. The hotel offers such extravagant features as China granite countertops throughout the bathrooms and marble floors. This is the perfect stop for either business travel or personal vacations.

The Regency Suites Hotel is a prime location for tourists. The lodging facility is a mere 2 blocks from Georgia Tech. It is 2 miles from both the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site and Turner Field. It is 6 blocks from the Fox Theatre. It is 4 miles from the Lenox Mall and 8 miles from Stone Mountain Park. The hotel is a mere mile from the Georgia Dome and Underground Atlanta. Thrill seekers will be delighted to see it is only 10 miles from Six Flags over Georgia.

Homestead Suites Atlanta is located in North Druid Hills. This hotel offers a change of pace for the travel weary visitor. Homestead offers accommodations more suited for extended vacationing. Every room offers a full kitchen with appliances. Dry Cleaning, laundry, and other similar services are also offered to guests.

No matter the length of your vacation or the choice you make for lodgings, Atlanta has facilities that will both meet and exceed your current expectations.

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The Attraction of Chicago

Monday, October 27th, 2008

The Windy City is filled with a host of activities for the adventurous tourist. The Adler Planetarium serves as both a planetarium as well as a museum of astronomy. The facility opened in 1930 and was the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. Today it offers new exhibits regularly, state-of-the-art facilities, and hosts around 35,000 feet of exhibits.

The Planetarium offers interactivities of all kinds for visitors of all ages. There are ancient astronomy tools as well as exhibit galleries and rare books.

The Buckingham Fountain is another attraction that offers history as well as beauty. This fountain was constructed in 1927 and remains an architectural beauty for the city. One of the largest fountains in the world, the Buckingham Fountain pumps over 41,000 gallons of water per hour.

There are four sea horses on each side of the fountain and they were added with purpose. They represent the four states that surround Lake Michigan. The fountain operates from April first through November first.

Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the most prominent individuals in Chicago history. This architect started a revolution in his field through his unique and progressive design. His home and studio are now a museum. The home was not always a museum. By the time it was found to be of value, it required a massive restoration. The project to return the home to its 1909 condition required 30 architects and 80 contractors. This monolithic restoration resulted in an attraction with a great history and value.

The Magnificent Mile in Chicago is noted for its shopping and retail. This part of Chicago offers visitors over 3 million square feet of shopping. This equates the current count of 460 shops, over 270 restaurants, over 50 hotels, several fascinating museums. This stretch alone welcomes millions of visitors every year.

Six Flags of America is another Chicago attraction with a variety of activities. The park offers the usual thrilling rides and live entertainment. Food lovers will also enjoy the wide variety of culinary treats found through Six Flags and Chicago. The unique blend of ethnicities and cultural interests has created a edible history and flavor that is uniquely Chicago.

Chicago offers visitors a rich experience in both history and variety for tourists. Most of the features are open year-round and offer twice as many features during the holiday season.

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Atlanta Attractions

Sunday, October 26th, 2008

Atlanta is known for its attractions more so than any other quality. One of the highlights is the Atlanta Botanical Garden. This lush paradise is filled with gorgeous foliage and plant life of all types. The garden has been established for around three decades and continues to grow in scope and capabilities.

The Botanical Garden offers many exhibitions throughout the year to interest visitors. Many sculptors have showcased unique and fascinating works for the benefit of the garden. Sculpture mediums range from glass to metal and beyond.

The gardens offer vegetation from around the world. The Gardens contains a Tropical Rotunda, Desert House, Orchid Hall, and High Elevation House just to name a few. Visitors will enjoy the colorful atmosphere and vibrant scenery during their stay in Atlanta.

The Botanical Garden is only one of tens of major attractions. The New World of Coca-Cola is another attraction that draws in crowds of visitors every day. This is a museum dedicated to one of the most familiar soft drinks, Coca-Cola, known throughout the world.

No discussion of activities in Atlanta would be complete without mention of Six Flags over Georgia. This massive theme park offers rides for every member of the family. There are many kid-friendly rides as well as heart-stopping roller coasters to satisfy the tastes of even the most extreme thrill-seekers.

The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the world. The facility requires 8 million gallons of both fresh and marine waters to sustain itself. The “Cold Water Quest” section mimics the Northern Pacific Ocean waters. The Coral Kingdom is available in the Tropical Diver area of the facility. This is the most relaxing feature in the park. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful and colorful varieties of coral and sea life.

The Ocean Voyager area of the park features the shark exhibits. The whale shark is a primary attraction for this area. The acrylic tunnel places visitors beneath the water so they are able to see the aquatic life up close.

Sports enthusiasts will also be entertained in Atlanta. The famous Atlanta Braves will delight baseball fans. Football fans can enjoy a Falcons game. Basketball fans can enjoy a game played by the Atlanta Hawks. Hockey fans are accommodated as the sport is also played as far south as Atlanta. You can enjoy a game played by the Atlanta Thrashers.

Regardless of your taste or entertainment needs, Atlanta has it already featured. Nearly any activity or attraction imaginable can be found in this capital city of Georgia.

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More than Luxury

Sunday, October 26th, 2008

When you stay in Chicago you will be given four distinct types of hotels. The first is the Contemporary variety. These hotels are more urban and minimalist. The modern design of each hotel offers a unique perspective and unconventional amenities.

Traditional hotels are living examples of history. They are opulent and grand echoing back to the traditional American hotel era. Hardwood and stained glass are staple features that were also used in historic hotels of yesterday.

Boutique hotels are designed on a much smaller scale. The lack of size translate to greater personal service and more attention to each guest. These hotels offer the same quality amenities as the larger upscale lodgings, but in a way that provides for the needs of each guest.

Luxury hotels are in a class of their own. They are constructed with the finest materials and use only the highest quality goods and services for their clients. Such hotels commonly offer granite or marble bathrooms throughout, solid wood cabinetry, pillow-top mattresses with down comforters, and luxury sheets, just to name a few of the amenities.

The Hotel Allegro is a fine example of the Contemporary Hotel. The designer wanted to maintain the Art Deco structure of the original, but to incorporate much modern art. The resulting style has made this hotel one of the most noted in the city. Guests are treated to a complimentary wine hour and much live music.

The Seneca hotel is the most known Traditional Hotel. This facility is located close to shopping and entertainment. The majority of the rooms are suites. This hotel offers guests everything necessary for a relaxing stay. There are on-premises restaurants, a fitness center, spa, and even valet parking outside.

One of the most celebrated Boutique Hotels in Chicago is the Talbott Hotel. This hotel is in a prime location and is small enough to make guests welcome. The Talbott is considered a “hideaway” oasis hotel with luxurious lodgings and attention to every detail.

The Hotel Monaco is a grand Luxury Hotel. The Monaco offers a fine experience with the best surroundings possible. The best location welcomes visitors and provides the easiest access to major attractions. The French-Deco décor is inviting as well as beautiful and surrounds each guest with color and rich interior design.

There is a tremendous variety of accommodations in Chicago. These are certain to make your stay in the “Windy City” a memory that will last you a lifetime.

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Vegas History

Sunday, October 26th, 2008

As with many major American cities, the history of Vegas is also “larger-than-life.” The real history of the city travels back centuries and carries a distinct twist during the Twentieth Century.

A Mexican trader lead a traveling band of around 60 people through the Mojave Desert. They were on route to Los Angeles. The Mojave was notorious for being an impossible place. With no food or water, the leader sent out a scout to attempt to find them goods they needed.

The scout returned with news of the Las Vegas springs. This became referred to as an oasis for it was the only source of water for hundreds of miles. The plentiful artisan water became a necessary destination for those traveling through the desert. Sometime shortly before 1850, the location actually became known on maps as Las Vegas. This term in Spanish translates to “the meadows.”

The first railroad into Las Vegas underwent construction in 1904. With the influx of builders and tourists, the tiny town sprouted guest houses, saloons, and stores. Gambling was banned in Nevada soon thereafter, but the ban was only in effect for around 3 weeks. It became clear to the legislation that this was not a realistic process.

A move was made to create legalized gambling in Nevada. The bill was approved in 1931. The Depression had little affect on the tiny town. The number of construction projects meant there was plenty of money and work for the townspeople.

There are many reasons today why the crowds are drawn to Las Vegas. The city’s average temperature is a desirable 66 degrees Fahrenheit. There are over 210 days of clear, sunny skies per year. Visitors can take advantage of over 950 cabs and over 300 limousines for transportation.

Famous for the weddings, Vegas offers visitors around 35 wedding chapels, each unique. There are over 500 churches and synagogues in various faiths. Sportsmen are also in for a treat. Casinos are far from the only games in Las Vegas.

The city has 30 golf courses, around 85 tennis courts, a “Wet n Wild” water park that spans 15 acres, 8 bowling centers, and numerous family amusement parks. With this diversity of activities, as well as lodgings in the city and outside, there is something for everyone in Las Vegas.

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Haunted Las Vegas Hotels

Sunday, October 26th, 2008

Just in time for Halloween is the true story of Vegas. This time of year our minds travel to Halloween festivities, ghost stories, and get-togethers of all kinds for friends and family. One memorable trip you can opt to take during this month is an exploration of haunted Las Vegas hotels.

These facilities not only provide excellent customer service, they are enriched with colorful and fascinating history that dates back to the city’s beginning. So where are these mysterious hotspots for gamblers of all kinds? There are various lists available for curious tourists.

One prime example is the Bally’s Resort and Casino. This luxurious hotel accommodates nearly every whim you can imagine. There are activities and amenities to suit even the most discriminatory tastes. Yet, Bally’s is also the scene of a tragic accident. In 1980, the posh MGM hotel stood right next door. It was the scene of the second most tragic hotel fire in United States history. A total of 84 lives were lost. After the fire, Bally’s purchased the property for their own use.

Today, rumors circulate that spirits are now seen throughout the top floors of Bally’s. Some believe when Bally’s expanded across the old MGM property, the spirits came with it. The top report at this location is said to be ghostly figures on the upper floors.

The Luxor is another high end resort, but is fairly new. The most discussed death so far at this establishment was a construction worker who was killed while building the structure. IT is also rumored that many of the workers had such difficulties attempting to build the property they refused further work.

This hotel is formed in the shape of a pyramid and is perhaps the most unique hotel in Las Vegas. The unique shape has also launched a number of theories as to the hotel actually being cursed.

The Flamingo is perhaps the most famous of all hotels in Las Vegas. This beautiful destination is the very one constructed by infamous mobster Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegal. Siegal is the person who launched Las Vegas into the booming tourist attraction it is today.

Bugsy is said to have designed the Presidential Suite at this resort himself. Rumors state that he had the windows made with bullet proof glass and made a total of 5 secret passageways leading away from the posh suite. Bugsy was murdered in California shortly after the hotel was completed, yet many believe his spirit never left the hotel. Reports of his spirit have been spotted throughout the resort property.

While staying at any of these locations may not guarantee the appearance of a spirit, it will create a memorable vacation. The great number of “ghost walks” as well as themed parties can make your Halloween a holiday you never forget.

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Chicago’s History

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008

Chicago is the largest city in the Midwestern United States by population. This Illinois city has over 17,000 historical landmarks throughout. Chicago, known as “the windy city, is around 228 square miles in size, but the history is far larger. Chicago history is rich and fascinating in that there are two parts.

In 1871, a massive fire hit the city and destroyed over 17,000 structures. The homeless population after the destruction soared to a staggering 100,000. At the time Chicago only had a population of 300,000. The city’s history was divided after the Great Chicago Fire. The two distinct eras of Chicago history became “before the fire” and “after the fire.”

Tours are available to explore these landmarks. Tourists can visit such locations as: Site of Fort Dearborn, Iglehart House, Groesbeck House, Rosehill Cemetery, the Hitchcock House, Clarke House, Stephan A. Douglas Tomb, Jane Addams Hull-House, and St. Ignatius College Prep Building just to name a few.

Chicago has, perhaps, the greatest collection of “world” recognitions. From the tallest structure, the Sears Tower, to the world’s largest free petting zoo, and even the world’s largest public library, there are attractions to suit any taste.

These aren’t the only acknowledgements. Chicago is home to the world’s largest free food festival. It also holds the world’s largest art museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art. Shedd Aquarium is the world’s largest aquarium. Chicago also offers the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass Dome, largest stand-alone theater, and world’s busiest airport.

The Millennium Park is a highlight of Chicago art and culture. Tourists can download an audio tour for their trip and explore the area as the guide takes you through the unique features. An audio tour gives you the information you enjoy from a tour, but allows you to travel at your own pace.

The Chicago Water Tower is a celebrated monument in the city and an educational stop on any tour of the city. This tower was built in the late 1860s and is one of the few structures that survived the Great Fire. The Clarke House is the oldest residence dating back to 1836. This is also another survivor of the Great Fire.

Your visit to Chicago can take on any theme you like. The city offers as many cultural attractions as the larger cities. The fascinating history and attention to the preservation of heritage makes it a notable location for history buffs.

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The Best New York Attractions

Saturday, October 18th, 2008

New York City has long been deemed, “the city that never sleeps.” There are many ways to spend your time while visiting New York. The city is famous for everything from art and culture to financial and business activity. Streets, such as Broadway or Wall Street, are known around the world.

New York is also home to the world famous Cyclone. This wooden rollercoaster has been in operation since the 1920s. It is still in operation today. This coaster is located in what is now “Astroland.” The majority of people will recognize it as “Coney Island.”

Brooklyn’s Botanical Garden is a wonderful attraction for anyone who enjoys the scenic beauty of nature. There are countless varieties of trees, flowering plants, and shrubbery for the colors of nature year-round. Gardens are divided and visitors can enjoy strolling the grounds as much as they wish.

Ellis Island welcomed immigrants to America for years. This is a wonderful museum for those interested in uncovering the paths of their ancestors. Today, Ellis Island has a wonderful web site that offers details on the museum, the activities scheduled, and it even offers a free search for web visitors.

The Empire State Building has been called one of the “Seven Wonders of the Modern World.” It was the tallest structure in New York City until the completion of the World Trade Center. It is an art deco structure that rises over 100 stories above the ground. After the tragedy of September 11, 2001, the Empire State Building resumed its title as the tallest building.

Radio City Music Hall has been a major attraction since 1932. It has showcased some of the finest entertainers in history. Such stars as Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. entertained audiences at the Hall.

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspended bridges in America. It stretches nearly 6,000 feet across the East River. The structure offers an elevated lane for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. When the bridge was completed it was the largest suspension bridge in the world.

The United Nations sees much interest from individuals around the world. Formed after the end of the Second World War, the Allied forces came together and founded this esteemed organization. This group is currently made up of representatives from over 50 countries around the world.

No matter what your interest or schedule you can find some of the most intriguing and fascinating activities in New York City. The city that “never sleeps” offers such an array of outings and events that no tourist should be unimpressed.

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Famous New York Hotels

Tuesday, October 14th, 2008

Amid the many reasons to visit New York City while on holiday is the unbelievable array of hotels. New York offers some of the most unique and luxurious lodgings in the world. The trend of boutique motels seems to be a permanent fixture in the world of travel. New York offers some of the finest.

The Broadway Plaza hotel is a beautiful facility. The entire facility underwent renovations in 2007. The new furnishings are as luxurious as ever with cherry wood throughout and granite countertops. This also includes pillow top mattresses and down featherbeds.

The 60 Thompson is a new boutique hotel located in Manhattan’s famous Soho district. This hotel is ideal for the business traveler as it has a superb location for the financial district of New York. It is also convenient to many galleries, theaters, and designer shops. The second story offers a serene reading area for visitors. The 100-room facility offers a rooftop bar. If this was not enough to treat a travel worn visitor, every room offers spa products, flat-screen HDTV televisions, spa products, and Frette robes.

The Four Seasons New York is a fabulous establishment that was first opened in 1993. This magnificent facility is equipped with the finest of every component imaginable. The high profile location of this hotel is matched by the best of every feature. The Four Seasons has a high reputation for providing the finest sleeping accommodations with granite baths. Guests also have the option of reserving a room with the legendary view. Tower suites are available upon request.

The Grand Hyatt New York is located near the celebrated East Side. The property is next to Grand Central Station. Times Square, the Broadway Theaters, and Central Park are all within walking distance of the hotel. The accommodations offer the standard benefits as well as a StayFit gym. The business center in the hotel is open 24 hours a day.

Choosing a hotel beforehand can save you time and energy for enjoying the city. There are many reasons to visit the wonderful city with the variety of prices and lodgings available. In New York, you can find many splendid places to rest, even will enjoy a city that “never sleeps.”

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