Now that I am past the mad rush of the holidays, my mind turns to the next really big thing. Not Valentine's Day (I don't really like chocolate). No...for me it is GROUNDHOG'S DAY!!! I know. It seems a little "off," but where I grew up (in Massachusetts) it meant that spring was finally coming! It meant that sooner or later, hopefully sooner, the snow piles would melt, street sweepers would come, and I could put my jacket, mittens, hats, boots, and snow pants away.
Despite an oil spill that devastated the Gulf of Mexico coast in 2010, things are back to normal, making a vacation getaway that is a perfect way to escape the snowy North. The beaches are clean and Southern hospitality is waiting to cater to your every relaxing desire.
Here are some of my favorite beach-front cities that are sure to give you the vacation of a lifetime and a reprieve from your stress.
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day we take a look at the new MLK National Memorial that stands as a tribute to the great civil rights icon, Dr. King. In what has quickly become one of the must-visit sites in Washington D.C. the memorial is a mixture of water, stone and landscape that is tied to other landscapes and monuments.
One of the most unique things about business travel is that it can take us to some really unique locations. While many of us dream about that summer vacation to Disney with the kids or a romantic getaway to Hawaii with our spouse, not many of us are planning leisurely trips to the more cultural places in America. Business travel has allowed me to travel forgotten highways in Pennsylvania, dine at roadside cafes in Iowa that can only be described as hidden gems, and most recently, took me to one of America's most renowned residences.
As the clock strikes midnight and we ring in 2012, where will you be? We look at some at the biggest and best New Year's Eve celebrations in North America, and of course Best Westerns to stay at along the way!
Holiday festivals are exciting because they emit the feeling of the season and only come around once a year. They offer a great reason to explore other parts of the country or spend time together as a family. Here are some of my favorites across the USA:
While it's usually a given that most families across America will be enjoying turkey this Thanksgiving, there are some regionally distinct Thanksgiving foods you may not be aware of. Depending on what part of the country you reside in, these unique dishes can range from fried Southern fare to classic Italian favorites.
With many people traveling to different regions for the holiday, we examine some of what you can expect at the dinner table this Thanksgiving, wherever you may be.
I am no economist (you only need to look back to my Economics course in college to verify that), but you also don't have to be a financial genius to know there is plenty of anxiety about the economy. And that is felt everywhere, including in the way we approach travel. But maybe these times provide an opportunity to think about our travel differently or at least take a different approach. Here are a few ideas for tackling travel in the midst of tougher times:
Make Loyalty Points Your Traveling Companions: Cash in points from air miles, credit cards and of course, Best Western Rewards points and use them to get discounts, vouchers and even free stuff for the trip. If you haven't jumped on the loyalty points bandwagon, now is a good time to start storing them up.
A trip to New York can be the experience of a lifetime, but your trip to the Big Apple doesn't have to be all about eating and watching shows, but instead about setting healthy goals or seeing the limits of human endurance. Around the world, the word "Marathon" describes images of runners running through the streets of all five of New York's boroughs, over the Queensboro Bridge and to the finish line in Central Park. On your mark, get set, go!
The ING New York City Marathon, which will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2011, has gone from a humble beginning 127 runners running in circles around Central Park in 1970 to over 100,000 enthusiasts entering a lottery each year to participate in the world's most prestigious race. It has become a staple of New Yorkers and visitors who endure chilly November weather to see people from all over the world take life to the limit.
Whether it is lower temperatures, the changing colors of the leaves or the abundance of the harvest, fall is a favorite among travelers of all ages. It might be the crisp feeling in the air or those scents we've come to love, but around the country, there are sights to see and fun to be had. Here are a couple family-friendly festivals to enjoy in this nostalgic season of the year.
Often it's the little things that make a big difference. And for those who are superstitious, one superstitious blunder or forgotten lucky item is believed to begin a shower of bad luck. With so many components and moving parts when traveling, it's no surprise that travel can invoke an extra superstitious nature in many individuals and companies. Take a look at some of the superstitious measures taken by travelers and travel companies I've seen during my travels.
Unlucky 13
If you fly Continental Airlines, Air France, AirTran, or KLM you're boarding pass will never see row 13. All of these airlines go from row 12 to 14. But even those who aren't particularly suspicious say if given the option they'd prefer not to sit in row 13. So why not eliminate the row altogether?
Those following college football have probably noticed change is in the air for conference allegiances. Most of the changes, so far, are in the West and Mid West, but as I write this Oklahoma is considering a move from the Big 12 and Texas A&M seems to be headed to the SEC and the ACC is adopting Syracuse and Pitt. The PAC-10 (now PAC-12) had Colorado and Utah join their ranks and the Big 10 now has Nebraska. Boise State, Nevada, Fresno and Hawaii left the WAC to join the Mountain West and Brigham Young University shunned a conference all together as an independent in football.
The ceremony and attention of the 10th anniversary of September 11th has passed and the official memorial in New York now stands as a permanent marker. Many Americans will reflect at the site and remember those who lost their lives on that tragic day 10 years ago. There have been many tributes and memorials over the years, but probably none more anticipated than the memorial now at ground zero, where the World Trade Center twin towers once stood. The memorial opened to the public on Monday, September 12th 2011 in New York City, and features a bronze engraving of victim's names around the edges of two waterfalls that cascade down into two acre-sized pools below.
Congrats to the Moak family, winners of the Best Western Michael Waltrip Fan Swap! They were able to travel with the Michael Waltrip Racing Team, have lunch with David Reutimann and Michael Waltrip, and may have even been the good luck for David to win the Richmond pole! Check out the video from their time with the team.
Before we had the convenience of trains, planes and automobiles one of the world's most comfortable methods of travel was to take a boat to the heart of a city on the smooth surface of river. Whether it was the British army sailing up the Hudson or Mark Twain's characters having an adventure on a paddleboat down the Mississippi, America has beautiful sights to be seen from the water level.
Riverboats give visitors a unique way of seeing cities from the interior on a relaxing pace. You can expect some rides to offer an evening meal, while others help your family take part in the history and culture of the area. Whatever you're looking for, we're sure one of the riverboat rides below will suit your goal of living a little part of the American dream during your visit.
Rio has big plans. Though it has long been a popular tourist destination on the world stage and perhaps the most widely recognized party town anywhere, Rio is getting ready to host two of the world's biggest events. As one of Brazil's major cities, it will play host to the 2014 World Cup as well as the 2016 Summer Olympics. It feels like this party town is getting serious on the world stage.
It feels like this party town is getting serious on the world stage. Soccer blood runs through most Brazilian's veins, so the World Cup seems like a natural fit for them (they hosted a World Cup back in 1950) and Brazil is the home of the most famous soccer player in history, Pele.
I love Father's Day. Mostly, because I can use it as an excuse to do whatever it is that I want to do on that day. Or if I am lucky it can extend out to a Father's Day weekend. All dads are different and I am sure everyone has their own special way of celebrating, but if I was to celebrate Father's Day with travel, these are the top spots on my wish list.
What's not to love about this time of the year? Whether you're celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanza, Christmas or other special holiday, it's all about being with your family and friends and traditions.
We all have ancestors that arrived from other countries or maybe we're the first generation to celebrate the holidays here, either way, traditional holiday foods have come with us. In my family, we adhere very closely to traditions. If I try to move the Christmas tree even one foot to where it always goes, there's an outcry because that's "not where we ALWAYS put it." The same goes for the foods we bake, cook and serve at our gatherings and at the dinner table. I'll start with what my family's traditions and work my way around the country.
November 11th is Veterans' Day for the US, Canada and many other countries around the world. Veterans' Day is designed to honor all Veterans' of wars, in particular living veterans, but also those that have passed on. The date of November 11th is significant as it observes the signing of the Armistice which officially ended World War I (fighting ended for WWI on the 11th hour, 11th day of the 11th month).
Veterans' Day is a federal holiday (which means not everyone gets the day off), but is also a solemn holiday to remember the sacrifices that so many have made and continue to make in defense of their country. In particular it is a day to honor living veterans and all active military personnel.
For more info on Veterans' Day you can check out this video from the Department of Veterans Affairs...
I can't say this is a passion of mine, but my father is bird watcher. I have spent some afternoons driving out to beautiful areas and relaxing while my dad pulls out his binoculars, bird book and rattles off the names of different types of birds while I take in the scenery. I am not an expert, but I have enough experience to know that this is a great passion for many people. It offers a great way to relax, enjoy nature and see new and beautiful places around the world. The great thing about birding is it is accessible to everyone in almost any location. All you need is some transportation, bird book and binoculars and you are ready for birding.
Anytime I think about fishing, the radio in my head starts playing the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's, Fishing in the Dark, and my summers of working at the Lodge in Fish Lake, Utah come flying back. My friends and I took those song lyrics to heart. We DID go fishing in the dark ... a few times.
I haven't been back to Fish Lake in almost 20 years - despite the fact that I still think it's one of the most breathtaking mountain locations on the planet and one of Utah's best kept secrets. Fish Lake is a cold, deep (160 feet in places), glacier lake located in the Fish Lake National Forest. With an elevation of 8,850 feet above sea level, it's the perfect place to escape the summer heat.
I am not much of a history buff, but after catching HBO's Band of Brothers a few years back, I gained a greater appreciation for the history of the battlefield. And I also realized I didn't know too much about some of those terrible and incredible places that helped shape how I live now.
One of those rich places to visit is the historic site of Gettysburg. Here took place an epic battle which helped define the outcome of the Civil War. The field at Gettysburg conjures up vivid imagery of the legendary men who gave their lives for a greater cause. If you're looking for awe-inspiring views and sites, this is the place.
Future predictors of space travel have the hotel industry gearing up for a future of space tourism.
"And where there is tourism, there is going to be hotels", says Jackson Porterlie, head of the Space and Moon Hotel Exploration Association (SMHEA).
The association represents a number of forward thinking industry experts, mapping out what could be coming faster than most people think -- hotels on the moon. With the news of NASA planning fresh moon missions and with China, India and Russia each upping their entries into the space race, the next 10 years will see real developments for many hotels in their race for the next prime lunar hotel locations.
'Tis the season for bracketing. As I write this, we are still a few days away from knowing the final field of 64 college basketball teams that will compete in the NCAA basketball tournament. But there is something in the spring air that is causing many to do their 'googling' best and search for projected brackets online anyway. Even if you don't really follow college basketball, you still feel that general office peer pressure building to get in on the action. I mean, what exactly are you going to do that week to join in the office coffee break conversation if you don't have some commentary to share on WhoKnew State's upset over SureFire University?
I have to admit my bias up front. I grew up in Utah, skiing on the Wasatch Mountains most weekends in the winter as a kid. It is really the only skiing I have ever known. So, throwing terms around as it being the best or better than other places, I really don't have a point of reference. But I did grow up with the Utah state tourism motto (and still displayed on many state license plates) "Greatest Snow on Earth". I guess there is a real difference in the snow. I only pick that fact up from qualitative data gathered from many hours of ski lift conversations with people from all over the US and the world. There is something different about it. What exactly?
For full details you can watch this:
Quick summary: It has something to do with the snow being drier (less moisture content) and the amount of snow that falls related to the "lake effect" generated by the non-freezing Great Salt Lake. It's all very scientific stuff, apparently. But it makes for lots of white, light, crystallized...um, powder.
If you read the famous children's Christmas tale The Polar Express (or saw the movie based on the book) you most likely enjoyed the wonderful illustrations, featuring the magic of that holiday event through the eyes of a child. I've read the book many times to our kids over the years and was intrigued when we heard of a railway company nearby that was offering 'Polar Express' adventures. I was even more intrigued when I discovered that there are a fair amount of train companies that are also doing this all over the US and Canada.
Our experience on the Polar Express (ie. The Heber Creeper train, running up and down Provo Canyon, Utah) was memorable. First, kids love trains. So, basically, you could simply put kid on a train and the outing would be a success. Now, add Christmas decorations, snowy mountains, a trip to the North Pole to see the big red guy and a cup of hot chocolate for the ride and the kids feel they are living the story...and as an adult, you can't help but get caught up in all the excitement.
Last weekend wrapped up the college football regular season. And with it brought to the forefront all of what is best and maddening about college football. The experts vote and the computers compute and we all wish there were a better way, but it doesn't stop us from tuning in (especially if we have a team playing in some bowl game somewhere). I know-- there are more bowls than anyone can possibly be expected to remember. But if you are fan and your team is playing you are most likely going to tune in...or if you are really fortunate you are going to travel to the destination and watch.
These are my top bowls I would choose to attend, both for location and my interest in the game:
Not sure what it is exactly about fountains but they always seem to attract a crowd. Famous fountains attract hordes of people to their shores every day. Something about the mixing of water, architecture and art holds a general attraction to most people. In fact, people have been using them as a gathering place for as long as they have been around. Granted, many fountains are built in public places so it would be easy to assume that's why people flock, but even in public places fountains seem to be the center of attention.
Fountains started out with the purely practical purpose of providing water to thirsty people. The Romans started getting fancy with them and placing them in gardens and courtyards. The art didn't stray far from its origins as Europe is home to the most famous and elaborate fountains.
And for some reason most fountains have a way of accumulating coins. Not sure where the tradition started that turned fountains into change banks, but from what I can tell people do it for luck, to make a wish or a good opportunity to get rid of loose change.
Practically every town and city has their own fountain somewhere of some kind. For a list of the world's most famous fountains I turned to specialists. Fountainsinthecity.com has a list of the 10 most famous fountains in the world. Not surprising, most our European, with the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy leading the way, though it was interesting to see Las Vegas rounding out the list.
Autumn is a great time for art festivals. Yes, I know, summer is when most big festivals are staged. But that is what makes visiting festivals in the fall all the better. Festivals in the fall tend to have fewer crowds, a more laid back atmosphere and usually the weather is more agreeable. And yes, big festivals designed to attract summer vacationers happen in the summer, but fall is a great time to discover more local festivals going on in your town or a town near you. There is no shortage of festivals going in the fall from fine art, arts and crafts, performance, food and more. Attending a local arts festival is also a great idea for a stay-cation--a relatively inexpensive and quick weekend getaway.
Local arts festivals are also a great way to support your local economies. And if you sense that the economy has been tough on businesses, artists and arts organizations are really feeling it. Here are a few fall arts festivals going on around the country.
For those that follow a sports calendar (versus a regular 12 month calendar) you certainly know that we have entered into a special time of year. No, not back to school. No, not the fall harvest. College football has started and is in full swing. For those that have their happiness linked to the ups and downs of rooting for a college football team over the next few months, it can be a great and not so great time. But for many it is also time to start planning a return trip to the alma mater for homecoming.
There is a debate about who started the homecoming tradition. Three universities make claims for initiating the ritual that is now followed in universities, colleges and high schools across the US. The University of Missouri and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign both claim to have started the tradition as far back as 1910 and Baylor University is credited with first attaching the football game activity to the festivities. Though it is fair to say some universities claim homecoming activities back into the late 1800's.
River rafting mixes some of the best parts of summer vacations. You get adventure, excitement and thrills for sure, but you also get beautiful outdoor scenery, warm summer weather, water and a relaxing getaway. I live in the western part of the U.S., so I am much more familiar with rivers on this side of the country. But I assume that most rafting rivers offer all these benefits in differing amounts.
Every community, large and small, seems to have their own fireworks tradition. Some our slick, choreographed events, timed to music and others are just plain old-fashion pop and bang affairs. Either way, fireworks are fireworks and have a great way of reminding us of the joy of simple things (not trying to suggest that putting on an elaborate pyrotechnic display filled with enough explosives to do real harm if improperly executed is a simple affair, but the watching part is pretty easy). So, wherever you find yourself this July 4, take time to find a fireworks display. My guess is there is one near you. If you are looking for a big-time celebration, here are a few that will not disappoint.
I wouldn't refer to myself as an extremely adventurous person. Sure, I like an occasional adrenaline rush as much as the next guy, but when planning my vacations, they usually don't involve a slate of extreme activities. I go on vacation, first and foremost, to relax. So, on my first trip to Hawaii, a member of my family suggested I try something out of my comfort zone (and frankly a bit scary). They suggested I arrange an outing to swim with the sharks. Along with the tourist musts for Hawaii, like lazing on the beaches, taking in the beauty of the islands and sampling a luau, it was a bit unsettling to sign up for an activity that also shares a phrase used by movie gangsters.
Kids love dinosaurs. Not sure why. But it seems universal from my experience. I loved them as a kid too. There something about the idea of knowing monsters roamed around the planet that captures the imagination of both young and old. And finding their bones laying around? Come on!
As an alternative to the usual family destinations this summer, visit a dinosaur park. As a kid I visited Dinosaur National Monument located along the Utah and Colorado border. I was amazed at seeing "real deal" dinosaur bones sticking right out of the ground. The monument makes you feel more like you are exploring an actual dig than touring a museum. It adds a bit of the outdoor Indiana Jones exploration to it (if you are a kid, this doesn't seem to be a stretch). You also get first hand insight into how the bones are discovered, extracted, and studied.
I mentioned in a post last week how tourism interest in Mumbai, India has spiked with the recent interest in Oscar winner Slum Dog Millionaire. India is a big place with lots to see. You probably have heard of the Taj Mahal or the Ganges...but there are lots of fascinating, less discovered spots. My brother spent a fair amount of time in India and shared some insight into a few of the amazing, less discovered, places.
I recall my first trip to India, a short fifteen years ago. I remember stuffing stacks of travelers' checks and US currency into concealed pockets in my luggage and my pants. I remember sitting at banks for four or five hours to get cash advances charged to my credit card. Computers hadn't arrived, then, and Indian banks were still using accountants and ledgers. I remember discovering by missing a bus that Hindi uses the same word for "tomorrow" and "yesterday". That India barely exists anymore. Nowadays, there are globally linked ATMs in every Indian city, so there's no need to take travelers' checks, no need to spend half a day in a bank, and no need to use a credit card to get cash injections. Even in Vrindavan, a tiny town, well off the typical tourist track, you can now go to an ATM machine and withdraw cash in Indian currency directly from your own checking account. You might still misunderstand your booking agent and miss a bus, but you'll be able to buy a ticket for the next bus without any trouble.
Have you ever had the excitement of seeing someplace you've traveled portrayed in a movie? Did you feel a certain excitement rush through you, "I've been there! I stood in that spot!" It also feels great because you have a better appreciation for the sights, sounds, and atmosphere for what is playing out on screen. You are getting a better experience than the rest of the audience that is only experiencing it through the big screen version. They don't know what it sounds like, smells like or feels like to be there.
On the other hand, having experienced the previous scenario on a few occasions, it also leads me to wonder what it would be like to visit so many places that you see in film. To be more specific, some movies are so enticing with their locations that I want to run out of the theater, pack my bags and catch the next plane.
I recently read that Mumbai, India is seeing a spike in tourism tied to the recent Oscar winner Slum Dog Millionaire. Not sure how they measure that, but it sounds plausible.
Here is a list of a few movies that give me the travel bug.
When Harry Met Sally - Captures New York in all its seasons. Every time I watch it, I want to spend time in the Big Apple.
Ocean's 11 - What happens there stays there. A movie that makes Vegas seem slick, fun and cool. Not that Vegas needs help with their "fun" image.
Just how close can you get to a real-life alligator in the wild without being eaten? The answer is: very, very close. Just a little bit closer, it turns out, than the point at which you wet your pants. When you go to New Orleans (and you should go to New Orleans), eat beignets and gumbo in the French Quarter, stay up late listening to some great, dynamic jazz, go to the aquarium--do all those things that people say you have to do in New Orleans. You do have to do all those things.
But don't miss the chance to walk around a swamp filled with real-life alligators. Take your children, too, because the Barataria Preserve that is part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve will teach them things they should know about Mississippi environments and wildlife, and the 'gators prefer bite-sized meals. The Barataria Preserve is only one of six separate sites that make up the Jean Lafitte National Park. Separate components of the park include the Chalmette Battlefield, important to the War of 1812, the Wetlands Acadian Center, and the Acadian Cultural Center-Lafayette, all of which are worthwhile. But, in the Acadian Cultural Center-Lafayette, you won't come face-to-face with a very large reptile with very large teeth.
I am not really an Elvis fan. In fact if you split the world in two halves you basically end up with Elvis lovers and non-Elvis lovers. I also understand that for Elvis lovers a trip to Graceland can be an unforgettable, life-bending experience. And if Elvis isn't your thing, well, a trip to Graceland, though a fascinating experience in pop culture and America, can seem, well, a bit weird frankly. In fact, the most interesting part of Graceland for me was that Elvis is clearly the genesis for pop culture indulgence and excess as we know it today. Just think without Elvis, no MTV Cribs. I know, weird.
I have a brother that lives in Memphis and though he is also on the non-Elvis lover side, living in the region you pick up on lots of stuff. He gave me some of the inside scoop on Elvis's famous abode.
I hate to think I am the only person on this rush and go planet that has made some dumb mistakes while traveling. And not just the kind where you forget to take the toothpaste out of your carry-on bag and then have to go through the extra security checks, but things that don't have much excuse. I once forgot my identification (a driver's license in this case) not once, but twice. After arriving at the airport and realizing I was in trouble, I had to do some fancy talking to try and get myself on the plane. These instances were both pre 9-11 and when I was younger, but still (btw, I got on the plane both times, but I doubt that would happen today).
And I have been able to witness other people's travel missteps along the way. I learned firsthand that you should not stow a heavy metal tube in the overhead bin. Some poor lady two rows in front of me was forced to deplane (not at her final destination mind you) to be examined by medical professionals after someone's metal tube landed on her head after the overhead bin was opened during flight. Yes, items really do shift during take-off--metal tubes do anyway.
So in the spirit of the new travel year, here are a few travel resolutions:
Almost everyone has heard of Cooperstown, Canton, and Cleveland as primo Hall of Fame destinations, but what about the Trap Shooting Hall of Fame in Vandalia, Ohio?
Honestly, I don't even know what trap shooting is exactly, but they've got 150 people who were pretty good at it featured in the museum. Here is a salute to other Hall of Fames, less known perhaps, but just as, er..famed?
Cowgirl Hall of Fame, Fort Worth Texas
Yeehaa! I'm not much country, but this seems pretty cool and I can bet sure as shootin', that my little girls would love to visit this place. Inductees include Sacajawea, Laura Ingles Wilder, Patsy Cline, and Prairie Rose Henderson (let's face it, if your name is Prairie Rose, you probably have a slight advantage getting in).
Berlin is a city rich in history, art, and unique attractions. I have a thing for history and Berlin offers more to see and do than you can reasonably fit into one trip. If you are traveling through the city, here are a few of my favorite things (to quote a famous fictional German film character) to put on your list.
Brandenburg Gate
This area has served as the front porch to lots of world events. Two U.S. presidents famously spoke here during the Cold War era, and the Gate marked a prominent dividing line between East and West Germany. The square by the Gate usually has a fair amount of other activity going on from rallies to street performers. A short walk from the Brandenburg Gate you can visit the Reichstag (German Parliament building). Visitors are allowed to visit the large spiral glass dome on top of the building and get a breathtaking view of the city. It plays to every child's (and adult's) need to climb to the top of things and see what's going on.
Laptops are to business travel as popcorn to movies....today most business travelers have them and frequently negotiate the ups and downs of traveling with them. There are a few tips to keep in mind if you are new to the laptop traveling business or maybe just need a refresher. When you get too comfortable, that's when things can happen. True confession time...I checked a laptop in my luggage on a transatlantic flight. I knew this was not recommended, but I had some unusual circumstances that made this necessary. I took some extra precautions in the packing (layers of bubble wrap and duck tape) but I have never talked to anyone or read anything that would recommend this practice. It worked out okay for me, but I was very nervous. And probably got lucky. Our luggage was new and when it arrived at the destination it looked like it had been dragged behind a car. I had a sick feeling that my laptop was going to be in multiple pieces inside. Luckily it had survived. But, I wouldn't take the chance again. Here are some other items to consider when traveling with your laptop.
This time of year many people are looking for an extra bit of excitement (read terror) to go along with their Halloween festivities. This probably explains the continued rise of local haunted house attractions and the fact Saw V has arrived in theaters. I can appreciate that, though I am more into the cutesy, kid friendly side of Halloween. It is more my speed. But for those that like the real thing when it comes to Halloween, there seems to be a fair amount of haunted locations from San Francisco to West Virginia. Here are a few popular haunts (if you believe in that sort of thing) across the US:
West Virginia Penitentiary, Moundsville, West Virginia
Prisons are popular places for ghosts. It is somewhat ironic that even death won't let these people out. The West Virginia Penitentiary was a functioning prison from 1876 - 1995, so it has a long, and violent, history to draw from for various ghost stories. One such story involves a maintenance man that still roams the prison halls.
I was at a local fair the other day and noticed that they were serving deep-fried Twinkies at one of the booths. I'd heard about this phenomenon before, but this was my first hand experience with the practice. I seem to have lost my taste for Twinkies somewhere between the age of 12 and 16. And a deep friend version didn't necessarily add more appeal. But I got thinking...if you can deep fry a Twinkie what other wonderful concoctions are people throwing in the deep fryer?
Donuts, scones, and variations of French fries are all standards. I was interested in the exotic. Here's a list of some of the things people are putting in the vat.
The Deep Fried Mars Bar
Like the legend of Loch Ness, this deep-fried delight has its origins in Scotland. If you are lodging in some of the more tourist areas like Edinburgh's Royal Mile or areas around Glasgow you should be able to pick one up. To deep fry the bar, it has to be frozen prior to dropping the bar into the hot liquid. This allows the bar to fry without turning into a gooey mess. The more American version is the deep-fried Snickers.
This time of year is great for three reasons. For starters, this early in the season everyone still feels like a winner (or at least that possibility is still on the table). Second, the start of college football is really the spoonful of sugar that helps us swallow the fact that summer is over. Third, who doesn't want the opportunity to sit in the autumn sun, stuff their face, and cheer themselves hoarse for their favorite teams. The college football season also brings out the need to reconnect, and maybe for the lucky few, make a pilgrimage to their favorite stadium and relive all those great memories of seasons past.
A visit to San Antonio isn't complete unless you take some time to stroll down the San Antonio Riverwalk. Or, perhaps more fitting, take a river taxi or boat tour. For first timers in San Antonio there is plenty to enjoy and discover by just taking your time, discovering a good restaurant, or checking out the shops.
For those that have frequented the Alamo and the Riverwalk a few times already, there are other adventures to be had in San Antonio. Why not try Salsa dancing? For the record, I much prefer eating this stuff than trying to dance to it. Fortunately for San Antonio, they have both, in large amounts. Near the Best Western Sunset Suites Riverwalk, are a number of Salsa clubs where you can learn the finer points. A few even offer beginner classes for, like me, complete Salsa ignoramuses. Check out Azuca Cocina Latina Nuevo for class times.
Reaching the final stretch of summer has the ability to cause a minor panic attack in those that are less than prepared. "Summer is already coming to an end? I didn't vacation. I didn't get out enough. I didn't live life to the fullest and another season has swept by as I sat at my computer toiling away" (ok, that last one is just me). If you can relate to these feelings, trying to plan and execute a full blown summer excursion at this point may feel unrealistic. But there is still time to suck a bit of marrow out of life, so to speak.
For me, I have daydreams of an exotic beach location, hundreds of miles away from email and phones, clear blue water and white sand. Then in my daydream I realize I am not single anymore, I have kids...and they are running around my beach chair wanting to know when we are going back to the hotel pool (apparently water in the ocean isn't cutting it these days) and how close is Disneyland and could we stop there on the way back and this is kind of boring and are we really just going to stay here the whole time?!
I have to admit, I haven't eaten many frozen custards in my day. Not that I don't like them, on the contrary. For some reason I don't have many locations nearby that offer the stuff. I did visit Michael's in Madison Wisconsin, a few years back and have to say, "yummy!" For me, it is probably good I have to travel a few miles for these things, or I would be in big trouble. Big, being the key word here.
In my curiosity, I discovered partly what makes frozen custard different from regular ice cream...higher butterfat content. Yes, I know we were all hoping for something like, less water or more churning...and though these might also play a part, the stuff tastes good and has a thick texture for a reason. And that reason is more butterfat. Some things in life are just worth it, and rich, savory frozen custard is definitely a treat to splurge on!
I am sure there are many favorite frozen custards out there...but here are a few frozen custard spots you won't want to miss if you are nearby:
Ted Drewes, St. Louis: If you are staying at the Best Western Kirkwood Inn you may want to make the 8.5 mile trip to the one that has inspired many a frozen custard stand. The two St. Louis stands are one of a kind locations because Ted, despite frequent offers, refuses to franchise his store. Ted himself once stated, "It is a matter of quality. Franchising could lead to mediocrity." With that being said, you know you are getting the very best and most exclusive frozen custard when you go to a Ted Drewes stand.
On the political front, John McCain recently made a stop at Ted Drewes to sample its famous fare and rub shoulders with a few voters.
Bad news travels fast. You may have heard that with recent airline mergers, bankruptcies and the like, you probably will have to start paying more for your bags, tickets, micro-zipped saltine crackers, headphones, pillows (just make sure you have that 5 bucks handy for the oxygen mask if there is ever a sudden change in cabin pressure). For those traveling for business, this probably means longer lines, crowded flights, and dreaded delays. Welcome to summer airline travel in 2008.
In the spirit of defiant optimism, here are a few tips for business travelers in the brave new world:
Arrive at the airport a day early...you will definitely be on time for your flight.
Fed Ex your luggage to your hotel. At least you will have reliable tracking if it gets misplaced.
If possible, travel with work colleagues and hold meetings on the plane...you can get a lot done in four hours waiting on the tarmac.
For a smooth return trip, click your heels together 3 times and repeat, "there's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home."
Just be grateful you aren't the guy who had to fly to his destination in the airplane lavatory.
Ensure you are never asked to stop for additional security checking by using your extraordinary psychic powers. Remember Obi-Wan, "these aren't the bags you're looking for."
What other off-beat ideas do you have to beat the summer travel frenzy? Let us know.
Summer is the time to get out. But where do we all want to get out to? For me, getting outdoors, period, is a step in the right direction, even if only to the local park. But summer has a way of bringing out the more adventurous side of folks, so for most people that means hitting a "major destination". Here are three summer destinations that are sure to be popular stops...think of them as the hot, the cool and the beautiful.
As The World's Biggest Hotel Family℠, we know it is a big world out there
with lots of places to see and experience. Best Western's You Must Be
Trippin' travel blog offers travel tips, ideas and feature destinations
to make your next trip a success. We are also interested in where
you've been trippin' and invite you to share your travel ideas, tips
and destinations with us.
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Now that I am past the mad rush of the holidays, my mind turns to the next really big thing. Not Valentine's Day (I don't really like chocolate). No...for me it is GROUNDHOG'S DAY!!! I know. It seems a little "off," but where I grew up (in Massachusetts) it meant that spring was finally coming! It meant that sooner or later, hopefully sooner, the snow piles would melt, street sweepers would come, and I could put my jacket, mittens, hats, boots, and snow pants away. 
As The World's Biggest Hotel Family℠, we know it is a big world out there
with lots of places to see and experience. Best Western's You Must Be
Trippin' travel blog offers travel tips, ideas and feature destinations
to make your next trip a success. We are also interested in where
you've been trippin' and invite you to share your travel ideas, tips
and destinations with us.
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