Who knew journalism school could be so overwhelming and fulfilling at the same time. Unfortunately, I have not had time to keep this site updated.
I'm planning to update the site and my blogs with all my current travels, so check back soon.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
The Best of 2008
Trip Advisor has posted its Travelers' Choice awards, honoring the best hotels around the globe. With categories ranging from "Best Luxury hotels" to "Best Hotel Service" and "Best All-inclusive hotels" there is a little something for everyone to find. I greatly advise using polls like this to pick out your next hotel!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Sin City Fever
Lately, I feel like everyone I know has taken or is planning to take a trip to Las Vegas. Before a couple years ago if you had offered me a trip to Vegas I might have thought twice, but now that I am old enough to truly enjoy everything the city has to offer I would jump at the opportunity!
So as usual I have begun planning a trip to sin city. When will I actually take my trip? Who knows. But like I've said before planning ahead is very important!
First on my agenda is finding the perfect hotel. Neither Brandon nor I have been to Vegas before so I want it to be an all encompassing classing trip. I know you have to pay extra for the good views of the strip, but isn't it worth it? I always begin a hotel search by checking out TripAdvisor reviews and then following up by consulting my Las Vegas (or whichever city) pro's before making final choices on a hotel.
For now, I'm looking for a good view as well as good location and of course budget prices. So far I've added these hotels to my list of hotel possibilities: Signature MGM Grand and Platinum. Both hotels are rated in the top 5 Vegas hotels on TripAdvisor and Signature MGM was even voted "Best Luxury." As the search continues we'll see how these hotels compare, stay tuned.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Thank You National Geographic
You can count on National Geographic for great traveling ideas and tips, and they have come through for us once again.
This month their Intelligent Travel blog has been featuring the best of holiday travel around the world. So far, it has covered cities such as Rome, Montreal, New Orleans, Berlin, Paris and many more. If you're searching for an idea for next season's vacation look no further!
This month their Intelligent Travel blog has been featuring the best of holiday travel around the world. So far, it has covered cities such as Rome, Montreal, New Orleans, Berlin, Paris and many more. If you're searching for an idea for next season's vacation look no further!
Leave Your Worries at Home
Planning your holiday vacation beforehand is equally as important as picking the perfect destination. My mom always had our family vacations planned to a tee, and because of this our trips always went off without a hitch. Well, almost every time. Let's face it, with three kids things will not go perfectly.
The point is, by doing a little research and pre-planning your vacation you can leave your troubles at home, giving you a little more time for rest and relaxation. Here are some sites with good tips on planning your holiday vacation:
Traveling for the Holidays? Read this First!
The Travel Rants' Planning Guide for Holidaymakers
Holiday Travel 101
The point is, by doing a little research and pre-planning your vacation you can leave your troubles at home, giving you a little more time for rest and relaxation. Here are some sites with good tips on planning your holiday vacation:
Traveling for the Holidays? Read this First!
The Travel Rants' Planning Guide for Holidaymakers
Holiday Travel 101
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Asheville's Winter Wonderland
In keeping with the holiday spirit of my previous post, I've decided that the rest of this month's posts will be dedicated to places to vacation during the holiday season.
If there is any place that radiates with a magical seasonal spirit it's Asheville, N.C. Although it's a heavenly place year-round, there is something majestic about the city during the holiday season.
Asheville is home to America's largest house and possibly the most Christmas decorations you'll ever see in one place. The Biltmore's Christmas experience is truly unique and not to be missed in one's lifetime. I have made many trips to the Biltmore and my favorite time to visit is while it's halls are decked for the holidays.
Upon entering the house for a tour one year, snow flakes began to dust the front of the estate. By the time we circled back to the front entrance of the house the lawn was coated with a thick layer of white powder. Being from South Carolina I grew up deprived of snowfall, so for me any snow is spectacular. To see the Biltmore house glistening in the snow was a surreal experience.
While at the Biltmore be sure to check out their enormous gingerbread house.If you don't get enough gingerbread inspiration there don't worry, that is just the beginning. Grove Park Inn, a local resort, hosts an annual National Gingerbread Competition and displays the houses until January 11, 2009 this year. With four age groups (adult, teen, youth and child) there is a nice range of skill. From the pearls on the sleigh to the minute snowflake border, grand prize winner Billie Mochow did not miss a single detail on her house.
If you're looking to do a little Christmas souvenir shoppping, my favorite place in Asheville is the Biltmore Village just outside the entrance to the Biltmore house. This quaint village is like the cherry on top of the 'Asheville during Christmas' sundae.
The period architecture used throughout the village is a large contributing factor to the picturesque feeling of the area. Illuminated with Christmas lights, the Biltmore village is home to businesses, art galleries, home furnishing and craft stores. Did I mention the amazing art galleries? Asheville is an art lover's paradise. Galleries can be found with almost every turn you take in the city.
My last tip for a Christmas vacay in Asheville is to do a little research on your lodging before booking anything! You could be the typical tourist and book a room at the Inn on Biltmore Estate paying outrageous amounts, or you could do a little research and find a good deal! For a change of pace, I recommend looking into Bed and Breakfasts in Asheville. There are plenty in the area that are not the old lady with cats ambiance, rather updated and well-kept. My husband and I stayed at the Biltmore Village Inn as a sort of pre-honeymoon, my only comment- perfection.
Christmas decorations galore, art galleries aplenty, shopping and historic sites that compete with the natural beauty surrounding you-- a Christmas oasis to get lost in. You'll be booking your next trip to Asheville before you even get back home. Happy planning travelers!
If there is any place that radiates with a magical seasonal spirit it's Asheville, N.C. Although it's a heavenly place year-round, there is something majestic about the city during the holiday season.
Asheville is home to America's largest house and possibly the most Christmas decorations you'll ever see in one place. The Biltmore's Christmas experience is truly unique and not to be missed in one's lifetime. I have made many trips to the Biltmore and my favorite time to visit is while it's halls are decked for the holidays.
Upon entering the house for a tour one year, snow flakes began to dust the front of the estate. By the time we circled back to the front entrance of the house the lawn was coated with a thick layer of white powder. Being from South Carolina I grew up deprived of snowfall, so for me any snow is spectacular. To see the Biltmore house glistening in the snow was a surreal experience.
While at the Biltmore be sure to check out their enormous gingerbread house.If you don't get enough gingerbread inspiration there don't worry, that is just the beginning. Grove Park Inn, a local resort, hosts an annual National Gingerbread Competition and displays the houses until January 11, 2009 this year. With four age groups (adult, teen, youth and child) there is a nice range of skill. From the pearls on the sleigh to the minute snowflake border, grand prize winner Billie Mochow did not miss a single detail on her house.
If you're looking to do a little Christmas souvenir shoppping, my favorite place in Asheville is the Biltmore Village just outside the entrance to the Biltmore house. This quaint village is like the cherry on top of the 'Asheville during Christmas' sundae.
The period architecture used throughout the village is a large contributing factor to the picturesque feeling of the area. Illuminated with Christmas lights, the Biltmore village is home to businesses, art galleries, home furnishing and craft stores. Did I mention the amazing art galleries? Asheville is an art lover's paradise. Galleries can be found with almost every turn you take in the city.
My last tip for a Christmas vacay in Asheville is to do a little research on your lodging before booking anything! You could be the typical tourist and book a room at the Inn on Biltmore Estate paying outrageous amounts, or you could do a little research and find a good deal! For a change of pace, I recommend looking into Bed and Breakfasts in Asheville. There are plenty in the area that are not the old lady with cats ambiance, rather updated and well-kept. My husband and I stayed at the Biltmore Village Inn as a sort of pre-honeymoon, my only comment- perfection.
Christmas decorations galore, art galleries aplenty, shopping and historic sites that compete with the natural beauty surrounding you-- a Christmas oasis to get lost in. You'll be booking your next trip to Asheville before you even get back home. Happy planning travelers!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Tis the Season to visit the Big Apple
With Thanksgiving and Black Friday behind us it's time to focus on Christmas. There's no better way to kick your Christmas season off than picking out your tree and decorating it from top to bottom!
Decorating a tree is not just a tradition for the individual American, but also for America as a nation. On Dec 3, Al Roker hosted the 76th annual lighting of the tree at Rockefeller Center.
For many, the lighting of this tree is a sign that the Christmas season has officially begun.
Just the thought of Christmas gives us a warm, happy feeling and evokes thoughts of stockings hanging on the mantel and cherished memories with loved ones. But there is one Christmas dream of mine that has yet to come true.
The dream: spending Christmas in New York City.
Over the years I have visited the Big Apple several times, but it's been far too long since my last visit. Now, more than ever, I have been daydreaming about my ideal Christmas in New York City.
Here are my must see and do items for the ultimate Christmas vacation to the city:
In the past I have been to New York in the summer, because of this I have never witnessed the perfection that is Rockefeller Center during the Christmas Season. Needless to say ice skating at Rockefeller Center is on the top of my to do list! Since its opening in 1936, this skating rink has become one of the most popular attractions in the city. I've also been told that when visiting during the holiday season you should hit the rink early morning to beat the crowds.
After a few laps around the rink, why not explore Rockefeller Center a little more. I've heard that the "Top of the Rock" observation deck has better views of the city than the Empire State Building. You even get a great view of central park, which you can't see from the Empire State building. After checking out the website I decided the combo "Rock Pass" would be perfect for me and my husband. Not only do you get the pass to the observation deck but also admission the NBC studio tour and the Radio City Music Hall's Stage Door tour. All for $46!
Now, time for some food! I've got three restaurants on my must visit list for this trip. First, a romantic dinner with my hubby at the New York
institution Tavern on the Green. Whether or not you think of the Tavern as a tourist trap, there's no denying it is a beautiful site to see. With elegant, ornate walls its a "whimsical, magical" place according to the owner Jeniffer LeRoy. Personally, I believe it is a worthwhile experience. Be sure to check out their special menu's for Christmas and New Year's eve. Second, Serendipity. This little coffee house turned chic restaurant has had my heart for many years. Not only was it Andy Warhol's favorite spot, it was also featured in a 2001 film entitled Serendipity, and let's not forget the amazing entrees and desserts! My taste buds water at the thought of the succulent "Strawberry Fields Sundae." Following my sweet tooth to Time Square to get my cheesecake fix, we'll end up at 
Junior's most Fabulous Cheesecake and Desserts. A few months ago Junior's was featured on a Food Network show and I have been dreaming if devils food cheesecake every night since. Yes, I have a dessert addiction.
Having saved the best for last, I only have two more places on my must see list for this trip-- the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. With my sweet tooth satisfied I need to see some exceptional art before leaving New York. In my art history classes many pieces I have studied are exhibited regularly at these museums. I find studying art fascinating, but nothing compares to viewing the works first-hand. It is an incomparable experience that is simply captivating. Luckily, my husband has a passion for art, almost as much as me. Taking guided tours can be a good experience, but often I like to tour the museum on my own. I like for my first round through a museum to focus on quiet contemplation of each work of art. For those of you who don't know much about art I would recommend looking into the tours and audio programs.
So far, these are my must see and do activities for my Christmas vacation. Time will only tell what other exciting adventures will be added to the list before we leave for New York City!
Decorating a tree is not just a tradition for the individual American, but also for America as a nation. On Dec 3, Al Roker hosted the 76th annual lighting of the tree at Rockefeller Center.
For many, the lighting of this tree is a sign that the Christmas season has officially begun.
Just the thought of Christmas gives us a warm, happy feeling and evokes thoughts of stockings hanging on the mantel and cherished memories with loved ones. But there is one Christmas dream of mine that has yet to come true.
The dream: spending Christmas in New York City.
Over the years I have visited the Big Apple several times, but it's been far too long since my last visit. Now, more than ever, I have been daydreaming about my ideal Christmas in New York City.
Here are my must see and do items for the ultimate Christmas vacation to the city:
In the past I have been to New York in the summer, because of this I have never witnessed the perfection that is Rockefeller Center during the Christmas Season. Needless to say ice skating at Rockefeller Center is on the top of my to do list! Since its opening in 1936, this skating rink has become one of the most popular attractions in the city. I've also been told that when visiting during the holiday season you should hit the rink early morning to beat the crowds.After a few laps around the rink, why not explore Rockefeller Center a little more. I've heard that the "Top of the Rock" observation deck has better views of the city than the Empire State Building. You even get a great view of central park, which you can't see from the Empire State building. After checking out the website I decided the combo "Rock Pass" would be perfect for me and my husband. Not only do you get the pass to the observation deck but also admission the NBC studio tour and the Radio City Music Hall's Stage Door tour. All for $46!
Now, time for some food! I've got three restaurants on my must visit list for this trip. First, a romantic dinner with my hubby at the New York
institution Tavern on the Green. Whether or not you think of the Tavern as a tourist trap, there's no denying it is a beautiful site to see. With elegant, ornate walls its a "whimsical, magical" place according to the owner Jeniffer LeRoy. Personally, I believe it is a worthwhile experience. Be sure to check out their special menu's for Christmas and New Year's eve. Second, Serendipity. This little coffee house turned chic restaurant has had my heart for many years. Not only was it Andy Warhol's favorite spot, it was also featured in a 2001 film entitled Serendipity, and let's not forget the amazing entrees and desserts! My taste buds water at the thought of the succulent "Strawberry Fields Sundae." Following my sweet tooth to Time Square to get my cheesecake fix, we'll end up at 
Junior's most Fabulous Cheesecake and Desserts. A few months ago Junior's was featured on a Food Network show and I have been dreaming if devils food cheesecake every night since. Yes, I have a dessert addiction.Having saved the best for last, I only have two more places on my must see list for this trip-- the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. With my sweet tooth satisfied I need to see some exceptional art before leaving New York. In my art history classes many pieces I have studied are exhibited regularly at these museums. I find studying art fascinating, but nothing compares to viewing the works first-hand. It is an incomparable experience that is simply captivating. Luckily, my husband has a passion for art, almost as much as me. Taking guided tours can be a good experience, but often I like to tour the museum on my own. I like for my first round through a museum to focus on quiet contemplation of each work of art. For those of you who don't know much about art I would recommend looking into the tours and audio programs.
So far, these are my must see and do activities for my Christmas vacation. Time will only tell what other exciting adventures will be added to the list before we leave for New York City!
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