New Orleans’ Architects and Artists Present Handiwork at DesCours
From December 3-12, audiences will be able to see the beautiful talent of artists, architects and craftsmen that have built architecture and sculptures in hidden parts of New Orleans. The event is free to the public, and audiences will be able to find work in 14 architectural installations all over the downtown area, including roofs, walkways and courtyards. Many of these places are not usually noticed by the public eye, so you’ll receive a new perspective on New Orleans whether you’ve been here or not. If you wish to stay in the city for a Thanksgiving or early Christmas vacation, there are plenty of New Orleans hotels to choose from.
DesCours will reveal new areas and secrets that you may not have known, and tours like the Swamp and Bayou Tour can do the same, covering areas of Louisiana that you’re probably not as familiar with. The tour will start you off in a motorcoach and cut across the Mississippi River at which time you’ll take a ride across much of the wetlands and learn how New Orleans’ famous gumbo is made. In addition, you can view some of the local wildlife with a show featuring snapping alligators, mischievous raccoons and many other animals.
Along with your other activities, you may be interested in some of the history of New Orleans, and you can find out more with an All Day Plantation Tour, which takes you to three pieces of architecture - Destrehan Plantation, San Francisco Plantation and the Houmas House. Pay special attention to the Destrehan Plantation, as it is the oldest historical documented plantation in the world. Much of the furniture is in the same style that families used over a century ago, and you’ll be able to see slave cabins and gardens outside the plantations.
New Orleans is the perfect stop for an invigorating vacation where you can learn more about the city’s culture, history and art forms. Book your activities today – you won’t regret it.
Go Green at San Antonio’s Summer Literary Festival!
Head on down to San Antonio to engage in the Summer Literary Festival, “What Would Nature Do? ” from July 9-25. During your time at this “green age” event, audiences will be able to attend workshops and readings promoting the environment through both artistic and literary means. The season is perfect for participation in this summer excursion, where you may join students, artists, and activists for a fun way to learn about the world around us. You may choose from any of our lodging options while you’re in the area. In addition, there are several other fun activities you may want to look into while you’re here.
The Rio San Antonio River Walk Cruises are perfect for the San Antonio visitor, as it showcases its most famous attraction. Float down this manmade waterway and learn about its origins, construction, and current condition. The San Fernando Cathedral, La Villita, and the age-old Alamo are just a few of the highlights of this beautiful tour, bringing the heart of Texas alive. The River Walk is approximately 2.5 miles, and it will last approximately 40 minutes.
Finally, for some true Texas’ wranglin’, make your vacation complete with a Saturday visit to the Open Pro Rodeo, boasting the most professional cowboys in the business. Some of the most famous rodeo stars like Trey Martin and Alfredo Iglesia will be entertaining you as bulls and calves run and kick up dirt. Put on your cowboy hat for this traditional Texas sport!
26th Annual International Blues Challenge Hits Memphis!
Known for blues and rock ‘n roll, Memphis hosts many music-themed festivals throughout the year. This year happens to be the 26th annual International Blues Challenge (IBC). If you’re thinking about visiting the Memphis area early in 2010, this would be the time. The IBC begins on January 20 and the finale will occur on the evening of January 23.
The International Blues Challenge is an event hosted by The Blues Foundation and has slowly grown to become the most respected showcase for blues musicians. This year’s entries represent 39 US states, the District of Columbia, and 13 foreign countries. Some of the countries represented include Australia, Denmark, India, and Italy.
It is a competition, mind you, and a winner is chosen for each of three categories. The ‘Blues Band’ category is the biggest, with 111 entries this year. The second competition category is ‘Solo/Duo Acts’ and boasts 83 competitors this year. The newest category is the ‘Youth Showcase’, which includes 32 entries all under the age of 21.
The festival kicks off with a Meet & Greet at the New Daisy Theater, followed by the international showcase. Days are filled with festival activities ranging from seminars and workshops to awards ceremonies. The competition semifinals take place at blues clubs along Beale Street with the final competition occurring at the famous Orpheum Theater.
To stay close to the action, we recommend hotels in the downtown area. There are several hotels within walking distance of Beale Street, which makes attending the competition events that much easier. The Marriott Downtown is just a short cab ride away from Beale Street and offers guests tons of amenities and a relaxing environment. The Holiday Inn Select Downtown is just a few blocks from Beale Street and definitely within walking distance. The Madison Hotel sits between the Marriott and the Holiday Inn Select, placing you just a few streets over from Beale Street. This hotel boasts first class amenities, on-site dining, and beautiful views.
Stay In Opryland Hotels While Visiting Nashville!
January 4, 2010 by admin
Filed under Nashville TN
One of the “can’t-miss” attractions in Nashville is the Opryland area. If that is why you’re headed to Nashville, take advantage of the hotels located in Opryland. With hotels ranging from the Gaylord to the Hyatt, there is sure to be a hotel to suit your stay!
The most obvious, and most popular, choice in the Opryland area of Nashville is the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. This opulent hotel has become the standard of luxury in the Nashville area, and from the moment you walk in the front door it’s easy to see why. With one indoor and three outdoor pools, a fitness center, game room, and five lounges, you’ll never run out of things to do at this resort. You’re also less than one mile from attractions such as the Grand Ole Opry!
The next hotel on the list is the Radisson Opryland Hotel, which is also located in the heart of Opryland. This hotel offers amenities such as an indoor pool, spa and sauna, fitness center, and a complimentary shuttle to nearby attractions. Your whole family will enjoy the comfortable, Southern-inspired hotel.
The last hotel is the Hyatt Place Opryland. This hotel is located just one mile from the Grand Ole Opry and offers quick access to all of Nashville’s most popular attractions. With features such as multiple lounges, a Coffee Bar, Guest Kitchen, swimming pool, and fitness center, it’s easy to see why upscale clients are flocking to this newly renovated hotel. That’s without even mentioning the high-tech and spacious guest rooms!
Stay In Orlando’s Most Popular Hotels
If you’re heading to Orlando, there are many good places to stay. So why not do a little research before you book and get the best hotel for your stay? Highlighted in this newsletter are three of the most popular hotels in Orlando. If other travelers love them, they must be pretty good! Check them out or head back to the Orlando page to browse other options.
The Westgate Palace is one of the more popular hotels in Orlando, and it’s easy to see why. It’s location on International Drive makes getting to the local attractions incredibly easy. This hotel is also the only all-suite hotel with it’s own beach on International Drive. When you stay at the Westgate Palace, you’re steps from the beach and just a quick cab ride to the attractions. What more could you ask for in Orlando?
Clarion Resort & Waterpark – 3 1/2 Stars
With a perfect location between Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure theme park, and Disney World, the Clarion Resort and Waterpark can offer your family easy access to the local attractions and offer plenty of attractions in it’s own right. When the family is finished exploring sunny Orlando, take time to splash around in the 50,000-square-foot waterpark. With all the amenities you would expect, the Clarion Resort is sure to provide a comfortable stay.
Travelodge Suites Maingate – 2 Stars
If you’re seeking a more budget-friendly hotel for your stay in Orlando, check out the Travelodge Suites Maingate. This hotel places you just 5 miles from Disney World Resort, and within walking distance of several restaurants. The hotel also offers modern amenities and an outdoor pool, so you’re sure to be comfortable during your stay.
Vacation Packages Make Traveling To Myrtle Beach Easy!
If you’re looking for a way to get to Myrtle Beach that takes care of everything but your transportation, you’re in luck. At Vacations Made Easy, we like to make things simple for our customers so we’ve created three vacation packages that cover just about everything you’d need for a fun-filled vacation. Check them out!
If you’re just looking for a weekend to recharge your batteries, this is the perfect choice. The trip includes a meal and VIP treatment at the Hard Rock Cafe and admission to Ripley’s aquarium. Spend the day absorbing the serenity of the aquarium and the relaxed feel of Myrtle Beach. In the evening, enjoy the two nights hotel accommodations in the Myrtle Beach area.
Myrtle Beach Honeymoon / Anniversary Getaway
Another wonderful option for a weekend trip is the Myrtle Beach Honeymoon / Anniversary Getaway. This trip also includes two nights lodging in the Myrtle Beach area. During the trip, enjoy the sights of Myrtle Beach during the day and take in a show in the evening. This trip includes tickets to ‘One The Show’ for you to enjoy during your trip. You also get a meal and the VIP treatment at the Hard Rock Cafe.
If you’re looking for that perfect family vacation, consider the Myrtle Beach Family Vacation package. The trip includes three nights accommodations in the Myrtle Beach area. You’re family will also enjoy admission to Ripley’s Aquarium and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, as well as tickets to Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. Be sure to leave time to savor the meal and VIP treatment included with the package price.
Memphis Hosts 51st Liberty Bowl
It’s that time of year again, and I’m not talking about Christmas. It’s Bowl season again! That’s right, college teams are heading off to play in the famous bowl games around the country. If you’re planning on visiting Memphis early in the new year, you should definitely make plans to attend the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
While 2009 was the 50th anniversary of the Liberty Bowl, the 2010 game promises to be a great one. The game is slated to begin at 4:30 on the afternoon of January 2. In keeping with tradition, the game will be played at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
The 51st Liberty Bowl is a showdown between the Razorbacks from the University of Arkansas and the East Carolina University Pirates. When the teams take their half-time break, the crowd will jam to the hits of Eddie Money as he takes the stage for a spectacular half-time performance.
The Razorbacks are led by head coach, Bobby Petrino, and quarterback Ryan Mallet. Their record is 7-5 overall with 3 wins in their conference. The Pirates area led by head coach, Skip Holtz, and quarterback Patrick Pinkney. The Pirates’ record is 9-4 overall.
If you’re planning on visiting Memphis for the Liberty Bowl, you should know that the stadium is only a few miles a way from Memphis International Airport. There are so many lodging options in the area, all of which will keep you close to the stadium, the airport, and a few of Memphis’ more famous attractions.
New Orleans’ Notorious Mardi Gras
The Christmas season is quickly coming to a close, and whether you’re excited to get back to some semblance of normalcy or sad that the cheery holiday is over, it’s nice to know you have something to look forward to. No, I’m not talking about New Year’s Eve. For the city of New Orleans, this holiday is even bigger than New Year’s. It’s a little occasion known as Mardi Gras.
While Mardi Gras is tied into the Catholic season of Lent, you don’t have to be Catholic to enjoy this momentous celebration. Mardi Gras is a festival that takes place for 42 days beginning with the Feast of the Epiphany and ending with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. The true Mardi Gras is celebrated on Fat Tuesday, which is always the Tuesday 46 days before Easter.
For the 2010 festivities, the celebration will begin on January 6 and end with a New Orleans-style affair on February 16. These 42 days will be filled with parties, parades, dances, and balls. The festivities are presided over by Rex, an honor that falls to a new person every year, and certain decisions by past Rexes have lasted through the decades. For example, the official Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, and gold) were chosen by the Rex of the 1872 festival.
If you’re planning to be in the area, there are several places that will keep you close to all of the festivities. For a budget friendly hotel, you should consider the Best Western French Quarter. This hotel is located only three blocks from Bourbon Street, so you won’t miss a thing! If you’re seeking a few more amenities, you should consider the 3-Star Holiday Inn French Quarter. This hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the French Quarter, keeping you only a few steps from the center of the celebration.
If a luxury trip to the Big Easy is how you want to celebrate Mardi Gras, there are two stand-out choices for your hotel. Both 4-Star hotels have everything you might need, and a few things you’ll definitely want. The Renaissance Arts Hotel is only a few blocks from the Riverwalk and less than one mile from French Quarter. This incredible location will keep you in the heart of the festival and still provide for a little peace and quiet when you need it. Another option is the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel nestled on the corner where Bourbon Street meets Canal Street. If you’re looking for a hotel that lets you walk out the front door and right into the festivities, this is the one.
Whether you’re headed down to New Orleans for the fabulous parades and parties, the famous Mardi Gras beads, or the scrumptious traditional king cake, New Orleans is waiting with open arms.
New Year, New York: Vacations with Excitement and Romance
Can’t decide between spending a romantic New Year’s Eve evening with your loved one or enjoying an evening of parties, lights, and excitement? With a trip to New York City for New Year’s Eve, you will not have to choose! The Big Apple has activities and events to suit any visitor over the New Year’s Eve weekend.
Of course, the place to be in New York City on New Year’s Eve is Times Square, where you can celebrate 2010 with thousands of visitors. You can watch the ball drop for yourself while you enjoy the festive holiday atmosphere of Times Square. While you are in Times Square for New Year’s Eve, stop in at Planet Hollywood on Times Square to enjoy delicious American cuisine in an interactive and fun environment. Planet Hollywood is a great place to eat any time of year, and on New Year’s Eve, the atmosphere will be even better. With a Planet Hollywood Meal Ticket, you will have your choice of entrée as well as a soft drink and dessert.
If you are looking for some romance during your New Year’s vacation, visit the Empire State Building Observatory. As the scene of some of the most memorable romantic scenes from movies like Sleepless in Seattle and An Affair to Remember, you and your loved one can create your own New Year’s memories as you watch the lights of the city from the best vantage point in town.
Whether you decide to plan a romantic vacation for two or a non-stop party experience in the City that Never Sleeps, you’re going to need a great place to stay. We offer many hotels in Times Square that will put you in the heart of the action for New Year’s Eve as well as close to many attractions, shops, and restaurants. If you’re planning a romantic getaway, why not splurge and book tickets at one of the nicest hotels in town? Midtown Manhattan is home to four and five star hotels like the Kimberly Hotel, the St. Regis, and W New York that offer a luxurious experience that will be the perfect setting for a New Year’s vacation in the city.
Boston Vacation Packages Brimming With Family Fun
There is so much to see when visiting Boston that it is easy to miss out on activities or experiences. Don’t let this happen to your family during your next trip to Boston. Vacations Made Easy has three vacation packages that make sure you don’t miss a thing. From your hotel to your activities, we’ve got you covered!
Boston Sightseeing Weekend Getaway
If you want to hit the major sights in Boston without missing work or school, this weekend-long package is perfect. The package includes two nights accommodations at the hotel of your choice. Also included is the Footsteps to Freedom PhotoWalks Tour. During this tour, a professional photographer will lead you around the city, stopping at all the beautiful historic landmarks for photo ops. You will also receive admission for the USS Constitution Cruise. During this cruise, you’ll be guided through the historic Charlestown Navy Yard before boarding the USS Constitution for a little exploring on your own. Enjoy a weekend trip to Boston and let the beautiful city rejuvenate your spirit.
Best of Boston Comprehensive Vacation Package
Enjoy everything Boston has to offer with the Best of Boston Comprehensive Vacation Package. Complete with 5 nights lodging, this package includes admission for a dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Boston and dinner another night at Boston’s famous Hard Rock Cafe. The fiesta resistance is the 3-Day Go Boston Card. The Go Boston Card includes admission to museums, tours, historic site, attractions, and more. The best part? You have three days to enjoy it all!
Boston, MA Family Vacation Package
If you want all the perks of the Go Boston Card, but you don’t want to spend a whole week in Beantown try this family-friendly package that can fill a long weekend. This package includes the Go Boston Card, which gains you access to everything you could want to do in Boston for one low price. You also have your three nights accommodations set up before you leave. It can’t get much easier than that.
Whatever your reason for traveling to Boston, there is a package for you. However, if you don’t find the perfect package for your trip, there is always the option to custom build your vacation. With this option, you can choose everything from the length of your stay to the activities you’ll enjoy. Talk about a perfect vacation!
