Archive for October 2010
Ten Things to Pack for Your Winter Getaway
Author Alexine
By: Alexine
If you plan on taking a little winter getaway with your family or significant other this year you may want to make sure you pack according to your itinerary. For the most part you will be spending time keeping warm or playing in the snow. Here is a packing list of essentials you won’t want to leave behind.
Warm Jacket
There is nothing more important than having a nice warm winter coat in the cold weather. Making sure you have a great layer system jacket or down jacket will allow more options when it comes to winter activities. You can use one of these jackets to ski, snowboard, snowmobile or take a romantic walk in the woods.
Scarf
Whether you are crafty or not having a really nice scarf can make even the coldest days feel warm and toasty. If you have the patients to knit your own scarf then take the time to pick out some fun yarn and knit one for your trip. On the other hand you can find really nice scarves at department stores that will be wonderful as well.
Mittens
Mittens win over gloves when it comes to keeping your hands warm. Mittens keep all your fingers together with the exception of your thumb for gripping. Having the four fingers together helps keep them much warmer. Also if you plan to do winter sports it is nice to have a pair of mittens with waterproof coating.
Hat
Packing a nice warm hat that covers your ears is very important. While earmuffs are great for saving your hairdo they are not so good at keeping your head warm. Make sure you pack a hat even if your jacket has a hood.
Long Underwear
Whether you wear a layer under your clothes or ski gear long underwear come in handy for the cold weather. Make sure you have a couple of pairs in case you sweat a lot while participating in outdoor activities. Then you can wash one pair and wear the other the next day while they dry.
Snow Pants
No matter what you do outside in the snow it is important to have a nice pair of snow pants. They keep you warm and block your legs from getting frost bit in the wind. It is nice to have a good pair of snow pants for any level of activity in the snow.
Wool Socks
There is nothing more comfortable than a gorgeous pair of wool socks in the ice cold winter weather. If you knit then it is wonderful to show them off when skiing or hanging out by the fire at the lodge. On the other hand, if you do not knit then you can find some really nice wool socks at boutique stores.
Boots
While designer frilly boots are great to coordinate with your outfits, a good sturdy pair of outdoor winter boots is important to have for your getaway. Not only are the rated for negative degree weather but they also are easier to keep clean and you do not have to worry about getting them wet or salty.
Bathing Suit
After long days beating yourself up in the cold weather it is nice to have a bathing suit along for the hot tub. Most hotels have either an indoor or outdoor hot tub to help relax your muscles and enjoy a romantic moment.
Flannel Pajamas
Once you have spent the evening relaxing in the hot tub and shower off it is nice to slip into something comfortable. Flannel pajamas are the perfect choice and if you feel like being nice bring a pair along for your sweetie as he is sure to appreciate the comfort.
Pack Your Clothes
In addition to packing all of the necessities above you will want to bring some cute warm outfits along for the dinners out and site seeing or shopping sprees. Heading to ski country does not always mean you have to be outside in the cold so do not forget some cute clothes.
Have fun on your winter getaway and remember to have lots of fun and take pictures for memories.
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Experience the Rich History of San Francisco
Author Alexine
By Barbara Wade © 2010, All Rights Reserved
If all you’ve ever seen of California are beaches and nightclubs, you owe it to yourself to spend a few days in San Francisco. Luxury hotel accommodations share the waterfront with historic buildings; boutique shops vie for space among the fish stalls of the famous Fisherman’s Wharf; and jutting proudly from the bay is the island prison known simply as The Rock. This wonderfully diverse city offers something for every traveler, but for history lovers, the waterfront is not to be missed.
Board an Historic Ship at San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park
In January of 1887, the newly christened Balclutha set sail from England carrying nearly 3,000 tons of coal bound for San Francisco. In June, after having made the months-long trip around Cape Horn, she sailed into San Francisco harbor, where she would take on a load of California wheat before making the voyage back to England. Balclutha’s long and distinguished career included stops at such exotic ports as New Zealand, Chignik Bay, Alaska, and Catalina Island, where she had a supporting role in the movie, Mutiny on the Bounty. Today, she’s been fully restored and welcomes visitors at the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park.
As you board Balclutha, you’ll be transported back to a time before trucks and planes, when the movement of goods relied on fickle winds and temperamental seas. You’ll discover how the crew lived for months at sea, often with their families and even their pets along for company. Follow your guide as he shows you – through the many photos and exhibits – what it was really like to earn your living as a sailor. You might just find, as they often did, that adventure isn’t always as romantic as it seems.
Tour the World’s Most Famous Prison
From sailing ships to rocky islands, San Francisco has a great deal to share with history buffs. Alcatraz Island served as a prison from 1859 until 1963, and since the early 1970s has been a favorite tourist destination. Visitors can see the cell that housed Al Capone, view the tools prisoners fashioned for use in the many escape attempts, and hear the story of the inmates who might just have made it out – though no one knows for sure. You can take a self-guided tour of the grounds by renting an Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour, or if you prefer, take part in one of the many special events the National Park Service hosts.
There’s more to this island than an abandoned prison, though. The staff at Alcatraz not only worked here, but they and their families lived on “The Rock” as well. In an effort to make the hostile surroundings more comfortable, they introduced a wide variety of non-native plants and flowers to their gardens. In the decades between the island’s occupancy and the gardens’ restoration in 2003, many of these colorful plants flourished. Brilliant blooms cover the island and make Alcatraz’s gardens nearly as popular a tourist destination as the prison itself.
Since the discovery of gold in the hills surrounding San Francisco, the area has seen tremendous growth. Where once was a tiny village, there now stands a thriving metropolis with a vibrant cultural center. Proud of her heritage, the city of San Francisco encourages diversity while maintaining strong ties to the past through historical exhibits like Alcatraz and the San Francisco Maritime Park. Plan a stay in a luxurious San Francisco Embarcadero hotel and you too can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Author Bio
Barbara Wade writes for the Argonaut Hotel, a San Francisco luxury hotel just steps from the historic waterfront. Visit them online at www.argonauthotel.com.
Discover Culture and History in Downtown Chicago
Author Alexine
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Chicago Kimpton hotel, Chicago luxury hotels, downtown Chicago hotels, Palomar Chicago | No Comments »
Big City Class with a Charming Neighborhood Feel in West Manhattan
Author Alexine
By Barbara Wade © 2010, All Rights Reserved
Between the garment district and Greenwich Village lies Chelsea, an inviting neighborhood teeming with art galleries, theaters and one-of-a-kind shops. City slickers will love the proximity to all the culture and entertainment Manhattan has to offer – including the New York theater district – hotels with all the amenities you expect and a vibrant night life. Those who prefer small-town living will appreciate the community spirit for which the neighborhood is famous.
The Epicenter of the Art World
ARTnews declared Chelsea “a vital art district,” and it has since overtaken SoHo in terms of the number of art galleries that call the neighborhood home. Whether you’re on the hunt for the next big thing, in the market for a Renoir, or simply love to immerse yourself in the art scene, you’ll find it in Chelsea.
More than 350 art galleries line the streets of Chelsea, so put on your walking shoes and be prepared to flood your senses with everything from acrylic on canvas to marble sculptures. You’ll have the opportunity to buy stunning artwork from up-and-coming artists and established masters alike. You might even find the perfect piece for that bare wall in the living room, or a Christmas gift your mother will adore.
For those who’d rather admire than own, Chelsea offers an array of museums featuring artwork from around the world. The Rubin Museum of Art is dedicated to the collection of Himalayan art and strives to bring the peace and tranquility of traditional Buddhist crafts to the former Barney’s department store. Once the center of the fashion world, the building is now home to more than 2,000 works of art and is one of the premier collections in the western world.
If you prefer a more modern feel, be sure to visit the Chelsea Art Museum, home of the Miotte Foundation, dedicated to preserving the works of New York’s Jean Miotte, a master of the abstract and famous for his use of bold brush strokes and primary colors. In addition to paintings, exhibits feature a variety of media, from photography to live music and dance performances.
Fine Dining with an Urban Feel
The Chelsea Market, built in a former Nabisco factory – the birthplace of the Oreo cookie – is the place to eat in Chelsea. With office, retail, manufacturing and wholesale markets all under one roof, there’s plenty for everyone. Locals find the best deals on fresh produce, meat and seafood at the shops in Chelsea Market, as do area restaurants.
Of course, if you prefer to let someone else do the cooking, you can’t do better than the upscale establishments you’ll find at Chelsea Market. Health-food lovers will get their fill of raw food made to order, and those with a sweet tooth can enjoy everything from gourmet popsicles to melt-in-your mouth brownies. Top it off with what’s been called the “best espresso in New York,” and your dinner will be one to remember.
Your vacation or business trip can be an exciting adventure filled with art, culture, music and food when you choose to stay in Chelsea, New York. Hotels catering to sophisticated travelers provide plenty of comforts, and the friendly neighborhood of Chelsea makes everyone feel at home.
Author Bio
Barbara Wade writes for Eventi, one of the finest Chelsea New York hotels, located in West Manhattan. Visit them online at www.eventihotel.com.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Chelsea hotels, Chelsea New York hotels, Eventi, Eventi hotel, New York theater district hotels | No Comments »
