TravelCent

Dallas Holds on to its Roots

The Old Red Courthouse, located at 100 S. Houston Street, in Dallas is an outstanding historical building, built in 1892 in the Romanesque Revival style. The red Pecos sandstone is rough-cut, but the trim is the smooth Arkansas Blue Granite. Listed on the National Register, the Old Red Courthouse is listed as the City of Dallas Landmark and is a recorded Texas Historical Landmark, but even though this structure is of historical interest, it currently houses the Dallas Visitor Information Center and a high-tech Internet Cafe is situated in one of the turrets.

This building is the fifth out of four prior courthouses gracing the same location. Inside the building are theaters representing the four previous ‘eras’ of Dallas County, covering a span of two centuries up till 2007. On the 4th Floor, visit the Hatton W. Summerlee Court Room, it was just recently restored to it original appearance. You’ll end up spending several hours at the Old Red Courthouse, especially if you take in all the theaters and all the touch-screen interactive displays. The 2nd floor is where the Museum and gallery is located; artifacts from each of the 5 versions of the Red Courthouses history are expertly displayed.

The exhibit, or theaters are: ‘The Trading Center: The Sumnerlee Foundation Trading Center Gallery – 1874 to 1917. With the arrival of the first two railroads in 1872 and 1873, Dallas experience its first boom period making Dallas an important regional center for trade; ‘Big D: The Ruth Ray and H.L. Hunt Gallery – 1918 to 1945, displays how Dallas gained national recognition and at the same time faced the challenges of a major metropolitan area; ‘World Crossroads’: The Linda and Mitch Hart World Crossroads Gallery – 1946 to 2007, with post-war times just beginning, Dallas takes on a new direction and reinvents itself for the 21st century.

Nestled amongst skyscrapers, massive freeways and five star hotels, Dallas seems to stand still, if just for a moment by continuing to hold on to this very historical and distinctive building.

Vermont Maple Syrup and Lake Champlain

One of the great things about the New England states is that each of them seems to be known for specific food items that are inherent to their geography. This is particularly true for Vermont maple syrup and Maine lobster. Oh, and we don’t want to forget Boston clam chowder . And while these are prominent aspects of each of these regions there is much more to them than the individual food item. Such is the case with Vermont, though syrup is a major part of the state’s economy as well as being something for which it is extremely famous and loved. It is also the reason many people plan a stay in one of the luxury Vermont hotels or quaint bed and breakfasts. They plan on indulging in some of the delicious syrup over a plate of hot cakes in the morning. And thinking about it, this does seem like a great way to spend your weekend.

Even if it is the syrup that brings you to Vermont, and of course there is nothing wrong with that and the locals even love that fact, there are many other aspects of the state that will contribute to the enjoyment of your stay and entice you back again. Most of the towns in Vermont are relatively small, and this is part of the overall atmosphere of the state. Burlington is the largest city in the state and its population is just around forty thousand. However, what it lacks in size it makes up for in cultural and enthusiasm. There is also the amazing geography that affects the social climate of all the towns. Lake Champlain is just outside of Burlington and it is one of the most beautiful lakes in the nation. It is a fresh water lake that extends into New York. There is a quiet, peaceful beauty to it that agrees with the overall temperament of Vermont. The lake is also a popular place for camping and outdoor recreational activities.

Maui, Hawaii: A Perfect Vacation Spot

Maui, Hawaii is designed for those who wish to actively explore and for those who aren’t content to sit on the sand and watch the waves roll in. There’s so many natural wonders, from the top of Haleakala volcano to the bottom of Molokinin crater and all the things in-between such as snorkeling and surfing, you’ll be hard pressed to pack up your bags and leave your beach hotel, Hawaii will capture your heart, soul and make you want to miss you’re flight out of Maui. Consulting a travel directory, guidebook, or other resource will help you plan your dream vacation.

After exploring the volcanic wonders of Haleakala , you’ll want to try a more refreshing, but not less wondrous adventure: snorkeling. Maui’s vibrant underwater life is full of fascinating and colorful sea life. Maui has a dozen places to snorkel, and most are reached by kayak, but for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take the 3.5 hour charter to Moloknin Crater. It’s truly one of the best dive sites in all of the Pacific. Then there is Hulopoe Bay located on Lanai and is a favorite for many snorkel fans. It will take you 5 hours by Ferry ride to reach the bay, and on a calm day, this spot offers excellent visibility, and plenty of fish and coral formations.

Surfing at Honolua or at Lanaina Harbor is a very traditional activity in Hawaii. Practiced for over 300 years all across the islands, this thrilling sport is a way of life for many Maui residents. If you’ve never surfed before, then you’re in luck, because Maui is the best place to learn. The island’s southern and western shores offer gentle breaks, which is perfect for first-timers. There a many surfing schools that offer lessons at very reasonable rates, plus they’ll rent you a surf board. They will start you out with a longboard, which is easier to stand on and to maintain your balance with. Even though surfing looks easy, it really does take practice, so don’t get upset if you keep falling off; be patient, relax and your wave will come.

Boston French

Boston is like a lot of cities in this part of the world, where there are varied and exciting mixes of cultures and languages, reflecting the migration patterns of people all over the world. At times, it seems as though the patterns all converge here. It makes for a very heady mix of traditions and cultural displays, and it keeps things exciting, where the city has a heartbeat that plays in polyrhythms. For travelers looking at staying at a boutique hotel, Boston USA is a perfect choice.

It’s not hard to find evidence of culture here, because it’s all around the city. And all around the city, there are celebrations throughout the year that mark a people’s presence here. On Saint Patrick’s Day, the Irish population comes out in full force, along with everybody else, to make a holiday that’s bigger than the one in the native land. It’s hard to compete with France, however, on Bastille Day, because it’s such a local focal point in the history of the country, but there are efforts in Boston to mark that day in unique style.

Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity are in the air here on July 9th. The official holiday is July 14th, but this is the time to see a whole lot of French culture. Bands playing Gypsy jazz and music from Haiti will be performing their favorite songs to the delight of the crowds, suggesting that the French are not at all limited to one border, but have an influence all over the world.

There is also the local Boston French Party who celebrate events all through the year. This is a much more locally-based group, where people of French descent, or have interest in French culture, can participate in meet-ups, which can be anything from a night out at a cafe or pub, or watching the World Cup together.

There are many other events in town, centered around music, theatre, film, and many other forms of expression. It all contributes to the fact that Boston is a very lively place.

Lisle Illinois Day Activities

If you find yourself in little Lisle Illinois looking for something to see you are going to find something special. This is were the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago White Sox have their training academy. There are some great little shops and venues to spend some time enjoying. Spending time outside in nature is a popular way to enjoy this town.  

One of the places that brings people out to this town is The Morton Arboretum . What a great garden maze. Come and see how the people here at this arboretum are teaching everyone how to save and conserve the planet. They have had a great impact on the replanting of tree and plant life in Illinois. They take great pride in restoring the oak woodlands giving a fresh home and hope to the creatures who live there and the people who want to hike there. Come and have a relaxing walk through the many different sweet smelling gardens around the arboretum. This place will take you away from the stresses of everyday life.  

Another way to spend some much needed time in nature is to hit the golf course. This also a reason people travel to the five star lisle hotels for a weekend getaway. The River Bend Golf Course It is a 9 hole course that may be smaller but it is still challenging. This is a good place to take someone who is trying to work their way up in the game with 3 tee sites on each hole so they can work their way up in skill. They like to book groups offering up some great pricing deals. They have a great dining room and lounge as well as a solid golf shop for a well rounded day.  

There are plenty of other ways to enjoy this town so welcome to the beginning.

Fort Lauderdale Coffeehouse

One of the best measures of a city is by the strength and character of its coffeehouses. It doesn’t matter much any more if there are too many strip malls that all carry the same stores as any other city in the world, because every city in the world has these (with a few exceptions). When one can find, in the midst of all the sea of sameness, a place that seems to cultivate difference, then there is hope that interesting things happen.

There’s no question that Fort Lauderdale is interesting. There are too many wild parties, too much ocean and sun, and too many travelers coming through to let loose on a weekend for it to be dull. For all the tourists looking for Fort Lauderdale cheap hotels , there are plenty of things to make this city a remarkably splendid draw.

The usual tourist haunts are always buzzing, even on the occasional rainy days, making it a wonderful city to come to unwind. And there are enough spots of solitude so that people looking for some peae and quiet, away from the parties, can find something to love, too. And, perhaps even more fantastically, with places like Underground Coffeehaus , there’s something different, too, where an afternoon can turn into an experience that’s impossible to forget, but for all the right reasons.

This is a community coffeehouse, in the old fashioned sense of the word. It has the atmosphere of a European cafe, except here there is coffee more than any other beverage, where people come not only for their daily caffeine intake, but to be with the community. This is a place where artists and intellectuals come to hang out, the place where students go to be with each other, playing board games, reading, and catching up on all the local gossip. It is an artist’s haven , but it is also home to a lot of other people, and if there are keys to the local underground scene, chances are someone here has them in their pocket.

What is a Boutique Hotel?

What is a boutique hotel? Since the 1980’s they’ve been growing in popularity in many of the major tourist cities around the globe. They are intimate hotels that have a tendency to be themed or have quirks geared at certain clientele. Often known as “lifestyle” or “design” hotels they are generally smaller than the mainstream hotel chains; often having from three to, depending on the location, as many as fifty rooms.

While you know for sure what amenities are going to be available at a chain hotel you should do your research when hunting for a boutique hotel. Some boutique hotels aren’t much more than bed and breakfasts while others are experimental offshoots of larger hotel chains . A majority have on site dining, lounges, or bars for patrons to mingle in or that are open to the general public. Some are rustic having only the bare necessities for your stay while others are complete with wi-fi, cable TV and other modern conveniences.

Different cities have different clienteles the boutique hotels cater to. New York was the birth place of the American boutique hotel movement with many hotels catering to various themes from historical to modern or futuristic. In New Orleans a boutique hotel may focus on anything from the antebellum French Quarter or Mardi Gras to a hotel geared at the thousands of fans that flock to New Orleans to see the streets roamed by Anne Rice’s vampires. The boutique Miami hotels tend to cater to the Art Deco feel of the city and Caribbean weather, these are almost always located along Ocean Drive or other ocean-side streets. No matter the city you go to you can easily find a boutique hotel that’s perfect for you, you just have to know where to look.

Miami’s Chartered Yachts are Within Reach

There’s more to do in Miami than merely enjoying the wonderful beaches and the 5 star hotels, Miami is where you can play right alongside the rich and famous. For instance, you can charter a yacht, yes charter a yacht . You’ll be pleased to know just how affordable and accommodating charter yacht companies are. A chartered yacht cruise is completely about your comfort and pleasure with a full crew to take you where you want to go and meet you’re every need, but where the affordable aspect comes in is what’s called Bareboating, this term refers to chartering a yacht that you’ll sail on you’re own, but if you’d like, you can always hire a captain to help sail it.

Most Bareboats are 30 to 50 feet in length, with a choice between a conventional single hulled yacht, known as a monohull, a powerboat, or a catamaran. Bareboat sailing yachts are extremely popular and is the preferred way to sail off Miami’s coastline rather than a powerboat. Bareboats come equipped with everything needed to operate, such as kitchen utensils, sheets, bedding and towels; a dinghy with an outboard with no extra charge; a generator, microwave oven, air conditioning, charter plotter, GPS, electric windlass, halyard winch, CD player, widescreen TV with DVD and autopilot.

You don’t need a license or a certificate to charter most Bareboats in Florida, but you do need to show a considerable amount of experience and skill in order to operate the yacht on your own, otherwise, you will need to hire a captain. Most charter yacht companies operate 7 days a week, and a few offer sailing school. You may find that individuals owners of yachts will lease you their yachts and at a rate considerably less than a yacht charter company. Check online, or at any of the yacht clubs around Miami .

Now, doesn’t sailing around the Miami coastline, on your own yacht charter, slowly going past the beautiful skyline of Miami’s fantastic architecture as the sunsets, while drinking a nice glass of wine? Knowing that all the people on the beach and in the hotels are looking out watching you sail by, wondering how it feels to be you.

USS Midway in San Diego

In Southern California, there’s a number of floating museums, such as the Queen Mary in Long Beach or the Star of India in San Diego. Also in San Diego, there’s one of the most remarkable ships you’ll ever set foot on –the USS Midway , a veritable floating city with 50 years of world history. This aircraft carrier is the longest-serving vessel of U.S. Navy in the 20th Century, and admission to it allows you and your family to take a self-guided audio tour, viewing over 60 exhibits and 25 restored aircraft.

The exhibits include the engine room, the ship’s brig, a post office, machine shops, pilots’ ready rooms, an immense galley and the crew’s sleeping quarters. Throughout the ship, you’ll meet museum lecturers, people who can provide personal stories of life aboard ship, as well as many other statistics and anecdotes.

Most likely, the harbor will be a brief taxi drive or even walk from your San Diego hotel , allowing you to maximize your time aboard ship. Most guests spend as much as three to four hours exploring the carrier. In addition to all the artifacts and planes, there are activities aimed at the family, including different types of flight simulators, short films and music videos, even aircraft and cockpits.

Flight simulators include Strike Fighter 360, where two people can board a state-of-the-art machine that rolls, somersaults, spins and loops; Mach Combat, which contains double-seat simulators for pilot and co-pilot as well as single seat simulators, allowing you to fly for ten minutes of pre-flight and thirty minutes of flight in which you’ll be put through basic aircraft maneuvers and dogfights; and Flight Avionics, which is a group motion simulator that accommodates 12 guests at a time and features a launch from the deck and air-to-air combat in a F-18 Hornet.

It’s possible to see this amazing museum on the water everyday from ten in the morning to five in the afternoon, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Last admission on the ship is at four p.m., and the cost of general admission is $18 dollars. For those over 62 or students, the cost is $15 dollars. Retired military may board for ten dollars; young people from six to 17 may also board for ten dollars. Children five and younger may come aboard for free, as well as active-duty military personnel (and reservists).

If you’re looking for something to do this July 4, you’ll find that the museum will welcome guests aboard after hours for an “Apple Pie 4th of July!” Tickets for these festivities go on sale as of June 10th and are $15 for adults (whether they’re military, retired military and seniors or not), and ten dollars for children (those 17 years old and under).