San Francisco’s Chinatown claims to be the oldest and the largest Chinatown outside of Asia. It’s also one of the top tourist destinations in the area with a number of noted locations and events.

Photo credit: dlr2008

Chinatown - San Francisco-dlr2008731

Chinatown was established in the mid 1800s when a large number of Chinese immigrants moved to the region. During that time what is now considered Chinatown was then a port of entry for immigrants coming from the Bay. Many of the immigrants settled in the region and Chinatown developed into a congested area that was poorly built with many small shacks lining the streets. Because of this poor construction the large earthquake of 1906 was particularly damaging and destroyed almost the entire area. The area was rebuilt to attract tourists so the structures were more along the lines of what an American tourist thinks a Chinese building looks like than authentic traditional Chinese architecture. And although the region was designed to attract tourists it’s still mainly populated by people of Chinese origin and the food, wares, traditions and atmosphere is definitely authentic Chinese.

Bank of Canton

The Bank of Canton in Chinatown was previously the Chinese Telephone Exchange. This beautiful structure was built in 1891 and was the first public telephone pay station in Chinatown. The small community in Chinatown was unique in that most people didn’t have telephone numbers, the local operators memorized the subscribers names, addresses and occupations and could connect callers this way rather than by number. The operators of the day not only needed to have a good memory but they also needed to be fluent in five different Chinese dialects and English. The great earthquake of 1906 destroyed the original building but it was rebuilt and was an essential part of life in Chinatown until 1949 when technology made the telephone exchange obsolete. The Bank of Canton purchased the building and restored it in 1960.

Photo credit: nathanrwong

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory Sign-nathanrwong994

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

Chances are you’ve had a fortune cookie from the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory as this company has been supplying fortune cookies around the world since 1962. Enter the store and you can see the cookies being made right in front of you. Although machines help the process along much of the work is still done by hand and done incredibly fast.  Take not of Ross Alley, where the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory is located, is the artwork that lines the alley. Once a hotbed of sin the street used to be full of gambling and brothels, today the alley features beautiful murals depicting everyday life on Chinatown.

Walter U. Lum Place

Walter U. Lum Place is a street that is very popular with locals and tourists as it’s where the street carnival is held annually at the Chinese New Year’s Celebration. The street is named after a famous Chinese American activist and borders Portsmouth Square.

Photo credit: telmo32

yau kung moon-telmo3219

Chinese New Year

One of the most popular celebrations in San Francisco’s Chinatown is Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year is celebrated for two weeks every spring. The celebration has been held for more than 5,000 years in China and began in the 1860s in San Francisco during the Gold Rush. The event has grown to be one of the largest Asian celebrations in all of North America. During the celebration there are two major fairs, the Chinese New Year Flower Fair and the Chinatown Community Street Fair. At the end of the celebration is the famous Chinese New Year Parade, named one of the world’s top ten parades. More than 100 participants enter the parade each year and most of them tie their presentation to the year’s theme. But the highlight every year is probably the Golden Dragon, at more than 201 feet long it is always the grade finale of the parade and actually came from China. One hundred people are needed to support the dragon and walk it through the streets, this may seem like a big burden but each of the people chosen to participate in carrying the dragon feel it’s a great honor.

Portsmouth Square

Portsmouth Square once bordered the area to one side but now has been enveloped and the square sits firmly in the center of Chinatown. The square was the hub of many early activities and features numerous plaques and markers noting such historical events. The square was named for the U.S.S. Portsmouth which traveled to the region in 1846. Take time during the day to walk the square and take in the monuments, enjoy the park with a picnic but be sure to come back at night. Every Saturday from July to October from 6pm to 11pm Portsmouth Square hosts Chinatown Night Market Fair. This nightly transformation of the square to a hustling and bustling market like the ones in Hong Kong is amazing and quite a lot of fun for everybody. Look for bargains on trinkets and souvenirs, fresh authentic Chinese street food, traditional entertainment and unusual arts.

Old St. Mary’s

The first cathedral in California was Old St. Mary’s. Much of the stone work for the building actually came from China and was brought over to San Francisco by ship. From 1854 to 1891 the cathedral served as the archdiocese for San Francisco and designed to serve as a mission where the new Chinese immigrants could be converted to the Catholic faith. Unfortunately the building, even though it was soundly constructed, was destroyed in 1906 by the earthquake. Rebuilding began in 1909 and the church once again became a hub for local worship.

In addition to all of the attractions in Chinatown there are some other experiences you just must seek out. The first is of course to dine there. The food is completely authentic and incredibly good and fresh. In fact it’s so fresh you may be a little put off by the corner markets with produce for sale as it is not sold like a traditional American grocery store. Which brings us to another experience visitors to Chinatown should soak in, the markets and stores. Buy souvenirs and authentic Chinese products in the stores where you’ll find some incredible deals. The herb shops are also a must, whether you want to try some ancient herbal remedies for what ails you or if you just want to look around, it’s an interesting experience. Immerse yourself in Chinatown and you’ll be happy you did.
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Visiting Chinatown in San Francisco

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Dubai. In the western world, it is arguably the most famous of the seven emirates within the Arabian Peninsula. It is a country and city known for its exhibition of opulent wealth. Its shopping districts easily rival those of Paris, Milan, and Beverly Hills. And although Dubai is a wealthy nation within the middle east, its wealth does not stem from petroleum or natural gas, which constitute less than 6% of its economy. Dubai’s resources come from real estate, construction, and the utilization of its great city as a hub for global business. Dubai is especially tolerant of western culture and other religions, allowing for houses of worship of all faiths including Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism. When visiting Dubai, there are a number of sites one should see. Here are just a few of them.

Burj Al Arab

Photo credit: Faithful Chant

Burj Al Arab with heliport pad

Quite possibly the most iconic building in Dubai, the Burj Al Arab, at 1050 feet high, is the second tallest building in the world to be solely used as a hotel. The absolute tallest in the world is the Rose Tower, also in Dubai, which stands at 1090 feet. The Burj Al Arab stands on one of Dubai’s man made island and is known most for its unusual shape, which purposefully resembles the sail of a boat. Prices start at $1000 a night.

The Dubai Mall

Photo credit: austinevan

City Centre Mall Dubai

This is it, the world’s largest shopping mall. Dare we say an American’s dream? Now, some may argue that there are larger malls out there, such as the South China Mall, and the SM Mall of Asia. This is, in a way, true. There are other malls out there that provide a larger area of space. So, why is the Dubai mall considered the largest? Because it contains the most amount of stores, 1200 to be precise. Volume-wise, the mall is about the same size as the West-Edmonton Mall, the largest mall in North America. When the Dubai Mall opened in late 2008, six-hundred retailers were already open for business, making it also the largest mall opening in history. The mall features an aquarium with the largest viewing panel in the world, as well as a full, Olympic-sized ice skating rink.

Burj Dubai

Burj Dubai via wikipedia

This is, quite simply, the tallest man-made structure ever in the history of mankind. It is currently in its completion stage and should be finished by the end of 2009. Total price tag for the project is somewhere in the vicinity of $4.1 billion, almost a bargain compared to the price of the man made islands Dubai has been creating. The building measures in at 2,684 feet high. Historically, this building will mark the first time the world’s tallest, free-standing, man-made structure has been located in the middle east since the Great Pyramid of Giza was surpassed in 1311.

Palm Jumeirah

Man made island Palm Jumeirah

This is the first of three palm shaped artificial islands Dubai plans on creating. The island’s palm shape has created an additional 40 miles of coastal real estate for the country. This effectively doubled the length of Dubai’s coastline. Construction of the island began in June of 2001, with the first residents moving to the island in 2006. The island was created by dredging seven million tons of sand and rock. A Dutch company, who are experts in land reclamation, oversaw the project. The cost of creating the island was $12.3 billion, but that does not include maintenance. Suffice to say, it is currently the largest man-made island in the world and will soon be teeming with luxury hotels and resorts.

The World

Mansion on one of the World Islands via Wikipedia

If a man made island with 40 miles of coastline is not impressive then perhaps “The World” will be. This man made archipelago consists of over 300 islands. It is called “The World” because the islands have been designed to form a rough map of the entire world. There is an island in the shape of England, another in the shape of Greece, etc.. The idea here, of course, is status as one can claim they own “England” by purchasing the corresponding man made island. The entire archipelago covers an area of 3.7 by 5.6 miles. Islands typically sell for between $15 to $50 million dollars, which should eventually cover the full development cost of $14 billion. The project is currently on hold due to the world economic crisis.

Ski Dubai

Photo credit: muness

Ski Dubai

When one thinks of Arabia, let alone Dubai, one likely pictures an arid desert of heat and sun. One does not think of snow skiing. Yet, that is what one can do at Ski Dubai, arguably the largest indoor ski resort in the world. The resort features 22,500 square meters of ski area. The heavily insulated building is kept at 30.2 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 21.2 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the night, which is when the snow is generated. The resort features five ski runs and is open year round.

Sheikh Zayed Road

Photo credit: Augapfel

The Other End of Sheikh Zayed Road

It might seem strange to have a highway on a list of sites one must see while in Dubai, but bear with us. Sheik Zayed Road is part of the “E 11” highway, which is the longest road in the United Arab Emirates. When it passes through Dubai, it is known as “Sheik Zayed Road”. So why is it on this list of must see sites? Because it is along this highway that most of Dubai’s skyscrapers are built. If one is visiting Dubai then must drive down this stretch of road, especially at night. It was one of the most beautiful views in the city.

Whether it be snow skiing in the middle of the Arabian desert, man made islands, or just all out displays of extravagant wealth, Dubai is a region teeming with luxury. Its nightlife is second to none, with the New York Times listing it as one of the greatest party cities in not just the Middle East, but the world. If opulence is what one seeks then one will not fail if they travel to Dubai.

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Famous Landmarks in Dubai

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The Golden Gate Bridge in California spans the opening of the San Francisco Bay out onto the Pacific Ocean connecting San Francisco’s peninsula to Marin County. Completed in 1937 the bridge was the longest suspension bridge at the time and has become an iconic symbol of San Francisco. If you’re visiting the San Francisco area then the Golden Gate is not only a visit you’re sure to want to make, but it’s also so much more than just a bridge, you’ll want to take in everything the Golden Gate Bridge has to offer.

Photo credit: David Paul Ohmer

San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge

There are different ways to experience the bridge, you can bike across, walk across, drive across or you can look at it from afar. There’s actually an online bridge walk that you can take if you are not coming to San Francisco. For those who decide to use the walkway you have to make sure to pay attention to the posted signs as certain walkways are restricted at different times and walkers are not always allowed on the bridge. Pay attention to those around you, the bridge walkways can get very busy. The walk across the bridge is 1.7 miles long and isn’t a difficult walk, unless you’re afraid of heights.

Bicyclists have toll free access to the bridge’s sidewalks 24 hours a day but must yield to pedestrians when they’re on the sidewalks. Bicyclists also have some restrictions to the sidewalks that are open to them during various times of the day so it’s important to check with the posted signs before hitting the road.

Photo credit: IanPhilipMiller

Golden Gate Bridge at Night

If you’ve decided to take the walkways on foot then there are a couple other stops you should see, the nearby Golden Gate National Recreation Area and The Presidio offer a number of trails to explore.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area doesn’t just focus on the bridge, it celebrates more than 200 years of occupation in the region by Native Americans, the Spanish Empire frontier, the Mexican Republic, the California Gold Rush, the growth of the current city and the importance of the maritime activities in the area including costal fortifications. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is one of the most visited units of the national park system and hosts more than 13 million visitors each year. It is one of the largest urban parks in the world and actually isn’t just in one place, the park is a collection of areas with the closest area to the Golden Gate Bridge being the Presidio of San Francisco.

Photo credit: telmo32

The Presidio

The Presidio of San Francisco was originally fortified in 1776 by the Spanish who then used it as a military center as they expanded through the region. In 1847 the fort became United States property and it wasn’t until 1989 that it was finally declared inactive. In 1994 it became property of the National Park Service. Part of the Presidio is the Crissy Field Center, a great place for visitors of all ages to learn about the local environment and culture at one of the many hands on interactive programs in the media lab, resource library, arts workshop, science lab, gathering room, teaching kitchen, café or bookstore. There are a huge number of things to do at the Presidio from historic buildings to nature walks to the Presidio Golf Course, this park is a day’s visit in itself but bring your camera, some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge are located in the Presidio.

Photo credit: Bruce_of_Oz

Fort interior

Another spot that is known for its incredible view of Golden Gate Bridge is Fort Point. In fact the views from here of the bridge are probably familiar to anyone who has caught sight of the bridge in a movie or television show. Originally Fort Point was constructed to defend California from a naval attack. This well constructed fort was built between 1853 and 1861 and was really designed to help protect the local gold fields that had been discovered in the 1850s. The fort never actually saw battle and after world war II the fort was remodeled to be a detention barracks but it was never used for that either. In the 1930’s when the bridge was to be constructed the fort was to be destroyed but it was spared and now serves as a tourist attraction.

Photo credit: David Paul Ohmer

San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge

For the nature lover the area around Fort Point will really interest you with its manicured hedges and several acres of beautiful annual and perennial flower beds. The brick sidewalks are designed for visitors so feel free to wander around and check out the flowers, the scenery and the incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The idea of creating a bridge for this region had been speculated on quite often but it was a 1916 article in the San Francisco Bulletin that declared the task would cost $100 million to build. Engineer Joseph Strauss responded and promised he could build the structure for $17 million. Although local authorities agreed they wanted some input and there was still opposition, in fact there was so much opposition it took more than a decade to get the support necessary to begin construction and then it took several more years to actually begin. Construction finally started in 1933 and at this time the cost had risen to more than $35 million. A statue to Strauss is prominently displayed in front of the Gift Center which is open for tourists wanting to pick up some historical information or souvenirs. The Café is also open daily for snacks and small meals, perfect if you’ve decided to have an impromptu picnic in the nearby park.

Photo credit: Paraflyer

San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge

As a side note, the Golden Gate Bridge is the most popular place to commit suicide in the United States and is one of the most popular places in the world. There are no exact figures on how many suicides have occurred from the bridge because many bodies don’t wash ashore and the jumps aren’t always witnessed but an official count was kept and by 2005 the average was one jump every two weeks. It appears that the number of suicides have been growing as are the number of people prevented from jumping by the police. So while you’re visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, keep your eyes peeled for jumpers and bring your cell phone, you may be able to save someone’s life.
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Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge

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Los Angeles may seem like the perfect place for young rock and rollers, start struck stalkers, and families to vacation but it’s actually an excellent place for couples looking to add a little bit of romance to their life. In a city of angels at least one of them has to be cupid.

Photo credit: westerndave

hollywood nights-westerndave44

A stroll through Hollywood is a must for any visitor to Hollywood and even better if you’re holding hands with a loved one. Spend the day shopping, dining and the many restaurants, and spend the night rocking the hottest nightclubs. But the most obvious attraction in Hollywood is the Hollywood Sign which has become its own sort of romantic icon, signifying a dream for many and broken dreams for almost as many. Strolling down the street you’ll notice the Walk of Fame with more than 2000 people, animals, fictional, characters and some companies and buildings honored on the 3.5 mile walk. Look for your favorite stars as you walk down the strip. Another popular attraction in Hollywood for visitors is Grauman’s Chinese Theater, purportedly the most famous theater in the world.  Originally established in 1927, the theater was the brainchild of Sid Grauman who knew how to create a spectacle. Rising 90 feet into the air, the roof commands attention of passersby. The exterior and the interior feature Chinese architecture and artifacts but the most noted feature is not Chinese at al. Grauman came up with the idea to have the stars put their handprints and foot prints in wet cement to immortalize them during publicized ceremonies in the Forecourt of the Stars.

Sunset Ranch

Take a break from the city and relax at Sunset Ranch on horseback. The romantic two our tour takes you and your loved one through Griffith Park with its scenic views of the city of LA, the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. The view atop a horse from Mt. Hollywood is one you will never forget. And the price is more than reasonable.

Photo credit: jplouis

IMG_0770.JPG-jplouis804

Speaking of Griffith Park, one of the highlights of the park is Griffith Observatory. Almost as famous as the stars themselves, Griffith Observatory is an icon of Los Angeles and a national leader in astronomy. Resting on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, it’s visible from many parts of the city and is therefore pretty hard to miss. One of the highlights of the Griffith Observatory is the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. The new dome and the laser digital star projection system turns the 300 seat auditorium into an evening under the stars for you and your sweetheart.

Private Flight

Take a romantic flight in a helicopter or airplane over the city and see the sights from a truly unique vantage point. Turn the experience into a romantic getaway of a life time and take the dinner and helicopter tour combination or helicopter tour and wine tasting experience at a private hilltop vineyard in Malibu. These are romantic experiences that will leave you with priceless memories and a story that will make all of your friends jealous. This is also a perfect way to pop a certain question.

Photo credit: rox sm

IMG_0295-rox sm270

Nothing says romance quite like a night at the theater, so why not try a different theater experience at the Hammer Museum and Billy Wilder Theater. The Hammer Museum and Billy Wilder Theater is located at UCLA and is designed to recognize the talents of artists in all aspects of culture and society. This museum considers itself on the cutting edge and aspires to connect the classics with contemporary art through its wide range of exhibits, the variety of collections it displays and the provocative programs presented to its audiences. The exhibits and productions change frequently so each visit is a unique experience.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Share the beauty of the ages with the most beautiful person in your life at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the western United States and features more than 100,000 objects from ancient times to the present. Through its vast collections, traveling exhibits, public programs and research facility it reaches almost a million people annually and provides inspiration through its art.

Photo credit: emmyboop

Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier-emmyboop876

Whether you’re looking for a quiet stroll along the beach and a peaceful sunset or if you’re searching for more excitement, the Santa Monica Pier has it all. The pier offers dining, shopping, amusement rides at Pacific Park an attraction in itself, a 1922 carousel and interactive aquarium. It also has the ocean. Take advantage of all that the Pacific Ocean has to offer with fishing, snorkeling, swimming, sandcastle building, sun bathing and of course surfing. In addition to the permanent fixtures at the Santa Monica Pier, there are the aforementioned sunsets, roaming performers and musicians and artists that make every visit to the pier a unique experience.

The Peninsula Spa

Give your body a sensual retreat at the Peninsula Beverly Hills. The Peninsula Spa is a Conde Nast Traveler favorite and received accolades as the number one spa for service and number two for treatments for urban spas in the United States. A massage at The Peninsula Spa is a mix of eastern and western approaches and a couple’s room is available for romantic adventures. Space is limited to seven fully equipped treatment rooms with electronic massage beds and a slew of pampering amenities so make sure to book your appointment in advance. While you’re waiting for a treatment take advantage of the serenity lounge or a poolside Jacuzzi or steam room session.

Nine Thirty

For a romantic dinner try Nine Thirty. Nine Thirty has won its share of critical acclaim and is another one of the uber trendy restaurants that is touting the fresh is best motto. Their approach is an upscale version of from farm to table with a seasonal emphasis on American cuisine. Nine Thirty is housed in the W Hotel in Westwood and the menu is chock full of local ingredients with information on the farm that each item was raised or grown at. The menu changes nightly so be prepared to find a new favorite at every visit. For more fun into the night, Rande Gerber’s Whiskey Blue nightclub wraps around Nine Thirty providing you an easy and instant evening full of excitement.

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Romantic Destinations in Los Angeles

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Little Italy in New York City was once home to the large Italian community in the city but since then things have changed and Little Italy is more of a tourist destination than anything else, it’s also a much smaller region than it once was. For visitors to New York City Little Italy is almost a must on the list of things to see and do and for locals it’s a must for really incredible Italian cuisine.

Photo credit: cloverity

Luna-cloverity791

One way to really learn about Little Italy is by taking a walking tour of the neighborhood led by an informed guide. The walk encompasses the current Little Italy region and the old one so it’s a lot of walking and takes a couple hours. On the walking tour you will hit at least 12 different stops which include eight New York City landmarks and seven national landmarks. If you’re thinking about spending some time in Little Italy then this tour is an excellent way to acquaint yourself with the region and to get a glimpse at some places that you may want to return to and explore further.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Construction started on St. Patrick’s Cathedral in 1858 but the doors weren’t opened to the public until 1879. Then Archbishop John Hughes had a vision of a church that was an architectural feat worthy of admiration but the location he selected was considered too far outside the city to really attract a following. It’s hard to envision that sentiment when St. Patrick’s Cathedral today sits in the center of the city. The original gothic structure is truly one of the most magnificent architectural structures but it wasn’t totally complete when the doors were opened, in fact throughout the years additions and restorations have occurred to make the cathedral what it is today. Masses are still held regularly at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Walk In Tours are conducted a few times each week, check the online schedule to see if anything coincides with your visit.

Photo credit: Paul Lowry

U.S. Courthouse at Foley Square-Paul Lowry730

Foley Square in the Little Italy area of New York City is a green space area where visitors can enjoy a picnic in the park. But the real interest in Foley Square lies in its history. The park was named after an important figure in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, Tom Foley. Tom Foley was a leader of the infamous Tammany Hall, a political group that played a major role in controlling New York City politics. Situated around Foley Square currently are several civic buildings with their original facades and colonnaded entrances. In the square itself are five bronze historical medallions in the sidewalks that tell the history of the park and the surrounding area. One spot to take particular notice of is the African Burial Ground National Monument.

Boss Tweed and the Tweed Courthouse

Another location in New York City’s Little Italy that finds more interest in its history is the Tweed Courthouse or the old New York County Courthouse. This building is noted for its design and decoration but known for its connection to Boss Tweed. William Tweed was one of the famed Tammany Hall bosses, best known as Boss Tweed. It was Tweed who oversaw much of the construction of the courthouse but he used his position to embezzle huge sums of money from the project. In 1873 Boss Tweed was ironically tried and convicted in his unfinished courthouse and sentenced to spend 12 years in prison for the offense. The exterior of the building and the rotunda, stair halls, staircases and rooms 201 and 202 are official city landmarks and extensive renovation has been undertaken in the last couple of decades to maintain the structure’s integrity.

Mulberry Street Restaurants

Photo credit: moriza

Little Italy-moriza567

Umberto’s Clam House

Photo credit: Ed Yourdon

San Gennaro festival, Sep 2009 - 29-Ed Yourdon618

The Feast of San Gennaro

One of the highlights in Little Italy and something you should take part in if you’re in the city at the right time, is the Feast of San Gennaro. Held during the last two weeks of September it is New York City’s oldest, biggest and touted as the best religious street festival. More than three million people flock to Little Italy during the two weeks of the festival to partake in the excitement of the parades, the food, the games, the people watching and the religious celebrations. This part of the city is incredibly friendly and the Feast of San Gennaro seems to make it even more so.

Movies of Little Italy

One of the best parts of Little Italy is how familiar it will seem. That’s because the narrow cobblestoned streets, exposed fire escapes and turn of the century tenements are so attractive to television and film. Some of the better known productions that were shot at least partially in New York City’s Little Italy include The Godfather, Taxi Driver, Mean Streets, Moonstruck, and The Sopranos just to name a few.
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Chicago may be known as the windy city but rather than thinking of it as frigid, think of it as a great place to snuggle with your loved one, or think of it as the city blowing you a big kiss. But whatever you think, when you think of romance you should think of Chicago. Believe it or not, Chicago is full of opportunities for lovers to enjoy each other’s company and create romantic memories.

Boat Cruise

There are a variety of cruises in the Chicagoland area, you can take a lakefront cruise or a river cruise, one that focuses on the architecture of the city’s buildings, canine cruises, pirate cruises, sightseeing cruises or romantic dinner cruises. Pick the Chicago River or Lake Michigan boat cruise that best suits your romantic style and enjoy the sights and sounds of Chicago from the water.

Photo credit: Joslynan

Navy Pier Ferris Wheel

Navy Pier

Navy Pier has a number of things to do for couples, some of them romantic, some not so romantic. But a ride on the Ferris wheel is always romantic and provides some of the most incredible views of the city.  In the Pier Park there are other rides that may appeal to you and your sweetheart. And if heights are your thing the new Navy Pier AeroBalloon might just tickle your socks off. This helium filled balloon rises 35 stories or 350 feet above the city to give you 360 degree views of the magnificent skyline and Lake Michigan. Navy Pier also has a number of stages featuring a variety of productions, including an IMAX, but the most romantic theatre option on Navy Pier is the Shakespeare Theater, the winner of the 2008 Tony Award for excellence in regional theater. Navy Pier is so full of activities that couple can pick and choose their favorite activities and make a day of it. And don’t forget the nightly fireworks!

Chicago’s Theatre Scene

Chicago has an incredible theatre district, it’s not quite Broadway but it sure tries hard. And it’s the noted home of Second City, which was where many of Saturday Night Live’s original cast cut their comedy teeth. There are always a large number of productions occurring at a variety of theatres across the city, you can find such staples as Blue Man Group performing almost every night or you can catch a Broadway production on the road. There are also more obscure plays to make you laugh, cry, or even get a little angry, but no matter what its always an entertaining experience.

Photo credit: jordanfischer

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs more than 150 times a year and features 107 very talented musicians, two world known conductors and two in residence conductors. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is into its second century and began under the leadership of Theodore Thomas a famous conductor of his era. Since then the popularity of the orchestra has just grown and today whether performing at home or away the group is widely appreciated. In addition to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Center features more than 200 productions a year meaning that there’s always something amazing happening.

Couple’s Spa Day

Many of the local spas in Chicago have hopped on the couple’s massage spa treatments offering a variety of therapies and price ranges. Choose from the spa that seems to best fit your needs and price range and schedule some time in your romantic Chicago vacation to relax and unwind.

Magnificent Mile

Photo credit: Matt McGee

Shopping the Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile in Chicago, along Michigan Avenue, is rather like Navy Pier in that it just has so much to offer there’s bound to be something that sparks a little romance for everyone. The Magnificent Mile is most noted for its incredible shopping but there are so many other things to do that the shopping can be secondary if you’re not so inclined. In addition to shopping, along the Magnificent Mile you’ll find fabulous dining options, historic buildings, hotel spas and lounges, the Museum of Contemporary Art, theaters, Hancock Observatory and the breathtakingly beautiful Fourth Presbyterian Church. And in case you missed it, there are more than 460 stores, including Tiffany’s, a store sure to make any woman’s heart skip a little. Be sure to check out our Best Places to Shop in Chicago guide.

Chicago Blues

Chicago is known for its connection to the blues and there is no shortage of blues and jazz clubs in and around the city. From raucous good times to laid back intimate clubs you can easily find a destination that suits your mood. Discover new local acts that give a modern twist to the blues or come to hear some of your favorite old-timers as they play historic locations in the Windy City.

Photo credit: Harry Pujols

Horse Carriage

Horse Drawn Carriage

Horse Drawn Carriages just smack of romance no matter what the time of day, year or where you are. There’s almost nothing more romantic than getting a view of the city from the back of a horse drawn carriage. There are a number of different tours available and the times vary from 30 minutes to two hour rides and the prices are very reasonable. For those looking to create just the right environment for a romantic event of a lifetime, there are engagement packages available if you inquire beforehand.

Signature Room/Signature Lounge

For drinks and/or dinner the Hancock Building’s Signature Room and Signature Lounge are perfect for couples. The Signature Room is situated on the 95^th story of the Hancock building and has some of the most incredible views of the city (as long as it’s not foggy), the food is magnificent, the service supreme and the prices are pretty outrageous. So if a couple hundred dollars is not in your budget for a romantic meal, how about stopping at the Signature Lounge on the 96^th floor for a cocktail and to enjoy the views of the city below.

Adler Planetarium

Is there anything more romantic than an evening under the stars with someone you love? At the Adler Planetarium in Chicago you can experience that evening at any time of the day and any day of the year. The planetarium’s famous Zeiss planetarium theater hosts Night Sky Live! which provides guests with a deeper look at the incredible diversity of the universe around us. Adler after Dark is a new program and is held every third Thursday of the month for adults 21 and over. The event features cocktails and appetizers and occurs from 6pm to 10pm, it’s the best way to take in everything the planetarium has to in an intimate setting.
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Traveling London is an exciting adventure, there is so much to see and do it’s hard to fit it all into one trip but using the following guide will help you plan your visits to the top landmarks in London.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is another official residence of the British monarchy but it also serves as the administrative headquarters. Like Kensington Palace, the state rooms are also open to the public every year for most of August and September. This palace is most often used by the reigning royalty to host visitors and more than 50,000 guests are invited to participate in official events each year.

Trafalgar Square

Photo credit: ** Maurice **

The National Gallery on Trafalgar square

Trafalgar Square is the largest square in London and is considered a central meeting site for many since the Middle Ages. Back in the Middle Ages the site was known as Charing and then Charing Cross. In the center of the square is Nelson’s Column in honor of Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson. Throughout the square are a number of other statues and two fountains. Circling the square are many historical buildings that are also great stops for tourists.

Big Ben

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Big Ben and Parliament Building

Big Ben is a nickname for the bell of the clock in the Palace of Westminster but the nickname often is used to refer to the clock tower itself. The first clock tower in Westminster was built in 1288 but was destroyed in 1834 and the new one was built in its place. The tower is a famous tourist attraction but the interior is not open to the public, well actually it’s not open to non-U.K. residents. The clock is known for its accuracy but small adjustments must be made regularly, this is done by putting a penny on or taking a penny off of the top of the pendulum. One penny creates a 0.4 second adjustment.

Parliament

Parliament is the where all official government activities take place for the United Kingdom. It is where laws are made, debates are held, and the House of Commons and House of Lords meet to complete their elected duties. Parliament is open to the public and visitors can watch committee hearings and debates. Although debates are open to the public year round, foreigners are only allowed to tour Parliament during the Summer Opening.

Westminster Abbey

Photo credit: stevecadman

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is actually nickname for The Collegiate Church of St. Peter at Westminster and is the traditional site of English and British coronations and burials. According to tradition the Abbey was first founded in the 600s, proven origins are in the 960s or early 970s. It wasn’t until around 1045 to 1050 that a stone Abbey was built on the location. And the present church didn’t come into being until 1245. Tours are open to the public regularly and guests can attend mass if they wish.

Cleopatra’s Needle

Photo credit: ell brown

Cleopatra's Needle

Located on the Thames Embankment, Cleopatra’s Needle is an obelisk that was originally constructed for Tuthmose III. The originally hieroglyphics praised Tuthmose and later ones were added by Ramesses II to celebrate his victories. The area is decorated with other touches of Egyptian art and architecture and seem pleasingly out of place on the riverbank.

Piccadilly Circus

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Regent Street in Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus in London is much like Times Square in New York, it’s a famous road junction in the center of the city. Built in 1819, Piccadilly Circus originally connected the major shopping district of Piccadilly and Regent Street but now has grown into tie in the theater district and several other major streets. If you’re out and about in London it’s almost impossible to miss Piccadilly Circus.

Tower Bridge

Photo credit: Annie Mole

Tower Bridge from City Hall

Tower Bridge in London is a very recognizable structure situated over the River Thames. The two towers on the bridge are connected at the top by walkways, cars actually drive along the lower portion. Each day more than 40,000 people, both motorists and pedestrians, cross the bridge. Because the Tower Bridge is such an iconic structure it’s often called the London Bridge but the London Bridge is actually further upstream and not nearly as impressive.

Tower of London

The Tower of London began in the early 1080s as a stone tower created by William the Conqueror and was something totally unique in its day. Throughout the centuries the monarchs that followed added to the fort, turning it into a massive structure that serves as a fortress, palace and prison. There are a number of things to do at the Tower of London during your visit and many exhibits to see including the crown jewels, Henry VIII’s arms and armor, the Medieval Palace and Tower Green, the site of many noted executions. But one of the sites that many visitors don’t catch a glimpse of are the many ghosts of the Tower of London, keep your eyes peeled in case you’re lucky enough to see one of these elusive attractions.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Photo credit: Robert Scarth

St Paul's Cathedral

Since 604 AD a cathedral dedicated to St. Paul has stood on this site. Today’s structure is the fourth such cathedral and dates back to 1675. The cathedral is a cornerstone for the Christian faith in London and has served as the church of choice for many significant events throughout the centuries. In 2010 the cathedral will celebrate its 300^th anniversary (construction wasn’t officially completed until 1710) and multiple celebrations and events will be held in honor of this iconic structure.

Photo credit: stevecadman

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace has been a residence for the British Royal Family since the 17^th century and is considered the primary residence of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent and Prince and Princess of Kent. It is probably best known as the primary residence of Diana, Princess of Wales until her death. Visitors can tour the state rooms which are opened to the public. As you can imagine there are a great deal of stories, some true some not, associated with Kensington Palace.

These are just a few of the most popular landmarks in London, there are several others that top tourist lists of things to see and do. It’s difficult not to get overwhelmed by the historical significance of almost everything around you. London is an incredible place to visit and there’s a little bit of something for everyone’s tastes.
Photo credit: Wikipedia

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Castles … they remain a modern day link to Kings, Queens, and Knights of the past. Sometimes if the castle was the home of historical figures like Count Dracula they can even be quite spooky. Below are 20 castles that showcase a wide variety of styles from across the globe, and one that locals believe might just have belonged to a certain vampire …

Photo credit: daytona_k

Peles Castle

Peles Castle is Neo-Renaissance castle that was built in a particularly beautiful part of Romania’s Carpathian Mountains between 1873 and 1914. King Carol I of Romania fell in love with this particular stretch of rugged terrain and decided to build the castle in 1866, which, according to architectural technicalities, is actually a palace due to its lack of defensive fortification. Peles Castle is widely regarded as one of Romania’s national landmarks.

Photo credit: KM Photography..

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

The Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century palace that was constructed in Southwest Bavaria, Germany, and it has become one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations. Commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and homage to Richard Wagner, the castle has become the most photographed building in Germany, even though photographs of the interior are not permitted. About 50 million people have visited the castle in the last 120 years.

Photo credit: Pear Biter

Sun Sets on Château de Chillon

In Lake Geneva is the Chillon Castle, which is also known as the Chateau de Chillon. This castle is comprised of 100 individual buildings that were connected one by one over time. The history of the Chillon Castle dates back more than 800 years.

Photo credit: afloresm

Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is a rocky island located off the coast of Normandy, France, and it is home to an abbey of the same name. Designed in the Romanesque architectural style in the 11th century, the abbey is known for a variety of underground tunnels that were built in order to support the otherwise-overwhelming weight of the church. Throughout the rest of the Middle Ages, Mont Saint-Michel would undergo various reinforcement efforts.

Photo credit: Tambako the Jaguar

The castle of Neuchâtel

Neuchatel is a scenic town in Switzerland whose name, in Old French, literally means “new castle.” The Castle of Neuchatel, which watches over the city from a high vantage point, was originally constructed in the 10th century by Rudolph III, King of Burgundy. Even today, the castle is still used as a place for local government officials to meet and do business.

Photo credit: Wolfgang Staudt

Schwetzingen Castle Mosque

Schwetzingen Castle is a German palace located in Schwetzingen in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg. Known for its huge, gorgeous gardens, as well as for the ornate charm of the castle itself, Schwetzingen Castle was originally created as a summer home for Karl III Philip and Charles Theodore. The castle was built on the grounds of a hunting lodge in the early 18th century.

Photo credit: JoopDorresteijn

Ozakajō Osaka castle

Osaka Castle originally known as Ozakajō is Japan’s most famous caslte, and played a key part in the Unification of Japan under Toyotomi Hideyoshi.Today the castle is a popular tourist attraction especially during the cherry blossom bloom.

Photo credit: fmc.nikon.d40

Egeskov Castle

Egeskov Castle is located in the southern part of Denmark’s Funen Island and it is Europe’s best preserved Renaissance water castle. While Egeskov’s history dates all the way back to the 14th century, the structure itself was not erected until 1554. The castle was constructed during a time when civil unrest made it necessary for homes to be fortified, hence the defensive architecture and the surrounding water.

Photo credit: Gilles 92

Chateau de Chantilly

Located in the town of Chantilly, France, the Chateau de Chantillyis a historic chateau comprised of two attached buildings, the Grand Chateau and the Petit Chateau. The Institut de France owns the building and allows the public to visit. Construction of the estate began in 1484, but the building underwent several changes and even had to be reconstructed after the Grand Chateau was destroyed during the French Revolution.

Photo credit: foxypar4

Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle is located in Scotland’s Highland and it serves as the seat of the Countess of Sutherland and Clan Sutherland. While the castle was originally constructed in the 1300s, the castle as it appears today mostly results from extensive renovation in the 19th century. Architecturally, the castle combines French Renaissance characteristics with traditional Scottish architectural considerations.

Photo credit: sonewfangled

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the largest castle currently with full time residents still living in it. It dates back over 1,000 years to the time of William the Conquerer. It currently serves as one the three primary residences of the British Monarchy.

Photo credit: Nawal_

Chateau de Perrifonds

The Chateau de Perrifonds is a castle located in the Oise department of France. Although it underwent an enormous restoration effort in the 19th century, the Chateau de Perrifonds retains most of the architectural similarities to a defensive fortification from the Middle Ages. The castle was originally built in the 12th century and would change hands through several families throughout the rest of the Middle Ages.

Photo credit: Markusram

Burg Eltz Castle

Nestled in the hills above the Moselle River in Germany, the Burg Eltz is a medieval castle that is still owned by a branch of the same family that constructed it back in the 12th century. The castle is divided into several parts, which are then shared by the various heirs of the castle. Burg Eltz incorporates a variety of architectural styles, such as Romanesque and Gothic.

Photo credit: kopretinka

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey was founded in 1920 as a Benedictine monastery on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, which was located in Connemara, Ireland. The Abbey was meant to serve as a place of refuge for Benedictine nuns that fled Belgium during World War I. The structure was built between 1863 and 1868 as a private home for a wealthy politician, but the politician did not spend much time at the castle after his wife passed away.

Photo credit: tupolev y su cámara

Castle of the Mendoza

Manzanares el Real is a town with 6,140 inhabitants located in the northern part of the Community of Madrid. The pride of the town is the Castle of the Mendoza, the most well-preserved castle in the Community of Madrid. Construction of the castle began in 1475 and it was finished shortly thereafter, and since then, the castle has been featured in a variety of motion pictures, such as El Cid.

Photo credit: Global Jet

Blarney Castle Ireland

Located in Cork Ireland, Blarney Castle has been the location for many castle’s over the years. The current version was constructed by the McCarthy clan in the mid 1400’s. It’s currently home to the Stone of Elloquence more commonly known as the Blarney Stone.

Photo credit: dynamosquito

Castle of Monfort

The Castle of Monfort is located in the Dordogne River Valley and it was originally constructed by the French as part of their war with the British. The purpose of the castle was to allow the French to control traffic down the river, giving them a strategic advantage. However, the castle ended up being destroyed several times, having to be rebuilt each time.

Edinburgh Castle in Scotland

Edinburgh Castle is a military fortification built on top of Castle Rock. The area has been settled by humans as far back as 9 BC. The area has long been of strategic military value and numerous seiges over hundreds of years have caused the fortifications to be destroyed and rebuilt several times. The oldest of the buildings still standing date back to the 16th century.

Photo credit: Shadowgate

Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland

Eilean Donan is a small island located in Loch Duich, which is in turn situated in the Highland region of Scotland. Lying half a mile from the Scottish village of Dornie, the island is connected to the mainland by a footbridge and is characterized by the medieval castle that sits atop the island. The castle was built in the 13th century to protect against Viking raids and underwent restoration from 1919 to 1932.

Photo credit: law_keven

Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle is located on the coast at Bamburgh, which is located in Northumberland, England. The first written reference to Bamburgh Castle was made in 547, but historical evidence shows that the castle had been in use for at least 100 years before that. The castle and the surrounding areas have come under the scrutiny of archeologists in recent years, those who seek to learn about the history of Bamburgh Castle and the people that inhabited it.

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Bran Castle or Castle Dracula

Bran Castle sits on the border between Translyvania and Wallachia in modern day Romania. The castle is considered by some to be the home of Vlad the Impaler, more commonly known as Count Dracula. There’s is little historical evidence to support that he lived here during his reign, as much of his attention was focussed on Poienari Castle (which lies in ruins). However the current owners of the castle market it as Dracula’s Castle complete with a museum and other historical exhibits.

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New York City is a ridiculously expensive city to live in and visit, that is unless you are in the know on some of the fun and popular free things to do in NYC.

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mesopotamia, iraq - assyria gateway

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, known at The Met, has a policy of pay what you wish, so it’s theoretically free but it wouldn’t hurt you to drop a couple bucks in the bucket when you visit. The Met is simply gigantic and looks to cover every aspect of art through more than 5,000 years and from every country currently existing and long since gone. The Met’s size makes it a challenge as it’s hard to find your way around and it’s almost impossible to see everything in one day.

Federal Reserve Bank Tour

The Federal Reserve Bank Tour in New York City is open to the public and is free but the space is limited so you should come early, you’ll also have to go through security which will take at least 20 minutes. The tour gives you a look inside the Federal Reserve with some interactive exhibits, a look behind the scenes, a video, and narrated tour. There is also a trip five stories below street level where the Gold Vault is kept.

American Museum of Natural History

Photo credit: Alex Castellá

Natural History Whale

New York City’s American Museum of Natural History also follows the pay what you wish rule when it comes to admissions, and again it’s nice to give at least something when visiting. Note that special exhibitions, the IMAX, and other events may require an additional fee. Another huge museum, the American Museum of Natural History is comprised of 25 buildings with 46 permanent exhibit halls, laboratories and a library. Of the museum’s 150 million species only a fraction can be displayed at once so the museum does a good job of rotating exhibits and keeping the experience fresh.

Times Square Tour

Photo credit: Diego_3336

More Night & Lights

Get a look behind the scenes and learn the history of New York’s noted Times Square with a free Times Square Tour. Every Friday at noon guides from the Times Square Alliance gather at the Times Square Information Center to give a free behind the scenes walking tour. The tour takes you through historic theaters, new sites, and gives you the little insider tips that make your visit so much more interesting.

Central Park Walking Tour

Photo credit: joiseyshowaa

Central Park Bridge

The Central Park Conservancy offers about a dozen different free walking tours. Each tour lasts about an hour to an hour and a half and is led by a knowledgeable guide. The tours are all a little different but you will glean more interest in the park’s history, ecology, design and many interesting little facts along the way. If you are looking for a more in depth tour, you can even arrange to have a custom tour created for you and your group.

Free Music in the Parks

The park system of New York City has created an incredibly varied free concert series across the parks to give a little bit of everything to locals and visitors. Check out the schedule to see what concerts interest you, when they’re performing and where. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors while taking in some good free music.

Photo credit: FaceMePLS

Lazy Jazz in Bryant Park

Piano in the Park

Bryant Park brings some of the best pianists in the city to the park for Piano in the Park. The music tends to lean more toward ragtime and jazz and is always an exciting event filled with the enthusiasm of a toddler bopping along to a favorite song. The concerts are regularly scheduled from noon until 1:45 pm unless inclement weather prohibits.

Classes in the Park

Bryant Park also offers a series of free classes throughout the year and everyone is welcome. The Tai Chi class is one of their most frequent classes but there is also yoga, knitting, and other events throughout the year. The free Tai Chi classes are a good way to warm up in the morning and experience NYC in a different way.

Free Summer Movies

Once again the New York City Parks department is to thank for the free summer movie series. These outdoor films occur at a variety of parks throughout the city and at differing times and dates. For added interest, explore the Cinematic Parks website to learn about NYC parks that have been the setting for many films from Hitchcock to Hitch. Create your own tour of the parks, taking note of what movies where filmed where.

Free Summer Theater

But you can see movies anywhere, it’s the theater that people come to New York City for, so why not enjoy some of the best theater in the world for free. The New York City Parks Department has gathered a slew of theatrical productions from kid-friendly farce to gut wrenching romantic drama and bundled them up into a free summer theater series. The free theater events happen in different parks throughout the city and change regularly so check online to see what is playing during your stay.

Free Galleries

New York City is known for its great art scene but it’s the smaller galleries that have some of the best up and coming artists’ works on display. A number of galleries are free to the public and a wonderful way to view the local art scene. PaceWildenstein has been a staple in the New York art scene since its opening in 1960 and has hosted more than 500 exhibitions and 200 artists. Cheim & Read is another noted gallery in New York City although its history only reaches back to 1997. The focus of Cheim & Read is international contemporary artists who specialize in painting, drawing, sculpture and photography. Another gallery that is a must is Gagosian Gallery which is one of the biggest in the city. Here you will see some of the more famous artists such as Warhol, Picasso, Lichtenstein and other noted greats. Something to keep in mind, the Gagosian has eight locations across the globe so it may become a stop you frequent on other travels as well.

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Anyone who’s ever driven through the city of Atlanta probably understands the need for relaxation in this city, just the stress of the traffic alone can drain you. So if you’re in the Atlanta area why not check out some of their incredible spas. Your best bet is to schedule your spa visit to coincide with rush hour traffic so you miss the mess.

Fiori Skincare Spa

Fiori Skincare Spa in Atlanta specializes in new technologies and advanced procedures while providing a completely relaxing atmosphere for its clients. Completely skilled professionals give you the one on one treatment you love from the moment you walk in the door until the minute you leave. The specialties at Fiori are facial treatments but they also provide medical treatments, body care treatments including eyebrows and makeup.

Photo credit: LDCross

Fire, Wood & Stone-

The Spa on Paces

The Spa on Paces is the place to not be seen in Atlanta, as many local celebrities are known to visit this spa but their privacy is protected. This Tuscan themed spa features several relaxation areas and a private courtyard so you can extend the spa experience on their beautiful property. There is also an adjoining hair salon if you want a complete work up from head to toe. The menu of services is huge and includes skincare treatments, massage, hair removal, full body wraps and body treatments, hands and feet, specialty treatments, makeup, signature services and spa packages. You can even organize a group event and make sure you check with the complementary concierge to make sure you’re taking advantage of every option available to you at The Spa on Paces and the surrounding area.

The Chateau Elan Spa

The Chateau Elan Spa is so much more than a spa, Chateau Elan offers its guests championship golf, a full production winery, and the European health spa. The goal of the therapists at Elan is to create a personalized spa experience that is completely unforgettable. For those who want to immerse themselves in the spa experience there are even Spa Overnight Packages which give you access to the co-ed whirlpool, dry sauna, wet eucalyptus steam, an indoor swimming pool with resistance jets, locker room, fitness classes and afternoon tea. As for the available treatments, there is a complete menu for men, women, couple and group outings can be planned. The treatments focus on rejuvenation, relaxation, and results and as mentioned before they’re completely personalized to give you the results you’re looking for.

Key Lime Pie Salon and Wellness Spa

The Key Lime Pie Salon and Wellness Spa in Atlanta is the hip and trendy place to go to get a new hairstyle and the latest spa treatments available. The massages are for singles and couples and range from full body massages to foot massage therapy. You can also find a variety of facial treatments, pedicure, manicures, and aqua therapy treatments. For the best deal and incredible results, look to combine many different therapies into a package that suits your needs and desires.

Blue Med Spa

The Blue Med Spa creates personal services for each person that are uniquely tailored to their needs by professional concierges. The services at Blue Med Spa include treatments to the face, body, hands and feet, hair with special considerations given to healthy aging techniques and some focus on men’s treatments. If you’d like some more in depth treatments you can get some clinical services (including tattoo removal) and comprehensive services which include: Body by Blue, Bridal by Blue, Cellulite Boot Camp, Weight Management, hCG Clinical Weight Loss and other packages built to fit your requirements.

Renew Day Spa

Renew Day Spa believes that the environment and the atmosphere of the spa is as important as the treatments themselves. From the minute you enter their salon you’ll be awash in the sound of tranquil music and flowing fountains while aroma therapy calms the air. Renew was designed as a sanctuary for women to attend to personal and emotional needs. The menu of services at Renew includes skin care, facials, body boosters, aromatherapy, massage, silky hand and foot treatments, and skin glow and body polish. Take the time to refresh from the stresses of your daily life at Renew Day Spa.

The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel

Sometimes the hotel spas are the ones who really know how to provide guests and visitors with the best treatments. The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta is one of those places. The spa features 10 separate treatment rooms and a nail suite that are all soundproofed for ultimate relaxation. The menu of services includes an array of massages, body treatments, facial treatments, hand and foot treatments, treatments for men and packages. And for guests in the hotel, in room massages can be arranged.

Fabu Face Spa & Boutique

Fabu Face Spa & Boutique offers a complete list of services to its clients including facials, massage therapy, make up, lash extensions, waxing and spa packages. The goals is to give you a lift from the inside out with particular focus on individualized treatments using the best and latest treatments available.

Mind & Body Day Spa

In Atlanta’s Midtown is Mind & Body Day Spa where the art of science of skin and body care come together. The products are culled from those available around the world to give you results that will make a difference in the way you look and feel.  The menu at Mind & Body Day Spa features a large variety of massage options, customized facial care and advanced facial care, hand and foot care rituals, airbrush & body treatments and spa packages. If you like your experience at Mind & Body so much that you think you’d like to come back you can even purchase a spa membership.

Tranquility Skin Care

Tranquility Skin Care in Atlanta takes a different approach to your skin needs, they create personalized treatments that really are customized to each visitor. While other spas let you mix and match their services, Tranquility has the flexibility to adjust any service for individual needs. Their slate of services is a little different due to their flexibility and individualized treatments but you can focus on facials, indulgences, body treatments or get a waxing session.

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Baltimore may not be the most romantic destination for couples but there are several places in Baltimore that can inspire romance between you and your sweetheart.

Baltimore Inner Harbor

Baltimore Harbor

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is a major seaport of the United States and has been since the 1700s. In the 1970’s it began to take a different direction and became more of a cultural center. Not only are the neighborhoods worth examining for couples but the harbor itself is pretty stunning with its beautiful panoramic views of the city and the waterfront. Look for street performers and other interesting events as you stroll along the shore.

World Trade Center Baltimore

In Baltimore’s World Trade Center is an Observation Level which provides incredible views of the city and the harbor. Known as Top of the World, the observation level is a great place for couples to take in the sights and get a lay of the land so they can plan to visit other romantic destinations.

Fells Point

Stroll along cobblestone streets at the historic Fells Point hand in hand with your loved one while looking at the eclectic stores featuring everything from souvenirs to antiques and jewelry. You’ll find items that are classics and ones that are on the cutting edge of trendy. Fells Point also has a wonderful collection of restaurants for waterfront dining, pubs for an after dinner drink and a little canoodling in the corner, and nightclubs for couples that want to dance the night away.

Boordy Vineyards

A short drive outside of Baltimore proper and you’ll find Maryland’s first commercial winery, Boordy Vineyards. Established in 1945 the family owned winery rests among the rolling hills of the Long Green Valley and looks as though it has been forgotten in time. At the winery you can sample their wines, take a guided tour, stroll through the vineyard with your loved one or relax by the fireplace and sip a local wine.

Photo credit: ktylerconk

Baltimore Inner Harbor from Federal Hill-ktylerconk793

Senator Theatre

Going to the movies has always been a favorite of couples, but the Senator Theatre brings glamour back to the movies in a way that we haven’t seen in years. This historic art deco styled theater is beautiful in its authenticity and makes any night at the movies feel like a fabulous night at the theater. Senator Theatre plays classic films so it really feels like a throwback to the past.

Murphy Fine Arts Center

If theatre is your thing you may also enjoy the Murphy Fine Arts Center with its wide variety of live performances. It depends upon your visit dates but Murphy Fine Arts Center hosts everything from presidential debates, to Broadway Theater and everything in between. It is also home to the James E. Lewis Museum of Art, the Morgan State University Choir, the Morgan State University Marching Band and Theatre Morgan. There’s always an incredible event happening at the Murphy Fine Arts Center.

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

For great music the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is sure to deliver. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra dates back to 1965 and has grown in prominence and acclaim since. The BSO has called the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall its home base since its opening in 1982 and is one of the most well known buildings in the entire city. The acoustics and versatility of this performance hall make it a favorite among performers and audiences alike. In addition to catching the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra playing you may also be able to see one of the fabulous visiting artists that visit Meyerhoff Symphony Hall each year.

Baltimore Maritime Museum

The Baltimore Maritime Museum brings the romantic history of Baltimore to life with four national historic landmarks, the Lightship Chesapeake, USCGC Tanney, USS Torsk, and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse. It’s the lighthouse that is perhaps the most romantic part of the Maritime Museum as it’s the oldest surviving screw-pile lighthouse built to aid navigation on the Chesapeake Bay. Built in 1855 it watched over the Seven Foot Knoll for 133 years.

One of Baltimore’s Parks

Is there anything more romantic that a picnic in the park with your loved one? The city of Baltimore features about 6,000 acres of parks and public spaces for people to enjoy. There are large parks with wide open spaces for a game of Frisbee or ambling about, there are smaller wooded walks with trails for strolling through, there are lakeside parks where you can watch the wildlife, and there are even parks with public golf courses for the couple who likes to hit the links together.

National Aquarium in Baltimore

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is a wonderful place for couples to explore, it keeps the world in perspective. The aquarium was opened in 1981 during the urban renewal period at the Inner Harbor and features 16,500 critters and more than 560 different species. The rooftop rainforest is a must see for couples as you explore an exhibit that makes you feel as though  you’ve traveled to another place and time.

Couple’s Massage

Take your vacation to a different level with complete relaxation at one of the many spas in Baltimore like Total Body Concept which offers couples massages and facials. Take the journey of relaxation together in the same room as skilled professional massage therapists work out those kinks and knots and help you let go of the stresses of your daily life. You’ll emerge feeling revitalized and reconnected.

The Brass Elephant

There’s something about sharing a meal together over flickering candlelight that’s incredibly romantic and The Brass Elephant is one of those restaurants that really knows how to do romance right. This renowned and highly praised restaurant gets another plus in my book by making itself more successful. The new executive chef, Marcus Olson, has created a new menu with entrees for only $25 or even less. This modern chef brings a new flavor to the forefront with his take on American classics and everything is fresh and made in house. A remarkable dining experience for everyone.

Update the brass elephant has closed, thanks to some of our readers for letting us know.

Photo credit: llimllib

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St. Louis is one of those cities that is just packed with activities for locals and tourists to do and see. From the world famous Gateway Arch and the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales to the little known Historic city of Kimmswick, there is something for everyone when sightseeing in St. Louis.

Photo credit: Lucas Jans

Gateway to Winter

The Gateway Arch

Sightseeing in St. Louis should begin or end with its most noted landmark, the St. Louis Gateway Arch, which is the tallest manmade monument in the United States at 630 feet high. For those people brave enough to ride to the top on a windy day you’ll notice that then entire arch is swaying. The arch can sway a maximum of 18 inches, nine inches each way, in winds of 150 mph or more. But unless you’re out in these conditions you may not even notice a sway, a half inch each way is the typical movement. Plan for a day at the Gateway Arch because the entire riverfront area is packed with activities and adventures.

Museum of Westward Expansion

One of the sights to visit after the Gateway Arch is the Museum of Westward Expansion, this museum houses some of the rarest artifacts from the great explorers Lewis and Clark. There are also a number of artifacts and exhibits that relate to Native Americans and their history in the St. Louis region. Complete the historical experience by visiting William Clark’s gravesite in the Bellefontaine Cemetery.

Historic Old Courthouse

Photo credit: Marcin Wichary

The courthouse and the Gateway Arch behind it

The Historic Old Courthouse in St. Louis was built in 1826 in a rather traditional Federal Style with several style and architectural transitions until 1862. The courthouse was a center of activity in its day from the Dred Scott suit to the local Suffragist movement spearheaded by Virginia Louisa Minor. The Old Courthouse today is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park and features a number of displays that cover various points of time in St. Louis history.

The Mississippi

One of the sights you just have to see when you visit St. Louis is the Mississippi River, mainly because it’s hard to avoid. But there is a lot of love and enjoy about the Mississippi River as well. One of the best ways to take full advantage is by going on a Mississippi Riverboat Cruise. There are a huge variety of cruises to choose from but dinner cruises tend to be the most popular tips. Because the riverboat guides are very informed about the Mississippi River and the St. Louis area this is an adventure you may want to schedule at the beginning of your trip so you can get tips on other highlights in St. Louis.

Anheuser-Busch Complex

One of the most famous companies headquartered in St. Louis is Anheuser-Busch and so it’s no wonder that three of their buildings are national historic landmarks, the Old School House, the Brew House and the Clydesdale Stable. The Old School House was originally constructed in 1868 and was originally known as the Lyon School. In 1907 the city no longer needed the building and sold it to Anheuser-Busch which promptly converted it into their central office until 1982. The Brew House was built in 1891 and 1892 and was the center of the St. Louis Brewery. The Romanesque building with its clock tower was quite impressive and the most modern, efficient brew house of its time, since then it’s been expanded over the years and has an annual capacity of 15.8 million barrels. The Clydesdale Stable was built in 1885 for $35,000 and was once a private stable for Adolphus Busch. As with all their buildings, no expense was spared at the time to make it the most impressive, beautiful stable around. It wasn’t until 1933 that August A. Busch, Jr. decided to use the stable to house the new signature Clydesdale horses. All of these landmarks are open to the public and an interesting look into the lives of the Busch family as well as their empire.

Busch Stadium

Photo credit: Kevin.Ward

Busch Stadium Panorama

Official home of the St. Louis Cardinals, the Busch Stadium is a must see for the sports fans visiting the St. Louis area. This stadium opened in 2006 and hosts all of the St. Louis Cardinal home games. The facility is built so that fans not only get a great view of the game but can see the beautiful skyline behind the outfield. Check the game schedule to see if you can fit a game into your schedule.

Historic Kimmswick

The historic town of Kimmswick takes visitors back to a different era, back to the mid 1800s when this small town was settled by German immigrants. The town was once very prosperous but by the turn of the century it was almost forgotten and fell into decay and disrepair but in 1969 a movement was started to restore the city. The city that once was home to 1,500 is now home to about 150 people who live and work in the original buildings which are open to the public as antique stores, craft shops, souvenir and collectible stores and quaint restaurants.

Photo credit: lissalou66

Darkness Awaits

Missouri Botanical Gardens

The Missouri Botanical Garden was founded in 1859 and is the national’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation. With79 acres, including the 14 acre Japanese strolling garden, the original home to Henry Shaw is truly a magnificent beauty. Of note to flower lovers, the gardens house the world’s largest collection of rare and endangered orchids. If you’re headed to the Missouri Botanical Gardens in 2009 you’re in luck, it’s their 150^th anniversary, or the sesquicentennial, and there will be celebrations throughout the year. The gardens recommend you spend at least three hours visiting the grounds to get the most out of the experience, but feel free to stay longer if you want.

St. Louis is a unique city that takes advantage of its historical past, its beautiful natural elements and stately architectural structures to create unique sightseeing opportunities for locals and visitors. There is something for everyone in St. Louis, in fact there is so much to see and do you can change venues every time you change your mind and still not run out of things to explore.
Photo credit: dionnemusic

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Aruba is one of those vacation islands that is a wonderful treat if you’re just going to lie on the beach all day and enjoy the sun, sand and water. But beyond that there is so much to do in Aruba that you might be so busy you never get time to relax in the sand.

Photo credit: Alexander Yates

Aruba Parakeet

Arikok National Park

Near the center of Aruba is Arikok National Park which, together with the Coastal Protection Zone, takes up a fourth of the island. This protected area wasn’t established until 1997 and is designed to protect the flora, fauna and geology of this region. This beautiful park features hills created by volcanic lava, beautiful batholithic quartz diorite/tonalite, limestone rocks created by fossilized coral. In addition to the high hills there are grottos and caves to explore along with bays lined with sandy beaches and dunes. Aruba is not a tropical location, it’s actually quite arid with lots of cactus and birds and animals that have adapted to the unique weather conditions. One of the highlights of the Arikok National Park are the rock paintings by the Caqueito Indians. But you’ll also want to check out the more modern structures, the adobe homes or cunucus that have been restored for guests to tour. In addition there are a number of activities that are allowed in Arikok National Park such as mountain biking or traveling along the hiking trails.

Photo credit: Chrissy Olson

Aruba - Alto Vista Chapel

Alto Vista Chapel The Alto Vista Chapel was built in 1952 on the exact site of the first catholic church of Aruba, which was built in 1750 by Domingo Antonio Silvestre. The little yellow chapel has its pews and Stations of the Cross outside the structure rather than inside and the chapel itself is a simple graceful structure. The original structure was abandoned in 1816 and it wasn’t until an attack on Aruba in 1816 that the citizens decided to build another church in this location.

Photo credit: madmack66

Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins

Bushiribana Ruins

The Bushiribana Ruins look like a poorly constructed stone fence that is covered with graffiti but they have quite an unusual history. Originally Spanish explorers discovered the region and believed it contained gold, although that wasn’t really proved at the time. After a while pirates took over the area and built a pirate castle which is barely standing today. It wasn’t until 1824 that gold was finally discovered and in 1872 the Aruba Island Gold Mining Company build a smelting works at the ruins. The location is open to everyone at all times without any tour guides so if you want to get the full effect you’ll have to read up on the Bushiribana Ruins on your own.

Photo credit: Andre Aguiar

California Lighthouse

California Lighthouse

The California Lighthouse in Aruba was named for the U.S. ship the California which sunk. The lighthouse itself isn’t particularly intriguing but the views offered by the light house and its perch are some of the best on the entire island and are a photo opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.

De Oude Molen

De Oude Molen pays homage to the Dutch heritage of Aruba (Dutch is still the official language). This windmill was built in 1804 and brought to the island piece by piece in 1960. The windmill is an interesting attraction but the charming restaurant that shares the platform with the windmill is just as popular with tourists.

Fort Zoutman

The Oranjestad harbor on Aruba was often disturbed by pirates back in the 18^th century so the Dutch built Fort Zoutman in 1796 to protect their shores. This is the island’s oldest example of Dutch architecture and gives visitors a good look at structures of the era. In addition to Fort Zoutman the area built Willem III Tower in 1867 which is still available for tourists to view today. The site has served many functions throughout the years with a broad range of purposes from aloe garden to jail. Since then both structures have been restored and today a few prehistoric artifacts and exhibits from the Dutch colonial period are on display.

Photo credit: joyosity

Natural Pool

Natural Pool

Natural Pool in Aruba is also called conchi and Cura di Tortuga. Some people think of it as a secret or hidden but that’s hardly the case when tours regularly make a daily stop at the pool. But if you happen to be at the pool when no one is around it can definitely feel like a hidden paradise. The pool has been carved out over years by the surf and now it’s perfectly carved so visitors can jump off the rocks high above into the saltwater pool below.

Photo credit: Holger Zscheyge

Photo credit: Serge Melki

Aruba Natural Bridge before and after colapse

Natural Bridge

Not quite the wonder it once was, Aruba’s Natural Bridge collapsed in 2005 but still draws visitors every day. Made of coral limestone, the bridge was created by years of pounding surf beating at the structure beneath. It once stood about 23 feet above sea level and spanned more than 100 feet. Back before the collapse the bridge was the largest of seven natural bridges on the island.

Oranjestad

Oranjestad is the capital of Aruba but it’s sometimes referred to as Playa, which can be a bit confusing. The town was built around Fort Zoutman in 1796 and grew as the region became more popular. The city is an exciting place to visit for its shopping centers, incredible restaurants and the ever popular nightlight that Aruba is known for.

Quadiriki Caves

The Quadirki Caves feature Arawak petroglyphs, these cave drawings are featured elsewhere on the island but there are two chambers in these particular caves that allow filtered light in so you can take some photographs. If you’re not squeamish then travel along the 100 foot tunnel, which is filled with bats. In addition to Quadiriki Caves there is also the Fontein Cave which is the only one with drawings on the ceilings as well as the walls and gives visitors a greater look at the history of the island. But while you’re busy sightseeing in Aruba, make sure you take time to visit the beaches, they are well known for their stretches of powder smooth white sand kissed by the sea. The island is divided into East and West sides, the west side has more beaches and is your best bet for a relaxing day on the sun with the sand and the surf of Aruba.
photo credit: Serge Melki

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Las Vegas doesn’t appear to be a romantic city at first blush but the city actually is steeped in romantic activities, if it wasn’t then it’s doubtful that their quickie wedding business would be so popular. Look beyond the glitz and glamour of the high rolling stakes and poker tables and underneath the surface of Las Vegas you can find your own little romantic hideaway.

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Bellagio Fountains

Bellagio Fountains

The Fountains of Bellagio are a unique watery oasis amid the desert and gambling hubbub. Once the music starts to play and the first spout of water erupts from the pool you feel like you’re whisked away to another place. Free fountain shows run at least every half hour, running every fifteen minutes in the later hours of the day. Each show is an amazing array of technical wizardry which goes largely unnoticed by the crowds, instead they stand transfixed, eyes glued to the incredible musical dance of the water into the sky. The songs chosen to accompany the dancing waters including opera, classical and Broadway hits which rotate regularly to give you variety from upbeat hopping tunes to melodic romance.

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Photo credit: mrkathika

Three Level Fountain Bellagio Hotel

Bellagio doesn’t let the romance end on the sidewalk, inside the hotel the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens offer a romantic retreat from the heat outside. These breathtaking gardens put nature on display in some of the most beautiful artistic collections you’ll ever see. The garden is recreated every season, 140 expert horticulturists arrange the gazebos, bridges, ponds and water features to highlight the show stopping blooming foliage. This is not only a great place to take a little stroll hand in hand with your loved one but it’s the perfect spot to have a photo taken.

Photo credit: o palsson

Las Vegas Eiffel Tower at dusk-o palsson17

Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas

The Eiffel Tower in Paris is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world, but if you don’t have Paris at least you can have the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. Their half scale replica of the Eiffel Tower can be just as romantic, especially at night time. The Las Vegas Eiffel Tower reaches up about 50 stories and from the observation deck you can not only view the rest of the strip but the surrounding valley and mountains as well. You can extend your trip up the Eiffel Tower by having dinner in the Eiffel Tower Restaurant which is a highly acclaimed French restaurant featuring noted Chef J. Joho’s creations. If you can’t get a reservation for dinner try lunch or cocktails instead. Or, even better, head to the Eiffel Tower Restaurant for a Sunday brunch which features live jazz music.

Photo credit: thinboyfatter

The Venetian Hotel Las Vegas

Venetian Gondola Ride

Venice rivals Paris in terms of romance so a romantic trip to the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas should obviously be followed up with a visit to Las Vegas’ Venetian hotel and a gondola ride down the Grand Canal. Relax as your singing gondola guide takes you under bridges and balconies, past waterside cafes and through the city of Venice, Vegas style. The illusion is so complete you may begin to forget that you’re in the heart of a Nevada desert.

The Beatles LOVE

What’s more romantic than love? Couples looking for a special evening in Las Vegas will find it at the Mirage Hotel with their production of  The Beatles LOVE Cirque du Soleil.  This visual and musical tribute to the Beatles came from a collaboration between founding Beatle George Harrison and Cirque du Soleil founder, Guy Laliberte. Original recordings of the Beatles are featured as circus performers perform in the unique artistic fluid movements that have become known as the signature of Cirque du Soleil. Snuggled together watching and listening to this deeply moving performance is the perfect escape from reality for a couple seeking romance.

Photo credit: dcwriterdawn

Spa Mandalay

Couples Massage at Mandalay Bay

Getting a massage is such a relaxing experience that heightens your senses while letting you let go of your daily stresses. Having a massage together can be an experience that bonds couples together and lets them move past any rough spots they’ve had in the past. Spa Mandalay at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas is a great place for the two of you to come together for a complete spa experience. The 30,000 square foot spa has a variety of activities and services for couples, there’s even a complete spa day which will leave you refreshed and ready for a romantic evening.

Alex Restaurant at Wynn Las Vegas

Las Vegas boasts many romantic restaurants and it can’t be denied that Sin City has become a hot bed of top chefs and amazing gastronomic experiences. It’s almost impossible to select the most romantic restaurant but Gayot’s has given the top honor to Alex at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. Alex is the masterpiece of Chef Alessandro Stratto who treats guests to an incredibly opulent dining experience highlighted by his unique combination of French and Italian cuisine. If you’re looking to get the full experience, try the three course prix fixe menu and make sure to have at least one of the 1,100 wines from the extensive cellar.

Las Vegas Wedding

Photo credit: heather0714

Elvis, Me and Darren

Having a wedding in Las Vegas may not seem romantic to some people but what’s more romantic than a wedding and it is what you make it. Obviously Las Vegas has earned a reputation for its quickie weddings, drive thru weddings, and wedding officiated by Elvis impersonators but there is more romance for those looking. There are quaint little chapels that can accommodate a traditional wedding with all of the fairytale trappings, just pared down. There are outdoor weddings in beautiful gardens or set in the desert with majestic mountains in the background. Or you can select a Las Vegas wedding that fits your personalities with a wedding on horseback at night in a helicopter or the ubiquitous Elvis wedding.

Photo credit: Serge Melki

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Atlanta is a city that has a long storied history and is full of sites that are on the National Register of Historic Places. Whether you’re just visiting or a local, it seems like there is always something new and interesting to explore amongst the historic landmarks in Atlanta.

Photo credit: randwill

King Center Memorial

Martin Luther King Jr., Historic District

The Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site in Atlanta includes Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birth home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he was a pastor, and his gravesite. Martin Luther King Jr., was born in 1929 and followed in his father’s footsteps becoming ordained in 1948 at Ebenezer Baptist Church. He went on to study more and become pastor at another church but after the Rosa Parks incident he decided to become a strong voice for the black community and do what he could for the civil rights movement. King was arrested 30 times for his participation in civil rights activities and is quite probably the greatest orator the United States has ever seen. In 1968 King was assassinated while helping striking sanitation workers in Memphis Tennessee.

Underground Atlanta Historic District

Atlanta did not fare well during the Civil War and began to rebuild after the war around the railroad tracks. In the 1920’s the beginning of Atlanta’s horrible traffic problems actually began and to relieve them a series of viaducts were built and the city began to grow above the viaducts which meant it was above the original street level. The ground floor of the original buildings were basically sealed off by the viaducts and because of this the store fronts still there are incredible examples of architecture for this time period. This part of the city was forgotten until the late 1960s when the Underground Atlanta Historic District was re-energized and turned into a shopping and entertainment district.

Photo credit: hoyasmeg

Fabulous Fox sign

Fox Theatre Historic District

The Fox Theater Historic District is located in midtown Atlanta and contains three major buildings the Fox Theatre, the Georgian Terrace Hotel and the Ponce de Leon Apartments. The Georgian Terrace Hotel was built in 1911 and is a 10 story hotel with Parisian style architecture. The Ponce de Leon Apartments were one of the first large, high rise luxury apartment buildings with single room units to units with dozens of rooms. Built in 1912 the Italiante style building has towers on both sides of the curved front façade. The Fox Theatre is a national landmark of its own right and a premier example of the American movie palace. Known as the Fabulous Fox it remains one of the most ornate movie palaces in the country and one of the largest ever built. It opened during the golden age of movies on Christmas day 1929. Unfortunately the Great Depression took its toll and the theater closed only 125 weeks after it opened and wasn’t opened again until the 1930s.

Dixie Coca-Cola Bottling Company Plant

The Dixie Coca-Cola Bottling Company Plant is the oldest surviving Coca-Cola building. From 1900 to 1901 the building was the headquarters of the plant and represents an era where the soft drink went from a fountain treat to a bottled drink that has graced almost every refrigerator in the United States. The bottling plant was built in 1891 and is a two story Victorian commercial building. The building has always been on a corner lot so its shape was designed to fit. Initially there were shops on the bottom floor and living quarters above.

Photo credit: Bruno Girin

Spring in Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is 185 acres with several historic structures including a stone Jacobethan Style Piedmont Driving Club, elevated brick bandstand, and a beautiful round columned domed gazebo. In the late 19^th century the grounds were part of the driving club and racetrack. In 1895 the site was selected for a fair, the Cotton States and International Exposition. Landscape designer, Frederick Law Olmsted Sr., oversaw the planning and wanted a park that created an important moral and physical influence on the local population. In 1904 the city purchased the park and removed the exposition buildings but the park fell into disrepair until a plan was created by the Olmsted Brothers firm to restore what they could and come up with a design that their father would be proud of. The park today is quite beautiful with rolling landscapes and vistas, a lake, playground, baseball fields and more than ample space to lounge around and picnic.

Photo credit: dbking

Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is one of the oldest standing buildings in the city. The church was built in a stunning early Victorian Gothic Revival style in 1869 by William H. Parkins. Before this church stood on the ground the first Catholic Church in the city resided in this location, due to damage from a fire and the Civil War it was decided that a new building would be constructed.

Swan House

If you want to see a home that really epitomizes the luxury of the great homes of the south then Swan House is a wonderful example. The house is built in a second renaissance revival style in the 1920s. The home was decorated by Ruby Ross Woods and the gardens are baroque style with stone obelisks, retaining walls, stone fountains and touches of renaissance décor. The home was named for the numerous swan motifs throughout. In 1966 the Atlanta Historical Society purchased the home and many of the original furnishings. The home was opened to the public in 1967 and is typically available from 11am to 4pm.

Garden Hills Historic District

The Garden Hills Historic District was an early 20^th century planned neighborhood and was basically one of the first suburbs in the area. Three sections comprise the district a Peachtree Road section, a Country Club section and the Brentwood section. The homes in the region are upper middle class single family homes and most of them are constructed in a Tudor or Colonial Revival style. It’s a beautiful created community and not unlike new ones that cropped up during the end of the housing boom of a few years ago.

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The Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria Germany is one of the most famous castles in the world and an incredible architectural structure that would make any princess swoon with envy.

The Neuschwanstein Castle was built in 1869 by Ludwig II of Bavaria, or as he was more commonly known, Mad King Ludwig. Ludwig wanted to create a castle with incredible drama and stage presence, so he hired a stage designer for help bringing his artistic dreams to reality.

Photo credit: abhijeet.rane

Neuschweinstein Castle, Germany

This summer castle probably greatly contributed to the moniker of Mad King Ludwig, as in this era the building of incredibly grand castles was a bit out of style but Ludwig worked to have the castle be one of the most prominent structures around, inside and out. A lifetime fan of the composer Richard Wagner, many scenes from Wagner’s operas are painted as murals on the walls of the castle and even the name of the castle came from one of Wagner’s operas, although in German the name means New Swan Stone Palace. But an interesting side note, during King Ludwig’s lifetime the casted was referred to as New Hohenschwangau Castle.

Although the castle appears very old it actually isn’t as Germany in the 1860s had many modern conveniences such as running hot and cold water, flush toilets and heating, which the castle has. Although these conveniences existed at the time they were still considered cutting edge and the idea of putting them in a castle of this size was considered a bit nutty. The castle is full of steam engines, electricity, modern venting, a modern water system with an aqueduct and heating pipes.

Photo credit: ZeHawk

Neuschwanstein Castle glows on a cold winter day

The greatest shame of Neuschwanstein Castle is that Ludwig did not live to see the castle’s completion. In 1886 King Ludwig was declared insane by a State Commission under Dr. von Gudden and arrested at the palace. A very distraught Mad King Ludwig was taken to Castle Berg where he was found drowned in a nearby lake. Only King Ludwig was not the only body discovered in Lake Starnberg that day, von Gudden was also lying dead in the water. There is a lot of speculation surrounding his death and its cause whether it was suicide, murder or simply an accident, although an accident seems highly unlikely.

But one good thing about Ludwig II of Bavaria’s death is that the castle was converted from a private dwelling to a structure that was open to the public. Today more than a million tourists visit the castle each year, meaning that thousands of people flock through its doors (and impressive doors they are) each day.

Photo credit: /kallu

Tour of Neuschwanstein Castle

Even if you haven’t been to the castle, Neuschwanstein Castle still probably looks a little more than vaguely familiar as it has not only been the inspiration for several facsimiles, including the Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Cinderella Castle, but it’s also been in many Hollywood movies.

The castle features a gatehouse, a tower, the knight’s house with its own square tower, a citadel, and two additional towers on the west end.

Photo credit: albany_tim

Neuschwanstein interior

The Throne Room of the Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps rests within the Palas or the citadel and was created as the Grail-Hall of Parsifal and decorated in an unbelievably elaborate Byzantine style. With two stores and a series of pillars serving as imitation porphyry and lapis lazuli the room is officially listed as being completed in 1886, but the Throne Room actually remains unfinished as no throne resides in this stunning room.

Photo credit: albany_tim

Interior of Hohenschwangau

The bedroom (the main one) at Neuschwanstein Castle carved in a Neo-Gothic style with what was reported as 14 woodcarvers working for four and a half years to create the elaborate carvings throughout the room. The highlight, the Monarch’s bed is topped by some of the most intricate woodcarvings in the entire castle and draped with richly embroidered draperies.

The Palas also features the singer’s hall, which encompasses the entire fourth floor and the grotto. Other rooms in the castle include an oratory, a room designed to look like a cavern, a kitchen with heated cupboards and servant’s quarters.

The rooms that are completed in the castle are absolutely breathtaking but there are actually on 14 rooms that were finished before Ludwig’s death and much for the further building and decorating was halted upon his death. There are rumors that construction needed to end and tourists had to be allowed to enter as there was so much debt accumulated by the estate. No real figures or even estimates could be found on what the cost of Neuschwanstein Castle was or the debt left after Ludwig’s death.

Photo credit: jeffwilcox

Neuschwanstein: The Bavarian Castle

Tickets for the castle have to be purchased at the ticket center in Hohenschwangau so make sure you get them before you begin the climb up to the castle, if you decide to go on foot. The cost is EUR9 which converts to about $11.50 USD. While the mandatory portion of the tour takes only a half hour there is a bit of walking involved and several stairs. If you have a handicap or special needs tours held on Wednesdays are designed specifically to accommodate your needs.

If you’re sold on taking a trip to see the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle there are several different tour options available. Take one of the tours that offer additional side trips to view the beautiful countryside rather than simply heading directly up the street to the castle. Or rent a bicycle and explore the grounds by yourself at your leisure, you can even stop for a swim at the nearby lake.
Photo credit: joiseyshowaa

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Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria

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Chicago is a great city to visit whether you’re going with your family, a romantic interest or by yourself. There is so much to do in the city that you’ll find yourself wanting to come back time and time again to see the sights you’ve never seen before and revisit the ones you enjoyed the most.

Photo credit: David Paul Ohmer

Chicago - Millennium Park

Millennium Park

Millennium Park grew up out of the railroad property in downtown Chicago. Initially a 1998 idea for a park with a venue for outdoor music performances and large scale sculptures, Millennium Park has turned into a cultural icon with its magnificent Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the interactive Crown Fountain, and Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate sculpture. The Lurie Garden is also a magnificent site that draws visitors to the beauty of the Midwest. Although the idea began in 1998, the park wasn’t not open to the public until July 2004 and has since been visited by millions. This is a great place to take the kids on a hot summer day as the park is typically cooler than the more congested parts of the city and the Crown Fountain will thrill and chill them.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is literally packed with things to do for everyone. But just a few years ago it was a floundering eyesore known as Municipal Pier #2. It was during the 1990s that the pier started its makeover which would make it one of the most popular places for people to gather in Chicago. Now you can catch a variety of programs at Navy Pier, see movies at the IMAX, ride the Ferris wheel, visit the Chicago Children’s Museum or the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, shop, eat out, or just people watch until the fireworks begin.

Photo credit: Smart Destinations

Shedd Aquarium - Dolphin Show

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium opened to the public in 1930 and was the largest indoor aquarium in the world at the time, and for some time following. This inland aquarium brought saltwater fish to the people of the Midwest for the first time on exhibit. With more than 2 million visitors each year it’s the most popular cultural attraction in Chicago. The Shedd Aquarium has more than 1500 species of fish, marine mammals, birds, snakes, amphibians, and insects with five permanent exhibits; Amazon Rising, Caribbean Reef, Waters of the World, the Oceanarium, and Wild Reef. Hands on experiences are available for an additional price for those who want to get up close and personal with their favorite aquatic inhabitant.

Adler Planetarium

Chicago’s Adler Planetarium was the first one in the Western Hemisphere and is the oldest in existence today. Founded in 1930, the Zeiss Planetarium projector has thrilled crowds with its accurate depictions of the night sky and the movement of the stars around us. In addition to the Sky Theater with the Zeiss there is also the all digital Definiti Space Theater and the Universe 3D Theater. For real astronomy buffs the Adler Planetarium is home to one of the world’s most important antique instrument collections. There are a large variety of programs available and quite often a special emphasis on children and education.0

Photo credit: JOE M500

Sue the T-Rex

Field Museum of Natural History

The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago is part of the Museum Campus in Chicago with the Adler and Shedd. The Field Museum features more than 21 million species with its most famous inhabitant being Sue, the most complete Tyrannosaurus in known existence. In addition to a very extensive permanent collection, with enough exhibits and hands-on experiences to keep you busy throughout the day, the Field is known from bringing in some incredible traveling exhibits. Their big exhibit for 2009 is Real Pirates which provides an in depth look at pirates and in particular, the slave ship Whydah. Look for special events with children and education in mind as the Field is known for their all ages educational experiences.

Magnificent Mile

For shoppers no trip to Chicago is complete without a trip down the Magnificent Mile. This world renowned shopping district provides a complete mix of shopping experiences, from high end stores to discount shops, designer clothing and exclusive one-of-a-kind items to run of the mill daily staple products. It can all be found in the more than 460 stores along the magnificent mile in Chicago.

Lincoln Park and Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park is the largest park in Chicago with more than 1200 acres and tons of things to do, but the most popular attraction in the park is arguably the Lincoln Park Zoo. The zoo was established in 1868 and is the oldest free public zoo in the entire country. It’s not the largest zoo around but with 80 species it’s no slouch either. This zoo is just a nice complement to a day in the park along the shores of Lake Michigan. Lincoln Park and the Lincoln Park Zoo offer visitors and locals a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Photo credit: jameskm03

Windy - Tall Ship in Chicago

Tall Ship Windy

The Tall Ship Windy is an impressive sight as the 148 foot four masted gaff topsail schooner slides up to Navy Pier. There are a variety of cruises available for visitors who want to experience a tall ship. The trips are all a little bit different and weather dependent but there are several basic themed tours that you can pick from; The Life of a Tall Ship Sailor, The Ecologically Aware Tall Ship Sail or Eco-Sail, From Canoes to Clippers, Real Pirates of the Inland Seas, Project Origin, Windy’s Fireworks Sail, Sea Shanty Sails, Moonlight Sails, Spirit Ships and Haunted Harbors and Water under the Bridge. Each cruise has something else to offer and is sure to delight everyone on your trip, as long as they don’t get seasick.

Shoreline Architecture Cruise

The Shoreline Architecture Cruises in Chicago are not to be missed if you are at all interested in the history of the city and its buildings. The guides entertain you throughout the cruise telling stories of how Chicago emerged from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1871. The one hour cruise is a beautiful tour and a relaxing way to take in the city from an unusual vantage point.

Photo credit: James Jordan

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Sightseeing in Chicago

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A trip to Switzerland almost requires a visit at the famed Chateau de Chillon, in fact this incredible architectural beauty might just be reason enough to go to Switzerland. Located in Veytaux on the shore of Lake Geneva, Chateau de Chillon originally began as a series of smaller buildings, around 100 of them, that have been melded together until they formed the one large castle that exists today.

Photo credit: Pear Biter

Chillon Castle

No one is entirely certain when the castle first came into existence but the written record reaches back to 1150. Although three periods were more influential on the Chateau de Chillon than others, the Savoy period from the 12^th century to 1536, the Bernese period which followed the Savoy period from 1536 to 1798 and finally the Vaudois period from 1798 to the present.

Photo credit: enbodenumer

Chateau de Chillon

During the Savoy period the Chateau de Chillon was controlled by the Counts of Savoy who had conquered the territory and took the Chateau de Chillon as well as the route along the shores of the lake. The castle is strategically positioned on a rocky island which juts into the water and serves to protect the area and control ships traveling between northern and southern Europe. It was during the Savoy period that some major construction occurred on the castle and it served several important functions early in the era but eventually was neglected until the Bernese period.

The Bernese period began on March 29 1536 when the castle of Chillon fell. The castle was neglected but structurally sound and adapted to serve a defensive position and was used until 1733 when it was no longer deemed necessary for the military. The building then largely served as a storage facility until January 1798 when patriots from Vevey and Montreux took over with no resistance.

The Vaudois person, which continues today, notes the period when the Chateau de Chillon became national property. Initially the castle was again neglected and used for storage. The famed author Lord Byron wrote a poem, The Prisoner of Chillon, which was located in the Chateau de Chillon became wildly popular and spurred a refound interest in the beautiful castle with its magnificent backdrop. People came to visit the castle and were given short tours by guards who were there watching over the munitions stored inside, the guards spun their own tales and some of the names they gave to the rooms of Chateau de Chillon have survived and are used today.

Photo credit: Ioan Sameli

Chateau de Chillon basement

Today the Chateau de Chillon on Lake Geneva is Switzerland is a huge tourist attraction and draws the attention of people from around the world because of its unique structures, incredible architecture, storied history (real and fiction), and to get a look back in time.

One of the most architecturally stunning sections of the Chateau de Chillon are the underground rooms with arched ceilings that look like gothic cathedrals. These lower rooms have become famous for their legends and lore, most notably that by Lord Byron.

Photo credit: toolfan.hess

The Cells of Le Château de Chillon

The castle has four great halls which have incredible views of the lake outside. The Savoy used these great halls for entertaining while the Bernese may have held court proceedings inside the rooms.

Photo credit: rhurtubia

Chateau de Chillon HDR

A highlight at the Chateau de Chillon are the regular performances in the courtyards. There are three courtyards, the lower courtyard, the Castellan’s courtyard and the Courtyard of Honor. The performances today are quite varied but no matter what is happening you can still get a sense for what these courtyards must have been like back in the Savoy era when guests flocked to the castle for entertainment and daily activities.

The Chambre bernoise is one of the bedrooms which is not too impressive for a castle but still nicely appointed with heating, a private toilet and running water.

The Camera Domini was the Duke of Savoy’s room which is today very scantily appointed but the remaining 14^th century murals speak to how impressive this room may have been when it was being used as a residence for royalty.

The chapel at Chateau de Chillon is a small little masterpiece. The 14^th century murals in this room are actually quite rare as most religious artifacts and pictorial depictions from that era suffered devastation and destruction during the reformation.

Photo credit: babeltravel

Château de Chillon, Switzerland

The lake side of the castle was basically safe from invading forces and it is where the more lavish rooms are located. The mountain side of the castle is where the defenses were in place with watchtowers, sentry walks, double ramparts, moat, turrets and anything else they could have at their disposal to thwart marauding forces.

In addition to the incredible castle the Foundation of the Castle of Chillon is also in charge of managing the 12,500 square meter Cos de Chillon vineyard. The vineyard is the first area of the Lavaux region in the east and is noted for its Chablais Vaudois and Lavaux wine regions. Local Chasselas grapes are used to make the Clos de Chillon wine which can only be purchased at the Chateau and the profits are funneled back into the Foundation for the care of the castle.

Photo credit: Fawaz Al-Arbash

The Chillon Castle - Chateau de Chillon at night

The Chateau de Chillon can be rented if you have a special occasion you’d like to spend in a beautiful historic castle. They can accommodate everything from a formal banquet after public viewing hours to a child’s birthday party during the middle of the day.

The castle is open every day of the year except January 1^st and December 25^th with ticket office hours in April to September from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, October and March 9:30 am to 5:00 pm and November to February from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  The castle remains open for one hour after the ticket office closes which may give you enough time to tour Chateau de Chillon but you will be rushed. Fees are reasonably established at somewhere between $6 and $12 USD. Guided group tours are available but you should call to check availability before you bring your group.

Photo credit: Pear Biter

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In the last few years you’ve probably been hearing more and more about Dubai. The country has made a conscious effort to boost its tourism appeal and become a must see destination for travelers from all over the world. The good news for Dubai is their ploy worked. With such noted sightseeing hotspots as Deira and Jumeirah Beach, a number of souks or Arabic markets, the Dubai Museum, Grand Mosque, Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum’s House, Dubai Creek, and even the upcoming Dubailand drawing in crowds by the thousands Dubai’s tourism future looks more brilliant than ever before.

Palm Islands

Photo credit: olli_steinmann

Palm Islands

The Palm Islands in Dubai are a collection of three of the world’s largest manmade islands and are composed of The Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Jebel Ali, and The Palm Deira. The islands feature luxury hotels, exclusive housing structures, single family homes, shoreline apartments, marinas, water parks, restaurants, shopping destinations, sports arenas, health spas, cinemas and incredible dive locations. Really they provide every convenience a modern created community can provide and then they up the luxury quotient a bit. Each of the islands has a little bit different feel and appeal. Remarkably, from the air you can see that each island (or series of islands) is in the shape of a palm tree topped by a crescent.

Photo credit: .Bala

Spice Souk-.Bala803

Souk/Arabic Markets

As mentioned before, a Souk is an Arabic Market which used to be open booths set up at the docks to handle cargo from foreign cities. Now the souk has gone a little more modern and more closely resembles a shopping mall. But the deals you can get at a souk are just as amazing as they used to be, and you can get bamboozled just as easily too. But a trip to Dubai is just not complete without a visit to the Souk.

Dubai Museum

The Al Fahidi Fort, built around 1787 was renovated in 1971 to serve as home for the Dubai Museum. The museum is one of the things on the island that has been around before the tourism boom and gives tourists a glimpse into what life on in Dubai was like before the discovery of oil. Dioramas let you see what life was like and galleries give you a glimpse into the day to day life of the locals. One of the more interesting aspects of the museum are the artifacts from excavations into graves that date back to the third millennium.

Photo credit: robertpaulyoung

Dubai Museum and Grand Mosque

Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque in Dubai is one of the largest mosques in the entire United Arab Emirates and can hold up to 1200 worshippers. The mosque opened in 1900 and originally served as a kuttab or a Quaranic school where children learn the Quran. In 1998 the Grand Mosque was rebuilt to be even more impressive and beautiful.  Although this mosque is a favorite among tourists and a particularly good photo op its interior is closed to non-Muslims.

Jumeirah Mosque

The Jumeriah Mosque is one mosque that allows non-Muslims to enter and in fact tours are arranged through the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding to boost cultural awareness. Schedule your tour prior to your visit to be sure to get in at the time that works best for your schedule. It will no doubt be an enlightening experience.

Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum’s House

Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum was the leader of Dubai from 1921 to 1958 and his home has been turned into a national monument and museum. Built in 1896 the original home had an incredible view of the harbors but as with many of the older structures in Dubai, it was destroyed to make way for a bigger and better structure. The current home was build next to the original and contains restored architectural elements. Inside the home is the Museum of Historical Photographs and Documents of the Emirate of Dubai which a large number of photographs from 1948 to 1953 that are available to the public. For further dissection the documents, maps, treaties, coins and stamps are also available.

Photo credit: Lori Greig

Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek

The Dubai Creek divides the city into two areas, Deira and Bur Dubai. The region around the creek was the first part of the city that was settled and became very popular due to its access and transportation. Many industries grew up on and around the creek further solidifying the region’s importance. The creek has key significance to the city’s development and offers many sightseeing options along the route.

Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East, letting locals and tourists experience snow and snow sports year round. Ski Dubai features five runs for skiers and snowboarders, a Snow Park with 3000 square meters of snow, two themed restaurants, a retail shop, Snow School and professionals to help you along the way. And for locals who don’t own winter clothing or travelers who don’t want to lug their parkas along, the resort carries ski clothing and equipment for everyone.

Burj al Arab

Photo credit: jonrawlinson

The Burj Al Arab Hotel

Burj al Arab is the most popular hotel in Dubai and one of the most photographed structures in the world. From a distance it actually looks like a billowing sail on a ship as it reaches 321 meters into the sky and is brilliantly illuminated at night to alternate between water and fire images. For visitors to the hotel, you’re in for a real treat as everything is designed to ooze luxury and give you a vacation you’ll never forget and possibly a destination that you’ll never want to leave.

Photo credit: robertpaulyoung

Wild Wadi Water Park

Wild Wadi Water Park

Wild Wadi Water Park is a themed water park centered around the local tale of Juha the outdoor water park’s highlights include a heated/cooled wave pool, multiple water slides, two artificial surf machines, and the largest waterslide outside of the United States. Fans of the Amazing Race may remember seeing the park in both the American version Amazing Race 5 and the Asian version Amazing Race Asia 1.

Dubailand

Dubailand is a huge entertainment complex that is still under development. The target for completion of the first segment is some time before 2011with three other phases due to be completed before the end of 2020. When done Dubailand will be twice the size of Walt Disney World. Current estimates are for 45 mega projects with 200 subprojects that cover basically the entire realm of attractions.

Photo credit: Joi

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Sightseeing in Dubai

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Miami Florida is known for its beaches, South Beach in particular, where the sand is powder soft, the surf is turquoise and azure blue and the beautiful people are sometimes topless.  Miami’s beaches are so popular they attract people and celebrities from all around the world, so keep your eyes open for celebrity sightings.

South Beach

Photo credit: wadester16

South Beach, Miami, Florida

South Beach in Miami is probably one of the best known beaches in the United States if not the whole world. South Beach really gained its notoriety with Miami Vice in the 1980s and soon became a key location for film, fashion and television, making it very recognizable to people who have never even been to Florida. South Beach is bordered by the ocean on one side and Ocean Drive on the other. Take the time to visit one of the many restaurants along Ocean Drive and have a meal outside where you can observe all the action on the sand. A trip to South Beach almost always provides vintage cars, rollerbladers, a model or actress, and a few topless sunbathers.  South Beach is the perfect place to people watch and relax with a cocktail or two on Ocean Drive.

Photo credit: Anthony S Jennings

Bayfront Park

Virginia Key Beach

Virginia Key Beach was originally created as a “colored beach” in 1945 during the era of racial segregation and was the only beach at that time in the country available to African Americans. Now the beach is not only accessible to everyone, it’s one of the most popular for locals because of its super convenient location. This is also the only beach in the area that allows leashed dogs. Virginia Key Beach is great for a picnic with more picnic tables and outdoor grills and a couple large awnings to provide respite from the sun. The playground is fun and modern, giving kids something to do if the beach loses its appeal. There is also the Biscayne Virginia Rickenbacker Central miniature railroad to investigate. Virginia Key is good for swimming, especially with newly installed floating boundaries and lifeguards on duty. This is a family friendly beach with no pretenses so you’re probably not going to find a celebrity wandering around topless but you can have a great day with your family here.

Haulover Beach

Photo credit: MigRodz

pier bathers

Haulover Beach in Miami is a beautiful beach stretched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intercoastal Waterway. Haulover is a place for sightseeing as it’s the only official clothing optional beach in Miami. Not the entire beach is clothing optional, just a small portion but most of the visitors flock to that portion. As far as the clothing optional crowd goes, Haulover is consistently one of their highest rated beaches, drawing 7,000 people each day. Its estimated that about three fourths of the guests at the beach use the nude beach area but nude sunbathing isn’t all Haulover has to offer, across from the beach is Haulover Park with a full service marina, restaurant, tennis courts, nine hole golf course that’s perfect for novices and children, and a few shops. So although you may initially think Haulover is not a family friendly place you’d be wrong. Just stay out of the clothing optional areas and you’ll have nothing to explain to your gawking children (or spouse).

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Photo credit: kretyen

Cape Florida Lighthouse

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park was voted one of the top 10 beaches in the U.S. and really deserves this title. In addition to the mile of pristine beach along the Atlantic Bill Baggs Cape offers a lot more to visitors. Bikes, beach chairs and umbrellas are available for renting. Grills are located in the pavilions and you can create your own beach picnic along the sea. If you are interested you can even catch your own dinner along by fishing from the seawall along Biscayne Bay. If you have a boat you can camp overnight at the No Name Harbor. And the highlight of Bill Baggs Cape is the historic lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1825 and reconstructed in 1846 and is the oldest standing structure in the Miami Dad County. Lighthouse tours are free and take place Thursday through Monday from 9am to 5pm with guided tours at 10am and 1pm. If you’re looking for some incredible food without having to catch or prepare it yourself, try the Lighthouse Café for authentic Cuban cuisine or Boater’s Grill for more traditional Floridian fare.

Homestead Bayfront Park and Marina

Photo credit: Anthony S Jennings

Dodge Island

Homestead Bayfront Park and Marina is a gateway to the keys set on the shores of Biscayne Bay. This park is located in the far southern part of the county and is a great place for getting away from the crowds or other tourists. The full service marina makes it favored among those trolling the Atlantic around the Miami area but the relatively empty beach makes it popular for people looking to sunbathe, swim, picnic, fish and explore the area. Located next to the fabulous coral reefs of Biscayne National Park and the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary there is a lot to see and do in this region. The Biscayne National Park offers several hiking trails that are exciting and interesting but the majority of the park is actually underwater and the coral reef makes it perfect for snorkeling. The reefs are alive with colorful tropical fish and the shallow water makes it warm and accessible. At the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary the natural beauty is immediately evident in the living coral reef, the only one in North America and the third longest barrier reef in the world. The Sanctuary is beautiful and provides guests with an in-depth look at the native flora and fauna of Florida and a greater appreciation for the importance of preserving natural habitats.

The top beaches of Miami provide an interesting range of options from lazing around gazing at semi or completely naked sun bathers, to activities that keep everyone moving throughout the day to educational activities that give guests a deeper respect for the natural beauty that exists in Miami.
photo credit: wyntuition

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Top Beaches and Beach Activities in Miami

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