For years, I’ve visited one of the first themed room hotels: The Madonna Inn in Pismo Beach, CA. Now, of course, there are a plethora of art themed hotels throughout the world. Disney World in Florida has a resort to fit any budget and taste. But none of these is as extravagant, innovative or interesting…
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA) predicts a “very active” 2006 hurricane season. And, if you’re traveling to Florida, the Gulf Coast, or the Caribbean, you need to take precautions before and during your vacation. Here are a few tips (courtesy of USA Today) to consider if you’re traveling during hurricane season. 1. Check in…
A 4,000 seat Greek-style theatre. A seven-mile ride up the steep slopes of Mt. Tamalpais, one of the highest points in Marin County, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in the town of Mill Valley. A view of San Francisco Bay — when it’s not enshrouded by the dense, foggy marine layer. A proud…
Here at Vagablond, we’re extremely excited to welcome three well-known travel and food bloggers: 1) Terah Shelton –– After stints in 10 cities, Terah is now based in Atlanta; although she finds “home” on the road, anywhere the New York Yankees are, and outside the borders and boundaries of familiarity. Her first article for Vagablond…
Like doughnuts? Like to travel? Well, with a recent article in Saveur Magazine, you just might be able to combine the two. All in the name of research, of course, their staff recently went on the road to uncover the seven best doughnut shops that are worth checking out. First up is Butler’s Colonial Donut…
Latitudes is National Geographic 2.0 — a gorgeous online travel photo magazine with Italian flare and built for online viewing. A broadband connection is necessary and the latest issue (#14) is 181 pages of sharp full color photos and animations. Issue #14 covers Columbia, Myanmar, The Berkshire Hills (Massachusetts), Mt. Etna, Berlin, Croatia, Tuscany and…
In my bucolic town of 50,000 people, we ain’t country hicks. We got culture… and it raises its artistic head each year in the Italian Street Painting Festival –– a two-day community celebration of art, music and cuisine featuring the 16th-century Italian performance art of street painting. The Festival benefits San Rafael-based Youth in Arts,…
If you’re lucky enough to have scored a ticket to the World Cup in Germany, you may need a place to unwind and relieve the stress of rooting for your favorite team. One of the world’s most exclusive spas resides as the uber posh Brenner’s Park-Hotel. In fact, it’s often called the “Spa of Spas”….
Whenever I travel, I bring along a good book. Here’s one we recommend that can help you save money even before you pack you bags and find out how to cope with false advertising claims of so-called beachfront hotels that are really blocks from the water. How to Travel Practically Anywhere, by Susan Stellin, is…
I kick myself for having never visited the Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves, which is only 30 minutes’ drive northwest of my home. But maybe I’ll get up there July 22 and 23 for the Catalan Festival of Food, Wine and Music. It costs $40/per person but that includes fastastic Spanish cuisine from a number of…
If you’re addicted to your “CrackBerry” like many of my friends who can’t go a minute without being in touch with their email, here’s a cure. The General Manager of the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers Rick Ueno, is a so-called “recovering CrackBerry addict.” He offers hotel guests to the heart of the city a…
Take a residential palace. Add incredible views. Dress it up with refined classic European furnishings. Then gently toss in visiting teens and tweens with hormones run amok. The result is the Teen Concierge program from the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago that has the inside skinny on the coolest boutiques and hippest eateries in Chicagoland. Cynthia…