Vacations Blog

This weekend the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be honored and celebrated across America.  There are most likely events happening in your area, but should you decide to take advantage of the long weekend and leave home here are some ways to remember Dr. King around the country.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Seattle

In Seattle you can visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park.  It is (from the website): “a four-and-a-half acre City of Seattle park on the east side of Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, between South Walker and South Bayview Streets. The park is designed around a black granite ‘mountain’ — a dramatic, thirty-foot sculpture inspired by the civil rights leader’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech, made the day before he was assassinated in 1968.”  (Photo from ArtToday.com) More Seattle events honoring Dr. King are available here.

In the greater Detroit area there are a number of activities scheduled, from luncheons and lectures to walks and concerts.  A list of events is available here.

Los Angeles hosts its 24th Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade.  More L.A. area events can be found here.

Phoenix will observe the holiday with a parade, a march and various other events ranging from sports tournaments to unity and multi-cultural celebrations.

Raleigh, North Carolina offers its annual King Celebration: Three days of dialogue, tribute and celebration.  Visit the website here.

There will be a lot going on in Washington D.C. with the inauguration on Tuesday and many of the annual King events adopting the presidential ceremony into the celebration.  Among the highlights will be a concert hosted by the Kennedy Center and Georgetown University “in a free Millennium Stage event featuring Aretha Franklin, Nuttin’ but Stringz, and the Let Freedom Ring Choir.”  Other events in Washington D.C. can be found here.  By the way, the National Memorial is still a work in progress.

The University of Chicago celebrates MLK Week.  The city of Chicago offers many choices, among them a series of events held in parks around the area.  The schedule is available here.

Atlanta will be busy with many tributes to Martin Luther King, Jr., among them a screening of the animated film Our Friend Martin.

In San Francisco the Yerba Buena Gardens has a beautiful memorial to Dr. King and events are scheduled around the Bay Area.

Across the country communities will also be participating in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service making the holiday “a day on, not a day off… where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and move our nation closer to the “Beloved Community” that Dr. King envisioned.”

Obviously this list is just a very small sampling of what is available.  More places to remember Dr. King can be found here. Check your local newspaper for events in your area.  If you are using the internet to search further please consider adding this toolbar that donates to the MLK National Memorial fund every time you use it.

However you plan to celebrate the holiday please be safe.

Beautiful Percheron Horses

“Dashing through the snow, in a two-horse open sleigh …”

Well, we did have to diverge from the song a bit on our recent winter sleigh ride. Our group of 20 couldn’t be pulled by a single horse, even a single 2300 pound Percheron. But what a magnificent ride they gave.

Brandt’s have been doing horse drawn wagon and sleigh rides for years. With temps just above zero, we bundled up on the sleigh, sang some songs and enjoyed a smooth ride through the woods east of Antigo, WI.

Family Enjoying a Sleigh Ride

The ride includes a stop to make a big fire in the woods where we heated up some soup, cooked hot dogs on a stick and passed a few bottles of wine and whiskey to warm our innards.

Brandt’s takes reservations and the father-daughter team are great about answering questions, adjusting the ride to suit your needs and giving all the little ones a turn to hold the reins where they also get a view of these giant Percheron horses.

It’s a semi-annual tradition for my family and one that I’m sure will continue.

With its upscale restaurants, landmark buildings, beautiful bridges and breathtaking views, San Francisco always tops the lists of favorite US cities and tourist destinations.  Many people come to visit during the summer months and get disappointed by the cold fog and damp weather. However you would be pleasantly surprised if you made a trip to the city during this time of year.  The winter months often bring cold temperatures but very blue skies during the day and nights full of stars.

San Francisco is almost more beautiful at night during the holidays than any other time of year – and that is saying something.

During the holidays living in the City is such a gift: the bright lights on the Embarcadero Center row of buildings, outlined to look like giant present boxes; the beautiful window displays in high-end stores like Gump’s and multi-colored lights adorning neighborhood parks and homes. Walk through any of these areas of the city and you can’t help but smile and get a little more into the holiday spirit.

If you are visiting the City or planning to in the future and want to experience a uniquely San Francisco evening, I have the perfect recipe for you. The itinerary will need a little planning but should only require one phone call for the dinner reservation.  This evening is a local favorite for a romantic date but it can be adjusted for just a great night out with friends or family.

First thing you want to do is plan on wearing some warm layers of clothing, especially a scarf and gloves.  San Francisco at night, during this time of year, can be very cold. Wear some nice holiday clothes and comfortable shoes and you will be set for the evening.

Begin the evening with a drink at the beautiful Big Four Restaurant on Nob Hill. Located inside the Huntington Hotel, this secret spot doesn’t have the view that you can get from the Top of the Mark, but this is the place locals go. Filled with beautiful dark wood, the bar area is rich and a historic reminder of the robber barons that built San Francisco.

After a glass of wine or cold cocktail, walk slowly across California Street, watching out for the cable cars and taxi drivers heading across town. Criss-cross the street and stroll through Huntington Park, a wonderful small city park situated between Grace Cathedral and The Fairmont Hotel.  It is one of my favorite parks to visit at night during the holidays because the neighborhood association installs beautiful old-fashion lights in the trees.

Walk through the park towards your dinner reservations, at Venticello Ristorante on Taylor Street. This wonderful Italian restaurant has a warm intimate setting that reminds you of San Francisco society pages from the 1920s. I have had dinners where I have watched patrons walk in that could have been related to Grace Kelly or Kim Novak, in their style of dress and manner. The food is classic Italian with homemade pastas, risotto and roasted meats. The fireplace and wood oven add warmth to your dinner setting along with a backdrop of cable cars going up and down California Street.

After your dinner walk down Taylor Street to Jackson Street and catch the Powell-Hyde Cable Car, with its maroon colored sign, to head towards the waterfront and Hyde Street Pier.  The cable car ride will be very chilly but you can cuddle up inside the center of the car or wrap your scarf tighter and hang onto the outer poles like a local.

Your ride will take you up past Nob Hill and across Russian Hill until you head down Hyde Street to the end of the line. Hop off and turning your back to the bay, walk into The Buena Vista Cafe – home of the perfect Irish Coffee!

Irish Coffee

The recipe of this famous drink was created in 1952 when the restaurant owner and a well known travel writer worked to re-create a highly touted “Irish Coffee” served at Shannon Airport in Ireland.

The Irish Coffee served here at the Buena Vista is the perfect night cap any night of the year, but especially in winter.  How and when you decide to end your evening is up to you, but after all the lights, rich foods, fresh air and drinks – I recommend taking a cab home. Enjoy!

If you’re planning a trip, check out flights to San Francisco.

Photo credits to bill lim, tinou, shayne kaye and rick

Clifton, Ohio

I can think of countless ways to usher in the Holiday Season, but none better than a Christmas Lighting Extravaganza.  Couple over 3.5 million lights with the gorgeous backdrop of Clifton Gorge and the Little Miami River at Clifton Mill and your Holiday Season can officially be declared as having begun.  Clifton Mill has been celebrating the Christmas season for almost 20 years with an extraordinary lighting display that takes a crew of six roughly 3 months to set up.

The Mill is located at 75 Water St. in Clifton, Ohio just 9 miles south of Springfield.  Follow OH-72 south (Exit 54) off of Interstate 70 and you can’t miss the Mill on your right.  Parking is free.  Gates open daily at 5pm.  Admission is $8 (children 6 and younger are free).

The weekends are definitely the busiest time, so you may want to keep that in mind when visiting.  Loosely translated, you will have a much more relaxed and leisurely visit if you can swing a trip during the week.  This is really important when you travel, as I do, with a horde of small children.  The area is accessible to strollers but they are not allowed in some of the buildings.

Clifton Mill Lighted for Christmas

The lights go on at 6:00 pm with the flip of a single switch.  It’s absolutely amazing to see the darkened gorge and mill come to life with the brilliant lights.  A definite, “Ooh” and “Ahhh” moment.  My kids often prefer to just scream, “WOW!!!”  There’s even a synchronized light show set to music.  Each hour the lights go out leaving visitors standing in the darkness and slowly they dance back to life as music echoes through the gorge.  It’s captivating, really!

While at the Mill you’ll want to check out the Santa Claus museum, home to over 3000 Santas and Santa memorabilia, the Miniature Village and the spectacular views from the Covered Bridge which spans the gorge and river below.  Concession style meals are served (soups, hot dogs, hot chocolate, cookies) during the evening.

Hours of operation for the lighting display are from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm.  The display starts the day after Thanksgiving and runs every night until January 1st, closing at 8pm on Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Years Eve.

The Waterfall at Clifton Mill

I suggest, though, that a trip to Clifton Mill should encompass the whole day.  The Millrace Restaurant located inside of the Mill is open for breakfast and lunch 9:00 am until 2:00 pm.  There’s no better way to start your day than with a stack of fresh pancakes.  The flour, of course, was milled fresh on the premises probably just hours earlier. (Normally closing at 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm on weekends, the restaurant observes abbreviated hours during the Christmas lighting season.)  Afterward, you may wish to tour the mill, which boasts itself as the largest water powered grist mill still in operation in America, for a firsthand look at one of America’s earliest industries.

You’ll have plenty of time in the afternoon to do some antiquing at Weber’s Antique Mall in Clifton or maybe just a leisurely hike at nearby Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve.  It offers incredible views of the gorge from several bridges and platforms.  If you’re looking for a truly unique gift idea or collectible check out The Fish Decoy Company on the corner of Dayton St. and OH-72.

Clifton Mill Overlooking the Gorge

After having explored Clifton’s charm you’ll have plenty of time to make it back to the Mill, grab a cup of hot chocolate and welcome the Christmas Season with the Legendary Lights at Clifton Mill.

Photos courtesy of Clifton Mill website and Bret Arnett (creative commons).

The Radio City Music Hall Marquee

Halloween just passed.  Thanksgiving hasn’t even come yet, but the malls and department stores are decked with boughs of holly and other Christmas decorations and ‘Tis the Season is already playing on the public address systems.

Where else has Christmas arrived already?  At Radio City Music Hall in New York City.  Performances of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes began this past weekend.  Whether you like to get in the mood early or you wait to see Christmas shows until just before the holiday, the time to buy tickets—for Radio City Music Hall or any Christmas event—is now.

Some families go to the Christmas Spectacular every year.  Others go less often.  For others, it’s a once in a lifetime experience.  As for us, my wife and I have taken our seven year-old daughter twice in the past few years.  My daughter loves everything about New York and everything about seeing a show.  To be honest, when we were first going to the Christmas Spectacular I would have preferred seeing something on Broadway.  But, after going to the Christmas show—and seeing how much my daughter loved it—I was so glad we chose it.  Her favorite part of the show, she said, was “the Santas.”  There were a few dozen dancing Santas on stage (with more descending into a screen behind them while Santa explained that he had “helpers” to be in so many places at once.)  My wife and I loved when it actually snowed on the audience—and not just fake foam or plastic but wet snow that actually melted on us.  The second time we all saw the show, my daughter said that her favorite part was the life-size teddy bears dancing The Nutcracker.  She also loved the Rockettes dancing as rag dolls and soldiers.

Several parts of the Christmas Spectacular are repeated each year and new scenes are added as well while others are phased out.  Traditions like the Rockettes’ Parade of the Wooden Soldiers and a Living Nativity have been included every year since the show first opened in 1933.  Appearances by Santa, more from the Rockettes, scenes of Christmas in New York, and other songs and dances fill out a usual ninety-minute performance.  The show isn’t even the only attraction there.  Radio City Music Hall itself is a 1932 art deco movie palace that underwent a $70 million renovation 1999.  Some of its highlights include the original five-ton thirty-two foot high Wurlitzer organ, the largest theatrical curtain on earth, and a twenty-four carat goldleaf ceiling.

Ice Skating in Rockefeller Center

One of the best things about seeing the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall is that there’s also so much else to see during the holidays in midtown Manhattan.  Radio City Music Hall itself is part of Rockefeller Center—home to one of the country’s most famous Christmas trees and a great ice skating rink.  Other attractions within just a few blocks are St. Patrick’s Cathedral, FAO Schwarz toy store, and the windows of Saks Fifth Avenue.  For hotels and dining, options in New York City are endless.  (Seriously, before I could name them all I bet at least one more would open.)  For eating in midtown though, kids would probably love the American Girl Café, Mars 2112 or the Hard Rock Café.  The food is good to mediocre at these restaurants, but it’s not the main attraction—it comes in second to the surroundings.

There’s no denying that New York City is loud and crowded.  During heavy tourist months like December, it’s even more loud and crowded.  But there’s a reason that so many people still love going into the City for the holidays.  With the entertainment, the excitement, the stores and the sights, it’s a pretty magical place to be.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular plays through December 30, 2008.  See the Radio City Music Hall website for detailed performance times and ticket prices. VIP Packages are also available which include priority seating, a pre-show reception, and deluxe gift bags and souvenir books.

Experience the exhilaration as America’s aerial power takes center stage at Aviation Nation in Las Vegas. Presented by the U.S. Air Force and sponsors each November at Nellis Air Force Base, the two-day event is considered one of North America’s largest and most spectacular air shows. 

This year’s event takes place Saturday, Nov. 8 and Sunday, Nov. 9. General admission is free making it an affordable and fun-filled event for a Veteran’s Day weekend family getaway.

The theme for Aviation Nation 2008 is “U.S. Air Force of the 21st Century – Air, Space and Cyberspace.” Some of the nation’s top civilian air performers as well as several military air warbirds and demonstration teams will participate, including the world-famous, Las Vegas-based Thunderbirds.

The event will also celebrate the history of American aviation and salute the recent accomplishments of America’s military in operations around the globe through air demonstrations and ground displays.

Las Vegas visitors and locals will have the opportunity to get up close to some of the world’s most remarkable flying machines spanning from the WWII era to today. More than 100 military and civilian aircraft are expected to be showcased, including the Air Force’s new supersonic stealth fighter, the F-22A Raptor, the MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-15 Eagle, and the backbone of America’s long-range bomber force, the B-1B Lancer.

The gates open at 9 a.m. each day. For the aerial demonstrations, visitors are welcome to bring a folding lawn chair or blanket into the event. With the roar of supersonic aircraft, hearing protection is recommended for children and others with sensitive ears. As with any outdoor event, sunscreen and hats are also encouraged as Las Vegas experiences intense sunshine even during the cooler autumn months.

Parking at the nearby Las Vegas Motor Speedway is free with shuttle service provided to and from the event gate for a donation of $3.00 per person or $1.00 per child under the age of 10. Visitors without vehicles are encouraged to check with their hotel for complimentary or paid shuttle service to the event. Taxi service is also available as an option.

Photos courtesy of Chris Evans/7s.

I fell for the staycation madness, I am looking for a few fun things to do this Labor Day Weekend  that offer an end-of-summer sense of celebration (I am not talking about the Macy’s sale) that don’t cost too much.  So, if like me you are staying home, I compiled a list of resources in the top major metro areas for you. The resources are online and offer ideas for the explorer, the fitness seeker and the how-about-another-glass of wine lounger. Here is the round up with recommendations:

New York, NY

CityGuide New York has compiled a comprehensive list of things to do in this hugely entertaining city. I recommend a Yankee’s game, seems just the thing to do on Labor Day  and the Grand Central Station tour, enlightening even for a New Yorker.  I just returned from New York  and my suburban kids love the water park in Central Park and playing at East Battery Park.  I think for them that was the best day possible.

One of my friends in New York said the most happening place in New York City during the Labor Day weekend is the Brooklyn Carnival, a multi-day celebration of Carribean culture (3M people are estimated to attend, too many for me). It kicks off on August 28th with events and concerts at the Brooklyn Museum grounds and ends with the Sept 1st Labor Day Carnival Parade on Eastern Parkway. Also, the MET Museum is open for special viewing on Sept 1 from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm as part of the ‘Met Holiday Mondays’ program. Finally, he also suggested the the US Open Tennis Championships  at Flushing Meadows, Queens.  Take your pick, NY seems to offer endless possibilities.
San Francisco, CA

SFGate is one of the best web sites for finding things to do and places to eat in my beloved city  of San Francisco.  They and I recommend the  Slow Food Nation–a movement designed to take us back to a time where food was lovingly prepared at home rather than at MacDonald’s.  If you don’t want to buy a ticket, check out the Victory Garden at City Hall, the farmer’s market and the Victory Garden stage.

If you are not enamored with local and organic food trends, I  suggest a ferry ride to Angel Island State Park.  One little boat ride takes you away from the city and off to nature and a look into America’s west coast immigration station.

If you must escape the city streets, go north and taste lots and lots of wine (best plan on a nap,too) in the Alexander Valley–yes, it is about a 90 minute drive, but park, pull out your bikes, ride down and up the country road, enjoy the ripening vines, the free or almost free tastes and have a picnic in the Healdsburg town square.  A great day away for less than $50, unless you buy wine of course–which you will do…Just keep that car parked…

Seattle, WA the home of my alma mater features Bumbershoot ( a nicer word than umbrella) a huge indoor/outdoor festival with food, music, art, the works-great for locals and tourists. If that doesn’t fit your definition of fun, then go early to Pike Street Market for breakfast, grab a gourmet picnic lunch and jump on a ferry across Puget Sound to Vashon Island, stay the night if you wish, it is a three day weekend. If you prefer running to sitting, take a brisk run around Green Lake and settle in for a late brunch, then rent a canoe from the University of Washington and paddle around Lake Washington for a while.  If the sun is out, you can beach the canoe and have a nice swim and take a leisurely hike.

Los Angeles, CA

I love the CitySearch Labor Day planner for LA.  From the Human Race with Kanye West, fireworks at the Bowl and a few park suggestions, it looks complete enough to fill in the weekend and then some.  If  someone will tell me where the stars go on Labor Day, that would be the best plan of all. Not really.  But still it would be fun to be biking the Strand and wave hello to Julia Roberts and her kids, like totally, dude. But if I could go to L.A. this weekend, I would just go buy a new swimsuit, take a walk along a beach and find a nice lunch spot with a view of the ocean and outdoor dining, Then I would go dancing somewhere in a glam LA club until the early morning.

Austin, TX

Labor day in Austin is all about being outside with friends and family. The weather will almost certainly be sunny and HOT, so make sure your activities revolve around a body of water. This won’t be hard as Austin is full of lakes, pools and rivers. Here are three suggestions involving said water from a local.1.    Lake Travis- a short drive outside of town is this beautiful dammed lake. The water is cold and clear and it is surrounded by limestone cliffs and green oak trees. Enjoy its rocky beaches from Pace Bend Park or rent a boat and some jet skis and explore its hidden coves. You won’t be the only one with this idea, but, the lake is large enough for everyone!
2.    Pack up the crew and head down to Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park. The water is a chilly 68 degrees and the lush grassy hillsides are dotted with shady pecan trees. Buy a snow cone outside and watch the Zilker Train chug by or use one of the parks public grills for a BBQ.
3.    If you are the more active sort, hike down the greenbelt along Barton Creek and dip into Sculpture Falls or any of picturesque swimming holes that you spot along the way. People set up camp here all day, with dogs, coolers, and river toys.

Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen, floppy hat and a ton of water. Texas is a scorcher this time of year, but, it just makes the water that much sweeter!

Have a great Labor Day Weekend! Go play and celebrate a day created for the worker in all of us.

Photos

Barton Springs by wadeferd
Angel Island by jondoeforty1
Bumbershoot by pathfinderlinden
Grand Central by bennie179
Los Angeles Sunset by kla4067

1. Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta: This is a spectacular display of color….thousands of balloons are released against a blue desert sky. People come from all over the world to see this one of a kind festival of hot air balloons. You can go for an unforgettable scenic ride or just enjoy the festivities from the ground level. But, don’t miss out!

2. Maryland Renaissance Festival: Dust off your armor and get ready for turkey legs, chivalry, and sword fights. This is one of the largest Renaissance festivals in the country with more than 1300 participants and 280,000 guest every year.

3. Mardis Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana: An obvious but essential choice. The wild costumes, spectacular floats and raucous crowds make this one of the country’s best festivals. Head down in February for Fat Tuesday and have a blast!

4. Fire Ant Festival in Marshall Texas: Marshall might be a little out of your way. But, if you ever find yourself in East Texas in October. …mosey on by. This festival is an ode to the pesky fire ant, complete with “stinging” hot chili cook-offs and giant fire ant floats.

5. Gilroy Garlic Festival: If you are a fan of this versatile herb, then you don’t want to miss this festival. Snack on it whole, sauteed with pasta, or flavoring a scoop of ice cream—this a three day “ode to garlic”. Breath mints not included!

6. Monterey Jazz Festival: Another classic. This fest is in its 51st year and going strong. It is a celebration of Jazz music with over 500 musicians and 9 stages. You can sip on a glass of wine and take in a sunset over the Pacific Ocean while grooving to a smooth beat.

7. Austin City Limits Festival (ACL) in Austin, Texas: This incredibly popular music festival arose from the famed television program of the same name. It takes place over a full weekend every September and has 100’s of bands, both large and small. Added bonus: when you get overheated in the hot Texas sun, you can cross the street and go swimming in the 68degree water of Barton Springs.

8. Taste of Chicago: This summer festival in Grant Park involves music, libations, and a sampling of food from more than 60 of Chicago’s best restaurants…what more can you ask for. Oh, and the entrance is free!

9. Testicle Festival in Clinton, Montana: If you have ever wanted to try a Rocky Mountain Oyster, this is your chance! But, it is only for the brave.

10.Gulf Coast Rhythm and Rib Fest in Palmetto Florida: Who doesn’t like good music and delicious food. This festival brings together the nations top Rib Masters from the gulf coast states in a legendary cook-off. Sample the entries and decide for yourself. You can also enjoy live music and games as well as a bike and auto show.

11. World Grits Festival: Visit St. George, South Carolina where more grits are consumed per capita than anywhere else in the world! This town is proud of their claim to fame and have created quite the celebration over this yummy dish. Bring the whole family and enjoy music, recipes, games, and as much grits as you can handle!

12. Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Visit the beautiful town of Ashland,Oregon and enjoy theater at its finest. This isn’t your typical festival as it is an entire season of Shakespeare productions and events. “To go or not to go”…that is the question. I say, “Go”!

13. National Apple Harvest Festival: This is your chance to celebrate the nations “favorite fruit” in the heart of Pennsylvania’s apple country. In addition to apples galore, there are arts and crafts booths, an antique car show, and a petting zoo.

There are so many great festivals around this country every year that it can be hard to choose! Did I miss any of your favorites? Feel free to share!

Thanks to Aoife Mac for the lovely balloon pictures!