Vacations Blog

This week, Governor Schwarzenegger asked Californians to not buy fireworks in the counties and cities that still allow them, citing the recent and current California fires. And Watsonville has banned fireworks sales this year, with a unanimous vote by city council members. Personally, I like to find myself a good, old-fashioned town parade to celebrate Independence Day, and in the Bay Area, we have several options:

Marin Mommies has put together a great piece on the celebrations in Marin County, including parades in Corte Madera-Larkspur, Novato and Sausalito. They also list some of the local fireworks displays around the Bay.

In the East Bay, 4th of July parades can be found in Alameda (theme: Clean and Green), Vallejo with the Vallejo Symphony Orchestra, and in Danville, residents will celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the city and 50^th anniversary of Hay Days with a parade starting at 9am on July 4^th.

Near the UpTake offices, you can check out the Redwood City Parade and Family Fun, also celebrating their 70^th anniversary. Cupertino holds a pancake breakfast before setting off on their parade. And in Santa Cruz county, you can celebrate with parades and events in Watsonville, Boulder Creek and Aptos (this last parade features Great Pyrenes dogs in their parade!)

Our family is going to celebrate locally this year, heading over to our community pool and joining in on the annual Great Decorated Bike Parade, a wonderful photo opportunity! What are your plans this Independence Day?

Join fellow Clevelanders on July 4^th, 2008, to celebrate Independence Day on Public Square. Be a part of the Cleveland Orchestra’s 19^th annual free Public Square concert, “A Star Spangled Spectacular.” This year’s main festivities take place on Wednesday, July 2, at 9:00 pm EST.

Don’t wait until 9:00 to show up, though. Prior to the concert you and your family can enjoy musical entertainment on Cleveland’s historic Public Square. The pre-concert festival features a broad range of Northeast Ohio music groups. It begins at 4:00 pm and runs until 8:15pm.

“A Star Spangled Spectacular” will be led by guest conductor Giancarlo Guerrero and will also feature soprano Indra Thomas. The program, which will be hosted by WCPN’s Dee Perry, will include a tribute to Leroy Anderson in celebration of the composer’s 100th birthday. This year’s concert will also celebrate the 200th birthday of Cuyahoga County.

It wouldn’t be the Fourth of July if the evening didn’t conclude with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, followed by a fireworks display certain to bring out the patriot in everyone in attendance. Be sure that you and your family are on the scene to celebrate.

If it’s summer in Cleveland, it means it’s time for a visit to Blossom Music Center. With gas prices so high, I hope more people are taking advantage of local entertainment options, and Blossom is a definite local gem.

The 2008 concert series looks like it’s going to be great, with acts that will accommodate just about everybody’s tastes. From music legends Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Rod Stewart, Steve Winwood, and James Taylor, to country artists Brooks & Dunn and Rodney Atkins, to rockers Iron Maiden and Poison, the music varies as much as the crowd at Blossom.

For those who like a laid back and more contemporary sound, check out John Mayer with Colbie Caillat or Jack Johnson, or consider seeing the Dave Mathews Band for a more blues-infused rock sound. If you are a little alternative, then you’ll want to catch Radiohead with Grizzly Bear. And when you are ready to really get things pumpin’, pick up tickets for Projekt Revolution featuring Linkin Park, Chris Cornell, Bravery, Ashes Divide with Street Drum Corps, Atreyu, 10 Years, Hawthorne Heights, and Armor for Sleep.

For the more sophisticated Clevelander, consider the 2008 Blossom Music Festival, which runs through the months of July and August. The Cleveland Orchestra takes the stage, as it has for the past four decades, to delight music lovers of all ages. The 2008 season will include Broadway Today, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Gershwin, A Bernstein Celebration, and more. Of course, it would be the Fourth of July without Blossom’s, “An American Salute,” where the Cleveland Orchestra invites guests to enjoy their great American Holiday Program of family favorites, including a salute to the Armed Forces, Sousa marches, soloists, and Tchaikovsky’s “1812” Overture. Needless to say, there are fireworks!

There’s no reason not to head to Blossom this summer. Take a picnic basket and some lemonade or wine, sit under the stars, and enjoy some wonderful music. What could be better?

Mother’s Day gets all of the attention. What about Father’s Day????? This Sunday, treat your dad to something special, whether it’s a ball game, a movie, or lunch at a favorite restaurant.For something a little different, try the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland’s Collingwood neighborhood. I was there about three years ago with my hubby, oldest step-daughter, and her husband to see Butterfly Boucher and we had a blast. The opening act that night was Griffin House, and we are big Butterfly Boucher fans in this house….coupled with good drink and grub, and we loved it!The Beachland Ballroom has since expanded its menu and also now offers breakfast. This would be a great stop for Dad—it’s a laid back, low-key crowd, but still in a fun and historic atmosphere.The Ballroom was built in 1950 as the Croatian Liberty Home and Ballroom. A kitchen was added in 1976 and in 2000 the landmark building became a concert club, still retaining much of its historic charm. The beach is about a half mile north of the club, but the entire neighborhood actually carries the “Beachland” designation, a carryover from the days when Euclid Beach Park was just up the road.Today, the Ballroom hosts a full schedule of regional, local, and national musicians throughout the year. The club is particularly noted for its excellent sound system and boasts two stages, the Ballroom and the more intimate Tavern.Every Sunday the place opens up to all ages for Sunday Brunch. From 11am to 3pm, The Tavern welcomes the entire family for DJs and live music. Also available during this time are their delicious brunch items:

• Eggs Beachland: Poached egg & peppercorn on a grilled baguette, topped with smoked gouda sauce
• Egg & Cheese Strata: Fluffy baked egg, cheese, & bread casserole
• PB&J: Crunchy peanut butter & today’s jelly dipped in whole-wheat batter and deep-fried
• Breakfast Quesadilla: Chorizo, beans, & cheese in a corn tortilla (substitute vegetables for chorizo to make vegetarian)
• Oatmeal Pancakes: with maple butter
• Breakfast Polenta: Creamy, buttery corn goodness with roasted garlic, cheddar, and bacon
• Stuffed French Toast: whipped cream cheese & fruit
• Fruit Cobbler: Seasonal fruit baked with granola and topped with honeyed yogurt
• Bacon, Sausage, Roasted Potatoes, Corn Bread, Grilled Baguette, or Seasonal Veggie

There are several vegetarian options as well as specialty and non-alcoholic beverages, so there is clearly something for everyone. Which means there is no excuse for not letting Dad know how special he is to you on Father’s Day!

So Father’s Day is fast approaching (June 15^th 2008), and it’s a bit of an understatement to say that it’s a Herculean task to come up the right ingredients for an enjoyable Father’s Day, let alone a perfect one. Mothers are easy to make happy. Well … Expensive, but easy to plan for. Fathers, on the other hand, are cranky, and it’s hard to make judgment calls about what they like, or not. Brunches are sissy, unless accompanied/planned by Mom with kids in tow. Add spas and shopping to the sissy list, and what you have left is … What? Here’s a reference list for you to chew on.

New York Father’s Day Restaurants: This is a list of restaurants in New York which are offering specials on the menu for Father’s Day.

This historied Tribeca/Downtown lounge is advisable if you’re a Mom with kids, planning Father’s Day brunch for the entire family. Enjoy the special Father’s Day brunch while the kids watch complimentary movies in the grand screening room. The buffet includes omelets and waffles made to order, oysters on the half shell, jumbo shrimp cocktail, quiche selection, fresh salads, antipasti, breads and pastries, cheese and seasonal fruits, and homemade desserts.And the cocktails at the Church Lounge are quite well known among serious drinkers.

Beacon – Midtown West restaurant is offering dads & guests a special 16-oz. Black Angus, dry aged natural Niman Ranch sirloin steak with a bottomless Brooklyn Lager. Dinner a la carte or $58 prix-fixe.

Creama Restaurante – Chelsea Mexican eatery offering brunch prix-fixe with a complimentary treat for fathers at the end of the meal.

Tribeca Grill – Robert De Niro’s landmark downtown restaurant offers brunch and dinner a la carte menus featuring spring seasonal offerings.

Restaurants with Father’s Day specials include davidburke & donatella, Fig & Olive, Havana Central and Lunetta.

Father’s Day Weekend Getaway Package: So let’s say you don’t think just a power lunch or brunch or dinner is enough. You want something a bit more expansive, covering the entire weekend. There’s no shortage of getaways in the Adirondack Mountains, but Father’s Day specials? This is where the 1000 Acres Ranch Resort, in Stony Creek, NY, about 3 and ½ hours’ drive from Manhattan, comes in. Photo courtesy & copyrights 1000 Acres Ranch Resort.

It’s a scenic dude ranch which sits along the banks of the Hudson River, with everything from horseback riding to a 9-hole golf course and fishing, kayaking, indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, night-time cocktail parties and ball games. Kids have a whole bunch of games, activities and entertainment under supervision from the resort staff. They’re offering a Father’s Day package deal which includes a 10% discount for Dad with 3 days/2 nights of lodging, three meals daily, horseback riding, pony rides for children six and under and full use of Ranch facilities.

If Dad is the kind of guy who enjoys fishing and the outdoors, then this is the perfect way to get him to relax on the weekend, with the additional bonus that the entire family gets to have a fun time.

Other events being held in NYC for Father’s Day include the 67th “Father of the Year” Awards being held on June 11^th at the Marriott New York Marquis hotel, free , fun things including a concert, sing-along and Lullwater cruise at Prospect Park, and a 3 hour Father’s Day schooner match race starting at Chelsea Piers from SailNYC.com.

The weather for Memorial Day weekend is going to be gorgeous in Cleveland, so those of you who have been holding off on making plans, the time has come to move forward!

A great way to kick off the summer is by spending the weekend at The Great American Rib Cook Off and Music Festival, held each year in downtown Cleveland. Your price of admission includes live music, BBQ ribs with all of the fixin’s, and lots of fun. The 2008 dates are May 23 through may 26, which makes this a great little holiday weekend getaway.

BBQ masters from all over the country arrive in the Midwest to show off their rib skills with the goal of receiving the prize for Greatest Ribs, Greatest Sauce, and/or People’s Choice Award.

Live entertainment this year consists of KC and the Sunshine Band, Jonny Lang, Colin Dussault’s Blues Project, Dennis DeYoung, and Seether.

The Rib Cook Off is not only family-friendly entertainment, it is also economical. The Cook-Off and Music Festival is open Friday (May 23) from 11am to 11pm; Saturday (May 24) from Noon to 11pm; Sunday (May 25) from Noon to 11pm; and Monday (May 26) from Noon to 8pm. Admission prices for 2008 are $7 for adults. Children under 12 are free. The concerts are included in the admission and food prices vary. Friday lunchtime (Noon – 4pm) admission is free.

Above and beyond that, there are discounts available. Two dollar discount coupons are available at Marc’s stores and via the WKYC Website and you can also receive a $2 discount by showing a Memorial Day Cleveland Indians ticket stub.

Now there is no reason to stay home this weekend. Pack up the family and head to downtown Cleveland for sunshine, live entertainment, and great food. As always, be safe, and have a WONDERFUL holiday!

So, I know that memorial day weekend is coming up soon. I suppose I should be planning a weekend by the lake with cold beer, suntan lotion, and a flyswatter–maybe planning a day on a bud light party cruise. However, what I really want to do…is go to the movies. I want to sit indoors in a dark cool theater and get lost in one fantastical story after another….no bug spray or bathing suit required.

Now, this is not a normal urge. I like movies…but, I much prefer the great outdoors, warm weather, and sunshine. I am not some strange pale person in an overcoat that has no social life and hisses at strangers. (well, the pale part is correct). But, it has been a long time since I watched a good movie…had the powerful ’suspension of disbelief’ that a hushed theater and a giant screen can offer.

However, I don’t want just any movie experience. I am actually craving a very singular type of movie outing…

The Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas.

This small chain of Austin theaters has taken all that you love about watching a movie at home (comfortable seating, food, ability to drink a glass(or 3) of wine) and mixed it with all that you love about watching a movie in the theater (large screen, great sound, getting out of the house).

They show first-run, second-run, and off the wall movies and they let you drink beer and wine and order from an extensive and suprisingly tasty menu–before and during the film. It’s as good as the movie-going experience can get.

Now, if they would only pause the film every time you had to go to the bathroom, it would be sheer perfection!

The Drafthouse began in a small renovated parking garage in Austin’s trendy Wharehouse District (before it was very trendy). They showed second run films and quickly got a reputation for screening a wide variety of non traditional films—documentaries, indies, and reruns of old cult classics, like Rocky Horror Picture Show and Attack of the Killer Tomatoes.

As the theater became more popular, they also started hosting events and creating fun theme nights around different movies. I have ‘a friend’ that went to the Michael Jackson, Thriller Sing-Along, where costumes and dancing were strongly encouraged (and adhered too!). One of my favorite theme nights was watching the fourth Harry Potter movie and ordering off their special menu… items like butter beer and chocolate frogs. Another ’special menu’ that was created was for a screening of “Like Water for Chocolate” and the kitchen served the same menu as was consumed during the wedding feast in the movie!

As time has gone on…the original theater has turned into 6 in Austin and about 15 in other cities across Texas. I have also read that the first out of state Alamo Drafthouse is slated to open its doors in Virginia, in 2009. They have added mainstream movie selections and big blockbusters to their line-up, but, have managed to keep the oddball and zany features alive as well.

What I don’t understand is why this concept has not been picked up all across the U.S. I live in the Bay Area and have had trouble finding any theaters that let you drink and order food off a menu. The Sundance Kabuki theater is the only one that comes close. But, it doesn’t have in-movie waiter service…much less the themed screenings and wacky cult classics that make the Alamo so special.

I have found more of these kinds of theaters overseas than in the U.S. of A. One of the best is the Cinema Paradiso in Wanaka, New Zealand. But, I won’t expound on it here as it is worthy of its very own post!

So, while there are certainly plenty of fantastic things to do in San Francisco and across the rest of California for Memorial Day Weekend. I am sitting here looking up cheap flights to Austin…..gotta get my Alamo movie fix!

What are your Memorial Day plans?

The 2008 Memorial Day weekend is almost here (May 23-26) and the AAA is projecting that more Americans will stay at home during this Memorial Day holiday, due to high fuel prices. That argument is not entirely without merit, so here’s a few ways you can enjoy the Memorial Day events in and around New York without having to fill up on the gas and book into an expensive hotel or getaway resort. In short, a traditional Memorial Day weekend in New York on the cheap.

Fleet Week: The Annual NYC Fleet Week (May 21-28) includes a plethora of events including public ship visitations, helicopter raid demonstrations (you know, where they throw these lines out of the copters and swoop down), a Times Square concert, Navy band performance, an F-18 Navy flight simulator display, and lots of Memorial Day parades all over New York. Here’s a full list of all events held for Fleet Week, with date, time and location.

Queens Memorial Day Parade: If you’re fond of parades, the biggest Memorial Day Parade in the U.S. is held at Little Neck and Douglaston, Queens. The parade starts at 2 pm at the corner of Jason Avenue and Northern Boulevard in Great Neck, moving west on Northern Boulevard to 244 Street into St. Anastasia Schoolyard. The theme for the 2008 parade is ‘Fort Totten From War To Peace’. Photo courtesy & copyrights Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade Org., Inc.

MET Special Events: The Metropolitan Museum of Art has two specials for Memorial Day. First is the family festival at the Cloisters – Two days (May 24-25) of programs for the entire family, with tours and gallery workshops in English and Spanish. More details here. Secondly, the MET is open on Memorial Day as part of its ‘Holiday Mondays’ program sponsored by Bloomberg. Here’s the list of exhibitions open on Monday.

Lower East Side Festival of the Arts: This is the 13th year of the LES festival, and this year the organizers have put together over 70 groups with 250+ performers, with street fairs, theater, dance, music, poetry, art and multimedia presentations, food vendors, cooking competitions and lots more. More details here.

If you’re interested in street fairs, you might want to make note of the Times Square Fair on May 25th, at Seventh Avenue 47th to 57th streets, from 11 am to 6 pm. Call 212-809-4900 for more information. There’s also the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit from noon to 6 pm during the Memorial Day weekend, which attracts over 200 artists and more than 200,000 art lovers every year.

Brooklyn Bridge 125th Birthday Celebration: The Memorial Day weekend celebrations to honor the cultural significance of the Brooklyn Bridge in its 125th year include a Brooklyn Philharmonic concert followed by a Grucci Fireworks extravaganza, open air film screenings at the foot of the bridge, walking tours, and dance and music festivals. Photo by runnyc262 via Flickr.

All performances are free. Here’s the full list of events starting May 22nd. The bridge will be lit up with festive lighting until Memorial Day from 9 pm to 11 pm, so you might want to hang around from evening until at least 9 pm, just to see the lights come on.

There’s a lot of stuff going on all over New York, from Staten Island to Manhattan, and you have an extended weekend at your disposal. Why not make use of it to get to know the culture and the art and artists of New York, not to mention the additional significance of Memorial Day, in light of the Iraq war and the enormous sacrifices made by the men and women in the Armed Forces to help keep America safe.