This guest post about Leeds, England is authored by travel writer and Leeds’ local: Darren Cronian. I suspect most Americans when looking to take a vacation in England would instantly think of London. Thats understandable, it is our capital city, it has bags full of history and our Royal Family reside there. In this post though, I would like to offer you an alternative, and it is only a two hour train journey from London Kings Cross station. Leeds' Kirkgate Market Welcome to my home city of Leeds Leeds, by population, is the UKs third largest city, and the perfect city for a short break or your base for a vacation in England. Leeds is only twenty minutes drive away from the very scenic Yorkshire Dales; there are other fantastic cities like York and Harrogate nearby. Leeds city centre is compact so you can find many of the local attractions without having to spend all of your vacation on public transport. Royal Armouries and museums The national collection of a...[more »]

Ben Spies taking a practice lap at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. My husband and I had the fantastically fun opportunity to catch the MotoGP festivities at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis last weekend. Friday’s practice sessions lead to Saturday’s qualifying runs, which lead to Sunday’s races. Three classes comprising of 125cc, Moto2, and MotoGP bikes ensured for very full days of soaking up the sun, admiring the roar of the bikes and the skills of the riders, and ingesting copious amounts of track food and pricey beers (though you are allowed to bring in coolers with your own food and beverages). Nicky Hayden during the charity auction on Friday. MotoGP is coming back to Indy again next year, in the last weekend of August 2011. Be prepared to buy tickets WAY in advance (ranging from $60 to $150 for full weekend admission). Score a parking pass to get in a lot close to the stadium, but beware of the long wait to get back out of said lots, especially...[more »]

Chicago Jazz Festival in Grant Park Chicago enjoys a long association with jazz, blues and gospel music and one of the Windy City’s premier events is the annual Chicago Jazz Festival on Labor Day weekend. Originally started as a tribute to Duke Ellington shortly after his death in 1974, the festival has grown to the city’s longest running lakefront music festivals. Attracting thousands of fans from all over the world, the Chicago Jazz Festival has expanded into the world’s most extensive free jazz festival. Traditionally held on the grassy grounds of Grant Park, the jazz festival will be held in Millennium Park, and the Cultural Center as well this year. The event runs from September 2-5 and includes a host of jazz forms including be-bop, classical, Latin and contemporary. A serious music fan hang out, the fest caters to all ages interested in hearing excellent live music. Highlights for this yearare jazz icon’s Ramsey Lewis’ 75th birthday celebr...[more »]