Recently in Travel Category

Speaking of Little Bar, if you want to go to the best Dive Bar in LA, that place is it. As a matter of fact, I love to frequent Dive Bars and Pubs, so I know all the good ones. I know it's sad that it's only Monday and I'm already thinking of where I'll be going to chug-a-lug, but if you live here or are just here for the summer visiting these are the bars I love in LA. Check them out and if you see my beau and I throwing some back have a drink on me. Oh yeah, keep in mind, just because I'm giving you this list does not mean that I want you to go there with hoards of people and ruin them. That's what makes them cool, they're hidden jewels. So share them, but don't go overboard.

Little Bar
Where to begin with this place...well for starters, any place outside of Koreatown that sells Soju is all right with me. My BF suggested we go to this place one night and upon getting the menu I was overjoyed to see Soju as an ingredient for almost every cocktail! This place is just the best bar EVER. The ambiance is very laid back the bartenders are cool and they let you bring your own food to the bar. There's also no cover charge and they hold dart tournies every Saturday and Trivia night every Saturday. Since discovering this little gem, my BF and I like to pop our heads in Thursday nights and enjoy the Scorpion Bowl.

Daily Pint
If you really love beer, and I mean REAL European beer not cheap watered down crap, then you have to visit this place. They actually have a beer on tap that tastes like Dark Chocolate. It's amazing! I love to grab a Woodchuck Cider Ale in Pear whenever me and the BF pop in. One side of the dive is the bar, complete with jukebox and machines to gamble on. The other side of the bar houses pool tables, a shuffleboard table, and  a foosball  table. This is another bar that let's you order in food. I've only ever seen pizza delivered but I'm sure they'd let in whatever you want. After knocking a few back here, me and my friends like to head down the street to the Santa Monica beach. Nothing is more fun then running buck naked into the Pacific Ocean at 2 in the morning with a belly full of good beer...ah, good times.

NoBar
Honestly, this place is faux dive bar. While it gives the effect of being a dive it's actually way to trendy to be categorized as such, but it's got damn good bartenders, a jukebox, pool tables, and gives off a dark lounge type vibe. You could definitely grab a booth in the back area and swap some major spit, a.k.a makeout. This spot, just like the rest has no cover charge and you can roll in to the bar in your most comfy pair of jeans and flip flops during the week. This one is a favorite Friday or Saturday night hangout for my sis, her coworkers, and myself . During the weekend the crowd tends to be little dressier but not too much. The music is always an eclectic mix of whatever three songs someone's dollar bought them, and your fellow drinkers are very friendly.

The Fox And Hounds
This bar is literally down the street from my office. Anytime I've had crazy day at work I head here and belly up to the bar for a Strongbow. I love cider ales, and this is a great one. This is a jukebox-less bar but there is still no cover and it's open early for brunch, lunch, dinner, and beyond. The kitchen is pretty decent. I usually order fried scampi and chips. They host a Trivia night every Monday and Wednesday and have live music throughout the week. The wait staff is really cool and most of them are Brits, and who doesn't love a British accent? This is a great all around bar. There's always a sporting event to watch on the the large projector screen, or a Guitar Hero type tournament going on. If you're just bored as hell then stop by here, you won't be bored for long.

Little Temple
My BF and his friends love to hangout here. I finally penetrated the inner sanctum and was invited to go here with him and "the boys." It's more of a dive lounge than a dive bar, and a very well hidden one at that. Tucked away in Silverlake,  this place is worth the trip. The crowd is good and the drinks are strong. They are home to numerous live bands, mostly of the funk genre. If you're not feeling the band then just go to the other side of the bar and dance to whatever the DJ is spinning, which is a mix of old school classics and trendy new school pop. Unlike the others, you will have to pay to get in here but if memory serves me right it's only 10 bucks, and they make up for it with reasonably priced drinks.

I don't know about you, but there's something about the beinning of summer that makes me restless.  It's the start of warm weather and the promise of another great summer of traveling.  This time of year, thoughts of road trips and beach excursions take me over.  I can't help but pack up my bathing suit and hit the road.  I usually head for a clean beach for some rest and relaxation.  Wherever your summer may take you, these great travel bags will get you there, holding you suits in style.

 

X-Case Ultra Light Carry On Luggage $100

Hard shell, brightly colored carry on suitcase.  You'll know which bag is your among a sea of black suitcases. And the durable shell will keep all your precious sandals and swim suits safe for that Jamaican vacation. 

 

  

 

 

 LeSportsac Large Weekender $98

LeSportsac bags are in that classy and cool realm.  I don't think they'll ever go out of style.  This bag isn't big enough for a weekend of continuous wardrobe changes, but if you're off for a two day girls getaway, this is a great bag!  Check out all the cool prints and patterns too!

 

 

 

Coach Heritage Stripe Tattersall Travel Satchel $548

This is a beautiful travel bag.  Think of it as a large carry on purse.  Think of yourself walking through the airport in supreme style, jetsetting to Hawaii for a week.  This coach bag is classic, still young and stylish, and perfect for a summer getaway.  Also check out the Beauty Case and Small Tote in the same collection. 

Warmer weather and sunny skies means it's time to get outdoors.  Throw a long weekend in the mix, and you might say the stars have alligned.  It's the perfect time to grab a basket and some friends and have a picnic!  Whether it's on a sandy beach, or in a park, just you and your sweetie or with your family, a picnic is a great way to enjoy both fresh air and fun food.  Try these spots!

Los Angeles' Roxbury Park is probably the most elegant city park in Los Angeles.  Why?  Because it's in Beverly Hills.  It's a great spot for the whole family!

Seattle's Alki Beach is in the southern part of the city.  This beachy picnic spot is especially romantic at sunset.  Share some summer love at Alki Beach.

Austin's Walter Long Memorial Park is a shady, lakeside park.  It's a great place for kids to run around and it's also a great spot to just snuggle up in the shade to enjoy a quiet afternoon. 

Charlotte's Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, on the banks of Lake Wylie is a beautiful spot to stop with a blanket.  With 110 acres seperated into 4 beautiful gardens, you're sure to find a spot to relax. 

St Louis' Tower Grove Park was once a Victorian walking park.  With a restored green house and gazebos, enjoy walking the grounds first and then find a shady piece of grass to enjoy lunch.

Visit Boston's Maudsley State Park in Newburport.  Walk the trail to the Merrimac River, relax on the meadow and watch the river go by.  What could be better than that?

 

 

With Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer, just around the corner, I know I only have one thing on my mind- summer vacation!  It's time to cash in vacation days, pack up the swim suit, call the dog sitter and hit the road.  Whether you'd like a vacation relaxing on the beach, or biking through lush green mountains, here are the top 10 vacation destinations to make summer 2008 super great. 

Kailua Beach Honolulu, Hawaii-  You're well overdue for that Hawaiian vacation, am I right?  Kailue Beach has been voted one of the best beaches in the world.  With its soft, pale sand and clear water, it's one of those beaches you'll never want to leave.  It's also a great spot of windsurfing. If you're feeling saucy and want to try windsurfing for the first time, they have rental and instruction right there at the beach!

Canon Beach, Oregon Coast-  The Oregon Coast is perfect for a mellow and romantic extra long weekend away.  Canon Beach is nestled between lovely lush forest and wide open oceans.  With miles of beach to comb, and quaint galleries and cafes to explore, Canon Beach is a perfect spot for two lovebirds.  The Ocean Point Inn is the place to stay.

Provincetown Cape Cod-  Don't be fooled by this isolated new England town.  Provincetown has got a fantastic summer party scene.  In the warmer months, the town fills up with young, artsy types ready to celebrate the season.  Spend a day exploring the miles of Atlantic beach, then stop in to the Tea Dance at the Boatslip Resort.  It's pretty wild- think flambouyant hats and spiked tea. 

Cumberland Island, Georgia-  Cumberland Island is the largest and southern most barrier island off the coast of Georgia.  Reach the island by ferry and enjoy a beautiful nature preserve.  The island is famous for its seemingly untouched 17 miles of beach and turtle population.  The Greyfield Inn, a gorgeously restored mansion is the place to stay to enjoy the island to its fullest.

San Francisco-  Looking for a more metropolitan summer spot?  San Francisco is a city with character!  With its steep hills, charming Victorian homes and stunning bay views, San Francisco is a great place to escape some of the summer heat and still enjoy a vacation in the city.  Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito for an afternoon, then return for dinner and out of this world dessert at Citizen Cake. 

South Beach, Miami-  Miami is another city vacation that will take you out of the norm.  This ocean front city is a hub of beautiful people and great parties.  The Hotel, on South Beach  invented the hotel pool bar scene.  Pop up to the pool top room for a drink or two.  It's full of local South Beach flavor.

Alaskan Cruise-  Spend some time cooling your heels in Alaska.  Hop on a cruise ship from San Francisco or Vancouver, BC and head up to Alaska, passing through the Inside Passage, a chain of Pacific Northwest islands.  The scenery is breathtaking, and the temperature much warmer than the cruel winter months.  Stay up late and enjoy the sunshine.  The sun shines well into the evening, so enjoy sunset when you might normally be watching David Letterman. 

Burlington, Vermont-  Vermont's largest city makes a relaxing and charming summer vacation.  The Adirondack mountains that back the city to the stunning beauty of Burlington.  Lake Champlain offers gorgeous scenic views and loads of water activities.  Waterfront park is a great place to watch boats, or rent a kayack and hit the water.  When you need a bite, the New England Culinary Institute on Church Street offers reasonably priced gourmet food, cooked by budding culinary professionals. 

Carmel, California-  Live the high life in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  Located on the Monterrey Peninsula, Carmel is a wealthy artist community.  For untimate relaxation, stay at the Trandwinds Carmel, spend a day at the Signature Day Spa and then enjoy outdoor entertainment at the Forest Theater.  And don't leave Lassie at home!  Carmel is a dog friendly town! 

Durango, Colorado-  Durango is an outdoor activity paradise.  Don't expect to be papmered and massaged on a trip to this southwester Colorado town- there's just too much to do!  Stay at the Colorado Trails Guest Ranch, a dude ranch that provides cabin lodging, community meals, a loads of horseback riding and other ranch activities.  Want some high flying adventure?  Soaring Tree Top Adventures allows you to fly among the Colorado wilderness on a secured zip cord.   

Which version of Seattle do you know?  Do you know the dark and stormy Seattle you've seen on Grey's Anatomy?  Maybe you're into the cheesy and romantic Seattle from Sleepless in Seattle.  Or maybe your Seattle is full of flying fish and dirty cat fights from the Real World- Seattle. 

This summer, make your own version of Seattle.  The Emerald City is absolutely stunning in the summer.  After 9 months of wet weather, Seattle is a sparkling green oasis in the summer months.  The natural beauty of the city is complimented by it's hip and modern attitude.  The city is filled with fabulous food, cool music and down to earth people. 

Spend a long weekend in Seattle.  Here's what you'll do and where you'll stay on your beautiful and ultra hip vacation.

Stay at the W Hotel in Seattle.  Located in the center of the city, you'll be close enough to have breakfast at Pike Place Market, roam around Downtown and check out galleries and museums.  The beds at the W are the most comfortable in the world, so if you need to take a nap after breakfast, and then again after you afternoon walk, I certainly wouldn't blame you.

Explore the city, you'll find all sorts of delicious cafes and bakeries.  La Panier and Dahlia Bakery are two of my favorites.  And forget Starbucks.  They're literally on every corner of the city, but the best cup of coffee is at Caffe Ladro.

With baguette and coffee in hand, explore the famous Seattle Space Needle or the Experience Music Project, the interactive music museum, or simply go shopping for vintage clothes on Capital Hill.  Whatever you do, Seattle is a beautiful place to explore in the summer.  And the best part- you be long gone before even one drop of rain falls from the sky.     

 

                                                                                                                    

If you’re anything like me, you are well into planning your first of many Summer Road Trips. Before you put the petal to the metal take a peek at this list. It’s sure to make every road trip you embark on this summer a great one.

 

Pick your Music

Every road trip needs a theme. It sets the tone for the journey ahead and gets the driver and passengers ready for whatever may come. Start here to get you road trip soundtrack.

 

Snacks

Hit the store ahead of time to get everyone’s favorite snacks and throw them in a cooler. This will help minimize travel time.

 

GPS Navigation System

Nothing is worse than hitting the open road and ending up lost. Avoid unneeded detours with a hand-held GPS device.

 

Cell Phone

Make sure everyone stays safe. Use an earpiece so you can keep your hands at 10 and 2, or 9 and 3.

 

Camera / Camcorder

You’re taking a trip you’ll never forget. But let’s face it even our best memories fade with time. Make sure you capture every second.

Almost 6 months into the year and you've already endured enough annoyances to make you want to abandon your job and family. Go with that feeling, but scale it down a little. You can't leave your significant other and children for too long because lets face it, the only things they can collectively make are cereal and hot dogs. And if you stop showing your face at the office your boss will have to find someone else's ideas to steal. But before your head explodes grab your best gal pals, pack your bags, and get away for a girls only weekend.

Head to Beverly...Hills that is
Pamper yourself in the Decadence Capitol of the World. Shop at overpriced boutiques, eat at overpriced restaurants, drink overpriced cocktails, party at overpriced clubs, and relax in an overpriced room.

Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY
This world-renowned center for holistic education and spiritual enlightenment is the perfect place to quiet your mind. Center your chi and become one with nature.

Hershey, PA
Travel to a magical place called Hershey were you can see chocolate, smell chocolate, taste chocolate, and even roll around in it at their chocolate themed spa. Yes ladies, dreams do come true.

The hot summer days are around the corner! If you love island getways like moi, this is the ultimate family adventure. Genius developers and hoteliers have designed a paradise resort called Atlantis. Sitting pretty on its very own Paradise Island, the resort is located in the Bahamas archipelago of 700 islands.

Atlantis impresses even the most experienced water lovers! The 15 million dollar development includes lagoons, marina bays, waterfalls and underwater ruins of Atlantis with sea creatures like dolphins, sharks and sting rays.

Atlantis offers something for everyone in the family. Fine dining, elegant oceanside accommodations, and shopping in the adjacent 65,000 square foot Marina Village.

Here's a short list of joyrides and sights to be seen:

Mayan Temple Water Slides
* Leap of Faith: 60 foot vertical drop propelling riders at speeds of 35 miles per hour culminating with a pass through a clear acrylic tunnel submerged in the shark filled lagoon.    
* Serpent: Spin through the temple's mysterious core then passes through a predator lagoon.
* The Challengers: Race down high speed dual slides.
* Jungle: Meander through exotic caves and jungle.
* Cascades: a gentle water slide is interconnected with the kids pools.

Check out how to get there and more details here.

Here are some suggestions for fun places to go with the family.

1. Orlando, Florida: the theme capital of the world! Mickey and Minnie Mouse's east coast home. 2 enormous water parks and 14 resorts all the size of a small city, Boston to be exact. For tips on how to get tickets, and where to stay check these tips out.

2. South Carolina is the #2 vacation spot after Florida. Myrtle Beach is also home to several amusement parks.

Where to Play: Family Kingdom, Myrtle Waves Water Park, and the exciting rockin' Hard Rock Park.
Where to Stay: Kingston Plantation, Sea Mist Resort Hotel

3. Cancun is called a tourist mecca. It has plenty to offer families. Arguably located on the best spot of the peninsula is the Club Med Cancun Yucatan.The kids and teen-friendly hosts a gracious 22-acres including a lagoon side. Activities are plentiful: windsurfing lessons, waterskiing, wakeboarding, beach volleyball, snorkeling for free. Scuba diving and golf is available an an extra charge.The Baby Welcome program offers parents amenities in their rooms like cribs, infant bath rubs, bottle warmers, etc. Cozumel Island and the Mayan Ruins are close by and offer family-friendly excursion sites.

4. Southern California is home to all the stars. Anaheim hosts Disneyland's headquarters; the Magic Kingdom stays strong and true as a family favorite. There are 3 grandiose hotel to stay on site, and 'Good Neighborhood' Hotels. Kids big and small love to get away to Lalaland. Bonus, just 1/2 hour south of San Diego is Legoland.

5. Oahu, Hawaii is relatively small, but full of fun activities in the tropical sun. Boat trips, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, surf lessons, and more. Infamous for its tropical paradise lifestyle, its a guaranteed family fun spot.

 

One of my favorite reasons for being a Los Angeles resident, is that it's only a short four hour flight to the magical islands of Hawaii. Like Vegas and Palm Springs, the Main Island of Oahu offers lots of entertainment, but in a perfect oasis island setting.

The 'Rainbow State' has Mother nature on its side. Warm breezes, lush green mountain tops and the big blue ocean are its signature. As the No. 1 global tourism spot, no wonder shopping, surfing and fancy eating are keeping the local economy booming!

The infamous Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki aka the Pink Palace, is an infamous favorite for honeymooners and families. Both royal and affluent commoners like to indulge in everything luxurious: beach front sweet water pools, gigantic pink towels and a staff at your beck and call.