Vox World Tour

Seattle Seafair: Airshow, Hydroplanes and Pirates Arrrgh!

nobody@vox.com(The Travel Sage) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:40:32 -0700

Seattle Washington, the birthplace of Grunge and Starbucks is one of my favorite cities with a cool and laid back urban landscape that is never too far from nature. This culturally rich city offers, of course, some of the best coffee in the country along with a wide variety of art and museums such as the Seattle Art Museum and my personal favorite the Museum of Glass. The Museum of glass is technically in Tacoma but is well worth it with massive exhibits, hands on art studio, glass blowing demonstrations and even the building is a work of art itself.

Downtown Seattle is also renown for their fresh seafood caught from the bordering Pacific and the legendary Pike Place Fish Market. You know, the massive fish market where they chuck full size salmon across the market yelling the whole time, its quite the experience and inevitably someone usually gets hit with a fish which is hilarious providing you're not the one getting hit.

Don't forget you also have your standbys such as the Space Needle with the revolving restaurant overlooking the city and the breathtaking observation deck, the Seattle Aquarium, Bellevue Square and republic of Fremont for all you shoppers, GameWorks (which is pretty much the ultimate arcade), SafeCo Field for baseball fans and a killer night life.

Going on right now is a Puget Sound staple, the Seattle Seafair. Drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year this massive month long fest is home to the Chevrolet Cup power boat races (August 1st-3rd). If you don't know what a racing power boat is or "Hydroplanes", its basically a little futuristic looking boat with a helicopter jet strapped to it and sent flying across the water.

The Seafair also includes an interesting element...Pirates! Yes we all love pirates, I mean honestly who doesn't? Well maybe ninjas I suppose. But seriously the Seafair pirates are composed of 40 or more swashbuckling performers that gallivant across the grounds stirring up ruckus providing music and entertainment. There is even a Pirate ship! What more could you want!?

So if you are looking to explore the Northwest now is definitely the best time to go, especially before we get back in to the rainy season.

If you are wondering where to stay and have a budget then check out the Sorrento Hotel. This gorgeous boutique hotel is a nice step away from ordinary with luxury Mediterranean styling this early 1900's landmark is centrally located only a few blocks from downtown, Pioneer Place and a couple miles to the Pike Place Fish Market.

I would like to hear some of the less "touristy" spots Seattle has to offer, I know there is a huge underground and I am looking to head back to the Northwest soon so send me a line!

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Watch the 2008 Track and Field Finals: Eugene Oregon

nobody@vox.com(The Travel Sage) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:00:16 -0700

The closest most of us get to Olympic glory is huddled in our living room and tuning into the opening ceremonies. This season with the Olympics only being a hop, skip and a jump away in Beijing China (sarcasm) the chance of any of us getting to partake in the excitement of watching the worlds best athletes live is more than likely not going to happen. However, if you are a track and field fan then fret no more. The U.S. Olympic team trials for Track and Field are being held in Eugene Oregon at the legendary Hayward Field. Get your tickets to witness one of the most prestigious pre-Olympic events and be a part of history in the making as the roster for team USA is selected for the 2008 Olympic Games.

The Trials have just started and the last of them will be held Sunday July 6th. Trials will also be held on the the 4th of July including fireworks. If you can't make it to the trials or Track and Field just ain't your cup'O tea; the city of Eugene simultaneously has several unique and amazing events including: The Eugene Festival (concerts, arts, food, entertainment, fireworks on the 4th and more), the Oregon Bach Festival, the First Friday Art Walk, Cottage Grove Speedway Wall of Fire & Fireworks and more. Check out the calendar for more events.

If you are more the outdoorsy type then a trip to Eugene will definitely be right up your alley. You can raft the Mckenzie river, spend a day at the Wild Woods Falls and Lagoon, choose from an assortment of camping options, Oregon Coast tours, Willamette Valley Winery tours and more.

Due to the events, there are a number of hotels that are already sold out, lucky for you however, I have the inside track on hotels that should still be available. Also, since Eugene is a college town (the University of Oregon) you have the unique combination of upscale hotels and cheap stays all within a couple of mile of each other.

Where to Crash:
The Valley River Inn is a great stay. Situated on the Willamette River this hotel represent quintessential Northwestern rustic charm and elegance with towering wooden beams, warm inviting fireplaces, beautiful gardens and local artwork. If you are looking for a pleasant get away that is that is centrally located and reasonably priced then look no further.
Price: around $149-$159 per night

If you are looking for a cheap solution or a place to just call base camp then check out the University Inn and Suites or the Econo Lodge. Coming in at around $60 a night they are a decent place to rest your head and recoup for the next days adventure.

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New Mexico: Santa Fe Art, Museums, Food and Chile

nobody@vox.com(The Travel Sage) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:53:53 -0700

We just flew in to the beautiful and scenic dessert lands of New Mexico. Known for the blue and purple sunsets New Mexico provides the perfect tranquil escape for any busybody looking to get away. We rented a car and took the 25 min. trip into downtown Santa Fe and checked in to our hotel, the Inn and Spa at Loretto. This beautiful hotel put us just a block away from the historic Plaza which is home to a plethora of shopping, fine art galleries and museums including the renowned Georgia O'Keefe Museum.

We started off the excursion roaming through Santa Fe exploring the food and Art galleries the quaint downtown has to offer. If you are going to go to Santa Fe you'll find plenty of restaurants that will allow you to indulge in some authentic New Mexican food such as Sopapias but the staple Southwestern treat that you wont find anywhere else is the Chile. Whether you order tacos, enchiladas, hamburgers, or a Sprite you are going to hear the same question "Red or Green?" In order to save you the embarrassment Ill let you in on the meaning behind the "red or green?" conundrum.

The question refers to the type of Chile you want smothered over your meal. Mind you this isn't pork and bean style American "Chili" but rather sauces made with true New Mexican red and green spicy Chiles. Don't get scared off right away, typically the Chile isn't too spicy and has more of a zip than a burn and is incredibly delicious. The red Chile is more of a curry sauce typically blended with garlic and onions while the green Chile is a stew type sauce with actual green Chile strips and generally a little spicier. If you want to sound like a local when answering the Chile question just say, "Christmas!" And you will get the best of both worlds.

Personally my favorite Chile dish and one of the more...unusual, is the god sent gift of the Frito Pie. Just like the name states it is a bowl full of Frito's smothered in either red or green Chile (or Christmas as we learned earlier) topped off with refried beans, lettuce, cheddar cheese and diced onions. Probably one of the simplest and best meals I have ever had and better yet, they can be found just about anywhere including another local favorite; Blakes Lota Burger.

That's all for now but I'll keep you updated, if anyone knows of some must see spots in New Mexico or other cool places to stay let me know!

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Father's Day To Do's: Washington Brewers Festival

nobody@vox.com(The Travel Sage) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 18:28:16 -0700

So that special day is coming up where we cast aside our whining, do the dishes and take out the trash without being told and make sure that the lovable lug in our life has quick access to a fresh cold one and of course the remote. The conundrum thus far unanswered of Fathers Day is; "what the hell should we do?" Well, frett no more my esteemed colleagues as I will present to you some ideas that are sure to keep the big man happy and pre-occupied.

The 2008 Washington Brewers Festival: Hooray fer Booze!

Situated near the Lake Washington shoreline in the pristine 316 acre Saint Edward State Park the glory that is the Washington Brewers Festival boasts a ridiculously massive list of the best and most unique micro-brews know to man from the Nottie Nelly Golden Ale of the Pike Brewing Co to the Blueberry Creme Fruit Beer of the Norther Lights Brewing company. This festival is sure to satisfy any thirst and challenge the pallet of any beer connoisseur. Remember however, as desperately as the big guy may want to (myself included) I would strongly advise against trying every tempting concoction strewn about the festival grounds.

The Festival includes a wide assortment of live bands and entertainment including (on Saturday and Sunday) over 200 beers on tap, tastings, a root beer garden (for the little ones and DD), keg toss contest, craft market food and more. Truly an event for that the whole family can enjoy while allowing Pa to run around like a kid in a candy store.

When:
Friday, June 13th 5pm - 9pm -- 21+ only
Saturday, June 14th, 11am - 8pm -- All Ages
Sunday, June 15th, 11a, - 8pm -- All Ages

Where:
Saint Edward State Park
14445 Juanita Dr. NE
Kenmore, WA 98028

Tickets:
$15 in advanced
$20 at the door
$8 for the designated driver

Where to Rest Your Throbbing Head:
Residence Inn by Marriott
A solid and reasonably priced standby to comfortably suit the whole gang.

Courtyard by Marriott:
Another good choice in the Marriott family this charming hotel is priced to book and is situated only 4 miles from the festival grounds putting you out of earshot but allowing escape quick and easy.

More Places to Stay Near Saint Edward State Park:

View Larger Map

Other Ideas:

Is Dad a sports fan? Why not take him out to a ball game for the all American Dads day out!?
A bag of clubs and a sweet big boy go-cart. Spend the weekend at a golf resort or send dad out for the day of a solid uninterrupted 18 holes of pure joy and serenity. (tip) The Roosevelt Hotel in New York has an established relationship with Chelsea Piers Golf Course where you can take advantage of privileged tee times, pre-paid ball cards and use of pro-line golf equipment.
Maybe the big guy is more the outdoorsy type. Get a cabin vacation rental or pitch a tent and get your fish on!

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Good luck everybody! I hope...

nobody@vox.com(tarusexpert) — Sat, 31 May 2008 10:15:37 -0700

Good luck everybody! I hope it`ll be interesting!

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Lollapalooza 2008 Line-up and Hotels: Grant Park Chicago

nobody@vox.com(The Travel Sage) — Wed, 28 May 2008 17:14:01 -0700

So Lollapaloolza is quickly approaching and even though its still 2 months away this highly anticipated concert fest sells quick and hotels go quicker.

Starting August 1-3 in Grant Park Chicago this musical, cultural community experience is a one of a kind sensory blowing must see adventure. Grant Park takes the center stage to host this massive event and provides the perfect atmosphere for this music extravaganza.

Due to the massiveness of this event tickets go fast and rooms go faster so its best to book early. I took the privilige of checking out a few places to recommend because lets face it, you were probably going to procrastinate, not get a room and end up sleeping in the Clarence Buckingham Fountain in the middle of grant Park. So without further hubba-baloo heres some good stays.

Hotel Allegro and a special deal (I love deals, especially during popular events)!
Price: $182 per night discounted from $260 for July 31st-August 3rd (sweet)
The Allegro is located a convenient 0.8 miles from Grant Park which is perfect for concert going and not having to deal with a the parking mess. A cheap cab ride or a brisk walk (or stumble) will get you where you need to be happily and safely.

Hotel Specs:
The lobby displays theatrical influences with bursts of ruby-red, burnt-orange and forest-green hues offset by granite grays and ocean blues underfoot. A baby grand piano is positioned next to a double-sided fireplace that anchors the lobby's three-story staircase. The hotel's 312 Chicago restaurant captures Old World charm with a menu dominated by family recipes that enrich contemporary Italian flavors. Encore is a lunch venue by day, but transforms into a liquid lounge with two bars by night. Cameo serves coffee, pastries and fresh fruit. The hotel hosts complimentary wine receptions every evening. Art Deco fixtures and oversized windows add interest to the hotel's 14,000 square feet of function space. Wireless Internet access is complimentary throughout the hotel.

Guest rooms:
The 19-story Hotel Allegro Chicago offers 483 contemporary guestrooms decorated in royal blue, mocha-brown and silver-gray tones. Lights cast star-patterned shadows against sky-blue ceilings. Rooms include complimentary wireless Internet access, flat-screen televisions and MP3 adaptors. Bed design includes pillowtop mattresses draped with 300-thread count linens and white duvets. Suites boast jetted bathtubs and zebra-print bathrobes. Honor bars are fully stocked. The hotel offers yoga baskets upon request, and the Kimpton yoga channel broadcasts guided yoga sessions.

As an added little bonus, here is the 2008 line-up for you to take a gander at. And yes, its a big one!

Daft Punk - Face To Face (Live @ Lollapalooza 2007) QUALITY

Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, Nine Inch Nails, Kanye West, Wilco, The Raconteurs, Louis XIV, Love and Rockets, Gnarls Barkley, Bloc Party, The Black Keys, Broken Social Scene, Lupe Fiasco, Flogging Molly, Mark Ronson, Cat Power, The National, G. Love & Special Sauce, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Explosions in the Sky, Brand New, Gogol Bordello, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, Dierks Bentley, Okkervil River, Amadou & Mariam, Blues Traveler, John Butler Trio, Girl Talk, Your Vegas, CSS, Eli "Paperboy" Reed & the True Loves, Battles, Steel Train, Jamie Lidell, Bang Camaro, Butch Walker, The Blakes, Mates of State, Tally Hall, Spank Rock, White Lies, Brazilian Girls, Magic Wands, Chromeo, Electric Touch, Duffy, Innerpartysystem, The Kills, The Postelles, Rogue Wave, The Parlor Mob, The Go! Team, Bald Eagle, Mason Jennings, Krista, The Gutter Twins, Ha Ha Tonka, Yeasayer, Witchcraft, Grizzly Bear, We Go To 11, MGMT, Sofia Talvik ,The Weakerthans, Booka Shade, Santogold, Black Kids, Black Lips, Dr. Dog, Nicole Atkins & the Sea, The Ting Tings, Kid Sister, Office, The Cool Kids, What Made Milwaukee Famous, Does It Offend You, Yeah?, The Whigs, Manchester Orchestra, Foals, Uffie, The Octopus Project, Cadence Weapon, Ferras, De Novo Dahl, Noah and the Whale, Margot & the Nuclear So and So's, K'NAAN, Serena Ryder, Newton Faulkner

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Miami Beach Concerts: Modest Mouse at the Fillmore Miami Beach Jackie Gleason Theater

nobody@vox.com(The Travel Sage) — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:01:37 -0700

"Ah Me ee me ah MIAMI!" Ok all you travel going beach perusing concert fanatics, heres a good one. Modest Mouse will be in Miami at the wonderful and spectacular Fillmore Miami Beach Jackie Gleason Theater. I found pit tickets for 36 bucks which is not a bad deal and for Modest Mouse the pit is definitely the place to be. The concert is June 23 only a month away so for all you procrastinators (myself included) get on the ball and go have some fun.

Not a huge concert fan? Too short of notice? Well, Jerry Seinfeld will be performing at the Jackie Gleason Theater July 26. "So what's the deal with you not going?" Ok sorry, that was a poor execution of an even worse reference but nevertheless had to be done. You can also check out a full list of upcoming performances here.

So the moral of the story is; if you are looking for a cool get away with some awesome entertainment then don't delay and get yourself to one of the hottest travel destinations, Miami beach.

Now for the tricky part, where to stay? There are of course about a billion places to stay in Miami so I am going to try to find balance between the "neato and the cheapo."

First pick (the neato): "Livin' on the Ritz" The Ritz-Carlton South Beach
This immaculate get-away avg. around $350-$600 a night is set directly on the beach located in the Art Deco district in Miami Beach. The hotel is one block from the pedestrian shopping mall and Lincoln Road. Guests are within one-half mile of the famous Ocean Drive and the Miami Convention Center. The hotel also features a multi-million dollar original art collection featuring established and emerging artists at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach.

Second pick (the cheapo): Special Deal on the Haddon Hall Hotel
If you catch the deal this normally $115 a night stay will knock down to around $70 which is a darn good deal if you ask me. Also well located the Haddon Hall Hotel is located in the Art Deco District about a half-block from the beach and walking distance to all the shops, restaurants and clubs your little heart could desire.

Editor's choice (the in-betweeno): "Ta Da" The Royal Palm South Beach Resort!
Weighing in at around $171 a night (if you catch the specials) The Royal Palm is probably the way to go. This oceanfront hotel in the Art Deco District consists of two restored 1930s Art Deco buildings and two modern towers. The ocean-view Britto Restaurant, open for breakfast and lunch, prepares continental and American fare, while the Sunset Bar serves poolside cocktails and snacks. The hotel provides 6,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space. The hotel's manicured grounds include two outdoor pools, while a half-moon spa tub overlooks the ocean. The pool area features exterior fireplaces and a small shop that offers beach toys and tanning products. The beach concierge provides lounge chairs, radio headsets and facial towels. Ocean breezes cool the covered outdoor fitness facility. Other on-site recreational amenities include table tennis, an oversized chessboard and a play area. The hotel schedules children's supervised indoor crafts and outdoor activities. Pets are permitted with restrictions. The Royal Palm also occupies an ideal location for shopping and nightclubbing. Lincoln Road boutiques and nightclubs, and the shops along Espanola Way are located one block from the hotel.

Not what you're looking for? Check out some more Miami Hotels
So there you have it. And as usuall if there is anything you would like to add or bring to my attention then drop me a line!

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Orlando Vacations: International Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot

nobody@vox.com(The Travel Sage) — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:43:42 -0700

So I am continuing the search for fun and unique events across the country and soon across the world and I have always been a fan of garden exhibits. From the unparalled beauty of the Classical Chinese Gardens in Portland, Oregon to the neighborhood green thumb there isn't much else like a zen stroll through a lush garden full of vibrant colors and sweet smells.

"Most cherished in this mundane world is a place without traffic; truly in the midst of a city there can be mountain and forest."~ Wen Zhengming (1470-1559)

This time though I gotta hand it to the mecca of Disney World Epcot and their International Flower and Garden Festival. Their multitude of gardens range from the nostalgic flower sculptures of childhood heroes to the "Sculpture Garden" filled with wonderful works of art on loan from some of Florida's most prestigious collections.

A unique theme in this years festival is the practice of conservation in gardening. A very relevant theme in this time of seemingly perpetual waste and environmental doom and gloom. There are several gardens that exemplify tips to eco friendly gardening and water conservation including their "Green Garden (low input gardening)," "Lush Xeriscapes (minimizing water), " and my personal favorite the "Water Garden Wonders," a creative and beautiful water garden which uses rainwater. Pretty cool huh?

Venue: Epcot Theme Park
Date Range: 03/19/08 - 06/01/08
Schedule: Daily
Event Type: Festival- Arts Festival
Event Cost: Included with admission to Epcot

Great Deals on Great Spots
My Pick: The Skinny on the Wyndham Resort

Locale:
Orlando is sunny, tropical and perfect Resort atmosphere which is why my Orlando pick this week is the Wyndham Resort. This gorgeous 42 acre resort sits on a lush an tranquil lagoon-laced oasis a stones throw from major attractions and includes a complimentary shuttle to Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Wet 'n Wild.
Hotel Specs:
Augustines Bar and Grille serves buffet style breakfast and a la carte meals which I particularly enjoy because I can get up, eat what I want and bail to enjoy the day. Also at Gatorville, tropical bevs and unique fare is served poolside which is a nice touch, especially if you like to start early. The hotel has three gorgeous heated pools a fitness and a fitness center for you body buffs.

Guestrooms:
It's nice to have a little insight about the rooms your in so here ar the basics. These classic Florida-style guestroom's feature madras fabrics and bamboo furniture that tropical feel. They are also equipped with high speed internet access and feature several amenities including Golden door toiletries and in room massages by appointment.

If you have any other advice, tips, tricks, hotels events or travel ideas be sure to drop me a line or leave a comment and let me know!

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Have an Art-A-Fair

nobody@vox.com(The Travel Sage) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:50:29 -0700

For all you art goers, a must see event! The art-a-fair in Laguna Beach in Southern California, June 7th-August 31 brings artists from all over featuring an array of works and styles. For all the budding artists who want to participate submissions may be closed but get your work ready for the next year and be sure to submit early!

Have an Art-A-Fair
The Art-A-Fair Festival is the ultimate destination for lovers of art to visit this summer! Nestled in a colorful garden setting in romantic Laguna Canyon. the Festival is an enjoyable place to spend a summer day in the historic art community of Laguna Beach

Open seven days a week, visitors are offered the opportunity to view and acquire art directly from the artist exhibitors, finalists of a national juried competition. An exciting variety of two and three dimensional art is represented including oils, watercolors, pastels, acrylics, drawings, mixed media, photography, sculpture, jewelry glassworks, pottery, and furniture...Read More

Where to Crash:
Staying in Laguna can be a little pricey but certainly worth it with beautiful hotels such as the Casa Laguna Inn and Spa. If you're looking to stay within a budget and want to explore a little more of Southern California take a look at the surrounding cities such as Anaheim. There are some amazing and inexpensive rentals near great attractions such as Disney Land, Universal Studios and of course for you sports fans Anaheim Stadium home of the Angels. I found some great deals on a wonderful vacation rental the Hotel Pepper Tree only 16 mi. from Long Beach, 45 min to Laguna and an easy ride to San Diego, Hollywood and a plethora of amazing beaches. Situated next door to the Dan Miller Golf Course this exotic Spanish style get-away sets you in prime location to experience all Anaheim and Southern California has to offer.

If you have any suggestions please feel free to send me a message or comment to share your advice!

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Viva Las Vegas, Baby!

nobody@vox.com(Kat the Acrobat) — Fri, 02 May 2008 22:52:10 -0700

Welcome to Las Vegas, Baby!

Last Sunday, Dan, James, and I went on our first big family vacation - Las Vegas, baby! James had his first airplane flight ever - and to my delight, he ate on the way up and down, and slept the whole time in between! I guess I can't brag too much - it was only a one hour flight, after all. ;)

I'm not going to stow my luggage!

The weather in Vegas was as it should be - hot! But because it's spring, it wasn't triple digits flaming hot, so James and I were able to stroll along the strip, check the hotels, and go shopping in the new Planet Hollywood "Miracle Mile" shopping mall! Our main reason of going out to Vegas, however, was for a magic conference. While Dan spent a majority of his time at the conference, James and I did get the opportunity to hit up the strip, shop, and see a lot of the sights. Ah, such is the life of Dan Chan Magic Man and Kat the Acrobat!

Caesar's Palace Shopping Mall is Aight

I decided that of the hotels, the Bellagio is the most baby-friendly...not only are a lot of the artwork on the ceiling (thus allowing James to look at something), but it's also bright and cheerful! The exhibit we saw was a flower and butterfly exhibit. James also was enamored with the Bellagio fountains...he watched them 3 times straight and was happily squealing in delight each time! We even got the chance to see the fountains at night once, so he saw the fountain literally in a different light!

At the Conservatory with Mom

The Bellagio Fountains are Amazing!

While we didn't get to stay at the Bellagio, we did get to stay at the Orleans. It's not too far from the strip and there is a shuttle bus that goes to and from the strip every 15 minutes. James especially liked the fact that he not only got to swim in the bathtub everyday, but he also got his very own king-sized bed to sleep on for three nights! Talk about luxury!

This is the Good Life, babe

And all the comforts of home!

Our trip was a lot of fun - we're hoping to take another out of state trip (hopefully further away from California!) soon!

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