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Bites of the Big Apple
To celebrate its birthday, the iconic art deco high rise is offering a deal to its esteemed peers: anyone over 80 can book a room for $80 a night up until December 26, 2010. Though this is hardly a throwback to the prices of yore, $80 is a steal considering the hotel has recently gone through a $70 million renovation and refurbishment. Connected codgers will rejoice in the fact that the rate includes free WiFi, while active seniors might choose to partake of the complimentary access to the fitness center. For more info, visit www.newyorkerhotel.com or call 1-800-764-4680.
For more information, visit www.nycgo.com.
How 'Bout a Belly Buster Tonight?
By Reb Stevenson
You can find a slab of fatty beef snuggled between two half moons of nutritionally bankrupt white bread pretty much anywhere in America. These days, the ultimate reward for burger-seeking tourists is to stumble upon something out of the ordinary. More often than not, that also happens to be something that will send them directly to hospital. Here are a few possibilities: Read More...
Heating up in Icy Places
Sometimes, you just need to kick back and chill out in order for that romantic spark to ignite. Besides, there’s nothing quite like the threat of frostbite to send you running into your honey’s arms for a good, old fashioned body heat exchange session.
Make one of these icy places your next hot destination:
Read More...
New Video: Sleeping Around in The Shining
Corresponding story runs in The Star on February 27.
And while we’re at it, here’s a sneak peak from an upcoming video/column on The Jane, an awesome and affordable hotel in NYC!
Sleeping Around: Arizona
My attitude toward them was nothing short of disdainful. And given that their current ambassador is a four-eyed doofus named Bubbles, can you really blame me?
Then, one dark Arizona night, I saw the light. It was neon light, and it illuminated the words “The Shady Dell.”
A collection of ten vintage trailers dating from 1949 to 1959, the place is a glorious celebration of mid-century modernism and a throwback to golden age of the tow-your-own hotel-room movement.
My lodging for the evening was a 1959 Boles Aero, the park’s newest addition. Upon entering, I discovered that its shiny metallic exterior was really just a big old time capsule.
Read More...
Take it Home...Colorado
Where is it? Fort Collins, Colorado
Describe it. Finding a brewery to tour isn’t tough. Finding one that’s as inspiring as The New Belgium Brewing Company is nearly impossible. Yeah, they’ve got some more-than-drinkable Belgian-style beer (and you’ll sample multiple glasses of it along the way), but what’s really intoxicating is the fun, progressive vibe of the company itself. They’re so big on both sustainability and treating their staff right that they award employees a cruiser bike after their first year. They also sponsor a major bike festival and have a beer called “Fat Tire.” The staff are clearly stoked on the fun factor. Maybe it’s because they get to use a spiral slide instead of a staircase. You’ll be grinning, too, when you get to try it at the end of the tour.
How much? $5 US in the brewery gift shop. For more information visit www.newbelgium.com
FROM MY FOOD AND SOUVENIR COLUMN IN
So Beautiful It Gives Me Shivers
Calling this music “cool” would be a massive understatement. The tunes emanating from the new Crystal Grotto at Colorado’s Beaver Creek Resort are downright frozen. From now until April 4, the mid—mountain ice cave-cum-concert hall will feature chilling tunes played on whimsical hand-carved acoustic ice instruments, including a violin, cello, viola, guitar, fretless bass, xylophone, rolandophone, mandolin, banjo and drums.
Tickets are $10 US per person, and can be purchased on site. For more information, visit www.beavercreek.com
Denver Souvenir Shopping's a Snap!
Personally, I’d rather pick up functional souvenirs. Topping the list: CLOTHING.
In Denver this week, I scored this sweet cowgirl shirt at Rockmount Ranch Wear. Not only is it country chic, but it’s got authenticity to boot: this is the very store where the snap-up Western Shirt was invented in the ’40s. Yee Haw!
They’ve got loads of cute, contoured girly shirts as well as scads of dude wear. And even if you don’t get a kick out of Western wear, get some for your lover’s sake. They’ll appreciate the convenience of the snaps, if ya know what I mean.
Have you ever come home with an awesome piece of souvenir clothing? What was it?
Hopping Around Fort Collins
After two nights in room 217 at The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park (The Stephen King Suite), I was very pleased to slip between the sheets at the un-haunted Armstrong Hotel in Fort Collins, Colorado. I’m loving the art deco theme (see their website, I’m a big fan of the design) and fresh colours that liven up this boutique property in the heart of the old town!
Postcards from Creepsville
Shot today at The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, where I am working on my 5th Sleeping Around column. Want to play with me?
A Rocky Start to the Day
The Star's Best in Travel '09
The Toronto Star recently asked me to submit my “Best Travel Experience of 2009.” Read my pick HERE. But, really, this was only one of many amazing adventures that I had the great fortune to experience last year. Stay tuned for my 2009 travel awards (no actual statues awarded), coming to this blog within the next couple of days!
Take it Home...Arizona
Where is it? Arizona
Describe it. You’re not getting a cactus through airport security. You’re just not. And even if you do, the other passengers will think you're a prick as you drag it down the aisle. However, nobody can deny that the bristly plants are part of Arizona’s charm. For a more manageable memory, pop in to Armadilla Wax Works and scoop up one of these kitschy but cute cactus candles that smell like “desert rain.” A far cry from dollar store dreck, Armadilla has been making these candles by hand for over 25 years and the store is still owner-operated. Over 40 delicious scents reside at the wax emporium.
How much? $11.95 US at the stores in Prescott (103 N. Cortez Street) and Flagstaff (21 E. Aspen Avenue). Also available online at www.candlefactorystore.com.
FROM MY FOOD AND SOUVENIR COLUMN IN
The Big Picture: Wigwam Motel
Screw political correctness: on my recent solo road trip through Arizona (story coming soon to The Toronto Star), one of the highlights was The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, AZ.
The adorable concrete and steel tents, built in 1950 on a stretch of old Route 66, rent for under $60 US per night. Interiors feature the original wood furnishings and a surprisingly understated native theme. Outside, classic cars evoke the days of cowboys n’ Indians on TV and wholesome family vacations.
www.galerie-kokopelli.com/wigwam
Sleeping Around #2: Arizona
Corresponding story runs in The Star on November 28.
Sleeping Around #1: Berlin is HERE.
Sneak Peek: Sleeping Around #2
Let’s just say that the only trash I found in this trailer park was firmly nestled in the dumpster.
Coming to The Toronto Star in November 2009. Meanwhile, you can read Sleeping Around 1: Berlin HERE.
Cougar Cruisin'
Despite the emphasis on young men/older women, Rich Gosse, chairman of The Society of Single Professionals, says nobody will be grilled about their age upon registration.
“If a 60-year-old man wants to date 70 or 80 year-old women, he’s welcome to come,” he laughs.
The guest of honour aboard the cruise will be Miss Cougar America (apparently Demi Moore was busy).
The trip costs from $125 US per person (double occupancy). For more information visit www.singlestravelcompany.com or call 1-888-286-8687.
Photo of the Day: Sunset Wake
Normally, I turn my nose up at sunset pictures (too typical, bad eye-to-camera translation), but I couldn’t resist this dramatic sunset scene last month when I was travelling on The Clipper ferry between Victoria, B.C., Canada and Seattle,Washington, USA. The air was thick with grey storm clouds but somehow the sun managed to peek out before retiring into the horizon.
Read More...Wild, wild West
Former boom town is a rootin' tootin' hoot with a touch of tacky and a bonanza of colourful characters
BY REB STEVENSON
VIRGINIA CITY, NEVADA–The Ponderosa Mine is already feeling a bit cramped.
Mainly because ... um, it's a mine. And those don't come in any size but extra small. To boot, a dozen other people are crammed in it.
Then, without warning, guide Mark Lonero blows out the only candle.
"Now that is total darkness," he declares.
I want to squeal and cling to the male next to me. Mind you, he's 7-years-old and that might set off the world's next mine disaster.
It's these very blips of gritty realism that elevate Northern Nevada's Virginia City from a tacky Old West anachronism to an absolute gem of a place – a lost world in which steam locomotives, loveable town whores and dishonest-to-goodness saloons are part of everyday life.
Cruise Blues
Being of the somewhat shallow opinion that taking a ride on any unusual type of transportation automatically makes an attraction worthwhile, a couple of weeks ago I eagerly hopped aboard The Tahoe Queen paddlewheeler for a 2.5 hour cruise.
Meet a Local: Virginia City
Name: Jim Caravello (a.k.a. Diamond Jim)
Location: Virginia City, Nevada
Quote: “I’ve always been into the old west, so when I moved up here from California I thought ‘I’ve gotta dress like I’m in Virginia City.’ I dress like this when even when I’m not working at the visitors centre. I have several costumes, including a miner, a cowboy and the town drunk. This one is called The Gambler.”
Three Things You Can Bet on in Reno
1. The incessant bleepy-bloops of the slots.
2. The depressed blobs in Hawaiian shirts who play them.
3. The surreal, labyrinthine layout that has you going in circles, desperately trying to catch a glimpse of daylight so you can identify an exit!
Therefore, I set out to find a few things in Reno, Nevada, that are authentic, fun and necessitate going outdoors. Here are the spoils:
Lured by a sign promising a $1.99 breakfast, I wandered into the back of The Nugget Casino only to find what just might be the most authentic and enjoyable eatery in Reno. The staff and customers at this 66-year-old institution were chatty and welcoming. And if you know what you’re doing, you’ll order the Awful Awful Burger (“‘cause it’s awful big and awful good”), a beef monstrosity set atop a pound of fries for $6.77. The most shocking bit: everybody was ordering it for breakfast!!!!
Because I’m of the female persuasion, I react to a “car museum” the way a male would to a “china doll emporium.” However, Reno’s National Automobile Museum is surprisingly girl-friendly. Cars from as early as 1892 are parked along cool streetscapes, there are costume displays to complement the wheels, and (best part) you can even play dress up.
BASQUE DINING
Northern Nevada had a major influx of Basque immigrants last century, and Reno is home to two unique restaurants. I popped my head into the Santa Fe, which has been serving “family-style” meals since 1949. What that means is that you plunk yourself down
Owner Philippe Zubillaga, a congenial and unpretentious chap, told me: “everywhere you go now, there’s a television and a sports bar atmosphere. This forces everyone’s hand because you have to talk to your neighbour. I appreciate that it can still happen.”
A full dinner consisting of regional cuisine like oxtails, Lomo Pork, beans, fries, salad, bread, table wine and dessert costs $19.
Escape From L.A.
By Reb Stevenson
LOS ANGELES–Los Angeles is like its own surreal theme park.
There's valet parking at the iHop. Surgical procedures are advertised as casually as haircuts. Pedestrian? What's that? Is it a new SUV model? It's amusing, there's no doubt about it. But if you're not the type who shoots Botox for breakfast, all of the above can leave you spinning.
Good news: the escape route to nature is closer than you think. The next time you're in L.A. and gasping for air, leave the smoggy circus behind for the day and start rolling up the coast.
Read on HERE...
Testosteroamin'
You know The Girlfriend Getaway, it goes something like this: shopping, pedicures, male bashing, tapas.
Yet we rarely hear about the masculine equivalent unless it’s a beer-fuelled pilgrimage to a sporting event. And while awakening to find a reeking buddy spooning you in a Motel 6 queen bed might be construed as “bonding,” there are classier routes to solidifying friendships between dudes.
Call it testosteroaming – the art of vacationing with platonic male friends.
Hollywood Landing
While in Los Angeles, I thought I’d stroll from my base in West Hollywood up to to Hollywood proper.
First of all, let it be noted that the word “pedestrian” is more likely to be a new model of SUV than a term applied to human beings in motion.
Yeah...only idiots still use feet. I discovered that on my two hour pilgrimage (objects on map are further than they appear) across bumpy, barren sidewalks, encountering only a terrifying trio of Chihuahuas.
Once I got up to Hollywood Boulevard, however, hordes of tourists were swarming, spending, shutterbugging - the usual. And, relieved to be back with the pack, I joined them.
Here are some highlights:
Upon Oscar Eve, a maintenance woman whispers to her colleague: "You can't mention Michaelangelo's David around him. He goes berserk with jealousy."
Jack Nicholson, you’ve still got it, you ladies’ man.
This “Venkman” novelty T-shirt is as hideous as Bill Murray’s pockmarks. But, like Murray himself, somehow it manages to win my affection anyway.
Marilyn Monroe’s star: practically a doormat for a crappy McDonald’s. How’s that for a combo?
L.A. Vie en Rose
But last week, two hours after landing at LAX, I was sporting one helluva goofy grin as I was shuttled around Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica and Venice in the sidecar of a 1970s-era replica Vespa.
What an introduction to a (surprisingly) awesome city! The salt air refreshed my ocean-starved lungs as we passed beaches, canals and funky little cabins ($1895/month rent=eek!).
A cool new offering from Route 66 Modern Classics in Marina Del Rey, owner Glenn Bartels says you won’t see another sidecar on the streets of Angeltown. And the oddity factor is palpable: how strange to be the tourist but have locals snapping photos, waving and yelling things like “lookin’ good!”
So, what can I say? So far L.A. has been pretty saweeeeet!
Hobnobbing with Guidebook Gods
Who gives a darn about Brangelina when you’ve got Rick Steves and the Frommers in the house?
Here is a brief summary of what I jotted down in my notepad.
RICK STEVES
Steves is honest, refreshing and blunt in a trade that’s full of false advertising and sneaky cash-grabs by tour guides. How can you learn more about Rick?
- subscribe to his blog
- download his podcast
- watch his new documentary on travelling in Iran
- buy his book “Travel as a Political Act,” which comes out next month
www.ricksteves.com
THE FROMMERS
Their picks for 2009:
-Mexico * Canada * Panama * The Dominican Republic * Argentina * Las Vegas * Hawaii * Iceland * India * Nicaragua * Australia * China * South Africa * Thailand * Vietnam* Sicily -
Heating Up in Old San Juan
Want more Puerto Rico?
See my other videos:
HANGIN’ TWO
TASTING TERMITES
Read the stories:
A SPICY SALSA OF CULTURE
GLO - KAYAKING
THE GALLERY INN
Today's Porters of Call
I am also a big fan of the stylish retro outfits worn by Porter’s flight crew. I’m not quite sure why this Porter poster girl is standing by CANDLES of all things (fire plus airplanes...uhhh?). Although I suppose her garb does date back to the good ole days of air travel when passengers could puff away on cigarettes.
Speaking of pill box hats, I was greeted by another one when I checked into The Jane Hotel in New York’s West Village.
I do love a thematic hotel, and The Jane - which unveiled the first batch of its renovated rooms last summer - is a delightful combination of novelty and practicality. Built in 1908 by architect William A. Boring (go on, laugh), The Jane is taking inspiration from its own origins as a hotel for sailors. The rooms are tiny, like cabins on a ship, and have a pretty creepy vibe to them. Is that “My Heart Will Go On” playing in my mental jukebox?
The only way I could even photograph the coffin-sized room was via the mirror.
You might think I’m just making a cheap link between an Edwardian nautical hotel and that famous sinking...and trust me, I would make a cheap link...but in this case there a real connection: the survivors of The Titanic stayed here in 1912 until the American inquiry into the sinking was wrapped up.
A Saintly Souvenir
Where is it? Puerto Rico
Describe it? An old Catholic tradition in Puerto Rico, these handmade, painted wooden saints came back into vogue in the 1960’s as a secular collectible. Due to the importance of Three Kings’ Day (Jan. 6), the smart choice for an authentic souvenir is the three wise men.
How much? It varies depending on craftsmanship, but we got this one for $28US at a shop in Old San Juan.
FROM MY BIWEEKLY FOOD AND SOUVENIR COLUMN IN
This airport ROCKS!
I Spy Pie
Hosted by The Historic Inns of Rockland, the event consists of scurrying around this freezing, coastal town, and trying to consume as many pies as possible within the 3-hour time frame. Some of the pie-points are restaurants, but several are super cute old inns such as The Berry Manor Inn, a grape-hued Victorian B&B, and Captain Lindsey House, which features a man-pleasing nautical theme.
However, the highlight of the weekend was a one-on-one pie making lesson with Janet LaPosta, a certified “Pie Mom” at The Berry Manor Inn. Janet was adorable - even during a flour fight with yours truly - and is happy to share her pie skills with the world! Click “read more” for Janet’s Raspberry Pie Recipe.
Read More...
Most. Insane. Menu. Ever.
Where: Rockland, Maine, USA
What: The anti-Denny’s menu. Long, text-heavy, and just plain nuts. Should not be approached without a puffy armchair and reading glasses. Will take at least an hour to decipher, at which time you’ll be full of bread anyway .
Menu Highlights: A salad with fries in it. “Aggablagga” (owner blanked when it came to a name). Meatloaf, curry and everything in between. In other words, literally everything.
www.cafemiranda.com
Glo-Kayaking
By Reb Stevenson
FAJARDO, PUERTO RICO–Kayaking in the pitch black seems counterintuitive – idiotic, even.
Apart from the weak green strobe effect coming from the safety lights on our lifejackets, we are as blind as the bats that occasionally dart overhead.
And we keep crashing into the mangroves.
A group of 20, we glide in single file down the narrow canal.
READ MORE HERE
Tasting Termites
On a serious note, thanks to everyone who has been watching, even if you’ve been watching through wincing eyes.
If you’ve missed something, it’s all available on my YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/rebstevenson. Please subscribe, rate and comment if you can.
Old San Juan: A Spicy Salsa of Culture
By Reb Stevenson
OLD SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - Carlos Sanchez brags that he can “conquer” me with salsa.
The 21-year-old has all the sex appeal of a kid brother. But there he stands outside Nuyorican Café, smoking a cigarette and eyeing me up with smug confidence.
“If you really want a girl, if you dance salsa, you can get her,” he insists.
“Ok. Show me,” I prompt, doubtful.
Read More...