Monday, June 6, 2011

White Water Rafting

The sun in shining and the water is getting warm. There's no better time than now to hit the rapids. Recently I got the chance to do just that at Ohiopyle State Park in western Pennsylvania, on the Youghiogheny River.  
White Water Adventurers was the company we chose to rage the rapids with and we definitely made the right choice. They offer guided rafting trips from novice to expert, ranging in Class I-IV rafting. We chose to do the Lower Yough since none of us had any rafting experience. The trip lasts from 3.5 - 5 hours, goes 7 miles down river and includes a lunch. 
We went mid May and with all of the rain the area had received the water was up from a normal 3 feet to 9ft. Because of that, the trip ended up lasting about 2 hours and bumped the trip from a Class 3 ride to a Class 4. The area that's normally reserved for lunch was flooded so they provided the meal before setting off down river. 
We had an amazing time and all of us said we'd do it again. The people at White Water Adventurers were knowledgeable, safety conscious, experienced and most of all fun! Our raft guide Andy, definitely saved us a time or two and made the trip even more enjoyable than we imagined. 

I've been telling everyone how great the experience was and recommending WWA. Now we're just trying to figure out dates for our next trip down the river. Next time... the Upper Yough!

All of the raging the rapids photos were taken by White Water Adventurers. Not only do they give you first class service, they also document your trip for you! 

To book a trip or to get more information check out their site at www.wwaraft.com and tell them I sent you! 

Monday, May 9, 2011

The La Brea Tar Pits

 The La Brea Tar Pits located in Los Angeles, California is home to the world famous Page Museum. The famous Page Museum features the largest and most diverse collection of extinct Ice Age plants and animals in the known world. 
The Museum also features a viewing room where visitors can watch bones being cleaned and repaired of animals that roamed the Los Angeles ares 10-40,000 years ago during the Ice Age. Once outside of the facility patrons are free to observe the open tar pits and enjoy the flowers and plants inside the compound. 
The Tar Pits are open and free to the public. 
The Museum is open 9:30 a.m- 5:00 p.m. daily.
Admission prices range anywhere from $2.00-7.00

The Tar Pits and Museum can be found at 5801 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

Monday, April 18, 2011

Amoeba Music

Amoeba Music is the worlds largest independent records store, located in California with three separate locations in Hollywood, Berkley and San Francisco. 
Amoeba Music has been supplying the music needs of everyone since 1990. Offering everything from the current top 40 to underground, this is a music lovers dream. Cd's, vinyl, hard to find, you name it, and Amoeba's got it. Used, New or Collectible. 
Apart from music they also offer dvds, posters and some clothing. They also have frequent performances on site by artists. 

They buy and sell, so if you've got something you're thinking of getting rid of stop in at Amoeba, you might just be able to turn your cast offs into cold hard cash. 

The Hollywood location is located at 6400 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Open: Monday- Thursday 10:30a.m-11:00p.m. 
Sunday 11:00a.m-9:00p.m.

For more information and to check out their other locations visit Amoeba.com

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, located in Orlando, Florida inside of Islands of Adventure-Universal Studios is a must see! 
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter first opened in the summer of 2010 and has since been flooded with Harry Potter fans day and night. 
When I first started planning my trip to Orlando and the Wizarding World, I was confused on which park that I needed to purchase admittance tickets. To be able to drink butter beer, pumpkin juice and climb the inside of the Hogwarts Castle tickets must be purchased to Universal Studio's Islands of Adventure. Harry Potter is a section of that park and includes everything a Harry Potter fan can love. 
At the Wizarding World you can shop for robes, joke toys, candy and even be matched up with a wand that will choose you. Once you've shopped and tried some butter beer, you can head over to the Hogwarts Castle for an interactive ride that leads you through the castle. 

For anyone who's a Harry Potter fan, visiting the theme park is a definite must. 

The park is open daily and prices vary. 

Friday, March 25, 2011

Swingers

One of the best meals in the Los Angeles area can be found at Swingers.
Photo Credit: swingersdiner.com

Swingers diner offers patrons a fun, kitschy dining environment while serving up scrumptious food. Their menu which boils over with options features everything from breakfast to dinner to deserts and spirits. They also offer many organic choices.
the swingers menu

On one of my visits to Swingers, I tried their Organic Eggs breakfast platter which features 3 eggs any style, choice of bacon or sausage served with breakfast potatoes and toast. It was also reasonably priced at 7.25 $

Swingers is Open Daily from 6:30a.m-4:00a.m.
Located at 8020 Beverly Blvd. for other locations check their website 

So the next time you're in Los Angeles and Santa Monica stop by Swingers... trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Monday, March 21, 2011

The Heartbreak Hotel

Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel located in Memphis, Tennessee is a one of a kind boutique hotel that takes a page out of the King's unique style book for their decor. 
The Heartbreak Hotel is an Elvis lover's dream offering a heart shaped pool, themed suites such as a Burning Love, Gold and Platinum, Graceland and Hollywood, each offering unique decor and stay. They also offer a Jungle Room Lounge and a 24/7 Elvis movie channel. If that isn't enough, they also have an onsite gift shop and are within walking distance to Graceland. 
In addition to their unique decor and theme, they also offer free parking, a free continental breakfast, airport shuttle service, wireless internet and free local calls. 

For reservations you can visit Elvis.com or from within the U.S. call toll free (877) 777-0606. 

Monday, March 14, 2011

Stax Museum


The Stax Museum of American Soul, located in Memphis, Tennessee at the original site of Stax Records takes patrons through the history of Stax Records. 

Stax Records began in 1959 and launched the careers or unknown artist into superstars and later into icons. A few of their recording artists included Isaac Hayes, Booker T & the MG's, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin and many more. 
The museum shares the history of Stax through films, artifacts and memorabilia. Museum patrons also walk in the footsteps of where the music was recorded and can view instruments used in the recordings of legendary songs. 
Stax Museum of American Soul is open April-October Monday-Saturday 10:00a.m-5:00p.m. and Sunday 1:00p.m-5:00p.m. November-March Closed Mondays, Tuesday-Saturday 10:00a.m-5:00p.m. and Sunday 1:00p.m-5:00p.m.

General Admission is $12.00 for adults
Discounts vary depending on age and group size
Check their website or inquire at the ticket desk for prices

Monday, March 7, 2011

The Albuquerque Zoo


The ABQ BioPark Zoo located in Albuquerque, New Mexico is home to over 250 exotic and native animals. Founded on 64 acres located beside the Rio Grande, you'll get a chance to see hippos, elephants, lions and many more. They also have a rare bald eagle on site. 

While visiting the Zoo patrons can expect to walk up to almost 3 miles viewing animals and exotic/native birds. At certain times of the day, camel rides are available. 

The ABQ BioPark Zoo is open daily from 9:00a.m.- 5:00p.m. Closing hours due vary depending on the season. Each adult ticket cost 7.00$ but vary depending on package deals and age. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth or online. 

Monday, February 7, 2011

Tater Reds

Tater Reds located on the most famous street in Memphis, Tennessee on Beale.
Opening at noon everday and closing when they've had enough, Tater Reds offers shoppers an eclectic mix of products.

If you're looking for MoJo or Voodoo products they've got plenty! Tater Red's prides itself on keeping products in stock ranging from soothing oils, candles to fight off evil spirts or bring good luck to yourself. Need something stronger? Well they've got voodoo dolls too! The store also carries clothing, celebrity posters, signs and jewelry.
Whether you're new to the area or just passing by a stop in Tater Reds is a must!

153 Beale Street
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
(901)578-7234
Tell them I sent you!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Planet Hollywood Orlando

Planet Hollywood Restaurants opened their doors to the public in 1992. Showcasing movie memorabilia from such films as The Terminator, Grease, Beverly Hills Cop, Speed and many more. Diners can experience a piece of Hollywood up close and personal while enjoying a meal. 
Planet Hollywood Orlando is located in Downtown Disney on Lake Buena Vista Drive and is open from 11:00a.m. - 1:00a.m daily. The bar area is open till 2:00 a.m. Most meals are reasonably priced and is a family friendly location.

The ceiling of PH Orlando is full of snap shots from movies past and present. Video clips and music videos used in films provide the background music to diners. 

Not only does Planet Hollywood have large items on display such as the bicycle from the film, The Truman Show. It also showcases smaller items like a dagger from the film, City Slickers. 
The next time you're in Orlando stop by the Planet Hollywood restaurant for an entertaining meal. If you can't get to Orlando, check out the Planet Hollywood website for the location nearest to you. 

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Albuquerque Aquarium

The ABQ BioPark Aquarium located in Albuquerque, New Mexico features a 285,000 gallon ocean tank, sea turtles, eels and  deep and open ocean species. 

The Aquarium is open daily from 9:00am-5:00pm, however, hours due vary upon the season. 

The Aquarium is also very reasonable priced. An adult ticket is $7.00. Depending on combo park packages and discount offers the price can be even cheaper. 

One of their sea turtles swimming in the 285,000 gallon tank.
 
One of their many sea reptiles.

If you're visiting New Mexico and in Albuquerque the Bio Park is a great deal for families and individuals. It's also a great way to beat the heat in the summer seeing as how it's indoors. 

Monday, January 10, 2011

Tips to Survive Airport Security

Embarking on a relaxing vacation often means going through one last obstacle course of stress...
Airport Security
Once getting checked in with the airline, it's off to the security screening checkpoint. If you're prepared and ready then breezing through, stress free shouldn't be a problem. Here's a few tips that greatly increase your chances of having a stress free journey through security. 

1. Liquids out! They say that every airport follows the same guidelines but just to be on the safe side take all of the liquids, creams, gels, pastes and aerosols out of your bags. Currently, passengers are allowed to carry any of these thru as long as they are under 3.4 ounces/100ml. 

Keep them in a plastic zip lock bag and located in one of the outside pockets of your bag. That why you can unzip your bag and easily retrieve them. Once on the other side of security you can place them anywhere in your bag. 

2. Electronics! Large electronics such as a laptops, breathing machines and large gaming systems such as an xbox or wii need to be removed from bags and placed separately in a bin. Smaller items such as reading devices, hand held games and cellphones can be left inside bags. One thing they don't want out is the cords, so neatly packing them separate from electronics will hurry up the process.
 
So case in point, leaving only the laptop in your sleeves without the cords will allow it to be placed in a bin, without the sleeve/protective gear needing to be removed. 

3. Garments. Bulky clothing such as scarves, jackets, hats and bulky sweaters need to be taken off (if comfortable) and placed in bins as well. If it's cold out, think about removing your scarf or hat once you've warmed up while checking in. That way you won't be standing at security trying to juggle your belongings and bulky clothing items. 

4. Shoes. Unless you're working for the airlines or at the airport then your shoes must be removed. Special cases do exists for people who are unable to remove their shoes but if you can physically remove your shoes then be prepared to send them through the x-ray. 

Wear clean socks or bring a pair that you can put on (if barefoot inside your shoes) because most airports do not clean their floors until the middle of the night. 

Following these tips can often help for a more speedy process through airport security and will ensure you getting to your destination on time!