eNewsHound » Travel

Hana is the Best Inexpensive Sushi in Seattle

Tracy — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:10:00 +0000

If you’re on a tight budget when visiting Seattle and you love sushi, then you need to check out ‘Hana Japanese Sushi Restaurant’, located at 219 Broadway E. You may not be impressed with Hana’s d ©cor but for the best inexpensive sushi in town, Hana’s your place.

Hana is not only inexpensive, it’s trustworthy and bountiful. The bento medleys provide a huge assortment of fresh, colorful and nutritious dishes. Hana continues to be a favorite among locals who know a good thing when they experience it and a ‘must-return’ to restaurant for out-of-town visitors staying at a nearby inexpensive Seattle hotel .

Hana Bento, will only cost you $12.25 and it’s build around a centerpiece of sushi, chilled and mellow salmon and tuna, plus a perennially unnecessary California roll; a small, artful piece of salmon teriyaki provides a nice accompaniment, alongside the predictable and yet pleasing tempura-battered pork, shrimp and oysters, then a dainty pile of cucumbers provides a wonderful taste from the world of plants, which is sometimes under appreciated. To top off the bento dish, a huge bowl of miso soup and a huge bowl of steamed rice border this grand menu selection. If you order the Sister Sashimi Bento, for only a dollar more, you’ll get yellow tail tuna, octopus sashimi, salmon, copious chicken teriyaki and prawn and vegetable tempura.

Hana has maintained their authenticity and atmosphere through all the changes and growth Seattle has experienced these last few decades. When you stop by, you’ll be eating with all the regulars that have been coming to Hana’s for years; you’ll be in very good company!

Hana is the Best Inexpensive Sushi in Seattle is a post from: eNewsHound

Summer Populations in Phoenix

Tracy — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:10:00 +0000

Phoenix, Arizona is an incredibly interesting and diverse city. Not only is it the state capital, it is also one of the largest cities in the country. And the main institution of higher education, Arizona State University , is the largest school in the country, when considered with all of its campus. Meanwhile, Phoenix is different from all other major cities and urban centers in the country. One of the noticeable aspects is that it is one of the few cities that shows a significant drop in population during the summer. And while Phoenix enjoys a strong tourist population and there are larger numbers of vacationers in any of the luxury hotels Phoenix , they do not balance the population loss that occurs.

It’s important to keep in mind that Phoenix is located in the Sonora Desert and it gets hot there, very hot. And it stays hot for almost half of the year. There is a large percentage of the population that lives in Phoenix during the cooler half, which is typically November through April. And all of those people pack up and leave the city when it starts to get warm. This actually benefits the summer tourist population, who typically don’t have to deal with extremely large crowds, horrible traffic and other population oriented factors.

Summer Populations in Phoenix is a post from: eNewsHound

Day Adventures on Kailua

Tracy — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:10:00 +0000

When you come to a great Hawaiian vacation spot you’re going to find lots of fun things to do. Many people start out their vacation with a drink in their hand, sleeping on the beach in the warm sun. After a couple of days regaining energy from a stressful life they start to get more energized to see the local sights.

One of the first things to do is to put on a snorkel, mask and flippers and dive into the underwater world. If you have time to get a diver’s license than go for it. Spending time several feet under water is like being on a whole other planet. You become quite the curious visitor in a totally different world. You are going to find what you need to snorkel or dive at Aaron’s Dive Shop . They even offer up some divers courses that you could take. You don’t have to be certified to dive but you will want to learn some safety skills before heading out into the water with a tank on. The staff here can get you on your way.

Speaking of learning something new. How about getting into town and heading over to the Island Glassworks . You have seen the amazing vases and other artifacts that are made out of blown glass and this studio offers up some classes. It could be a great opportunity to see if you have found another passion in life. There are always some great works of glass art for sale and if you have the opportunity to make a real masterpiece they will ship it home for you.

Take a spin on the boardwalk with a bicycle rental. This is always a fun way to get around a new place. The Bike Shop has some great equipment and lots of maps to navigate the area. The staff are all experienced bicycle racers and know the area well. They can get you sized with the right bike and headed in the best riding area for your experience. All you need now is a ride from one of the hotels kailua is known for and enjoy something new.

Day Adventures on Kailua is a post from: eNewsHound

Some of Washington DC’s night life

Tracy — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 20:10:00 +0000

Many people find the most comfortable place to stay is at boutique hotel. Washington, USA has a wide variety of these scattered throughout the city with a variety of themes to fit the flavor of your visit to our nation’s capital. Some, though not all, of these hotels even contain their own hot night clubs.

When exploring the night spots in a new city keep in mind that the hottest places to go usually have a line and no guarantee you’ll make it through the door so if it’s a chilly night bring your coat and use the coat check, you don’t want to look silly in a mini skirt shivering in the cold. DC even offers some all ages clubs though keep in mind if you’re in the city and let your teen go out clubbing that there is a Curfew and in the case of the Black Cat club patrons 17 years-old or younger must be out of the club by 11:00pm on week nights and at 12:00am on Friday or Saturday, unless accompanied by a parent. It’s a live music venue so be sure to check who’s playing when you make your travel plans

Fur is another wonderful club lighting up the Washington DC night. this club has multiple levels and provides a little something for everyone. Fur has a cozy lounge for those who aren’t as keen on the pulsating music and crush of bodies on the dance floor and don’t want to have to talk over the music. There is also a non-smoking balcony available for those seeking fresh air and if you have special plans, or are setting up a party, Fur offers private rooms for rent complete with a dedicated cocktail waitress.

These are just a sample of what you can find to occupy your time after the sun goes down on capital hill. If you’re not one to take a taxi or rent a car,or you plan to party hard enough not driving is wise, you should look at the areas with the clubs you most want to indulge and book a room walking distance from them.

Some of Washington DC’s night life is a post from: eNewsHound

Dolphin Tours in Key West

Tracy — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:10:00 +0000

Key West, Florida is one of the top vacation destinations in this country. People of all ages and from all walks of life enjoy visiting this incredible city and it is also one of the standard spring break destinations. There are so many beach and water oriented activities that you can spend your entire vacation outside and always be doing something new. There are also some fabulous cultural attractions that may draw you in for a couple of hours during the day or evening. The bulk of Key West’s economy is based on tourism and for this reason the city is set up to best accommodate guests. In addition, a large amount of the area businesses were established simply for the fun and enjoyment of tourists. This and the beautiful geography in and around the city make your choice to stay in a luxury hotel Key West a win, win situation.

One of the great things to do while you’re in Key West is to take one of the city or water exploration tours. There are more than one available and some are focused more on the scenic elements and beautiful views available, while others emphasize various ecological elements. There are speed boat tours and party cruise adventures, among an assortment of other options. One of the favorite tours is the Dolphin Eco Tours, which allow people to watch and enjoy the behaviors of the popular bottle nose dolphin in their natural surroundings. These amazing mammals are loved by children and adults of ages and seeing them in person is an amazing experience and is frequently life changing. It is certainly something you will never forget.

There are two types of dolphin tours available and one includes guided interaction with them with a trained professional. This is available for the entire family and group packages are an option. The other type of tour is the Wild Dolphin Encounter and it explores the dolphins in their natural surroundings and behaving how they would if no one were around to watch. Of course dolphins seem to have a natural connection to humans and will sometimes play with and follow boats. The dolphin tours in Key West provide a once in a lifetime experience and are a favorite attraction for many tourists.

Dolphin Tours in Key West is a post from: eNewsHound

SMoCA in Scottsdale

Tracy — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:10:00 +0000

For world travelers, Scottsdale, Arizona has a particularly potent reputation for attracting visitors who are looking to experience the finer things in life. A suburb of Phoenix that has always maintained a strong presence in local culture, it is one of the best places to enjoy world-class nightclubs, and it’s pretty hopping any time of year. It also boast some of the valleys finest restaurants, and has a knack for design and innovation in luxury hotels. Scottsdale is a vibrant part of the city’s scene.

With access to some of the most gorgeous parts of the desert here, it is also famous for its resort mentality, inspiring the desire to relax and enjoy some very healthy decadence. Health clubs and spas are plentiful, and there’s a full menu for things to do at night. If you want a break from the club scene, there is a surprisingly active art community here. The galleries in Scottsdale are excellent, offering plenty of new works of contemporary art. One of the best places to see what’s in town, however, is the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art .

Opened in 1999, they present themselves as an educational institution, introducing people to the newest trends with their exhibitions and educational programs. Almost every arts organization and institution in town has some relationship with SMoCA, an their commitment to the communities is superb.

Visitors can see what artists in the Southwest are up to these days. There are the usual offerings that one would expect in Arizona, with scenes of mountains and washes, and archetypal figures of the old west, but there are also some stunning works by artists who happen to live here. The recent exhibition of Sue Chenoweth ‘s work is the perfect example of a local artist doing work that embraces an international outlook. Deeply moving, provocative, and often humorous at the same time, her work is otherworldly, showing a vision that is accessible but deeply felt and deeply lived.

SMoCA in Scottsdale is a post from: eNewsHound

Great Love Affairs in Paris

Tracy — Sat, 29 May 2010 20:10:00 +0000

It’s easy to dream, but hard to find, and almost impossible to live, but the ones who seem to fall in love in Paris are the ones who are already from there. It doesn’t hurt, however, to hear stories of grandparents who come from different countries, sometimes Costa Rica, and nearly always Poland, and fall in love there. It’s happened more than once, and even once is reason enough to book a Paris hotel and take one’s chances. The summer is coming, and everyone who falls in love, falls in love in the summer.

Or sometimes the fall is the best time, followed by winter and spring. Paris comes alive at all of these times, which is to say the obvious. It’s not a city that’s afraid of living up to its reputation, and it’s never afraid to show there are multiple sides to it, either. There are sections of unimagined beauty, but it’s large enough to contain its opposites as well. Sometimes opposites attract, but in the case of De Beauvoir and Sartre , it’s more likely a combination of similarities that were altogether enchanting. The best philosophy students of their time, they were charmed enough by each other to spend a life together. Then they became the most important philosophers, or perhaps, as many suggest, their love child was existentialism.

Whether or not existentialism has made the world better is a matter of choice, and whether or not their curious pact served as a model or a warning is also a matter of choice. But whether the issue of mind of matter is solved is a matter of mind, and in this regard, the best love stories are filled with fire and passion, but also filled with long conversations. For any lover who ever spent an evening drinking wine, or sparkling cider, with a partner, engaged in a passionate discussion that was heard by the rising sun, De Beauvoir and Sartre were there, and the ghosts that haunt Montparnasse cemetery are still together, arguing about whether or not love is a choice.

Great Love Affairs in Paris is a post from: eNewsHound

Beethoven Coming UP at Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Tracy — Thu, 20 May 2010 20:10:00 +0000

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is one of the city’s primary cultural establishments and also one of its impressive and prestigious professional arts companies. In addition to the great concerts it has, which frequently feature top professional and well known guest artists, there are other programs and events that it hosts and sponsors throughout the year. The various educational programs are some of the most respected of their kind and as is true for most quality music institutions, there is a strong focus on the new generation of musicians. Attending a symphony concert is one of the common agenda items for many of the guests in the Atlanta hotels and program schedule information is frequently available at the front desks.

One of the special events provided by the Atlanta Symphony is the Symphony Socials, which are incredibly popular with patrons. These events allow attendees to experience great music by the orchestra and also to mix it up with other young professionals. In addition to all of the great special programs and educational offerings provided by this orchestra, the season itself is incredibly exciting and enough to keep audiences entertained, inspired and coming back for more.

The performances of Love Blooms: Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto 2 with Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet Suite came to a close this weekend, however the season is far from over and there are many great events remaining on the schedule. Included with this month’s future offerings are Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. One of the performances of this amazing work will also offer the popular Inside the Music Pre-Concert Talk. This educational and interesting talks are free to ticket holders and offer insights into the music they are about to hear. Beethoven is well known and to this day loved for the incredible passion of his music and the tremendous feelings they continue to inspire. This can be even more meaningful to listeners when they have more of an understanding of the work they are listening to.

Beethoven Coming UP at Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is a post from: eNewsHound

Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano

Tracy — Mon, 10 May 2010 09:01:14 +0000

Perhaps you’ve rented a DVD copy of the movie, “Under the Tuscan Sun,” and taken a look at the beauty of Positano, Italy, a small city whose history stretches back into Medieval times. In those days, the city was a port for the Amalfi Republic, and the town did well, especially in the 16th and 17th centuries, but by the middle of the 1800s, the town faltered, with half the population emigrating largely to Australia.

In the early part of the 20th Century, Positano was a simple fishing village, but after American author John Steinbeck glowingly wrote about the town as “a dream place,” the Positano hotels became a destination for tourists; it’s a spot where artists and celebrities have gone to vacation. It was home to singer-songwriter Shawn Phillips , who helped define what folk rock was in the 1960s and also developed progressive new age rock in the 1970s. Most of his best songs were written here. Even Keith Richards and Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones wrote here, composing “Midnight Rambler” in the town’s cafes. Today, the town is known primarily for tourism, with charm as the principle draw.

If you decide to escape from the rest of the world and relax on Positano’s beaches or sip espressos in its cafes, take a look, too, at the Church of Santa Maria Assunta , which contains a dome made of majolica tiles and an icon of a black Madonna created in the 13th Century.

The legend in Positano regarding the icon tales a tale of theft, where pirates stole the icon from Byzantium and brought it across the Mediterranean sea. When a horrific storm hit the boat near Positano, the scared sailors heard a voice onboard that repeated the word, “Posa,” or “Put down!” and so they took the icon and carried it to the fishing village. Once they did, according to legend, the storm stopped. Chances are good that the skies will be clear and the seas calm when you’ve arrived, too, enabling you to take full advantage of this engaging place.

Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano is a post from: eNewsHound

Colonial Sights in New York City

Tracy — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:10:00 +0000

Well many people are so focused on the new and exciting side of New York City. They want to be apart of the action with their tickets to a Broadway Show or to be in the audience of one of the many television show tapings like Saturday Night Live . They want to work their way into some hot dance club and they want to see some celebrity dining at the classic places like the Russian Tea Room . But there is so many layers of years of history that can still be found around all areas of New York.

After living in the fast lane, get up in your great New York hotel such as this and keep an eye out for the sites of real colonial history. Many of these sites are on the path of other areas of interest. If Wall Street is on the list of things to see than one wont miss the Federal Hall National Monument . Thou the building that stands there now is a rebuild, the site itself has a building were George Washington was given the oath of office on the balcony in 1790. The establishment of freedom of the press was started here after John Peter Zenger was acquitted for charges of sedition against the king in 1735.

Speaking of George Washington. The St Paul’s Chapel was were President George Washington would come to pray. The building was erected in 1766 by the Trinity Church with a Georgian style of architecture. There is still the pew that the president use during his visits. Washington was also at City Hall Park on July 9th 1776 for the first reading of the Declaration of Independence. One can see the beautiful fountain on Chambers Street, Park Row and Broadway.

Colonial Sights in New York City is a post from: eNewsHound