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New York City to Toronto for $1. Free Wi-Fi included

May 18th, 2008 at 07:19am Under Canada+ USA

Run! Starting today, you can purchase tickets between New York to Toronto for as low as $1 at Trailwaysny.com or Greyhound.com. NeOn, short for New York-Ontario, has two round-trip express schedules each day between New York and Toronto.NeOn tickets are available for purchase in advance at Trailwaysny.com, Greyhound.com or from a driver before boarding. One-way fares start at $1, plus a booking fee. The highest fare will adjust based on market demand. The earlier passengers purchase their tickets, the lower the fare they receive.

The best part? They offer free Wi-Fi, power outlets and video. Yay! I am convinced it won’t be long before even riding a bus is more comfortable than flying.

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Restaurants In Orlando Florida

November 6th, 2007 at 06:58pm Under USA+ Vacations+ Orlando Florida

Orlando is place where the people love food. There are more than 4500 restaurants in Orlando, Florida. Orlando cuisine ranges from American to the best of French, Italian, Spanish, Continental and Japanese. You will also get the best of Mexican, German, Cuban and Chinese food in the world here in Orlando, Florida. In the downtown Orlando, you can find restaurants serving world class Barbeque delicacies. There are restaurants that serve great seafoods as well as healthy natural foods. Also you can enjoy fresh catch from nearby waters in many restaurants. Theatre dining is very popular in Orlando. There are number of restaurants that serve the food with world famous shows to enjoy. All this makes Orlando, Florida a place to be.

There are a large number of good restaurants in Orlando, Florida. One of the famous restaurants is Black Angus Steakhouse. It is one of the top rated restaurants of Orlando Florida. The interior of the restaurant is very appealing. You can dine elegantly with oversized booths, contemporary pop tunes, and proudly smiling servers. The menu offers the best of food to choose from. You can dine with the best of crabmeat to mouth watering desserts.

Another famous restaurant of Orlando, Florida is NBA City Restaurant. This restaurant satisfies your taste buds as well your hunger for the NBA. NBA city restaurant offers delicious food and an interactive game region. The restaurant serves the best of American cuisine from hamburgers to oak grilled steaks. There are variety of salads and pizzas to choose from. There are a great variety of desserts for people who have a sweet tooth. Also the restaurant has space for holding special birthday parties and get together.

Kobe Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar offers one of the best Japanese foods in Orlando, Florida. Here you not only enjoy the finest food but also finest chicken, Angus beef and seafood are prepared tableside on Teppanyaki Tables, offering an amazing show.

Another famous restaurant in Orlando, Florida is 4th Fighter Group Restaurant. You can enjoy the best of American delicacies here along with live music. The music enchants the guest to such an extent that is very common for guest to leave their tables and dance.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. at Universal CityWalk is another attractive restaurant of Orlando, Florida. This restaurant is based on the film “Forrest Gump”. Guests enjoy mouth watering delicacies in the fun filled atmosphere in the restaurant.

Shula restaurant is regarded as one of the best Steak Houses in America. It offers excellent seafood. It is famous for its Maine lobsters. McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants is another restaurant that is famous for its seafood. This restaurant serves excellent Alaska King Salmon, Puget Sound Manila Clams and Northwest Oysters. It is also famous for its Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab and Maine Lobster, and regional favorites. Vines Grill and Wine Bar, another fine upcoming restaurant offers the best food in a warm Chicago fashion. It also offers an inspiring collection of fine wines from around the world.

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Disney Cruise Ports of Call

October 8th, 2007 at 09:47am Under USA+ Vacations+ Florida

While the Disney cruise ships themselves are a fabulous vacation destination, they are also a floating ‘Fantasyland’, traveling to beautiful and exotic ports of call. If you can manage to tear yourself away from the activities and amenities of the Disney cruise ships for a few hours, many wonderful adventures await you when the ship docks.

The Disney Wonder departs each Sunday from Port Canaveral for a 4 night cruise, and again each Thursday for a 3 night cruise. Both itineraries include stops at Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay, Disney’s own private island paradise. The 4 night cruise also includes either one day at sea, or an additional stop at Freeport, Bahamas.

The Disney Magic departs from Port Canaveral each Saturday for a 7 night cruise, and it alternates between cruising the eastern Caribbean and the western Caribbean. The Eastern Caribbean cruise includes stops at St. Thomas/St. John, St. Maarten and Castaway Cay, while the Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops at Key West. Cozumel, Grand Caymen and Castaway Cay.

This summer of 2007. The Disney Magic has departed from its usual journey around the Caribbean, and instead has traveled across the Atlantic to cruise the Mediterranean for the summer months. It is departing from Barcelona, Spain for 10 and 11 night cruises to beautiful cities on the Mediterranean, with stops in Italy, France, Spain and Sicily. Next summer, the Disney Magic will travel through the Panama Canal to spend the summer on the Mexican Riviera, with stops at Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallerta and Mazatlan.

Beware that the passport rules for American travelers have changed, and may or may not affect your travel plans. As of today, passports are required for all travel across borders by air - including Mexico, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, but not for travelers who arrive by cruise ship. They are planning to make passports required for cruise ship travelers soon - perhaps as early as January, so be sure to keep posted as to the rules. Even when passports are not required, having one certainly makes disembarking much quicker, and the wait for passports is extremely long due to the changing rules, so if you need a passport, be sure to apply sooner rather than later.

Tags: travel insurance, California, beaches, skiing, hilton, tickets, travel, , travel rates, motels, air, disney, miami, florida, paris, england, cheap, surfing, boating, europe

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Castaway Cay

October 8th, 2007 at 09:46am Under USA+ Vacations+ Bahamas

Castaway Cay - a Private Disney-owned Island in the Bahamas

If you are booked on a Disney Cruise, you will surely stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s own private piece of paradise in the Bahamas. Your day on shore is certainly sure to be a highlight of your trip, as Disney had done everything possible to transform this island into a relaxing getaway for you and your family.

History

The Bahamas were discovered by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage. He called the area “baja mar”, which means low or shallow sea, and the name stayed to this day. The British arrived in the 1600s after the Spaniards had left in search of gold, and many British fleeing the American Revolution settled there, along with southerners during the American Civil War. The Bahamas became an independent member of the British Commonwealth in 1973.

Disney purchased the island - formerly known as Gorda Cay - in the 1990s, and spent over $25 million fixing it up, including dredging out the harbor so that the large Disney cruise ships could dock directly on the island without a tender.

Things to Do

There are so many things to do on Castaway Cay - from exhilarating water sports to relaxing cabana massages. Lunch is served right on the island at Cookie’s BBQ, so there’s no need to stop your fun to refuel. There’s also an adult-only lunch served at Castaway Cay Air Bar-B-Q, located at the adult-only beach at Serenity Bay. (There is also a teen-only beach, so there is truly a patch of sand for everyone!) While on the island, rentals are available for bicycles, floats and snorkel gear, and there is also parasailing and banana boat rides to enjoy. Various sports and games - everything from volleyball and shuffleboard to billiards and ping-pong - abound. Disney characters make photo appearances on Castaway Cay, and there is a supervised playground at Scuttle’s Cove for the kids.

Getting Around

Getting around Castaway Cay couldn’t be easier - you simply walk right off the boat down the path to the beach area - or you can hop on the tram to take you to the main guest areas, or further on to Serenity Bay, the adult-only area.

Weather

They say that it’s ‘better in the Bahamas’, and concerning the weather - they are generally correct! Temperatures in this subtropical area range from about 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit, with warm ocean breezes. Enjoy! - you can’t go wrong on Castaway Cay with just some sunscreen and a hat!

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South rises again

September 18th, 2007 at 10:46am Under USA+ Vacations

The results of the 2007 Hideaway Report readers poll are in. If you are saying to yourself, “I wonder if the George V hung on to the top spot International City Hotel-wise,” congrats - you’re a nerd! (It did.) If, in fact, you are more, “What is the George V, and what the hell is he on about now,” you are like most people. You are normal. (The George V is in Paris.)

However, that does not mean you are not curious to know which hotels are favored by the 25,000 or so super-high-end readers of Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, an exclusive newsletter service that’s beeing going strong for the better part of three decades. Where do people who have everything go to get away from all of it?

On the U.S. Resort front, they’re not quite as predictable as you’d expect a luxury traveler to be - for one, they’ve rated Kiawah Island’s Sanctuary resort the #1 this year - it came in at 5 last year, and not too long before that, didn’t rank at all, on account of it not being open. It’s the first time a southern resort has hit #1 - beating a Four Seasons in Hawaii. That’s news. If you have a photographic memory, you’ll remember us reviewing The Sanctuary in the Travel section when it opened back in 2004: We said that there was no place like it back East, and that it was going to be huge.

Also huge: The jump of ultra-exclusive Tennessee hideaway from #16 to #3: Blackberry Farm has been in the Top 20 U.S. Resorts for 9 years, but clearly, Hideaway readers think its time to really start celebrating the south, which they also did by upgrading the newly rebuilt (and, we should add, relocated) Cloister on Georgia’s Sea Island from #7 to #5. It wasn’t such good news for West Virginia’s Greenbrier Resort, which we covered at length in the paper last Tuesday - they slipped from #4 to #11. (Is that all?)

In other interesting news: Only two Caribbean resorts made it into the Top 20 International Resorts (#4 Cap Juluca and #12 Little Dix Bay), perhaps echoing what many of us are feeling (time for a break), instead awarding the top spot to the Singita safari lodge-plex in South Africa, and giving a record 6 spots to Italian properties, plus 5 to Mexico. The usual suspects in Asia barely make a showing, and there’s even a nod to Canada - the venerable Wickaninnish Inn on Vancouver Island cracks the Top 20 for the first time ever.

So, in a word, if you’re looking for trends, the jetset - the older, wiser one that doesnt’ feel the need to impress you, that is - has spoken: The South. Italy, also. Mexico. A bit of Canada. Sounds good.

Tags: camping, guides, ocean, attractions, skiing, spain, travel safety, florida, cheap, beaches, greece, flights, england, hotel, vacations, las vegas, surfing, travel, motels, miami

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Art Deco District

September 15th, 2007 at 07:44am Under USA+ Vacations

Art Deco on the Miami Strip

The Art Deco style of architecture has become the façade of Miami Beach. This mix of modern decorative art styles (hence, the term), including cubism, geometric shapes and overlapping images, is unmistakable. South Beach has taken the traditional art deco style and created a unique neighborhood that is unmatched anywhere in the world. The nautical themes and tropical flowers embossed in the traditional patterns have earned this Art Deco District the nickname “Tropical Deco”. Ocean Drive, Miami Beach’s main drag, is splashed with a rainbow of tropical pastel pinks, blues and greens. At night the buildings are accented by bright neon lights. The approximate 800 buildings, ranging from hotels and apartments to cafes that comprise this district were built primarily during the 1920s, 30s and 40s. In fact, the progression of the buildings’ construction and the area’s boom phases can be clearly seen: the early construction begins at 5th Street and progresses through the 30s, 40s and the 50s down to 27th Street. Some of the more popular landmark buildings in the area include the Colony Hotel and the Beacon Hotel. The Art Deco District Welcome Center offers walking tours regularly, which explain the architecture of the area in detail. South Beach’s Art Deco District covers 80 square blocks, and is one of the largest areas listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Greetings from Ovation, Florida!

September 4th, 2007 at 11:01pm Under Travel+ USA

I spent far too long on airplanes today just to be in Florida. I have a rule: suffering through Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson-Hellport for greater glory only, i.e., hidden Caribbean paradise, South America, etc.
But I am in Panama City. And not the big one. The little one, really far from Pensacola and really far from Tallahassee, two places I just know are going to be huge - really huge - like, never.
There used to be nonstop flights from New York to both of these capitals of excitement - cancelled, due to lack of interest. Now, the nearest nonstop flights to this special corner of the world are at least a four hour drive away.
Luckily, I’ve not spent a day getting to Panama City just to stay here; I am actually headed further into the wilds. Just south of town, with the forests surrounding Tyndall Air […]

Original post by David Landsel For All Your Travel Needs Best Travel Rates Online

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Orlando Is For Shopping, Not Just Theme Parks

August 20th, 2007 at 07:17pm Under USA+ Vacations

This title says it all, sort of. You can find just about anything you want in Orlando, and any time of year (unless you like snow and cold weather; sorry friend).

The superb shopping in Orlando can be just as much of a tourist attraction as the world famous theme parks and other regular tourist attractions.

Called by some writers ‘the ultimate family holiday destination’ this small but vibrant city is home to a large number of excellent shopping malls, and is known for its vibrant nightlife and renowned sports centers.

In sum, a visit to Orlando means a phenomenal number of outstanding shops and stores. You’ll find a vast range of designer outlets, classy department stores, countless fashion boutiques and sprawling shopping malls.

Something for everyone, indeed. Let’s check out a few of them now, so you can have an idea of what to expect in this tourist mecca.

Starting at the top end, there is the Florida Mall, Orlando’s largest shopping center. With 245 stores, including eight department stores, well, you’re more than likely to find what something you want here. The location, naturally, is convenient as it’s near International Drive, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World.

Not so large, but hardly ‘small’ is Alamonte Mall, near the downtown area. More than 150 stores beckon you to a great shopping experience which is very much Florida, including indoor palm trees and native vegetation in the mall.

And if shopping is your thing, or even if you just need a couple of personal items or a gift or two, or three, don’t miss The Mall at Millenia. Reputed as very big and very complete, it’s centrally located and close to major theme parks. The mall offers such conveniences as valet parking, discounted hotel reservations, gift wrapping, and a U.S. post office; and that’s just the beginning.

And with all that shopping, eating has to fit in there somewhere. There’s quick and easy food for the family at the food court. There are also plenty of upscale restaurants and their famous cheesecake factory.

The variety of shopping in Orlando is not just in the number of malls. There are various styles also. For example, outlet malls are known for great deals. Orlando has several outlet centers. Two are located right on International Drive: Belz Designer Outlet Center and The Belz Factory Outlet are convenient to get to and the Belz Factory Outlet is the largest outlet center in the United States. The designer outlet includes brands such as Ralph Lauren, DKNY and many others.

Another outlet mall is The Orlando Premium Outlet, featuring discount merchandise. There are good deals at just about every store. And Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, located near Disney World, has a great variety of stores and products for everyone in your family, including a playground for the kids.

Completing the shopping cycle, International Drive has two large, open air markets.

The Mercado has several stores featuring a wide variety of designer clothes. There are also various places to buy the art work of local artists as well as other Floridian merchandise. The ambience of an open air market is emphasized by the cobblestone walk ways throughout.

The Pointe Orlando is a large open air market with sixty stores, but is not only for shopping. One can have a great time dining and enjoying their evening entertainment. Its seven restaurants and two night clubs assure you a fine time.

And to get more of a sense of locality, another open air market, The Farmer’s Market, features fresh produce, locally made crafts and a variety of other merchandise.

So, yes, it’s true, Orlando really does offer the visitor a full experience. After the theme parks, don’t forget your shopping. You’ll find it all here!

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What Are The Must-See Attractions In Orlando?

August 20th, 2007 at 07:14pm Under USA+ Vacations

Orlando, Florida is filled with attractions for vacationers of every age group; it is known for its beaches, golf courses, night life, museums, restaurants, and theme parks. Three all-time tourist favorites include Disney World, Busch Gardens, and Universal Studios, Florida.

Disney World:

The home of Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck is a perennial favorite with not just kids for whom it offers a mind boggling range of things to see and do. The overwhelming extent of experiences that Disney World offers ensures that adults too have a great time. Accommodation at Walt Disney World, which has over twenty hotels, offers a choice to suit every wallet. The Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Disney Contemporary Resort are two of the most popular resorts with a unique theme and excellent service. Vacationers can take advantage of the various promotional packages offered by Disney World from time to time. In one visit, it is not possible to take in all the rides and get one’s fill of everything that Disney World has to offer; however there are some classic rides such as Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Peter Pan, Primeval Whirl, etc. The Magic Kingdom, which is spread over 100 acres, can be accessed via the Monorail or the Steamer. It has several attractions of which the chance to pose with Disney characters and getting their autographs is high on the wish-list of many children. It is best to enjoy Disney World in the company of a local acquaintance who can point out the major attractions and also the early-entry days during which hotel-guests are allowed to enter early.

Busch Gardens:

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an approximately one-hour drive from Orlando. Many vacationers find its location, which is away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando, to be an added attraction. The Busch Garden Shuttle Express is a free service with a 5-Park Orlando Flexi Ticket; it’s an alternative for those do not wish to travel to the park by road. Busch Gardens offer several exciting attractions that replicate the wonders of Africa. The wildlife includes more than 2,000 animals and thrilling roller-coaster rides are a hit with the kids and adults alike. The Sky Ride cable car affords an excellent view of the park. Attractions at the park also include the Serengeti Railway that has several stations around the park; the Haunted Lighthouse, which is a 4D show for kids over seven; KaTonga, which is a 35-minute musical celebrating African fables; the tomb of King Tut; Serengeti Safari tours; the slides and rides at the Land of the Dragon, and many others. Food at the Busch Gardens ranges from pizzas and turkey legs at Quick Bite and fine dining at the Crown Colony Restaurant. Preferred parking is available alongside the main entrance.

Universal Studios Florida:

Universal Studios in Orlando is the largest studio outside Hollywood. This major tourist attraction of Hollywood has some very popular rides and experiences that are based on hit movies. Terminator 2 is a high-tech 3D adventure; Back to the Future is a simulated ride that has one falling down volcanic tunnels; Twister and Earthquake are other thrill-a-minute shows in which an individual experiences a five-storey volcano and the power of an earthquake. Other attractions at Universal include Kong, Nickelodeon, ET, the Animal Show, etc. The main rides and attractions are at the edges of the oval-shaped Universal plot, which is quite huge. Priority parking and valet parking are available, these make exiting the Universal premises at the end of a fun-filled but tiring day a little easier.

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Orlando- Not Just For Kids

August 20th, 2007 at 07:09pm Under USA+ Vacations

Disney’s contribution to nightlife comes in the shape and form of Pleasure Island, located at Down Town Disney. Depending on the type of park ticket you have, you may or may not be included. Pleasure Island has a lot to offer to suit all tastes. It offers 8 different themed nightclubs, with 2 more on the way. There are dance clubs playing a variety of music from different eras. There are comedy clubs, jazz clubs and so much more.

There are numerous restaurants and shops that are open throughout the day when no admission ticket is required. A really good bonus is that generally speaking parking is free at Pleasure Island, (obviously there is a charge for valet parking which is also on offer.)

Another popular nighttimes attraction is Dinner Shows. There is a huge variety to choose from- here are just a few to give you an idea of what is on offer. Arabian nights- watch a spectacular story unfold with more than 60 amazing horses whilst you dine on a Prime Rib banquet. Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede (located adjacent to Premium Outlet Mall). This show really has it all- horses, comedy, singing and dancing, a four course meal, building to a hugely patriotic finale! Medieval Times based in a castle with knights jousting and playing games whilst you have a feast. Other themed dinner attractions include Murder Watch Mystery, Pirates Dinner Adventure and many many more.

Whichever one you choose you will be assured of good food and a great night’s entertainment.

City Walk, part of Universal Studios, is also a front-runner in the nighttime’s entertainment industry. The complex has similarities to Down Town Disney (West Side), however its layout is far more compact just like Disney’s Pleasure Island.

City Walk is located along a small lake and can only be accessed on foot. Anyone arriving by car must park at one of Universal’s two enormous parking garages (which are free of charge AFTER 6pm). From there it will take between 5-10 minutes to walk to City Walk. There are moving sidewalks available.

Once you have arrived at City Walk you will discover a wide variety of clubs to suit an enormous range of musical tastes e.g. Motown, Bob Marley, dance music, rock’n’roll, duelling pianos and Latin rhythms to name a few.

Venues include Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, City Jazz. Pat O’Brian’s Irish Bar (based very closely on the original in New Orleans including the signature fire and water fountain), NASCAR Café, the Groove, and Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom (based very much on Marley’s home in Kingston, Jamaica which was converted into a museum after the reggae star’s death in 1981.)

There is no admission charge for City Walk, however certain clubs may require a cover charge. Guests have the opportunity to buy a Key to the Clubs for $7.95 plus tax and this will provide admission to all venues.

Whichever location you choose to visit, we are sure that some of the nightlife on offer in Orlando will help make your vacation a great one.

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Miami (South Beach) Night Clubs

August 5th, 2007 at 09:53pm Under USA+ Vacations

Miami, in Florida is one of the much sought after beach destinations in the U.S. It is also a location favored by travelers from all over the world, looking for a unique holiday experience. The most significant feature of Miami is its teeming nightlife, with activities going on into the early hours of dawn. Nightlife in Miami is mainly centered around the numerous night clubs, which are the venues of wonderful dance and music.

Night clubs in Miami South Beach are famous for being favorite haunts of celebrities who love this place that is associated with so many Hollywood movies. The vibrant night time festivities start as late as 11 P.M, but you have to reach your favourite spot early enough to obtain parking space and entry into the club. Miami night clubs are classified into salsa clubs, beer gardens and flashy discotheques. You can choose the night club that best suits your mood and temperament. There are quite a few Latino clubs as well with trendy music and ethnic features. The Cuban dance clubs in Miami, Florida are dominated by the Casino Rueda Salsa dance. Club Deep, Amika, Touch, Mango’s Tropical Café and Macarena are some of the trendy and popular clubs.

The remarkable feature of Miami nightclubs is that you have the freedom to enthusiastically engage in the various activities or be a passive observer, relaxed and enjoying the food and wine. Most of these night clubs get an assortment of visitors ranging from the elite to those from the street. It is best to have the club concierge include you in the permanent guest list, which will enable you to get easy admission into the club of your choice without much waiting around.

Among the best night clubs in Miami is the Crobar with its popular in-house DJs, wonderful dance floors and heady music. Club Deep, The Opium Garden, Mansion, Privè and Club Space are some of the other night clubs figuring at the top of the club popularity list. The common feature of all Miami night clubs is that you can abandon yourself to the party atmosphere and live life to the full.

Some of the exciting Miami night life events such as the Winter Music Conference are held at the Mansion, a club belonging to the Opium group of clubs. The Mynt with its space age décor and beautiful lighting, the Opium Garden with its multi level dance floors and Asian flavor, Nikki Beach Club, Boom Boom Room and Angel Ultra Lounge are some of the choicest locations to choose from.

Miami nightclubs are usually open all nights of the week; some nightclubs function only from Thursday to Sunday while others are open from Monday to Saturday. Once you have decided on a night club, it is best to make inquiries regarding its opening hours, car parking facility and related aspects. Some of the clubs have exorbitant cover charges while some others do not charge anything.

There are numerous websites that list the prominent Miami nightclubs, from which you can select one of your choice. Some of the more famous night clubs have their own websites which give all relevant details.

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Miami Vacation Ideas

August 5th, 2007 at 05:25pm Under USA+ Vacations

Miami’s activities are so much more than just fun at the beach ‘ although there is plenty of that, too!

Visiting historical sites
Miami’s long history has provided the city with many historical sites that make for unique and memorable adventures. Visit the Coral Castle, possibly Miami’s most bizarre landmark. Take a 25-minute audio tour to learn the mystery and legend behind this ‘castle’ carved into the boulders by a 26-year-old Latvian whose 16-year-old bride had left him at the altar. This site is said to have inspired Billy Idol’s song Sweet 16. Another interesting historical site is the Barnacle State Historic Site, the oldest home in Miami. Once the home of naval architect Ralph Middleton Munroe, this home features period furnishings, a big porch and lots of moonlit concerts.

Enjoying Miami’s many festivals
Throughout the year, Miami hosts several fun events and festivals that bring together locals from all neighborhoods and backgrounds, as well as visitors from all over the world.

March: Carnaval Miami, including the culminating Calle Ocho Festival, includes the Miss Carnaval contest, concerts at the Orange Bowl, inline skating contests, jazz concerts and even a cooking contest.
May-June. This is the time for the International Hispanic Theater Festival, featuring U.S., Latin American, Caribbean and European theater groups at the El Carrusel Theater in Coral Gables.
August: The Annual Miami Reggae Festival at Bayfront Park is sure to soothe your soul and awaken your musical spirit within.
November: The Miami Book Fair is one of the nation’s best attended book fairs, and features hundreds upon hundreds of world renowned authors and publishers.
December-January: The Orange Bowl Parade and Miami’s New Year’s Extravaganza is a great way to send out the old year and ring in the new. Including fireworks at Bayfront Park, a Folkloric Dance competition and of course, the elaborate and unforgettable Parade, this New Year’s event is one of the hottest in the nation!
Culture and arts
Miami also has numerous opportunities for taking in culture and the arts. One unforgettable way to experience some of the city’s history is on the Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Tour, taking visitors on a video and bus tour of the city’s famous crime spots from the 1800s to the present. Including the murder spree of the Ashley Gang and the murder of Gianni Versace, this 3-hour tour is led by historian Paul George. In honor of the talents of its citizens and groups, Miami holds a free city-wide open house during the second Thursday of every month at various locations throughout the city. The Miami Beach Arts Night celebrates all forms of art and offers a shuttle between venues. For more Miami art, be sure to visit the Bass Museum of Art, Miami’s most progressive art museum. With plenty of exhibition space, an outdoor sculpture garden, caf’, courtyard and shop, the Bass Museum offers a true art experience. The Museum’s permanent collection emphasizes Northern European Renaissance and Baroque art, and the museum also hosts an art lab where visitors can create their own masterpieces for free or for a nominal charge.

From historical sites to fascinating museums to a calendar full of festivals and events, Miami delights each and every visitor with a perfect vacation activity. So no matter what classifies as your ideal vacation pursuit, Miami has the bases covered!

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Inn and Out at Bay Harbor Islands

August 5th, 2007 at 05:17pm Under USA+ Vacations

Bay Harbor Island is one of the many curious communities in South Florida with an interesting history. Until 1945, Bay Harbor Island was just a sandbar in the middle of Biscayne Bay, providing no other service other than being headaches to boaters. This is when well-known tycoon Shepard Broad stepped in, purchasing the islands for development. Within a few short years, shops, homes, and hotels sprang up, and the population has been growing ever since. The island’s close proximity to Miami Beach and downtown Miami have made it a popular residential spot for Miami’s up-and-comers. It isn’t just residences, however, there are also some nice little shops, and a great hotel that is the place to stay when you find yourself in Bay Harbor.

Bay Harbor Inn is, perhaps surprisingly, the only waterfront inn in the Miami area. It has two buildings - one, town-side is a restored hotel chock full of antiques and a classic ambiance, while creek-side the hotel is more contemporary in decor and atmosphere. In either building, the potted plants and bare floors definitely lend the building a tropical feel - a feel heightened even more by the swimming pool surrounded by dense foliage. The inn offers two different restaurants: The Miami Palm Restaurant (the Inn’s fine dining), and a very nice Chinese place that offers gourmet outdoor dining. The Miami Palm seems to specialize in choice aged beef and Maine Lobster at prices a bit under South Beach, while the Chinese restaurant seems to offer a nice mix of Szechwan, Cantonese, and Peking style dishes. There is also a bar (naturally), filled with interesting antiques from the Vanderbilt mansion in London.

As far as the rooms go, the suites are quite spacious (and include a fantastic balcony), while the individual rooms seem to be fairly standard. There is a staggering variety of leisure activities located near the hotel, including golf, fishing, art galleries, and betting (provided you like the ponies). Overall, the Bay Harbor Inn is well worth looking into if you are staying in the Miami area. And, it would pair perfect with a Millenium Limo for whatever special occasion you can dream up.

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Miami Vacation Facts

August 5th, 2007 at 05:16pm Under USA+ Vacations

Population
As Florida’s most populated city, Miami has 600,000 residents; nearby Miami Beach has a population of 95,000 and the entire Greater Miami area has a population exceeding 2.1 million. Miami’s population is very diverse, with about half of its residents having a Hispanic background. This gives visitors the opportunity to sample Latin American food, language, music and spirit.

Geography and Location
Miami is located at the southwest tip of the most southeastern state in the United States. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the East and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. Neighboring states are Alabama to the west and Georgia to the north. Climate
Miami’s weather is hot during the summer months, with average daily highs in the upper 80s. The warmest months of July and August feature temperatures between 76 and 91 degrees, with high humidity and daily afternoon thundershowers. Winter temperatures remain warm, with the coldest months of December, January and February reaching highs in the upper 60s and low 70s. December through May is the most popular stretch of the year to visit Miami, while August through November sees the most city festivals and events. Visitors during the early summer months often find the best of both worlds ‘ warm, sunny days with relatively low numbers of tourists. (Keep in mind that the hurricane season runs from June through November.) History

Over 108 years old, Miami is the only municipality conceived and founded by a woman, Julia Tuttle. Miami is now the 11th largest metro area in the country. Professional Sports
Miami is home to several professional sports teams, and no matter what time of year, there is sure to be more than one professional sports event going on.

• Baseball: Florida Marlins at Pro Player Stadium
• Basketball: Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena
• Football: Miami Dolphins at Pro Player Stadium
• Hockey: Florida Panthers in nearby Sunrise, FL
• Horseracing: Gulf Stream Park in Hallandale and Hialeah Park in Hialeah
• Jai Alai: Miami Jai Alai Fronton

Interesting Miami Trivia:

• The Miami Free Trade Zone is the first and largest privately-owned-and-operated trade zone in the world. It provides importers and exporters with a secure area to store, label, assemble, display and ship commodities to and from nearly 100 countries.
• Miami is a center for world finance with 135 financial institutions and foreign agencies located in the city.
• Miami-Dade County harvests more tropical vegetables than any other US county. It is the nation’s largest producer of squash and ornamental nursery plants, and is increasing its production of tropical fruit and specialty Asian vegetables.
• Miami is also the cruise ship capital of the world, with over 3 million cruise ship passengers every year.

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ARRIVING IN MIAMI:

August 5th, 2007 at 05:15pm Under USA

By Air
Miami International Airport (MIA) is the third busiest airport in the U.S., with 1,400 flights every day. Serving 160 cities worldwide, with over 90 airlines, MIA features 147 gates, as well as shops, restaurants and visitor services. Located just seven miles west of downtown Miami, MIA is a convenient way to access Miami. Ground transportation, including private shuttle buses & limos, taxis, and public transportation is available upon landing at MIA, as are rental cars. Those driving rental cars should go south on North LeJeune Road/Northwest 42nd Avenue, and then merge onto State Road 836 East. From here, take the Interstate 95 South Exit toward downtown Miami. By Car
Visitors driving into Miami from the north will come into town on Florida’s Turnpike, a toll road, and Interstate 95. To access Miami from the northwest, drivers should take Interstate 75 or U.S. 27. Coming from the Everglades (west of Miami), drivers should use U.S. 41 (also known as Tamiami Trail). From the south, drivers can use U.S. 1 and the Homestead Extension of Florida’s Turnpike. By Train
Amtrak is located at 8303 Northwest 37th Avenue, and brings passengers to Miami from 500 cities. For example, Amtrak has three daily trains from New York City, making stops along the way in cities such as Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

A second train option is Auto Train form Lorton, Virginia, to Sanford, Florida. Auto Train allows passengers to travel by train, along with their car, to Sanford (just four hours from Orlando by car) and then complete the journey to Miami by car.

By Boat & Ferry
Visitors who enter the U.S. on a private boat from the Atlantic Coast, south of Sebastian Inlet, must call the U.S. Customs Service to clear up to 5 tons over the phone. Miami Beach Marina provides 400 boat slips for vessels up to 250 feet, each with fresh water, electricity, telephone and cable hook-ups. The marina is just 20 minutes from MIA by land, and five minutes from the Intracoastal Waterway, Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys by water. GETTING AROUND MIAMI:

One more public transportation option is the free Coral Gables Trolley, running Monday through Friday on three different shift routes: Full Route runs from Southwest 8th Street to the Douglas Road Metrorail; Twilight Route runs from Douglas Road to Anderson; Midday Route runs from Madeira to Ponce Circle.

By Train throughout South Florida
Tri-Rail is the best way to travel throughout the entire South Florida region. This train intersects with the Metrorail north of the city, and connects Miami and West Palm Beach, taking passengers to attractions along the way, such as the Metro Zoo, Miami Art Museum, Miami Beach Convention Center, Museum of Science & Space Transit, and Miami Seaquarium. Tri-Rail routes are based on six different travel zones, and fares are determined by the number of zones through which a passenger travels.

By Car
Traffic is heavy in the Miami area, but those who choose to drive their own cars, or to rent a car, should be aware of the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX). MDX operates and maintains five major expressways in Miami, for a total of 31 miles: State Road 924 (Gratigny Parkway), State Road 112 (Airport Expressway), State Road 836 (Dolphin Expressway), State Road 874 (Don Shula Expressway), and State Road 878 (Snapper Creek Expressway).

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Miami

July 30th, 2007 at 09:18pm Under USA+ Vacations

Far and away the most exciting city in Florida, MIAMI is a stunning and often intoxicatingly beautiful place. Awash with sunlight-intensified natural colors, there are moments - when the neon-flashed South Beach skyline glows in the warm night and the palm trees sway in the breeze - when a better-looking city is hard to imagine. Even so, people, not climate or landscape, are what make Miami unique. Half of the two million population is Hispanic, the vast majority Cubans. Spanish is the predominant language almost everywhere - in many places it’s the only language you’ll hear, and you’ll be expected to speak at least a few words - and news from Havana, Caracas or Managua frequently gets more attention than the latest word from Washington, DC.

Just a century ago Miami was a swampy outpost of mosquito-tormented settlers. The arrival of the railroad in 1896 gave the city its first fixed land-link with the rest of the continent, and cleared the way for the Twenties property boom. In the Fifties, Miami Beach became a celebrity-filled resort area, just as thousands of Cubans fleeing the regime of Fidel Castro began arriving in mainland Miami. The Sixties and Seventies brought decline, and Miami’s reputation in the Eighties as the vice capital of the USA was at least partly deserved. As the cop show Miami Vice so glamorously underlined, drug smuggling was endemic; as well, in 1980 the city had the highest murder rate in America. Since then, though, much has changed for two very different reasons. First, the gentrification of South Beach helped make tourism the lifeblood of the local economy again in the early Nineties. Second, the city’s determined wooing of Latin America brought rapid investment, both domestic and international: many US corporations run their South American operations from Miami and certain neighborhoods, such as Key Biscayne, are now home to thriving communities of expat Peruvians, Colombians and Venezuelans.

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