Places to Visit »San Antonio River Walk

san antonio river walkYears ago a friend of mine had her debutante ball in San Antonio. I am forever grateful for the invite, as it was one of the most spectacular events I have ever witnessed. Twenty foot trains on dresses covered in Swarovski crystals. My friends dress was NYC themed and the gown displayed the skyline in glitzy over the top glory.

The day before the big night, we all had dinner aboard a boat that traveled along the San Antonio River Walk, and it was fabulous. I truly recommend that if you are in San Antonio, don't skip out on the experience. The Alamo is great and all, but can you drink a maragrita with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair as people watch you float by at the Alamo? I think not. Remember the Riverwalk!

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Posted on July 31, 2006

Places to Visit »Roswell

roswell new mexicoNow, this is a true story. My friends and I were driving cross country and as we were entering Roswell, NM an approaching car was traveling towards us in the other lane. A hill was ahead of us and this other car's headlights dipped below it, but never emerged again. I swear, all of us saw it – the car simply disappeared. It was a pretty dramatic welcome to the infamous alien town.

The International UFO Museum And Research Center is a must. The merchandise is outstanding. There is also the Goddard Planetarium which we missed, but I hear is great.

Every summer the town hosts the UFO Festival and while we were there a Volkswagen Bug Festival was in full swing which made the trip … well not any more exciting at all to be honest.

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Posted on July 24, 2006

Places to Visit »Storm King

storm kingIt's only a little over an hour from NYC but Storm King it feels like a world away. A lush, alien world with huge unique formations made of heavy metal among other things, dotted throughout the landscape. The park consists of over 500 acres which offer wonderful strolling options and visitors are allowed to picnic in designated areas.

Where else can you see works of Goldsworthy, Calder, and Menashe Kadishman whose Suspended is especially impressive, in a natural environment. Plus this place is pretty trippy, I saw some dudes in flame visors rolling a blunt to experience Storm King's mind blowing environs. They stay open late on most summer weekends.

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Posted on July 17, 2006

Places to Visit »Statue of Liberty

statue of libertySo, I've never been to France (at least not yet) but I have been to the Statue of Liberty, the ever so nice gift they gave us, which is now open to the public again.

You should reserve your passes ahead of time here however, because they are limited. While the crown and torch have remained closed, you can still get an incredible view from the observation deck.

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Posted on July 10, 2006

Places to Visit »Coney Island

Coney IslandThere are a few musts of Coney Island. You must walk to the end of the piers where the men fish, you must ride both the Wonder Wheel and the Cyclone – which is terrifying in it's rickety old age, you must hear the words “Shoot the freakin' freak” (although it is not a must that you actually partake in the shooting) you must eat a hot dog, or my favorite, a corndog at Nathan's – which is better than any other Nathan's in the state, you must get your photo taken in the color booth that takes beautiful pictures, and you must arrive home with a bit of sun, sand in your shoes, totally exhausted from a thrilling day that made you feel like a kid …

And those are just the musts. There is also an entertaining Sideshow, the Coney Island Museum, evening film programs, burlesque, an aquarium, and multitudes of fried dough, fake tattoos, sausages, games, and chintzy souvenirs to spend your money on.

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Posted on July 3, 2006

Places to Visit »Sistine Chapel

Sistine Chapel As impressive as it is gaudy, especially after the restoration (which was quite controversial), it's really something to behold, and a must see if you are in Rome.

The chapel Features frescos by not only Michelangelo, but Perugino, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Rossellini, and Signorelli as well. Truly more spectacular in person than photos could ever convey.

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Posted on June 26, 2006

Places to Visit »Narragansett,

Narraganenset, RII have just returned from a delightful long weekend in a house found on CyberRentals near the Scarborough State Park Beach. About a three to four hour drive from the city, this is a wonderful place to go with a large group of friends.

The beach is lovely and quiet, you can find rental houses at affordable prices, and local mussels and clams make for an excellent clam bake dinner.

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Posted on June 19, 2006

Places to Visit »Savannah,

Savannah, GAJim and I went off course in order to see this beautiful city on our way to Texas, the extra driving time is definitely worth it. I only wish we had more time to wander the exquisite squares lined with extraordinary mansions and grandiose trees. Because my experience was so brief, I enlisted the help of my co-worker Doug, who spent four years living in Savannah while in college.

Here are his recommendations: For a drink, sidle up to Pinky Master's which is mentioned in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and is considered the quintessential dive bar in town. Tybee Island is the place to go for beaching, fishing, swimming, and sailing. Bonaventure Cemetery is the first place I plan to see the next time I find myself in Savannah, looks like an ideal place for a walk, as does Forsyth Park. For eating Doug recommends Caf? Metropole and Vinnie Van Go-Gos.

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Posted on June 12, 2006

Places to Visit »Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Sand Dunes National ParkThe sand dunes are one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen and to my dismay I have only managed to make the trip once many years ago. I was in sixth grade and, despite the inherent barrenness of the dunes, the place was wildly romantic to me.

Of course, at that age so was the lead singer of House of Pain and the movie Singles so my bar was not raised particularly high. There are several nature trials but the most rewarding is a hike to the summit of the dunes. I remember this being rather grueling – around two hours, but the view is rewarding and memorable.

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Posted on June 5, 2006

Places to Visit »Prairie Dog Town

Prairie Dog Town This road side attraction in Oakley can be dangerous – seriously my sister sprained her ankle in a prairie dog hole – but that shouldn't stop you from making a visit next time you happen to be traveling on Highway 83.

There is something distinctly Texas Chainsaw Massacre about the place, from the stuffed jackalopes and live rattle snakes in the “museum” hallway that reeks of dust and death, to the absolute chaos of the out door prairie dog town petting zoo – where the little animals are everywhere, peeking from behind the cows with two legs growing out of their behinds. The cows are real, so are the legs and in general their piercing gaze as you gawk at them gives you a feeling somewhere in between the willies and cold dark fear. Bring the kids too.

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Posted on May 29, 2006