The latest travel information plus insider event and sightseeing tips for New York City, Boston, Hawaii, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Bermuda.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Philadelphia Movies
Some time ago we posted lists of our favorite movies about New York City, Boston and Bermuda. Since then, we've received requests for movie listings about the other locations we cover. So, here are our top 10 picks for movies that are about or were filmed in Philadelphia:
There's lots going on in Bermuda this summer. For example, you can attend the Beating Retreat Ceremonies which feature a procession of the Bermuda Regiment and Marching Band adorned in full military uniforms. The ceremonies are held twice a month from May through October, and rotate between the City of Hamilton, the Town of St. George, and the Royal Naval Dockyard. There are also a whole host of boat races, sports tournaments, and cultural events. For the complete list, check out our annual calendar of events.
Summer is here! And just because you're working so hard that you haven't have time yet to plan a proper vacation, it doesn't mean that you're doomed to miss all the fun. The following three sites were designed to help you plan a wonderful and affordable last-minute getaway, so click away and plan your perfect trip:
Some of the best summer pleasures are free -- walks on the beach, time with your family, and a more relaxed pace in general. This summer, you can see movies for free, too. We already reported about AMC Theater's free movie offer; now we want to tell you about a variety of other free movie offerings in New York City: Riverflicks at the Hudson River Park Pier 46 has long offered gentle river breezes and a fabulous view of the New Jersey skyline. Each Friday at 8:30 pm, it is also the spot for Friday night family films and free popcorn. This year's Riverflicks for Kids features Charlotte's Web, Open Season, Back to the Future, Babe, The Wizard of Oz, Happy Feet and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. There is also a series on Wednesday nights that offers movies more suited to grown-ups. Either way, we recommend you bring something to sit on.
Movies with a View Brooklyn Bridge Park's summer movie series features a host of benefits beyond the films themselves: Brooklyn Radio sets the scene each Thursday night with pre-movie mood music from some of New York City's best DJ's; RICE provides delicious dinners on site; the movie offerings include short films from independent filmmakers; and Transportation Alternatives provides free bike valet parking. All this, plus spectacular views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges and the downtown skyline. The pre-film fun starts around 6 pm; movies screenings begin around 8:30 pm.
HBO Summer Film Festival Bryant Park's Monday-night movie tradition continues this year with films like Casablanca and Psycho. The park opens at 5 pm so you can stake out a prime spot for your blanket and picnic basket; the movies begin when dusk falls (generally between 8 pm and 9 pm).
Many of us spend all year long dreaming about and planning our summer vacation. But while you're busy packing and developing your travel itinerary, remember to devote a few moments to protecting your home while you're away. The following tips will ensure that you can enjoy your vacation with plenty of peace of mind.
Safety and Security
Ask a neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your home while you're away.
Make sure you lock all windows and doors, as well as any vehicles that you leave at home.
Use special timers to turn on several lights in rooms that are most visible from the street; these will give the impression that someone is home, especially if you time the lights to follow a normal schedule (the kitchen light goes on at dinnertime; the bedroom light goes on just before bedtime, for example).
Contact the post office and newspapers to temporarily suspend service so mail and papers don't pile up.
Hire someone to mow your lawn and take out the garbage (and bring the cans back in) if you'll be gone for an extended length of time since thieves are always on the lookout for signs that a home is unattended.
Keep Things Tidy
You'll want to make sure your kitchen and bathrooms are clean when you leave. Wipe down all the counters and other surfaces. Even small messes could stain the surface if they're left to sit.
Discard produce, meat and dairy products that are likely to spoil and create odors in your fridge.
Empty all wastepaper baskets and trashcans.
Remember Those That Are Left Behind
Ask a friend or neighbor to water your plants.
Also have someone check on pets like fish and cats that you are leaving behind.
Save a Little Money While You're Gone
Reset your thermostat to a more efficient temperature (hotter in the summer, cooler in the winter) to save a little bit on your energy bill. But don't turn off the air-conditioner or heat all-together -- you don't want your home to get overly hot (we once came back from a week-long trip to find that all of our candles had melted during an unusual hot spell) or so cold that your pipes freeze.
Unplug appliances like clocks, computers, and TVs that can use power even when they are turned off, remembering that even a coffee-maker with a timer sucks up a little juice when it is off. Turning off these appliances will also reduce the risk of fire.
Enjoy these songs about Hawaii while you watch a Waikiki sunset (or dream about doing so):
1. The Hukilau Song - Mel Peterson 2. Dance The Hula (If You Wanna) - Kalani Bright 3. Na Ale O Ni'Ihau - The Brothers Cazimero 4. Keep Your Eyes On Your Hands - B. Kaai 5. Hii Lawe - E. Tavares 6. Pupu O Nii Hau - V. Akina 7. Hano Hano Hanalei - E. Tavares 8. Minoi Minoi E - 9. Blue Lei - Kalani Bright 10. Kuuipo Onaona - Pua Almeida 11. Blue Hawaii - Elvis Presley 12. Hawaii - The Beach Boys 13. Aloha Oe - Elvis Presley 14. Hawaiian War Chant - Bill Akamuhou 15. Drums Of The Islands / Waterfall - Makaha Sons 16. Hawaii Smiles - Buddy Merrill 17. On The Beach Of Waikiki - Duke Kamoku and his Islanders 18. My Little Grass Shack - Amy Gilliom & Willie K 19. Sweet Someone - Don Ho 20. Windward Side, The (Of The Island) - Don Ho 21. He'eia - Hapa 22. White Sandy Beach - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole 23. Local Boys - Na Leo Pilimehana 24. A Song Of Old Hawaii - Mel Peterson 25. Hawaii 5-0 - 100 Greatest TV Themes
1. San Francisco - Vanessa Carlton 2. San Francisco Days - Chris Isaak 3. I'm Always Drunk In San Francisco - Kitty Margolis 4. San Francisco Fan - Joe Jackson 5. San Francisco Holiday (Worry Later) - Thelonious Monk 6. San Francisco Blues - Peggy Lee 7. San Francisco Bay Blues - Eric Clapton 8. San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Some Flowers In Your Hair) - The Mamas & The Papas 9. I Left My Heart In San Francisco (Single Version) - Tony Bennett 10. Audios San Francisco - Bermudez Triangle
Today's post is a playlist of songs about Philadelphia. Some are by area artists; all are about the City of Brotherly Love -- its history, its citizens, and its place in the world.
1. Philadelphia Freedom - Elton John 2. Streets Of Philadelphia - Bruce Springsteen 3. Philadelphia - Richard Stoltzman 4. Sailing To Philadelphia - Mark Knopfler 5. Fall In Philadelphia - Hall & Oates 6. Philadelphia - Joshua Meltzer 7. Philadelphia Is Cryin' - Alan Kelly 8. Off To Philadelphia - The Irish Tenors 9. Sound of Philadelphia - Reef the Lost Cauze 10. Philadelphia Child - Ursula Rucker
The week of blogging our editor's top picks for our vacation locations continues today with tunes from Boston:
1. Rock & Roll Band - Boston 2. Boston - Augustana 3. Please Come To Boston - Dave Loggins 4. Boston to Beijing - Tonic Sol Fa 5. For Boston - Dropkick Murphys 6. I'm Shipping Up To Boston - Dropkick Murphys 7. Bound for Boston - Kevin McKrell 8. Boston Rose - The Wolfe Tones 9. Boston Rain Melody - Steve Vai 10. Boston - Edo G. 11. Boston Massacre - T. Dot 12. Drivin' in Boston Is Drivin' Me to Drink - Howie Newman 13. She's From Boston - Kenny Chesney 14. She's Still Rockin' In Boston - Paula Hernandez 15. Whoever's In New England - Reba McEntire 16. Boston Beans - Peggy Lee 17. A Hymn to New England - Boston Pops
You'll notice the list features songs that touch on Boston's Revolutionary War role, its Irish-American heritge, and even its infamous drivers! Listen to get psyched up for your trip to Beantown or to celebrate your own hometown!
Here is a list of some of our favorite songs about NYC; we hope it will serve as a great inspiration if you are preparing for a visit, or a great celebration if you live here! 1. The Call of the City - Susannah McCorkle 2. Manhattan Avenue - Nellie McKay 3. Manhattan - Blossom Dearie 4. Meet Me In Manhattan - Bob Malone 5. Spring In Manhattan - Meredith D'Ambrosio 6. Why Not! (Manhattan Carnival) - Manhattan Transfer 7. New York, New York - Frank Sinatra 8. Take The 'A' Train - Ella Fitzgerald 9. Lullaby Of Broadway - Ella Fitzgerald 10. The Brooklyn Bridge - Frank Sinatra 11. Autumn In New York - Frank Sinatra 12. Spanish Harlem - Phil Spector 13. Take Me Back To Manhattan - Cole Porter 14. Sex In New York City - Afroditee 15. New York Minute - Yosh (Hip-Hop) 16. New York City - Peter Malick 17. The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) - Simon & Garfunkel 18. New York State Of Mind - Billy Joel 19. Leaving New York - R.E.M. 20. Do You Miss New York? - Susannah McCorkle
As the hot days of summer continue, going to the movies can provide a bit of respite -- a place to sit and relax in air conditioned comfort and be entertained. And this summer, you can go and take the kids for free! AMC Theaters will show a selection of the top-performing G- and PG-rated films of 2006 on the big screen every Wednesday morning. Titles include:
Happy Feet
Charlotte's Web
Ice Age: The Meltdown
Open Season
Doors will open at 9:30 am and shows will begin at 10 am. Tickets and group reservations will be available up to a week in advance. AMC will also be offering KidsPack concession combos at a reduced price of just $3 (a 45% savings) during these special show times. Participating AMC markets include Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and San Francisco (see the AMC web site for a complete theater listing and other details).
Even if you already saw these movies a year ago, if you live in or are travelling to one of the participating cities, this is a great opportunity!
Philadelphia has some great shopping options, if you know where to look. Here are some of our favorite places:
Reading Terminal Market (12th and Arch St.) -- a great source of local food in 76,000 square feet of stalls. Look for items sold by the nearby Amish, including their famous shoofly pie.
Rittenhouse Row -- Urban Outfitters and its younger sister Anthropologie both started out in Philadelphia; look for the latter in a beaux arts building at 1801 Walnut St. We also love Knit Wit (1718 Walnut St.) and the AIA Bookstore & Design Center (117 S. 17th Street). Hungry? Plan a special lunch or dinner at the famed restaurant Le Bec-Fin, which is nearby.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway -- built on the model of the Champs-Elysees, the Ben Franklin is a wide, spacious boulevard in an area filled with museums. Head up the majestic steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and after you've had your fill of the galleries, stop in the gift shop for a wonderful selection of well-designed, beautiful items. Another good stop for museum gift shop devotees is the Rodin Museum (on the Parkway at 22nd Street).
South Street -- you'll find a variety of shops and restaurants here, both national chains and local establishments. While we find it perhaps a bit more tame than some people think it is (more Gap than glitz; more pop than punk), it is clearly a different side of Philadelphia than the colonial charm of Old Town.
Center City -- the charm of this once vibrant and distinct commercial district has mostly been replaced by malls and national chains, but if you escape into Boyds, you'll get a flavor of what shopping in downtown Philadelphia used to be like.
The Bourse -- a good stop for Philly souvenirs. After you've got your mugs and magnets, take time to explore the magnificent building itself (now on the National Register of Historic Places), which features large columns and pilasters which support two tiers of balconies above the main floor. A large skylight on the third floor, supported by bow-top girders, keeps the central space bright and cheery. Marble, wrought-iron and intricate Victorian gingerbread abound.
Every year, hundreds of restaurants in New York City band together to offer special pricing on prix-fixe menus to demonstrate the quality, variety and hospitality that makes New York the restaurant capital of the world. This year, for 10 days (July 16-20 and 23-27) you can eat enjoy fabulous 3-course meals (priced at $24.07 at lunch; $35 at dinner) at over 200 restaurants. Bon appetit!
We can think of no better preparation for tonight's All-Star game than checking out The Museum of the City of New York's new exhibit entitled "The Glory Days: New York Baseball 1947-1957." Living in a household with both fervent Yankee and Mets fans, we can attest to the excitement that a subway series brings, and so can imagine what it was like to be in the city when three NY teams took turns at winning the World Series championship. Relive those glory days through the eyes of the players and the fans who adored them.
Nothing ruins a family vacation faster than staying at a hotel that would rather not have children as guests. You know the kind: there's a pool, but it is part of the adults-only health club; the room service menu features 50 wines by the glass, but nary a entree that anyone under 12 would find appealing; and the haughty doormen frown every time they have to open the door for you and your stroller. But there are plenty of places that welcome children -- and not all of them involve traveling to Orlando, FL!
One of the best options if you'll be in town more than a few days, is to rent a vacation condo -- most feature a suite (so there is plenty of room for your young ones and their gear) with a kitchenette (nice to have the option to make PB&J sandwiches), and even washers and dryers (so it doesn't matter how many outfits your infant soils each day), but still have daily maid service and other hotel amenities.
Another option is to seek out hotels that offer specific programs geared toward making children feel welcome. Even in sophisticated New York City, there is a nice selection of hotels that offer services like baby-proofing, childcare, special children's menus, and free use of strollers, bottle-warmers and the like. Some hotels chains and resorts have made it their policy to reach out to families with children's programs and other amenities -- and staying at if you stay at these places, you won't need 50 wines by the glass to relieve the stress of vacationing with your family!
There is no question that long drives with your kids in the back seat can be stressful for everyone. But this summer, with the skies crowded and flight delays at an all-time high, driving with your family might be the only travel plan that makes sense. And with some planning and some patience, your family road trip might be... well, almost... fun! Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Plan frequent rest stops. For toddlers especially, two hours in the car is maximum you should plan to drive before stopping for a break. You don't need to make a big deal about it -- just letting the kids run around (or toss a frisbee or ball) in the grass at a rest stop or in a fast food playroom (you can get their food to go and let them eat it later in the car) can make all the difference. If you have more time, look for a playground at a school or park. If the weather is not cooperative, an indoor mall is a good choice -- many have play spaces, but even without that amenity, there is room to stretch your legs, and the food court is likely to offer a variety of choices.
Have a bag full of tricks. Just like on a plane ride, you'll want to bring plenty of small toys, games, books and coloring materials to keep your child entertained. It helps to have something new or special -- wrapped surprises, new books from the library, or rarely allowed treats all help make the ride more enjoyable. About.com has a nice list of ideas, listed by age.
Keep plenty of snacks handy. Fruit leathers, crackers, pretzels, raisins, cereal, seedless grapes, granola bars, apple slices, cheese sticks, and juice boxes are all good choices. We've learned from experience that chocolate pudding is not. Nor are blueberries (they roll everywhere and stain everything). Whatever you bring, be prepared with plastic bags for the trash and wipes for the sticky fingers.
Let electronics rule. This is definitely the time to embrace hand-held games (like gameboy), MP3 players (like ipod), and the DVD players that are becoming more and more ubiquitous in minivans and SUVs everywhere. For younger children, we recommend music and movies on a car system that you control; older kids are likely to prefer controlling their own entertainment. And don't forget about audio books -- listening to a story can really help pass the time (and also prevents the motion sickness that can accompany reading in a car). Speaking of which...
Help quiet queasy stomachs. Many children are susceptible to motion sickness. If your child is a frequent sufferer, don't pack lots of books or similar activities. Also remember that the picturesque back road with lots of turns can be more difficult to bear than the freeway. Opening a window for a blast of fresh air can help, too. And be ready with plenty of large zip lock bags, wipes, and a change of clothes (that doesn't involve unpacking the trunk), just in case.
Prevent backseat meltdowns. If there is more than one adult in the car, one of you should sit in back next to your baby or toddler, to keep your child company, offer snacks, or even help with an activity such as a sticker book. Older kids don't usually mind being alone -- your biggest problem is likely to be preventing sibling squabbles. Follow the tips above, since well-fed, well-rested children with activities to occupy them are less likely to fight with each other in the car. If you can't separate them, put a couple of pillows between your kids to give them their own space. The Parent Center recommends that if a fight does erupt, you can distract your kids by doing something surprising, such as turning the radio on very loud for a minute, or blowing bubbles in their direction.
Since this is the season of summer vacations, it seems like a good time to add to our tips for traveling with your kids in tow. Today's column will address ways that you can make flying with your child more manageable. Stay tuned for future write-ups about what to do when your trip involves lots of driving, and what to look for in a family-friendly hotel.
Before You Go
Double-check the flight schedule one more time. Check with the airline 24 hours in advance to make sure your departure and return times haven't changed. Make sure the airline has your e-mail and cell phone information (you can sign up online) in case there is a last-minute change or delay (which is more common than ever this summer).
Print your boarding passes at home. Don't get stuck in the endless lines required for check in. Instead, visit the airline's web site ahead of time to take advantage of this time-saving feature. Didn't have time to print the passes out in advance? All is not lost! Just use the check-in kiosks when you arrive; they're not as fast as having boarding passes in hand, but still better than the line.
Make sure your kids understand the security screening process. Our kids are veteran flyers, but after the episode when security detained us after finding both a pocket knife and a (rubber) Ninja star in our son's carry-on, we make sure we explain the security process one more time. For first-timers and younger children, it helps ease their fears, if they know ahead of time that they will be surrendering their dolly or stuffed animal only temporarily. Of course you'll want to keep the security line in mind as you plan what they'll wear on the plane -- avoid lace-up shoes and that cute outfit with lots of metallic embellishments, if possible.
Plan your luggage carefully. Think carefully about what goes into carry-ons and what can be checked. On the one hand, you need to plan for things to keep the kids fed and entertained during the inevitable delays. On the other hand, you don't want to be saddled with too much luggage if your kids need a bathroom break while your husband is parking the car. To help lighten your own load, remember that if your child can walk, he can carry a small backpack or pull a small wheeled back. If you pack his "must have" toys in his own bag, he'll have an incentive to take care of it.
At the Airport
Use curb-side check-in. If this service is available, it will make your life infinitely easier: you won't have to schlep items you don't need on the plane, and you won't have to wait in line.
Keep your stroller with you. You can gate-check it just before you board the plane, but keeping it with you as long as possible makes it easier for your little one to travel through the airport and provides a safe, clean place to sit (or sleep!) while you wait for your plane.
Know your child. For some families, taking advantage of early boarding is the best option: they use the time to stash bags before the overhead bins fill up, and to get everyone situated and happy. For others, sitting on the plane for even an extra minute spells disaster. These families have their kids stretch their legs in the airport until the last possible moment and then board with the late comers. Know what will work for you and don't let others talk you into any other course of action.
On the Plane
Have a bag full of tricks. Include plenty of small toys, games, books and coloring materials in your bag. We like to bring a couple of new things to increase our kids' interest in the on-board items, remembering that we don't always have to buy something -- checking out new titles from the library works, too. If you have an ipod, load it with music your young one enjoys, and if you have a portable DVD player, then by all means, bring it (along with headphones -- we think it goes without saying that anything that might distract your fellow passengers shouldn't make it on the plane!)
Don't use the airline's blankets or pillows unless they come in a sealed bag. These items are not always washed between flights and can therefore be rife with the germs of the gent who drooled on the pillow an hour ago. Do you really want your little one touching that?
Move around. On long flights, encourage your child to get up and move around every hour or two to avoid cramped muscles and reduced circulation.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The liquids you can carry through the security check are limited, but you can buy plenty of bottled water once you pass the check point at the airport. And every time the flight attendants pass by with beverages, order something for everyone.
Safe and Healthy Habits
Be prepared for the worst. Dress your child in bright, easy-to-recognize clothing and always carry a current photo in case you are separated.
Carry a first aid kit. It should include items such as antibiotic ointment, band aids, and children's Tylenol.
Keep things clean. Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (like Purell) or cleansing wipes with you to use when soap and water aren't available.
Over the last week or so, in preparation for today's Independence Day celebrations, we've been posting places to see fireworks throughout the country. Now it occurs to us that perhaps you might want to impress your friends by explaining how fireworks work-- good conversation to fill in all those silent moments between the ooohs and aaaaaahs! Or perhaps you're stuck indoors? Impress your friends even more by making your own fireworks display online!
Whatever your plans are for today, we at TheInsider.com wish you a happy July 4th!
Why wait 'til tomorrow for all the 4th of July fun to begin when this afternoon, Aloha Tower Marketplace will host a pre-Independence Day Celebration starting at 5 pm and culminating with a stunning fireworks display over Honolulu Harbor at 9 pm. There will be free live entertainment on multiple stages; a fashion show with top Hawaii models; strolling entertainers; face & hair painting; balloon animals; and, most importantly, a dazzling fireworks finale. Tomorrow marks the 16th consecutive year that Ala Moana Center has provided the Honolulu community with the state's largest fireworks spectacular. It's a celebration that includes a full day of special events, live music, and loads of fun, from 12 pm to 5 pm. Starting at 5 pm and running through the start of the fireworks display (at about 8:30 pm), Hawaiian 105 KINE and KCCN FM100 radio personalities will keep the audience entertained with local musical guests, prize giveaways and more! A fireworks viewing area will be located on the Mall Level, Makai Parking Deck; there is also a music simulcast on Hawaiian 105 KINE and KCCN FM100.
For an added treat, you can enjoy the best views of the pyrotechnics from the water by taking one of the 3rd and 4th of July Fireworks Cruises offered by Star of Honolulu. All cruises include a bon voyage champagne toast, live entertainment and the best ocean views of the fireworks!
But maybe fireworks aren't your thing. If that's the case, try celebrating this 4th of July with something truly unique: the Illuninati Hunt. Carefully crafted invisible riddles, puzzles, codes, and surprises await. Each teamed will be armed with nothing more than a UV black light as they race against the other teams around the streets of Waikiki. Fabulously tacky prizes will be awarded at the end to the top three teams.
San Francisco's waterfront is the place to be this coming Wednesday. Head down to the Fisherman's Wharf area for the annual 4th of July Waterfront Festival, featuring arts & crafts, live entertainment, food, and fun. The Family Festival at The Cannery begins at 11 am with face painting; live music will run through 8 pm.
Pier 39 celebrates Independence Day with an afternoon line-up of popular local bands. Big Bang Beat takes the stage from 1 - 4 pm, followed by Tainted Love from 6 - 9:30 pm.
The fireworks extravaganza, which will be launched from barges off Pier 39 and the Municipal Pier, begins at approximately 9:30 pm. The pyrotechnics can be seen well from Aquatic Park. Or take a cruise and see the display from the middle of the Bay. Both the Red and White Fleet and Hornblower Yacht are offering 4th of July fireworks cruises.
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