The latest travel information plus insider event and sightseeing tips for New York City, Boston, Hawaii, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Bermuda.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Soup-er Bowl
The Super Bowl rush is on! Planes and hotels are booked solid with football fans who are heading to Arizona for the big game (in fact we've even heard that some folks who live near the University of Phoenix Stadium are renting out their homes to fans who couldn't otherwise find a place to stay). Both Boston and New York City are abuzz with SB XLII chatter and bursting with folks wearing gear celebrating the upcoming game between the Pats and the Giants. And now, joining other classic confrontations (like the Bud Bowl), comes the Souper Bowl Challenge: choose between New England Clam Chowder or Manhattan Clam Chowder -- if you purchase the soup associated with the winning team, you'll receive a giftcard from Legal Sea Foods. All entrants will be also eligible to win a Lobster Dinner for 6 prepared at your home by a Legal Sea Foods' chef.
We've blogged about The Lodge at Woodloch in the past, extolling the virtues of its luxurious environment and cuisine. Now we find that we are in good company with our praise: TripAdvisor.com has named Woodloch one of its "Top 10 Spas in the World" for 2008. Things being what they are, this is not its first award; here is a list of the others:
"Best for Cuisine" - 2007 Spa Finder Reader's Choice Award "Best for Cooking Classes" - 2007 Spa Finder Reader's Choice Award "Best for Mind - Body - Spirit" - 2007 Spa Finder Reader's Choice Award "Top 15 Destination Spas, 2007" - Travel + Leisure "Hot List 2007" - Conde Nast Traveler "10 Most Luxurious Spas in the US" - Forbes.com "100 Best Spas of the World" - Insiders' Guide
What To Do and See in Philadelphia (This Post Sponsored by Philadelphia Hotels)
We read recently that Philadelphia is one of the most visited cities in the country, but that many visitors just come into town for the day. We at TheInsider.com think that's a real shame. Oh sure, it's nice to know that you can see a good part of Independence National Historic Park, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Ben Franklin's house, and still be home for the 11 o'clock news. But since Philadelphia offers so much more than just its famed historic sites, we think you ought to plan at least to extend your visit to last at least through the weekend. As a bonus, many Philadelphia hotels now have enticing special offers like a "stay for breakfast" and "just the two of you" rates. And when you see how much there is to see and do in the City of Brotherly love, you'll be glad you didn't rush home. For example, in addition to attractions connected to its role in the founding of our nation, the city has plenty of wonderful gems tucked away -- you just have to know where to find them.
Here are some of Philly's special secrets:
There is a beautiful glass mosaic by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the lobby of the Curtis Center, an office building on Washington Square.
College Hall, an administration building at the University of Pennsylvania, is said to be the inspiration of the house in Charles Addams' The Addams Family cartoons.
The Curtis Institute of Music (1726 Locust Street) provided the facade you'll recognize from the Eddie Murphy movie Trading Places.
Boathouse Row is made up of 11 Victorian buildings that house the "Schuylkill Navy" -- rowing clubs that practice on the nearby river. Tiny white lights that outline each of the buildings create a wondrous sight every night throughout the year.
On the first Friday of each month, dozens of galleries and cultural organizations in Old City stay open late for receptions and shows. It's like an elegant, traveling cocktail party. Sponsored by the Old City Arts Association, this free event is held year-round, rain or shine.
The list of America's most literate cities (accounting for per capita booksellers, educational attainment, internet resources, library resources, newspaper circulation, and periodical publications) was recently released. For the 4th year in a row, San Francisco made the top ten. Boston, was another perennial winner, making the top ten in 3 of the 4 years the study has been compiled.
From January 7-13, the New York Times celebrates Arts & Leisure Week with buy-one-get-one-free pricing and other special offers at participating theaters, movies, museums, and other cultural attractions throughout New York City, the rest of the United States, and even Europe. So check out whether these offers apply where-ever your travels may take you -- and save yourself some money!
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