Georgias Great Tour by Bus from Atlanta

Picture 119Enjoy a four hour trip as you learn about Atlanta’s contribution to American culture. Home to influential leaders such as Jimmy Carter and Martin Luther King, Jr., Atlanta has helped shape history. One can gain a better understanding of the 39th president by visiting his Museum and Library, and visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Center and memorial site and learn more about the Civil Rights Movement. Amidst the cultural aspects of the tour are stops at the Coca-Cola Museum, the Woodruff Arts Center, and the Swan House. Admission to all of these events is included in tour price. For a great way to appreciate all aspects of Atlanta and see the city for all that it is, one should take this tour.

This four hour trip will take you through historical sites as well as the newest attractions in Atlanta. During this tour, one will step into Gone with the Wind author, Margaret Mitchell’s house, view the Governor’s house along with other historical landmarks and churches, see where the 1996 Olympics made history, the Atlanta skyline, and make a stop for Georgia’s Aquarium. All admission to these events is included in the tour price. This tour is perfect for someone new to the city, showing both Atlanta’s past and present.

Chef Kent Rathbun Brings Global Cuisine to Abacus Restaurant

If it’s fine dining you’re after, look no further than Abacus ResPicture 18taurant. This Texas gem boasts award-winning chef Kent Rathbun’s contemporary global cuisine. As you bask in the glow of the softly lit dining room with its rich textural finishes, you can choose between plates big and small.  Or head over to the bar and still sample some delicious dishes while also enjoying a bit of the Dallas nightlife. Those in the know kick off their meal with Abacus’ famous lobster shooters.  A place this good is no secret, so reservations are strongly recommended.

Live Irish Entertainment Nightly at The Burren

There are so many great Irish pubs in Boston but when you step outside the city, the options seem to get fewer. The Burren in Somerville is a great place to check out some live Irish music and get some fish and chips while washing it down with a perfectly poured pint of Guinness. The pub features live traditional Irish entertainment seven nights a week. Named after a great rocky expanse in Ireland’s County Clare, The Burren here captures the mythical nature of its namesake with a rich old world feel. Open since January 1996, the pub was founded on a dream shared by two young Irish musicians, Tommy McCarthy and Louise Costello. Tommy and Louise began playing together nearly 10 years earlier. Today, the pub serves more than 20 beers on draft, an intimate bar, and private room where wedding receptions have taken place. Visit burren.com for the schedule, menu and information.

Insider’s Tip: On Saturdays and Sundays, there is a brunch menu available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., which features a full Irish breakfast.

Grab a Burger and Brew at Bukowski’s Tavern

Bukowski’s Tavern located just off of bustling Boylston Street and steps from the Prudential Center and Copley Square is not only a popular hangout for college students but a great place to relax, kick back and enjoy a casual night out. This cool bar lacks pretension and formality but makes up with it in character, good food, a large beer menu (featuring over 100 craft brews to be exact) and fun atmosphere. Bukowski’s was named after writer Charles Bukowski, who was as well known for his writings as he was for his drinking. The no-frills bar menu here features hot dogs, fantastic burgers from the basic Barfly to the unique peanut butter burger, which they assure tastes great. After a few drinks and getting acquainted to the bar, you may even surprise yourself when you order up a white trash steak bomb.

Visit bukowskitavern.net for more information.

Aria

Wines from around the world and meat that’s braised, roasted, and stewed are just two of the reason’s why Aria has us utterly captivated. Pastry chef, Kathryn King, churns out delectables like the Warm Chocolate Cheesecake, and entrees like the Zinfandel Braised Beef Short Rib are nothing short of heavenly. Open in the evenings only, the kitchen devotes the whole day to concocting dinner-time masterpieces.

La Belle Vie at Bistrot Margot

Strolling down Wells Street in Chicago’s Old Town, you’ll pass dozens of charming restaurants emitting delicious smells, but only one will stick out as appearing classic French: C’est Bistrot Margot! Its charming outdoor seating is filled with happy diners being served by attentive black aproned waiters below a classic red and black striped awning.

Inside this family-run restaurant, even more charming decor awaits. So French, so cozy, so magnifique! Any day of the week the slew of regular diners and newcomers alike take advantage of the items du jour from the rotating menu. Of course, a good ol’ Steak Frites is a top pick and rightfully so, but the options of fish, duck and chicken are equally as perfect.

Forget not when at Bistrot Margot that it is a French restaurant and therefore, you’ll want to eat by courses. So don’t overdo it on the first appetizer of tarte au brie, moules or risotto du jour (a must!), because you need to eat every last course, including the cheese! That said: ordering wine is also a must, it helps cut through the rich and decadent food. Bon appetit!

Ellis Island

When you are touring around Manhattan, there are a few things that have to be on your checklist of must-sees. Ellis Island is definitely one of them. This historic landmark will bring you right back to where it all started. Check out some of the recognizable names that have passed through this incredible port. You can even look up your own family’s genealogy. At Ellis Island, you’ll learn all about some of the unbelievable journeys people took to be a part of our country through film, photographs, and museum displays. The Wall of Honor is a sight to see as well. Overlooking the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline, The Wall of Honor contains over 700,000 names of immigrants. And it’s all free so how can you say no? Ferries leave from Battery Park and Liberty State Park daily.
For tickets and schedule information, call 1-877-LADY TIX or 1-877-523-9849 or visit www.statuecruises.com.

Glitz, Glam and Geoffrey’s

When you think of Malibu dining, you think of oceanfront seating and impeccable seafood. If you are in the mood for the Malibu dining experience, there is no better place than Geoffrey’s.

Situated right on the water, the laidback and ambient environment makes this restaurant the perfect first date place spot or a place to celebrate an occasion. With gorgeous waterfront views and the sights of Malibu, the food definitely matches up to the ambiance and décor. With favorites such as baked brie and caramelized pears for an appetizer and a selection of seafood such as paella and lobster, the seafood extraordinaire is always tastefully satisfied.

If you are thinking that good food in a beautiful setting will bring in the glam and glitz, you are right. Celebrities such as a Dick Clark swear by Geoffrey’s and visiting this restaurant is always a chance for a nice photo opp.

If you can’t make it out for dinner, brunch at Geoffrey’s is still something that shouldn’t be missed. Dishes such as Sautéed Day Boat Sea Scallops with a Foie Gras Risotto keep brunch at Geoffrey’s in a league of its own.

Who needs a man who looks good, can cook and treats you like a queen: you’ll always have Geoffrey.

Alcatraz

Take a boat ride to and a tour through the small island full of rich history. Alcatraz was one of the first US forts on the west coast, an infamous federal penitentiary, and occupied by Native Americans for eighteen months. Alcatraz also has gardens, tide pools, and a view of the city like none other. For a highly entertaining and educational excursion, visit Alcatraz Island.

The All-Encompassing Denver Center for the Performing Arts

Being the second largest performing arts center in the country (only topped by New York City), the Denver Center for the Performing Arts houses a symphony, concert hall, auditorium, ballet, opera house, Broadway Theatre and <gasp> the Tony-Award winning Denver Theatre Company.

Check out traveling shows because this venue gets them all. Whenever you want to experience Broadway away from Broadway, here is the place to be.

The center also features several smaller theatres and comedy events.