Tucked away in a subterranean space below Larimer Square, Frank Bonanno’s new cocktail lounge is literally underground. But unlike the Prohibition-era speakeasies it’s modeled after, Green Russell is otherwise aboveboard. Indeed, given the buzz it generated prior to its opening, you’d be hard-pressed to find a drinker in Denver who doesn’t know about this dark, cozy den, where local masters of mixology tailor their libations to your tastes Thursday through Sunday nights. The friendly crew also gladly serves up a limited but cheeky selection of eats that includes slices from Wednesday’s Pie, the tiny shop that Bonanno has installed as a faux-front for the bar.
Starlet: You Go, Girlie
Release your inner girlie-girl at this sweet-as-candy boutique in Highlands Square. Hardly bigger than a shoebox, the crayon-bright space is lined with framed photos of seductresses from the golden era of the silver screen, beneath whose scarlet smiles racks burst and shelves spill with all kinds of finds at generally reasonable prices: belts, hats, shades, bags, scarves, and costume baubles complement a smaller selection of apparel. And the easygoing staff strikes the perfect balance between helpfulness and the hands-off approach, so you can browse at your leisure.
The Regal Beagle: Comfortable Neighborhood Restaurant
Named after the beloved pub from the 80s sitcom Three’s Company, The Regal Beagle in Coolidge Corner, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary is anything but a vintage throwback. The modern interior with dark red walls and intimate seating with a small rear bar at this award-winning neighborhood restaurant offers comfort food with a twist. From dates stuffed with gorgonzola cheese wrapped in bacon and tacos filled with chicken mole to pistachio brittle crust scallops and a roasted half chicken with bacon gravy, Chef Laura Henry-Zoubir seems to have outdone herself. Visit thebeaglebrookline.com for more information.
Charlie Brown’s Bar & Grill: Where the Beat Goes On
A major stop on the The Beat Poetry Driving Tour, this well-worn bar on the ground floor of The Colburn Hotel was a favorite of Allen Ginsberg and Neal Cassady—and it remains dear to Denverites today. From the sing-alongs around the grand piano to Sunday night karaoke to summertime pig roasts on the patio, the goings-on are always convivial—and they’re only enhanced by the comfy leather seats and cheap drinks (which are even cheaper during the two-for-one happy hour). No wonder the crowds are so diverse—be it nattily dressed grandfolks humming to the oldies, families with toddlers, or lawnmower-beer-drinking hipsters, there’s something for everyone here.
Cherry Creek State Park: The Great Outdoors in the Big City
Situated in Aurora about fifteen minutes south of the airport, this park is a giant hive of activity year round. In warm weather, the 880-acre reservoir opens to swimmers, boaters, jet-skiers, volleyball players, and fishermen; in wintertime, there’s cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and sledding. And that’s just the beginning: picnic areas and campgrounds mean that you can go biking, hiking, horseback riding, sharpshooting, birding, model airplane flying, and more for days on end. Gather all sorts of materials about local flora and fauna, equipment rental, and children’s programs at the park office.
Dance the Night Away at The Church
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Not only is this place voted to be Denver’s coolest nightspot but it is located in an abandoned church. Dance between confessionals and offertory underneath the beautiful stained-glass windows. Complete with a Goth downstairs and a small snack bar and lounge this place offers everything you need to dance the night away.
Ten Pin Alley
Don’t let the winter blues get you down this season. Instead stay active knocking down the pins at 10 Pin Alley on 19th street in Atlanta. There’s a vintage Americana vibe at the high-end bowling alley that features private entrances, library-like walls, and living room style seating. Maybe you’ll have a celebrity sighting as Ten Pin is part of the restaurant group backed by Ashton Kutcher and Wilmer Valderama. There’s a lounge, three billiard’s rooms and food and to knock your socks off, but don’t worry, you’ll get complimentary ones with your bowling shoes. Be sure to try the signature cocktails like the Ten Pin Up, a combo of Stoli Razz & Peach, triple sec, Cranberry, Pineapple and Champagne, but don’t overindulge or your pins might start moving!
http://www.dolcegroup.com/
Holidays at Atlantic Station
Atlanta’s Atlantic station might be the place to meet with friends or family this season, but it’s also a great place to cross some things off of your to-do list while basking in some holiday cheer. The open-air holiday shops at Atlantic station offer everything from stocking stuffers like jewelry and handcrafted soaps to fine art for your home. There are wine tastings, lunch specials, happy hours, and DJs among the festivities. Stay for the snowfall, weekdays at 7:30 and weekends 6-9 hourly. If you’re lucky you might even get a photo op with Santa any weekend through Dec.24th.
New Year’s Fireworks on the Delaware River
http://www.delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com/index.php?module=events&image=13c
Celebrate the end of 2010 with not one, but two firework shows on the Delaware River with shows at 6p.m. and midnight at Penn’s Landing. Conveniently located within a short walk of Old City, Society Hill and South Street, Penn’s Landing becomes a festive party with revelers of all ages delighting in a breathtaking fireworks display.
Macy’s Dickens Village& Holiday Light Show
http://social.macys.com/believe2010/#/events/santa-land-philadelphia
Macy’s carries on a Philadelphia tradition with a life-size recreation of Victorian London, where you can walk through and imagine yourself in A Christmas Carol. It is on the 3rd floor of the new Macy’s downtown store which is located in the old John Wanamaker building at 1300 Market Street. The the 6,000-square-foot exhibit has remained a popular holiday attraction with more than 100,000 visitors each holiday season with 10,000 on Black Friday alone.
A Victorian Christmas
http://www.visitphilly.com/events/philadelphia/victorian-christmas-open-house-at-pennypacker-mills/
Head out to Philadelphia’s beautiful countryside for a free guided tour of Pennypacker Mills, the 18th-century mansion used by General George Washington as temporary headquarters during the Revolutionary War. You will discover an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas as you’re guided through the beautifully decorated mansion, which was once the residence of Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker, the twenty-fifth Governor of Pennsylvania. Share in the holiday spirit with your family and friends as you enjoy the warm glow of oil lamps, festive decorations and a candy-making demonstration.And you should prepare your Christmas wish list beforehand — Santa will pay a visit to Pennypacker Mills to join in the holiday cheer!
Holiday Cruises
Toast to the holidays on the high seas this year with December Holiday Cruises aboard the spirit of Philadelphia. There’s a festive atmosphere, harbor view, a buffet, holiday music for dancing and even four different levels of holiday spirit to choose from.
http://spiritofphiladelphia.com/Philadelphia/december-holiday-cruises
Wine Tasting in San Francisco
Wine Tasting in San Francisco
Visit the Winery Collective is the first multi-winery tasting room in San Francisco focused on boutique wineries. This unique experience allowing you to taste wines from dozens of small wineries across California right in San Francisco without having to travel to each of the wine regions. Daily from 12-9pm.
Click here for more information
Reindeer Romp San Francisco
There’s just something about seeing reindeer in real life that will kick your holiday spirit into high gear! From now until January 1, you can see reindeer at the San Francisco Zoo. The four reindeer — Holly, Velvet, Peppermint and Belle — will be on display during normal zoo hours. I’m not sure if they will prance, but they will certainly graze on holiday-themed treats and entertain zoo visitors with their large antlers. Free with admission to the zoo.
Http://www.sfzoo.org/openrosters/view_homepage.asp?orgkey=1859
San Francisco Symphony Orchestra
Celebrate with the San Francisco Symphony orchestra, holidays with the symphony December 2nd-31st. They’ll be timeless classics and sentimental holiday favorites. This year, the San Francisco Symphony offers a warm and inviting array of concerts — perfect additions to your holiday traditions. Join us for timeless classics and sentimental holiday favorites, sure to add joy, smiles, and holiday memories to share with those you love.
http://www.sfsymphony.org/season/festival.aspx?id=46530&utm_source=Sidebar-Events&utm_medium=Banner-290&utm_campaign=Holiday
Noir City Film Festival
Skip the crowds and long lines this holiday season and head straight to the Castro Theatre for Noir City Xmas and celebrate the season with a double bill on Dec. 15th. They’ll be showing Remember the Night (1940) and Mr. Soft Touch (1949). These films are a tease to the Noir City Film Festival set to be launched Jan. 21st.
http://www.noircity.com/
Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market
Enjoy a veritable feast for the senses each Sunday at the Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market. During peak season, there are more than 30 farmers offering items including fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, fish, baked goods and more. Samples are always available. Market hours are 9 a.m. -1 p.m. April thru December; 10 a.m. -1p.m. January thru March.
ZooLights
This holiday season, the National Zoo will be at its brightest after dark! Zoo animals will come to ‘light’ in more than 50 custom-designed light sculptures. The larger-than-life displays will highlight approximately 30 species of Zoo animals, including giant pandas, Asian elephants, kori bustards, tigers and golden lion tamarins. ZooLights offers musical and theatrical performances and other entertainment, as well as seasonal treats, including gingerbread cookies, hot chocolate and hot cider.
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ActivitiesAndEvents/Celebrations/zoolights/default.cfm
Waterskiing Santa on the Potomac River
Santa likes to have fun just like everyone else and this Christmas is no exception. Head over to the National Harbor to see Santa water-ski, his kneeboarding reindeer, flying Elves, the jet-skiing Grinch and Frosty the Snowman perform on the water. This is a Christmas show unlike any other; even if you don’t celebrate the holiday, it’s worth seeing a waterskiing show in December on the Potomac…
www.waterskiingsanta.com
Moonlight Tour of Monuments
Experience the sights, lights and beauty of the DC holiday season on a moonlight tour of monuments. On-board you’ll see some of the city’s most popular monuments such as the Capitol Building, the White House, the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument. The trolley makes 2 stops at the Lincoln Memorial and the Iwo Jima Memorial. Enjoy the sights and sounds of this truly magnificent city as you join the professional tour guides for entertaining anecdotes and historical information along with a sprinkling of bewitching ghost stories of the spirits that haunt our nations capitol.
www.trustedtours.com/store/Monuments-by-Moonlight-Night-Tour-C211.aspx1
Downtown Holiday Market
Shop for unique seasonal gifts at this 6th annual market to support local artisans. The diverse offerings will include jewelry, textiles, pottery, paintings and more. This is a great way to find some great gifts while supporting local craftsmen all at the same time! There will be a wide range of local musicans and bands that will entertain shoppers. Jazz, swing, blues, reggae — basically everything to make the shopping experience as fun as possible. With more than 180 vendors showing their wares, there’s bound to be something for everyone on your list.
www.downtownholidaymarket.com
ChoLon Modern Asian Bistro: East-West Extravagance
This sleek downtowner is a treasure trove—and its crown jewel is chef-partner Lon Symensma, whose world travels are reflected in his contemporary East-West cookery. The menu is designed for grazing and sharing such artistically presented creations as green papaya salad with tamarind sorbet, egg noodles with squid and scallops, and elegant sandwiches like the pulled beef with raclette and spicy radish. But once you take a bite of the luscious kaya toast with coconut jam and an “egg cloud,” you’ll be hard pressed to let anyone else near it. As for the service, it’s as polished as everything else.
Christian Louboutin: Clickety clack in high fashion heels
Seems like the Miami Design District is on everyone’s radar with many high-end boutiques to furniture/accessory stores opening in the area, many of which attract celebrities, designers and fashionistas.
Now lovers of bag and shoe designer Christian Louboutin rejoice with the opening of a boutique in the heart of the area. The clickety clack of women wearing the signature shoes with the rich, red colored soles will be heard far and wide. The boutique itself is a fascinating structure with lovely, fuzzy plants and flowers growing from the top facade.
Inside, everything including flats, pumps, evening shoes, wedges, platforms and boots are available as well as a collection of day and evening bags. For day the bags are slightly larger while clutches make up a majority of the evening bag choices. And he actually does make sneakers for both men and women too.
Christian Louboutin Miami is located at 155 NE 40 Street, Miami, FL
Holiday Fair at Grand Central Terminal
In many ways Grand Central is the heart of New York City, but for many locals (and commuters!) it’s also home to the best holiday market in town. The Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair is one of the city’s few indoor (read warm) markets featuring over 70 vendors selling jewelry, home décor accessories, clothing and toys. Through December 24th.
http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/go/mallevents.cfm?eventID=2145364365
Norman Rockwell exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum
New at the Brooklyn Museum is Norman Rockwell: Behind the Camera. In the late 1930s Norman Rockwell adopted photography as a tool to bring his illustration ideas to life in studio sessions. Working as a director, Rockwell carefully staged his photographs, selecting props and locations, choosing his models, and orchestrating every detail. He created an abundance of photographs for each new subject, sometimes capturing complete compositions and other times combining separate pictures of individual elements. These photographs were the focus of a recently completed two-year project at the Norman Rockwell Museum that preserved and digitized almost 20,000 negatives.
http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/norman_rockwell/
New York Train Show
See New York City in a different way at the NY Holiday Train show at the New York Botanical Garden through Jan 9th. There’s a quarter-mile of track along 140 New York City landmarks including the original Yankee stadium, St. Patrick’s cathedral and even a new flight center at the JFK airport. Each structure is crafted from small dried plants! And for extra holiday spirit check out the Discovery Center for Gingerbread Adventures where you can learn about the plants that give life and spice to the season’s favorite edible people.
http://www.nybg.org/home-holiday-train-show.php
The Magical Music of Disney
Mickey meets the Miami Symphony orchestra this season during a concert series ‘Golden Sounds of Hollywood’ series. The music performed will be from the Walt Disney Studio archives and will feature music from the classics to the recently released. The concerts take place at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, at Gusman Concert Hall at the University of Miami (1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables), and 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at Lincoln Theatre (541 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach). An extra performance music lovers of all ages has been added to the concert series and will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Gusman Concert Hall.
www.themiso.org
Rum & Cigars
Holidays in Miami mean sitting and sipping poolside. Come out to the Raleigh hotel on December 15th between 7 and 10pm to sample 12 extraordinary premium rums along with highly rated cigars from Don Pepin. Rums include Ron Diplomatico, Gosling’s, Rhum Barbancourt, Bacardi, Rhum Clément, Prichard’s, 10 Cane, Trader Vic’s, Ron Barcelo, Dos Maderos and Seven Tiki Plus. Appetizers will be provided.
http://www.thefiftybest.com/local/best_events/
La Diva Cucina Holiday cooking and cocktail class at South Beach
Cherry basil mojito, anyone? La Diva Cucina’s cooking philosophy is small bites, big drinks and who wouldn’t love that this holiday season? You can learn tips and recipes to throw a cool cocktail party. The class welcomes all levels and promises to provide for those who want to sit back and relax as well as for those who want to jump in the kitchen. The holiday class is Dec 29th, call for location! 305-297-8121.
www.ladivacucina.com
Wild Holiday Fun at Zoo Miami
Get wild this holiday season at Zoo Miami. From Dec 17th-30th you can put on some 3D glasses and enjoy animal-shaped lights as you stroll through the 12 nights of Zoo Lights. Have dinner with Santa on Dec 23rd where children will have the chance to make their own ornaments and receive a holiday gift. Kids can even watch animals receive their specially prepared gifts.
http://www.miamimetrozoo.com/
Los Angeles Art Show
The Los Angeles Convention center will be home to the city’s most prominent art event, the Los Angeles Art show Jan 20th -24th. The event will feature thousands of works of art from around the world. There will be pieces from Old Master works, Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary Art and even an interactive exhibition and displays presented by the renowned Getty Foundation.
http://www.laartshow.com/pages/press_releases.html
Rose Parade
Bring in the New Year with the locals at the annual Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. Originating in 1890, the parade was started to show off California’s beautiful climate and it will still be sunny this year. They’ll be elaborate floral floats, musical performances, marching bands and even a Rose Queen. After the parade the fun continues with the Rose Bowl football game.
http://www.tournamentofroses.com/
Texas Chainsaw Yuletide
Does holiday stress have you feeling deranged? You’re not alone. In fact, you’ll be in good company at Texas Chainsaw Yuletide. The one man show starring comic Will Franken and his colorful characters of multiple personalities include figures like Father McJagger, who shows the children at the orphanage “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” every Christmas Eve. Texas Chainsaw Yuletide plays Fridays and Saturdays at Theater Asylum through December 18th.
http://www.theatreasylum-la.com/
Downtown on Ice
If LA leaves you feeling too warm this winter head to Pershing Square to cool down Dec 11th and 12th. The city treats you to the Downtown on Ice program, the winter holiday festival. It’s a frozen winter wonderland in the middle of southern California. They’ll be concerts, crafts and ice skating exhibition.
http://www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/
The Shag Lounge: Getting Down(town) and Dirty
The cheeky name of this downtown nightspot is at once a double entendre and an homage to the eponymous artist, http://www.shag.com whose jazzy retro sensibilities inform the décor, which evokes a groovy Space Age swinger’s pad (complete with tiki torches and a stripper pole). If the motto “cheap drinks and good times” doesn’t say it all, theme nights like Rhythm & Booze Saturdays and SCuMBag SuNDaYS sure should—Shag is for guzzling up, getting down, and being seen doing it, whether on the dance floor or out on the patio. Whether it’s for you depends on your tolerance for hipster hysteria on any given night.
The Beehive: Music, Dining and Art in One Location
The Beehive has set a trendy scene here in Boston combining live music dining and art. Students and even celebrities can be seen at this South End location listening to regional national and international performers from jazz, salsa and blues to African and world music, even burlesque. The Beehive is located underneath the Boston Center for the Art’s Cyclorama. Be sure to hang out after the performance to sample some of acclaimed chef Rebecca Newell’s rustic comfort food infused with American, European, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. Check out the menu and schedule at beehiveboston.com.
MET Back Bay: Kathy Sidell’s Latest Restaurant Contribution
MET Back Bay, the latest venture from restaurateur Kathy Sidell Trustman, has opened in an historic 1877 brick townhouse on the corner of Newbury and Dartmouth Streets. The menu here pays homage to the former Joseph’s restaurant, which previously occupied the space. Here you can find Trustman’s interpretations of Joseph’s classics, including oyster Rockefeller and clams casino with MET’s baked crab wrap with creamy coconut rice baked in a soy wrapper served in the Living Room, Library, Game Room, Terrace or Townhouse. Prime steak, tuna toro and other tartares are also prepared tableside. Check out the website at metbackbay.com.
Heidelberg Antiques: A Bit of the Black Forest on Broadway
The short stretch of South Broadway known as Antique Row is jam-packed with storefronts crammed in turn with bric-a-brac for weekend browsers and serious collectors alike. Occupying its own eye-opening niche is this specialist in German, Austrian, and Swiss antiques. Black Forest woodwork abounds, of course, in the form of cuckoo clocks, mirror frames, chandeliers, walking sticks, and plaques, but there’s plenty more to gawk at. Glass and pewter beer steins line shelves; hand-painted goblets and figurines fill display cases; and World War II memorabilia is arrayed behind glass to tempt the history buff. And still that’s not all: from brass cowbells to felt fedoras made in the Tyrol to old postcards, owner Diana Neisler—herself from Heidelberg—stocks every inch of her shop with fascinating finds.
Wall Lounge: W South Beach’s IT place
It doesn’t get any swankier than a W Hotel and with the crowds this place is attracting, especially on South Beach, a nightclub is pretty much a given so the Wall Lounge is where it’s at in this place.
Decked out to look like something out of the 1960s, with funky psychedelic lights, retro leather couches around intimate round tables, perfect for groups wanting bottle service and circular blacklight inspired images projected throughout complete the space.
DJ Irie plays the tunes here along with his other contemporaries like the legendary Paul Oakenfold who is known to make appearances here as well.
The Wall Lounge is located inside the W South Beach at 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL
Dixie’s Tupperware Party
Dixie’s Tupperware Party
http://www.denvercenter.org/shows-and-events/Shows/dixiestupperwareparty/home.aspx
A Tupperware party might be your grandma’s idea of a fun night out, but Dixie’s Tupperware Party will be yours. Dixie, is the fast-talking Tupperware lady who packed her catalogues and left it all to travel the country selling America’s favorite food storage device. The show took off-Broadway by storm and his now touring in Denver Dec.1- Jan 2. They’ll be plenty of jokes, heartfelt stories and audience participation. And yes, bring some cash because you can actually purchase Tupperware at this fun night out. December 1, 2010 – January 2, 2011 at Garner Galleria Theatre.
Rokbar: Rockin’ attitude the Tommy Lee way
A departure from the usual high energy dance clubs of South Beach, rocker Tommy Lee’s, drummer for Motley Crue, Rokbar is the ultimate hangout place for the hard rock crowd.
Something’s going on here every night. Insomniac Thursdays; Dirty, Sexy Rock & Roll Fridays, Fresh 2 Death and DJ Tommy Ryk Saturdays and house music every Tuesday. Celebrities like actor Ryan Gosling and bands touring through Miami are regulars at Rokbar where Crue pics adorn the walls behind the bar which features rocked lighting of black leather suspended by metal chains.
Rokbar is located at 1905 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL
Cotton Bowl Parade
Bid farewell to 2010 at the annual Cotton Bowl Parade on New Year’s Day. Bands and drill teams from across the United States will make their way through Downtown Dallas.
http://www.comericabankparade.com/
The Library Bar
Can you think of a cozier hangout than the library? The twist on Dallas’ Library Bar is that you’ll ditch the books and snuggle up with a cocktail at one of the local’s most popular meeting places. There’s nightly entertainment and a very tasty five-spice calamari salad to warm you from the inside out.
http://www.landmarkrestodallas.com/
ICE! Experience featuring a Charlie Brown Christmas
They say everything’s big in Texas and the Lone Star Christmas celebration is no exception! The event features 2 million pounds of ice and is know as the ICE! Attraction. It all takes place at the Gaylord Texas resort in Grapevine and will be a uniquely icy experience down south. This year’s theme for ice carvings revolves around Charlie Brown and activities include a life-size gingerbread house, ice slides, 1.5 million lights, a rotating Christmas tree and a SNOW! Exhibit that allows for snow tubing activities. Dress warm! It’s 9 degrees inside the ICE exhibit.
http://www.northtexasadventures.net/clubportal/EventDetailPublic.cfm?clubID=2334&EventID=131964&mo=11&tdate={d%20%272010-11-19%27}
Dallas Arboretum
Celebrate the Christmas tree this winter by paying homage to it’s relatives at the Dallas Arboretum. This year’s holiday festival includes “The Magic of Santa,” a showcase of hundreds of unique and extraordinary interpretations of the Santa Claus image from several private collections. Stay for some holiday tea from a 3 course menu in a festive setting available everyday at 11am and 2pm through December 31st. Watch out for the live reindeer and frosty and Rudolph roaming the gardens!
http://www.dallasarboretum.org/
Dallas Museum of Art
Fashion is certainly an art form and the Dallas Museum of Art celebrates it with the new exhibit, The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk. This exhibition is the first retrospective devoted to Gaultier, who draws inspiration from dance, pop-rock, cinema, television, photography, and world cultures. Once nicknamed “enfant terrible” of fashion he is now a celebrated fashion icon. The exhibition highlights Gaultier’s eclectic and vibrant sources of inspiration through a selection of 120 haute couture dresses and ready-to-wear pieces made between 1976 and 2011. Dallas is the first of only two U.S. cities on the international tour through February 12, 2012. And while you’re in the neighborhood stay for the museum’s late night program on the third Friday of every month, when the Museum remains open until midnight or Thursday Night Live!, featuring live jazz music each Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
November 13, 2011–February 12, 2012
http://www.dm-art.org/index.htm
Hammond’s Candies 10th Annual Candy Cane Festival
What represents the holiday season better than that red and white striped sweet treat the candy cane? Indulge your inner child at Hammond’s Candies 10th annual Candy Cane Festival on December 11 from 9am- 5pm. Hammonds is an old pro, manufacturing chocolates and hard candies since 1920. Santa will be there with trolley rides, gingerbread cookie decorating, carnival games, crafts, face painting, moon bounce, and food vendors and you’ll have a chance to take a free tour of the factory and sample candy made right before your eyes!
http://www.hammondscandies.com/
Plan an Urban Adventure in Philadelphia
Exploring a new city can be overwhelming. Fortunately, sites like ours can help give you the inside tips for Philly hotspots. However, sometimes it is nice to have someone take you by the hand to help you really experience the city. Philadelphia Urban Adventures provides a knowledgeable fun team that offers a variety of tours. Every vacation deserves a few beers, so what not learn something along the way? The Philly On Tap Tour, run by Philadelphia Urban Adventures, takes you to the city’s most unique, friendly, and eclectic watering holes. The tour runs from 5pm-7pm, providing an unforgettable happy hour. Enjoy staple Philadelphia beers; learn about local breweries and the history behind popular drinking establishments in the city. You’ll quickly find out why Philadelphia is one of America’s best beer cities, and be ready in time for a night out on the town! Visit www.philadelphiaurbanadventures.com to book your tour!
Insiders Tip: Tours are unavailable on Sundays and Mondays, so keep that in mind when planning your next Philadelphia trip!
Visit The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York is lit with over five miles of lights. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a Norway Spruce about 75 ft tall. The tree will typically be illuminated from 5.30 a.m. till 11.30 p.m. everyday, except on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. On Christmas, the tree will stand illuminated for 24 hours and on New Year’s day the lights will be turned off at 9.00 p.m.
Polar Adventure Days
Don’t let the cold of the windy city keep you indoors. Instead have some outdoor fun with the Chicago park district’s polar adventure days on Dec 11, Jan 22 and Feb 26th on Northerly Island. The free series has live music, ice sculpture artists, a team of live polar huskies, birds of prey, hot cocoa and more. If there’s snow even better- join in the free snow shoe activities around the island.
Historic Holiday Tours
December 11th and 12th is your chance to tour Chicago’s oldest house all decked out and lit up with authentic decorations of the 1830s and the 1840s. The Clarke house (built in 1836) and the Glessner house will feature holiday displays from the 19th century and even a live Christmas tree shipped from the Glessner’s former summer estate in New Hampshire, decorated with vintage glass and paper ornaments. You can even learn about 19th century Christmas customs. Reservations are encouraged, 312-326-1480.
Champagne Festival at Geja’s
Toast to the holidays and a fabulous New Year in style at the annual Champagne festival with wine and bubbly from France and California at Geja’s Café in Chicago. The three month festival starts December 1st. Don’t miss your chance to sample from the Roederer portfolio, Roederer is one of the leading Champagne “boutiques” in the world and the producer of celebrity favorite, Cristal. On Toasting Tuesdays, you’ll even receive 31% off any bottle in celebration of the 31st year of the festival. And stay for dinner… Geja’s is one of the most romantic spots in Chicago with fondue and live classical and flamenco guitar.
ChristKindlmarket
For a little bit of Christmas charm that feels like you’ve stumbled into a small European village among Chicago’s big city, visit the Christkindlmarket in Daley plaza. At this German-American festival with handmade items you can cross some things off your gift list while sipping mulled wine out of a boot-shaped mug. Indulge in sweet treats like candied nuts and strudel. Be sure to check out the view of the Picasso sculpture and the city’s Christmas tree.
Jillian’s Boston
Bowling is a favorite winter pastime and Jillian’s is Boston’s premiere spot to knock some pins. With the Tequila Rain Bar on the bottom, Billiards on floor two, and Lucky Strike Lanes on top there’s something to keep everyone entertained during long winter hours. There’s even plasma screens throughout so you don’t miss out on any sport’s action while you’re playing. Jillian’s is a hotspot for celebrities like Clint Eastwood and Derek Jeter. Come with a few friends or a whole league!
Union Oyster House
The Union Oyster House, on the Freedom Trail and just steps away from Faneuil Hall, boasts that it’s America’s oldest restaurant. Established in 1826 they’re also rumored to have the best New England Clam Chowder. It’s designated as a national historic landmark and many locals consider that “chowdah” recipe a national treasure as well. You’ll get a bit of history served up with your soup too- did you know that a future French King once lived on the 2nd floor while he was exiled from his country? And J.F.K. Has feasted in the upstairs dining room!
New Wing at MFA
Boston’s Museum of Fine Art welcomes a new wing with The Art of Americas wing, unveiled November 20th. The addition doubles the number of objects from the collection on view, including several large-scale masterpieces not displayed for decades. Ancient America, Native America, Colonial America and 20th century art through the 1970s are just some examples of the various timeframes that will be displayed throughout three levels. The museum will feature 53 new galleries- there’s even four behind-the-scenes galleries! Adjoining the new wing is the Ruth and Carl J. Shapiro courtyard, a spectacular light-filled glass structure open to MFA visitors and for special events. And don’t forget the first Friday of every month is celebrated at the MFA with live music, a cash bar and a delicious tapas menu from 5:30-9:30 pm!
Ice Skating on Frog Pond
Ice Skating is a winter tradition and Boston’s Frog Pond is the place to do it. Close to the Downtown Crossing shopping area with beautiful views of winter scenes from the surrounding Boston Commons, the John Hancock building and the Prudential building. Frog Pond even has its own ice-making system. There’s free-style skating on Tues, Wed and Thurs mornings and lessons for all types.
L.A. Burdick’s Handmade Chocolate
It’s no secret that a Boston winter can be brutal so take a break from your shopping and sightseeing to cozy up with a mug of luscious hot chocolate at L.A. Burdick’s Handmade Chocolates in Harvard Square. The hot chocolate options include dark, milk and white chocolate, but the choices don’t end there. There’s eight soul-soothing selections like the Bolivian- a dark chocolate blend made from wild cocoa that has hints of grapefruit, floral notes and a velvety mouth feel. Or the Ecuadorian- a robust earthy blend with a hint of mint, spices and coffee. And if you feel like going grown-up with America’s favorite childhood treat, be sure to ask about the hot chocolates with select liquors.
Julia Allison Shops Sofia
An independent boutique nestled in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast, Sofia brings to you an eclectic, hand-picked collection of clothing, shoes and accessories. Dedicated to showcasing collections from emerging fresh talent as well as the best vintage pieces from established designers, Sofia has quickly become a true gem in Chicago’s fashion market. Named after the impeccable and unforgettable actress, Sophia Loren, Sofia embodies the universal style icon’s qualities – beauty, class and glamour. Sofia encourages their customers to “live lovely” by embracing the beauty of who they are and taking chances in both life and fashion.
Thomas Farley Goes For A Ride In NYC
Melograno- Rustic Italian BYOB with room for all
Philadelphia is known for its BYOB restaurants. The only downside is that many BYOB restaurants are small and cramped. While some may enjoy the small rustic charm, others like to eat without elbowing their neighbor. Melograno located in Rittenhouse Square offers authentic Italian cuisine in a spacious atmosphere. If you have a larger party to accommodate, this is definitely the place to gather friends with copious bottles of wine. Chef Gianluca Demontis expanded Melograno to their location on 20th and Spruce for business, and in return created a more desired dining atmosphere with an expanded menu. From snail soup to classic Italian dishes like Carbanora, every dish is unique with a touch of Roman flare. For the full menu visit www.melogranorestaurant.com
Insider’s Tip: Like many Philadelphia BYOB restaurants, Melograno is closed on Mondays. They only accept reservations on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings- Fridays and Saturdays are walk-in only. 215.875.8116