Tag Archives: city views

Twin Peaks’ Views For Lovers & Sightseers

While the city skyline is beautiful from the balcony of a downtown hotel, nothing can compare to the city’s best views, Twin Peaks Vista Point.  Called Los Pechos de la ChocaPicture 23 (breasts of the Indian maiden) by early Spanish settlers, Twin Peaks is perfect for lovers and sightseers alike.

The drive up is stunning, especially at night, so hire a limousine or taxi to fully enjoy the ride.  Of course, you can also take a bus or hike up during the day– it’s worth the trek in clear weather once you see Ocean Beach, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge all in one sweeping glance!

Twin Peaks are a must for anyone who comes to San Francisco and for anyone who hasn’t been in a while.  Bundle up for the wind, and you’ll enjoy eucalyptus-shrouded hiking, bird-watching, city-watching and the most popular place to snuggle with your loved ones in the city.

Investigate DC’s Hot, New Museum: The Newseum

So you think you follow the news?  Think again. Inside a modern glass exterior, accented with a marble wall inscribed with the First Amendment, the impressive, newly renovated Newseum houses seven levels (and five centuries) of raw, groundbreaking, life-changing, history-making news – a little more than your typical history class or nightly news channel could ever offer!

The information “mecca” not only houses some of the most interesting news-related artifacts, images and technologies of our time, but it’s also extremely interactive making it the hottest new museum.  Try your hand at rnewseum2eporting and sit in the hot seat in the NBC News Interactive Newsroom.  For even more excitement, grab a seat (and some 3-D glasses!) at the I-Witness, a 4-D Time Travel Adventure, where visitors literally travel back in time with note-worthy journalists as they report on the most influential events in the history of news.

Other must-see exhibits include the Berlin Wall Gallery, the Pulitzer Prize Photograph Gallery (one of the most comprehensive collections of Pulitzer Prize-winning photos ever assembled), the emotional 9/11 Gallery and the G-Men & Journalists Gallery (an exhibit of the FBI’s relationship with the media, complete with the Unabomber’s actual cabin).

The most significant aspect of the museum, however, may be the museum’s objective of effectively bridging the gap between the media and the public – lending a sense of mutual understanding and purpose through visual, oral and written stories of time.

Insider Tip: Reflect on a moving experience by taking a trip up to the Hank Greenspun Terrace rooftop for arguably the best view of Pennsylvania Avenue (Washington’s “Main Street”) and the U.S. Capitol in the city.

History & Luxury at The Fairmont Hotel

The Fairmont Hotel, located among the finest real estate of Nob Hill, has been a testament to San Francisco’s hospitality since its opening after the 1906 Earthquake.  Not only does the hotel offer 591 luxurious rooms and suites (not to mention a 6000 sq. ft. rooftop penthouse suite that accommodates over 100 guests), but has an impressive list of services as well.

As a FairmoSAF133_Balcony_Suitent guest, enjoy free use of Nob Hill’s exclusive Club One Health Center & Spa or spend your business trip in the finest corporate meeting space in San Francisco.  The Garden Room is, after all, where delegates from around the world drafted the 1945 United Nations Charter.

Throughout the century, socialites and travelers have favored Afternoon Tea Service in The Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar, which serves the best in sustainable fine dining and local wines. Then experience a tropical rainforest and exotic Asian cuisine in the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar.

Seasonal packages are also available, like Valentine’s Day after hours “Wine and Dine Tour” at the California Academy of Sciences.  Whatever your interest in staying at the Fairmont, this hotel is sure to provide the highest quality of service.

Silver Lake Sets a New Standard for LA Cool

This is definitely not the Hollywood Hills that you’re used to seeing. Known as “The Williamsburg of the West,” Silver Lake has been home to many famous musicians, artists and hipster elite a la Katy Perry, Beck and Tom Waits, much like its BrooklynPicture 18 counterpart. As upscale as it is quaint, Silver Lake is the place to go for off-the-beaten-path boutique vintage shops and amazing multi-ethnic cuisine. With a thriving indie music scene, and many up and coming artists, Silver Lake puts the hip into hipster.

Silver Lake is also home to some of California’s most impressive modern homes (like Kiefer Sutherland’s bachelor pad) and sprawling picturesque landscapes and city views that only the Hills and the Silver Lake Reservoir can provide. Silver Lake is an awesome locale for someone who is eager to experience the “real” LA, the LA most people didn’t even know existed. Hey, if it’s good enough for Agent Jack Bauer, then it’s good enough for everyone.

An Unbelievable Point of View at POV Roof Terrace

In the mood for a sexier side of DC?  Head up to POV (“Point of View”), DC’s trendiest rooftop bar and lounge, situated just across from The White House at the new, boutique W Hotel.  Anticipation will rise as you make your way up to the 11th floor terrace, accompanied by an attractive, clipboard-bearing staff member.  Be sure to do a little star gazing on your way up – the shimmering constellations on the elevator ceiling resemble the same pattern as that on the night of July 4, 1776!

Doors open and….WOW.pov Once you’ve recovered from the mind-blowing views where you can literally touch The White House and the glowing Washington Monument is spectacular. Grab a seat at one of the comfy, red velveteen banquettes and sip one of NYC cocktail guru Sasha Petraske’s sinful concoctions as you spy on the neighbors. After a few drinks, patrons swear they can see the lights flicker as the Obamas say goodnight to Washington.

With fresh juices poured from glass beakers and a customized ice program (certain drinks get ice spears vs. chiseled from a block), there’s no doubt Petraske’s creations are a true marriage of both science and art.  Be sure to try his famous Dark & Stormy, made with zesty homemade ginger beer.

Insider Tip: Be sure to make a reservation beforehand (smaller parties should use opentable.com) – the hotel reserves a certain amount of seating for their guests whether they show or not, and the line halts at the elevator.