I’m so thankful for artists everywhere. Art is one of the fundamental facets of interesting travel for me. Whether I’m admiring architecture, murals or spending time in a gallery, the people in this world who take the time to create beautiful things truly do enhance it. And so with that, I share with you the news that Barry McGee currently has an exhibit running at the Berkeley Art Museum that seems worth checking out if you’re in the area. Laughing Squid wrote about the exhibit and stated that McGee will be displaying artwork created as long ago as the 1980s. From painted bottles to a recreated bodega, this exhibit appeals to all senses. The Berkeley Art Museum is open Wednesday-Sunday in Berkeley, California.
Planning A Last Minute Labor Day Getaway? Great Hotel Specials Await
Your long weekend is just a few days away. If you’re ready to get away from it all or just plan one last summer escape, we’ve rounded up some great hotel deals for your booking pleasure.
Beach Shack, Cape May
The Clam Digger Labor Day Experience honors the first Annual Clam-A-Rama. To celebrate, the Beach Shack is offering special overnight accommodations starting at $370 and includes four beers in Beach Shack Pail with shovel and an order of Steamer clams at the Rusty Nail, one Beach Shack clam pitching kit, two Clam-A-Rama T-shirts and a one-day day beach cabana rental. This package is available August 29 through September 5, guests must call (877) 742-2507 and mention the code “CLAMDIG” to receive special offer.
Sheraton Delfina, California
For those looking for something new and fun to do yet still local to southern California, head over to the Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica to enjoy the Labor Day Weekend Package for only $250 per night. Features include welcome drinks, 24-hour Cabana Club Room and Lounge Access with complimentary breakfast and evening appetizers, complimentary valet parking and complimentary bicycle rentals to explore the famous streets and beaches of Santa Monica!
Viceroy Palm Springs, California
At the Viceroy Palm Springs, a Twilight Romance retreat for two will include a couple’s 30-minute spa service under the stars in a private al fresco spa cabana between 9 p.m. and midnight. Soak up the evening with a complimentary bottle of Moet Ice followed by breakfast for two, Citron poolside. Rates start at $250 per night.
Avalon Beverly Hills, California
The Avalon Beverly Hills is offering a Breathe Easier Package, which invites guests to enjoy 25% off their entire stay including room, meals and beverages, valet parking and internet access. Rates start at $180 per night.
Affinia Hotels, Manhattan
Invites guests to beat the end of summer blues with Keep it Cool at Affinia Hotels featuring the necessities for savoring the sunshine and enjoying NYC’s parks and outdoor spaces. This offer starts from $269 for travel over Labor Day Weekend, including overnight accommodations, a Walking Tour Kit featuring an iPod Shuffle or Nano loaded with a walking tour and playlists, City Walks deck of cards, city guidebook featuring popular walking tours, StreetWise city map, pedometer and towel, a BYOB Kit including a neoprene wine carrier with wine key, BYOB guidebook, Little Black Book of Wine and picnic blanket, sunscreen and two bottles of water. For more information and to book visit www.affinia.com/summer or call 866-246-2203 and mention promotional code SUMMER.
Wolcott Hotel, New York City
With Labor Day Weekend rates starting at $230 per night, travelers will enjoy home-like accommodations in the newly landmarked hotel, just blocks from the Empire State Building and a short distance to many of New York’s top summer attractions including the South Street Seaport, Highline, Governor’s Island and of course, Central Park. Hotel amenities include complimentary muffins and coffee every morning, concierge services for tickets to local attractions, fitness room, laundry facility, and an on-site gift shop. To book, visit www.wolcott.com or call 212-268-2900.
The Liaison Capitol Hill, Washington DC
This Washington, DC hotel invites guests of all ages to relax and enjoy its rooftop lounge with a “Sun Yourself” kit. When the sun gets too strong, dive in or chill out with a refreshing cocktail (or, cold non-alcoholic beverage for those under 21) and a bite from the poolside menu. Rates start at $149 for Friday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 3 and include access to the pool, breakfast for two at Art and Soul, the hotel’s restaurant run by two-time James Beard award winner and Oprah’s former chef, Art Smith, daily yoga on the roof, a “Sun Yourself” kit with sunscreen, lip balm and bottled water and overnight accommodations. For additional information and to book, please visit the website www.affinia.com/dive and include promo code SUMPKG.
The Maplewood Inn, Finger Lakes, New York
The ideal way for foodies to eat their way through the Labor Day weekend is at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse. The Maplewood Inn offers up a “Fair” package with rates starting at $149 nightly. The package includes two fair tickets, two breakfast vouchers, transportation to and from the fairgrounds (from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and double occupancy accommodations. Please note that this package is based on availability. To book this package, visit www.themaplewoodinn.com or call (315)451-1511.
W Scottsdale, Arizona
The hotel is offering three unique promotions for Labor Day Weekend, allowing guests to design their ideal end-of-summer retreat at Arizona’s hottest destination. These offers are part of a “Pick Your Package” promotion and each include complimentary access to the hotel’s highly-anticipated Labor Day pool party, hosted on the W Scottsdale rooftop pool deck, WET, on Sunday, September 2. The Road Trip package is geared towards drive-in customers and offers a gas card, valet parking, and overnight accommodations. The Vitamin W, includes a W Scottsdale beach tote, Aloe Vera cooling spray, lip balm, a poolside pitcher of margaritas, and accommodations in a Wonderful room.
The Feel the Music package includes a $30 iTunes gift card, W Scottsdale ear phones, W Hotels music CD, two cool cocktails, and accommodations in a Wonderful room. Rates start at $199. For more information or to book “Pick Your Package,” guests can call (480) 970-2109.
Mystic Hotel, San Francisco
Still searching for a Labor Day escape? Book now at the Mystic Hotel Union Square
San Francisco – famed restaurateur Charlie Palmer’s new boutique hotel located in the heart of the city’s most popular neighborhoods – and receive 20% off your holiday stay. To book this rate, use code MHLD on the hotel’s website.
A Tour Through The World’s Longest Bar In Düsseldorf, Germany
Taking advantage of a long layover in Düsseldorf, Germany last month, we took a team into the city to check out the reported longest bar in the world.
Bad news? It’s not an actual bar but actually a series of bars linking across several miles of real estate in downtown Düsseldorf.
Good news? It involves copious amounts of drinking and bar-related activities, including but not limited to: stag and hen parties, greasy food, massive steins of beer, shots and no shortage of laughing and shouting. Take a look at our trip above.
Traveling Photo Exhibit Shows A Different Side Of Afghanistan
Beauty often isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Afghanistan. However, a new traveling photo exhibit from non-profit organization Mountain2Mountain aims to change that.
“Streets of Afghanistan” features life-size images from both Afghan and Western photographers that challenge the perceptions most people hold about this complex country. The intention is not only to showcase a side of Afghanistan not often celebrated, but also to spark conversation, engage viewers and connect communities through art. The exhibit also features video projections, live music, kites and people, resulting in an experience that is both interactive and immersive.
The exhibit was first unveiled at the Denver Art Museum in April 2011, but organizers have long yearned to bring it back to the very place that inspired it: Afghanistan’s capital city of Kabul. In order to make that dream a reality, Mountain2Mountain recently launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise the $20,000 that is needed for shipping, logistics and security. To learn more about the exhibit and make a contribution, visit the campaign on Kickstarter.
[Image by Wakil Kohsar, courtesy of Mountain2Mountain]
Final Season of Anthony Bourdain’s ‘No Reservations’ Debuts Labor Day On Travel Channel
You know the old saying; it’s always best to leave the party when you’re having a great time. So it is with Anthony Bourdain, chef/author/keen observationist of the absurd/master of the pithy sentiment, and dark lord of the filthy, matted belly of the culinary underworld. On Labor Day, the Travel Channel will premiere the ninth and final season of its Emmy Award®-winning series, “No Reservations – The Final Tour.”
On September 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, Bourdain will take viewers on a tour of Austin. Later episodes will span the globe, culminating in a Brooklyn-based finale. If you want to get your Tony on, check out the nine-hour “No Reservations” marathon beginning at 12 p.m. ET/PT. Tune in, turn on, pig out.
Below, a compilation of the Travel Channel’s favorite “Bourdainisms.”