World’s Best Stand Up Paddlers To Compete In … Chicago?

by Kyle Ellison on

Fiji, France, Brazil, Hawaii – these are all stops on the 2012 Stand Up World Series, a global tour which features some of the top stand up paddle racers on the planet in what is arguably one of the world’s fastest growing watersports.

While the aforementioned venues rank as “the usual suspects” when it comes to international watersport competitions, next week the Stand Up World Series will be kicking off the US leg of its tour in the least likely of locations: Chicago.

Yes, I will say it again. At the end of this month there is going to be an international caliber surf competition in Chicago.

Well, sort of. The difference between the Stand Up World Tour and the Stand Up World Series is that the event taking place in Chicago features racers who compete on flat-water courses in an effort to cross the finish line in front of their fellow paddlers, as opposed to competing against other paddlers in heats where the object is to ride the biggest and most complex waves possible. In races such as the one taking place in Chicago, utilizing the wind is often a determining factor in success, so it makes perfect sense that “The Windy City” will soon be hosting such an event.

Taking place from June 30-July 2, competitors will take to the waters off of North Avenue Beach and introduce Midwesterners to a sport usually associated with the tropics. While many Chicago city dwellers may be surprised to think of their beach as a water sports destination, for some Chicago residents the event vindicates Lake Michigan as a legitimate source of regional surf travel.

Don’t believe me? Check out the website for the Chicago Surfrider chapter, or better yet, this incredible video of surfing Lake Michigan in winter.

10 Florida Attractions That Are Not Theme Parks

by Chris Owen on

When planning a summer vacation, many travelers choose Florida attractions for some good family fun and look forward to the trip all year. Others, not interested in the theme park experience, are turning to ecotourism opportunities in Florida that provide vacation fun and have a more positive impact on the planet.

Ecotourism has travelers visiting fragile, pristine and protected areas of the planet as a low-impact alternative to mass tourism. Educating the traveler along the way, ecotourism commonly provides funds for ecological conservation that directly benefits local communities. In Florida, Cocoa Beach is a coastal city that has a wide variety of ecotourism opportunities about an hour from popular theme parks and attractions.

1. Canaveral National Seashore is a 24-mile beach with birding, fishing and wildlife run by the National Park Service.

2. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is located on the John F. Kennedy Space Center, east of Titusville, Florida.

3. Cocoa Beach Wildside Tours is a Nature Tour Boat operating out of Cocoa Beach, Florida. They provide a close up experience with Manatees, Porpoises, Wild Birds and Alligators.

4. Blue Heron Adventures showcases the Indian River Lagoon and Bottlenose Dolphins, along with the opportunity to watch endangered Florida Manatees play.

5. Island Boat Lines offer daily eco-tours departing from various locations throughout the Space Coast. Optional cruises feature the Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands, Port Canaveral & THE LOCKS, Barge Canal and Historical Cocoa Village.

6. The Great Florida Birding Trail is a collection of sites throughout Florida selected for their excellent bird watching or bird education opportunities.

7. Brevard Zoo is the result of the popularity of on-site kayaking in Brevard Zoo’s 22-acre wetlands. The Brevard Zoo is also offering kayaking eco-tours of the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon.

8. Grasshopper Airboat Eco-Tours is located on the St. Johns River West of Cocoa. There, travelers can experience a unique and thrilling Florida airboat ride adventure.

9. Inlet Marina offers Pelican Island and Indian River Lagoon Tours in addition to canoe and kayak rentals.

10. Fun Day tours is an eco-tour operator providing over 20 new, and unique, half- and full-day, guided nature and wildlife adventures for preformed groups, plus a “VIP” privately guided group tour of Kennedy Space Center.

Florida is also home to the Everglades, a protected area in danger as we see in this video:

Flickr photo by Elido Turco – Gigi

Where Are London’s Hipster Neighborhoods?

by Jessica Festa on



With the Olympic Games quickly approaching, people are probably curious as to how to navigate the many neighborhoods of the city. To help, Hostelbookers has put together a fun infographic depicting a graph of “London’s Hipster Neighborhoods.”

Whether you’re a hipster of not, the image gives some good information about the city. For example, while Primrose Hill is inhabited by “’90s actors and pop stars,” you’ll find “Russian oil barons and trophy wives” in Hyde Park. You can use the quirky map as a way to decide where you’ll best fit in during your stay in London.

If you’re having trouble viewing the infographic, click here for a larger version.

NYC Film Exhibit Celebrates Iconic Moments In Movie History

by Jessica Marati on

Behind every iconic movie moment lies months, sometimes years, of painstaking research, planning and execution. This month, a new film exhibit at New York‘s Museum of the Moving Image seeks to explore the sometimes-obsessive craftsmanship behind 30 of the most pivotal scenes in film history.

The exhibit, titled “Persol Magnificent Obsessions: 30 Stories of Craftsmanship in Film,” is sponsored by eyewear manufacturer Persol and curated by Michael Connor, who was named one of Time Out New York’s “Young Curators to Watch” in 2010. Presented in three installments, the exhibit attempts to draw parallels between the craft and dedication required to create epic films as well as high-quality eyewear. See, for instance, how director Todd Haynes used color charts to evoke emotion in “Far From Heaven,” or how actor-director Ed Harris drew from years of character immersion for his role in “Pollock.”

The first installment of the exhibit was unveiled last summer, and the second opened to the public on June 14. This year’s installment showcases artifacts, research notes, sketches, clips and stills from ten iconic films, including “W.E.,” “The Last Emperor,” “Amelie” and “Million Dollar Baby.” The exhibit runs through August 19 at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens, New York.

Celebrate ‘National Lobster Day’ With These Great Lobster Dishes Across The Country

by McLean Robbins on


Seeking a decadent dinner? Look no further than the king of the crustaceans, Lobster. Friday (June 15) is National Lobster Day – check out these great spots around the country serving up some of our favorite lobster dishes in preparations that range from the traditional to the totally out of this world.

The Veranda at The Chanler– Newport, Rhode Island
Lobster BLT

Enjoy breathtaking ocean views from Newport’s coastline on The Chanler’s outdoor patio restaurant, The Veranda, the only hotel with direct access to the city’s famous Cliff Walk. Dine on the signature Lobster BLT. Prepared with whole chick lobster, cherry smoked bacon, fresh avocado, vine-ripened tomatoes, radish sprouts and topped with a mouthwatering crème fraiche, The Veranda’s Lobster BLT at the Chanler is a lobster dish to be reckoned with. Care for dinner instead? Try the hotel’s Spiced Pear restaurant, where the Butter Poached Lobster entrée is a decadent treat.

The Mediterranean Room at La Valencia – La Jolla, California
The Lobster Roll

For a lighter and equally delicious lobster-fix, La Valencia’s famous Lobster Roll with lettuce and tomato is the sandwich to try at the hotel’s charming Mediterranean Room. Dressed in a tasty tarragon sauce and served with house-made chips, the Lobster Roll is the perfect dish to enjoying a lovely evening overlooking the beautiful La Jolla Cove.

The Lobster Roll – Amagansett & Northside, Long Island
The Lobster Roll

Known affectionately as “Lunch” because of its gigantic sign of the same name, this roadside restaurant is one of the area’s best for lobster rolls. Made with 100 percent pure cold-water lobster meat, this packed sandwich draws crowds each and every day during the summer months. If you’d prefer, the restaurant also serves steamed lobsters and lobster salad, as well as a variety of other seafood options.
L’Auberge del Mar – San Diego, California
Lobster Potato Skins
Smoked bacon, black truffles, and cheese fondue make these traditional game time treats a decadent delight at this San Diego luxury hotel and restaurant. Order these as an appetizer or go “claws and all” and have it for a splurge-worthy dinner or lunch.

The Fairmont Battery Wharf – Boston, Massachusetts
Butter Poached Lobster Flatbread

For those who love lobster so much that simply eating it isn’t enough, Fairmont Battery Wharf offers the opportunity to experience the only Lobster boat tour in Boston. Guests head out on a private excursion aboard an authentic lobster boat to learn how to bait, drop, and haul in lobster traps. In between how-to sessions, fledgling first mates can enjoy the sights and sounds of the bustling Boston Harbor and learn more about its great history. After a day at sea, guests return to the hotel’s restaurant, Aragosta, where guests can dine on a butter poached lobster flat bread with basil leaves and pecorino or have the Chef prepare lobster to their liking.

Paresa Resort– Phuket, Thailand
Local Phuket Lobster BBQ

For the ultimate summer BBQ, the Paresa Resort in Phuket, Thailand, offers a private dining experience where a personal chef will work with the guests to create an incredible menu made up of local Phuket delights including fresh local Phuket lobster. The lobster is barbequed to perfection by the chef on the Villa BBQ and served with a fresh Thai green peppercorn, garlic and a tasty cilantro sauce – perfectly Thai and with just the right amount of spice!

Holsteins– Las Vegas, Nevada
Lobster Mac n’ Cheese and the Maine Lobster Roll

Combining two traditional American favorites, Holsteins in Las Vegas offers a delectable Lobster Mac n’ Cheese served in a creamy taleggio-mascarpone sauce served with juicy Maine lobster topped with a flavorful black truffle sauce. Also try the crowd favorite, Maine Lobster Roll, prepared with fresh cooked lobster, tossed in a tasty chive aioli and served in a mini hot dog bun with coleslaw.

Wit & Wisdom Tavern in the Four Seasons Baltimore – Baltimore, Maryland
Lobster Corn Dogs

Chef Michael Mina’s first tavern concept, Wit & Wisdom Tavern in the new Four Seasons Baltimore offers sustainable seafood specialties in a casual yet upscale environment. We couldn’t get enough of the signature lobster corn dogs (served with a spicy dipping sauce) during a recent visit.

Muse at The Vanderbilt Grace– Newport, Rhode Island
Lobster Bisque and Butter Poached Lobster

For an appetizer not to be missed, Jonathan Cartwright’s Lobster Bisque from Muse at the Vanderbilt Grace is a savory started for any lobster lovers. Served with crispy lobster wontons and a creamy cognac crème fraiche this bisque is a delicious kick-start to a delicious dinner. For an entree try the rich Butter Poached Lobster prepared with spring vegetable ragout and finished in a cognac coral sauce.

Blue Ribbon Sushi at 6 Columbus – New York, New York
Spicy Lobster Roll

Prefer your lobster raw? Try the spicy lobster roll at top-notch sushi joint Blue Ribbon. The restaurant offers two NYC locations, one in SoHo and the other in the chic Thompson hotel 6 Columbus, located just off Central Park in Columbus Circle.

Veranda at The Rancho Bernardo Inn– San Diego, California
Friday Night Lobster Boil

Every Friday night Veranda hosts a traditional lobster boil: Boiled Maine Lobster, baked russet potato, sautéed broccoli and local carrots. The lobster is boiled in salted water with “sachet depices” herbs, peppercorns, garlic, shallots. In addition to the lobster boil guest enjoy a trio of tasty pies: Apple Streusel, Lemon Meringue and Blueberry.

Roppongi Restaurant & Sushi Bar– La Jolla, California
Lobster Ravioli

For a mouthwatering pasta and lobster dish, Roppongi’s asian-infusion Lobster Ravioli prepared with Maine lobster, confit tomatoes, organic chive, mascarpone, yuzu-vanilla butter sauce by Chef Stephen Window is a must-have at the swank La Jolla Restaurant.

Flavor Del Mar– Del Mar, California
Lobster-Prosciutto “Bouillabaisse”

With incredible ocean views and a savory menu, Flavor Del Mar delivers with their famous Lobster-Prosciutto “Bouillabaisse” with sweet shrimp, squid fennel, spinach served with grilled sourdough. Enjoy the beauty Del Mar Coastline while dining on one of their savory dishes.

The White Barn Inn Restaurant at The White Barn Inn– Kennebunk, Maine
Steamed Maine Lobster

For a delicious spin on a traditional lobster dish, Grand Chef Relais and Chateaux Jonathan Cartwright’s signature dish, Steamed Maine Lobster nestled on a bed of homemade fettuccine with carrots, ginger and snow peas in a savory cognac-coral butter sauce is a customer and critic favorite at this Forbes five-star restaurant.