Looking for ways to stay green on Earth Day? Hotels around the world are offering some green options to get you thinking about your carbon footprint, and ways you can help protect Mother Earth. Here are a few U.S. hotel deals just for Earth Day. Grab a room and go green!
Kimpton’s new Hotel Palomar Chicago features a green roof, joining a city-wide eco-friendly initiation. The roof will be covered with grass and vegetation to improve air quality, clean and retain rainwater, and add beauty to the urban landscape. The Hotel Palomar Chicago was built with sustainability in mind, and operates with more than 70 eco-friendly practices as part of Kimpton’s brand-wide EarthCare program.
Eldorado Hotel & Spa in Santa Fe is rewarding green-minded travelers who book “Go Green, Save Your Green” with a 15 percent room discount, complimentary overnight parking for hybrid vehicles (an $18 value) and 20 percent savings on organic products at Nidah Spa. Valid throughout the month of April, nightly rates start at $149. The greenest part? The hotel is located within walking distance to the Santa Fe Plaza, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and more popular attractions so you can easily explore Santa Fe without use of a car. (Use promo code PROGG when booking.)
The New Orleans Marriott is in the process of implementing a hotel-wide recycling program and is partnering with the stars of TLC’s “Trashmen,” the property will be able to recycle all paper, plastic and cans using their new recycling center. At the hotel’s 5 Fifty 5 restaurant, the majority of menu items feature local ingredients and a variety of organic wine selections. You can give back while in New Orleans by volunteering at the hotel’s Voluntour Gumbo program.During the month of April, guests staying at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club in St. Petersburg Florida will receive free self parking for hybrid vehicles and complimentary bike rentals. The hotel’s Vinoy Day Spa also offers organic treatments such as the Rejuvenating Eye Treatment using HollyBeth’s natural products and the renowned Marchand’s Bar & Grill features all-natural lamb, free-range chicken and sustainable fish on the “1925 Classic Dining” menu.
Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort will be offering complimentary eco-education for kids and families April 10-24, 2010. The Tiki Tribe kids’ club attendants will host a daily free 30-60 minute activity focused on unique aspects of Marco Island’s native eco-system, i.e. Dolphin Mondays, Sea Turtle Tuesdays, etc. The majority of the Earth Day program will take place on the beach – a great way to keep participants engulfed in the local environment!
The Hard Rock Hotel San Diego (HRHSD) will plant a tree through the American Forests’ Global ReLeaf program for every guest checking in during the month of April. An estimated 5,000 trees will be planted through the hotel’s inaugural “Roots Rock” program to benefit Global ReLeaf, a program of American Forests that has planted more than 30 million trees in hundreds of projects across the United States and internationally since 1990.
Want more options? Travelocity is offering “40 Percent off 40 Green Hotels” in honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. During the month of April, Travelocity is hosting an “Earth Day sale” tag and only hotels that are included in Travelocity’s Green Hotel Directory are eligible to participate. The Green Hotel Directory boasts more than 1,500 eco-friendly global hotels. Travelocity’s Travel for Good® program also rents hybrid cars, for those travelers wanting to do a little extra to reduce their carbon footprint while traveling.
Each week, Gadling is taking a look at our favorite festivals around the world. From music festivals to cultural showcases to the just plain bizarre, we hope to inspire you to do some festival exploring of your own. Come back each Wednesday for our picks or find them all HERE.
No matter what part of the country you live in, chances are you can roll your way to one of many cities that hosting an annual Lebowski Fest this year. The festival(s) celebrate the Coen Brother’s 1998 film “The Big Lebowski” starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, and Steve Buscemi. Organizers Scott Shuffitt and Will Russell started the first Lebowski fest in 2002 in Louisville, Kentucky. It was such a success that there are now multiple festivals a year in select cities across the country. (If you’ve never seen the movie, I recommend reading this quick synopsis to familiarize yourself with how the below activities cleverly tie the film and festival together.)
I became a huge fan of the film in college, so I made the two hour trip from Nashville to the Louisville festival last July. I followed the advice on the Lebowski Fest site and rented a discounted room at the suggested hotel, which is within walking distance to the bowling alley where all festivities take place. Make sure you book your reservation early as the rooms tend to go quickly.
The first night’s events include a screening of the film, followed by live music or a special appearance from a comedian or actor. The organizers try to bring in a well-known act and you will be pleasantly surprised with whom they are able to round up.
As fun as the official events can be, don’t forget to check out the pre-fest activities are also good fun. Upon arriving to the field outside the bowling alley, you can try your hand at the “ringer toss” where participants throw a suitcase full of the dirty white laundry over the Dude’s car to hit a target on the other side. This is your chance to meet other die-hard Lebowski fans, strike up conversations, and make new friends over a few oat sodas. Some festival-goers even dress the part, donning costumes and personifying their favorite characters from the film. These costumes serve a greater purpose later on in the festival, so be sure to bring a camera.The second night is when the real magic happens. If you’ve purchased your festival tickets in advance and arrive to the bowling alley early you can reserve a lane for unlimited bowling. Lanes are given up on a first come, first served basis.
Even if you don’t get a chance to bowl, this night serves as a social hour and you might even run into certain actors from the film who played minor roles. For a Lebowski fan, this is still an exciting run-in. Sharing a White Russian (or a caucasian) with Malibu’s Chief of Police is something to write home about!
The highlight of the festival is the costume contest which takes place in the bowling alley. Participants are judged by the audience based on originality and quality of costume. There are so many “Dudes” they have to award a prize just for the best Jeffrey Lebowski look-a-like. If you feel confident and can whip out your best Walter Sobchak aviator shades, I say enter that contest and go for it.
Overall, the best part of any Lebowski Fest is meeting new people and interacting with fans from all corners of the world. Sure, you might wake up the next morning with a headache from all the White Russians, but sharing a few laughs, and a few burgers with like-minded people really ties the whole thing together.
In 2010, Little Lebowski Urban Achievers can spend two days in Orlando (May 21-22), Louisville (July 16-17), Chicago (September 17-18), Seattle (October 15-16) or one in New York (November 4). Los Angeles already celebrated this year on April 2-3. Ticket prices can vary from city to city so check The Lebowski Fest website for updated pricing info.
The yearly “Taste Of Chicago” is one of the highlights of the summer festival season in Chicago – it is when thousands upon thousands brave the overpriced city parking to spend an insane amount of money on fairly mediocre food. In recent years, the assortment of vendors included several restaurants from outside the Chicago city limits – something that has come to an end.
According to the organizers, all vendors were told back in 2007 that participants had to be Chicago based, and they had a three year grace period to comply. For the 2010 lineup, five suburban vendors have been dropped, and the Taste is going back to its “roots” of only allowing Chicago based firms to sell their goods.
One of the city Aldermen even suggested that the city grant preferential treatment to Chicago residents for seating at the Pritzker music pavilion. Apparently he was “fed up with suburbanites who park their fannies in the Pritzker Pavillion’s 4,000 seats and on the lawn”.
Well, there really isn’t any better way to tell tourists that they are not welcome, and I’m sure many of those suburbanites and tourists wouldn’t mind spending their money at other festivals. Take for example the fantastic Summerfest in Milwaukee, where in my opinion the variety of food is much better than that on offer at the Taste Of Chicago.
Have you ever been to Taste Of Chicago? What did you think of it?
Farmers’ markets are not only a great way to sample a community’s natural bounty, they’re also a unique setting to experience its culture. While each farmers’ market is different, a really good farmers’ market brings a sense of community to the cities and municipalities where they operate. Wondering where you can experience some of the freshest produce, tastiest snacks and friendliest people across the country? Check out our picks for 16 of our favorites below.
Saint Louis – Soulard Farmer’s Market
The Soulard Farmers Market began in St. Louis in 1779, making it the oldest continuously operating farmers market west of the Mississippi. In addition to the fresh fruit, produce, baked goods and flowers, the market includes a craft and flea market in the two wings of an old train terminal. A bit “Old World” in atmosphere, shoppers can buy live chickens, barter with vendors and enjoy a festive, energetic atmosphere all year round.
Indianapolis – Indianapolis City Market
The Indianapolis City Market was built in 1886 and today includes an arts market on Saturday, a farmers’ market on Wednesdays, cooking classes and ethnic theme events that may focus on the foods of Asia one week or the spices of the Middle East the next. The common thread through it all is that homegrown goodness of corn, tomatoes and other produce from the soil of Indiana.
Madison, Wisconsin
The Madison Wisconsin Farmers Market fills the grounds of the state capitol building and draws a huge crowd to the pedestrian-only mall and shops nearby. Fresh produce is only part of the fun. One Saturday, Wisconsin’s famous dairy cows may be on display; at other times there might be an iron man competition underway. Since it’s the state capitol, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to sign a petition or happen to see an up-and-coming politician working the crowd.
Kansas City – City Market
Kansas City’s City Market overflows with activity weekend mornings all year when as many as 10,000 people have been known to shop for produce and bedding plants one more, artwork on another and bargains from the community garage sale another weekend morning. Valet service is available for big purchases. Some of the city’s most prosperous farm-to-table restaurants have found a naturally successful home here.
Des Moines, Iowa
All products sold at the Des Moines Farmers Market must be grown within the state of Iowa and that means 160 or more booths carrying the freshest produce grown in some of the world’s best farmland. There are also hand-made items, such as dried flower arrangements, seed murals and wheat weaving. A miniature train for children is a standard fixture and most Saturday mornings, you’ll find musicians, clowns or dance troupes performing.
Woodstock, Illinois
Voted the best farmers market in the state of Illinois in 2008, the Woodstock Farmers Market could easily be called a “producers market” because everything must be grown, raised or made by the seller. Located on the town square of this historic community, shoppers are accompanied by folk music performed live from a nearby gazebo on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
Holland, Michigan
The Holland Michigan Farmers Market literally overflows with blueberries, cherries, strawberries and other fresh fruit from the fields of western Michigan. The market also carries farm fresh cheese, eggs, herbs and spices. In the craft area, handmade furniture is an unexpected treat. But just wandering the aisles, munching on freshly baked Danish and feeling the breeze from Lake Michigan is a treat in itself.
Columbus, Ohio – North Market
Columbus Ohio’s North Market comes with its own kitchen and James Beard-award winning chef to prepare meals right on the spot from items bought at the market. In addition to fresh dairy products, including ice cream, and prepared foods from international vendors, the North Market sells just the right utensils and cookware to bring any meal together.
Lincoln, Nebraska – Historic Haymarket
The Historic Haymarket in Lincoln, Nebraska was originally a place where livestock and produce were sold in the state capitol, but now it is the site of the trendiest restaurants and retail outlets in the city. Every Saturday morning from May to October, the activity jumps another notch when more than 200 of the Midwest’s best farmers bring their produce. It’s also the best place in the city for Kolaches and coffee.
Little Rock, Arkansas – River Market
As polished as any supermarket, the Little Rock Arkansas River Market, located in the historic Quapaw Quarter, is a year-round destination for ethnic cuisine, entertainment and in the summer months, some of Arkansas’ famous tomatoes and watermelons. Something is always happening at the adjacent park overlooking the Arkansas River, and just a few blocks from the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Library.
Washington D.C. – Eastern Market
Casualty of a fire that ripped through the stalls in April of 2007, the historical Eastern Market has made a comeback and continues to serve meats, poultry, breads and gourmet goodies throughout the week in the South Hall, where many employees of nearby Capitol Hill migrate for lunch. On the weekends, stalls extend to the surrounding outdoor areas and offer antiques, crafts, photography, handmade jewelry and other collectibles. On our last visit, we purchased some vintage fruit labels and stocked up on distinctive greeting cards for less than a dollar apiece.
Santa Monica, California – Virginia Avenue Park
There are several markets that sprout up over the course of the week in this beach city. The best is the Saturday one in Virginia Avenue Park where weekly appearances are made by local restaurateurs featuring the best of their menus.
New York, NY – Union Square Greenmarket
One of the best markets in New York City is the Union Square Farmer’s Market, which extends the length of the west side of the square. Stalls are filled with local fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats, poultry, fish, spices… just about anything you can imagine. At the tail end, you’ll find tables with artists selling their wares. We picked up some local goat cheese and wine, plus a hilarious comic-book version of the Grimm brother tales, handed to us directly by the author.
Chicago, IL – French Market
Inspired by European markets, the French Market was recently developed as an effort to promote community in the city. It’s located adjacent to the Ogilvie Transportation Center. The vendors sell delicious pastries and prepared foods as well as produce, meats, cheese and seafood. Grab some mussels and delicious Sicilian sandwiches before hopping on a train to the Chicago suburbs. Make sure to stop by Chicago’s world-renowned Green City Market while you’re in town.
Portland, OR – Portland State University
Portland has long relished in its status as one of the country’s most eco-conscious, sophisticated food cities, and the town’s wealth of farmer’s markets certainly doesn’t disappoint. Each Saturday the shoppers of Portland flock to the grounds of Portland State University, home to Portland’s biggest and most famous of the city’s six recognized downtown markets.
San Francisco, CA – Ferry Building and Plaza
No list of farmers markets could be complete without mentioning this titan of the food world. Ground zero for the birth of slow food and much of the current revolution in local, organic eating sweeping the nation, San Francisco and the Bay Area is king and its historic Ferry Building and nearby Plaza Farmer’s Market is the capital building. Stop by for delicious favorites like locally produced cheeses, more mushrooms than you’ve ever seen and some tasty gelato.
Chicago’s newest luxury hotel, The Elysian, opened up late last year, and Gadling finally got the chance to stop by for a look.
The Elysian Fields, for those not familiar with classical mythology, were the ancient resting places for those virtuous in life and battle, a place for the finest Greeks to one day lie. So with a name like “Elysian,” the standard for this hotel is set pretty high.
And high they are kept. One could easily describe the Elysian as unpretentious luxury with clean lines, styling and detail supplemented by a high level of attention, class and quality. Nothing is overbearing, with quiet, articulate staff, minimalist appointments and spacious, pristine rooms. Indeed, designer Lucien Lagrange’s commitment to the legacies of Chanel and Dior has been well held.
The lobby sums up the property pretty well. With high ceilings and broad, open space, one enters from the grandiose, stone courtyard to be greeted by two solitary, massive Greek sculptures. The atrium is bordered by a phalanx of waiting attendants and a sitting room on the left, while the reception desk pleasantly waits on the right. There are no kiosks, pantries, night clubs or dance parties to blur the experience.
%Gallery-89729%In a similar vein, The Elysian’s rooms boast a classy silver, white and brown color scheme, with simple, luxurious appointments and stylish design. Average rooms are just over 850 feet square, while our one bedroom palace had a massive, white marble bathroom, living room and bedroom, all facing the bustling promenade of Rush St. below.
Of particular note, the technological features of each room are phenomenal. Flat screen LCD televisions tastefully appoint the bedrooms and living rooms while some rooms even have in-mirror screens that you can watch while brushing your teeth. iPod ready docks are sprinkled about the rooms and even the freezer is tastefully tucked into a cabinet drawer.
Those looking to dine on-property will find two outstanding restaurants, Balsan and Ria serving European bistro and upscale fare respectively.
But the best of The Elysian’s luxury offerings is its spa, a 14,000 square foot mecca complete with a gentlemen’s lounge, lap pool, saunas, steam rooms and an outdoor terrace. One could easily spend a lazy evening in these facilities recovering from a long day of shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
Tickle your fancy? Check out Elysianhotels.com for more info. Rooms start at just under $400 though there are currently some specials running.