In Monterey this fall: The Monterey Museum of Art honors 50 years

by Brenda Yun on

Something must be in the air in Monterey this fall, because there are so many anniversaries and celebrations it would be hard to pass up a trip to California’s coast to catch some art and culture with a little history mixed in.

The Monterey Museum of Art, which houses a permanent collection of 14,000 objects, paintings, photographs, and other works, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year by offering two fascinating exhibits.

Until September 13, the Pacific Street location shows its “Over Rainbows and Down Rabbit Holes: The Art of Children’s Books,” which includes illustrations from “The House at Pooh Corner,” “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” and “Jumanji,” among others.

On view through October 25 and in honor of homegrown artists in the Monterey area, the “Made in Monterey” exhibit is a compilation of works from the museum’s permanent collection that traces Monterey’s local art history from the late 19th century to today.

There are also special “Art After Hours” mixers every third Thursday at the La Mirada museum for professional types needing to wind down over local wine and catered food. In addition, ongoing tours and public lectures are held at the museum.

The Monterey Museum of Art has two locations: 559 Pacific Street in downtown Monterey and La Mirada at 720 Via Mirada. For more information on the museum’s programs and exhibits, visit www.montereyart.org or call #831.372.5477/3689.

Happy 100th bday, hostelling!

by Alison Brick on

Help me raise a glass to lockers, kitchen cubbies, dorm roommates, and bunk beds everywhere.

Yes, that’s right–we’re celebrating the 100th birthday of the hostelling movement, and the 75th birthday of Hostelling International USA!

Next week is Open Hostel Week, from August 23-30. Find a hostel near you and see what’s planned–it could be anything from hostel tours and good eatin’, to travel presentations and scavenger hunts.

And if you happen to be near Northfield, Massachusetts, join the dedication of an historical marker at the site of the very first U.S. hostel. Festivities will be Sunday, August 23rd, starting at 2:00 p.m.

If you want to take your celebration to the streets, enter HI-USA’s One World, Many Views contest to win a flight to Europe and a one-year HI-USA membership. Submit a photo or video that relates to hostel travel, or the organization’s mission of international understanding and stewardship. Enter by September 30th.

Philadelphia’s oldest tavern toasts 150 years

by Katie Hammel on

The oldest continuously operated bar in Philadelphia (and one of the oldest in the country) began celebrating its sesquicentennial this week. McGillin’s Old Ale House opened in 1860, the year President Lincoln was elected, making it almost 150 years old.

While the anniversary isn’t technically until 2010, McGillin’s decided to start the party 150 days in advance, so if you find yourself in Philly, stop in and raise a glass. The bar has already started brewing and selling a special 1860 IPA and has a full schedule of anniversary events lined up, like book signings, an Oktoberfest party, and a Fall festival.

The pre-Civil-War tavern has a colorful history. When the original owner died, his wife took over the business and kept a list of troublemakers not allowed in. Among them was her own father. Locals consider the bar a Philadelphia institution and its “old-time character” has earned it spots on lists like America’s Most Authentic Irish Pubs (even though it doesn’t serve Guinness) and Coolest Bars in the U.S.

[via USA Today]

Happy Birthday Virgin Atlantic! Celebrate with more fare sales

by Grant Martin on

Virgin Atlantic Airways is all grown up. Today is their 25th birthday, and in a similar guise to their buildup of fare sales over the last few weeks, they’re launching another massive campaign this morning.

For only today, you can book tickets for only $181 round trip in economy or $384 in premium economy between the United States and the UK. Those are fantastic prices for the high summer season, where typical prices normally soar to over $1000.

Rumor has it that the airline is also throwing a bit of an anniversary bash in Tribeca tonight, where we’re sure to see more festivities, galavanting and giveaways, hosted by the man himself, Sir Richard Branson.

Check virginatlantic.com today to cash in on the special 25th anniversary fares, and check Gadling.com later this week for updates from the birthday party!

“Virginia is for Lovers” celebrates 40 years with statewide discounts

by Alison Brick on

If when you say “Virginia is for Lovers” you mean “Virginia is for Discount-lovers” you’d be right.

It’s the tagline’s 40th anniversary and the state is going all out with travel discounts. The “Virginia’s 40 Off Travel Deals” program offers 40% off, $40 off, and “Buy 3, Get 1 free” savings at 200 participating hotels, museums, and other outfitters.

For example, get 40% off every night you stay at the Sheraton Reston Hotel; or stay three nights and get the fourth night free at Fife & Drum Inn in Williamsburg.

At George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, buy three tickets and get one free. Same for Luray Caverns during the month of August.

Most of the deals are valid through the end of the year or into 2010, but be sure to check the terms and deadlines closely since they vary.

The “40 Years of Travel Passions Sweepstakes” is also underway. Register at Virginia.com to win one of 40 Virginia vacations–focused on wine, outdoor adventure, nature, or local cuisine. One trip is given away per week through November 23rd.

The “Virginia is for Lovers” tagline debuted in a Bride’s Magazine ad in 1969.