Downtown Hotels and Events

PEOPLE PLACES PHENOMENONS

Austin : Seussical The Musical

Posted by admin on Jul 31, 2008

A lovely Saturday afternoon in July just outside Austin. Loop 360 to the hills of west Austin has outstanding Texan scenery. Standing under Pennybacker Bridge near the south shore boat ramp taking in the glorious summer day, I watch a few boats idle in the distant placid waters. The highway hanging on to the rust colored bridge appeared to be as steadfast as the spirit of survival, that truly is the liet motif of the capital city of the Lone Star State.

Austin is a tourist’s delight. History, geography, culture, entertainment, attractions all rolled into one great big bundle of surprises. One after another. I was glad that I had the sense to have come prepared for the summer here that can be as varied as the city itself. You can have alternating days of rain and sunshine in June, July, and August. An umbrella and a water bottle are de riguer if you are to enjoy the downtown among the highrise buildings that may be a bit warmer. Not to be missed are the captivating Dillos, or tram-cars that are a great way to get to the downtown for things to do and see - in air conditioned comfort. They are free!

Situated on the Colorado river, the city has three artificially created lakes within the city limits. Characterized by hot summers and mild winters Austin is partially sunny throughout the year making it an ideal vacation spot. Acclaimed as much for its cultural life as its high-tech innovations, its teasingly referred to as “the Silicon Hills”. Perhaps this explains the Austinite’s penchant for reading and contributing on blogs more than anywhere else!

The sobriquet Live Music Capital of the World is no mean claim since the city has a vibrant live-music scene with endless music venues. The serenading is non-stop beginning in the many nightclubs to year-round festivals, best of which is the South by Southwest. These music fests attract artists and fans from all over the world. The pulsating nightlife is next only to the music soirées that are part of the city lifestyle. The Austin City Limits Music Festival draws countless tourists from all over. Sixth Street is the musical hub that holds annual festivals like the Pecan Street Festival among others.

One thing that may dismay die-hard sports fans is that Austin does not have a franchise in major professional sports leagues. So the one sports program that is whole heatedly supported is the University of Texas Longhorns. But the outdoor types need not worry. Austin offers runners, rock-climbers, swimmers, divers, snorkelers, mountain bikers and cyclists a whole lot of athletic pleasures rarely to be found all in one place elsewhere - a delight for sports lovers.

Well known for its eccentricities, the city actually celebrates differences in lifestyle and culture. In fact the local motto Keep Austin Weird is reinforced on bumper stickers and t-shirts. A very strange and eccentric, unique Austin haven for weird arts like fire-dancing and circus-like-acts is the Enchanted Forest that hosts outdoor art and performance events.

Naturalists will just love it here. The world’s largest urban population of Mexican free-tailed bats reside under the Congress Avenue Bridge. You get to see the best bat flights. Up to 1.5 million bats emerge after sunset, an event that is popular with locals and tourists attracting 100,000 viewers per year. The bats are going to be here until late summer. Thats how batty it can get in Austin.

Which was what I was talking about earlier. The city’s will to survive against all odds. It may be a techno-savvy city set amidst the cultural blend of diverse communities – yet it worries about the birds and the bees. Austin is one city trying to strike a balance for environmental sustainability. An evening stroll down 6th Street will bear this out. The beautiful architecture, historic facades and the eccentric appearance of 6th Street regulars is sure to drive home the point. This July the Austin City Hall got official recognition as a “certified wildlife habitat” by the National Wildlife Federation. The first in Texas!

The summer calendar events have great happenings lined up. My pick is going to be between the Seussical The Musical at the Zacchary Scott Theater, Farmer’s Market at Downtown Recreation Center and maybe one night at the Austin Scottish Rite Theater to watch Twelfth Night. You can zero on to austin360.com to get a feel of the events that have been organized. While your hand is still on the mouse why don’t you check on the Downtown Austin hotel site to reserve a room with a view!

Destination Dallas : Tex-Mex with a Circus Extravaganza

Posted by admin on Jul 30, 2008

Subliminally, Dallas retains the impressionistic power-play and intrigues of the Ewing Family saga that lasted an amazing 14 seasons. The whole wide world has heard of Dallas! However, nothing prepares you for the initial sight of the city skyline as you roll along the maze of freeways to confront the rising Metroplex as it looms up before you. Appearing from afar like a modern day Kryptonian settlement, the almost jewel like setting of the city architecture leaves you spellbound as you move closer. It literally appears out-of-this-world.

The essence and vitality of the city hits out as you gaze on the visually appealing modern towers that blend effortlessly with the multi-cultural populace. The Tejas–Texan connection is hard to miss spilling over to fajitas, fiestas and the rodeos. Dallas offers unique touches of Southwestern warmth, cosmopolitan flair, Old West charm and modern sophistication. It remains the numero uno destination for leisure travel and business. As a major center of commerce in the US, Dallas events include conventions and expositions that take place in the heart of the city at the conference center.

The thriving culinary scene, arts district, professional sports, trendy entertainment areas and endless shopping opportunities are marked out by the fact that Everything is Bigger in Texas. Dallas remains a richly diverse Texan city that over the years has become a melting pot of cultures and lifestyles.The essential convergence of unique differences get peppered into the sights and sounds of the city. Dallas’ authentic arts, music, food, architecture, historic landmarks and urban lifestyle all contribute to the city’s makeup. Sommtheeng Deeferent! Decidedly.

The coming summer attractions are varied indeed. Its vacation time after all. The famed Barnum & Bailey high-energy circus extravaganza is going to be real treat for family holiday makers with kids going overboard at the ten day event in early August. The Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau would be hosting the KRLD Restaurant Week for most of August that will familiarize diners with some of the regions hottest menus. Whats more they are going to be budget cuisines! Soaring temperatures that are part of the city this time every year do not really affect the tempo of the exhibits, events and attractions.

Dallas offers numerous opportunities to experience and appreciate the Tex-Mex culture and lifestyle of the city. If you are traveling to Dallas for any event such as the State Fair or a major industrial conference, or simply to experience something South of the Border, then getting a room at the city center hotels could be tricky. However checking out well in advance on the Downtown Dallas hotel site would be a good idea to synchronize your stay with the events calendar lined up for the coming period.

All said and done, lets not forget Dallas acts as a modern-day frontier for business, fashion, arts and entertainment. However the quintessential home turf will have sports lovers in a mighty fix as they decide between the juggernauting machinations of the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys or Dallas Mavericks. Go to them all I say! Chile Today, Hot Tamale!

Fort Worth : Summertime Recreations

Posted by admin on Jul 29, 2008

As you walk out of DFW International Airport and drive into Fort Worth, it is kind of hard to believe that Cowtown, as its popularly called, was a major stop along the cattle-drive-route through Texas. The super duper freeways, the humongous vehicles, the regular drone of hovering aircrafts and the buzz all around acquaints you with this major metroplex. Everything is bigger in Texas for sure.

No less than 15 aircrafts circle the Fort Worth skies at any given point of time. It is after all the aviation hub of USA. All the same its a strange mix of cosmopolitanism and earthy rootedness. The laid-back relaxed atmosphere of this small-size city exudes quiet money, verily making you recall the fabulous lives of wealthy Texan cattle barons. Hiiiii Yah! You’re actually in cowboy land, of open spaces, stetsons, long horns and the great American spirit.

Talking of quiet money, you might be surprised to learn that Fort Worth, besides Washington DC is the only other city in the U.S. printing paper currency. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing produces billions of notes annually, each with a minute FW on the front. 45-minute weekday tours educate visitors about watermarks and color-shifting ink on the American dollar.

The city has enviable historic resources including charming bungalows, grand mansions, signature civic buildings, magnificent religious institutions and elegant bridges. Each year more than two million visitors come to the Cultural District from all over the world, where the beer is still served in quaint goblets and platters of pork ribs and barbecued chicken are traditional fare. You just feel at home, instantly.

The culture center is minutes away from the busy downtown Fort Worth. Tree lined avenues paved with bricks and surrounded by manicured grounds are enlivened by the bustle of shops and restaurants. The Cultural District is home to the wonderful Will Rogers Memorial Center. It also provides an exposition to Old World and New World art masterpieces, science and cultural exhibits along with performance art theaters.

Fort Worth abounds with sights, sounds, and things to do with remarkably well organized entertainment for visitors. Summer recreations abound. Not to be missed is the free urban white-water course having Class II and III rapids after a rain. Or you might just simply love to gather outside the Museum of Science and History for free star gazing to enjoy the starry nights.Take a breather at the refreshing Fort Worth Water Gardens, offering 4 acres of water cascading over cement into five pools.

The famous Stockyards reminiscent of western movies of yore, lined with brick streets and saloons exhibit two daily symbolic cattle drives. Tourists line up to watch 15 Texas longhorns amble down East Exchange Avenue to relive a nostalgic past. Its a sight not to be missed.

While the daily cattle drives are just for show, its the rodeos that are the real thing. Rodeos at the Cowtown Coliseum are serious business. Its great fun watching the contenders in open rodeos held every weekend. The fun and frolic catches on even with people who have never ever witnessed it before.

The action moves from the bull-riding ring on to the dance floor at Billy Bob’s Texas, with its 32 drink stations. Dancers will love the mirrored saddle in place of a disco ball! Another great fun place is the White Elephant Saloon where cowboy hats, donated by regulars over the years, cover the walls and ceiling making for some great home-grown ambiance.

The Sundance Square takes its name from the Sundance Kid who use to hide out here. However gone are the earlier gambling houses with the place transformed into a peppy neighborhood. Fort Worth’s trendiest nightspots are within a few blocks of Sundance Square.

The Frommers internet online site is your best bet to get all the information about Fort Worth attractions. Plenty of attractions in Fort Worth are free. Pick up the flyer “Everything Free to Do in Fort Worth” at the visitor center if you want to see how much you can do for no money. Visit the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau website for money-saving coupons for major attractions. And of course the Downtown Fort Worth hotel map would be your best guide to know where to be really comfortable while you are here.

For a quick getaway into the past you must board the incredible Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Don your best Western outfit and hop aboard “Puffy”, for the Trinity River Run, a 1-hour trip from Stockyards Station to 8th Avenue in Fort Worth that travels along the Chisholm Trail to the Cotton Belt Depot in historic Grapevine. Experience the charm of the old West close at hand. All Aboard! All Aboard!!

Boston : Salsa By the Charles & Food Fest

Posted by admin on Jul 25, 2008

Boston appeared a far cry from Ashima Ganguli’s restricted world in The Namesake. But then that was nearly forty years back. I literally had goose bumps in anticipation as I walked from Quincy Market to the Harvard University area. It was an exhilarating jaunt across the bridge and into the academic area. The hallowed precincts of Harvard were inspirational, to say the least.

Although Harvard was the raison d’etre for my sojourn to this almost European city on the the US east coast, it’s rich history had been beckoning for long. Impressions cast by the flotsam and jetsam of the Boston Tea Party, washing up for weeks on the shores around Boston, had always filled me with wonder at the great brewing of the American Independence that followed.

Happily now downtown Boston offers tea and treats in high places where benevolent gloved attendants turn it into a ritual. Check out for afternoon tea at The Dorset along busy Washington Street. As for me, tea is mostly a quick dip-dip affair – that keeps me moving on. And there’s lots of moving about to do in Boston. It’s a great walking town, especially around downtown where comfortable footwear serves you well.

Summer is here. The long days and the warm nights of Boston make for a glorious vacation. The lazy hazy days offer endless possibilities of careening around downtown that is full of touristy attractions. I am told the city attracts 16.3 million visitors annually. Little wonder! The awesome display of artwork built right into the buildings is reason enough to see it first hand.

The architecture shares a symbiotic relationship converging diverse styles. Austere features characterize the Ionic and Corinthian detailing of older buildings, that stand in direct contrast to contemporary glass towers. Even as you soak in the atmosphere, one literally goes back in time walking around red-brick buildings and stepping over cobblestone streets. Boston is beautiful.

Other than history there is lots more to do here to enjoy a truly American way of life. Some great events lined up for July-end have me in a tizzy to decide where to go. There is the Salsa by the Charles, Salem CultureFest2008, the 8^th Annual Summer Party Cruise, and the 14th Annual Food Fest and Auction. All these mind-blowing attractions, shopping and dining opportunities and recreational possibilities. Its going to be challenging. However the toughest question of where to settle here comfortably was sorted out – courtesy Downtown Boston hotel map. Thank God for small mercies.

New Delhi : Mangoes at Mango Festival

Posted by admin on Jul 24, 2008

Crowds and more crowds. They are the first thing that greet you as you walk out of the airport or railway station. You get to see everybody. Native taxi drivers, officious bureaucrats, first-rate Punjabi’s and the ubiquitous tourist. The flavor of Delhi is a heady mix of politics, culture, commerce and jet setters. Pluralistic diversity is quintessential of the capital of India. As they say Dilli Dil Walon Ki, meaning Delhi is for the full-blooded! You sure have places to go here.

There is Dilli and then there is New Delhi. Emperor Shahjahan’s daughter Jahanara Begum ordained Chandini Chowk in 1650 to compliment the Red Fort – the Mogul bastion. The Delhi Order of columns in the famed Lutyen’s quarter from 1914 onwards, houses governance sectors, an exemplary British feat. The harmonic convergence of eras, architecture, religiosity and mercantilism is typical of Delhi’s multifarious charms today.

The joie de vivre of the city makes it the destination for inland tourists as well as international visitors. The recreational agenda is infectious. Right from the English speaking non-native Gujrati ladies exhibiting their hand-made crafts on the streets of Janpath to the more sophisticated ear-marked events of Mandi House - the culture hub. Embassies in Delhi offer ethnic entertainment, often free. No matter which country you are from Delhi has an Embassy or Consulate to assist you.

Connaught Place, a Victorian inspiration remains the commercial heart of the capital. Despite the high end shopping malls and distinctive market areas, it is the number one downtown area. It offers umpteen choices to explore. Historical monuments, museums, conventions, gardens, shopping and the famed food fests. Delhi is a gourmet’s delight and the diversity of finger-licking cuisine leaves you sated.

The unusually early monsoon this year is not a deterrent to the festivities marked out for the season. In fact the fresh green ambiance calls out for escapades. The theater events in auditoriums, trade shows, mango festival, business conventions are on. The line-up for winter shows are something else. You may feel like inquiring on Downtown Delhi hotel map for a taste of India.

New York Literati : Book Readings Discover the Best Books Today

Posted by admin on Jul 23, 2008

The backdrop and ambiance of New York city for Book Readings and Book Signings is legendary. The cognoscenti savor these one-time events leading them into a world of imagination and reality. Meeting men of letters in person and enjoying public readings of their works is an experience by itself.

The events calendar for the city is replete with book readings that happen almost every day. It sure is stimulating to hear first hand from a writer, as you might sip fine tea or coffee, led on by the narrative. Remember these are free events. You just have to be there on time!

Do not miss out on the Harlem Tea Room on Madison Avenue thats a favorite haunt of book lovers from around the world. The Bryant Park Reading Room is another place that celebrates modern day fiction writings. Jonathan Miles will be giving new meaning to the Airport genre of fiction when he unveils Dear American Airlines on July 30^th at the same venue.

If you are keen to attend a book reading and wondering where to stay check out Downtown New York Hotel map. Welcome new writers of substance even as you pick the choicest book readings this summer. While there, the New York Public library would be a great place to browse the world of books.

New York Musical Excursions : All That Jazz! JVC Jazz Festival 2008

Posted by admin on Jul 23, 2008

Whats New York without a Jazz Party! True blues Jazz fans know that the city is devoted to the genre having a special following. Day long excursions to near by Jazz festivals are getting quite popular. Luxury cruise buses offer fun filled journeys to the best of Jazz concerts near by.

Jazz enthusiasts will be glad to know about the JVC Jazz Festival that is coming up in early August. Newport, Rhode Island is to be the destination for all Jazz enthusiasts. The concert would be showcasing some of the world’s finest jazz musicians.

Heading the line-up will be the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin followed by other artists such as Dave Holland, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chris Potter, Eric Harland, Lettuce with Fred Wesley, Christian Scott and many more.

Affordable and enjoyable round trip luxury tours offer one-day festival passes, pick-up facilities, refreshments and gift bags. If you are into Jazz – don’t miss the bus. Check out Downtown New York Hotel map for a soulful retreat once the musical soirée concludes.

Beer Events in New York City : Beat The Heat

Posted by admin on Jul 23, 2008

O to be in New York, now that summer’s here! Summers mean warmer weather, longer days—and exclusive special beer festivities. All over the place. Get to taste some of the finest ales, lagers, stouts and pilsners. Beer, the social lubricant works wonders all the time.

The most discerning beer relishers are spread out in all the boroughs. Get educated about your senses on beer- how to taste it, what to eat with it and discover the world of beer like you never knew it before. Here are real ales, ciders and perries selected from around the world. Listings on the internet inform you of Beer Events & Festivals for the summer of 2008, telling you where to go, when.

Beer is something to celebrate, alright. Majority of the New York State beer events calendar are in New York City. New York is full of these humongous beer bars, pubs, bodegas and even the solitary beer garden in Astoria. Beer fests are a great time to experiment with pitchers of beer, schnitzel, pierogi and much more. Gang up on New York for Beer Fests – for the good times and more. Click on Downtown New York Hotel map to get a room before the summer rush.

‘Tastings NYC’ - Nov 2008 : Wine Tasting New York Style

Posted by admin on Jul 23, 2008

Mark out your calenders for the first weekend in November for the variety of events to take place on over 75,000 square feet of Pier 94. The focus is going to be on wine tastings, gourmet food items, the area’s best restaurants and the newest automobiles thrown in for good measure. Test drives included!

Wine tasting is a leisurely business and business it sure is. Wine tasting and purchasing shows in New York are created for both consumers and industry attendees. They are unique in its size and scope.

So if you are a passionate consumer, food and beverage trade member, restaurateur, or a mixologist, be sure to cover the event. The main stage with seating for 200 guests, will demonstrate the work of celebrity chef Jon Ashton and master mixologist Junior Merino. Access to main stage is included in the ticket price. Be Seated.

Explore Downtown New York Hotels at the click of your mouse to help you find the right place for you to relax and settle in when the wine tastings done.

Atlanta : Restaurant Weeks and Coca Cola Movie Nights

Posted by admin on Jul 22, 2008

Seamless blending of state-of-art commerce with warm Southern traditions, Atlanta retains charming hospitality. The city center frizzes with high energy, exhibiting modern day enterprise, culture and recreation.

Special events as diverse as its cosmopolitan environment give it the moniker ‘New York of the South’. Attracting a record 17 million visitors from all over just last year, it remains a much sought after destination.

Events lined for July celebrate the glorious summer. The National Black Arts Festival featuring performances includes artist markets, a gallery crawl, music, literature, theater and films. Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week offers scrumptious cuisine even as you imbibe the culture scene.

For cinema buffs the Fox Theater’s Coca Cola Summer Film Festival screens old classics and latest releases, accompanied by talks, wine tastings and sing-a-longs. Ooo la la! And for good measure the Retro Underground Dance Party hosts free ’50s & ’60s dance parties every Friday night.

The thrilling Butterfly Festival at Chattahoochee Nature Center is a colorful event as butterflies soar into the air when released. Atlanta, home to Braves baseball and Falcons football will have sports lovers enthralled too. Not to mention the Atlanta Hawks.

With so much happening you are going to need to a place to put your feet up after the days revelries.are done with. Simply log on to Downtown Atlanta hotel map to discover the cool vibe of city lights and the warm glow of Southern nights. Atlanta has it all.