Downtown Hotels and Events

PEOPLE PLACES PHENOMENONS

Orlando : Midsummers Dream Vacation

Posted by admin on Sep 17, 2008

I remember vividly the flight I took to Florida’s Sanford airport located in Orlando that had been my first trip to America. Orlando’s warm climate endorsed the trip out of England that was to focus on fun and fun alone. As it turned out, the extremely fulfilling pleasure jaunt left indelible impressions on my family. Endless hours had been spent on the internet gathering all sorts of information. The place has an estimated 52 million tourists coming over every year and has the second largest number of hotel rooms in the US. Certainly the most essential thing was to book comfortable accommodations and organize conveyance to make our trip pleasant. Thanks to Downtown Orlando hotel site we were able to have a truly gratifying experience.

It was Walt Disney World Resort that attracted us here in the first place. Located in Lake Buena Vista it lay about 20 miles south of Orlando city. Aware of it as a venue giving unparalleled joy to visitors for more than two decades, I knew the twins were in for a blast. Seriously, the entertainment here was beyond imagination and we had the time of our lives. My kids went all over with excitement at the many attractions here that included Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Typhhon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. I have never quite forgotten the look on on their faces as they were led on from one excitement to the other. And to speak the truth their merriment rubbed on to us making us laugh out loud together.

SeaWorld Orlando, next on our to-do list had numerous zoological displays and marine animals besides the amusement park with roller coasters and the famous water park. The marine adventure park is located 10 minutes south of downtown Orlando. Stretching across 200 acres, it has exhilarating rides, remarkable animals and some great shows. Best of all is the fun in the water that gets you twisting, turning and splashing about in SeaWorld’s water coaster or Journey to Atlantis. Many amazing shows are part of the activities here like North Pole on Wild Arctic, Odyssea and Pet’s Ahoy. What my children loved particularly was the Happy Harbor area that had rides like Shamu Express and Flying Fiddler. It was amazing and I could just see the adults having as much fun as the kids.

Universal Orlando turned out to be a multi-faceted resort comprising of the Studios, Citywalk and the Islands of Adventure theme park. Universal Studios offers an assortment of attractions, activities, rides and entertainment for all ages. This movie and TV based theme park allows you to go behind the scenes and experience life on the sets. You get to see Spider-Man, Shrek, Nicktoon, Dudley Do-Right’s and Popeye along with the incredible Hulk. The CityWalk had us enjoying shopping and dining around the celebrated 30-acre entertainment complex. Its well known as Orlando’s hottest spot for dining, shopping and entertainment offering a unique environment full of amusement for everyone. We had a great evening with lots of add ons that were all around us. Honestly it was not possible to do it all at one go.

The Orlando Science Center was an altogether great experience allowing kids to learn from scientific experimentation. Live turtles and alligators greeted us upon arrival. What took our breath away was the large publicly accessible refractor telescope that had us seeing the stars, planets, moons and even other galaxies! The twins learned about different foods that do good to the body but what they thoroughly loved was putting together the human skeleton at the Body Zone. The Measure Me exhibit got them to test their strength, flexibility, and agility. Dr. Dare’s Laboratory had them experimenting with computer guided simulations. They got acquainted with Florida’s diverse ecosystems at NatureWorks. This amazing venue with 10 exhibit halls across four floors also houses the largest movie screen thats 8 stories tall. Even the adults were in for a good learning.

The Orlando area besides having a wide variety of tourist attractions is also a busy center for conferences and conventions. The Orange County Convention Center is the country’s second largest in square footage. Even though Downtown Orlando is several miles away from the main tourist attractions it attracts tourists as many activities happen around here. The central business district is the most recognized and urban region of downtown. Containing a number of highrises its best known landmarks are the Bank of America Tower, Orange County Courthouse, The Vue and SunTrust Center Tower. Also spectacular is the 18,000 seat Amway Arena that hosts the Orlando Magic NBA team and Orlando Predators Football league team. Downtown Orlando has a vibrant nightlife, with over 40 bars, restaurants and nightclubs within a three or four block radius. Exuberance appeared to be a way of life here.

Downtown is interspersed with beautiful parks livening up the place. The best known is Lake Eola Park considered Orlando’s Central Park and is the favorite venue for local events and festivals. The iconic fountain set in the center of the lake is a scenic landmark that illuminates the nightscape of the lake with its green lighting. We enjoyed the swan boat rides on the lake as much as the circular recreational pathway stretching round the park. The children’s playground had my kids going absolutely berserk enjoying the open spaces to their hearts content. As did my wife at Pointe Orlando with its stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues, where my better half immersed herself in the offerings. As for me I enjoyed the continual feasting in the many restaurants located here. The landscaped tropical promenades, open air seating, playful fountains, and magnificent architecture unwinds you completely.

Orlando had us driving around along lovely beach bound roads providing a delightful break -of-sorts from the variety of theme parks located here. Passing by Kennedy Space Center we were content to let go of NASA’s space complex tour. Maybe the next time we were here. Actually we were more intent on enjoying the beaches for the chance to soak up some sunshine and relax in the ocean waters. Yes as I look back it all comes back to me – a very good family vacation that the twins loved to distraction.

Nashville : Music Galore – African Festival to Inspirational Country Music

Posted by admin on Sep 16, 2008

Nashville located on the Cumberland River in Tennessee is famous all over the world as Music City. WSM-AM announcer David Cobb gave it the nickname way back in 1950 and it has stuck. The Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau has turned it into an official nickname. The music publishing industry that took root here shaped Nashville as the Buckle of the Bible Belt.

Fun facts about the city abound denoting its glorious musical reputation. Nashville had the first FM license in the United States in 1941 making it the first city to enjoy static-free radio. The Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, boasts a driveway in the shape of a guitar. Best of all at any given point of time there are at least a thousand guitar pickers in Nashville.

Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is an architectural wonder in itself. One side of the building is a RKO-style radio tower while the main building, with windows resembling a piano keyboard, ends in a Cadillac tailfin-style flourish. The original name of the Grand Ole Opry was the The WSM Barn Dance. Portions of 16th and 17th Avenue South in Nashville are known as Music Row. The famed Nashville Goo Goo candy actually stands for Grand Ole Opry! Grand Ole Opry is the longest continuously running live radio program in the world. It has broadcast every Friday and Saturday night since 1925. The city breathes, lives and dreams music!

As you can readily believe not for nothing is Nashville positioned as the Music City of USA. A whole lot of historic antecedents make it the city that it is today. Situated along the Cumberland River Nashville is the crossroads of American culture. Many popular tourist sites involve country music, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium and Belcourt Theater. Each year, the CMA Music Festival, brings thousands of country fans to the city. Other popular destinations include Fort Nashborough, Tennessee State Museum and the Parthenon. The State Capitol, the Hermitage and the Nashville Zoo that also attract countless visitors to the city.

The Tennessee Performing Arts Center is the home of the Tennessee Repertory Theater, Nashville Children’s Theater , Nashville Opera and Nashville Ballet. The Schermerhorn Symphony Center is the home of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. Nashville has several arts centers and museums, including Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art, Aaron Douglas Galleries, Vanderbilt University’s Fine Art Gallery and Sarratt Gallery.

The city hosts innumerable musical events making for unforgettable experiences in one of the most happening cities in the U.S. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has put together NowPlayingNashville.com in partnership with the local community. The Nashville Downtown Partnership offers a weekly calendar the keeps everyone up to date on all of the events and activities happening in Downtown Nashville.

The sports scene in Nashville is awesome. Tennessee’s top public golf facilities are located here. Vinny Links Golf Course and Two Rivers Golf Course are rated as two of the best golf courses followed closely by Warner Golf Course. Internet golf sites for Nashville provide a complete listing of golf courses near Nashville. Not far behind are Nashville Predators, the professional ice hockey team of the city playing home games at Sommet Center. The mascot of the Predators is Gnash, a blue saber-toothed cat. They can have you bounding in your seat or cheering on a hat trick, always guaranteeing heady excitement.

The National Country Music Hall of Fame run by Country Music Foundation preserves the history and traditions of country music. Functioning as a museum this international arts organization serves audiences around the world. Home to America’s music it now operates out of its landmark new building located on the west bank of the Cumberland River. The monumental edifice is as eye pleasing as it is invigorating in downtown Nashville’s entertainment district. It is a treasure trove of historic country video clips and recorded music, dynamic exhibits and state-of-the-art design, regular menu of live performances and public programs, museum store, live satellite radio broadcasts, on-site dining and fabulous public spaces.

It would be a good idea to park yourself well and proper in Nashville if you are keen to attend the many events to take place in the coming couple of months. Since the events draw people in thousands from all parts of the world it makes perfect sense to click on to Downtown Nashville hotel site to make reservations for your travel, stay and commuting. Featuring from the second fortnight of September onwards is to be the African Street Festival that will have live musical performances, lectures, and a fashion show. The TACA Fall Crafts Fair is the state’s premier outdoor showcase for American fine craft artists. The 28th Tennessee Association of Crafts Artists Fall Crafts Fair showcases the phenomenal works of more than 180 artists and craftsman throughout the nation during the last weekend in September.

Come October and Nashville is to host music galore as the season begins to change. Bluegrass fans can’t miss the International Bluegrass Music Awards Show on October 2. In case you do, then do not fret for Bluegrass Fan Fest at Nashville Convention Center will feature grassroots music on between October 3-5. The 18th century springs to life on October 6 and 7 at the annual Colonial Fair Encampment at Historic Mansker’s Station Frontier Life Center, when living history takes center stage for a day of colonial excitement. The Inspirational Country Music (ICM) Awards Show offers a time of celebrating the best in uplifting, faith-based country music on October 16, while the Music & Molasses Festival will be held at the Ellington Agriculture Center on October 18 and 19. Enjoy it all, as you only can, in Nashville!

Manhattan : Bare Foot in the Park

Posted by admin on Aug 20, 2008

Manhattan elicits a jaw dropping reaction. Literally. And I do mean literally. Standing on avenues and gazing up at the towering skyscrapers on all sides it is the most predictable response of most first-timers. Even otherwise no one remains immune to the city lights that illuminate the Manhattan skyline with that heavenly incandescent glow. Manhattan, one of the five boroughs of New York City is the quintessential New York. Residents of the other boroughs too refer to a trip to Manhattan as going to the city.

As for me I got goose bumps standing in the vicinity of the Times Square. A sense of deja vu envelopes you as you take in the locale experienced previously only on celluloid, TV and fiction thats left indelible impressions on the imagination. I could not believe it. I was actually standing in Times Square! The moment got gratefully captured in a caricature, adroitly sketched by a Chinese street artist. Manhattan is synonymous to its intrepid gushing energy criss-crossing the 22.96 square miles of prime land in eclectic New York.

O yes. The people are everywhere. Constantly streaming out of the subways and on to the streets and buildings. Its a great human junction. You will find people of all nationalities and races here, a thronging conglomeration following their calling in life. Financiers, dealers, wheelers, humanitarians, musicians, artists and the man on the street - all occupy one of the most densely populated counties in United States - 70,595 residents per square mile! Unbelievable as this may sound it is true! It is also one of the most wealthiest spots in the US. It has the largest central business district in the United States and is the site of both the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ apart from housing the largest number of corporate headquarters. With out a doubt Manhattan is a major commercial, financial, and cultural center of the world. Home to the head quarters of the United Nations, it has major multi-nationals and business houses flaunting their elitist addresses.

Manhattan’s efficient public transport has nullified the need for privately owned cars. As the indisputable hub of New York City it generates a lot of intense traffic from all over. With many famous landmarks, tourist attractions, museums, and universities, it attracts people from all over the world. The theater district around Broadway at Times Square, New York University, Columbia University, Flatiron Building, the Financial District and Wall Street, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Little Italy, Harlem, China Town, and Central Park are all located on this densely populated island.

The downtown neighborhood of Chelsea is a popular haven for art. Widely known for its galleries and cultural events, it has more than 200 art galleries that are home to modern art. The Broadway Theater is considered the highest professional form of theater in the United States. Plays and Musicals are staged all the time in the 39 larger professional theaters, almost all in and around Times Square. Lincoln Center nearby is home to The Metropolitan Opera, one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses.

The 843 acre Central Park is a veritable oasis from the maze of tall structures, offering a pleasant respite along its walking tracks, ice skating rinks, flora and fauna, hidden sanctuaries and grassy spaces used for playing around. Its a happy sight watching children frolicking and families enjoying picnics here. The sporty kinds can get their workout in the wide open areas. The park is a popular habitat for migrating birds which in turn attracts the bird watchers. The 6 mile road circling the park is popular with joggers, bicyclists and inline skaters. While much of the park looks natural, it is almost entirely landscaped and contains artificial lakes too.

No written account of Manhattan could ever possibly depict the feeling of actually experiencing the sanctum sanctorum of New York city. The city stimulates the senses like no other to create unforgettable memories. People jostling along and the spectacular sights bespeak the throbbing hum of life in the fast lane. Simply walking the streets of Manhattan will have you in a happy frame of mind.

Great things happen here all the time. All you have to do is go online and checkout the Manhattan Events Calendar that showcases all the brilliantly planned events. You will find book readings, beer fests, wine tastings, restaurant weeks, theater shows, musicals and a whole lot more that will make you enjoy the vibrant heterogeneous culture exhibited in the city on a regular basis. August events have the famous India Day Parade besides the organized Street Fairs and Morning Concerts. Summer is also being graciously celebrated in Central Park with Summerstage 2008, Shakespeare in the Park and the Film Festival. Bryant Park is also showcasing a summer film festival while Lincoln Center is having the grand Mozart Festival. And to beat the heat the city organizes the River Festivals, Summer on Hudson Festival and the New York City Waterfalls Show.

With so much going on here you will want to prop yourself up good and proper. Just log on to Downtown Manhattan hotel site and when you are comfortably settled call room service and in your recently acquired New Yorker intonation say – Make mine a Manhattan!