Tag Archive for boston

Sometimes “All That Glitters” is Actually Neon

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Las Vegas is famous for many things: The casinos, obviously, plus Elvis, the Rat Pack, and all-you-can-eat buffets.

But the city is also famous for its neon. Whether it’s the nostalgic, campy signage of days gone by or the multimedia light shows of modern day, Vegas has always been big on the bright and bold.

The famous Golden Nugget is a perfect example. Located adjacent to the Fremont Street experience, itself a dazzling display of light and sound, the hotel welcomes guests with glittering lights galore.

We thought it would be fun to dig up some classic neon (and otherwise) signage from across the country. Here are a few highlights worth checking out!

All photos courtesy of Shutterstock

Clockwise from top left:

  • Pepsi-Cola sign, Queens, NY
  • Radio City Music Hall, New York City, NY
  • The Chicago Theater, Chicago, IL
  • Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
  • Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA
  • Citgo sign, Boston, MA
  • South Beach, Miami Beach, FL

Great Memorial Day Getaways with the Family (or Without!)

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Guess what?! Memorial Day is just around the corner, meaning the unofficial start of summer is finally, mercifully upon us. Here in Boston we’ve endured another typical New England winter, with January’s snow, slush, and ice giving way to March’s mud, chilly rain, and steel-grey skies.

But–but!–lawns are finally greening up, flowers are blooming, and we’re ready to plan some summer getaways.

To that end, Sniqueaway will be highlighting sales with Memorial Day availability, such as the Stage Neck Inn in York, Maine, and The Inn of Fifth in Naples, FL. Keep an eye out for more Memorial Day offers in the coming days.

Portsmouth, NH; photo courtesy of Shutterstock

 

Here are a few great options for the upcoming long weekend:

Washington, D.C. – To honor the patriotic side of this very patriotic holiday, there’s no better place to go than D.C. Expect a few crowds, sure, but fair weather for exploring the city’s sights.

Cape May, NJ – Beach towns all over the country start their season Memorial Day weekend, and this gem of the Jersey shore is a great spot to ring in another summer.

Santa Cruz, CA – “Summer” is relative here (expect wake up to chilly, foggy mornings) but this seaside surf haven kicks into high gear on Memorial Day–rides on its famous boardwalk are open until 11pm.

Portsmouth, NH – One of our favorite local towns, Portsmouth embodies everything we love about New England: Crisp, salty sea air; historic architecture; eclectic cuisine, and tight-knit community feel.

Austin, TX – Memorial Day is the de facto kick-off for boating season in Austin, making this a perfect chance to hit the water (and grab some of Austin’s famous BBQ, of course).

Seattle, WA – Everyone thinks Seattle has terrible weather, but the reality is that summers are fantastic–think temps in the 70s and less rain than we get here in Boston! Memorial Day, and May in general, is a great time to visit this beautiful, vibrant, and unique Pacific Northwest city.

Chicago, IL – Chicago, like Boston, emerges from its winter doldrums with much fanfare. The city’s beaches officially open, and on Sunday the 26th, Lakshore Drive closes (temporarily) for cyclists to enjoy.

Sanibel Island, FL – May is considered for this quiet Gulf Coast retreat–the snowbirds have gone but summer’s humidity is (usually) still holding off, meaning visitors in May get the best of both worlds.

Five Fabulous Food Tours

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Within walking distance of Seattle’s Pike Place Market—and its dizzying array of fresh produce, sensational seafood and unique eateries—the Hyatt at Olive 8 inspired us to find the best ways to get a taste of a city. And food tours became our answer.

Photos courtesy of Chicago Food Planet Tours, Savor Seattle, Michelle Topor’s Boston Food Tours and Foods of New York Tours

Here are a few of our favorite guided gourmet walking tours:

Savor Seattle Pike Place Market Food and Cultural Tour: Sample more than 16 bites and sips—including crab cakes, chowder and cheese—during a 2-hour tour of this 105-year-old landmark.

Chinatown San Francisco Tours: Try Dim Sum, fortune cookies, teas and more on a 3-hour tour of this popular neighborhood.

Chicago Food Planet Bucktown/Wicker Park Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour: Visit 6 authentic mom-and-pop establishments and ethnic eateries in this local artists’ community.

Michele Topor’s Boston North End Market Tour: Experience life in “Little Italy” as a local, with stops at a green grocer, salumeria, pasticcerias and an enoteca.

Foods of New York Tours Chelsea Market/Meatpacking District: Explore this 112-year-old-landmark building (the birthplace of the Oreo!) and became an insider on gourmet foods and flavors.

 

Our Favorite Seaside Towns

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Camden, Maine, has everything you want in a coastal village. Scenic views from Mt. Battie, a quaint and bustling downtown featuring unique shops, outstanding local seafood, and welcoming Inns and B&Bs like the Camden Maine Stay Inn.

But while Maine may have a lock on charming seaside escapes, it’s hardly the only place travelers can go to get a little oceanside R&R. Here are a few of our favorite coastal getaways:

Clockwise from top left: Carmel shopping, Motif #1 in Rockport, aerial view of Friday Harbor, sunset over Sanibel Island. Photos courtesy of carmelcalifornia.com, Shutterstock, and visitsanjuans.com.

Friday Harbor, Washington – It’s not uncommon to spot an orca or two on your way to Friday Harbor, located in the San Juan Islands between Washington and British Columbia. The town is tranquil, friendly, and a little bit rugged, and features a vibrant arts scene and, of course, plenty of coffee shops.

Rockport, Massachusetts – A walk down Rockport’s famed Bearskin Neck is a must-do. Lined by shops, galleries, and lobster pounds, visitors are rewarded with a memorable view of the Atlantic at the Neck’s end. Don’t miss Motif #1, a famous red structure decorated with buoys, which is said to be the most photographed building in the world.

Sanibel, Florida – This is not Walt Disney’s Sunshine State. Much of Sanibel is set aside as a nature preserve, and its beaches are famous for the pristine and prized seashells that regularly wash up. Oh, and don’t miss the fabulous sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.

Carmel, CA – Mix a little bit of posh and a whole lot of California you get Carmel, a fog-bound hamlet just south of Monterey. The shopping and dining on Ocean Ave is outstanding, and the long sandy beach is perfect for a stroll. Architecture fans will enjoy spotting Carmel’s unique and often quirky homes near the sea.

When You Wish Upon a Starchitect

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If you think Las Vegas’ CityCenter looks good, there’s good reason: The complex, home to several hotels, a casino, and a shopping plaza, was designed by a who’s-who of contemporary architects.

Fortunately, you don’t have to travel all the way to Sin City to see these masters’ creations in person. Here are some other notable buildings designed by CityCenter’s roster of starchitects:

ArchitectureCollage_original_medium

Clockwise from top left: Petronas Towers, courtesy of archcitecture.about.com; JetBlue Terminal 5, courtesy of David Rockwell Group; Denver Art Museum, courtesy of Studio David Libeskind; Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, courtesy of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center

Pelli Clark Pelli (CityCenter building: Aria Resort & Casino): Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; World Financial Center, New York City, NY

Rafael Viñoly (City Center Building: Vdara Hotel & Spa): The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH; Boston Convention and Expo Center, Boston, MA

Studio Daniel Libeskind (City Center Building: Crystals shopping district): New World Trade Center Master Plan, New York City, NY; Denver Museum Expansion, Denver, CO

David Rockwell Group (City Center Building: Crystals interiors): Ames Hotel, Boston, MA; Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco, CA