Tag Archive for Seattle

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.

 

Parks That Turn Lemons into Lemonade

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Cities are becoming more and more adept at turning urban eyesores into memorable icons. “Urban renewal” is the name of the game, and travelers like us benefit from unique parks and public spaces perfect for whiling away an afternoon.

The High Line, courtesy of the American Society of Landscape Architects

Here are four must-sees that used to be must-avoids:

The High Line: Located on Manhattan’s West Side, this is perhaps the most well-known urban reuse park. The park is built on an old elevated rail line skirting the Chelsea neighborhood. Snique members can stay along the High Line at The Standard High Line.

Gas Works Park: Jutting out into Seattle’s Lake Union, Gas Works Park provides stunning long views of Seattle in the shadow of an abandoned coal plant. The Park is a popular kite-flying spot, and offers a prime view of the July 4th fireworks.

The Rose Kennedy Greenway: What do you do when your city is bisected by a large, noisy highway? Bury it and put parks where the road used to be! That’s what we did here in Boston, and the Greenway, which connects the North End to Chinatown, has become a local favorite.

Citygarden: This 2.9-acre park in the heart of downtown St. Louis used to be a series of abandoned, overgrown lots. Now it’s a thriving public hub, with fountains, art installations and walking paths.