Where the Quest Begins

Boston and Fort Warren

There’s no question that Boston is an entirely contemporary city. There are many urban attractions here that are truly at the cutting edges of culture in the world, and a night on the town is an adventure into the modern and everything beyond. It also has its fair share of old places, too, and old traditions. Those looking for the best hotel rates Boston can offer will very likely be looking for the new, but the old is worth exploring as well.

Places like Fort Warren are definitely interesting points of focus. To get here, one needs to take a boat across Boston Harbor, and it’s well worth the trip. There are old dungeons where prisoners were kept during the Civil War, and if it sounds a little spooky, it certainly is. One of the most exciting things about history has everything to do with the ghosts one finds.

At Fort Warren , there’s plenty of fodder for spooky material, but the story of one particular woman is more interesting than the rest. The story goes that she would dress as a man to sneak in to see either her lover, or her husband (the story changes, as they always do). She was discovered, and subsequently hanged in a dress that the warden’s wife provided. A woman in the same dress is often seen, and more often heard. Another voice from Boston’s history.

July 28th, 2010 at 4:10 pm | Comments & Trackbacks (0) | Permalink


Model Your Lease Agreement After the Best

Knowing what you will need to put into your lease agreement is vitally important and some of the best lessons can be learned from looking at large company lease agreements. TransGlobe Property Management does a lot of rental agreements every year and they are quickly becoming one of the more successful property management companies, so if you can get your hands on one of their contracts and take a look at it, you may be able to model your agreement after theirs. If you can’t do that, instead look for some online to give you some ideas.

Make sure that you are protected in all areas first and foremost. If you are not willing to do the yard work or pool work , if you have a pool, and you don’t want to hire anyone to do them, make sure you write into it that the tenants are responsible for those things. Most places will require people to not have pets or smoke in the house. If you want to open the house up to more possible tenants, tell people that they can smoke outside, or in a designated area, or let them have pets and charge a little more for it.

Remember that as a home owner, you are not in competition with large companies like Transglobe. Property mgmt is different between large companies and small home owners. Anything you see in their lease agreement is probably a good idea, but it isn’t the way you have to do it. And be sure to consult a local lawyer to make sure that your final agreement meets all city, county, and state requirements under current landlord/tenant laws.

July 23rd, 2010 at 4:10 pm | Comments & Trackbacks (0) | Permalink


Everyday Seattle in Photographs

The Emerald City really does have everything. After taking one short trip to the Great NorthWest, it’s kind of hard not to decide to live in Seattle some day. To every visitor who comes here, every guest in every Seattle hotel , it feels like an original idea, where the life before was leading up to the trip to the city which would one day become home. It is a good idea, after all, being one of the most livable cities in the world, and one of the nicest. It’s also got innovations in every field, from painting to music, and with {Isaac Layman+http://www.lawrimoreproject.com/lp/Artists/Pages/Isaac_Layman.html#19 , with photography.

Since he graduated from UW in 2003, he has been making impressive debuts in the field of experimental photography, creating images that seem to work in nearly any gallery space. It’s an unusual technique, and one that could only come from the mind of a singularly obsessed artist.

He photographs his house+http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/flying-off-the-walls/Content?oid=4444209 , and the objects are always of the everyday. Extension chords, for example, are the fodder for a gaze that deconstructs and reconstructs in an amazing geography of meanings. Using multiple shots from multiple perspectives from a high-resolution camera, the images are then put back together to create works that are immediately unsettled. It’s a new way of seeing photography, from someone who is involved in a life-long project of learning how to see the world.

July 19th, 2010 at 4:10 pm | Comments & Trackbacks (0) | Permalink


Medina of Marrakech Needs Guidance

A visit to Medina of Marrakech is worth all the hassles you’ll run into with hiring a guide, but hiring a guide is highly recommended. If you follow some simple rules about how to hire a guide, you’ll really have a great time at Medina .

No matter what, do not hire a ’so called’ guide off the street, even if they promise you a great deal, because in the end, it’s not a great deal. The Government guides will take you to the Medina and you can feel very safe at the same time. If you do hire a guide off the street, just make it very clear that you will not go into any souvenir stores, carpet stores and any other stores, period. This is where they the street guides get their commission, by taking all the visitors and tourist to the stores first, before taking you to your destination. Any of the hotels in Marrakech , which you’ll be staying at, most likely will have their own guides you can hire and will more expensive than a street guide, but again, you’ll be safer and not feel ripped off. If you still insist on hiring a street guide, let them know you will take care of them well, money wise, at the end of the guide if they won’t miss-guide you.

Medina, no matter how you get there, is well worth a visit. Founded in 1070 by the Almoravids, Medina of Marrakech remained a political, cultural and economical center for a very long time. Its influence is still felt throughout the western Muslim world, from North Africa to Andalusia.

July 14th, 2010 at 4:10 pm | Comments & Trackbacks (0) | Permalink


Get in the Miami Water

People come from all over the world with their families to enjoy the wonderful waters of the Florida coast. Miami is a wonderful cultural city that offers up many fun ways to enjoy the ocean. It is the gate way to a string of islands call the Florida Keys. Along these islands you will find the Bahia Honda State Park . This has become a very popular place to enjoy the beach, do some snorkeling, kayaking and other exploring. Check in with the concession stand for rentals of equipment and or booking a tour. This is a great way to get started off the coast of Miami.  

Off the coast of Miami and along the Keys there is an all underwater state park. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a spectacular place to snorkel and dive. There are plenty of great snorkeling and diving tours for those who just want to immerse themselves in the the ocean environment. Others will find great thrills seeing the park from a glass bottom boat tour or go it alone with a kayak, canoe or paddle boat rental. For these little self propelled boats there are some calm channels to explore and the price is really reasonable. The park has also set up areas to do some fishing so bring a cooler, sunscreen and hat for a nice day along the waters edge.  

For those who love to go fast on the open water check out Miami Boat . They have quite the collection of party, luxury and fishing boats with captains ready to show you the water world. They will also host a party for you when you are gathering a group together for a special occasions. All you need now is a room at one of the four star hotels miami has along the coast and set out for an ocean adventure.

July 1st, 2010 at 4:10 pm | Comments & Trackbacks (0) | Permalink


Boston’s Museum of Science is in a Class of its Own

Boston has one of the best science museums in the country. Museum of Science , located at 1 Science Park, it is an excellent museum that has whatever you could possibly be interested in when it comes to science. It has factual information for parents and fun, exciting experiments for children. The entire family will be thoroughly entertained. There are so many exhibits to see, you’ll find that five hours has gone by in a blink.

The Planetarium, the 2-story Van de Graaf generator, capable of producing 2.5 million bolts of electricity, 3D digital Theater, Simulator experience and an IMAX movie theater to list only a few of the hundreds of dynamic exhibits that the museum houses. No matter how old or young you are, there is plenty for you to see and do; the wide variety of subjects such as geology, physics, electricity, technology, anatomy, and biology, even current events like the Big Dig will keep everyone captivated. About the only thing you won’t like about the Museum of Science is their closing hours, but you’ll love how convenient it is to most Boston five star hotels , because literally, one day is not enough time.

The Museum’s mission is to transform the nation’s relationship with science and technology, by promoting active citizenship informed, inspiring lifelong appreciation, encourage young people to explore and develop their interests in understanding the natural and human-made world. They’ve accomplished their mission and gone beyond it with live presentations and current exhibits such as A Bird’s World, Bees, Beyond the X-ray, Bradford Washburn: The Man Behind the Lens, the Butterfly Garden, Cahners ComputerPlace, Catching the Wind, Colossal Fossil: Triceratops Cliff, Dinosaurs: Modeling the Mesozic, Discovery Center, How Your Life Began, Human Body Connection, Human Evolution, Innovative Engineers, Inside the Mind of M.C. Escher, Investigate!, Live Animal Exhibit, Making Models, Mapping the World Around Us, Mathematica, Nanotechnology, Natural Mysteries, New England Habitats, Playing by the Rules: Fish, Fads, and Fireflies, Science in The Park, Seeing Is Deceiving, Suit/Cabot Lab, Sun Power, Take a Closer Look, The Colby Gun and Trophy Room, The Computing Revolution, The Draper Prize, The Light House, The Rock Garden, To The Moon, WeatherWise, Weems Animal Sculptures, and finally, Whales.

As you can see, there’s always a lot going on in the Exhibit Halls, with new exhibits being added on a continuous basis, so don’t worry about possibly being bore, because it’s not even a consideration.

June 29th, 2010 at 4:10 pm | Comments & Trackbacks (0) | Permalink


Haunted Theatres and Parks in Atlanta Georgia

Have you ever heard that there are a lot of haunted buildings in Atlanta? Well, there are certainly a lot of people that claim this to be true. But then residents of almost every town and city in the country claim that there are haunted buildings in them. So, is true? Is this one big haunted nation? Well, it’s not the point of this writer to prove or even argue one way or another. But I will concede that many people are attracted to the idea of haunted locations and frequently seek them out. And the following is a brief description of some of the commonly believed to be haunted locations in Atlanta.

Chasing spirits and ghost hunting may not be the top priority for the guests in the hotels Atlanta USA , though most of them will enjoy a good story, and perhaps chase a few spirits in the hotel lounge. There are people who visit Atlanta just to explore the alleged haunted elements, and there is something fascinating about these stories that keeps them alive and part of our culture. Some of the more popular stories of hauntings include some of the city’s main establishments. The Fox Theatre has continued sightings of a Confederate private and it is reported that he was photographed in a window.

The Shakespeare Tavern is another place where sightings have occurred. A famous one took place during the 1993 performance of Henry IV . The actor playing Falstaff was pretty shaken after seeing a young boy dressed in 1880s velvet in the theatre. And his distress was not due to the incorrect period costume he wore. Other sightings have been reported to have occurred here too. People have also reported seeing a small girl at Six Flags who appearing lost leads them into the woods and then vanishes. These are just a few of the ongoing haunting stories that come out of Atlanta, Georgia and continue to entice tourists.

June 24th, 2010 at 4:10 pm | Comments & Trackbacks (0) | Permalink


History Museums in Boston

Boston is one of the great historic cities in this country that is extremely well known and respected not only for the role it played in the nation’s development but also for the great contemporary establishments. Among all of the famous theatres and symphonies as well as the significant historical landmarks, there are some incredible museums that represent the traditional cultural aspects of the city and region as well as displaying some of the world’s great art. Visiting museums is a commonly popular for tourists when visiting a new city and the five star hotels Boston are excellent resources for finding information on the city’s museums and other intriguing venues.

The Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History is just one of the great and often times unique museums that represents various aspects of the nation’s history as well as that of Boston and the Common Wealth of Massachusetts. This museum features some of the most rare United States and world post office artifacts. There is also a family activity area and research center in this museum. And there is a museum shop where post office supplies as well as souvenir relics can be purchased.

Historic New England is a great place to begin your discoveries of the history of Boston and the surrounding region is with the Historic New England organization. Numerous homes and properties are included and they remain designed and equipped with the aspects of the culture that was relevant to them. The Nichols House Museum is another great place to go to view some early Boston history. The house presents a true and unique look into late 19th century domestic life on Beacon Hill in Boston. This four-story row house was built in 1804. Boston is one of the great American cities that has a lot of early colonial buildings and landmarks remaining in contemporary society. In addition to the famous memorials and landmarks that exist there, some of the city’s museums provide great insight into ways of life and various circumstances that were relevant to residents of the past.

June 22nd, 2010 at 4:10 pm | Comments & Trackbacks (0) | Permalink


Take a Break and Enjoy the Farmers Markets in Orlando

If there comes a time while you’re in Orlando and for some reason Universal Studios , Disney World or Sea World seems to be way too much for you and your family, why not take time out and get to know the real Orlando and go to where all the locals hang out, the Farmers Markets. There are several around Orlando and each have their own unique atmosphere and style. Instead of standing in long lines for hours at a time, spending exorbitant amounts of money on tickets, on food and on souvenirs, spend a nice relaxing morning or afternoon picking up some fresh Florida citrus, and mingle with the locals. Get a nice respite from the throngs of tourists and spend a quiet time with your family.

The Sand Lake Farmer’s Market, located at 8003 Turkey Lake Road is not too far from Universal Studios and is open every Saturday morning at the Dr. Phillips Marketplace. It’s a medium sized market featuring live music, great, fresh produce from local farmers, beer, baked goods, organic soaps, plants, and hand-made crafts from local artists such as ceramics and stained glass. The market opens up at 9am and runs til 2pm.

The Central Florida Farmer’s Market, located at 4603 W. Colonial Drive at the Central Florida Fairgrounds is Orlando’s largest Farmer’s Markets, featuring 200 vendors. Besides selling an outstanding selection of fresh produce, this market also has antiques, books, arts and crafts and it’s indoors. The market opens at 4am, well before sunrise, on Saturdays and Sundays and stay open till 2pm.

If your staying downtown at a 4 star hotel in Orlando , check out the Orlando Farmer’s Market at Lake Eola. The Lake Eola Market is the longest running markets in Orlando and features vendors selling exotic orchids and bonsai trees, plus there’s a wine and beer garden for the adults, and a lake full of ducks for the children. The produce is picked fresh and brought to the market by local farmers that morning, offering all kinds of organic produce, from tomatoes to corn to squash. There’s prepared foods from Jamaican to Latin. The Eola Farmers market is located on the corner of E. Central Boulevard and North Eola Drive and is open every Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

June 20th, 2010 at 4:10 pm | Comments & Trackbacks (0) | Permalink


Atlanta’s Voice of the South Remembered

Atlanta is a place worthy of chronicling. Every city has its share of stories, and on some days, it seems as though everyone has not only a novel in them, but volumes to be written to narrate a life. There are details in every block that the city needs to remember, not only for its own sense of presence but for preservation in the future. But Atlanta is a particularly apt subject for writing, perhaps even more than any other art form. There’s something in the way that the written word suggests that these events that happened here are worth remembering.

And in Atlanta, it’s worth remembering the work of Boyd Lewis , who was NPR’s voice of the South, before he finally decided that teaching English full-time was more rewarding than chronicling the social scenes here. He moved with his wife Deborah, to Pasadena at the end of the 90s, but his stories are still here. That’s the splendid thing about literature. Guests who love the city as much as we do may be staying at an Atlanta USA hotel without knowing about the spectacular past, if it were not for the presence of these storytellers in our lives.

Deborah was in control of the Margaret Mitchell House for awhile, and was responsible for getting it non-profit status. It was kind of a happy coincidence that they both had an interest in her, as Boyd lived in her basement apartment for a time, and even tells a pretty wonderful story about it. He’d pursued professionals to make a seance to get in touch with her spirit, as he felt it pretty keenly, and the results of the event were hilarious, as they always were, and his observations about the people show the locals as interesting and quirky, as we always are.

Margaret Mitchell might come across as a rather staid and stately woman, but her personal life reveals a rather colorful, and passionate, soul. High school students and the rest of California are lucky to have him there, and he’s missed out here.

June 14th, 2010 at 4:08 am | Comments & Trackbacks (0) | Permalink