posted by Charles H. Russo on Jul 1
London offers a dazzling range of hotels for every taste and temperament. There are shiny mega hotels, mini boutique hotels, and swanky business hotels, all catering to the fussiest of travelers. Hundreds of hotels promise something special — perhaps the best location, acclaimed restaurants, a superb spa, or maybe some whiz-bang technology in the rooms. But when you???re jetlagged, lost, and dragging luggage through the rain at 7:30AM after a red-eye, there???s nothing more important than prompt and intuitive service in a peacful place designed to be as much like a home as like a hotel.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Jun 26
I know it???s a little early to shut down for Thanksgiving but we???re packing our bags and high-tailing it out ofLondonto head home for the holidays. This means no computers and no blogging until next week- but lots of shopping and eating until then. Just like last year we???re going to brave ???Black Friday??? to hit the stores- which have nothing on anOxford Streetcrowd- and can???t wait to tuck into our family???s super yummy roasted chestnut and porcini mushroom soup (the secret to why it tastes so good? Add a splash of cognac and lots of cream??¦ or maybe it???s the other way around). And if we???re feeling inspired, we might even make these cookies we spotted on the Pillsbury site. Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Jun 21
Lincoln City
I was born on the Oregon Coast, and as a family we try to visit at least every two years. I don’t have any family left there, but I still get a thrill when we drive the last few miles into Lincoln City and catch our first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. Although my family moved away when I was just 6 months old, every return feels like a homecoming of sorts. Of course, there are a few things we must do every visit - I would be heartbroken if we skipped them, and oh yeah, the kids would too!
Mo’s Restaurant is a MUST. I hate fish, never have liked it - but when we’re on vacation in Oregon, I eat it like crazy. Mo’s has the BEST clam chowder - and I don’t like clam chowder - at all! Yes there are a lot of tourists, and you usually have to wait in line, but I’ve never said “Ugh, I’m sick of this” and we eat there almost daily the 2 weeks we’re on the coast. Mo’s has locations in Florence, Otter Rock, Newport (2 locations), Lincoln City and Cannon Beach. You can also order their chowder base online, which we do every New Years. They ship it in dry ice via FedEx Overnight and it’s TOTALLY worth it!
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Jun 17
I have been waiting for the day when one of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration employees goes postal. How the deal with so many idiotic travelers is beyond me. Granted some of them have transformed there minuscule amount of power into some God like reign, but still, how can one handle the mess of holiday travel?
Until recently my thoughts of disgruntle TSA staff were nothing more than a Nostradamus like prediction, but upon reading the Vagabondish Blog I became a little concerned. Am I the only one that thinks this much contraband around TSA staff is scary?
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Jun 1
The North Face Denali Fleece – Most popular fleece ever?
It seems like the North Face Denali Fleece has become a staple item for the outdoor lifestyle. Whether you are a true outdoor enthusiast or just dress the part, the North Face Denali Fleece is an essential. Its popularity aren’t just because of its stuffing good looks, this North Face fleece is the real deal.
The North Face Denali Fleece is, in my opinion, the best all purpose fleece jacket on the market. It is designed to handle the everyday encounters of outdoor life. Designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind the North Face Denali Fleece is comfortable, versatile, and strongly built.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 31
Our final trip with the 2007 Dartmouth Ski Team was a special one for the athletes, coaches, and administrators who have dedicated so much to the ski team in particular and Dartmouth Athletics in general. At the White House on June 18, President George W. Bush honored 27 of this year’s NCAA Division-1 national championship teams-of which we were one-in an afternoon-long celebration that included a tour of the White House, a personal meeting with President Bush, and Presidential remarks delivered on the South Lawn.
Having gone our separate ways after winning the ski championship, we arrived at Washington’s Hotel Sofitel from all corners of the country-some from Hanover, others from Colorado and Texas, myself from New York City where I’m spending the summer on an internship. Having the team together was pleasant reunion because end-of-term finals and graduation rarely allow much time to say goodbye to so a number of of the people that influenced our lives at Dartmouth.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 29
Beach Vacations
Beach resorts can be perfect for your next family vacation getaway. Some of the best resorts are in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii.
Mexico
Los Cabos is one of Mexico’s most popular vacation destinations. It is located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Los Cabos features luxury hotels, championship golf courses and some of the best sport fishing in the world. Other activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking and much more.
The Caribbean
The Cayman Islands offer many things for many people. 99% of the travelers visit Grand Cayman Island. It is easy to see why people go here. Of the islands this island offers the most when it comes to resorts and hotels. The fabulous snorkeling and scuba diving is not to be missed. When diving, you will think you are in a pet shop aquarium. The fish are abundant and the stingrays are gentle and fun to watch. If time permits, rent a Jeep and cruise around the Island.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 29
One of the best reasons to choose a vacation rental can be the amenities offered. Beyond having a kitchen and sometimes a washer and dryer - many resort complexes and property rental companies offer great perks to their guests that don’t cost a dime.
Destin Days Vacation Rentals offers a wide variety of free Destin Florida rental amenities. This is the best and most inexpensive way to see all that the Gulf Coast of Florida has to offer.
Enjoy buy one get one free deep sea fishing with Lighten Up Charters and Captain Doug Richards. This is a 4 hour fishing trip that includes tackle, license, Captain/ Mate and fish cleaning. There must be a minimum of 4 people to book the trip, but if you divide the savings among four, this is a perk you can’t afford to miss.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 18
Rooftop at the soon-to-open Gansevoort South.
Happy Halloween…lets talk hotels…WHICH exclusive New England resort that recently sold out for big money is gearing up for an oh-so-polite power struggle? Media darling and always booked, it doesn’t turn a profit, and the new owners aren’t ‘avin it, ‘enry — not at least long term they’re not…
…WHICH big, expensively PR’d rebranding effort isn’t bearing fruit? Everyone’s talking about the fact that nobody’s talking about the host of faded hotel and resort properties snatched up, revamped and relaunched by a deep-pocketed investment firm as part of a new high-end collection. Joke’s on them, media doesn’t care; may have something to do with the fact that nothing they’ve done seems in the slightest bit innovative…
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 13
courtesy of the BBC
It’s hard to imagine that a building so incredibly characterful could have so recently been so hated, but the city’s St. Pancras station (being re-dedicated tomorrow in a big ceremony with the Queen and all) was not too long ago seen as an “obsolete, pompous and absurd” reminder of a past that most Britons would have rather forgotten.
True, St. Pancras was and is one of the most ridiculously over the top pieces of architecture from its time standing in London today, but things change, and its lurid, red brick boastfulness is now gloriously back in vogue, new champagne bar and all.
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