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City of the Month: Portland, Maine

Wednesday, April 24th, 2013

Portland Head Lighthouse

Where should you go if you want Lobster for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; a pre-civil war history lesson; the beach in the summer and apple orchards in the fall? Portland, Maine!

Yes, along the southern coast of Maine and situated on Casco Bay, Portland has become quite the popular spot. And understanding why is not too hard; there is something for everyone in Portland.

Bon Appétit Magazine named Portland, “Foodiest Small Town in America” for its innovative restaurants and growing number of award-winning chefs. In 2003, the National Historic Trust honored Portland by naming it one of its “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” due to the city’s enjoyable natural, historic, aesthetic, recreational, and cultural experiences. Even the Advocate has endorsed Portland as the “3rd Gayest City in the US”.

Children of all ages can play, learn and enjoy the Maine capital. A day trip to the Maine Wildlife Park, a visit to one of the state’s many fairs and festivals that cater to active kids and family, or a trip to one of the coast’s pristine sandy beaches will keep everyone entertained.

For a city established in 1632, it is a well-blended mixture of modern and timeless. Back in the day, the port of Portland was a major hub for shipping and trading companies. Today, The Old Port is a quaint, Victorian district of shops and restaurants in restored commercial buildings.

Getting around in Portland is super easy. The airport is a mere five minutes from town and hotels are along the waterfront. You can walk, you can take a bus, you can ride a train, or you can go by car. Figuring out what not to do on a visit to Portland is the hardest problem you are going to have.

Take any one or more of a number of cruises around the Portland Harbor or Casco Bay. You can catch lobsters with Lucky Catch or view whales, seals and/or dolphins with Odyssey. You can also enjoy a 2-hour sail in a vintage schooner from either of the sail or schooner companies.

There are several lighthouses within the greater Portland area that are accessibly by car. Spring Point Ledge Light and Portland Breakwater Light are both located in South Portland. Spring Point Ledge Light is open to visitors on weekends during the summer and Portland Breakwater Light (also known as Bug Light) is located in a park which used to house the Liberty Ships shipyard during WWII and has an interesting exhibit.

Where to Stay in Portland

Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
Great location to the Old Port and walking distance to everything downtown.

The Inn at St. John
A great little inn with big value. The service is great, breakfast is plentiful, and And for Boston Red Sox fans – the minor league team practices just a block away.

Old Orchard Beach Inn
Beautiful and comfortable, this inn is a perfect summer spot. There’s something special about a Bed & Breakfast stay.

Where to Eat in Portland

Gilbert’s Chowder House
Eat where the local’s go for the best “chowda” and lobster rolls around. Gilbert’s is as affordable as it is delicious and that is saying a lot! Eat outside on the deck for a waterfront view.

Bar Lola
Bar Lola has a really creative, multi-course tasting menu that is fresh, fabulous and fun. This quaint restaurant on the East end of Portland has become a foodie favorite.

What else can you do in Portland? Later this week, I’ll share with you an itinerary for 36 Hours in Portland.

 
 

 

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National Park Week

Monday, April 22nd, 2013


Looking for the next budget-friendly spring destination? Starting today, travelers will have five days of free entry to nearly 400 National Parks coast-to-coast as part of National Park Week.

Yosemite National Park, CaliforniaFrom marvelous landscapes and seascapes to the nation’s most precious arts and culture exhibitions, each national park offers breathtaking views and unique outdoor experiences that can help relax and recharge travelers.  Hotels.com, together with The Active Times, has listed the perfect lodge or hotel, plus activities to explore to help make your trip a complete success.

Yosemite National Park

Where to Stay:  The Ahwahnee (4.2 guest rating): This four-star luxury property is located at the foot of Yosemite Village and has some of the park’s most iconic locations, such as Glacier Point, Half Dome, and Upper Yosemite Falls.

What to do: Take a short, 2.2-mile roundtrip hike into the heart of the Mariposa Grove, where walking among the hundreds of 200-foot-tall sequoias—the biggest living things on earth—reminds us of how small we are in the grand scheme of nature.

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

Where to Stay:  Gustavus Inn at Glacier Bay (5.0 guest rating): Located minutes from Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and the ocean, this quaint bed and breakfast offers complimentary daily breakfast and locally-sourced, fresh cuisine served daily.

What to do: Take a day-long boat tour cruising through the park’s rich waters, spotting sea lions, puffins and whales, making brief island stops and, at last, getting you close enough to hear the dramatic thundering of building-sized chunks of ice calving from the glaciers and dropping into the ocean.

Acadia National Park

Where to Stay:  Primrose Inn (4.9 guest rating):  Walking distance from Bar Harbor, the Primrose Inn is in close proximity to Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor Whale Watching, Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain.

What to do: For one of the best views, head up the steep but rewarding Precipice Trail, a hike that incorporates stone steps and iron-rung ladders up a cliff-face to the 1,058-foot summit of Champlain Mountain.
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Glacier National Park

Where to Stay: The Lodge at Whitefish Lake (4.7 guest rating): Located close to Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort and Glacier National Park, this property offers a full-service spa, onsite recreation in the winter like snowshoeing and ice skating, and in the summer hiking and biking trails and kayaking.

What to do: Take a day-hike into the rugged-yet-spectacular Granite Park Chalet will introduce you to the local bighorns and take you past gushing waterfalls.

What are your plans for Earth Day and National Park Week? Let us know in the comments!

 

 

 
 

 

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All-Inclusive Resorts

Friday, April 19th, 2013

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The idea behind an all-inclusive resort is to provide guests with everything they could want within a resort. The appeal of the all-inclusive vacation is obvious: you know what your total cost is going to be before you ever leave home. And often times, these vacations are good values compared to buying food, beverages, lodging, and activities a la carte.

However, what many of these all-inclusives have in “value”, they have faltered in the luxury department as their “value” treatment diminished the experience and service that many of their guests expected. Until now! A new crop of all-inclusive resorts have appeared that are ultra-chic, ultra-luxurious, and ultra-too good to miss!

All-inclusives come in different shapes and sizes, from adult-only to family friendly, to traditional resorts that are now offering all-inclusive packages. You can find most in Mexico and the Caribbean, and there are some sprinkled across the U.S., too. Expect to pay extra for special services and amenities like spa treatments, premium drinks and late-night baby-sitting.

For example, the Fairmont Mayakoba, an upscale resort just south of Cancún, recently introduced its first inclusive meal plan with the “appetite for luxury package,” which starts at $499 a night, per couple, and covers the room, two children five years or younger, bike rentals and unlimited food and beverages.

Dirty Dancing in a NY All-inclusive

Immortalized in the cult-favorite flic Dirty Dancing, the luxurious, yet family friendly all-inclusive resorts of the Hudson River Valley have been offering a well earned respite from the hustle and bustle of life in the city since the late 1800’s. There are many to choose from such as the Mohonk Mountain House in New Platz, NY and the Rocking Horse Ranch in Highland.

Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores, CO

Just outside of Telluride lies an amazing, small luxury retreat that is perfect for honeymooners or for those just looking to get away from it all. At Dunton Hot Springs all meals and premium drinks are included, but you won’t be treated like cattle at this one-time ranch.

The Caves All-Inclusive, Negril, Jamaica

This boutique all-inclusive is big on service and just right for couples looking to get away from it all: private and luxurious. Perched on the cliffs of Negril, the resort is made up of 12 cliff-side cottages and offers private cave dining. There is no beach here but the water is beautiful.

Sandos Caracol Eco-Resort and Spa, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

This eco-chic resort overhauled most guest rooms, installing water recycling systems, solar water heating, low-energy air-conditioning, and wooden furniture made from forests certified as responsibly harvested. A water park with 17 slides uses rain capture and filtration systems to help conserve water. From May to October guests can participate in a sea-turtle release program. There is also an on-site freshwater swimming hole, mangrove swamps and Mayan ruins to explore just steps from the resort.

One & Only Palmilla Resort, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
You’ll feel like the one and only guest with the attentive service that you receive at One & Only Palmilla. A five-star resort, One & Only Palmilla is just right for couples and families, and even offers a complimentary kids club. This chain of all-inclusive resorts is the epitome of luxury.

Hermitage Bay All-Inclusive Hotel, Antigua

Secluded, serene and so fabulous; the five-star Hermitage Bay is situated on Antigua Bay and made up of 50 cottages some with private infinity plunge pools. Guests say it’s absolutely “enchanting”.

What is your experience with all-inclusive resorts? Tell us in the comments!

 

 
 

 

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City of the Month: Berlin, Germany

Tuesday, March 26th, 2013

Walking through the city is a like taking a trip through a virtual history text book.

I recently returned from a week in Berlin. I have to admit that I had some preconceived notions about Berlin that led me to believe that the German capital city would be big, busy and boring. In reality, Berlin is twice the size it was just 23 years ago and yet moves at a comfortable pace. The city is an eclectic mix of the historical, cultural, and artistic… and it’s far from boring.

Berlin was devastated by World War II and then divided by the “Iron Curtain”. Being in Berlin is like walking through a virtual history textbook; and the city is still re-building. I was struck by the contrast of the bland construction of the former East Berlin (the leftover effect of communism) with new architectural wonders. Add in a few legacy monuments, estates and fortifications from the Prussian Empire as the ornamental accents that tie it all together, and you’ve got a city with many a story to tell.

When to visit
Berlin has a moderately cool climate and is generally comfortable to visit any time of year. My visit in early March was no exception. I enjoyed walking the city in the brisk morning air in search of a great cup of coffee, touring by day comfortably warm, and then in the evening cool partaking in the active nightlife. If you are looking for a late spring or early summer international getaway, then its time to book your trip to Berlin.

Things to do in Berlin
Many Berlin museums are free on one particular day every week or month. Most of the memorials and museums to WWII, such as the Holocaust Memorial and Museum, the East Side Gallery, and the Topography of Terror, are FREE. The Nazi regime, one of the worst things to happen to the world, was based in Berlin. The city does not hide from its past and, admirably, does not profit from it either.

Did you know Berlin has more bridges over water than Venice, Italy? With so many waterways, visitors can take a scenic boat ride for any desired length of time – a private sojourn to the Baltic Sea or perhaps just a group tour through the historic waterways. Public transportation in the city is excellent. You can get around very affordably and efficiently. I really enjoyed learning my way around through the city’s underground trains, which popped me up in another part of the city just waiting to be explored. The occasional taxi, best paid in cash (euros), will not set you back too much either.

What's left of the Berlin Wall? Only pavers that mark where the iconic structure once divided Berlin.

Hotels in Berlin
There are a variety of lodging options from the luxurious to student-hostels. I found them more affordable than in other European cities such as London or Munich. Rooms in Europe are typically on the smaller side but amenities can be plentiful so read the guest reviews before you book.

Hotel Adlon Kempinski – The five-star Hotel Adlon Kempinski is as historic as it is famous having hosted political leaders and celebrities for more than a century. And the location, right outside the Brandenburg Gate, cannot be beat!

Hotel Berlin, Berlin – Near the Berlin Zoo and Potsdamer Platz, other benefits include free WiFi, many room categories and even a spa.

Hotel Gat Point Charlie – I stayed here on my recent visit. Affordable, free WiFi, conveniently located for walkers to Checkpoint Charlie, the U-Bahn, and other sites.

Tips for traveling to Berlin
There are some great FREE smart phone travel apps that you can download, here are three must haves:

  1. Berlin Subway by mxData: You’ll need a map of the U-bahn, the underground train. It is the most affordable and efficient way to get around the city.
  2. Berlin City Travel Guide – City Pal: Choose a virtual tour guides that function offline – without internet access. I used this one throughout my trip.
  3. Learn German – Phrasebook for Travel in Germany: Remember to turn off your cellular data and data roaming to restrict all data to Wi-Fi when traveling to avoid charges when web browsing and using email and other data services. Yes, all Starbucks, even in Berlin, offer free Wi-Fi to help you stay connected and save on the cell phone bill.

Money Matters in Berlin

  • Don’t buy foreign currency in advance. Some tourists just have to have euros in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but smart travelers know better than to get lousy stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive at your destination; ATMs are not hard to find in Berlin (or most European cities).
  • Use local cash. The exchange rate when you use dollars and not the local currency is really BAD. Don’t do it! Without knowing it, you’re changing money, usually 20% worse, every time you buy something with dollars.
  • Get back to dollars at the end of your trip. If you have any foreign cash left before you fly home, change it into dollars at the European airport or simply spend it at the airport.

Check out Thursday’s post for a “36 hours in Berlin” itinerary complete with what to do, where to eat, and what not to miss!

 
 

 

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Affordable Vacation Recommendations for Spring and Summer

Monday, March 18th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I spent the weekend skiing with the family in Keystone, CO.  I have to give the resort major props for it’s “something for everyone” village.  We spent two nights in the River Run Condominiums located right at the base of the mountain, mere steps from the Gondola.  It wasn’t our first visit and it certainly won’t be our last.  What keeps us coming back for more? From the ski lessons for my three year old niece, to the ice skating, parades complete with apple cider, dancing and smiles, leprechauns (it was St. Patrick’s Day) and more…Keystone resort makes it easy for visitors to have a great vacation.

Whenever I am on one trip, regardless of its length, I always find myself planning the next one. Where can we go? What will we do? Who can come with us?  Of course, as I was riding the ski lift this weekend, I was already pondering what we will do for upcoming trips during Spring Break, Memorial Day Weekend, and our summer vacation.

Late March through early June is an ideal time to travel if you can swing it.  Travel prices for hotels, car rentals and airfare are generally lower than the peak prices of summer for many destinations.

Hotels.com recently ranked San Diego, California, San Antonio, Texas, Portland, Maine and Charleston, South Carolina as top affordable picks for spring and early summer travel.   The rankings were based on the Hotel Price Index™ (HPI®), which tracked real prices paid per room by Hotels.com customers during 2012.  I couldn’t agree more. Additional benefits:  temperatures will be mild, and crowds will be smaller.

Consider these destinations, too, when planning Spring Break and early summer vacations:

Biloxi, Mississippi

Biloxi happily entertains its guests (for less) in the spring. That is, if you don’t gamble your savings at the casinos. Stay at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino where you definitely stay and play. Rates from $79/night can’t be beat.

Phoenix, Arizona

Spring break is good timing for dude ranches in Arizona, which typically shut down during the heat of summer months.  You’ll want to saddle up for a stay at the Rancho de los Caballeros.

For a little spa and golf getaway, check into the Arizona Grand Resort has a convenient location just 15 minutes from the Phoenix airport and a full-fledged water park with waterslides, wave pool, river float, and kiddie pool. Golf is a highlight too with a golf course right at the resort and a high-tech learning center. Guests can also do beautiful hikes or mountain biking in the adjacent 16,500 acre South Mountain Park/Preserve.

San Luis Obispo, California

Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo has low-cost attractions plus free fun at beaches with tide pools, or piers, or sand dunes. From wine-tasting, to biking, hiking, and even antiquing, you’ll enjoy this California central coast destination.  It’s a great spot for day trips to other pricier CA cities.

Already planning your next vacation? Where will you go? Share it here on Travel Smart Blog!

 
 

 

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The Delicious Food Trucks of Austin, TX for SXSW

Monday, March 11th, 2013

The growing foodie and food truck scene in Austin is both overwhelming and amazing. With so many options, we thought we’d take a few moments to point out some highlights for SXSWers taking on the streets of Austin this week. Looking for a particular food to cut your craving? Make sure your smart phone is equipped with apps like Austin Food Carts or Roaming Hunger which provide menus, location and hourly updates.

Hey!… You Gonna Eat or What?
One fan raved about this truck’s specialty – gourmet sandwiches, “I would wait an hour in this 100 degree weather or stand alone in the pouring rain for another one of these. It was that good.”  Menu favorites and its best known sandwiches include the Lonestar BLT and the Shiner Monte Cristo. Check the truck’s Facebook and Twitter pages for locations and daily specials.

East Side King
Paul Qui, executive Chef at Qui and one of Austin’s up-and-coming celebrity chefs, is partnering with SXSW to curate several food trucks for SXSW attendees called the SouthBites.  Nibble your way through “Qui’s Corner” by trying DUK Truck, Chi’lantro, The Butcher’s Son, The Seedling Truck and more. SouthBites is conveniently located close to several SXSW venues at the corner of Rainey and Driskill streets and features a full bar.

Via 313 Pizza
With two separate truck locations on Congress and East 6th streets, travelers can sample “Detroit-style” pizza at Via 313 Pizza. This less well-known pizza is square, made in industrial steel pans, and features semi-thick crust (similar to focaccia bread texture).  Look for updates, specials and hours during SXSW on their Facebook and Twitter pages.

Holy Cacao
This dessert trailer brings chef-created, tempting and portable treats to the streets of Austin for all to nosh on. The menu features Drinking Chocolates, Drinks and Cake Balls, a chunk of freshly baked cake mixed with frosting, rolled into balls, dipped in chocolate and perched atop popsicle stick. Their hot chocolate is a must try and has been named by Travel & Leisure as one of its kind in America. For the latest updates, deals and location check out Holy Cacao’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Ms. P’s Electric Cock
Fried chicken lover? Then Ms. P’s Electric Cock is a must try for you. This mouth-watering food truck combines fresh, local free range chicken with fresh herbs, 12 spices and top quality peanut oil to create some of the best fried chicken in Austin. Pair your fried chicken with a side order such as a waffle, truffle mac & cheese, farm frites or soco slaw. This place is so good that even Ryan Gosling and Thrillist rant and rave about it.

So if you’re in Austin for the music of SXSW this week, be sure to help #KeepAustinWeird, by supporting local businesses and eating at these fantastic food trucks!

 
 

 

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City of the Month: Jackson Hole, WY

Tuesday, February 19th, 2013

Jackson Hole lies in the heart of Wyoming cowboy country, between the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, near Yellowstone National Park and the Idaho border.

I first visited Jackson 12 years ago on my honeymoon. It was exactly what we were looking for: secluded yet not lazy, a place where we could explore and unwind, pack a picnic and enjoy great restaurants. We were there in September, and what I have learned since is that any time is a great time to visit.

In the winter, Jackson is at its peak… peak snow, peak visitors, and peak prices. The majesty of the Grand Tetons beckons with the hypocrisy of their jagged, cloud-like snowbanks. Visitors can ice skate, or take a sleigh or dog sled ride via the Winter Wildlife Safari at the National Elk Refuge to get up close and personal with the wapiti herd celebrating their 100th year.  Hotel pick-up, hot and cold drinks and souvenir safari mugs are included in the price of your trip.

As the Southern Gateway to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park, many people base themselves in Jackson Hole and explore Teton hiking trails during the day. In the summer and early fall, you’ll see an abundance of awe-inspiring wild animals – Moose, bald eagles, elk, grizzlies, wolves, even mountain lions. Take a scenic float through the park or enjoy whitewater rafting in the Snake River Canyon. Sands Whitewater offers a lot of rafting and river trip choices. Mountain biking trails leave right from town or you can enjoy a horseback riding excursion.

Entertainment

Jackson has a truly astounding variety of art and entertainment considering its small geographical size. For art aficionados, there are galleries galore. For shopaholics – shopping abounds in downtown Jackson. You’ll find mainstream clothing stores such as Eddie Bauer mixed in with eclectic local establishments like the Etsy-seller store, MADE.

You can’t say you’ve been to Jackson Hole without having ridden in a stagecoach or gone on a covered wagon ride. The stagecoach tours the picturesque town and leaves about every 15 minutes. No reservations needed, just show up at the shack on the corner of the park. It’s a quick tour and an easy way for your kids to enjoy some authentic history.

For nightlife, The Stagecoach Bar has a lot of authentic cowboy going-on but you can literally saddle-up at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.

In the summer, talented musicians from well-known orchestras participate in the Grand Teton Music Festival.

Out to Eat in Jackson Hole

Can I start with dessert first?

Oscar Ortega is one of two master chocolatiers in the United States, and owns the small but mighty shop of Atelier Ortega. Stop in for an espresso and dessert. Options include chipotle chocolate pudding, bon bons, decadent éclairs and fresh made gelato.

…Okay, now let’s back up to the other daily meals. You can hardly go wrong in Jackson.

Stop into the Pearl St. Market for a coffee and a pastry, an amazing made-to-order deli sandwich, or some fresh fish for your grill.

The Bird offers a quirky, laid back bar/restaurant scene. I’ve never heard a bad review, from the Bison burgers to its “Over 21 Ice Cream.”

Café Genevieve and Teton Thai are as different as they are equally delicious.

Hotels in Jackson Hole

The familiar dilemma of whether to stay slope-side at a mountain resort or stay downtown to take advantage of the atmosphere and nightlife is even more punctuated in Jackson Hole. Regular shuttles into Jackson run often, and parking at the resort is free.

The town of Jackson has lodgings to suit all pockets. The most famous is the Wort, a designated National Historic Landmark hotel dating back to 1941. Located within a minute of the main square, it is warmly welcoming with live après ski music in the Silver Dollar Bar.

The Inn on the Creek is a personal favorite and an affordable option. You’ll feel like you are staying a B&B in this 9 room hotel. The personal touches are wonderful; it is romantic, relaxing and perfectly located. The owners even stocked my backpack with snacks for our hikes.

The Rusty Parrot, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is a boutique hotel with an amazing spa and great dining to boot. The Wild Sage Restaurant specializes in culinary creativity.

A great place to explore, relax and indulge, Jackson Hole is the perfect getaway and therefore our City of the Month- what do you look for in a ‘perfect getaway’ vacation?

UPDATE: American Airlines is offering deals on skiing destinations (including Jackson Hole) if you book by Feb. 28, 2013 for a stay between Feb. 21 – Mar. 30, 2013. Check out your options here: http://bit.ly/Xs5zoW

 
 

 

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Strike a Pose, Snap a Photo, Win a Trip… Thank CouponPal.com and Hotels.com

Monday, February 4th, 2013

With Valentine’s Day falling on Thursday this year, surprise your sweetie with a long weekend away. You don’t have to go far to escape the routine of everyday life. Check into a hotel downtown and rock your hometown tourist-style, or pick a spot on the map that you’ve wanted to drive to and head out on a new adventure together. No matter where you go, be sure to take advantage of photo ops along the way.

It’s so much more fun to find a way to snap a photo together. Whether it’s at arm’s length, using the timer in a remote locale or befriending a stranger to capture the moment; stop and take a second to immortalize the good times.

Photo Ops for Valentines

Love Park in Philly
You’ve seen it movies, on post cards, in commercials and more. Located near City Hall, LOVE Park features the famous red-letter sculpture. Here’s a piece of trivia for you: The plaza was actually designed by a famous actor’s dad, who is famous in his own right, Edmond Bacon, father of actor Kevin Bacon.

The Bean in Chicago
The Cloud Gate Sculpture, otherwise known as the giant bean, is one of the highlights of Millennium Park. Photos will reflect both yourself and the city skyline, providing a truly unique vacation picture!

The Promenade in Brooklyn Heights
One of the most romantic spots in New York City, the Promenade is often the backdrop to many a romantic proposal and wedding. One-third of a mile long, it offers a vista of the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline and the majestic Brooklyn Bridge.

Cinderella’s Castle, Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL
Not just for pint-size princesses, many a couple commit to living happily ever after in front of the iconic fairy tale castle. Disney engagements and weddings are quite a business, designed to give your special someone a magical memory that they’ll never forget!

The Cable Cars in San Francisco
“I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” when a love song has been made about your city, you know you’re in a place of romance. San Francisco’s world famous cable cars take you from downtown Market St. and Powell St. to Fisherman’s Wharf, and provide ample opportunity to strike a pose and capture the good times!

Show Your Love Hotel-Stay Giveaway

On a ski date with my honey, Ryan, in Keystone, CO.

CouponPal.com is set to give away two free nights, courtesy of Hotels.com, as part of their “Show Your Love” Valentine-themed giveaway contest running through February 14. Win and you’ll receive 20 Welcome Rewards® credits from Hotels.com (equivalent to two free nights) and a $100 Visa Gift Card to book a trip to remember.

To enter, simply visit their Hotels.com Giveaway page and upload a picture of you and someone you love accompanied by a message sharing what that special someone means to you. Whether it’s your husband, grandma, or best friend – just “Show Your Love,” and you’ll be entered to win. Three finalists will be determined by popular vote, so be sure to share your entry with your friends to improve your odds of winning. CouponPal’s panel of judges will select the Grand Prize Winner on February 18.

Check into one of the hotels featured in the Valentines Hotel Deals from Hotels.com and you’re already a winner!


 
 

 

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Itinerary of the Month: Park City, Utah

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

What I Would Do with 36 Hours in: Park City, UT

Earlier this week, I gave you lots of reasons to plan a trip to Park City. Today, I want to give you more ideas for what to do when you get there. Creating this itinerary was difficult and left me pondering the inevitable question: To ski or not to ski?

Our itinerary begins on the afternoon of Day One.

DAY ONE

AFTERNOON:

1. Take advantage of the Park City Quick START Free Skiing offer that will have you on the slopes just as fast as you can make it from SLC to the summit! To find out what is required to take advantage of this great deal, check out www.visitparkcity.com/quickstart/.

OR

2. (My personal choice) Stroll the historic Main Street and take in the Park City atmosphere; an amalgamation of high-end, super-posh shopping and shoppers, gastronomic masterpieces (restaurants with really good food), über snow sport enthusiasm and a dash of local ambivalence. It’s the perfect way to get acclimated and to give yourself time to adjust to the altitude.

EVENING:

At the bottom of Quittin’ Time ski run, next to the Town Lift, you’ll find the High Way West Distillery and Saloon. Around since the 1870’s, not only was it Utah’s first saloon, but it also claims to be the only ski-in gastro-distillery in the world. Sample some of its small-batch, award-winning whiskeys and vodkas.

Dinner: You’re in luck, restaurateurs! Park City seems to be the culinary catnip for chefs, and I can’t begin to pick just one so I’ll give you three!

  • The Farm at Canyon Ranch (Ranked 2012 Best New Restaurant in Utah by Salt Lake Magazine)
  • Shabu
  • Bangkok Thai on Main (amazing wine list!)

Nightlife
The mining days of Park City’s past are long gone as are the brothels and casinos, but rebel rousers won’t have a hard time finding a bar stool or a dance floor to keep the night going. A visit to PC wouldn’t be the same without a stop at the No Name Saloon, where the motto is “Helping People Forget Their Names Since 1903.”

For a younger singles crowd, follow the cologne trail to Downstairs , partly owned by Danny Masterson (the curly-haired actor from “That ’70s Show”) for a palpitating good time complete with bottle service and waitresses who dance on tables.

Watch your alcohol intake because with the mountain altitude, one drink feels like three.














DAY TWO:

MORNING

8AM – COFFEE

Good Morning! Take in the fresh mountain air and grab breakfast like the locals at Windy Ridge Café & Bakery.

9AM – One of the best things about Park City is that the entire town is practically ski in/ski out. When picking a ski destination this should definitely be a factor for consideration. A triple lift on Main Street whisks riders to the Park City Mountain Resort. If you’re staying in town, there’s no need for parking or shuttles.

1PM – Time for lunch. You can eat at the Summit if you still want to ski or ski into town and eat at Uptown Fare. This restaurant got famous last week during Sundance for refusing to serve visitors, “locals only.”

AFTERNOON

You can keep skiing for the afternoon or get steamed!

1. Just a few miles outside Park City, you’ll find the Homestead Resort, where you can soak in a 55-foot-tall limestone rock crater that nature has filled with Caribbean-blue, 90- to 96-degree mineral water. Even in snow season, it offers swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Reservations are required and prices run @ $15/hour.

OR

2. After an exhausting day of skiing, there’s nothing like soaking half-naked with a bunch of tipsy strangers! Did I say that? Well, see for yourself at SkyBlue, the rooftop bar at the Sky Lodge. Non-guests are invited, too. Black terry robes are provided.

OR

Head over to the Empire Canyon Lodge for a horse-drawn sleigh ride or an adventurous trek on snowshoes.

EVENING

For dinner you can stay at Sky Lodge and check out one of its two newly opened restaurants. J&G Grill is a fantastic choice for a romantic evening to remember.

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN PARK CITY:

Even if snow is not your thing, you still should keep Park City on your list of must-see destinations! Summer brings a whole host of on-going activities from the Silly Sunday Market to free concerts and more. With hiking, mountain biking, camping, and zip-lines – adventure calls from the peaks of Park City.

Experience rafting the local Weber and Provo rivers; with mild to a little wild rafting that is fun for all ages. Trips can last from just a couple of hours to a whole day. Park City rafting trips are perfect river trips for families or groups of friends.

WHERE TO STAY IN PARK CITY

You can’t go wrong with the accommodations in and around Park City’s three mountain resorts. Remember when choosing to take into consideration all your gear, the likes and interests of your companions, and proximity to activities.

Looking at Park City hotel deals for the next few weeks, I checked the handy-dandy hotels.com mobile app, which offers exclusive mobile deals when you book on the app. Check out these hotels and lodges in Park City:

 
 

 

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City of the Month: Park City, UT

Monday, January 28th, 2013

Last week, the acclaimed Sundance Film Festival honored the top independent movies and players. Every year, its host, Park City, Utah, takes the best supporting role for the annual celeb-studded event.

Park City is topping all the travel lists (Forbes, Travel + Leisure, Ski Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler) lately surpassing destinations such as Aspen. Why? Accessibility, creativity, and activity!

Park City is a transformed old mining town with three ski resorts surrounding it. The quaintness of Park City’s Main Street is a thin veil for souvenirs and high-end retail. And don’t be deceived by the quaint façade as the price tag for a vacation in and around this city is never bargain-priced. The four block historic strip is perfect for strolling or you can step into Robert Redford’s restaurant, Zoom, which offers some delicious local fare.

Accessibility

Nobody wants to spend the better part of a day traveling into a destination. Park City is more accessible than many of the top ski resort towns – located only 45 minutes from The Salt Lake City airport. The international airport serves many airlines; Delta Air Lines has nonstop flights from more than 100 cities. Shuttles are a better choice than renting a car.


Hotels in Park City are numerous; from the big brand hotels to the local lodges.

Creativity

It has become a hub of culinary creativity with more than 100 restaurants and some truly inspired eateries.

If dining among celebrities in a beautiful mountain setting sounds appealing, you’ll want to check-in to the Waldorf-Astoria. Get a table at Slopes, a new restaurant deemed America’s hottest hotel restaurant in 2012 by Travel & Leisure.

The Waldorf-Astoria’s renowned bar and lounge, Powder Ice Lounge, features a 14-foot sculpted ice bar (it’s literally made of ice) and is one of the most popular photo-ops in the city.

Activity

Park City features three world-class resorts – Deer Valley Resort, Canyons Resort and Park City Mountain Resort – that offer three seasons of fun for everyone. (I say three because spring is a transitional season when the resorts close, the snow melts, and the preparations for the summer season are taking place.)

In the winter, the powder is abundant. Park City is home to the steep mountains where the US Ski Team trains attracting the world’s top snow sport enthusiasts, and a very chic and sophisticated crowd.

The Utah Olympic Park near Park City was the site of the 2002 Bobsled, Luge and Ski Jumping competitions. Today, visitors are treated to a guided tour of the park, athlete training sessions, 70 mile-per-hour bobsled rides, zipline rides, Quicksilver alpine slide rides, Olympic museum, an interactive museum, freestyle aerial and ski jumping shows on Saturdays at noon and a variety of camps for all ages.

In the summer and fall, the resorts convert their lifts and runs into over 400 miles of trails for biking and hiking and endless activities. Deer Valley’s Mountain Biking School offers lessons for those looking to improve their skills or just a guide for some of the areas best trails.

 
 

 

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