Villa Le Dame – A Wonderful Tuscany Treat

By Jim Simons

After discovering the Renaissance of Florence, primarily on foot, I was ready to settle down. Just 16 kilometers away was my home for the week, the Villa le Dame. Located near Impruneta, the Villa le Dame presented luxury accommodations without the luxury price tag. It was heaven.

First, I had to book in advance. The low season, between October and December, offers the best rates. However, the high season during July and August has the most activities and great weather. Just getting back, I was lucky enough Read more

Snow Covered Washington DC

Many have seen the great sights of our Nation’s Capital, but few have seen them completely snow covered. During a trip to Washington DC in February of 2010, I was fortunate enough experience the historic landmarks in a serene, peaceful, and powder-white landscape. This is all despite the fact that it was during one of the biggest blizzards in years and I was stuck in the area for nearly two weeks because of the vast amounts of snow and impending second blizzard. But hey, everything happens for a reason. Enjoy the pictures!
Snow Covered White house – The home of our commander and chief at sundown, wrapped in a blanket of white snow.

World War II Memorial – A national treasure remembering the service of the each state’s contribution to fight against the Axis of Evil. Being a Florida native, I thought it appropriate to take a photo of my home state’s pillar.

Lincoln Memorial – A tribute to one of our country’s greatest leaders, President Abraham Lincoln. These photos were taken at dusk.

The DC Metro Subway - Great architecture, clean and impressive design and ease of transportation. Plus, I was able to show my artistic side in these photos… ya think?

The Washington Monument – Once a plan for greatness, followed by a future of unfinished business, now finally completed, the landmark that that commemorates our first president, George Washington, sits in line with the sunset in snow covered bliss.

Snow Covered Streets of DC – The usual hustle and bustle of the city was muted in nearly 3 feet of snow. Although time seemed to slow down, it was quite wonderful to see this magical display of the city and to know that doggy still has to do his business. Good luck digging your car out.

Cape Cod over Cape Cod

Sorrento: An Italian Haven by the Sea

Far from the smoggy hustle and bustle of major metropolises like Rome and Naples, the peaceful town of Sorrento, Italy is a quaint and quiet refuge for weary travelers. The nearby ocean offers fresh breezes and stunning views, and many popular destinations are just a short trip away. Take a stroll through the sunny downtown streets or indulge in an authentic meal at an outdoor cafe, all the while taking in the old-world atmosphere of this southern Italian town.

One of the greatest draws to Sorrento is the majestic rocky bluffs that drop off to the sea. There are few sandy beaches to be found, but what this town lacks in expansive shores it more than makes up for in sweeping views of the Mediterranean. The city itself, which is nestled between lush green hills, curves around the water and creates a breathtaking vista when lit up at night.

Sorrento is also known for its charming downtown, which is characterized by narrow streets and numerous shops. Here you can find many unique souvenirs, from colorful, hand-sculpted candles to limoncello, a famous Italian liqueur made from lemons. You can also find many items handmade by local artisans; lace tablecloths, earthenware vessels, and other original works of art are available around every corner. Take a relaxing afternoon stroll around town and discover for yourself the great supply of souvenirs to be found.

Dining in Sorrento can be a one-of-a-kind experience. For a special night out, there are several high-end restaurants located on the soaring cliffs above the water. Many of these eateries specialize in fresh seafood, and some even have expansive outdoor terraces. The view of blossoming lemon trees beside the ocean will add to the atmosphere as you indulge in rich lobster risotto or lemon cake. For a less formal but equally delicious meal, check out one of many casual restaurants, which are also known as “bars”, in the downtown district. You can order a freshly made panini or pastry from the front of the restaurant and take it to go, or sit down and enjoy a made-to-order pizza in a quaint cafe setting.

Although Sorrento itself is not known for any significant tourist attractions, it is a wonderfully centralized location for your travels to nearby popular destinations. The famous island of Capri, for example, is just a ferry ride away from Sorrento and is a great place to visit on a day trip. Take the scenic chairlift ride to the top of Capri and be rewarded by stunning 360-degree views, or treat yourself to a tour of the majestic Blue Grotto, a sea cave where the bright azure waters are lit mysteriously by a natural underwater glow. Sorrento is also a great starting point for a tour of the breathtakingly scenic Amalfi Coast, along which you can visit such famous towns as Positano and Amalfi. The ancient city of Pompeii, remarkably well-preserved in layers of volcanic ash, is a relatively short journey from Sorrento, and a tour of the town is both fascinating and educational.

When you’re weary from your journeys in the beautiful but busy cities of Italy, take some time to slow down in Sorrento. Some of the best sightseeing in Italy is just a short journey away, and the sweeping views and wonderful culture of this charming city will not disappoint.

All About Los Angeles Bars

By Ryan Bifulco

L.A. has a lot to offer. The City of Angels is always on-the-go and seemingly driven by glitz and glamour. And if you’re willing to fight the traffic, you’ll find some of the world’s best restaurants, shopping and attractions – from studio tours to museums, from beaches to piers.

L.A. is the epitome of big, bold and beautiful – and most of the hobbies in this town hover around “the scene”. So, if you’ve had your share of the beach, head inland to tour the star-studded Sunset Boulevard or Melrose Avenue – and keep your eyes out! Since the restaurants and bars drive the social hustle n’ bustle, you’d better allow yourself that afternoon power-nap if you want to keep up with the cool kids.

Remember: the stars come out at night – this is LA after all. This town seems to shimmer after sundown… you can rock it out on the Sunset Strip or club it up in Hollywood. So, if you like your bars cool, your martinis dry, and your restaurants scrumptious, make sure you’ve got your wallet, your appetite and your energy for your night on the town Hollywood style. Read more

Three Top Tourist Sites in Rome

By Leigh Williams

The Eternal City of Rome is without doubt one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Below you will find a selection of the most interesting tourists sights, all of which are a must-see if you are coming to visit the city: Read more

A 4 Star Hotel in Rome, Some Useful Info on What to Expect

By Leigh Williams

The beautiful city of Rome in Italy is one of the world’s most important tourist destinations and also one of the most fascinating. The city is steeped in history; from Etruscan and Roman ruins to Renaissance buildings and Christian symbolism. The city also offers the visitor an amazing amount of famous sights and attractions, such as the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, Coliseum and Pantheon. And of course we should not forget to mention the great Italian cuisine and shopping.

With millions of visitors pouring into the city each year, you will find that there is a wide and varied selection of hotels in Rome, as well as other types of accommodation, such as bed and breakfasts, apartments, guest houses and so on. There is a complete range of prices available in the city, which usually depends on the property’s star rating and location, as well as the facilities and amenities that it offers. Read more

RV Camping Itinerary – America’s Southwest National Parks

By Joe A Laing

The distinctive beauty of America’s Southwestern States is celebrated in dozens of National Parks. Why not plan this season’s RV camping itinerary around a few you’ve never visited? By breaking down the Southwest into easily-driven itineraries, RV campers can get the most from their miles. Here are two suggestions for routes you may want to travel this year by motorhome. Read more

Murray Hill’s Best Places to Eat

By Claudio Harrison

After living in Murray Hill for ten years, a neighborhood in NYC, I’ve come to learn all the best restaurants in the area. In this guide, I’ll share with you some of my favorites. One of the best parts about NYC is having so many different options in such a small area.

Japanese restaurants are all over the area. There are several blocks with more than one Japanese restaurant. My favorite place is Chado Sushi, which is fairly new. This place has an incredible Omakase (chef’s selection) and uses some of the best sauces around. The chef came from Sushi of Gari, so I’m not surprised it’s so tasty!

If you’re in the mood for some greasy food, there’s Carl’s Cheesesteaks. Over the past five years, Philly cheesesteaks have become more and more popular. Their signature sandwich, which consists of steak on a hero with cheese whiz and onions, is the cure for any hangover. Read more

The Flavour of Miami

By Sandy Cosser

When one thinks of Miami one usually thinks of beaches, tanned bodies and all night parties with an endless supply of exotic umbrella drinks. Miami is that and so much more. Owing to its ties to North, South and Central America, as well as its close link to the Caribbean it is considered the central hub of America. As a result, it is often referred to as the “Gateway of the Americas”. Owing to its strong relationship with Central America, especially economically, it has a large Spanish-speaking contingent, so most Florida natives are bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish. It also has the distinction of being the only major American city that was founded by a woman, Julia Tuttle.

Miami’s climate is tropical, characterised by hot and humid summers, and warm dry winters. There are occasional cold fronts between November and March but the temperature has never gone below 17 degrees Celsius. In summer the temperature can rise to 36 degrees Celsius, but it’s the humidity that gets really bad and settles on you like a towel that’s been soaked in boiling water, and makes it difficult to breathe, as if you’re breathing through hot sand. Another disadvantage of the tropical climate is the hurricane season, which occurs every year at roughly the same time as the wet season. Read more

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