AOL Travel Ideas http://news.travel.aol.com AOL Travel Ideas http://news.travel.aol.com/media/feedlogo.gif AOL Travel Ideas http://news.travel.aol.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/5 Must-Eat Cuban Meals in Miamihttp://news.travel.aol.com/2013/04/24/5-must-try-cuban-meals-in-miami/http://news.travel.aol.com/2013/04/24/5-must-try-cuban-meals-in-miami/http://news.travel.aol.com/2013/04/24/5-must-try-cuban-meals-in-miami/#commentsFiled under: ,

miami must eat foods

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]]>best ofCubandishesFLFloridafoodfoodiehispanicmealsMiamirestaurantsValerie Conners2013-04-24T09:27:00+00:005 Must-Eat Foods in Italy's Cinque Terrehttp://news.travel.aol.com/2013/04/17/italys-cinque-terre-must-eat-foods/http://news.travel.aol.com/2013/04/17/italys-cinque-terre-must-eat-foods/http://news.travel.aol.com/2013/04/17/italys-cinque-terre-must-eat-foods/#commentsFiled under: ,

must try food's in Italy's Cinque Terre

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]]>Cinque TerreCornigliadishesfoodfoodiegormetitalian foodItalyManarolaMonterossoRiomaggioreVernazzaKelly DiNardo2013-04-17T09:16:00+00:005 Best Buffet Dishes in Las Vegashttp://news.travel.aol.com/2013/04/12/las-vegas-buffets-5-best-dishes/http://news.travel.aol.com/2013/04/12/las-vegas-buffets-5-best-dishes/http://news.travel.aol.com/2013/04/12/las-vegas-buffets-5-best-dishes/#commentsFiled under: ,

Las Vegas Best Buffet Dishes

Before the era of celebrity chefs, buffets ruled the culinary world of Las Vegas. They were cheap, plentiful, filling and speedy means to get gamblers back to the tables pronto. Now, they are expensive, plentiful and filling, designed to sate more sophisticated diners before they hit the pool club, gallery or Cirque du Soleil show. Gourmet standards reign with options like sushi stations, Peking duck and candy bars. Here are the five biggest hits from the five best buffets on the Strip.

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You may also like:
Best of Las Vegas
Gadling's 2013 Budget Guide to Las Vegas
Las Vegas for Kids: 10 Family Friendly Destinations

 

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]]>ariabellagiobest ofbuffetcaesars palacecasinoCosmopolitan Las Vegasfoodfood and drinkfoodielas vegasnevadavegaswynn las vegasElaine Glusac2013-04-12T10:07:00+00:00America's Most Adventurous Dinner Theatershttp://news.travel.aol.com/2013/01/10/americas-most-adventurous-dinner-theaters/http://news.travel.aol.com/2013/01/10/americas-most-adventurous-dinner-theaters/http://news.travel.aol.com/2013/01/10/americas-most-adventurous-dinner-theaters/#commentsFiled under:

As the last wistful note of a Vivaldi concerto faded into the night, the audience applauded generously, as one would hope it would after a moving performance by a Juilliard-trained violinist. But it was the young woman's next move that would be the story told and retold to friends and family.

Slinging the violin over her shoulder, Janice Martin spun around and inched and wiggled her way up two silk draperies. She climbed more than 15 feet above the floor. Wrapping her ankles in the shimmering fabric, she flipped upside down, grabbed her fiddle and did a rousing rendition of Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir."

I stood and applauded.

So did most of the 700 other guests on the Showboat Branson Belle dinner cruise. That's not something you see every day, but that combination of impressive talent, remarkable food and the unexpected is typical of some of the country's most popular dinner theaters these days.

Vacation destinations like Orlando, Myrtle Beach and Los Angeles are popular breeding grounds for dinner theaters, particularly themed dinner shows. But adventurous shows can be found all across the country in communities big and small. Any of these should appeal to your appetite and sense of adventure.

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]]>bransonchicagoDinner Theaterlos angelesmyrtle beachorlandoPigeon ForgeDiana Lambdin Meyer2013-01-10T08:50:00+00:008 Bed and Breakfasts with the Best Fixin's (PHOTOS)http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/08/06/8-bed-and-breakfasts-with-the-best-fixings-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/08/06/8-bed-and-breakfasts-with-the-best-fixings-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/08/06/8-bed-and-breakfasts-with-the-best-fixings-photos/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Courtesy of Cornerstone Victorian

Bed and breakfasts promise the warmth and comfort of home for those on the road. But, how many of us are cozily welcomed home with a glass of wine by the fire or awoken by the smell of coffee and freshly baked scones every day?


Bed and breakfasts promise the warmth and comfort of home for those on the road. But, how many of us are cozily welcomed home with a glass of wine by the fire or awoken by the smell of coffee and freshly baked scones every day?
Like at your most generous friend's house, the innkeepers live on site, so they know the area backwards and front and they can't wait to show you the best of it. The houses themselves, often in an idyllic setting, harbor a rich history and ooze character.

Whether they're haunted, were once homes of grand families, or have been passed down by generations of B&B owners, every portrait and floral bedspread tells a story.

One of the most obvious ways innkeepers show their passion for hospitality is through pampering their guests' palates. The Cocoa Cottage Bed and Breakfast is perfect for chocolate-lovers. Innkeepers make sure their guests are always staring down something cocoa-filled, whether it's homemade chocolates or the richest hot chocolate around. The Gastonian wakes its guests up with lemon ricotta pancakes or poached eggs with grilled tomato, creamy spinach, and apple-smoked bacon.

Near the charming, food-loving small town of Asheville, N.C., the Brookside Mountain Mist Inn boasts a multi-course homemade breakfast starting with scones or muffins, working toward a fresh fruit parfait, and finally an entrée like Belgium waffles, pecan French toast, or a Southwest chicken frittata. The hosts take care of all their guests' needs by accommodating diabetics, gluten-free diets, lactose intolerant needs, and vegans as well.

The romance of getting a key (instead of a card), making your way up creaking, wooden stairs, and receiving a friendly, warm hello from the hosts is surely not lost on us.


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]]>bed and breakfastbestbest band bsinnThe Daily Meal2011-08-06T09:00:00+00:00Cities With The Best Free Attractions (PHOTOS)http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/08/05/cities-with-the-best-free-attractions-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/08/05/cities-with-the-best-free-attractions-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/08/05/cities-with-the-best-free-attractions-photos/#commentsFiled under:

Photos.com

No matter the budget, it's easy to spend more than planned on vacation, especially in big cities.No matter the budget, it's easy to spend more than planned on vacation, especially in big cities.

But many of the world's most popular - and expensive - cities offer a wealth of things to see and do entirely for free.

From New York City's Central Park to Hong Kong's Symphony of Lights to D.C.'s Smithsonian and National Zoo, our friends at ShermansTravel.com have highlighted the fabulously free attractions in 10 cities.

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]]>best citiesbest free attractionsfree attractionsShermansTravel2011-08-05T09:00:00+00:00America's Best Outdoor Movie Theatershttp://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/23/americas-best-outdoor-movie-theaters/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/23/americas-best-outdoor-movie-theaters/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/23/americas-best-outdoor-movie-theaters/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Courtesy of Walker Arts Center

The hush that falls over those gathered at Hollywood Forever Cemetery isn't just a sign of respect for the dead. On select evenings, it signals that a blockbuster movie screening is beginning. The cemetery movie series is an unexpected-yet-perfect way to pay tribute to legends like Rudolph Valentino and John Huston. "You're literally a few feet from someone who has worked on these movies," says Cinespia series cofounder John Wyatt.

The hush that falls over those gathered at Hollywood Forever Cemetery isn't just a sign of respect for the dead. On select evenings, it signals that a blockbuster movie screening is beginning.

The cemetery movie series is an unexpected-yet-perfect way to pay tribute to legends like Rudolph Valentino and John Huston. "You're literally a few feet from someone who has worked on these movies," says Cinespia series cofounder John Wyatt.

Even as drive-ins have declined, a new breed of outdoor movie theaters has been expanding across the U.S., cropping up in cemeteries, parks, even on rooftops. It's become a modern summer ritual to head to an open-air theater and stake out a prime viewing spot before sunset - whether for a date night or girls' night. Often the appeal is less about the movie itself than about the chance to get together and enjoy a beautiful setting on a balmy evening.

"A huge majority of the audience is coming for the experience," says Ethan Lercher of the Bryant Park Corporation, which runs the free HBO Bryant Park film festival in New York City. "The whole idea is that you talk to your neighbors."

For serious movie buffs, an outdoor theater provides the rare opportunity to watch a classic on a big screen. Unlike cookie-cutter multiplexes, these theaters have a nostalgic allure that recalls the 1960s, when America's love affair with the movies was still a budding romance. "These outdoor screenings are reminiscent of the drive-ins that baby boomers grew up with," explains Tom Boss, who cofounded the Bay Area's Film Night. In Minneapolis, the Summer Music & Movies program travels back even further to the earliest days of the silver screen, presenting silent films with a live musical accompaniment.

But outdoor movie screenings aren't just about old-time Hollywood. They can be forward-looking and bring fresh life to city neighborhoods. The NoMa SummerScreen festival launched in 2008 as part of a development and revitalization initiative in D.C., complete with trendy barbecue and gelato trucks. Each season follows a theme, and 2011 will represents trains through films ranging from "Some Like It Hot" to "Slumdog Millionaire."

It just wouldn't be summer without the thrills of a Hollywood hit combined with the pleasure of soaking up the outdoors at one of these alfresco movie theaters.

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How to Make a Backyard Home Theater


 

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]]>best moviesoutdoor moviesTravel + Leisure2011-07-23T08:00:00+00:00The Stylish Traveler: Cute Clutter Busting Passport Walletshttp://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/20/the-stylish-traveler-cute-clutter-busting-passport-wallets/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/20/the-stylish-traveler-cute-clutter-busting-passport-wallets/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/20/the-stylish-traveler-cute-clutter-busting-passport-wallets/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Stylish Traveler: Cute Clutter Busting Passport Wallets

Courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff

Modern traveling may feel like a chore at times, but that doesn't give anyone an excuse to look like a scullery maid when flying coach. That's why we're here with a series highlighting the fashion forward travel accessories for those ready to splurge or those looking to snag an affordable steal.


While some travelers fall prey to the fanny-pack syndrome - a disease that manifests itself when practicality completely overwhelms sartorial judgment - others arrive in style with a bit of creative accessorizing.

The first accessory travelers need after arriving is a decent passport holder. The basic blue of the U.S. passport may be timeless, but let's kick it up a notch and get clutter-free at the same time. Avoid rummaging through a messy purse - and stares in the security or customs line - by holding IDs, credit cards, passports, and boarding passes, in one leatherbound travel holster.


Spend: Try this Rebecca Minkoff passport wallet to vacation with ease, plus add a touch of flair for $225.

PHOTO ALT TEXT

Courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff

 

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]]>passport holderpassport wallettravel fashiontravel styleMarielle Bingham2011-07-20T15:30:00+00:00America's Best Boardwalks Named By National Geographic (PHOTOS)http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/14/americas-best-boardwalks-named-by-national-geographic-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/14/americas-best-boardwalks-named-by-national-geographic-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/14/americas-best-boardwalks-named-by-national-geographic-photos/#commentsFiled under: ,

Khomille/Flickr

National Geographic released their top 10 list of the nation's best boardwalks on Wednesday.


National Geographic released their top 10 list of the nation's best boardwalks on Wednesday.

The choices read as a who's who (or what's what, if you will) of the country's amusement and recreation areas.

Atlantic City, not surprisingly, was named in the number one spot. It was called "the grandfather of boardwalks" by the magazine. The Associated Press notes that the boardwalk was built in 1870 as a way to keep the sand from beachgoers bodies from entering oceanfront hotels.

Check out the remaining nine below. What missed the cut and should have made it? Leave it in comments.

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]]>americas best boardwalksbest boardwalksboardwalksAOL Travel Staff2011-07-14T14:00:00+00:00Barcelona Time Lapse: Spanish City At Day & Night (VIDEO)http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/12/barcelona-time-lapse-spanish-city-at-day-and-night-video/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/12/barcelona-time-lapse-spanish-city-at-day-and-night-video/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/12/barcelona-time-lapse-spanish-city-at-day-and-night-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bert G Kaufman/Flickr

Ah, beautiful Barcelona. Vimeo user Loyam filmed the city of counts between May and June 2011, capturing everything from the tram and metro systems to the town's historic churches, boulevards and port.

Barcelona isn't the first stunning time lapse of a city to be done. Some of our favorites at AOL Travel include world destinations such as Chicago, Sydney, Las Vegas, New York, and Hong Kong.

What city do you want to see in time lapse? Leave it in comments, as always.

TimeLapse Barcelona from Loyam on Vimeo.



 

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]]>barcelonabarcelona time lapsetime lapse videoAOL Travel Staff2011-07-12T15:00:00+00:00The Best Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts (PHOTOS)http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/10/best-affordable-all-inclusive-resorts-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/10/best-affordable-all-inclusive-resorts-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/10/best-affordable-all-inclusive-resorts-photos/#commentsFiled under:

Dreams Los Cabos

An influx of service-oriented hoteliers has raised the bar on the all-inclusive resort model, introducing more amenities and more of a sense of place.
An influx of service-oriented hoteliers has raised the bar on the all-inclusive resort model, introducing more amenities and more of a sense of place.

Better still, the perks and convenience of an all-inclusive vacation can be had at a great price (from $149 per night at the Ocean Coral & Turquesa on Mexico's Riviera Maya).

In years past, the cuisine at many all-inclusive resorts had all the flair of a Holiday Inn buffet, with a few slices of pineapple to signify location. Buffet lines haven't disappeared entirely, but resorts are recognizing that showcasing fresh ingredients and local cuisine will lure guests with more refined palates.

Taking the focus on cuisine even further, Azul Beach Resort on the Riviera Maya calls itself "gourmet-inclusive": The 97-room resort operates four full-service restaurants, several snack bars, and a lounge dedicated to tequila, just to keep foodies coming back.

Gone, too, is the desperately perky social director organizing a poolside conga line. Resorts are one-upping each other with an ever-expanding roster of diversions: golf, tennis, ziplines, kids' clubs, snorkeling trips, Spanish lessons, beachfront climbing walls, kayaking, and trapeze instruction. Even lazing on the beach has received an upgrade: you'll find hand-carved Balinese beach beds under palapas at Melia Caribe Tropical.

Some all-inclusives now even embrace local pride. CoCo Bay urges guests to check out the nearby national park and local museums to get a taste of Antigua that can't be experienced from a hammock.

Sure, you may be able to find great food, thoughtful service, and a wealth of activities elsewhere on the beach, but at what cost and after how much research?

These all-inclusive resorts, put together by the folks at Travel + Leisure, guarantee vacations where, for a few nights, you can count on economic stability and ease of planning. Treat yourself to one of these trips as a kind of stimulus package for your budget-and your peace of mind.

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]]>all inclusiveall inclusive resortsall inclusive resorts caribbeanbest all inclusivesTravel + Leisure2011-07-10T07:30:00+00:00World's Best Free Attractions (PHOTOS)http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/07/12-of-the-worlds-best-free-attractions/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/07/12-of-the-worlds-best-free-attractions/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/07/12-of-the-worlds-best-free-attractions/#commentsFiled under: ,

12 of the World's Best Free Attractions

AFP/Getty Images

Like most budget travelers, the word that makes eyebrows leap the highest is 'free'. While the you-get-what-you-pay-for statute makes it uncool to grade, compare or criticize free stuff, certain free attractions are indisputably superior to others and, in many cases, completely outshine their un-free neighbors.

Like most budget travelers, the word that makes eyebrows leap the highest is 'free'. While the you-get-what-you-pay-for statute makes it uncool to grade, compare or criticize free stuff, certain free attractions are indisputably superior to others and, in many cases, completely outshine their un-free neighbors.

Some cities like London and New York have enough exceptional free activities to easily fill a week. Other destinations want money from you for something as simple as peeking in the front door (Le Grand Casino, Monte Carlo), sitting down for a few minutes (Las Ramblas, Barcelona), or voiding your bladder (pretty much all of Norway).

Here's a sampling of some of the world's best free attractions, courtesy of Lonely Planet.

Text by Leif Pettersen, Lonely Planet

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]]>free attractionsfree travelLonely Planet2011-07-07T07:30:00+00:00World's Prettiest Lighthouses (PHOTOS)http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/30/worlds-prettiest-lighthouses-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/30/worlds-prettiest-lighthouses-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/30/worlds-prettiest-lighthouses-photos/#commentsFiled under:

Visentico / Sento/Flickr

Strikingly tall structures perched on rough windswept coastlines hearkening back to an earlier seafaring time in history, lighthouses are a constant source of fascination for travelers.


Strikingly tall structures perched on rough windswept coastlines hearkening back to an earlier seafaring time in history, lighthouses are a constant source of fascination for travelers.

Some are shuttered and crumbling, others are still in full-time operation and some are open to the public and climbable, so you can experience the vantage of a lighthouse keeper yourself.

Several historic lighthouses have been converted to hotels as well, so you can voluntarily become a light sleeper (so to speak).

If you're a fan of these bright beacons from a bygone era, Lonely Planet put together a list of their top light spots around the world which are guaranteed to dazzle.

Text by Ben Handicott, Lonely Planet.


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]]>best lighthouseslighthousesprettiest lighthousesLonely Planet2011-06-30T09:30:00+00:00July 4th Fireworks: 15 of the Biggest Shows in America Ranked (PHOTOS)http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/28/july-4th-fireworks-15-of-the-biggest-shows-in-america-ranked-p/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/28/july-4th-fireworks-15-of-the-biggest-shows-in-america-ranked-p/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/28/july-4th-fireworks-15-of-the-biggest-shows-in-america-ranked-p/#commentsFiled under: ,

chriscarder, flickr

Fourth of July Fireworks should be larger than life. As Independence Day rounds the corner for the 235th time, we decided to take a look at the biggest pyrotechnic celebrations across the U.S.

Though some familiar names top the list of biggest firework displays - New York and Atlantic City's shows have been around for years and attract millions of visitors - there are also a few impressive but lesser known shows in more out-of-the-way locations.

Fireworks are to be taken seriously and the rankings below are the result of a highly scientific statistical analysis utilizing both publicly available data and the measurements of some of the nations great pyrotechnicians.

The calculation wound up looking something like this: (Attendance/2,000,000)5 + (Cost/2,500,000)5 + (Amount of Explosive Material/75,000)5 + (Length of show/46)5)/20 x 100 = Percentage awesome.

Of course values were not available for every category. When asked the number of fireworks used for his show, Philip Butler, producer of Atlantic City's extravaganza, said: "You wouldn't ask Michelangelo how buckets of paint he used on the Sistine Chapel, would you?" So some expert judgment was exercised along with 8th grade math.

1. Macy's Firework Spectacular - New York, NY

1987porsche944, flickr

SCORE: 92

Macy's annual firework show over the Hudson River regularly attracts around 2 million people, but vantage points are scattered all over the West Side and New Jersey so the crowd doesn't get too thick. The 26-minute show, which sets off approximately 75,000 pounds of fireworks, begins between 9 p.m. and 9:20. 23rd-59th Street along the West Side highway will be closed to traffic beginning at 4 p.m., so head over and nab a seat early - they fill up fast.

2. Atlantic City Firework Spectacular - Atlantic City, NJ

stevenmaciejewski, flickr

SCORE: 90

Atlantic City's show has two parts, making it one of the longest in the country. The first 22-minute show over the Marina is followed by a 24-minute display along the beach and boardwalk. With 200,000 attendees, it's important to get to the beach early to claim a spot. And, those from out of town should make those reservations fast - the city will be jam-packed this weekend.

3. Kaboom Town! - Addison, TX

heroiclife, flickr


SCORE: 86.7

Addison's 30-minute show is a three-decade old tradition that attracts a good 500,000 viewers. The fireworks can be seen from anywhere in Addison, including the city's 170 restaurants, which broadcast the show. The show itself takes place in Addison Circle Park and begins with an air show by the Addison Airport. Parking spaces, however, may be impossible to find - the best way to go is to park in a nearby town and walk.

4. Boston Pops Firework Spectacular - Boston, MA

jiangning, flickr


SCORE: 82

Boston's show is easily one of the most well known, and, at $2.5 million for the entire show, one of the most expensive. Over 20,000 pounds of fireworks are set off during the 21-minute spectacle as 500,000 revelers "ohh" and "ahh." The fireworks are shot over the Charles River, so both Harvard and Longfellow bridges offer unobstructed views. The riverbank tends to get crowded, so bring a blanket and stake out a spot early.

5. A Capitol Fourth - Washington, D.C.

dan-lem2001, flickr

SCORE: 80

The 20-minute show on the National Mall shoots 66,000 pounds of fireworks for its 500,000 visitors. The fireworks begin after 9 p.m., following a parade, and are set to a soundtrack by The National Symphony Orchestra. To sit on the Mall, be prepared to go through a security checkpoint where all bags and coolers are examined. It's worth it, though - the base of the Lincoln Memorial is a beautiful place to watch the show.

6. Lights on the Lake - Lake Tahoe, CA

iceninejon, flickr

SCORE: 65
Lake Tahoe receives around 100,000 visitors every year for its 23-minute show of 5,000 fireworks, which are shot from a barge in the middle of the lake. Watch the show, which starts at 9:45 p.m., from the shore, from docks, or even from a paddleboat on the lake.

7. Sunoco Welcome America Celebration - Philadelphia, PA

jhophototoshare, flickr


SCORE: 64

Philadelphia's 15-minute show, which follows a full week of celebrations that costs the city up to $2.1 million, attracts 500,000 viewers every year. The fireworks are launched over the Museum of Art and generally start around 10:30 p.m. Live shows - headlined this year by The Roots and featuring acts such as Earth Wind & Fire and Sara Bareilles - will be starting at 5 p.m., so settle in early. Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Lemon Hill offer great viewing locations.

8. Fisherman's Wharf Fireworks Extravaganza - San Francisco, CA

aniavincey, flickr

SCORE: 60

The 21-minute show expects a good 600,000 attendees every year, so make sure to get there on time - it starts at 9:30 p.m. The fireworks are launched from the foot of the Municipal Pier and off barges just north of Pier 39. When the show is over, go dancing - live entertainment is offered in the Pier 39 Entrance Plaza. Also, say hi to the sea lions.


9. Seattle's Family 4th Celebration - Seattle, WA

bobharbison, flickr


SCORE: 56

When Seattle's Family 4th Celebration was almost cancelled in 2010 after its main sponsor, Washington Mutual, collapsed, the community rose to the occasion and raised enough $500,000 needed to put on the show. This year, they did it again. The 21-minute show attracts around 50,000 people and shoots 10,000 fireworks in Gas Works Park. The park offers a wide array of seating locations as well as concerts and games.


10. Fair St. Louis - St. Louis, MO


Jim Bruno/Courtesy of Fair St. Louis

SCORE: 55

Fair St. Louis attracts half a million viewers every year for a 20-minute show that some compare to a 3-D laser show because of how the fireworks reflect off the stainless steel legs of the Gateway Arch. The show starts around 9 p.m. and the area around the arch fills up quickly, but the intense experience is worth it.

11. Let Freedom Sing - Nashville, TN

paulbna, flickr

SCORE: 54

Nashville's 30-minute show shoots 13,460 pounds of fireworks for 125,000 attendees. It begins in Riverfront Park, accompanied by the Nashville Symphony, around 9:30 p.m. Before that, a variety of concerts begin in the park around noon. Food and drinks are available, so camp out in the park all day long.

12. Light Up the Night - Aurora, CO

jillianhadley, flickr

SCORE: 52

Aurora draws 100,000 visitors for its 25-minute show, which starts around 9:30 p.m. The fireworks are launched on the Aurora Municipal Center lawn, about a 20 minute drive from Denver. The best places to watch are east of Potomac Street, south of Sixth Avenue, and north of Mississippi Avenue. Parking can be found at the Town Center at Aurora, Aurora City Place, and Community College of Aurora.


13. Presbyterian Hospital July 4th Spectacular - Charlotte, NC

Courtesy of the Charlotte Center City Partners


SCORE: 50



Charlotte's show is small but intense - the city spends $50,000 in 20 minutes, attracting 300,000 viewers every year. The show takes place in Memorial Stadium and includes live music and family-fun activities. The fireworks blast off at 9:30 p.m.

14. Go 4th on the River - New Orleans, LA


quirk_photography, flickr

SCORE: 44

New Orleans gets about 200,000 viewers every year for its 13-minute spectacular, which shoots off approximately 3,000 fireworks from two battling barges. The show begins around 9 p.m. Take in the show from a restaurant along the river or just grab a seat near a levy.


15. Turtle Bay Resort - Oahu, HI

magnus9, flickr

SCORE: 24
The Turtle Bay Resort's 10-minute firework show may be small, but it packs a punch - the beautiful resort attracts around 2,500 visitors every year and spends $21,000 on its elaborate show.


 

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]]>4th of july4th of july fireworks4th of july weekendbest fireworksbiggest fireworksfireworksfourth of julyjuly 4th fireworksjuly fourthRebecca Ballhaus2011-06-28T09:30:00+00:00Best July 4th Vacations Across America (PHOTOS)http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/24/best-july-4th-vacations-across-america-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/24/best-july-4th-vacations-across-america-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/24/best-july-4th-vacations-across-america-photos/#commentsFiled under:

Chicago Convetion & Tourism Bureau

With its day-long beach parties, afternoon parades, nightly concerts, and dazzling fireworks, July 4th isn't an everyday holiday - it's the birthday of the good ol' U.S. of A., and everyone's invited to the countrywide party.

With its day-long beach parties, afternoon parades, nightly concerts, and dazzling fireworks, July 4th isn't an everyday holiday - it's the birthday of the good ol' U.S. of A., and everyone's invited to the countrywide party.

Whether paying tribute to American history or just enjoying traditional summer pastimes is the name of the game, our compatriots at ShermansTravel.com put together a list of top places to celebrate July 4th.

ShermansTravel.com 's list is solely domestic, for obvious reasons, and includes some blatant picks (Washington, D.C.) but some surprises as well (Virgin Islands).

For those Americans who want to get down with the patriotism, check out these 10 places across the country and let us know what you think.

Have other plans for July 4th? Let us know about those, too.

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]]>july 4thjuly 4th destinationsjuly 4th getawaysjuly 4th vacationsShermansTravel2011-06-24T15:30:00+00:00Best American Cities To Visit In Summer (PHOTOS)http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/22/best-american-cities-to-visit-in-summer-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/22/best-american-cities-to-visit-in-summer-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/22/best-american-cities-to-visit-in-summer-photos/#commentsFiled under:

Fraser Hall/Alamy

Every year, Travel + Leisure readers rank cities for qualities such as great food or excellent shopping. Readers also vote on best times of year to visit-including the classic, all-important summer vacation.


Every year, Travel + Leisure readers rank cities for qualities such as great food or excellent shopping. Readers also vote on best times of year to visit-including the classic, all-important summer vacation.

More Americans are planning to take that vacation this season. According to a poll by the American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, 59 percent of Americans will take some kind of summer getaway, up from 51 percent last year.

Since many of these getaways are still brief, major U.S. cities are appealing choices. San Diego, Los Angeles, and Honolulu typify the dream beach-y vacation, and all made it into readers' top 20 picks.

While some cities likely didn't make the cut due to triple-digit summer temps (sorry, Phoenix), other cities managed to overcome heat-index issues, perhaps because of their great summer cuisine. Kansas City, with plenty of summer street festivals but nary an ocean breeze, landed within the Top 20 thanks partially to its summer-friendly barbecue.

Mention highly ranked Portland, ME, and naturally people start waxing poetic about that lobster. But the New England city also shares a quality with other cities that dominated the Top 10: it's joyfully emerging from winter's Gore-Tex cocoon, and locals are ready to party.

In Providence, for instance, the Waterfire festival literally sets the city ablaze, with bonfires burning along the city's three rivers. And in Minneapolis, they'll do anything outside in summertime, whether it's strolling around lakes or racing boats made out of milk cartons at the annual Aquatennial.

"Every man, woman, and child in Minnesota spends the warmer months out and about, stockpiling vitamin D," says Annie D'Souza, a community manager for Yelp. "We're all just so thrilled that winter is over."

Text by Katrina Brown Hunt. Photos courtesy of Travel + Leisure.

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]]>best american citiesbest citiesbest cities to visit in summersummer travelTravel + Leisure2011-06-22T09:30:00+00:0010 Best Guy Trips (PHOTOS)http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/21/10-best-guy-trips-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/21/10-best-guy-trips-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/21/10-best-guy-trips-photos/#commentsFiled under:

Chuck55/Flickr

Bachelor parties, Father's Day, or a big birthday celebration - there's no shortage of reasons to get away with the guys. The next time you boys need some time off from the girls, skip the afternoon outing in favor of a full-blown guy trip.Bachelor parties, Father's Day, or a big birthday celebration - there's no shortage of reasons to get away with the guys. The next time you boys need some time off from the girls, skip the afternoon outing in favor of a full-blown guy trip.

Our friends at ShermansTravel.com have thought outside the sports-golf-beer-swilling box (though those vacations are all options, too) to round up the 10 best activities and destinations for guys.

Think catching swordfish and marlin in Panama, smoking ribs and grilling steaks in Napa, and, yes, downing liters of beer in Munich, the capital of Oktoberfest (hey, it's a cultural experience).

Text and captions courtesy of ShermanTravel.com, adapted from "Top 10 Guy Trips."

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]]>guy tripsShermansTravel2011-06-21T07:30:00+00:00Cruisers' Choice Awards: Cruise Critic Survey Ranks Top Vacations on the Seashttp://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/20/cruisers-choice-awards-cruise-critic-survey-ranks-top-vacation/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/20/cruisers-choice-awards-cruise-critic-survey-ranks-top-vacation/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/20/cruisers-choice-awards-cruise-critic-survey-ranks-top-vacation/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Cruisers' Choice Awards: Cruise Critic Survey Ranks Top Vacations on the Seas

Paul Dickerson, flickr

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are two of the most highly favored cruise lines reveals Cruise Critic's first annual Cruisers' Choice Awards.

The two lines took home the most top honors in the survey, which is based on consumer-submitted ratings by a community of 700,000 members and more than 70,000 reviews. Vessels were rated in eleven categories, with each category divided between small, mid-size and large ships.

Royal Caribbean cleaned up, earning seven best rankings. Not surprisingly, most of those went to the behemoth Oasis of the Seas - the first ship to set sail with more than 6,000 passengers.

Best Overall, Large: Oasis of the Seas
Best Entertainment, Large: Oasis of the Seas
Best Embarkation, Large: Oasis of the Seas
Best Embarkation, Mid-Size: Grandeur of the Seas
Best For Families: Oasis of the Seas
Best Fitness, Large: Liberty of the Seas
Best Service, Large: Serenade of the Seas

Celebrity was right behind with six top nods. Three of those are for the Xpedition, which hosts an intimate 92 guests at a time.

Best Overall, Small: Celebrity Xpedition
Best Cabins, Large: Celebrity Solstice
Best Dining, Large: Celebrity Equinox
Best Public Rooms, Large: Celebrity Equinox
Best Shore Excursions, Small: Celebrity Xpedition
Best Value, Small: Celebrity Xpedition

Princess Cruises and Holland America Line finished next in line with four bests each.

Noticeably underrepresented were ships from Disney Cruise Line and Carnival. Disney earned only one top honor - Best Entertainment, Mid-Size for the Disney Wonder. Carnival fared a bit better with the Carnival Victory snagging Best Excursions, Large and Best Value, Large.

But, it's not just all about the big guys. Cruise Critics also offered a handful of best ratings to smaller lines: Paul Gauguin Cruises (Best Dining, Small); SeaDream Yacht Club (Best Embarkation, Small and Best Service, Small); Seabourn (Best Fitness, Small); Windstar Cruises (Best Public Rooms, Small); and Regent Seven Seas Cruises (Best Cabins, Small).

To see the complete results, visit Cruise Critic's webpage.


 

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]]>best cruisescarnvalcelebrity cruisescelebrity xpeditioncruise criticcruisers choice awardsdisney cruise lineholland americaoasis of the seasprincess cruisesroyal caribbeanRebecca Dolan2011-06-20T13:15:00+00:00Best Disney World Restaurants: Yetis, Lederhosen and Motherly Waitresses Unite!http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/09/best-disney-world-restaurants-yetis-lederhosen-and-motherly-wa/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/09/best-disney-world-restaurants-yetis-lederhosen-and-motherly-wa/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/09/best-disney-world-restaurants-yetis-lederhosen-and-motherly-wa/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Best Disney World Restaurants

The Walt Disney Company

There are countless restaurants across the property varying widely in price, cuisine and ambiance. Options run the gamut from quick-service carts slinging popcorn and jumbo turkey legs to a AAA Five Diamond award winning dining room.


The parks might be at the heart of a Walt Disney World vacation, but a trip to the Florida resort can be as much about the dining experience as the rides. There are countless restaurants across the property varying widely in price, cuisine and ambiance. Options run the gamut from quick-service carts slinging popcorn and jumbo turkey legs to a AAA Five Diamond award winning dining room. But, how to choose the best Disney World restaurants?

But, to make planning a bit easier, here are a few personal favorites based on more than a decade's worth of multi-annual Disney trips - mostly centered around eating.

Reservations can be made by calling (407) WDW DINE (be sure to tell them if someone is celebrating a birthday/graduation/anniversary etc.) Also, make the restaurant aware of any dietary restrictions. Disney's full service restaurants are extremely accommodating - typically chefs will discuss any food needs and craft a special meal, or walk guests through a buffet line so nobody in the party is left out. Kosher meals can be requested in advance, or are available at some counter locations.

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]]>best disney world restaurantsfloridaorlandounited-stateswalt-disney-worldRebecca Dolan2011-06-09T07:30:00+00:00Destin-Nation Australia: Beach Bonza Bummin' Down Underhttp://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/05/destin-nation-australia-beach-bonza-bummin-down-under/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/05/destin-nation-australia-beach-bonza-bummin-down-under/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/05/destin-nation-australia-beach-bonza-bummin-down-under/#commentsFiled under: , ,

robertpaulyoung/Flickr

Nothing like chilling on an Australian beach. The island continent is ringed by a shoreline that is in turns sheltering and forbidding, bordered by both desert and forest. There is something for everyone, but few people around. The sheer size of Australia, along with its low population density, allows this sunburnt country to be a mecca for beach bums without losing its off the edge of the map appeal.


Nothing like chilling on an Australian beach. The island continent is ringed by a shoreline that is in turns sheltering and forbidding, bordered by both desert and forest. There is something for everyone, but few people around.

The sheer size of Australia, along with its low population density, allows this sunburnt country to be a mecca for beach bums without losing its off the edge of the map appeal. If that wasn't impetus enough, the coldest months always provide Americans with incentive to cross the equator in search of summer sunshine.

Australia is far away, but travelers have numerous options. Flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles and Dallas all fly into Sydney, the country's biggest travel hub.

Cathay Pacific offers comfortable seats and the sorts of amenities that make the 7,500 mile flight over the Pacific less taxing. Another option is to fly into the north of the country through hubs in Asia, including Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The country's roads are well-maintained and often scenic, making car rentals an attractive (if occasionally harrowing) option.

Nearly all of Australia's population centers are on its coasts, so visitors are rarely far from the shore. What every beach in Australia will have in common: Friendly locals and that feeling of being both far from from home and far from foreign.

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]]>australia beachaustralia surfingaustralian beachbeaches in australiabest beaches in australiabondi beachAndrew Burmon2011-06-05T08:00:00+00:00